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Kobe Bryant would've turned 44 on Tuesday ... and his wife, Vanessa, penned a heartfelt birthday note on Instagram, writing she loves and misses him so much.

Vanessa posted a photo of her and her NBA legend hubby from 2009 ... when Kobe won his 4th NBA title and 1st NBA Finals MVP.

You can see Bryant -- wearing his 2009 NBA championship shirt and hat -- hugging Vanessa post-game ... and they were both all smiles.

"Happy birthday, baby!" the 40-year-old said Tuesday.

"I love you and miss you so much! #44 ❤️ @kobebryant"

Since Kobe -- who she married in April 2001 -- and daughter Gigi's untimely death, Vanessa has been honoring them in countless ways ... including getting tattoos in their honor, launching the Mambacita clothing line, and taking her 3 other daughters to Italy -- where Kobe was raised.

"Visited Reggio Calabria," Vanessa said in July, "a city my husband lived in when he was about 8 years old."

Of course, Bryant went on to play 20 seasons in the NBA -- winning 5 championships and 2 NBA Finals MVP ... was an 18-time NBA All-Star, broke numerous records, and is known as one of the best NBA players ever.

The homeless man beaten down by cops in Arkansas is now on the hunt for justice of his own, speaking with multiple attorneys to possibly represent him moving forward.

Sources connected to 27-year-old Randall Worcester tell us family members bailed him out of jail Monday in Van Buren, AR.

We're told he met up with his family hours after his release to talk strategy ... particularly where they'll go, legally, from here.

Our sources say Worcester has spoken with several attorneys already, and his family has been in contact with Bobby DiCello, an attorney out of Cleveland whose website claims he's "earned multimillion dollar verdicts for victims of civil rights abuses, catastrophic injuries, and defective products."

Bobby tells us he's making travel plans to be with Worcester and his family soon, and that everyone involved is shocked and appalled by the now-viral video ... and they're eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get Randall some justice.

As for what that justice might entail, nothing is off the table ... but first, Bobby tells us he's hoping for open dialog between cops and Worcester's family to talk about what happened and how to solve it.

The video, recorded Sunday at a gas station, is stunning ... you see 3 officers punching, kicking and slamming Worcester's head on the pavement. Cops reportedly were called to the scene because Worcester threatened a gas station clerk.

As a result of the investigation, 2 Crawford County Sheriff's deputies have been suspended and an officer from the Mulberry Police Dept. has been put on administrative leave.

DiCello, who also represents the family of Jayland Walker -- the man shot by cops 46 times -- says the suspensions are a good start.

Legendary H.S. football coach Gary Gaines -- who was portrayed in the iconic "Friday Night Lights" book and film -- has died after battling Alzheimer's, his family announced Monday.

He was 73.

"Following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, it is with great sadness that the family of Coach Gary Gaines announces his peaceful passing this afternoon," his family said in a statement.

"Memorial plans will be announced in the coming days. Thank you for remembering our family in your thoughts and prayers."

Gaines -- whose coaching career ultimately spanned over four decades -- got his start at Petersburg High School in Texas in 1977 ... but he's most known for his time at Permian H.S.

In 1980, as an assistant under head coach John Wilkins at Permian, Gaines helped lead the team to the Texas 5A state championship.

Gaines, though, will be most remembered for how he was portrayed in "Friday Night Lights" -- the book/movie about the journey of the 1988 Permian High School football team that marched toward a championship.

Gaines enjoyed tremendous success during his stint at Permian ... leading the team to a perfect 16-0 season and the 1989 5A state championship.

"Friday Night Lights" received an ESPY for "Best Sports Movie" in 2005 and won "Movie of the Year" that same year. Billy Bob Thornton famously portrayed Gaines in the flick.

Meghan Markle is recalling a horrifying incident ... where she learned baby Archie's nursery caught fire while they were away.

The Duchess of Sussex opened up about the incident for the first time on the premiere of her podcast, "Archetypes" -- telling Serena Williams in 2019 that her son was 4 months old when they took him to South Africa.

She says they dropped their son off at a housing unit before going to give a speech nearby ... and when she was done, Meghan learned a fire had broken out in Archie's room.

