Hailey Bieber Hospitalized with Brain Issues Calls It 'Stroke Like' Blood Clot

UPDATE

10:18 AM PT -- Hailey just addressed the health concern, saying it was akin to a stroke ... but that she's doing better now.

UPDATE

HB explains that this happened on Thursday morning, at which point she started having "stroke like symptoms," and was then taken to the hospital where docs found a small blood clot in her brain ... causing a lack of oxygen.

UPDATE

Eventually, she says her body passed it naturally within a few hours, and that she's at home and doing better now ... although she notes it was terrifying. Hailey thanks the docs and medical staff who helped, and for everyone's well-wishes.

Hailey Bieber was hospitalized with a brain condition that doctors think may be COVID-related ... sources close to Hailey tell TMZ.

We're told Hailey was admitted to a Palm Springs area hospital a few days ago after suffering a "medical emergency." We're told it affected the way she moved, and the symptoms are typical for much older people. Hailey is 25.

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BIEBER ROCKS L.A.
TMZ.com

Our sources say doctors ran a battery of tests and are looking to see if the symptoms involve COVID. As we reported, Justin came down with COVID a few weeks ago and has since recovered. As you know, Justin had to postpone his Vegas concert after coming down with the virus.

We're told Hailey has been released from the hospital and doctors are still trying to determine what caused the issues.

Our sources say she's now doing ok.

Originally Published -- 7:59 AM PT

Jussie Smollett I Got Jail Time Because I'm Black

Jussie Smollett believes there's one overarching reason he was sent to jail, and it's not because of the hoax ... he says it's because he's Black.

Sources with direct knowledge and in constant touch with the "Empire" actor tell TMZ ... Jussie fully expected to get jail time. He told his defense team before sentencing he felt he would be treated more harshly than other defendants convicted of a non-violent crime ... all because of the color of his skin. He thinks it's more evidence of systemic racism in the judicial system.

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

Jussie told his team after sentencing he was dead-on when he predicted the outcome ... based on the animosity the judge showed toward him. He called it "unfortunate" and "sad."

As you know, the judge read Jussie the riot act, saying the hoax was rooted in a desire for more fame and more attention.

We reached out to the court for comment, and a rep for the Cook County Chief Judge's Office tells TMZ ...  "Judges can't comment on pending cases, and it's still pending."

As we reported ... Jussie will be held in protective custody -- as requested -- while serving his time behind bars, with security cameras and an officer with a body-worn camera monitoring his cell.

Our sources say Jussie spoke out in court about not being suicidal because he wanted to make it clear to the public that if something were to happen to him in jail, it was foul play ... and our sources referenced the Jeffrey Epstein outcome, and that was what was on Jussie's mind when he made the comment.

Jussie was taken into custody following Thursday's sentencing, and we're told he spoke with his defense team Friday ... telling them he's OK and filled with hope.

Big E WWE Star Suffers Broken Neck During 'Smackdown'

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BRACE YOURSELF

WWE superstar Big E suffered a horrific injury Friday night ... a broken neck.

It went down on "Smackdown" in Birmingham, Alabama, when Big E was in the throes of a tag team match. Ridge Holland gabbed E in a belly-to-belly suplex and it did not go as planned. He landed on his head and that was the end of the match.

Big E was taken out of the arena by stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.

It's pretty amazing ... recording a video for his fans hours after the injury in his hospital bed, reassuring everyone ... "I can move all of my digits, that's always a good thing, strength feels fine. But unfortunately, right now they tell me my neck is broken, so there's that."

Big E was the WWE champ until recently, losing the belt Jan. 1 to Brock Lesnar.

'Rust' Fatal Shooting Alec Baldwin is Shameful Says Family Lawyer He Wanted to Complete the Movie, Seriously?

Alec Baldwin knows no shame in the death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins ... this according to the lawyer for her widower and son.

Attorney Brian Panish is reacting to Baldwin's new legal docs which say the actor wanted to complete the film after Hutchins' death. Panish told Deadline, "It is shameful that Baldwin claims Hutchins' actions in filing a wrongful death lawsuit derailed the completion of Rust. The only action that ended the film's production was Baldwin's killing of Halyna Hutchins."

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THE REENACTMENT

There's a great divide between Baldwin's take on the fatal shooting and that of Halyna's husband, Matthew Hutchins. Baldwin has said he bears no responsibility for her death, which Panish says, "Alec Baldwin once again is trying to avoid liability and accountability for his reckless actions before and on October 21st that resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins."

