Michael Jackson 3 Songs Pulled From Streaming ... Debate Rages Over Legitimacy of MJ Vocals
Is it Michael or a Michael imposter? That ongoing debate about 3 of Michael Jackson's posthumously released songs is behind the sudden disappearance of the tracks from major streaming services.
The songs -- "Monster," "Keep Your Head Up" and "Breaking News" -- were all on the "Michael" album, released in 2010 ... the year after Jackson's death. But, ever since they came out some fans, and even Michael's family members, have questioned whether they feature legit MJ vocals.
The songs vanished from Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal streaming services last week, which many fans saw as confirmation that's not really MJ singing on them -- however, a rep for the official MJ website says that's not exactly the case.
The rep confirms the songs "are no longer being made available by Sony Music for purchase or streaming but I should point out that the removal of these three songs has nothing to do with their authenticity. The Estate and Sony Music believe the continuing conversation about the tracks is distracting the fan community and casual Michael Jackson listeners from focusing their attention where it should be -- on Michael’s legendary and deep music catalog."
One fan who probably isn't buying that explanation is Vera Serova, who filed a lawsuit in 2014, accusing Sony Music, the Jackson Estate and the producers of the songs of lying to consumers. She lost the case in 2018, but is now appealing to California's Supreme Court.
The Estate tells TMZ ... taking down the songs was "the simplest and best way to move beyond the conversation associated with these tracks once and for all." Instead, the Estate wants fans to focus on the Tony-winning Broadway production, "MJ: The Musical" and other projects celebrating his catalog. The rep added, "Nothing should be read into this action concerning the authenticity of the tracks."
For what it's worth, Michael's mother, sister La Toya and his kids, Paris and Prince ... have all questioned the legitimacy of the vocals on the tracks.
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Carlos Santana Collapses During Concert
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8:51 PM PT -- A rep for Santana tells us the 74-year-old was overtaken by heat exhaustion and dehydration, leading to the medical episode. He was taken to a local hospital for continued observation, but his rep says he's, "doing well."
A scary moment for Carlos Santana and his fans, as the legendary musician collapsed onstage during one of his concerts.
Santana was performing at Pine Knob Music Theater, outside Detroit, Tuesday night, when a concertgoer tells us the medical emergency happened. We're told Santana was bout 4 or 5 songs into his set, and started to sing a song called "Joy."
#BREAKING Carlos Santana being treated by EMS after a “serious medical emergency” at #pineknob - audience asked to leave - and pray. pic.twitter.com/kdqd5yDxK7
— Amy Lange (@langeamyFOX2) July 6, 2022 @langeamyFOX2
Realizing something was wrong, we're told Santana sat down in front of the drums, and then collapsed backward. From there, many staffers, including EMTs rushed to his aid.
You can see in video from the show, a black tarp was brought out in order to shield Santana while officials were working on him.
Carlos Santana waved to clapping fans as he’s helped off the stage pic.twitter.com/YA55N4QCZe
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 6, 2022 @Phil_Lewis_
Thankfully, Santana came back around, and was seen waving to the crowd as he was wheeled off the stage.
It's currently unclear what caused Carlos to collapse, but it appears he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Originally Published -- 8:06 PM PT
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Brad Pitt Suffers from Face Blindness Says People Hate Him for It
Brad Pitt has pissed off a lot of people, so he says, because he fails to recognize them ... but Brad says he believes he suffers from a medical condition called face blindness.
Brad has talked about this struggle in the past ... he just can't recognize people by looking at their faces -- even family members.
The condition is called prosopagnosia ... in lay terms, face blindness. About 2 and a half percent of the population suffers from it in varying degrees. Some researchers have theorized the condition is brought on by underdevelopment in the womb.
Brad has said over the years he's taken a lot of heat by people who felt he was aloof and self-absorbed ... because he didn't care enough about other people to remember them. Brad tells GQ, "Nobody believes me!"
The 58-year-old actor says he's never gone for an official diagnosis, but he's confident he has the condition.
