Kourtney Kardashian Fashion Week Event Takes Dark Turn ... Lights, Please!!!

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FASHION BLACKOUT
TMZ.com

Kourtney Kardashian's Fashion Week Show looks like a huge success despite the fact it was missing something very necessary when it started -- someone missed the "lights, camera, action" memo.

Kourtney's event -- for her collab with Boohoo -- began around 8:30 PM at the Highline in NYC ... she made a grand entrance with hubby Travis Barker, and everyone cheered as they strutted down the runway.

But, as you can see in the video, shortly after they hit their seats next to Jonathan Cheban ... the freakin' lights went out! The show must go on, so the models did their thing down the catwalk -- just without lights or music.

Awwwkward. Let's face it, the point of a fashion show is to show off fashions ... which gets difficult in the dark.

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Sources at the show tell us Kourtney was looking around in confusion while the lights were off, but her reaction wasn't super obvious since it was so dark.

Good thing she didn't panic -- after about 30 seconds the lights popped on and the music started too. Pesky plugs!

After that ominous start, the show continued without a hitch.

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LIGHTS OUT!!!

BTW, this was a solo mission ... Kourt handled her biz without any other Kardashians attending.

King Charles Freaks Out Over Leaky Pen ... This Bloody Thing!!!

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PEN-DEMONIUM

King Charles might be wearing the crown, but he's still dealing with problems that we commoners come across every day ... including pens that bleed like a hemophiliac.

The new British monarch was on hand for a signing ceremony at the royal residence of Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland Tuesday ... where he and Queen Consort Camilla were trying sign some sort of book.

KC3 was having trouble right off the bat ... forgetting it was September 13 and not the 12th as he was putting down his John Hancock. Camilla noted he'd screwed up earlier in the day as well. Just as Charles was pulling the pen back, it started leaking ink on his hand.

He was instantly frustrated, saying he hated the pen ... going on to angrily call it "this bloody thing" as he pawned it off to Camilla, who also noted it was going everywhere before Royal aides came to her rescue.

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GREETING THE PEOPLE
BBC World News

The King, meanwhile, stormed out ... still pissed over the writing instrument, grumbling to himself that this happens "every stinking time." It's pretty hilarious, just 'cause Charles is usually buttoned up in public. Seems this desk cam caught him in a moment of candor.

BTW, it seems pens and pen paraphernalia might be Charles' kryptonite -- the guy also had a minor meltdown earlier over the weekend when he came across a pen box on his desk as he was attempting to sign a proclamation making him the new top dog ... kind of a big deal.

As he was taking a seat, he frantically motioned for an aide to get all the pen crap out of his way ... and it was all quickly whisked away so he could get to business.

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INK ISSUES

Time to pick up a 10-pack of BICs, KC ... seems ballpoint might be the way to go.

R&B Sensation Jesse Powell Dead At 51

Popular '90s R&B crooner Jesse Powell has died at his home in L.A., this according to his family.

His sister, Tamara, broke the sad news Tuesday night on IG, but did not reveal a cause of death.

She wrote ... "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and uncle Jesse Powell. Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him." Tamara asked for privacy so her family could grieve and celebrate her brother's life.

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Born in Gary, Indiana, Jesse got his first break in his early '20s after a music producer saw him perform at a local talent show. He was signed to a record label and released his first album in 1996.

Throughout the mid-to-late '90s, Jesse enjoyed some moderate success, but he really hit his stride with the release of his 1998 song, "You," which rocketed to No. 2 on the Billboard R&B charts. His second album, 'Bout It," was certified gold after it shot to No. 15 on the charts. Jesse also won high praise for his four-octave vocal range. He retired after his fourth record release in 2003.

Jesse was 51.

RIP

'Bachelorette' Stars Olumide & Riley Weigh In on Blackface ... Hope Erich's Learned

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BACHELORETTE BLUNDER
TMZ.com

The lead man on "The Bachelorette" has a blackface controversy that's dogging him -- and a couple of former Black contestants have mixed reactions on how he should proceed.

We got former 'Bachelorette' stars Olumide Onajide and Riley Christian in NYC Tuesday to weigh in on Erich Schwer donning dark makeup back in high school to make himself look like Jimi Hendrix.

