Ukrainian Refugee Tearful Describing Murders, Rapes in Kyiv

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ESCAPE FROM KYIV
TMZ.com

For Ukrainian refugee Anastasiia Chuba, the constant gunfire and bombings back home in Kyiv aren't the scariest things happening ... it's murder and rape that have haunted her.

Anastasiia managed to escape the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, landing Monday at LAX with her daughter, Sasha ... and she tells our photog a harrowing account of what's going on in their hometown.

It's pretty grim ... Anastasiia says she was confined to a basement for the last 10 days, which is no place to raise a child, with the sounds of bombs exploding and guns firing ringing out day and night.

Even worse, Anastasiia says the advancing Russian forces are raping young girls in Kyiv ... and she says the invaders are also murdering Ukrainians.

You can see the emotion building up in Anastasiia as she gives a first-hand account of what life is like for her Ukrainian brothers and sisters stuck in a war zone ... and the dangers they face.

She's keeping it together and is clearly a strong woman ... but the rapes and murders are what tug at her emotion ... and she tears up telling us what she's seen as she holds her daughter.

Like most refugees, Anastasiia has no plan for what she'll do in America ... she hasn't had time to think about it ... but she wants to find a way to help those struggling to stay alive back home.

She says her husband is protecting the family home, where her parents are still sequestered, and she hopes he's still alive when she goes back to Ukraine.

Anastasiia isn't sure what the average American can do to stop the war, but she has a message for the Russians ... telling them to rise up against Vladimir Putin and overthrow the government, like the Ukrainians did in 2014 when they didn't like their leadership.

The revolt paved the way for Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency a few years later ... and Anastasiia says he's united the country like never before, and hopes the Russians do the same.

It's a powerful conversation ... illustrating the human cost of war.

Emmett Till's Cousin Loves Taraji's Spotlight on Emmett When Talking Jussie ... The System's Unfair to People of Color

Taraji P. Henson thinks there's a parallel between Jussie Smollett and Emmett Till -- and wouldn't you know it ... the late teen's own family agrees.

Emmett's cousin, Deborah Watts, the co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, tells us Taraji's heart is in the right place -- namely, that Black people and other POC are unfairly treated in the criminal justice system.

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THIS IS IMPORTANT
TMZ.com

Taraji made the point while Jussie is serving jail time for a crime that wasn't violent ... nobody did any time (or was even found guilty) in Emmett's case all those years ago, suggesting race was at play in how Jussie was sentenced.

Watts doesn't quite make that leap -- not wanting to comment on the fairness of Jussie's conviction.

Big picture ... she absolutely agrees that BIPOC are disproportionately incarcerated compared to white people for the same sorts of offenses -- something she says is proven in data ... and something she thinks Taraji was trying to spotlight.

To that end ... Watts tells us she appreciates TPH's support and for getting Emmett's name back into the public, because his case was never officially solved.

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

Of course, many will still disagree with Taraji's premise -- that Jussie was sent to jail simply because he's Black.

WWE Legend Scott Hall Dead At 63 ... After Being Taken Off Life Support

WWE legend Scott Hall has passed away following complications from a recent surgery, sources tell TMZ Sports. He was 63 years old.

As we previously reported, Hall -- AKA Razor Ramon -- was placed on life support after experiencing serious medical issues related to a procedure on a broken hip ... suffering three heart attacks on Saturday.

Hall's good friend and fellow wrestler Kevin Nash said the family intended to take the legend off life support once his loved ones were able to say goodbye one last time ... and on Monday night, he was pronounced dead.

Hall kickstarted his career with the National Wrestling Alliance in 1984 ... and went on to make a name for himself with World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Federation in the 1990s.

Hall is well-known for his signature toothpick throw ... which was a fan-favorite move over the years. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.

Hall's biggest match came against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X ... in a ladder match for the Intercontinental title.

Hall -- alongside Nash and Hulk Hogan -- co-founded the New World Order in 1996 ... becoming a massive success in the industry. The group reunited in 2015 ... taking the stage at WrestleMania 31.

The nWo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020.

RIP.

UPDATE

10:39 AM PT -- Dr. David Abbasi, orthopedic surgeon, who works as a ringside physician at MMA and boxing matches made a video explaining the medical issues that did -- or may have -- resulted in the tragic death of wresting legend Scott Hall.