After racing back, Meghan found Archie unharmed -- his nanny took him out of the room while she went to go get a snack ... after they walked out, a heater in the room caught fire.

The CW has had some of its big stars hit the pause button over mental health -- just the latest examples of what's becoming a big thing in Hollywood.

Jordan Elsass posted a video this week addressing his recent departure from 'Superman & Lois' ahead of its third season ... he plays a major character in the series, Jonathan Kent. Jordan says, it all had to do with mental health.

In his clip, posted to Cameo, JE explains he's been going through it, and had to step away from his on-camera job. He says he's needed some time to himself, and expresses solidarity for anyone looking to do the same ... including the guy to whom he's sending the message.

It's pretty interesting ... Elsass says he may never act again if it means he'll be happy.

Actor Tyler Blackburn -- who's on the CW show 'Roswell, New Mexico' -- has been experiencing something similar ... which has resulted in him being absent through much of Season 4 thus far, only to have him reappear on Monday night's new episode.

It was a pretty big deal, seeing how TB hadn't been featured since June -- he's only appeared in two episodes this season ... the premiere and one other.

He took to Twitter to explain his absence ... "Alex is alive! Thank you to my knight in shining armor @MichaelVlamis and the incomparable @heatherhemmens for her insane creativity, professionalism and patience. Also, thank you to the @RoswellNMRoom and the entire crew of @CWRoswellNM for helping me this season."

Blackburn adds, "I was dealing with intense health issues that lead to, at times, intense mental health issues during seasons 3 & 4. I had to step down from filming season 4 and every single person in the cast and crew, as well as everyone at @warnerbros and @TheCW  showed so much compassion."

Seems he's back now, and ready to roll again. But, yes, he too was on a break for a while ... just like Elsass is doing now.

Tom Girardi and Erika Jayne's stuff from their ritzy property has got to go -- so there's a fire sale of sorts underway ... and it's first come, first serve to the highest bidder.

Contents from the former couple's Pasadena mansion are now up on the auction block, helmed by John Moran Auctioneers ... which is hawking any of the goods in an effort to pay down debt owed in Tom's bankruptcy case.

There's a lot of stuff they're trying to unload here ... everything from furniture and décor to valuable art pieces and sports memorabilia that have graced Tom and Erika's home for a long time.

Here's some of the most valuable items up for grabs -- the biggest ticket item is a 1997 Steinway piano that's expected to fetch anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000. The auction house says it's a rare edition, and considered one of the finest instruments of its kind in existence.

There's also mid-century art from guys like Joan Miro and David Hockney -- paintings and etchings that could rake in thousands of dollars on their own -- plus a few Glenna Goodacre bronze sculptures ... one of which is valued at between $30k-$40k alone.

Other things being sold include ... Girardi's personal library, which includes his own personal law books, rugs, wall mirrors and a variety of sofas and lamps. They could all bring in a haul of tens of thousands of dollars combined, if not more.

The court-ordered sale is scheduled to get underway on September 21, starting at noon.

This is a place that Erika was once proud to show off on camera -- she's given a tour of the Pasadena estate -- but, of course, her ex-hubby has fallen into trouble with the law ... as authorities have alleged his old firm mismanaged tons of client assets for their own use.

Gary Busey flatly denies he sexually assaulted anyone, and believes his accusers made up the entire story.

Busey was in Malibu Monday and the photog asked if he had any regrets about how he acted during the Monster Mania convention in New Jersey over the weekend, Busey said he had zero regrets, because he did nothing wrong.

Busey was charged with several counts of criminal sexual contact and harassment ... this after he allegedly put his face close to a woman's breasts and asked where she got them. The woman claims he attempted to unlatch her bra strap. Another woman claims he grabbed her butt. Cops also got a call from a man who claimed Busey grabbed his daughter's butt as well.

Busey told the photog "nothing happened." He said the whole interaction with the women lasted less than 10 seconds and they made up the story after the fact.

Busey also claims he has witnesses ... a photog and another person, his partner, who will back up his story.

The photog asked if it's possible he could have acted inappropriately but was unaware ... he said there was no chance of that.

Busey is supposed to be arraigned August 31.