Olumide tells us he's on the fence over Erich's apology ... especially with the history of blackface and what it means for African-Americans. Still, he doesn't think the dude had bad intentions in his heart -- and thinks he might still have a chance with Gabby Windey.

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HISTORY LESSON
TMZ.com

Riley also acknowledges the painful connotations of blackface ... saying he can't believe it's still being done in this day and age (he ain't alone there).

But on the issue of forgiveness, RC says it's certainly achievable for Erich ... especially if he's genuinely sorry and can learn from this mistake. It sounds like he and Olumide are on the same page on how to proceed -- let the show go on, and allow Gabby to decide what she wants to do.

As we reported, the old photo of Erich dressed as Hendrix for Halloween resurfaced during this season -- which was shot a while ago. He apologized for it, citing ignorance and naivete ... claiming he wasn't aware how offensive it was at the time.

There's going to be a reunion episode in the coming weeks, and he'll almost certainly address this there too.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas Wife Dies At 50 ... Cavaliers Mourn Death

UPDATE

1:39 PM PT -- Cavaliers GM Koby Altman just addressed Jennifer Ilgauskas' death with reporters ... and said the team is mourning the loss.

UPDATE
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THEY'RE IN OUR HEARTS
Cleveland Cavaliers
UPDATE

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ilgauskas family and his two boys," he said. "It's obviously a really, really sad time for that family, so we wish them the best."

UPDATE

The Cavs added in a statement Wednesday they were "deeply saddened" by the death.

UPDATE

"Our hearts are with Zydrunas and their two sons, Deividas and Povilas who are forever a part of our Cavaliers family."

The wife of Cleveland Cavaliers legend Zydrunas Ilgauskas has sadly died, a funeral home in Ohio confirmed this week. She was just 50 years old.

Jennifer Ilgauskas, according to an obituary from the Zeis-McGreevey Funeral Home, passed away on Sunday. A cause of death was not revealed.

Zydrunas and Jennifer had been married for almost two decades -- the couple reportedly tied the knot way back in 2004, when Big Z was starring for the Cavs.

She had worked in the medical industry while Zydrunas was playing in NBA arenas ... and according to her obit, "She always had ideas for growth and the never-ending desire to achieve more."

"She truly enjoyed working and being a leader who led by example," her family and friends wrote in the obituary. "She cared deeply about everyone she employed, and her door was always open to those who needed to talk. She was generous with her time, finances and counsel."

Jennifer and Zydrunas had two sons. Her funeral is scheduled for Sept. 17.

The former basketball player -- whose jersey was retired by the Cavaliers in 2014 -- has yet to publicly comment on the loss.

RIP.

Originally Published -- 6:07 AM PT

New York Fashion Week Bigger They Come, Harder they Fall ... We're Talking Heels

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FASHION WEEK WOBBLES
TMZ.com

New York Fashion Week is a contact sport -- just ask this poor model who had a very hard time staying on her feet while rocking painfully high heels down a runway.

Check out this clip, obtained by TMZ, which shows an unidentified model strutting down the catwalk at a warehouse in NYC. The event was for a brand called "Alicia's Designs," and from the looks of it -- this was a packed house, so lots of eyeballs on the models, the clothes ... and the shoes.

Unfortunately for this woman, that meant tons of people watching her wobble her way down the path, before eventually falling hard to her knees. As they say, the show must go on, and she collected herself to continue doing her thing.

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NIGHT WITH THE STARS
TMZ.com

That didn't last long, though ... she toppled over a couple different times, but the crowd appreciated her perseverance. They actually applauded her when she got up a second time, this as she finally exited backstage.

Safe to say, it was a rough outing.

In the end, she wanted nothing to do with her footwear -- she ditched the heels when all the models reemerged for a final bow. We mean that literally. She came out barefoot.

NYFW was all about spring and summer styles, but at least one model was ready for fall. 😅

Montrezl Harrell Police Video NBAer Talked LaMelo Ball, Free Agency With Cops ... During Weed Stop

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CHATTIN' WITH COPS
TMZSports.com

Montrezl Harrell chopped it up with cops for over half an hour about all kinds of NBA topics during his weed stop in May -- including LaMelo Ball and free agency -- and the entire conversation was captured on police video, obtained by TMZ Sports.

