Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Shot Dead During Campaign Speech

070822_shinzo_abe_shot_kal 7/8/22
SHOTS RING OUT
Twitter/AP

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot on Friday while campaigning for a candidate ahead of his country's national elections, according to reports.

Video on social media showed the stunning moment Abe collapsed to the ground and was bleeding from gunshot wounds to his neck and chest in the Japanese city of Nara, near Kyoto. Authorities say one of the bullets pierced his heart.

The 67-year-old was rushed to Nara Medical University Hospital, where doctors said they tried to stop the bleeding from his wounds and did a transfusion, but ultimately couldn't save him. Abe was pronounced dead just after 5 PM.

Police reportedly arrested the alleged gunman, Tetsuya Yamagami, who was initially charged with attempted murder before Abe's death was announced. Cops recovered what appeared to be a homemade gun that the suspect had been holding, according to local reports.

At a press conference, current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the attack on Abe a "heinous act," adding, "It is barbaric and malicious, and it cannot be tolerated."

Abe was in Nara campaigning ahead of Sunday's elections for the Upper House of Parliament. He was less than a minute into a speech in support of Kei Sato, a current member of the Upper House running for re-election, when the shots rang out behind him.

What makes Abe's assassination even more shocking is that Japan has one of the world's lowest rates of gun crimes because of its strict laws on owning firearms. Japan, which has a population of 125 million people, reported just nine gun-related deaths in 2018, compared with nearly 40,000 in the U.S. that same year.

Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister, getting elected to two terms, from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. He resigned in 2020 due to health issues.

Presidents Trump and Obama had close relationships with Abe. Trump met with Abe several times while both were in office and maintained a strong alliance between their countries. In 2016, Obama and Abe made a historic visit to Pearl Harbor to honor the lives lost there during World War II.

Drake I Knew The Weeknd Would Be Huge ... Right Here in the Six!!!

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GIVIN' PROPS

Drake and The Weeknd are 2 of the biggest artists … EVERRR, and they just both happen to be from Toronto -- and Drake's celebrating that ahead of a milestone for his friend.

The Weeknd’s playing a huge hometown show Friday night at Rogers Centre, and Drizzy got in his feels a bit ... reminiscing on hearing Weeknd's music before he was a Billboard-breaking superstar.

He thanked OVO capo Oliver El-Khatib for putting him on back in the day and plugged the stadium show for Abel's After Hours til Dawn Tour ... which was delayed several times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weeknd was a literal instrumental part of the success of Drake's 2011 breakout album "Take Care" where he worked on several tracks before he himself blew up on the commercial scene a couple years later.

Earlier this year, Both Drizzy and Weeknd signed new record deals with Universal Music Group rumored to rival NBA contracts in terms of cash money.

Don't be surprised if Weeknd brings out Drizzy on stage tonight. With him being in town, you should probably expect it! BTW, there are still some seats left for it ... if you're in the Six.

They're also due for another collaboration ... their last official duet was all the way back in 2013.

Young Thug Nephew Arrested for GF's Murder

Young Thug's nephew is in police custody after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the face and killing her ... TMZ Hip Hop has learned.

Fardereen Deonta Grier was arrested Wednesday after cops were called to a residence outside Atlanta. East Point PD spokesperson Allyn Glover tells TMZ ... when officers responded, Grier was crying and his girlfriend, Destiny Fitzpatrick, was dead in a pool of blood by the front door.

Glover says Grier told cops he was Young Thug's nephew, the son of YT's oldest sister ... but it's unclear why he chose to share the information. A source close to Young Thug confirms the relation.

As for what happened ... we're told Grier first told responding officers he was fending off 2 armed, masked intruders, but officers say he eventually admitted to shooting Destiny in the face. A neighbor allegedly heard arguing in the residence prior to the shooting.

Grier was arrested and charged with murder.

As you know, Young Thug is currently in custody as well ... on a wide range of RICO charges after being denied bond multiple times. His fellow YSL artist, Gunna -- also charged in the RICO case -- was in court Thursday trying to get released on bond, but a judge shot it down.

