Hailey Bieber Big Victory in Trademark Battle ... Going Forward with 'Rhode' Skincare Line

UPDATE

10:13 AM PT -- 7/23 -- A RHODE spokesperson tells TMZ ... "Our lawsuit continues. [The] court ruling is simply a decision by the judge not to prohibit Hailey Bieber’s skin care line from using our brand name while litigation proceeds, deferring the ruling until we have the opportunity to gather more evidence. It is exceedingly rare for a judge to issue the preliminary order we sought, and so we expected this outcome. We remain confident that we will win at trial. “Rhode” is our name and brand, we built it, and federal and state laws protect it. We ask Hailey to achieve her goals without using the brand name we have spent the last nine years building."

Hailey Bieber is legally cleared to launch Rhode -- her new skincare line -- after a judge shot down a NY company's claim she's stealing its trademark, and she's wasting no time in using it.

TMZ broke the story ... a clothing company called Rhode NYC filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Hailey in an attempt to block her new biz venture. Hailey, whose middle name is Rhode, argued her company is strictly dealing with skincare ... and not clothing, so there would be no confusion for the public.

Well on Friday afternoon, a federal judge sided with Hailey ... denying Rhode NYC's motion for a preliminary injunction.

Shortly after the emergency hearing, Hailey released a behind-the-scenes documentary called, "The Making of Rhode" on her YouTube channel.

Her lawyers submitted the documentary to the court -- after the clothing co. filed a complaint with the court over its release -- but the judge saw no reason to shut down the film's debut.

This is a huge victory for Hailey -- Rhode NYC lost its battle to immediately shut down her company. While the clothing co. can still make arguments that she's causing market confusion ... it's gonna be an uphill battle, now that Hailey's biz is up and running.

Originally Published -- 7/22 4:53 PM PT

Actress Storm Reid Livin' and Lovin' The College Life ... And Check Out My Baller Dorm!!!

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
TMZ.com

Storm Reid is all about dorm life on the West Coast as she continues her acting career ... and it's a balance she thinks is crucial to being a well-rounded person.

We got the "Euphoria" star at LAX ... and she tells us school's always been important to her -- she's gunning for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, studying film production and African American studies.

She thinks it's important for people to get an education, no matter their situation. Now the dorm thing. Yes, she lives in a dorm at USC, but it's not the garden-variety dorm you see on most campuses. It's way bigger, kitchen and all!

In case you missed it, Storm did a collab with Amazon recently, giving an "MTV Cribs"-style tour of her 450-square foot dorm room ... clearly showing off baby blue as her favorite color.

Storm tells us she's got a great friend group in her dorm. She's even joined some social clubs on campus, to make sure she gets the full experience.

As for her degree, she's hoping to eventually use it to start directing and producing projects.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Thursday's primetime January 6th hearing was gripping and the Trump outtakes were deeply troubling, and geez J Lo and Ben ... get a room!!! So, we gotta ask ...

Trump Was Fine If Pence Had Been Killed

Trump Knowingly Triggered Insurrection

Ricky Martin Fully Exonerated ...

J Lo And Ben Making Out In Front Of Their Kids ...

Chelsea Handler/Jo Koy Split ...

COVID Is Like The Flu ...

Kim Will Marry Pete ...

Tristan Thompson Partying In Greece ...

Worldwide Heat Wave Evidence Of Severe Climate Change ...

Blue Jays Star Alek Manoah Hey, Drake ... Come Watch Me Pitch!!!

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM!!!
TMZSports.com

Blue Jays ace Alek Manoah just pitched in front of a sold-out stadium full of fans and celebs at the All-Star Game -- but there's one guy he really wishes would have come to watch him throw ... Drake!!!

Manoah made it clear to TMZ Sports just before he took the bump at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday that he really wants the "God's Plan" rapper to catch one of his games.

"Come watch me pitch!" Manoah said in a message to Drake.

The 24-year-old even offered some incentive to the entertainer if he does make the trek to one of his outings soon ... telling us, "We'll give him a uniform!"

Of course, Drake is a big Blue Jays fan -- he's worn the home team's jersey at his concerts in the past ... and even famously put a pic of Joe Carter on his "Back to Back" hit's cover art.

But, it's obvious he's far more into Toronto's basketball team than its baseball team ... and it seems Manoah is trying to work his magic to get that to change.

So ... see ya at Rogers Centre soon, Drake??

Stars Vacaying In Italy ... Arrivederci!