UPDATE

'90 Day Fiancé's Stephanie Matto Gives Out Fart Jars at NYC Strip Club!!!

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CLUB 'GASSIN' UP
Hustler Club New York

Here's Stephanie Matto hosting a giveaway you just don't see every day ... she's doling out jars full of her farts to dozens of folks at a strip club.

The "90 Day Fiancé" star was back on her gravy train Saturday night at Larry Flynt's Hustler Club in New York City, where she gifted fart jars to the first 20 folks to walk in the door.

Stephanie paired her fart jars with never-before-seen risqué polaroid photos and rose petals ... and she even took the stage to grab the mic and say a few words.

Sorry, no pole dancing ... Stephanie makes her living by farting in jars.

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BREAK WIND, BREAK BANK
TMZ.com

Remember ... Stephanie started the hustle last year and she told us in December she had already banked $100,000 by bottling up her natural gas and selling it online.

We're told Stephanie pocketed over $10,000 for her strip club appearance ... and she was also pushing her latest venture, a fart jar NFT venture.

Can't knock Stephanie's hustle ... but you can certainly smell it.

Rapper Freddie Gibbs Jussie Belongs In Jail ... 'He Fake a Hate Crime!!!'

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SEND 'EM ALL
TMZ.com

Freddie Gibbs doesn't have much sympathy for Jussie Smollett ... he says Jussie belongs behind bars for breaking the law, plain and simple.

We got the rapper at Cookies on Melrose and asked about Jussie's 5-month jail sentence, which the "Empire" star just started serving in Chicago.

Freddie says Jussie should be in jail just like anyone who fakes being the victim of a crime.

It's in sharp contract to Taraji P. Henson ... who is solidly behind Jussie, demanding he be released from jail and comparing Smollett's case to that of Emmett Till.

Freddie thinks Jussie should be set free ... in about 3 to 5 years ... and isn't buying Smollett's view the judge handed down a harsher sentence because he's Black.

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

We also asked Freddie about Jussie's fears of ending up like Jeffrey Epstein ... and he tells us why Jussie needs to keep his head on a swivel.

Tom Brady 'Final' $500K TD Ball Now Worth $50K ... Auction Expert Says

Tom Brady's unretirement just cost a collector a small fortune ... with one auction expert telling TMZ Sports the QB's "final" TD ball is now worth a mere $50K -- after it sold for over $500K just three days ago.

Our auction source tells us with Brady coming back to the NFL ... the ball that was just auctioned off on Saturday is now worth roughly a 10th of what it just fetched at auction.

The reasoning is obvious ... if Brady plays a full 17-game season in 2022 -- plus the playoffs -- he's expected to throw roughly 30-to-50 more touchdown passes.

Which, of course, would mean the last TD he threw to Mike Evans in the Bucs' playoff game against the Rams in January is significantly less valuable.

In fact, our source tells us they wouldn't be surprised if the ball was actually worth closer to $25K than $50K at this point.

There is good news for the buyer, however ... our source says it's probably unlikely they'll have to fork over the half mil for the ball.

Our source tells us the ball was advertised as Brady's last TD ever -- and now, since it won't be, the buyer could have a legitimate claim to renege on the deal. Our source also says it's likely the buyer is a whale in the auction world, and the auction house that sold the piece would almost certainly fight to keep him or her happy.

No word yet on who bought the ball ... but whoever they are and wherever they are, we're sure they're sweating right now regardless.

Killer T-X In 'Terminator 3' 'Memba Her?!

American actress Kristanna Loken was 23 years old when she landed her breakout role in "Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines" -- where she played the killer 'T-X' ... a powerful and strong cyborg with a form-fitting figure.

Playing such an adventurous and strenuous role in the 'Terminator' franchise, the actress' workout regimen included a stationary bike, aerobics and intense strength training.

Today, Loken still leads an active lifestyle ... the sporty actress enjoys Superkombat fighting, and when she prefers to be low-key, a horse trek on the mountain tops will suffice!

Kristanna Loken also starred as Jane Vasco in "Painkiller Jane" and played Rayne in "BloodRayne."

Guess what she looks like now!