We've reached out to Young Thug's legal team for comment on the situation with Grier ... so far, no word back.

Magic Johnson Annual Vacay W/ LL Cool J In Greece Aboard 270 Ft Super Yacht!

Summer officially started in June ... but it's not really here until Magic Johnson and his famous pals hop aboard a $150K a day luxury super yacht and cruise to some of the most beautiful places in the world!

The 62-year-old Lakers legend and wife Cookie, along with LL Cool J (a staple on the summer vacation), toured an ancient citadel called Acropolis of Athens ... and it looks like they had a great time.

LL and Magic -- complete with a spear and shield -- even posed with a man dressed as an ancient Greek warrior, in addition to taking in all the sights.

The boat trip has been a tradition for years ... going back to at least 2017 when the Hall of Famer dropped $680K weekly on a yacht that he lived on for several weeks. Johnson hasn't missed a year since ... not even a global pandemic could stop him.

In addition to LL ... other celebs like Samuel L. Jackson (who may be on this trip, too), Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete, and others were on the trip in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

As for the actual yacht -- named the Solandge -- it's pretty darn incredible. The 85-meter ship has 8 staterooms for 12 guests. It holds a crew of up to 34. The yacht was initially built in 2013 ... and it got a facelift in 2019.

Solandge has just about every amenity you could dream of ... including a jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, gym, helipad, and movie theatre.

To rent the yacht, it'll cost you about $1 million a week.

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Unclear where the group, who also made a stop in Santorini, intends to go next in the Mediterranean.

But, then again, why even get off the boat??

Gregory Itzin President Logan from '24' Dead at 74

Gregory Itzin, star of "24," "NCIS" and several other huge TV hits, has died ... according to a close friend and co-worker.

Gregory played U.S. Prez Charles Logan for 6 years on "24" ... a brilliant role, alongside Kiefer Sutherland, that earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Sorry for the spoiler (it's been more than 10 years, though), but Itzin's villain turn in the series is pretty epic.

"24" executive producer Jon Cassar shared the news of Gregory's death Friday morning on Twitter, saying "He was one of the most talented actors I had the honor to work with, but more than that he was an all around great guy. He'll be missed by his 24 family who had nothing but love & respect for him."

Itzin went on to nab roles on "NCIS" -- as Director Charlie for several seasons -- "The Mentalist," "Judging Amy" and "Star Trek: Enterprise" ... where he played Admiral Black.

He even had a bit role in the Phoebe wedding episodes of "Friends."

Gregory is survived by his wife Judie and their 2 children.

He was 74.

RIP

Kim & North We Louvre Paris!!! Private Museum Showing

Kim Kardashian went full tourist mode while in Paris for fashion week ... getting a private tour of The Louvre with her daughter North West.

Kim and North, joined by Kris Jenner apparently got a sneak peek inside one of the world's most famous museums before it opened up to the public.

Of course, the trio made a point to get some serious facetime with the Mona Lisa ... and marvel at the museum's other famous pieces. Kris posted an almost eerie pic showing the usually bustling halls of The Louvre totally empty for their private tour.

The sightseeing comes on the heels of the duo's busy trip for Paris Fashion Week. Kim and North have been spotted out on several occasions, including the Balenciaga show.

Talk about a fun summer break for North.

NHL Draft Top Pick's Parents Swap Steamy Kiss ... Commentators Love It!!!

Forget cheering or crying ... Maveric Lamoureux's folks straight up swapped tongues to celebrate their son's selection in Thursday's NHL draft -- and it was such a wet kiss, the broadcast's commentators even noticed it!!!

Just seconds after the Arizona Coyotes drafted Lamoureux -- a Canadian defenseman -- with the 29th pick of the first round ... the 18-year-old's parents got in a little tonsil hockey.

ESPN's cameras managed to catch the PDA -- and, of course, its analysts couldn't help but remark on it.

The guys giggled on-air, with the show's host, John Buccigross, saying, "Get after it, Mom and Dad!"