As we reported, Baldwin claimed in his new legal docs his contract with the "Rust" production company immunizes him from financial responsibility for any mishap. That contract, however, in no way prevents the Hutchins family from going after Baldwin. If they win a wrongful death judgment against Baldwin, they could force him to pay the judgment. It would then be Baldwin's responsibility to go after the "Rust" production company to recoup what he paid, provided the production company is still solvent.

Baldwin's legal docs claim Hutchins set the wheels in motion for her own death, saying she's the one who told him to point the gun and her and pull back the hammer. This statement is sure to enrage Matthew, who was livid after Baldwin's ABC interview in which he said he's blameless. Matthew groused that Baldwin is trying to make himself the victim.

Bill Maher Americans Have Wacky, Selfish Explanations for Ukraine War

Bill Maher has a fascinating take on America's view of Ukraine ... everyone here is making the war about them. Let us explain.

As the "Real Time" host says ... "Everything proves what we already believed and everything goes back to the thing we already hate."

As he puts it ... Biden supporters blame Trump's policies for the war, and vice versa. He hilariously references a comment Trump made about the war, saying it wouldn't have erupted but for a rigged American presidential election. Maher's reaction ... "Kanye thinks less about Pete Davidson than Trump thinks about the rigged election." BTW ... it wasn't rigged.

He points to groups like the 1619 Project, that have invoked race into the Ukrainian mix.  Maher's reaction ... it's not always about race. It's not like an avocado, he says, that you put on everything.

As he puts it, this is just "reflexive partisanship" ... we're now conditioned to viewing anything that happens through our own, sometimes narrow world view. He says, "We put everything new in our mouths and nothing new in our brains."

And, here's the best ... the predictably whacky Q-Anon view of Ukraine. Bill may have triggered some paranoia, by observing right into the camera, "No wonder why the government puts chips in the vaccine to track you people!"

Road Crimes L.A. Reporter Witnesses Hit-and-Run ... During Story on Hit-and-Runs

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ACCIDENTAL DEMONSTRATION
KTLA

An L.A. TV reporter was doing a story about a tragic hit-and-run accident, and what played out behind him is just crazy.

KTLA reporter Gene Kang was in South L.A., doing a story on a fatal crash at a dangerous intersection, when 2 cars behind him get into a gnarly accident. You see one of the cars bolting from the scene. In other words, it's a hit-and-run in the middle of a story about a hit-and-run.

Kang said afterward, "Our security guard Walter Mann yelled 'get back' and we moved as the car came racing towards us. It veered away at the last second and T-boned the car."

The driver of the car that left the scene may want to throw himself at the mercy of authorities, because his/her license plate fell off the car.

The story itself is just awful ... a man was walking with his wife and 2-year-old son when a driver struck and killed him and then fled the scene. There's a $50,000 reward for information about the driver's identity.

The Wanted's Tom Parker Bravely Fighting Brain Cancer in Wheelchair

Tom Parker from The Wanted is bravely dealing with his illness ... confined for a time to a wheelchair after undergoing treatment for brain cancer.

His bandmate, Max George, posted this pic of Tom Friday in a wheelchair. Max captioned the pic of Tom, who looked chill, "I mean ... come on😍."

Tom was diagnosed back in October 2020, with stage 4 glioblastoma. Last year he say the cancer is being held at bay.

Tom had been getting treatments in Spain at a clinic that specializes in this type of cancer. The treatment lasted 3 weeks, and he was able to rejoin the band last month in an emotional reunion. He also appeared on stage at a U.K. concert and performed on a gold throne!

Max posted some pics of Tom after his return from Spain.

The Wanted has really stepped up ... pledging that one pound for every ticket sold will go to brain cancer research.

Good on The Wanted, and the best to Tom.

Comedian Jordan Carlos We Can Joke About Ukraine ... But There are Limits

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LAUGHTER'S THE ANSWER
TMZ.com

Comedian Jordan Carlos sees no problem making jokes about the tragedy in Ukraine ... but he says there's a delicate balance, with some lines that cannot be crossed.

We got Jordan at LAX and asked about some jokes he made when a woman in the audience at one of his gigs brought up Ukraine.

Jordan made some jokes about some folks online who are obsessed with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ... saying he's hot.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Jordan says comedy helps the audience escape the woes of the real world, so he indulged with a few Zelensky jokes.

Jordan says tackling sensitive subjects is the foundation of comedy, but acknowledges some comedians like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle have more license than most.

Stars and Scars You Be the judge

Jussie Smollett may actually be lucky, because the judge read him the riot act, and that Ryan Coogler thing at the B of A was super messed up. So, we gotta ask ...

Jussie Smollett's 5-Month Sentence ...

Ryan Coogler Cuffed At B of A ...