Shanna Moakler Spotted With Matthew Rondeau 3 Weeks After Domestic Violence Arrest

Shanna Moakler was back with ex-BF Matthew Rondeau ... 3 weeks after his felony domestic violence arrest.

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ ... Shanna and Matthew were spotted Sunday night in Rhode Island. The two went to Opa Restaurant for dinner in Providence and stayed late ... leaving around 1 AM.

While the current status of their relationship is unclear, we're told they weren't showing any signs of affection during the meal.

Shanna was overheard telling a diner, "We're okay, we’re hanging in there."

We've learned the two went out for dinner the night before as well ... hitting up Los Andes in the same city.

Shanna has been telling locals she's in town because her 86-year-old father, a dentist, had recently retired ... but these encounters suggest they might be back together.

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I'M DONE!!!

As we've reported, their relationship has been rocky  ... things got heated at the end of February when Matthew posted an aggressive video on her social media, claiming Shanna cheated on him and swearing he'd never get back with her.

Not long after the video went live, he was arrested for felony domestic violence, when he allegedly got physical with her during an argument.

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard Concerned About Her Pregnancy ... Both Positive For COVID

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard are feeling anxious about her pregnancy ... because they're both fighting COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus.

The couple tells TMZ ... they are both concerned about Jill battling the virus while she's expecting, in part because of all the unknowns and shifting science.

The way Jill and Derick see things ... they're still unsure about the long-term effects of COVID, particularly for pregnant women, and while scientists are making strides in understanding the virus, the continuous developing nature of the pandemic makes things stressful.

What's more, the couple tells us Jill suffered a miscarriage last year ... meaning she's more on edge about this pregnancy ... and adding a COVID diagnosis to the mix only heightens their anxiety.

Jill and Derick, who both tested positive for the virus Thursday, tell us they are working with their doctor to ensure Jill and the baby are safe ... but the main health concerns for pregnant women like Jill are being more susceptible to developing blood clots and potentially not providing enough oxygen to the baby.

The couple says Jill, who is due to give birth in July, is taking baby aspirin to try and prevent blood clots ... and they're monitoring the baby's heart rate and keeping track of how many times the baby is kicking per day.

Jill and Derick tell us they are both fully vaccinated ... and they believe the mild symptoms they are experiencing could have been much worse without the shots.

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While the couple tells us dealing with a COVID case, particularly right now, is disappointing ... Jill's thankful she didn't catch it during her first trimester, when she was dealing with a lot of morning sickness.

Jill and Derick have 2 young boys ... but we're told they both appear healthy.

Jussie Smollett Team Demands Immediate Release Cite Threats, Health, COVID

Jussie Smollett's lawyers have wasted no time demanding his release from jail -- at least while his appeal plays out --- claiming he risks being harmed (physically and microbially) every second he stays behind bars.

The 'Empire' actor's legal team filed an emergency motion Monday asking a judge to spring Jussie from behind bars while his appeal is pending -- arguing that the potential cons of him staying locked up in Cook County far outweigh any benefits.

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THE DISTURBING VOICEMAIL

The crux of their case here is that Jussie's family has been on the receiving end of what they say is a barrage of harassing messages and phone calls aimed at Jussie ... which they say is emblematic of the harm that might actually befall him if he remains locked up.

To hammer this home ... Jussie's team offers up a video taken by the Smollett family which they say shows a stranger calling them with disgusting sentiments about what should happen to their brother as he serves his 5-month sentence.

They claim the clip -- which is laced with racist and homophobic slurs -- is just one example of what they say has been a deluge of hate sent their way -- and they fear that'll translate into real-world violence against their brother on the inside.

There are other reasons they say he should be out ... for one, they attach a sworn affidavit from a doctor who states Jussie is at a higher risk of catching COVID due to a compromised immune system ... while citing positive case rates in jails and prisons across the country.

On top of this ... Jussie's lawyers argue that because he's being held in protective custody -- which they say is akin to solitary confinement -- his mental health will deteriorate.

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

Big picture, they continue to reiterate all the points they made in court in trying to get the case tossed in the first place -- including the argument that he's already been punished for all this ... so the whole thing amounts to unconstitutional double jeopardy.

