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.

Graphic Video Shark Bites Off Fisherman's Finger ... 'I Lost My Goddamn Pinky!!!'

Terrifying scene out on the open waters near Florida on Sunday ... a shark bit off a fisherman's finger -- and, WARNING, video of the incident is graphic.

The attack went down in the Content Keys -- just a few miles south of Miami -- when Brett Reeder was attempting to corral a 6-foot lemon shark that he had just hooked.

As Reeder went down to grab the beast and get his tool out of the fish's gills -- it suddenly turned and chomped down on his hand.

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You can see in video of the bite -- which, again, is VERY graphic -- blood spilled everywhere ... 'causing Reeder to yell out, "F***! I lost my goddamn pinky! F***!"

Brett, according to a follow-up video posted by his wife, Mandy, had to drive the boat all the way back to shore following the bite -- while bleeding profusely.

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Brett eventually made it back to land, and was immediately airlifted to the hospital. He underwent surgery upon arrival.

It's unclear if docs were able to save Brett's pinky in the operation -- the fisherman said in Thursday's follow-up video they'll find out the official results of the surgery later this week.

Fortunately, the guy appeared to be in good spirits, somehow smiling while recapping the incident on camera.

SESAME PLACE BLACK FAMILY CALLS BS ON EXPLANATION After Seeing NEW Angle of Snub

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A LONGER LOOK
WCP Communications

The Black family whose children were snubbed by a Sesame Place character says new footage pokes holes in the theme park's initial explanation for the humiliating incident.

Remember, in response to the initial viral video ... Sesame Place put out a statement saying its Rosita character "confirmed that the 'no' hand gesture seen several times in the video was not directed to any specific person, rather it was a response to multiple requests from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo which is not permitted."

The potential problem for Sesame Place is this new, wider angle -- from the other side of the parade route -- doesn't support that ... at least according to attorney B'Ivory LaMarr.

LaMarr is representing the family of Jodi Brown -- her daughter and niece are the girls who tried to interact with Rosita -- and he believes the new video obtained by his law firm undermines the park's claim.

He doesn't see anyone offering up a child for Rosita to hold ... not anywhere near the girls, anyway. In fairness to Sesame Place, the video is shot from across the street, so you can't hear any potential conversation between parents and whoever's in the Rosita costume.

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SESAME SNUB
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Additionally, LaMarr thinks the new video shows Rosita's rejection gesture was made solely to the Black girls.

If true, that would be important because Sesame Place claimed, "The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding."

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PUSHING IT TOO FAR
TikTok/@frobabies

As we've reported ... more videos have surfaced of similar incidents at the park, and Sesame Place is promising to tighten things up with bias training and a thorough review of how park workers engage with guests.

LaMarr says he's been flooded with calls from other folks who were at the same Sesame Place parade as Jodi and the girls.

LaMarr says community activists, such as Tamika Mallory, are organizing events to galvanize people outraged by the viral video.

As for the Brown family, he says their end goals are getting whoever was in the Rosita costume fired, and getting a sincere apology from Sesame Place ... something they feel hasn't happened yet.

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SOURED ON SESAME
TMZ.com

Sesame Place tells TMZ ... they are in contact with LaMarr, and have offered to meet with him and the family to personally deliver an apology and acknowledgment that they hold themselves accountable for what happened. It also says, "We want to listen to them to understand how the experience impacted their family and to understand what we can do better for them and all guests who visit our parks."

The park says the previously mentioned bias training is now mandatory for all employees -- and it's already engaged with nationally recognized experts to deliver a more inclusive and equitable experience at the park.

UFC's Paddy Pimblett Moons Crowd At Weigh-Ins ... 'Kiss Me Ass!!!'

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PADDY'S PEACH
UFC

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett put it ALL on display at weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night ... droppin' trou and showing the whole crowd his bum as he called out fat-shamers!!

The lightweight contender is known for his fluctuating weight in between fights ... but when the time comes to hit the scale, he's always in incredible shape.

Despite getting absolutely shredded for his fights, Pimblett has been criticized by fans on social media ... and on Friday, he clearly got fed up with the haters.

"Everyone who tried to fat shame me or said I would miss weight or f***ing pull out -- kiss me ass," Pimblett said as he showed off his left cheek after weighing in at 156 pounds.

The crowd seemingly laughed it off ... which isn't surprising, given Paddy's fun spirit.

18-3 Pimblett is a rising star in the UFC ... and is facing off against 10-1 Jordan Leavitt in London on Saturday.

The two have gotten in some unique smack talk leading up to the bout ... with Leavitt promising to twerk if he wins, and Paddy saying he'll "teabag" his opponent if he comes out on top.

January 6th Insurrection New Video Shows Secret Service Desperate To Save Mike Pence and Themselves from Death

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NEAR DEATH DEPARTURE

The Secret Service barely made it out of the Capitol January 6th along with Vice President Mike Pence ... and never-before-seen video shows just how close they came to calamity.

The January 6th presented video Thursday night showing a portion of the frantic 13 minutes in which the Secret Service tried to snake its way through the riot-torn building and bring the Veep to safety.