Kim K Telling Women Get Off Their Asses And Work ...

Aaron Rodgers And Shailene Woodley ...

Chris Brown Rape Accuser ...

U.S. Should Do More To Help Ukraine ...

Kanye's 'DEAD' Poem

Travis Scott Publicizing $5 Mil Charity Gift ...

No More Masks For Me

Quavo Wants To Play Wesley Snipes In 'White Men Can't Jump' Reboot ... W/ Jack Harlow

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CALL 'CHO
TMZSports.com

Quavo's ready to showcase his hoop skills ... telling TMZ Sports that the directors for the reboot of "White Men Can't Jump" starring fellow rapper Jack Harlow need to give him a ring  -- 'cause he wants to play the role of Wesley Snipes.

We caught up with the "Bad and Boujee" MC at LAX after it was announced that Jack will be acting in the remake of the film ... and Quavo told us he's dead serious about wanting to be cast in the movie alongside Harlow.

"I think they need to call me, so me and Jack Harlow can do it," Huncho said.

"I need to play Wesley Snipes' role."

The movie -- which was originally released in 1992 -- tells the story of Billy Hoyle played by Woody Harrelson, and Sidney Deane played by Snipes, abandoning their on-court rivalry to team up together and hustle other guys.

The film was wildly popular ... meaning Harlow -- who landed the lead role in his first-ever screen audition -- has big shoes to fill. But, Huncho seems to think the rap star will do well on set.

"Jack Harlow's amazing," Quavo said. "He can do everything."

Of course, Quavo is no stranger to actual ballin' ... he's routinely traded buckets with some of the industry's biggest names -- such as Drake and Justin Bieber.

Did you know Quavo can SERIOUSLY ball?!?!?! February 2020
GOIN' OFF
@harrington1313

Huncho has also become a fixture in the NBA's annual All-Star Celebrity Game ... winning MVP honors in 2018 after dropping 19-points in an impressive performance.

Huncho and Harlow coming to a screen near you, maybe??

Stars On Trampolines Spring Forward!

Today marks the day of daylight saving time ... a time for celebrities like Eva Longoria, Alex Rodriguez, and Busy Philipps to take on new heights as they bounce their way to the top!

If you follow Eva on Instagram you know she deserves the 10.0 for best jumps, and based on the picture ... a stellar score for her cheeky tramp attire.

Daylight saving time is a time for us to dance around the clock and enjoy being outdoors ... so you may yawn an extra time (or two), but leap on in and see which stars are tramping around town.

Omeretta The Great Marriage & Kids Next!!! Despite Fiancé's 27-Year Sentence

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Omeretta The Great may be done with "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta," but she's not giving up on love ... in fact, she's looking forward to happily ever after with her boo, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence in prison.

The Atlanta-bred rapper sat down on the "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" podcast and opened up about her future plans with Tabyron Rashad Smith ... her fiancé.

Omeretta says the two are actually engaged and will probably get married while he's in jail and they'll have another ceremony when he's released. She has his name tattooed on her but says they have bigger plans when he's free -- like having kids and starting a family.

ICYMI ... Smith was convicted of robbing nine Asian-owned businesses throughout Georgia in October and November, 2017. He's serving 27 years behind bars ... so if he serves the full sentence he'll be 51 and she'll be 50.

According to the DOJ ... Smith and his co-conspirator, Dravion Sanchez Ware terrorized, threatened and injured victims during their spree.

As for the critics, the ex-'L&HHA' star calls them judgmental and insists they simply don't get it.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

Look both ways before you cross the street (and references) with these nearly identical shots of Ryan Reynolds.

"The Adam Project" actor took a quick break from doing press, as he crossed a New York City street earlier this week. It appears to be windy, but has anything blown away?

You may have to get on one knee like "The Proposal" to really observe what's going on here.

So, grab your Aviation American Gin and see if you truly have what it takes to locate the minor discrepancies in these two similar snaps.

**HINT - There are THREE differences in the above Ryan Reynolds photographs.**

Donald Trump Receives $75K Rolex From SteveWillDoIt ... After Nelk Boys Interview

The Nelk Boys' SteveWillDoIt gave former President Donald Trump a sweet thank you gift following their recent podcast collab -- an iced-up Rolex, worth $75K!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the ice blue platinum Day-Date 40mm isn't sold in stores, meaning Steve had to custom order it.

Platinum Day-Dates are known to be among the most expensive Rollies on the market -- more valuable than gold models -- and we're told Trump's has the classic Rolex ice blue face.

