'Naked And Afraid' Contestant Melanie Rauscher Dead at 35

"Naked and Afraid" contestant Melanie Rauscher has died under mysterious circumstances in Arizona -- her body was recently found near cans of dust cleaner, TMZ has learned.

Melanie, who appeared on 2 seasons of the popular Discovery Channel show, was dog sitting at a residence in Prescott, AZ while the homeowners were away on vacation, according to Corey Kasun, a rep for the Prescott Police Department.

The homeowners returned on the afternoon of July 17 and found Melanie deceased on the bed in the guest room, Kasun said.

We're told several cans of compressed air -- which can be used to clean dust off computers -- were found near her body. It's unclear if Melanie consumed the contents of the cans.

Cops say there were no obvious signs of foul play, and they did not find a suicide note or drug paraphernalia. The dog was okay.

The Yavapai County Medical Examiner will determine Melanie's cause of death.

Melanie was mainly a contestant on "Naked and Afraid" in 2013 and the spinoff show 'XL' in 2015. Close castmate Jeremy McCaa posted a touching tribute to Melanie on his FB page, saying he was "feeling broken."

Melanie was 35.

RIP

Dave Chappelle I'm Opening For Chris Rock and Kevin Hart!!!

Dave Chappelle doesn't usually open for people, but he did on Saturday when he warmed up the crowd -- yeah, more like supercharged the crowd -- for Chris Rock and Kevin Hart.

It was a huge surprise to all over at Madison Square Garden in NYC ... Dave just came out on stage, cig in hand with no intro. He walked out to Radiohead's "Karma Police" and then talked extensively about cancel culture ... and the crowd ate it up.

There was an oblique reference to the venue that canceled his performance in Minneapolis a few days ago after protests erupted. Dave said, "Had to sneak my way in here," adding, "despite what you may have read about in the news, I’m okay, and I appreciate the support."

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He wasn't just up on stage for a few minutes either ... it was a traditional opening set, which lasted more than 20 minutes. Dave talked about getting tackled at the Hollywood bowl, suggesting his bodyguards were slow on the uptake because they were wearing dress shoes ... grousing they were "sliding all over the place like at a bowling alley."

He made it clear ... he was pissed at news outlets that called the attack "alleged" ... it was, after all, captured on video.

As for his attacker's punishment, Dave said he hopes the guy gets monkeypox behind bars, adding, "not that he should die, but his ass should itch for four to six weeks."

When it was Chris Rock and Kevin Hart's turn, they killed for an hour, both referencing Will Smith several times. Chris also mocked cancel culture, saying, "Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face."

The show ended with all 3 on stage, and there was a contest of sorts over who was the G.O.A.T. Kevin said Chris was it, and Dave chimed in ... "This is the worst night of this goat’s life."

Kate Moss I Testified for Johnny 'Cause I Believe in Truth

Kate Moss opened up about her critical testimony in the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial, and she says it's as simple as honoring your duty to be a truth-teller.

As you know, Kate shot down rumors that Johnny had pushed her down a flight of stairs when they were dating years ago.

Amber fueled the rumors on the stand, which opened the door for Kate's virtual testimony, in which she said not only did Johnny NOT push her, but after she fell he was an angel, carrying her back inside their hotel room and calling for help.

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DENYING THE PUSH

Kate told the Desert Island Discs, "I know the truth about Johnny. I had to say that truth."

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FLASHBACKS TO KATE

Moss went on to say "fairness and justice" is what it's all about, so it wasn't difficult to take the oath and tell her story.

Johnny and Kate had dated for 3 years back in the '90s. There were rumors maybe they had rekindled their romance -- ala Ben and J Lo -- but that's not the case.

Kate and Johnny remain friends ... and that's what friends are for.

Rage Against the Machine Tom Morello Tackled by Security ... Oops!!!