As for how people with the affliction deal ... they use other markers to ID friends, family and associates ... it could be the way they walk, their voice, etc.
Brad told Esquire back in 2013, "So many people hate me because they think I'm disrespecting them."
Brad was brutally honest about lots of things in the interview, including the heartache he felt after the collapse of his marriage to Angelina Jolie and the bitter divorce that followed. He said, "I think all our hearts are broken ... I always felt very alone in my life, alone growing up as a kid, alone even out here, and it's really not till recently that I have had a greater embrace of my friends and family."
Brad is clean and sober, having spent 18 months in AA. He's also cut out cigarettes.
Clearly, his struggle is real.
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Jayland Walker Sister Won't Watch Body Cam Footage ... Isn't Buying Cops' Evidence
Jayland Walker's older sister says she's not ready to watch her brother getting gunned down by cops ... and believes the story officers are giving of the moments that led up to his killing has been planted to put him in a bad light.
Jada Walker was understandably emotional as she recalled her brother's life during an interview with ABC News Wednesday, saying the Jayland she knew isn't the one depicted by officers of the Akron, OH police department ... she also says she never knew him to own a gun.
Jada says she can't bring herself to watch the body cam footage, choosing not to remember her brother in such a horrific manner. She also thinks the photo that was circulated showing a gun in Walker's vehicle was staged.
As you know, body cam footage was released Sunday that showed Jayland Walker being hit by gunshots at least 60 times, killing him. The shooting happened shortly after a traffic stop turned into a car chase throughout the city, ending in a foot pursuit.
Akron Police say a gunshot rang out from Walker's vehicle as they tailed him ... claiming surveillance video from the area shows a muzzle flash coming from inside his car, leading officers to believe he was armed.
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Warren Jeffs In Protective Custody For Over A Decade ... In Cell 22 Hours A Day
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Warren Jeffs, the subject of a popular new Netflix documentary -- "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" -- has been closely watched for his own protection for the past decade while locked away, TMZ has learned.
A rep for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice tells TMZ ... Warren has been in protective custody since he arrived at the Louis C. Powledge Unit in Anderson County back in 2011.
The area is designed to provide the ultimate protection for inmates ... he stays in his cell for 22 hours each day ... even his meals are brought to him. He's given some rec time, but isn't allowed to interact with other inmates.
An inmate is placed in protective custody when there's been a serious, direct or proven threat to their safety. The circumstances surrounding his confinement have not been made public.
As we reported, Warren took his new mug shot Thursday ... as his Netflix doc continues to do big numbers. The series examines his controversial church ... where polygamy reigned supreme.
Warren reportedly had 78 wives when he was arrested back in 2006. He was later found guilty of sexual assault on a minor and aggravated sexual assault against a child and is serving a life sentence.
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Brett Favre Open To NFL Broadcasting Career ... 'I Would Consider It'
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From gunslinging in a helmet to ... word-spewing in a headset???
Brett Favre says that is now a real possibility ... telling TMZ Sports he's starting to open up to the idea of joining a big network to broadcast and analyze NFL games.
"I would consider it," the 52-year-old Green Bay Packers legend said.
Of course, the offer would have to be right -- Favre said he's looking for a "great deal" and perhaps a Monday night or Thursday night broadcasting gig -- but he, nonetheless, said he'd seriously ponder it all.
Favre joked though, the nation would have to get used to his "country accent" and "aw-shucks mentality."
As for another quarterback legend who's already committed to broadcasting games in the future -- Tom Brady -- Favre said he's not surprised at all the guy received a $375 MILLION deal to talk ball on TV.
"If anybody's worth it," he said, "it's Tom Brady."
But up next for a big deal ... Favre?!?
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Travis Barker Back To Work After Hospitalization ... Spends Hours In the Studio
It looks like it's back to business for Travis Barker 'cause he's getting back into the studio ... after being released from the hospital.
