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Ricky Martin says he's been "persecuted, besieged, harassed, stalked and extorted by a maladjusted person" -- AKA his nephew -- and he's now suing the guy who made wild accusations against him.

Martin filed a lawsuit Wednesday in San Juan against Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, who the singer claims is trying to "assassinate" his reputation.

Dennis had claimed back in July that he had a 7-month long romantic relationship with Ricky, and when it ended Ricky began stalking and harassing him -- something Ricky said was patently false. The nephew had filed a restraining order but when the heat was on him he withdrew the whole thing.

According to the new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the nephew hasn't stopped. Ricky claims a month after Dennis withdrew his restraining order, he began sending messages to Ricky through Instagram ... threatening to "assassinate his reputation and integrity" unless he anted up cash.

Ricky says in the lawsuit before Dennis filed for a restraining order, he was publicly boasting about being Ricky's nephew. Ricky says the nephew bombarded him with messages -- sometimes more than 10 in a single day -- for 4 months.

Ricky says the messages were clearly written by a "maladjusted individual."

Ricky says the nephew then went rogue, posting the singer's cell phone number on his Instagram. Ricky says the nephew also made an IG account for one of his children, which made him uncomfortable.

Ricky says he's lost numerous, multi-million dollar deals because of his nephew's false allegations, and now wants no less than $20 million to compensate the singer for his losses.

Paul Anka just got a huge tribute over in France ... where President Emmanuel Macron presented him with one of the nation's highest honors.

The "Put Your Head On My Shoulder Singer" tells TMZ ... he's humbled and proud to become an officer in the French order of merit, with Macron bestowing the honor this week in Paris.

As you see, Paul and Macron shared a toast and sipped Champagne during the celebration ... and Anka's got a pretty spiffy badge -- a blue sash with the star of a Grand Cross, signifying the award.

France's "Ordre national du Mérite" was first bestowed way back in 1963 under then-president Charles de Gaulle ... and while it's generally reserved for French citizens, Paul joins a select list of foreign recipients and he's easily the biggest name.

Paul tells us it was a "very special moment for him" ... and you can tell from the pics ... he's wearing a huge grin.

Remember ... Paul is still playing sold-out venues across the world at age 81, including packed houses in France on his recent European tour.

If there's anyone Apple might wanna impress, it's Steve Jobs' daughter, but the fact is she's far from blown away by the new iPhone ... which she thinks is pretty much the same as the previous edition.

Eve Jobs, daughter of Steve and Laurene Powell Jobs, reacted to Apple's Wednesday announcement of the new iPhone 14 by posting a popular meme ... and adding her own twist of shade.

Eve is basically saying folks who upgrade from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14 aren't getting anything different from before.

Lots of folks in the comments are mostly in agreement with Eve ... some people are pointing out a lot of the tech specs between the iPhone 13 and 14 are the same ... including screen size, refresh rate, storage, CPU and the cameras.

Aries Spears is speaking out for the first time publicly after he and Tiffany Haddish were sued for grooming and molesting two children during an old skit they performed ... calling the whole thing a shakedown.

In a preview for his podcast "Spears & Steinberg" Aries admits there's not a whole lot he can't say, given the pending lawsuit ... but does take the time to thank his listeners and fans for all of their support over the last week.

He then gets more serious, calling the lawsuit an "extortion case" and a shakedown, saying, "We won't be shaken down."

Spears's comments come just a couple days after Tiffany Haddish posted about the situation on Instagram, saying, "But, clearly, while this sketch was intended to be comedic, it wasn't funny at all – and I deeply regret having agreed to act in it. I really look forward to being able to share a lot more about this situation as soon as I can."

Both comedians were sued by a male and female plaintiff who claimed they were groomed and convinced to take part in explicit skits. The girl claims she was 14 at the time and the boy just 7.

The skit, "Through a Pedophiles Eyes" with the young boy, included Spears applying massage oil to him as well as the boy making sexually suggestive motions with toys.

Barack and Michelle Obama are back in the White House ... this time forever.

The former president and first lady returned to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Wednesday to unveil their new presidential portraits, which will adorn the White House walls along with their counterparts.