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Rage Against the Machine has bodyguards that actually may be TOO on the ball, because an eagle-eyed hired muscle tackled a fan who rushed the stage and one of the band members got nailed as well.

It all went down Saturday night in Toronto, when Rage was playing its final song -- "Killing in the Name" -- and a fan (in a red shirt) sprinted toward the front of the stage, only to be blocked by security and hurled off into the crowd.

Thing is ... guitarist Tom Morello was collateral damage. Security made contact with him, knocking him to the ground close enough to the lip of the stage that he fell off.

It was a tense moment, as everyone waited to see if Tom was ok ... after a dramatic pause, he got up and waved to the crowd, which roared its approval!

Fact is ... security did its job and did it well. It happened really fast, so there was no time for precision. It's kind of funny ... Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, Dave Chappelle clowned his security at the Hollywood Bowl when he was tackled, saying they musta been wearing street shoes.

It's been a rough tour so far. On the second stop, singer Zack de la Rocha injured his leg, and ever since mostly sits down during sets.

Xzibit's Estranged Wife He's Lying About Finances ... He Can Afford Spousal Support!!!

Xzibit is lying to the court about his financial situation simply to avoid writing some big checks to his estranged wife for spousal support ... at least according to her.

The former "Pimp My Ride" star's estranged wife, Krista Joiner, claims in new legal docs Xzibit is making it seem like he's fallen on tough times when in reality he's got millions in cash.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Krista claims Xzibit's brother told her he takes home over $1 million a month from cannabis companies and stores the cash in multiple locations using bank-sized vaults. She says the bro also told her he personally stored $20 million for Xzibit in various vaults and brings X cash on demand.

In the docs, she paints a much different financial picture of Xzibit than he has. As we first reported, the rapper claims he isn't making any money from his weed ventures and is struggling to make ends meet.

Krista, who filed for divorce in February 2021, also says X is lying about her going behind his back to get a new lease on a 2021 Bentley, dragging her feet on the sale of the family home and living in the mansion with her new boyfriend.

She claims Xzibit is full of baloney ... and she's accusing him of trying to sway the court's opinion so he doesn't have to cut her huge monthly checks.

His estranged wife says she's the one having a tough time financially ... claiming she recently lost her job and has no earnings to support herself or their son.

And, get this ... Krista claims Xzibit has been ignoring her requests for gas money, food and haircuts for their son, and says she had to go through attorneys to beg X to pay for their kid's inhalers.

We reached out to Xzibit's camp ... so far no word back.

Malik Monk LeBron, AD & Russ Can Coexist In L.A. ... 'It'll Work Out'

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Malik Monk may no longer be a Laker, but he says his old team will be just fine with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook all returning ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the big three will work things out this season.

The Lake Show made news this week after reports of a three-way phone call between the superstars ... in which they allegedly expressed their commitment to figuring out how to coexist.

We spoke with Monk -- who recently signed a 2-year, $19-million deal with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason -- out at LAX on Tuesday ... and he says he's confident his old teammates can bounce back and have a better season.

"They grown men," Monk said. "Especially when they have convos like that, it’ll work out for them. They all great."

Of course, the 2021-22 season was a mess for the Lakers -- they missed the playoffs as AD missed a ton of games due to injury ... and Russ' production was a serious issue.

Despite all that, Monk had the best season of his career ... and said the leader of the Lakers deserves some credit for it.

"LeBron had a big part of everything," Monk said when asked how James shaped his career. "He had a big part in me coming to L.A."

"It's Bron, bro. He gon' try to help every teammate he comes in contact with. So, I have nothing bad to say about him."

"You got to play at a level he plays at," Monk added. "If not, you going to get surpassed. That’s why he’s so great."

As for his new team, Monk has a message for NBA fans ...

"Just be ready."

Showgirl Marawa Is The Hottest Thing On Wheels!

This week's Summer Hot Shots comes from the sweltering streets of Los Angeles where 12x World Record-holding international showgirl Marawa strapped on a pair of her signature-heeled skates ... and the photos are wheely, wheely hot!