Stars are in the thick of summer and according to social media, they've been fleeing their everyday lives and drifting off to Italy. Whether sailing the Amalfi Coast or sipping Florence's finest wines, celebs are living quite lavishly, and they are giving you a little taste.

In typical Kardashian-Jenner fashion, Kris Jenner and her boo Corey Gamble are having yachts of fun under the Italian sun, while daughter Kourtney Kardashian and new hubby Travis Barker kept the Italian romance alive and waltzed through the streets of Milan.

Check out our gallery of all the jet-setting-stars vacaying in beautiful Italy ... When in Rome!

Background Stars When People in The Back ... Become The Center of Attention!!!

Social media has made it possible for a new center of attention to emerge during sometimes serious events and broadcasts ... Thursday night was the man dubbed "Clark Kent's look-alike" at the Jan. 6 hearing, but he's not the first person in the background to steal the show.

Remember "Left Shark?" The costumed character, who we were first introduced to during Katy Perry's Super Bowl Halftime show in 2015, was trending on Twitter and has become a pop culture staple over the years.

There was also "Fiji Water Girl," who was simply tasked with holding the bottles for celebs at The Golden Globes back in 2019, but became something more by appearing in more red carpet shots than previously thought possible.

Before "Clark Kent" there was "Hot Debate Guy" who stole the spotlight during the Republican debates in 2015. Turns out he was Gregory Caruso, the 24-year-old son of now L.A. Mayoral hopeful, Rick Caruso.

Not even the Royal Family can escape background scene-stealers, Prince William and Kate Middleton's flower girl in 2011, Grace van Cutsem, showed the world her true feelings when the two kissed.

Of course, there are countless more, and social media users are always looking to find their next background obsession.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

It's quite possible to be outsmarted by the Harvard graduate Yara Shahidi, but do you have the skills to solve the minor differences in these two images?

The 'Grown-ish' star hit New York City to do some press for her upcoming work projects, and she shut down the New York sidewalks with her orange flower ensemble.

Without taking a double take, can you navigate yourself to the front of the line and see the ever-so-slight changes? If so, you will feel you've gotten something off your chest!

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Yara Shahidi photos!*

Ben & Jen Packin' On The PDA In Paris ... She Takes His Last Name

UPDATE

5:31 PM PT -- J Lo is officially taking her new husbands' last name, and she is now legally known as Jennifer Affleck.

UPDATE

TMZ obtained Ben and Jen's marriage license, and the doc shows her name change.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Remember ... Jennifer telegraphed the name change after we broke the story of her wedding, posting a series of photos from the ceremony along with a note she signed, "Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck."

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez certainly aren't slowing down on their PDA, especially after tying the knot ... and their kids got a front-row seat to the love fest.

Ben and Jen grubbed at Le Matignon Thursday with 13-year-old Seraphina, 16-year-old Violet, and 14-year-old Emme as the combined families spent some time in Paris. The newlyweds couldn't stop themselves from locking lips, and the kiddos seemingly looked away.

Ben and Jen hit the Gardens Elysée early Friday, where that PDA sure didn't slow down ... Ben even snapped some pics of his new wife as they walked around.

As we reported, the pair might be using this trip as a mini-honeymoon in the city of love after their recent Vegas wedding.

The two soaked in the sights from their luxury hotel room before venturing out into the city.

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DRESSED TO THE NINES!!!
onthejlo

TMZ broke the story ... Ben and Jen tied the knot in Las Vegas early Saturday morning in a tiny chapel ceremony that included their children, and they're planning to throw a massive wedding party with close friends and family at the actor's Georgia estate in the coming weeks.

Originally Published -- 6:55 AM PT

Chuck Lorre 'Two and a Half Men' Creator Files for Divorce

"Two and a Half Men" creator Chuck Lorre is closing the curtain on his third marriage ... filing for divorce.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, "The King of Sitcoms" is ending things with Arielle Lorre after about 3 and a half years of marriage. The docs state the two have a prenup in place, and Chuck will pay spousal support as well as attorney's fees.

Chuck, repped by "Disso Queen" Laura Wasser, lists irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

The two got hitched in October of 2018, and according to Chuck, ended things in May of 2022. They do not have any kids together.

Lorre is a TV legend ... not only did he create "Two and a Half Men" -- he also created "Dharma & Greg," "The Big Bang Theory," "Mom," and "Young Sheldon." Forbes says he's worth an estimated $650 million.

69-year-old Lorre was previously married to Paula Smith from 1979-1992 and Karen Witter from 2001-2010.