But, while they sort out all that in his official appeal, they argue he shouldn't have to be in jail ... because his sentence may, in fact, be deemed invalid at the end of the day.

Ukraine President Zelensky Sends Letter to Fam of U.S. Journo Killed in Conflict We Are 'Mourning With You'

Ukrainian President Zelensky is showing once again why he's being hailed as an exceptional leader at an impossible time for his country ... offering condolences to the family of a U.S. journalist killed during the conflict.

On Sunday, it was announced Brent Renaud, an acclaimed filmmaker and former NY Times journalist, was shot and killed in Ukraine after Russian forces allegedly opened fire on his vehicle. It's been reported he was gathering information for a report on refugees.

A letter, sent from Zelensky to Renaud's family reads, "A talented and brave journalist, Brent lost his life while documenting human tragedy, devastation and suffering of the millions of Ukrainians. With all his courage and determination, he traveled to the most dangerous war zones to film the unprecedented ruthlessness and evil, also inflicted upon our nation by the aggressor state."

Zelensky continues, "The people of Ukraine, who are fighting against the Russian regime to defend their Homeland and democracy in the world, are mourning with you."

As for some of his other accomplishments -- Renaud's "Last Chance High" on HBO was a series that profiled at-risk youth on Chicago's West Side ... the series went on to win a Peabody Award.

In finishing his letter, Zelensky says, "May Brent's life, service and sacrifice inspire generations of people all around the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness."

Kim Kardashian Not Seeking Protective Order over Kanye Attacks

Kanye West has been going after Kim Kardashian, claiming she's denying him access to their children, but it's pretty clear what Kim plans on doing about it legally -- nothing.

Fact is, Kanye's rants aren't accurate ... he's routinely seen his kids when he wants. What's more, there's no point in asking the family law judge for a protective order. First off, it's unclear if the judge would grant it, but even if they do, that assumes Kanye would obey it, and that's pretty clearly a pipe dream.

As we reported, Kim and Kanye do not have a structured child custody agreement. He has never asked for one and the way it works ... whenever he wants to see the kids, within reason, she accommodates him. From everything we've seen, Kim does not want to limit Kanye's time with the kids in any way.

Now, the judge has not issued a child custody order yet, and if Kanye decides to fight Kim in court, the numerous texts attacking Kim, Pete, etc., will almost certainly become evidence and could affect the outcome, and not in a good way for Kanye.

We're told the reality is this ... Kim is the primary caregiver of their 4 kids, and they are all young enough that she can shield them from all the drama.

As we reported, Kanye fired off a flurry of tweets over the weekend, and Pete finally responded with some biting comments.

For Kim's part, she's only said publicly she is not withholding the kids from her ex.

Stay tuned.

Andrey Liscovich From Silicon Valley to Ukraine ... Creates Org To Help Volunteer Soldiers

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CALL TO ACTION
TMZ.com

Tech entrepreneur Andrey Liscovich is fighting for his birthplace of Ukraine by giving up his life in Silicon Valley and getting civilian soldiers the supplies they need ... and it's so dangerous he's just written his will.

Andrey joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" and tells us he and his colleagues put together the Ukraine Defense Fund, taking anything they can to help support the troops.

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SUPPLIES FOR SOLDIERS
Instagram/@ukrdefensefund

The organization has already raised $65k ... using the money to place supply orders worldwide, getting items shipped to Poland. They're also accepting supplies as a donation ... including medical supplies, body armor and clothes.

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With over 100,000 volunteers joining the Ukrainian armed forces since the war began, the army doesn't have enough necessities to go around. He says, "You can imagine a guy ... coming in a sweater, getting an AK-47, and perhaps a few spare magazines and not get much besides that."

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is personal for Andrey ... growing up in Ukraine, he knew he couldn't sit on the sidelines while destruction plagues his people.

Andrey says he's even drafted a will on his laptop while the attacks rage on ... knowing these uncertain times are a matter of life or death.

He's encouraging anyone that wants to make a difference to donate what they can to his organization.

French Prez Emmanuel Macron Rockin' Street Clothes at Work ... Zelensky-Inspired Look???

Volodymyr Zelensky is winning hearts with his bravery -- but he may be winning in fashion too ... because another national leader seems to be taking some dress cues from him.