But, the TV guys weren't the only ones who seemed to notice the makeout sesh ... Lamoureux also appeared to see it, and looked sheepish on stage about it all!

After the kiss, Lamoreux's dad said during an interview that he's very proud of his son, calling it "the best day of my life."

Congrats to Mav ... now go get a room, Mom and Dad!

'Outer Banks' Stand-In Family Offered Support From Cast & Crew ... But Red Cross Donations Most Appreciated

The amount of support for "Outer Banks" stand-in Alexander "AJ" Jennings has been massive since his untimely death ... but his family says the best way to honor him would be to donate some cash to a charity.

LuJean Jennings, Alex's mother, tells TMZ ... they've been offered help for funeral costs from "Outer Banks" cast and crew members, but she thinks a donation to the Red Cross would make more sense, given the deep ties he has with the org -- and it's not just his CPR and lifeguard certification.

Alex, who stood in for Chase Stokes on the Netflix series, was born in Russia and was adopted from an orphanage when he was 18 months old. He was proud of his heritage ... up until Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- something he found extremely upsetting.

Being a 22-year-old actor, Alex didn't always have the means to make financial contributions of his own, but his family would often send money to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The fund assists people leaving Ukraine with shelter, basic aid items and medical supplies.

Alex's family is asking those wanting to show support for the late actor to help the refugees by chipping in to the IFRC instead.

As we reported, Alex was struck and killed by two vehicles early Tuesday morning in Charleston, both of which fled the scene. According to preliminary reports, he was walking along the main thoroughfare between James Island and Folly Beach when he was hit.

The first vehicle left him for dead -- not long after that, he was apparently hit by a second vehicle that also split.

Fitness on All 4's Personal Trainer such a Dog ... And So Fit!!!

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ATYPICAL TRAINING
Kennedy News & Media

A personal trainer is inspiring the latest exercise fad ... by mimicking what dogs do.

Nathaniel Nolan faced a dilemma ... he wanted to stay fit, but high-intensity workouts caused intense joint pain. So, what's a 31-year-old personal trainer to do ... run like a dog on all 4's.

That's what the Indianapolis dude calls it ... "all fours training." He scurries around on his hands and legs for hours a day ... and it's done wonders for him. Turns out its really good strength training and it made him super flexible. And, you know what flexible dogs can do, so congrats!!!

Nathaniel acknowledges he gets scoffed at by folks who think he's crazy, but he doesn't give a damn. In fact, it's catching on like wildfire ... millions have viewed his doggy-style workouts on TikTok.

He's been doing it for a year and swears by it.

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Nathaniel also does exercises of the human variety ... breakdancing, handstands, push-ups, and martial arts ... so exercise doggy-style is not the only game in Indianapolis.

Westminster ... he's comin' for you!!!

'RHOC' BRAUNWYN WINDHAM-BURKE SPLITS WITH MODEL GIRLFRIEND

'RHOC' alum Braunwyn Windham-Burke and her girlfriend, Victoria Brito, have called it quits after nearly 9 months of dating ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the former couple tell TMZ ... the two ended things early this week. We're told the relationship had gotten tough to manage over the last few weeks due to the long distance between them and their work schedules.

We're told last weekend, Vic was on a work trip in Mexico and Braunwyn was in Orange County, CA ... and the two realized things just weren't working because they couldn't spend the time together they had hoped for -- not to mention, Vic lives in NYC.

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We're also told they fell fast and hard at the beginning, but the spark didn't stay strong.

TMZ broke the story ... Braunwyn and Vic first started dating in November 2021, and were spotted together in December when they put on a full-blown PDA show on Miami Beach.

It was back in 2020 when Braunwyn came out a lesbian, after splitting from her husband Sean ... the two have 7 kids together.

Jake Paul I'm Still Down To Fight Tommy Fury ... After Hasim Rahman Jr.

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON
TMZSports.com

Despite the Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury fight falling apart for the second time, The Problem Child tells TMZ Sports he STILL wants to beat the pugilist reality star's ass ... after he defeats Hasim Rahman Jr.