Barack was in a great mood, making everyone laugh and smile ... remarking on how "fine" his wife looks in her portrait.

While Barack mostly kept it fun, Michelle made a powerful speech. She says the Obama portraits -- a biracial kid with an unusual name, and the daughter of a water pump operator and stay-at-home mom -- serve as a reminder there's a place for everyone in America.

Barack and Michelle want the paintings to inspire folks from all walks of life ... they say if the Obamas made it to the White House, so too can anyone.

Reclusive rap legend MF DOOM passed away in October 2020 but his handwritten book of lyrics and rhymes remains with record label exec Eothen “Egon” Alapatt ... at least according to DOOM's widow.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained a statement from DOOM’s widow claiming Alapatt still has her late husband's rhyme book. Jasmine Dumile tells us there have been many unsuccessful attempts to get back the documents, even before DOOM passed.

She adds, "We had hoped after DOOM transitioned Egon would do the right thing and return the books to the family but he has continued to ignore these requests. Unfortunately, Egon is not the only former associate abusing the likeness, art and life's work of DOOM."

Egon owns Now-Again Records, and is a business partner of producer Madlib, DOOM’s renowned collaborator from their 2004 effort "Madvillainy."

However, Jasmine would not specify which "former associate" referring to in her statement -- she said she'll say more when it's "appropriate."

Blackstar rapper Talib Kweli prompted stirred this up last week when he slammed Egon for refusing to return the book in good faith … even after DOOM officiated his wedding in 2012.

Egon has done interviews in the past detailing his friendship with DOOM but Kweli calls it all a farce.

Tyrese is fuming over his divorce case -- where he was ordered to keep paying $10k/month in child support -- and wants a new judge to weigh in, claiming the old robe had it out for him.

The actor filed new legal docs this week, obtained by TMZ, that spell out the reasons that he wants a fresh set of his eyes on this case -- with the main one being that Judge Farmer, who was presiding over the divorce, was clearly biased against Tyrese.

There are a few examples laid out in his filing ... Tyrese says during a pretrial meeting in Judge Farmer's chambers, hizzoner apparently told Tyrese and his ex, Samantha Lee Gibson, that he thought $10,690 per month in child support was appropriate based on the financial evidence and that he didn't care if Gibson was a "greedy, gold-digging bitch."

Essentially, Tyrese is claiming this judge already made up his mind on how things should go even before hearing arguments and testimony in court.

Not just that -- but Tyrese alleges the judge's favor was shown early and often during the actual trial ... including belittling admonishments and cutting off Tyrese in the middle of his answers that were caught on video, which Tyrese says were totally outrageous. Tyrese claims his lawyer "definitely felt bullied by Judge Farmer" during the case.

Tai Emery proved she belongs as a pro fighter, but she likely won't have to do it for money, 'cause the new BKFC star tells TMZ Sports her OnlyFans page EXPLODED after she flashed her boobs from the ring!

And, we're not talking doubling or tripling subscribers ... Emery's OF page saw a 62-fold increase in fans paying to access her content -- or a 6,150% increase.

If you're doing the math ... T.E. charges $10 a month to access her content. Last week she was bringing in about $400 ... and it's money she's relied upon to survive. Now, Tai's going to be raking in around $25K a month ... or $300K per year.

"Holy moly," Tai said, "My OnlyFans went maybe 40 to maybe [2,500], or something like that."

If you missed it, in her BKFC debut, Emery, a former LFL football player, knocked out opponent Rung-Arun Khunchai with an uppercut and hook combo that sent her crashing to the canvas. As the ref called an end to the fight, Tai jumped on the ropes, pulled down her sports bra, and flashed her breasts as the Bangkok crowd cheered, a bit stunned.

But, did the R-rated celebration get Tai in any hot water with BKFC honchos or athletic commission officials?

Nope!

"I have been completely enabled to continue to be myself, and so I shall."

We asked if fans should expect another show after her future fights ... and let's just say Emery's well on her way to being a big draw.

"For sure. I'm trying to get it to a point where maybe there's like gonna be a reflection of a sea of t**ties just looking back at me in like this army of salute, from men to women."