Plane Crash Pilot Goes Down in the Surf Right Off the Beach!!!

It's not just the waves crashing in SoCal's famed Surf City -- a plane slammed into the Pacific, just a few dozen yards from the beach ... and the miracle here is the pilot's condition.

The small plane went down Friday in Huntington Beach around 1:30 PM, and was so dangerously close to shore, a guy chilling in the sand captured crystal clear video of the crash.

The guy's reaction as the plane crashed into the surf might be the most SoCal reaction ever -- he yelled out, "Oh, dude!!! I have it on video!"

The fact the pilot went down so close to shore might have played a factor in his survival -- you can see lifeguards immediately sprung into action. Huntington Beach city officials tell TMZ ... those lifeguards were able to pull the pilot from the plane and quickly get him on land. He was not seriously injured, but went to a hospital to get checked out.

Interestingly, there was a junior lifeguard competition on that section of the beach, but they were not involved in the rescue. Can't beat that kinda on-the-job training, though.

The FAA is investigating the cause of the crash.

2022 San Diego Comic-Con Cosplays Are Out Of This World!!!

This year's Comic-Con is in full swing in San Diego -- and as always, swarms of people are going all out to dress as their favorite pop culture creations and mash-ups.

2022's convention kicked off Friday, and the looks are just as impressive as what we've seen in years past ... including a father-and-son duo dressed as Homelander and Billy Butcher from Amazon's "The Boys."

There's even a sick trio of Poseidon with a couple of mermaids -- check out the detail.

Fans of "Stranger Things" will be runnin' up that hill after seeing a life-sized Vecna cosplay roaming the halls ... using a pair of stilts for extra height.

Of course, Comic-Con wouldn't be complete without some character mash-up costumes ... just ask Darth Austin Powers and his pink stormtrooper babes.

There's a Spider-Man decked out in Captain America-style garb, Boba Fett stuck inside a Boba tea cup, and Deadpool dressed as Doctor Strange.

Vince McMahon Retires From WWE

UPDATE

5:17 PM PT -- Stephanie McMahon addressed the WWE universe for the first time since her father, Vince, retired earlier today, thanking him for his commitment to the company over the decades and leading the fans in a "Thank you, Vince" chant.

UPDATE

Vince McMahon -- the longtime chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment -- is retiring from his role with the company, he announced Friday.

"As I approach 77 years old, I feel it's time for me to retire as Chairman and CEO of WWE," McMahon said in a statement.

"Throughout the years, it's been a privilege to help WWE bring you joy, inspire you, thrill you, surprise you, and always entertain you."

"I would like to thank my family for mightily contributing to our success, and I would also like to thank all of our past and present Superstars and employees for their dedication and passion for our brand."

Vince bought the company from his father, Vincent J. McMahon in 1982 ... and has been the face of the brand ever since.

Vince was responsible for the "Attitude Era" in the 1990s, which turned professional wrestling into a mainstream phenomenon ... and helped Superstars like The Undertaker, Kane, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Chyna and more become household names.

The billionaire is also the mastermind behind WrestleMania ... which just had its 38th installment this past April.

McMahon bought WWE's biggest competitor, World Championship Wrestling, in 2001 ... making his company the most dominant organization in the sport.

"Most importantly, I would like to thank our fans for allowing us into your homes every week and being your choice of entertainment," he added. "I hold the deepest appreciation and admiration for our generations of fans all over the world who have liked, currently like, and sometimes even love our form of Sports Entertainment."

Vince recently stepped away from his role as chairman and CEO ... amid an investigation into alleged misconduct. His daughter, Stephanie, was named interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.

The investigation comes after a report claiming McMahon allegedly agreed to pay $12 million in "hush money" to 4 different women over a 16-year time period ... so they would not discuss their relationships with him.

McMahon appeared on "WWE SmackDown!" shortly after he voluntarily stepped down ... and made a speech that felt like a goodbye message to fans.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 1:16 PM PT

Shaq Ridin' Around ATL In A School Bus!!! ... Encourages Papa John's Employees To Get Degrees

Shaq hit the road in a bright yellow bus, driving straight to a Papa John's restaurant ... to talk with team members about how they can get a free degree.

A rep for Papa John's tells TMZ ... Shaq, who's a board member and franchisee owner, drove around ATL in a customized school bus Friday, heading to a restaurant in the area to talk about the company's education offer.

He chatted with team members about the importance of continuing their college education -- he's even inviting them to earn a degree, with all tuition and fees paid by Papa John's through the Dough & Degrees program.