"I'm considering [fighting Fury] after August 6, but I want to fight at Madison Square Garden, and the show must go on whether or not Tommy Fury's in the arena. I don't wait for people. I don't need to wait around. I have a responsibility to my fans to put on shows."

Of course, Jake and Tommy were set to scrap at MSG in NYC in August ... until Tyson's younger bro learned he wasn't able to enter the United States (backstory here).

Despite the official account, Jake says he's skeptical Fury truly wants the fight.

"I don't buy it. I had multiple people hit me up that said, 'I can get him in. I have connections to people at the embassy. We'll get him his visa, no problem.' And I DM'ed Tommy and he just went into hiding."

FYI, it's the second time Jake and Tommy were scheduled to fight. Back in December, Fury pulled out after saying he developed a "chest infection."

Enter 31-year-old Hasim Rahman Jr. -- a professional boxer with a 12-1 record who previously trained with 25-year-old Paul -- stepped in on short notice to accept the fight.

He's bigger and more experienced ... so, we asked Jake if he believes HR Jr.'s a tougher test than Tommy.

"Yeah, this is a harder opponent than Tommy Fury," Jake says.

The 5-0 boxing star continued ... "Look, [Hasim] has more amateur fights, he has more heavyweight fights. He’s a heavyweight. He’s been in boxing his whole entire life. He’s older, more experienced than Tommy Fury and has been in a lot bigger fights and has sparred with some of the toughest heavyweights in the world.“

If Rahman Jr.'s name rings a bell ... there's a reason. His dad, Hasim Rahman, was a 2x heavyweight champ who once absolutely starched boxing great Lennox Lewis.

In fact, Jake says Rahman Jr. is such a step up in competition, his own brother and team advised him NOT to accept the fight.

"Really my manager, and even my own brother [Logan] was like 'Yo, you shouldn't be doing this fight. Like why do you want to do this? The risk isn't worth the reward.'"

"And I was just like, 'Yo, I'm built different.' I really want to do this. I want to prove to the world that I can knock out a professional boxer no matter how good he, or she is, or anyone. I'll knock out anyone!"

We also talked to Jake about star boxer Amanda Serrano, signed to Paul's MVP promotions, beef he has with Rahman, and much more!

Fight goes down August 6 on Showtime PPV! Then, third time's a charm?

Guess Who This Lovable Kid Turned Into!

Before this cute kid was putting out top chart bangers and making viral TikTok videos, she was just a city kid working the cash register and growing up in The Bronx.

She first emerged on the scene when she was portrayed as a feisty and quick-witted rapper on VH1's "Love & Hip Hop." She holds the record for being the first female artist with back-to-back number one songs on the 'Hot R&B/Hip-Hop' chart.

Need one more hint? She may have an array of expensive cars, but she is proud to say that she doesn't have a driver's license.

Can you guess who she is?

Steph Curry You Want My Autograph??? Gimme 30 Push-ups!!!

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PUSHUP PAYMENT
Instagram / @stephencurry30

If you want an autograph from Steph Curry ... you might wanna start hitting the gym, because one fan needed to drop and give the NBA star 30 push-ups to secure his signature.

The NBA Finals MVP was playing golf Thursday at a celebrity tournament in Lake Tahoe, CA when a young fan asked how many push-ups he needed to do for a John Hancock.

Steph told the fan the magic number was 30 -- the same number he wears for the Golden State Warriors -- so the kid removed his hat and emptied his pockets before busting out 30 perfect pushups right on the tee box.

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TEE TIME
Instagram / @stephencurry30

The fun interaction is all on video ... and Steph even signed the jersey before the fan reached the finish line, drawing a laugh from the crowd.

Fresh off his fourth NBA championship, Steph is playing in the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe along as part of a field stacked with celebs.

Steph's going up against the likes of Justin Timberlake, Miles Teller, Ray Romano, Colin Jost, Nick Jonas, Joe Buck, Bret Baier and Anthony Anderson ... plus famous athletes like Aaron Rodgers, Charles Barkley, Vince Carter, Patrick Mahomes, Tony Romo, The Miz, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young.