Camila Morrone is livin' it up following her breakup from Leonardo DiCaprio ... by hitting the town with BFFs Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber for a much-needed girls' night out.

The sisterhood circle was spotted leaving Sushi Park in West Hollywood Tuesday night ... all smiles as they took to the parking lot with security in tow.

Kendall and Hailey seemed to be embracing the newly-single 25-year-old after her recent split ... and Camila looks to be havin' fun with the girls instead of worrying about the single life.

What's interesting is HB and KJ used to be good friends with Gigi Hadid, who's at least rumored to be dating Leo now! However, the model trio hasn't hung out publicly in a long time.

As you may know, Leo and Camila called it quits after 4 years of dating -- she was recently seen moving into a new place in Malibu after their breakup.

Jamie Lynn Spears is being put to the test, on not just by her sister, Britney ... she's one of 16 celebrities tapped for a new reality show where contestants go through challenges straight out of special forces training.

The former 'Zoey 101' star is competing in a new show on FOX, "Special Forces: The Ultimate Test," in what figures to be quite the celebrity experiment.

Jamie Lynn and her 15 famous counterparts will try to survive demanding special forces training exercises out in the desert ... with ex-special forces operatives running the camp, where toilets are literally just holes in the ground and beds consist of only a sheet over a metal bar.

The reality show challenges will simulate the special forces selection process, and the only way for the celeb contestants to leave is by giving up, getting injured, or being kicked out by staff sergeants ... there are no votes and no eliminations, it's all about survival.

Britney Spears' little sister will be joined on the show by Mel B, Hannah Brown, Montell Jordan, Kenya Moore, Dr. Drew, Anthony Scaramucci, Tyler Florence, Beverley Mitchell and Kate Gosselin.

A bunch of former and current athletes are competing as well, including Danny Amendola, Dwight Howard, Gus Kenworthy, Carli Lloyd, Nastia Liukin and Mike Piazza.

The Ty Cobb T206 is the "holy grail" for collectors, but for as much as the card is worth (up to millions), about 50 reportedly exist ... now, if you're looking for something truly unique, there's another piece of memorabilia that recently hit the block --

Cobb's dentures ... his actual false teeth.

SCP Auctions currently has Cobb's chompers -- top and bottom -- on the block, along with the "original plaster denture holder and brass opening device."

After Cobb's death in 1961, the teeth were preserved. Ty's biographer, Al Stump, held the teeth for years before unloading them at Sotheby's in 1999 ... to the current consignor, who held the dentures for over 22 years.

Of course, Cobb was one of baseball's first stars ... and a real problem at the plate.

In 1909 he won the Triple Crown, the A.L. MVP in 1911, and was a 12x batting champion. Cobb averaged .366 and had 4,191 hits over his 24-season career.

Cobb was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Speaking of Cooperstown, in June 2001, the teeth went on display at The Hall ... where fans were able to view the one-of-a-kind item.

The auction, which ends Friday, already has a nearly $10K bid (there have been 7 total bids).

Bam Margera bounced early from substance abuse treatment and hit up a tavern ... and he's no longer speaking to his parents.

TMZ obtained video showing Bam leaving a bar in Florida with a mystery woman. We're told Bam was at 57 Tavern in Sarasota until about 1 AM Monday, and it looks like he needed help walking out the front door.

Sources close to Bam tell TMZ ... he left treatment Sunday and has been telling friends and family he met a new lawyer friend in rehab who told Bam he could help him get out of his court-ordered rehab by leaving the state.

Our sources say Bam is shacking up at a family friend's house in Florida ... but as of last week, he's no longer speaking to his mother and father. He also has not heard from his estranged wife Nikki or seen his son Phoenix since he returned to rehab at the end of June.

We've seen this pattern before from Bam ... back in June, he fled a Florida rehab center, was reported missing, surfaced at a bar, got tracked down by the cops and was taken back for treatment.

Discovery+ is scrapping an image from their latest Armie Hammer documentary that allegedly showed a gnarly bite mark ... and they're doing away with it because viewers are convinced it looks all too similar to a tattoo found online.

"House of Hammer" dives deep into the actor's sexual abuse allegations ... and features interviews with some of his former partners, including Courtney Vucekovich, who claimed he was a really hard biter.