You hear and see the sheer desperation as one of the agents says if they don't get out now they may lose their ability to leave the building. They were literally feet from the mob, which was chanting "Hang Mike Pence."

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FINAL GOODBYES

An anonymous White House official testified how grim the scene was -- there were agents asking home base to contact their families to say goodbye. It was that desperate, and you hear and feel it.

The hearing presented a compelling case that Donald Trump was the puppeteer for his minions who stormed the building, sitting in his dining room for more than 2 1/2 hours watching TV and refusing to do anything to quell the violence. He frankly seemed pleased it was happening, and, as several witnesses put it ... "he added fuel to the fire."

'Jeopardy!' Taylor Swift Fans Need to Calm Down After Contestants Whiff on Taylor Clue

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TICKIN' OFF TAYLOR NATION
Jeopardy!

Historic moment on "Jeopardy!" ... as all 3 contestants are LOSERS, at least in the eyes of Taylor Swift's legion of fans, who are destroying the competitors for missing a clue about the singer.

Yes, Taylor became the star of Wednesday night's episode when returning champ Matt Mierswa selected a $400 clue in the category, "Title That Completes the Rhyme."

The clue itself was pretty entertaining as Ken Jennings stiffly read, "And I'm just like oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh, you need to just stop, like can you just not, step on my gown?"

Matt and the other 2 contestants were dumbfounded ... no one buzzed in, and you could almost hear the Swifties screaming at their televisions!!!

DUH!!! Obvi the answer is: What is "You Need To Calm Down?"

Welp the outrage was, pardon the pun, swift as Swifties lost their collective minds on social media ... ripping into the contestants for the "triple stumper." One even demanded they "shut the whole show down."

Matt, as reigning champ, took most of the heat and, no, Swifties didn't care that he eventually took the W again.

He ended up taking home $26,644, but he better not spend a cent on attending a Taylor Swift concert. It wouldn't be pretty.

Comedian Jo Koy Love Is Still There With Chelsea ... But We're Just Friends Now

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'WE'RE TAKING A BREAK'
TMZ.com

Jo Koy says he's back in the friend zone with Chelsea Handler after their split ... but he's still got love for his ex.

We got the comedian at LAX on Thursday and asked him about his recent split from Chelsea, which came just shy of one year of dating.

Jo tells our photog everything is good between him and Chelsea despite the breakup ... he says they remain great friends.

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As we reported ... sources close to the former couple tell us their busy schedules weren't allowing them to spend enough time together to sustain a romantic relationship.

Jo is still promoting his upcoming movie, "Easter Sunday," while Chelsea's about to launch a comedy tour ... he says he's just concentrating on the film and isn't entertaining the idea of jumping back into the dating pool.

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OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL
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Even though Jo says he and Chelsea aren't talking much these days, he gives reason to believe they might get back together down the line.

Kim Burrell Making Church Return After 'Broke' Sermon ... Pastor Counseling Her

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NEED AN ADJUSTMENT
TMZ.com

Kim Burrell, the gospel singer who came under fire for insensitive comments made in church, will NOT step down -- she'll be ministering again after deep introspection and counsel from her pastor.

Kim and Pastor Dr. Mike Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Maryland, tell TMZ ... the backlash won't silence her, because she believes speaking to the congregation is her calling from God.

Rest assured, though, Kim knows she crossed a line last weekend ... and says Pastor Freeman, and others, will make sure she doesn't have a repeat performance.

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WHERE IT STARTED

ICYMI, Kim went viral for last weekend's sermon where she referred to people as "broke" and "ugly," among other tasteless labels. Kim says the remarks were made in "jest," but most folks on social media didn't buy that -- even after she put out a written apology.

Pastor Freeman explained why he's standing by Kim, telling us ... "We don't shoot the soldier we nurse them."

He insists church members want to surround the singer with love, instead of knocking her while she's down.

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Since her gaffe in the pulpit, Kim has posted a remorseful video, saying she just wants folks to see her heart.

She told us the most important thing she wants folks to know is she's sorry and takes full responsibility for her actions.

'AGT' Golden Buzzer Chapel Hart Gettin' Love From Country Legends ... We're On Darius Rucker's Album!!!

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DREAM COME TRUE
TMZ.com

Chapel Hart has been getting nothing but support from the Country music community after they snagged a golden buzzer on "America's Got Talent" ... and they're already lined up to be on Darius Rucker's next album.

We spoke with bandmates Trea Swindle, Danica Hart, and Devynn Hart and they told us they recorded a song with Darius before their audition aired this week and recently got the good news that it's making it onto his latest album.

They admit they thought they were in the middle of some catfish scenario when Darius first reached out on Twitter ... before learning the DM was the real deal.

For those unaware, Chapel Hart blew the 'AGT' judges away with their original piece, "You Can Have Him Jolene" -- a nod to Dolly Parton's famous song.

They received a golden buzzer even though all 5 had been given out -- a first for the show.

Ever since their big moment, the group's seen support from legends like Loretta Lynn, and even Dolly herself -- who called their performance a "fun new take on my song."

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Their album, "The Girls Are Back in Town," made its way to the top of the Country music charts after their episode and it sounds like a record deal is in the near future.

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