Here's French President Emmanuel Macron taking care of business in the Golden Room of the Élysée Palace ... where he's hard at work in his office, taking international calls and dealing with the Ukraine crisis -- all while looking super gruff and incredibly dressed-down.

Compared to how Macron normally gets done up --suited, booted and clean-shaven -- this is kind of the exact opposite appearance ... the guy's in a hoodie and jeans for crying out loud!

No shade on Macron (these threads actually work for him) ... but some think Zelensky may have something to do with his attire choice here, because as you know -- VZ has been all about the casual, man-of-the-people getup throughout all this.

Zelensky has constantly been seen rockin' green T-shirts and hoodies and the like ... all while letting a little stubble grow on his mug. Here, too, Macron is growing out his beard and sporting a similar appearance.

Like we said ... this may be perceived as Macron ripping off Zelensky's style -- perhaps even for some brownie points with the international community -- but even if that's the case ... you could consider it the ultimate compliment and the utmost flattery, which ain't terrible.

Fact is ... the dude is a total badass, and the world seems to have caught on to that. So, if some presidents wanna pay homage with a little mirror imaging ... so be it! The more the merrier.

The question now is ... will Joe Biden start showing up to the White House in tennis shoes and dad hats??? That remains to be seen, but in France -- Macron's projecting true grit.

Kim to Kanye I'm Not Keeping The Kids from You ... You Just Took Them to School This Morning

Kim Kardashian has had it up to HERE with Kanye claiming she's been keeping the kids from him ... calling him out to stop with his "narrative" and bring her truth to the forefront.

Ye posted a photo of 3 pins Monday morning -- pins of Kim, Kanye and an alien head -- with the caption, "This was on my daughters back pack when I was 'allowed' to see her last week. This is why I go so hard for my family I am wired to protect my family at all cost. As the priest of my him Don't worry Northy God is still alive."

Not long after Kanye put it up, Kim fired back in the comment section, "Please stop with this narrative, you were just here this morning picking up the kids for school."

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MOVED SUNDAY SERVICE
Instagram / @kanyewest

On Sunday, Kanye posted a series of videos complaining about North on TikTok and alleging Kim was keeping North from him -- not allowing her to attend Sunday Service. He also voiced his concern in not being allowed to choose where his kids go to school.

However, it was the text convo between Pete and Kanye that surfaced that really showed how serious things have gotten -- Pete revealing he was "In bed with your wife" -- and asking Kanye to meet face-to-face to hash things out.

What's interesting, Kanye asked Pete to show up to Sunday Service to talk -- but Pete refused -- saying he didn't want to do it for the cameras, and wanted to chat in private.

As you know, Pete's taken the brunt of Kanye's attacks for the last 6 months, and has remained silent ... but warned Kanye he was done holding his tongue.

No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Shaun White Hits Up Costa Rica W/ GF Nina Dobrev ... Retirement PDA Sesh

Shaun White is starting off retirement with a bang ... the legendary snowboarder took a trip to Costa Rica with his girlfriend, Nina Dobrev, and judging from the pics, life's good. Very, very good.

"It means no worries….🦁 #retired," Shaun wrote on an Instagram post of himself on vacay.

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White -- a five-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist -- retired last month after competing in his final Winter Olympics. The 35-year-old was overcome with emotion as he concluded his final Games ... crying in front of the media.

In a recent interview with NBC in Boston, White told the outlet "Yeah, I'm retired, that's the last of it. Every step of the way has been great. I’ll finally have the time to do some things I’ve always wanted to, take some vacations, ride some powder."

Shaun kept true to his word ... going on a vacation with his famous GF. The two went to Costa Rica ... taking in sights on the beautiful islands at Hacienda Altagracia -- a local luxury resort.

White and Dobrev -- star from the hit  TV show "The Vampire Diaries" -- have been dating for years ... and announced they made it official while quarantining together during the early stages of the pandemic.

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Nina considers herself an avid lover of snowboarding -- and, well, her boyfriend happens to be one of the greatest snowboarders in the sport's history.

The lovebirds were enjoying themselves so much, it had Nina contemplating retiring. "S**t, if this is #RetiredLife … should i retire too?" Nina asked her 25+ million followers on social media.