Travis was spotted Tuesday behind the wheel of a Mercedes G Wagon, heading into a Calabasas studio to make some musical magic.
Clearly, the Blink-182 drummer is feeling a whole lot better and looked pretty healthy, sporting black shades and a "D.O.A." T-shirt as he emerged from his vehicle in the studio's parking lot.
Travis was anything but dead on arrival, though. In fact, he greeted the studio operator with an energetic fist bump, before heading inside.
We're told several other musicians arrived at the studio about 30 minutes later along with Travis' assistant, who went on a food and coffee run for the entire crew. Whatever Travis and Co. are cooking up from behind those walls must be good ... they've been rocking out for hours, we're told.
Of course, this comes after Travis was rushed to the hospital last week. TMZ broke the story ... he had a colonoscopy that triggered pancreatitis, which is a serious health issue that kept him in the hospital bed for days as he was being treated.
Travis told folks on social media, "During the endoscopy, I had a very small polyp removed right in a very sensitive area, usually handled by specialists, which unfortunately damaged a critical pancreatic drainage tube. This resulted in severe life threatening pancreatitis."
This isn't the first time we've seen Travis out since the health scare. Travis and Kourtney were also spotted taking a joyride in a vintage truck on July 4th, with Penelope and Reign cruising in the back.
Thankfully, Travis seems to be making a full recovery and is now getting back to biz.
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Janis Joplin Mandolin She Gave Jimi Fetches $281K
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Scoring anything Janis Joplin owned would be cool, but an instrument that belonged to Janis AND Jimi Hendrix is a whole new level of rock memorabilia.
We're talking about a hand-painted mandolin that fetched a whopping $281,250 after 29 bidders battled it out. The history on this item is pretty cool, so that price could be considered a steal.
Up until now, it has never been up for auction, and had been a part of a private collection for 20 years after it was acquired from the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
More importantly, guitar god Jimi was the last famous owner ... having received it from Janis as a gift.
Besides just being a cool instrument to own, the mandolin represents the friendship between 2 of the most iconic rock stars of all time. It's painted with flowers and phrases such as "love thy neighbor," "Janis Joplin & B.B.H.Co," and "Jimi Hendrix."
The new owner got themselves 2 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers for the price of one.
BTW, the Johnny Depp motorcycle from "Cry-Baby" was a part of the same auction ... but its reserve price wasn't met. Instead, GWS auctions say it has several museums interested and currently vying for it.
Some other big-ticket items that did sell include an Elvis Presley Pyramid Ring for $131,250, an Elvis 14K Gold watch for $62,500 and a prop shotgun from 'Terminator 2' which went for $46,875.
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Reporter Denise in 'White Chicks' 'Memba Her?!
New York City local Rochelle Aytes was 28 years old when she was cast as Denise Porter -- a local New York news reporter, reporting at a charity fashion show in The Hamptons -- in the 2004 Comedy "White Chicks."
Rochelle shared the big screen with comedy brothers Shawn Wayans as Agent Kevin Copeland ... and Brittany Wilson, and Marlon Wayans as Agent Marcus Copeland .. and as Tiffany Wilson, Busy Philipps as the dancing and love-seeking friend, Karen and Terry Crews as the muscular pro-basketball player and lip singer, Latrell Spencer.
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Highland Park Mass Shooting BOTH PARENTS OF 2-YEAR-OLD CHILD KILLED DURING ATTACK
A 2-year-old child was left to fend for himself after both of his parents were killed during Monday's mass shooting at the July 4th parade in Illinois.
37-year-old Kevin McCarthy, and 35-year-old Irina McCarthy, both died after a 21-year-old armed with an assault rifle opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd.
The McCarthy’s son, Aiden, was reportedly separated from his parents and got lost in the chaos.
Apparently, a couple found the young boy in the midst of Monday's mayhem and brought him to the local fire department.
Reports say the 2-year-old was eventually reunited with his grandparents at a hospital.