Trump was the latest guest on the Nelk Boys podcast, "Full Send Podcast," which is hosted by Steve, Kyle Forgeard, Bob Menery and Salim The Dream. Steve told the former President he'd made a staggering $500k selling T-shirts with both of their faces.

Steve told Trump he wasn't sure how to repay him -- after all, his face took up half the tees -- so, he splurged on the bling'd out timepiece.

Trump's episode of 'Full Send' premiered Wednesday and racked up 5 million views before YouTube took it down.

Not shockingly, Trump raised the ol' stolen election allegations again, which violated YouTube's terms of use. The audio version is still available on most podcast streaming services.

Former Russian Spy Aliia Roza Turns on Putin Over Ukraine ... He'll Do Anything To Win

Aliia Roza, the ex-Russian spy who once fell in love with one of her targets, is turning on Putin over his invasion of Ukraine ... she says he's desperate to win and will stop at nothing.

Aliia issued the chilling warning recently, telling overseas publications Putin will fight to the end because he knows a loss would be a stain on his reputation in Mother Russia.

The former spy says she actually trained in the same Russian military program that produced Putin, where she says trainees learn how to "stay calm and cold-blooded in a very stressful situation."

Aliia, who fled Russia after her oligarch husband was jailed, says she's terrified for her friends and family in both Russia and Ukraine ... because Putin hates to lose.

Aliia's life journey is pretty wild ... she was born in the former Soviet Union and says she was forced to become a Russian spy when she was only a teen. She was taught to seduce both men and women and says she was sexually assaulted by her superiors along the way.

For her first assignment, Aliia says she had to infiltrate a criminal gang of drug suppliers by pretending to be a prostitute ... and she ended up falling for the ring leader, a man named Vladimir.

Aliia says the gang eventually discovered she was a spy and took her to a forest in the dark of night and started beating her ... but she says the gang leader stepped in and saved her life.

After her lifesaver died, Aliia says she married a Russian oligarch in 2006 ... but when he was jailed and then died in prison, she and their young son fled Russia and never looked back.

Aliia bounced around from Switzerland to London before settling in California, and she now lives in a fancy mansion in Beverly Hills ... where she runs a PR firm and rubs elbows with Hollywood celebs.

Bottom line for Aliia ... Putin will do anything to take over Ukraine and prevent NATO from setting up shop in a neighboring country.

Deshaun Watson Will Not Face Criminal Charges ... For Alleged Sexual Misconduct In Texas

UPDATE

2:26 PM PT -- Deshaun was clearly emotional outside the courthouse ... fighting back tears as he spoke with reporters.

UPDATE
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THE EMOTIONAL ADDRESS
FOX 26 Houston
UPDATE

"I know we're far from being done handling what we need to handle on the legal side," Watson said. "But, today is definitely a big day. I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for letting the truth be heard."

UPDATE

Watson says he's going to fight to rebuild his reputation and handle his legal battles so he can go back to focusing on football.

UPDATE

2:09 PM PT -- Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, just addressed the decision ... saying, "We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses."

UPDATE

"Now that the criminal investigations have been completed, we are happy to move forward with the civil case depositions. We will vigorously defend those cases with every ounce we have."

UPDATE

He added ... "It is time to let Deshaun move on."

Deshaun Watson will NOT face criminal charges in Texas in relation to accusations of sexual misconduct made by 9 massage therapists ... a grand jury determined on Friday.

26-year-old Watson was accused of groping, touching himself and making inappropriate comments and requests by more than 20 women over the past few years.

Watson's case was presented in Harris County on Friday ... and the grand jury returned 9 no bills for each criminal complaint.

The Harris County DA's office released a statement ... saying, "After a Harris County grand jury was presented all the evidence and had the opportunity to hear from all witnesses, grand jurors declined to indict Deshaun Watson."

"Grand jury proceedings are secret by law, so no information related to their inquiry may be disclosed."

Worth noting -- prosecutors in Harris County are the only ones who presented a case in front of a grand jury ... but Watson also faced accusations in Georgia, California and Arizona. It's unclear whether the women in those states will pursue criminal charges.

Watson still has a long legal battle ahead of him ... as he's facing a mountain of lawsuits filed by his accusers.

Watson has adamantly denied any wrongdoing ... and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, claimed encounters were consensual.

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EVERYTHING WAS CONSENSUAL

The timing is crucial for Watson's football career ... as NFL free agency starts next week.

Watson's in the middle of a 4-year, $156 million deal ... but teams will be making moves and his criminal status will certainly make an impact on whether he finds a new home.

It doesn't mean Watson is out of the woods just yet -- the NFL released a statement saying it is still investigating.

Originally Published -- 1:53 PM PT