When this SoCal smoke show isn't turning heads with her skate shots ... Marawa spends her time honing her skills on hula hoops, jump ropes, aerial rings and even a pinch of magic for her audiences both live and on her Instagram and TikTok!

That's how She rolls!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2022 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!

Be sure to check back every Sunday this summer to see who's overheating your computer modem.

'Fast & Furious' Director Justin Lin Finds Buyer For $5.5M L.A. Penthouse

'Fast & Furious' director Justin Lin just got several million dollars richer ... cause he's found a buyer for his penthouse condo in the heart of Los Angeles.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... Justin Lin accepted an offer on the condo this week, and the price tag is definitely a come-up from the $2.6 mil he paid back in 2012.

Justin was using the 3-level penthouse as an office for his production company, Perfect Storm Entertainment over the past few years ... and, the third floor was used as a small apartment.

From the looks of it, the new owner is gonna enjoy some pretty amazing views of downtown L.A., along with some cool features ... including a 24-hour concierge, a newly remodeled gym, swimming pool and a rooftop that's fully decked out!

It's really done up ... exposed brick with an industrial feel. Very cool.

Although he recently stepped away as director of 'Fast & Furious 10' -- slated for a May 2023 release -- Lin has a busy schedule, so selling this place is one less thing to worry about!

Justin Lin was able to find a buyer with the help of his brother Jimmy Lin, who held the listing ... along with Compass agents Justin Alexander and Tab Howard.

Josh Groban Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Josh Groban's looks over the years are simply harmonious!

Here is a 21-year-old version of the multi-Grammy Award-winning musician serving up a fresh and young look at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles back in 2002 (left). This was just a year before debuting one of his biggest hits "You Raise Me Up."

And, 20 years later ... the singer turned actor is still rockin' his wavy locks and recently attended the 2022 Young Arts New York Gala at The Metropolitan Museum in New York City (right).

Mr. Groban has kept his curls intact!

The question is ...

Josh Groban ...

Saweetie Shoots Her Shot w/ Handsome Fan ... What's Your Name, Hun?!?

Saweetie called out one of her fans in the middle of a show -- but it wasn't to reprimand him or anything ... it was to point out that she thought the dude was right up her alley!

The rapper was performing at Rolling Loud in Miami Friday, and at one point during her set ... Saweetie took a breather and looked out into the crowd. Before long, she locked eyes with a handsome fella down toward the front row -- and actually started talking to him.

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Check it out ... Saweetie addresses a young buck in a white tank top, plucking him out of the audience and asking him to step forward so she can get his name. It's Will, BTW.

They go back and forth for a little bit, and it sounds like either Saweetie or her DJ/hype man says he's just her type. She asks Will if he heard her verse on Mozzy's "In My Face," but it's unclear what she was trying to communicate ... although it seems provocative.

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Eventually, the guy's friends start chanting his name at Saweetie's request -- and Will here was loving it. Later, Saweetie posted an interesting IG ... feet out the window, asking "Wya?"

Unclear if anything more came of this -- but if not, that ain't stopping Will from enjoying his 15 minutes. He's clearly proud to have gotten a lustful look from Saweetie, and we're sure he'd take her up on any kind of follow-up she'd be interested in. Hey, she is single. 🤷🏽‍♂️

'Soylent Green' Trends After NYT Asks ... Why Is Cannibalism So In Right Now???

A NYT piece has Twitter buzzing about a question regarding cannibalism, and why it's so trendy now ... ominously reminding people of an old movie touching on just this topic.

The story published by the paper Saturday is titled, "A Taste for Cannibalism?" ... and the Times' tweet promoting it reads ... 'Cannibalism has a time and a place. Some recent books, films and shows suggest that the time is now. Can you stomach it?"