As we've reported, 7 people have died and at least 30 were injured during Monday’s massacre. The shooter fired off close to 70 rounds.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Aiden, who is now without both parents. The creators of the page wrote, "We took him to safety under tragic circumstances, came together to locate his grandparents, and prayed for the safety of his family."
While the page states the boy will now be in the care of his grandparents ... it notes that he will have a long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life without both parents
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Chris Rock & Lake Bell Seen Together Again ... Romantic Santa Monica Stroll
Chris Rock and Lake Bell are continuing their dating escapades Tuesday as the couple was spotted together on Santa Monica beach -- and TMZ has obtained photos of their romantic stroll.
An eyewitness tells TMZ ... the comedian and the actress were in great spirits walking past Shutter On The Beach while calmly taking in the beautiful ocean views. Although there wasn't any kissing or hand-holding, our sources noted there was almost no room in between their bodies as they moved along the path. Interpretation...things seem to be getting pretty serious between these two.
Of course, this comes shortly after the two enjoyed a weekend together in the city ... first, hitting up Giorgio Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica. They were also seen Sunday, grabbing a bite at Coast Restaurant in the same neighborhood ... for a dinner just for two.
If we were to guess here, they're full on dating ... and it could be serious. Remember, they were recently spotted at a Cardinals game in St. Louis. They tried to keep things low-key then ... but clearly, they're out in the open, now.
As we've reported ... they both have recently gotten out of long-term relationships ... and from the looks of it, they're really enjoying each other's company.
'90 DAY FIANCE'S' PAUL STAEHLE Returned Home After Missing Person's Report ... Son Taken By Child Services
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Paul Staehle and his 3-year-old son Pierre have safely returned home to Kentucky after a police bulletin reported them missing last week, TMZ has learned.
'The 90 Day Fiancé' star tells TMZ ... he drove back to the Louisville area on Saturday with Pierre, and the two met with Paul's parents at a park.
Paul said he turned Pierre over to his parents because he didn't want to deal with all the drama involving Child Protective Services.
He says he needs more time to process the legal situation engulfing him, his ex-wife Karine Martins and their 2 young kids, Ethan and Pierre.
After they were reported missing, Paul denied kidnapping Pierre and going on the lam with him, insisting they had been on a long work trip together since early June.
Paul's parents contacted CPS officials, who picked up Pierre and reunited him with 1-year-old Ethan at a foster home.
As we’ve reported, Paul and Karine lost custody of their children to CPS after videos surfaced of the couple's abusive relationship dating back to 2010, when they were featured on the show.
Paul's parents are now seeking full custody of the kids and plan to duke it out with the authorities in family court.
A rep for Louisville Police Department confirmed to TMZ ... Pierre was located and is safe, and the Missing Person’s report had been closed on Sunday.
Stay tuned.
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Highland Park Shooter Dressed In Women's Clothing During Attack ... Police Say
4:26 PM PT -- Robert Crimo has been charged with 7 counts of murder by prosecutors, in connection with the deaths of seven people at the Highland Park July 4th parade.
The guy suspected of killing 7 people and injuring dozens of others during a July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois, pre-planned the savage attack and dressed in women's clothing to disguise himself in an effort to evade capture ... police announced Tuesday.
During a news conference, Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Robert Crimo wore his disguise to also cover up his tattoos ... as he squeezed off more than 70 rounds with a legally purchased high-powered rifle. Covelli noted that the death toll had gone up from 6 to 7 murder victims.
After the attack, Crimo allegedly dropped the rifle and fled from the roof of a business, from which he opened fire. During the ensuing chaos, he was able to blend in with the crowd thanks to his disguise, Covelli said.
Crimo then walked to his mother's nearby home and borrowed her Honda, cops said. He led police on a high-speed car chase that ended with him in handcuffs.
Cops believe the 21-year-old Crimo had been planning the attack for several weeks.
Crimo has yet to be charged in the mass shooting, but officials are expected to address that issue later this afternoon.