Steph Curry with Kids
CURRY'S COASTIN'
TMZSports.com

Chef Curry's been living it up since winning the Finals last month ... chugging tequila at a championship parade after-party and hitting up a theme park with his family.

Polo G 2021 Arrest Footage ... Mouthin' Off in Miami, Never Backs Down!!!

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COP COMPARISON

Miami Police have released body cam footage of Polo G's 2021 arrest, and it all unfolds like a night the "RAPSTAR" would probably love to forget.

The footage is related to the story TMZ broke back in June 2021 ... Polo was arrested right after his "Hall Of Fame" album release party with both cops and the Chicago-bred rapper claiming they were roughed up in the process.

Charges of Resisting an Officer Without Violence were later dropped after Polo completed anger management classes and the newly released footage shows why those were probably necessary.

One portion of the video shows an officer inside a police cruiser using his computer ... as Polo is yelling at him off-camera about his career choices in becoming a cop.

Polo's insults seem to roll off the officer, but then their convo touches on an all-too-real scenario of a cop being killed in the line of duty, leaving his kids fatherless.

Later in the video, Polo is seen getting medical aid as he pleads his case, claiming cops caused him to "blackout" when they first apprehended him. Meanwhile, cops alleged Polo was kicking their car like a madman during the arrest.

His mother/manager Stacia Mac gave a play-by-play commentary of the chaotic incident at the time, claiming her son was racially profiled following the party.

The whole ugly incident is in his rearview now -- Polo's found plenty of "Distractions" as of late, dropping a new song and upcoming album with hip hop beat and BBL producer Southside.

Derek Chauvin Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison ... For Violating George Floyd's Civil Rights

Derek Chauvin was just sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for violating George Floyd's civil rights during his murder.

The former Minnesota cop took a plea deal back in December, admitting he kept his knee pinned on Floyd's neck when Floyd became unresponsive, and was sentenced on Thursday ... getting 245 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Chauvin was in the courtroom when the judge read the sentence, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, and waved to his mother and friends in the gallery when he was brought in.

Minneapolis Police 5/25/20
EXCESSIVE FORCE
Facebook/ Darnella Frazier

Floyd's brother, Philonise, gave a victim impact statement ... saying George was murdered in broad daylight for the world to see, accusing Chauvin of using excessive force that went against his police training.

George's brother also remarked how George would not be there to see his daughter grow up ... and Philonise said George's life mattered.

Chauvin's mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, also spoke in court ... telling her son she would visit him often in prison and hoping she would still be alive when he's released.

As we reported ... Chauvin was already found guilty of murdering Floyd and sentenced to 22.5 years behind bars.

Gunna Denied Bond AGAIN in YSL Rico Case ... Lawyer Says 'Justice Is Not Being Served'

Gunna's come up short again -- denied bond for the second time, because the judge believes his involvement in the Young Stoner Life camp could lead to witness intimidation.

Judge Ural D. Glanville once again rejected all of Gunna's attorney's motions ... leaving the rapper stuck in his Fulton County Jail cell at least until his case goes to trial in January 2023.

Gunna's attorney Steve Sadow tells TMZ Hip Hop, "Sergio Kitchens a/k/a Gunna and the defense team are very disappointed in the denial of bond. Gunna produced substantial evidence that bond was warranted for him. The prosecution again produced no evidence at all; instead, it chose to rely on vague and non-specific allegations and speculation through the statements of the prosecutor alone."

He added "justice isn't being served" by repeatedly denying Gunna bond on his way to an inevitable not guilty verdict.

Prosecutors asked the court to block access to addresses and contact information of witnesses from defense attorneys until 30 days before the trial.

Gunna has been going hard for his freedom ... penning an open letter to the U.S. Constitution on his birthday this year, which was capped by his No. 1 album "DS4EVER."

He's accused of receiving stolen property and possession of drugs with intent to distribute ... allegations to which he's pled not guilty.