The whole premise explores why eating people has appeared so prevalently in our pop culture these past few years -- whether it's in newer movies like "Raw" or "Fresh," shows like "Santa Clarita Diet" and "Yellowjackets" ... or even novels of late that delve into the subject.

It's an interesting read -- different theories are mulled, like cannibalism being embraced anew in fiction as a response to angst over the pandemic, climate change, food shortages, capitalism, eating disorders, politics or just old-fashioned thrills from societal taboos.

But as the Times also notes, cannibalism in media is nothing new ... with depictions of it dating back to olden times -- but more recently in films like 'Silence of the Lambs,' or perhaps more prominently in 1973's 'Soylent Green' ... which is trending right now over this.

Naturally, the memes are flying ... with some jokingly pointing out 'SG' actually takes place in the year 2022, and that all this cannibal content might be a forecast of what's to come.

Of course, that's kooky talk. But the internet's losing its head about it anyway. If the day does come, though, we start eating our own ... at least do it with some dignity, folks. 😋

UFC's Paddy Pimblett Emotional Over Friend's Death ... After Fight Night Win

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett gave a powerful speech about mental health after his big win at UFC Fight Night in London ... revealing he found out on Friday his friend took his own life.

Pimblett won a hard-fought battle against Jordan Leavitt via submission in the second round ... and after briefly celebrating the victory, his demeanor quickly changed while speaking to Michael Bisping in the post-fight interview.

"I woke up on Friday morning at 4 AM to a message that one of my friends back home had killed themselves," Paddy said. "This is 5 hours before my weigh-in. So Ricky lad, that’s for you."

"There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk," he added. "Listen, if you’re a man, and you’ve got weight on your shoulders, and if you think the only way you can solve it is by killing yourself, please speak to someone. Speak to anyone."

"People would rather, I know I rather they cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. Men start talking."

Paddy -- who was clearly overcome with emotion -- then collapsed to the canvas and broke down in tears ... finally allowing himself to grieve over the loss of his friend.

Pimblett -- who also dedicated his fight to 4-year-old Baby Lee Hodgson, who tragically passed away from cancer last month -- was in tears as he left the arena ... with the crowd cheering in support.

Pimblett improved to 19-3 with the win ... and says he will return to the Octagon before the end of the year.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Bill Maher New Bond is 'P***ified' ... 'Memba When He Just Banged???

Bill Maher misses the days of old -- especially when it comes to James Bond ... whom he says has gone soft and mushy in the Daniel Craig era, going so far as to call him "woke."

The 'Real Time' host dished his thoughts on the fictional spy character during the most recent episode of his podcast, "Club Random with Bill Maher," where he was chatting with YouTuber Hannah Stocking about how he feels Bond has changed ... for the worse.

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Watch ... Bill says they've turned 007 into a watered-down stud, who's deeply in love and in a committed relationship in this last installment, "No Time to Die" -- which BM says is so unlike Bond and counterintuitive to the spirit of the OG character by author Ian Fleming.

To make his point, he recalls when Denise Richards starred in "The World Is Not Enough" -- Pierce Brosnan's 2nd-to-last go-around -- and killed it by playing a hottie scientist/the love interest.

It's unclear if Bill's suggesting that actress Lea Seydoux, who's Craig's GF in the last two flicks, *isn't* hot -- because that's just wrong, she totally is -- or if his beef is more so with the dynamic in these newer Bond movies ... aka, lovey-dovey. In any case, he doesn't dig it.

Bill even says Bond bringing his gal (and their kid) along for the climactic mission at the end is super weird -- joking the MI6 agent might as well have stopped off for tampons.

Of course, not everyone agrees with Bill's take -- there are a lot of folks who actually like how Bond has progressed over these past several years ... with some saying he's perhaps more fleshed-out, complex and interesting than any other iteration before this.

We're sure Barbara Broccoli and co. agree ... and will keep this trend going in the future.