Beyonce and Jay-Z are doing their own version of "The Love Boat" -- sailing the high seas through Europe ... this after setting the music world on fire.

The couple was spotted Monday on a mega yacht -- a multi-level vessel that looks damn expensive -- where they were looking out onto the ocean blue ... or at least Bey was, snapping some pics with a digital camera.

Jay eventually was out there as well -- and he, too, was taking photos -- not too far from their kids, who were enjoying an onboard swim with nannies and staff in tow. When you're this rich and you're cruising on a boat this nice ... that's how ya do childcare.

Take a look at this thing in the wide shots ... it's like a floating palace on water.

Seems like the Carter-Knowles brood is enjoying these final days of summer ... but if we're being honest, they can kinda take a vacation like this anytime they want.

Their trip here is well-deserved. Bey's fresh off a major album drop -- her eighth solo project, "Renaissance" topped the charts and crushed in sales ... despite some early criticism of its dance tracks.

Firmly back on her throne ... Queen Bey apparently needs some R&R. Or, in this case, mega R&R.

An MLB fan learned the hard way on Monday night it's best to stay in your seat at Yankee Stadium -- 'cause as soon as he left it to take a jaunt on the field ... he was DECKED by security guards.

The moment all happened in the seventh inning of the big Yankees vs. Mets tilt -- when a man thought it'd be fun to hop an outfield wall and attempt to bother NY right fielder Starling Marte.

But, the dude didn't get very far at all -- witnesses at the game say he was pummeled by authorities almost as soon as his feet hit the grass.

Video taken from the outfield seats shows the guy was then manhandled by guards -- who threw him around like a ragdoll.

Eventually, the guy was cuffed and escorted off the turf. No word yet if he was arrested -- we've reached out to cops, but so far, we haven't heard back yet.

The guy ended up missing a pretty good ending to the game -- the Yankees went on to close the door on the Mets, 4-2.

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has proved she can have the time of her life AND stay clean -- because her drug test has come back negative.

The 36-year-old PM's office revealed the results of her test Monday ... confirming there were no traces of narcotics found in her system.

As we reported, Marin found herself in hot water after a video leaked last week ... showing her going hard at a party with musicians, TV stars, and fellow politicians.

The clip caused quite the stir -- Finnish Member of Parliament Mikko Kärnä called her out on her party animal behavior ... being one of the first to insist she take a drug test.

'Power Rangers' star Jason David Frank's wife is waving the white flag on marriage to the White Ranger ... she's filed for divorce and is accusing him of having an affair.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Tammie Frank claims Jason committed adultery ... and she cites the alleged infidelity as one of the reasons for their split.

Jason's estranged wife also says the marriage wasn't working because of discord and conflict between them, and she says she can no longer live with Jason because of his cruel treatment toward her.

Famous for playing Tommy Oliver in the 'Power Rangers' franchise, Jason married Tammie back in May 2003 ... and she lists July 1 as the date of separation. They do not have any minor children together.

Jason's estranged wife is asking the court to award her the lion's share of their assets ... including their house in Texas and a car.

Tammie posted a cryptic message on Instagram last week about new beginnings and removing "wrong people," who've hurt you, from your life.

Irene Bedard, the actor who voiced Pocahontas in the animated film, sounds like she had a rough day ... based on what cops are saying about her latest arrest.

The Disney star was arrested Friday in Greene County, Ohio for disorderly conduct ... and the arrest report paints a pretty sad picture.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, cops say officers were conducting a welfare check after receiving a report a woman had passed out in the bushes on a residential street.

When police arrived, they say they found Irene in a nearby parking lot and she displayed a roller coaster of emotions ... one moment she's talking calmly with cops and the next she's upset and crying.

Cops say Irene was with another woman, Sheila, who told police the name of someone they could contact for Irene ... causing Irene to scream about not wanting that person to get involved. Officers say Irene then dashed away from them and almost knocked over a table on the sidewalk.

The report says Irene stopped running and calmly walked with cops for a moment, then suddenly became furious over a previous interaction with police.

Remember ... Irene was arrested twice over a three-day period back in November 2020, and police body cam shows her getting hostile with the officers who showed up to talk to her.