As she goes into details, a picture of the alleged bite mark is shown ... she claims Hammer took the picture himself, although people online were quick to call out the familiar photo.

Viewers believe the mark looks identical to a tattoo that's on Pinterest -- not only do people see matching teeth marks, but they also think the fading lines going away from the center are the same, too.

Sue Bird was visibly emotional last night as she played the final game of her legendary WNBA career ... breaking down in tears on the court as fans chanted, "Thank You, Sue!"

Bird was understandably overwhelmed with emotion ... sharing one last moment with her teammates and fans at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle following the Storm's playoff game loss against the Aces.

Sue spoke to reporters after the game ... saying she felt sad about how the season and [playoff] game went, adding that "overall it just feels kind of weird."

"I then think, as the emotions started to come to the surface, that's also what I know deep down in that, that was my last game. So it was a combination of those two things."

Bird -- a four-time champ and future Hall of Fame point guard -- announced in June she was retiring at the end of Seattle's season, capping off a remarkable 19-year career.

Since being selected with the #1 overall pick in 2002 from UCONN, Bird made 12 All-Star teams and holds the WNBA all-time record for assists.

41-year-old Bird admitted she'll miss the game that brought her so many great memories, and reflected on her legacy ... saying she hopes she's made everyone proud.

Steph Curry gave the legend her flowers in honor of her hanging up her sneakers for good in what was Bird's final send-off.

Sue finished with 8 points and 8 assists in 36 minutes of action -- and the Aces defeated the Storm, 97-92, to advance to the WNBA Finals.

Johnny Depp's attorney, Camille Vasquez, has another star she's representing in court -- though the case has nothing to do with Amber Heard -- or a sour relationship, for that matter.

Camille and attorney Steve Cook from Brown Rudnick LLP are set to rep actress Q'orianka Kilcher, who's made a name for herself on the hit show "Yellowstone."

Kilcher was recently charged with worker's compensation insurance fraud by the State of California and has hired Camille and Steve to help her fight. We're told both attorneys will appear before a judge on her behalf Wednesday in Los Angeles.

As we reported -- Kilcher was hit with two counts of workers' comp insurance fraud earlier this year after an investigation by the California Dept. of Insurance. Officials say they found evidence that she'd improperly collected over $90,000 in disability benefits.

CDOI claims she was raking in thousands over the course of 2 years, stemming from a neck injury she reported suffering back in 2018 while filming "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" ... but officials claim she continued collecting disability benefits even while filming "Yellowstone" episodes in 2019.

A source close to Kilcher tells us she didn't do anything wrong, and the accident left her really messed up, leaving her 10% disabled for the rest of her life.

This collection, CDOI claims, continued until 2021 ... and now, she's up against felony charges. Camille and co. say their client is innocent and plan to vigorously defend Kilcher.

Camille and Steve tell us ... "We are determined to defend Ms. Kilcher in this important case which examines the inherent flaws in the disability compensation system. Ms. Kilcher is a well-respected and pioneering actress in Hollywood and we intend to clear her name."

Considering the success Brown Rudnick recently had with JD, you gotta figure Kilcher is gonna get the very best defense possible.

Redman is super proud to announce he's now a licensed skydiver -- revealing he crammed hard to pass his written exam and now has 27 jumps under his belt.

The veteran rap star was out in Houston at an undisclosed film location when he earned his sky stripes ... thanking New Jersey-based Skydive Sussex and Skydive Spaceland Houston for the education and experiences.

Several of Red's hip hop peers -- Cam'ron, Busta Rhymes, The LOX's Sheek Louch, saluted his airtight accomplishment and Ja Rule made a grand revelation that he was working to become a licensed skydiver as well.

Maybe the two former Def Jam Records collaborators could do a face-off in a daredevil Verzuz?!

Apparently, Red's been at this for a while, too. Someone managed to dig up a magazine shoot from 1997 where he was higher than the birds he was flipping off.

In a separate video, Red spoke on cherishing the little treasures ahead of the bigger rewards and seems to be in good spirits.

His long-awaited "Muddy Waters 2" album is said to be finished and he's set to headline a "Goats of Cannabis" concert later this month.