The traffic-stop-turned-round-ball-talk all happened in Richmond, Kentucky on May 12 ... after Kentucky State Police pulled over Harrell and his friend in a 2020 Honda Pilot after cops say they were following another car too closely on the road.

During the stop, cops said they smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the ride -- so they detained the basketball player and his friend to check everything out.

While probing the car and asking questions, video shows cops at the scene found out Harrell was an NBA player -- and then wanted to get all kinds of Association scoop from the former Hornets power forward.

At one point, a cop needed to know Harrell's opinion of Ball -- his famous teammate in Charlotte.

"How's LaMelo?" the cop asked.

"He's a cool person," Harrell responded. "I mean, regular kid. At the end of the day, people got to understand he's a kid."

The cop later told Harrell, "I think his dad messed him up."

Cops eventually got Harrell out of the car -- and claim they then found three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags in a backpack in the back seat of the ride.

"Damn," Harrell said on the video. "Didn't know that was in there."

But the cops were calm with Harrell and his friend -- even at one point saying in the footage, "We are not the weed police."

As they continued to search the car -- the cops peppered Harrell with NBA questions ... asking him about the playoffs, his former teammates, "the biggest prick in the" league, and "the best big guy you ever had to play against."

At one point, Harrell was asked who had the worst facilities in the league -- and he said Philadelphia ... which was ironic, considering he went on to sign as a free agent with the 76ers earlier this month.

Eventually, cops issued a citation to Harrell and the other man, before letting them go.

Video shows one of the cops ultimately took the weed they found in Harrell's vehicle and put it into a squad car.

Harrell was charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana -- a Class D felony -- over the stop ... but he cut a plea with prosecutors last month to close out the case.

As we reported, Harrell agreed to enter a guilty plea to a reduced charge of simple marijuana possession. In exchange, Harrell -- according to his attorney, Drew Findling -- received a conditional discharge at the end of 12 months.

Jeana Keough From 'RHOC' 'Memba Her?!

American TV personality and realtor Jeana Keough was 50 years old when she made her debut on Bravo's first 'Housewives' franchise, "The Real Housewives of Orange County" back in 2006.

Joining Jeana in the dramatic series included her neighbor and friend Vicki Gunvalson as the insurance company owner and queen of "whoopin' it up," Tamra Judge as the fitness queen and Vicki's partner in crime, Lynne Curtin as the jewelry designer and Tammy Knickerbocker as Jeana's bestie.

Jeana was the recipient of Tamra's iconic wine slap during the 2011 season 6 finale.

Guess what she looks like today at 66 years old!

Tamika Mallory Economics, Poverty to Blame ... For PnB Rock's Murder

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THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
TMZ.com

Tamika Mallory says there's an underlying problem that explains why PnB Rock was murdered in cold blood -- and, to her, it all has to do with economics.

We got the activist in NYC Tuesday at the Helen Mill Theatre for a screening of VH1's My True Crime Story: Aron. She gave us her take on Rock's killing ... and she's pretty passionate about her position. Essentially, she says we as a society -- but especially our government -- have to examine what circumstances led to PnB being robbed in the first place.

From her perspective, she thinks it all boils down to poverty and folks being in dire straits to make ends meet -- and by extension, desperate as well ... a longstanding issue in underserved communities, which Tamika says has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Tamika says it's dangerous for Black men to simply exist, seeing how they're so often the victims of crime ... famous or not. While PnB Rock was the latest example, TM says this issue finally has to be addressed by America as a whole -- because it's gonna keep happening if not.

Beyond just tackling people's money woes and lack of opportunities, Tamika says mental health is a key part of this conversation too. Lots of roots to this problem, no doubt ... and it's time to start ripping out the weeds to fix it once and for all -- so says Tamika.

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THE HEART OF THE ISSUE

Thomas Markle Can't Go Near Tabloid Honcho ... After Alleged Death Threat

UPDATE

12:11 PM PT -- 9/14 -- Thomas tells us he wasn't aware there was a hearing, and that's why he missed it.

The tabloid owner who claims Thomas Markle is out to kill him just got two years of court-ordered protection from Meghan Markle's father.

According to new legal docs, obtained TMZ, a judge granted Jeff Rayner a restraining order against Thomas, who did not show up for Tuesday's court hearing.

The protective order will be in place for the next two years ... and even though TM didn't show up for the hearing, the court says Thomas was served with legal papers.