After things allegedly got heated this time, cops say Irene backed into a large window while yelling at the officers, who grabbed her by the wrist for fear she would shatter the glass, escorting her away.

Police say they confirmed Irene had no one to call to care for her, then told Irene she was under arrest ... and that's when cops say she tensed her arms and tried to pull out of one officer's grip, resulting in other officers restraining Irene with handcuffs.

The drama didn't end there ... cops say Irene became dead weight when they were taking her to the police car, so she had to be held up.

Irene was taken to Greene County Jail, where she was booked for disorderly conduct ... and we're told she was released from custody on Sunday.

Vanessa Bryant had some emotional support Monday in her trial against L.A. County over crash-site photos ... walking in shoulder to shoulder with Ciara and Monica.

The 2 singers arrived with VB and her daughter Natalia ... all the women forming a united front. They sat behind Vanessa during testimony from an internal officer with the Sheriff's Dept.

They never left her side ... at certain points in Monday's proceedings, Vanessa had to step outside -- and both Monica and Ciara went out with her.

The trial's been going on for nearly two weeks, and it's been an emotional rollercoaster for the Bryant family ... and Vanessa in particular. She got on the stand herself last week to testify about how the thought of photos of her late husband and daughter's remains being circulated among County employees -- including first responders -- mortified her to this day.

As you know ... she's suing L.A. County for emotional distress, among other claims, and the jury got to hear firsthand how this whole ordeal has affected her since Kobe and Gigi's passing.

Vanessa has remained stoic as she comes and goes each day -- but inside it's been difficult for her ... especially during graphic testimony.

"Airplanes" rapper B.o.B is brushing off student protestors upset some of his past lyrics are being construed as anti-semitic.

Members of the University of Central Florida Jewish community have called for a boycott of his upcoming August 25 tour appearance for their Welcome Week … citing his 2016 flat-earther, Neil deGrasse Tyson-dissing track “Flatline” for its olive branch extended towards Holocaust denier David Irving.

Bobby Ray tells TMZ Hip Hop he doesn’t have any issues with any colors or creeds, and the show will go on as planned this week.

B.o.B says that particular time period was a weird one for him -- but he learned a lot through massive book consumption and traveling the globe.

He even considers himself a cancel culture survivor ... having taken lumps on social media for his deep philosophical dives.

The enigmatic rapper just released a 12-song album titled “Better Than Drugs” ... but says he’ll clarify his past flat-earthing and other conspiracy theories on a new song called “TED Talk” to be released on another project in the near future.

B.o.B acknowledges his mind is a strange one ... and says great artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Drake share his pain.

Former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman is taking his knockout loss to Leon Edwards in stride ... telling TMZ Sports he's "feeling great" and looking forward to their trilogy fight.

The "Nigerian Nightmare" was handed his first UFC loss with just one minute left in their 5-round bout on Saturday ... getting hit with a left head kick that sent him to the canvas.

Despite losing his belt, 35-year-old Usman is handling the situation incredibly well ... and giving props to his opponent for landing the knockout blow.

"Everything is great," Usman said. "It was just -- what a shot. It was a great shot. I'm talking Hail Mary in the Super Bowl, last 10 seconds. That was a great shot, man."

Usman says he's watched the fight several times now ... and thinks his friends and family are actually more upset about the outcome than he really is.

"It's like everyone's more sad about it than I am," he added. "Everyone's more emotional about than I am but that's because -- for me, that's a good thing 'cause it lets me know that people care, people are invested."

Usman is turning the loss into a positive ... saying he now has the chance to inspire people as he continues his career.

"I'm in a rare opportunity. I have a rare opportunity now to just inspire and motivate and show people that you can fall and get back up. I'm excited."

Canadian actress Kristin Kreuk was just 18 years old when she first started playing Lana Lang -- the first love interest of Clark Kent ... who faked her death and tends to be gullible -- in the early 2000s Superman TV series "Smallville."

Kristen was cast alongside Tom Welling as the intensely strong Clark Kent, Michael Rosenbaum as the son who's seeking his father's approval, Lex Luthor, Erica Durance as the highly inquisitive and deeply investigated, Lois Lane and Allison Mack as the highly manipulative stealer and watchtower, Chloe Sullivan.