Martha Stewart Coyotes Killed My Peacocks Midday ... Also, Here's Marvin Gaye!!!

Martha Stewart sure knows how to set the mood -- but the one she went for with this sad announcement might be ... a little off.

The famed home-life guru made news Saturday by revealing several of her peacocks had gotten murdered by wild coyotes at one of her farms -- presumably the one she has in upstate NY ... an attack that apparently happened in broad daylight.

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MS writes, "RIP beautiful BlueBoy. The coyotes came in broad daylight and devoured him and five others including the magnificent White Boy any solutions for getting rid of six large and aggressive coyotes who have expensive tastes when it comes to poultry??"

She goes on to explain she's no longer gonna let her peacocks -- of which she has upwards of 21, as she's previously explained -- roam outside of their enclosed yard. Martha also says they're going to add wire fencing to the top of their pen area to avoid more episodes.

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Like we said ... definitely a sucky update. And while we're sure Martha is devastated -- she sorta suggested the opposite with the music she set her IG post to ... namely, Marvin Gaye.

Indeed ... as video of one of her peacocks rolls, so too does MG's "Let's Get It On." And yes, there's a lot of jokes and memes in light of that. Hey, it is mating season for them ... maybe she's encouraging the survivors to honor their dead by multiplying with more offspring. 😅

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Heckler Slams Hubby Joe ... She Says Thx, KCCO

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KILL 'EM WITH KINDNESS

Dr. Jill Biden is taking hate aimed at her hubby in stride -- absorbing a heckler's harsh words and redirecting them right back at 'em with a little reverse psychology.

The First Lady showed grace this week while out in New Haven, CT -- one of 3 states she's set to be visiting as part of a new tour to promote summer learning -- where some dude standing on the sidewalk about 30 yards from her let Mrs. Biden how he felt about Joe.

Check it out ... while Jill was heading into a building -- reportedly for an ice cream break amid the day's event -- the man shouts from a distance ... saying JB's the "worst president we ever had," and adding that she (and Joe maybe?) owe the American people gas money.

Nothing too crazy, but what's wild is Jill heard it loud and clear ... and responded. Rather than just ignore the jab, which she could've done, she spun it around -- and gave thanks!

DJB says she appreciates this fella's support and keeps it moving ... looks like the back-and-forth actually gave some of her Secret Service members a chuckle -- 'cause, yeah, it's funny.

As for why she was there to begin with ... it seems Jill did exactly what she was supposed to do with success. Of course, Joe's got COVID -- so it looks like his wife's stepping in for a bit to shake hands and meet people on the ground until he's up and running again.

Henry Cavill No Shows WB Comic-Con Panel ... Despite 'Superman' Rumor

Henry Cavill was rumored to possibly be a presence at Comic-Con this weekend on behalf of Warner Bros. -- but its time came and went ... and there was no red cape in the sky.

A Deadline report suggested there were rumblings Cavill might actually be appearing this weekend down at the event to talk more "Superman" during the WB/DC panel, which just wrapped ... and no sign of HC anywhere (unlike in 2012, where he was front and center).

So, yeah ... the rumor and/or report was BS -- which is a bummer, because fans were juiced about the possibility of Henry being announced for more movies in the titular role.

It's not in the stars, though, it seems. This would've been a perfect opportunity to signal some sort of plan about what Warner -- now fused with Discovery -- is going to do with their biggest IP ... but it sounds like they're still unsure of where the brand is going. That, or they're sure they're done with Cavill. Of course, some have already seen that coming.

Instead of 'Superman' news ... WB trotted out new trailers for 'Shazam! 2' and 'Black Adam' -- with The Rock actually making allusions to the Man of Steel in a hypothetical match-up.

Dwayne kept things close to the vest -- and at the same time ... did a major tease on the would-be fight between his character and Clark Kent. He says he'll defer from answering that for now ... because it depends on who's playing ol' Supes. AKA, Henry isn't cast ... yet.