TMZ broke the story ... Jeff, the co-owner of tabloid and news agency Coleman-Rayner, claimed he was scared of what Thomas might do to him after Meghan's pops allegedly threatened Jeff in a book.

Remember ... Rayner claimed Markle vowed to kill him in an excerpt from Tom Boyer's book, "Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between The Windsors" ... wondering if Thomas might use a gun to get revenge in a longstanding beef, and claiming the alleged threat was causing stress and anxiety.

Jeff and Thomas have been squaring off for years ... with Markle suing Coleman-Rayner back in 2021, claiming an agreement the two sides made regarding some staged photos destroyed his relationship with Meghan and Prince Harry.

PnB Rock Murder Roscoe's Chicken Open for Biz ... 24 Hours After Shooting

Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles finds itself in a tough spot 24 hours after PnB Rock's murder -- it's a crisis many businesses are facing amid a violent crime wave -- when and how to resume normal operations.

The South L.A. location where the rapper was killed is open for business Tuesday, and these pics from inside show some employees working, clearing empty plates from tables. We're told the restaurant was fully functioning and had been cleaned after Monday's shooting, but understandably, there aren't many customers sitting down to eat.

What's more, we're told employees who were working during the shooting were given the day off.

TMZ broke the story, PnB was eating inside the restaurant with his girlfriend, Steph Sibounheuang, when the suspect entered, targeting the rapper for his jewelry and opening fire.

Prior to the shooting, PnB's girlfriend posted a photo of the couple's meal with their location ... and earlier in the day, PnB posted a video of himself wearing the jewelry.

PnB was rushed to a local hospital, but died from his injuries. There has not yet been an arrest made in the case and cops continue to chase down leads.

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THE TRAGIC INCIDENT

He was only 30.

Britney Spears' Ex Jason Alexander Wanted by Cops After Missing Court Date

Britney Spears' ex-husband, Jason Alexander, just can't seem to stay out of trouble with the law -- because now he's wanted by the cops again ... this after missing a court date.

Alexander was due to appear before a judge Tuesday in Napa County, where he's facing 2 felony counts of grand theft and buying/receiving stolen property. The charges involve a woman who claims he stole some expensive jewelry from her back in 2015.

You'll recall ... Jason hadn't dealt with the case for years, and then he got arrested a few months ago here in SoCal for crashing Britney's wedding to Sam Asghari.

When he got arrested by Ventura County officials, the warrant for the Napa case also popped up. The dude was extradited to face the charges after he completed a 60-day sentence in jail. After his Napa arraignment, he was cut loose and told to come back on Sep. 13.

A court clerk tells TMZ Jason never made it ... and now, a new warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Unclear on why Jason missed the hearing ... but we're told cops are looking for him now.

Whitewater Prosecutor Ken Starr Dead at 76

Ken Starr, famous for leading the investigation that led to former President Bill Clinton's impeachment, has died.

Starr died Tuesday at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas ... the result of complications from a recent surgical procedure ... according to his family.

Starr is best known for heading the expansive Whitewater investigation into the Clintons back in the '90s ... a probe that began with the Clintons' real estate investments before expanding to include the infamous Monica Lewinsky sex scandal.

Starr had a decorated legal career ... he was nominated by former President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington D.C. and later served under former President George H.W. Bush as U.S. Solicitor General.

Starr argued 36 cases before SCOTUS and also served as United States Circuit Judge for D.C. He was the chief of staff for former U.S. Attorney General William French Smith and clerked for Justice Warren E. Burger.

He was heavily involved in higher education ... teaching constitutional law for 25 years between NYU, George Mason, Pepperdine, Chapman and Baylor. In addition, Starr was Dean of the Pepperdine School of Law before going to Baylor to be the University's President and Chancellor.

Starr was later removed as president after an external investigation into the school's response to sexual and physical assault allegations made by 17 women against 19 football players ... and resigned from his role as chancellor days later.

Starr was born in Texas and grew up in San Antonio, graduating from Sam Houston High School and earning his B.A. from George Washington University. He had a master's in political science from Brown University and a JD from Duke University law school.

Ken is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice Mendell Starr, and their three children, Randall, Carolyn and Cynthia.