Originally Published -- 10:56 AM PT
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R. Kelly No More Suicide Watch ... After Lawsuit Victory
R. Kelly just won a mini legal battle against the feds, who just did an about-face and took the disgraced singer off suicide watch after he filed a lawsuit against the prison, TMZ has learned.
In newly filed court docs obtained by TMZ, Metropolitan Detention Center Warden Heriberto H. Tellez -- who was also named in the suit -- says he made the decision today to remove Kelly from suicide watch following a "clinical assessment." No further details on the assessment were provided.
Last week, Kelly filed his lawsuit claiming that he was being subjected to "cruel and unusual punishment" -- which violates his 8th Amendment rights -- after he was put on suicide watch at Brooklyn's MDC.
In the suit, Kelly alleged that he wasn't even thinking of killing himself and told prison officials just that. Kelly also claimed he was placed in these harsh conditions because of his celebrity.
The feds initially filed a motion opposing the suit, saying they would clinically assess Kelly for the duration of his suicide watch.
Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison last Wednesday following his conviction last year on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Kelly to more than 25 years behind bars, while his defense attorneys asked for up to 10 years.
The crooner is still facing another federal case out of Illinois, as well as a state trial in Minnesota in connection with child sex related crimes.
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Highland Park Massacre Robert Crimo Posted Violent Images for Years ... Attended Multiple Trump Rallies
Robert Crimo III, the person of interest in the 4th of July Highland Park massacre, joked about school shootings online and even drew a sketch of him getting shot and killed by cops with a gun by his side.
Police identify Robert "Bobby" E. Crimo III (22) as the suspect in the Highland Park shooting.
— Stephanie Hamill (@STEPHMHAMILL) July 4, 2022 @STEPHMHAMILL
According to reports he’s also known as ‘Awake the Rapper’.
Here’s a music video I screen recorded from YouTube.
YouTube has already removed his official account. pic.twitter.com/ntzpaYQvv5
Crimo has been on social media for years, posting violent images of mass shootings. He called himself a rapper with the name "Awake the Rapper" with 16,000 Spotify listeners every month.
One of his drawings shows a man lying on the ground, presumably dead with a rifle by his side, as police closed in on him.
In one image, you see a man holding a rifle as someone appears dead on the ground and another person is standing hands up as the gun is pointed toward him.
There's another drawing of Crimo throwing bullets on a classroom floor, decked out in armor.
He seemed to have contempt for politicians ... posting a photo last fall of Budd Dwyer, the Pennsylvania official who shot and killed himself on live TV with the caption, "I wish politicians still gave speeches like this."
He did seem to have a soft spot for Donald Trump, appearing at several rallies ... in one case dressed as "Where's Waldo." There's another pic of him draped in a Trump flag.
He was very open about his fascination with mass murder and violence ... and lots of people saw this for years. As far as we can tell so far, there were no direct threats that would have alerted law enforcement ... although apparently, he was 'known to law enforcement.'
Six people were slaughtered and several dozen injured during the 4th of July massacre in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago.
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Travis Barker Cruisin' with Kourtney after Hospitalization
Travis Barker has resurfaced after his scary hospitalization last week, and he didn't look the worse for wear.
Travis and his wife Kourtney Kardashian took a ride in a vintage orange truck on the 4th, with Penelope and Reign in the back.
They looked super chill, as they listened to Bruno Mars' "Grenade."
Travis has said he's feeling a lot better after landing in the hospital.
TMZ broke the story ... he had a colonoscopy which triggered pancreatitis -- a serious problem that kept him in a hospital bed for days as doctors ran tests and treated the ailment.
Travis took to social media last weekend and said "I went in for an endoscopy Monday feeling great. But After dinner, I developed excruciating pain and have been hospitalized ever since."
He went on ... "During the endoscopy, I had a very small polyp removed right in a very sensitive area, usually handled by specialists, which unfortunately damaged a critical pancreatic drainage tube. This resulted in severe life threatening pancreatitis."
All seems to be well now, thankfully.