The program makes it possible for Papa John's team members to go to school at no cost -- tuition, books and fees are completely covered. While other programs will reimburse students, the company is making sure they take care of the costs upfront.

It covers degrees from Associates to Masters ... over 60 team members have graduated debt-free in a variety of fields since the program Dough & Degrees launched in 2019.

Shaq's no stranger to Papa John's or Atlanta -- he invested in 9 local restaurants a few years back, looking to simply give back to the community.

After Shaq's trip to the restaurant, he got back in his bus and personally delivered pizza to ATL customers, letting them know how their order helped employees. What a guy!!!

January 6th Hearing 'Clark Kent' Look-alike Identified ... Up, Up And Away!!!

The mystery hunk o' man seated inside the Jan. 6th hearing -- who's being called "Clark Kent" for obvious reasons -- is taking the Internet by storm, and TMZ's learned his previously secret identity.

Sorry to disappoint folks, but he's not a superhero ... although he's in a heroic field of work. Sources tell us he's 23-year-old Alex Wollet ... a med school student from Ohio.

Right now he's living in D.C. and doing a fellowship at The National Institutes of Health -- so, yeah ... Dr. Fauci and co. have some eye candy in the office. We obtained a photo of Alex wearing what looks like the same suit he was rocking at the hearing Thursday night.

The guy became a big thing online during the televised hearing ... where he was -- not accidentally, we think -- seated in the front row. He's already getting so much attention, he's switched his social media accounts to private.

As you know, the January 6th Committee is still undergoing hearings regarding last year's insurrection ... attempting to make the connection between former President Donald Trump to the storming of the Capitol.

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CHANGING THE SCRIPT

Trump was exposed Thursday night as the Committee played outtakes of his pre-recorded Jan. 7th speech to the nation, making it clear the only thing he cared about was propagating the lie he'd won the election ... even after the deadly insurrection.

Zac Efron and Netflix Sued You're Not Down To Earth!!!

Zac Efron and Netflix are tarnishing a health and wellness brand's good name with their streaming series ... according to a new lawsuit.

The actor and streaming giant are being sued over "Down To Earth With Zac Efron" by a company called Down To Earth Organics, which claims the Netflix travel show is hurting their biz.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, DTE claims they locked down the rights to "Down To Earth" for media and entertainment purposes well before Zac and Netflix premiered their show.

DTE says the Netflix series, which follows Zac around the globe to find healthy, sustainable ways to live, is trying to create a new "Down To Earth" wellness brand ... and the company says it's hurting their bottom line by confusing customers.

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What's more, DTE says the Netflix series' advice on wellness "has been widely ridiculed" and is pushing "damaging false nutrition claims." ... and they're not fans of Zac using the show to cross-promote Nature Valley snack bars on social media, because DTE says they offer their own healthy snacks with the trademark.

DTE is going after Zac and Netflix for damages ... and they want an injunction prohibiting Zac and Netflix from infringing on their "Down To Earth" trademarks.

We reached out to Zac and Netflix ... so far no word back.

Donald Trump Video Outtakes from Jan 6th ... Exposes True Feelings About Insurrection

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CHANGING THE SCRIPT

Donald Trump was exposed Thursday night in the very building where he fanned the flames of insurrection ... and the outtake of his speech to the nation January 7th makes it clear -- the only thing he cared about was propagating the lie that he won the election.

The outtake is both shocking and, frankly, comical. When he gets to the part where he talks about the rioters breaking the law, he stops and exclaims, "I can't say that!" There's another part where he's supposed to say the election is over, but he won't say the words.

The January 6th Committee made it clear ... Trump only gave the speech because there was a move both in The White House and Congress to get him out of the Office of President, either by the 25th Amendment or impeachment.

There's a part of the outtake right out of the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show' with Ted Baxter. Trump is talking about what happened the day before and after flubbing the word "Yesterday," he says, "Yesterday is a hard word for me."

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OFF THE CUSP

In another outtake, shot on January 6th, where Trump is supposed to quell the violence by calling off the insurrectionists, he begins with his grievances over the election results and ends with it as well.

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TIME TO TAKE TRUMP DOWN

Rep. Adam Kinzinger delivered rousing, impassioned remarks about Donald Trump and the impact of what he has done to American democracy. It's definitely worth watching.

Something else that came to light ... when Trump finished his speech in the Rose Garden and walked into The White House, he ran into a staffer and said, "Mike Pence let me down." There was no reference to the attack on the Capitol.