Starr's son says the family is "deeply saddened with the loss of our dear and loving Father and Grandfather, whom we admired for his prodigious work ethic, but who always put his family first. The love, energy, endearing sense of humor, and fun-loving interest Dad exhibited to each of us was truly special, and we cherish the many wonderful memories we were able to experience with him."

He'll be buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, with a visitation scheduled for Sept. 23 in Waco.

Starr was 76.

RIP

DJ Drama Stop Blaming PnB Rock's GF For His Murder ... The Streets Love NO ONE!!!

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FRUSTRATED WITH THE VIOLENCE
TMZ.com

PnB Rock's cold-blooded murder isn't sitting well with the hip-hop community -- just ask DJ Drama, who's especially feeling the pain, because he worked with his fellow Philly rap native as he was on the come-up.

The 'Gangsta Grillz' creator's dropping a PSA, of sorts, about the ongoing debate about PnB's girlfriend -- and mother of his 2 children -- being culpable for his robbery and murder.

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AFTER THE INCIDENT

As we first reported ... the "Selfish" rapper was eating inside a Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in South L.A. when Steph Sibounheuang posted a pic with their location -- but Drama says that's irrelevant at this point in time.

Police sources tell TMZ there's no evidence the shooting was prompted by a social media post, and Drama tells TMZ Hip Hop ... everyone reacting to PnB's murder shouldn't be making Steph feel any worse than she already is, and instead, should try to uplift her.

Drama points to the wavering economy, and what it means for Black people's financial opportunities -- he believes that's one of the many reasons the cycle of violence continues.

He says cities like Atlanta, New York and Chicago are just as crime-ridden as L.A. ... and rappers with something to lose should start traveling with more vigilance.

Upon their first meeting, Drama says he and PnB immediately made a musical connection through their mutual partnerships at Atlantic Records and their Philly upbringing.

They both linked with Fetty Wap for the 2016 mixtape "Money Hoes and Flows," and Drama recruited PnB once again for his 2019 single "Nasty" ... along with Moneybagg Yo.

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THE TRAGIC INCIDENT

As for the solution to rapper murders, Drama says the streets don't love anyone ... so it's probably not the place to be if you love your life.

Cardi B VISITS HER OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL Donates $100,000!!!

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CASH FROM CARDI
Nick Gulotta

Cardi B really believes in public education ... because she went back to her old middle school in New York for a surprise visit, and even whipped out her checkbook.

The Bronx-born MC hit up I.S. 232 Tuesday morning in NYC's Morris Heights neighborhood. Cardi did 3 years there -- 6th grade through 8th -- and we're told her visit came as a complete surprise to the students and principal.

The unannounced drop-in included Cardi having an open conversation with students about their favorite part of school, favorite teacher and some sage life advice.

Cardi B Vertical Twitter VIdeo
"THINK LONG TERM"

Cardi also answered a couple of the students' questions ... and at the end of her visit, she presented I.S. 232 with a $100,000 donation which she wants to see go towards after-school programs, including tutoring and music/dance.

The students let out a huge cheer when Cardi announced the donation, while teachers and administrators almost started crying.

Cardi's visit is a part of her tour she is doing with the Queens-based non-profit, Community Capacity Development.

LeBron James Shirtless Yacht Workout!!! ... Prep For NBA Season Continues On Vacay

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DOCKSIDE DRILLIN'
BACKGRID

Not even a romantic vacation in Italy can stop LeBron James from prepping for his 20th NBA season -- the Lakers star was spotted shirtless on a yacht Tuesday pumpin' iron ... and he looked GOOD.

LBJ has been over in Portofino this month with his wife, Savannah, getting in some much-needed R&R -- but he's clearly carved out time to make sure he's still getting ready for the Lakers' upcoming slate of games.

James -- wearing nothing more than a pair of tights -- was seen grabbing dumbbells and going to work on the boat ... getting in squats, rows and more.

James looked chiseled, with his abs popping in the Italian sun -- and he seemed to be loving his sweat sesh too, grooving to music while working on his bod.

Unclear how long James is intending to be overseas -- but he'll have to make his way back fairly soon ... the Lakers open preseason play in just a couple weeks on Oct. 3.

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LIVING THE LIFE

Seems James will be more than ready for the occasion, however ... because check out that frame -- The King doesn't look a day over 30 to us!!!