KTLA Anchor Mark Mester Fired After On-Air Rant Against Management

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WE NEED TO APOLOGIZE
KTLA

A Los Angeles TV anchorman just got the boot for going ballistic against management -- on the air -- after his co-anchor was not allowed to say so long to viewers after she resigned.

Mark Mester had been suspended earlier this week, but KTLA decided what he did warranted termination.

Mester was pissed off that co-anchor Lynette Romero, whom Mester called his "best friend," told management she was leaving after 24 years to anchor at another station and management didn't allow her to have an on-air goodbye.

Producers had reportedly written a segment for Mester to read as tribute to Lynette, but he refused, instead, Mester groused, "I want to start off right now by offering up an apology to you [Lynette]. I love you so much, you literally are my best friend. You did not deserve what happened to you."

Whose Side You On?

Mester was not done, calling the move rude, cruel and inappropriate.

He also told viewers a plane was flying over KTLA with a banner that read, "We love you Lynette." The plane was chartered by Mester, according to the L.A. Times.

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THE AWKWARD SEND OFF
KTLA

Apparently, Lynette was willing to stay if she could anchor weeknights instead of weekends, but the station wouldn't budge and that's why she left.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

Lamar Odom Not Dating Trans Actress ... We're Just Friends

UPDATE

4:24 PM PT -- Lamar tells TMZ ... he's not dating Daniiellè and never was, and he hasn't seen or spoken to her since July, when she left Los Angeles.

Lamar Odom is not romantically involved with transgender actress/model Daniiellè Alexis ... despite a few social media posts sparking speculation they're dating.

Sources close to Lamar tell TMZ ... the former NBA player is currently single and is not seeing Daniiellè, but they do know each other and are friendly -- which is pretty clear from her social media.

We're told Lamar and Daniiellè met back in June when he was in L.A. for the BET Awards. Our sources say Lamar was shopping when a car pulled up, Daniiellè hopped out and asked for a photo ... and afterward, they exchanged numbers.

They kept in touch, and when he recently moved back to L.A. they grabbed lunch together because they were both in town. Daniiellè's an aspiring actress, and our sources say they typically chat about the industry.

Daniiellè's posted a couple photos of Lamar, which got the dating rumor mill going ... but we're told they are just friends.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

BTW, our sources also tell us Lamar has no problems with the transgender community, in general, and obviously has no issue with Daniiellè being a transgender woman -- there's simply no romantic spark between them.

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

War in Ukraine Russians Searching How to 'Break Arm At Home' ... Trying To Avoid Deployment

Russians are not on board with Vladimir Putin's plan to amp up the war in Ukraine -- and Internet searches prove they're ready to go to extremes to avoid stepping onto the battlefield.

"How to break an arm at home" started catching serious buzz amongst Russians in search results -- and the frantic Googling came just 2 hours after Putin told the nation Wednesday he'd deploy up to 300K citizens to Ukraine.

The specific search quickly jumped from 0 to 38 out of 100 according to Newsweek -- data also showed a serious spike in searches for Aviasales ... the most popular flight booking page in Russia.

The site has been completely sold out of flights to Turkey and Armenia -- 2 places where citizens can go without a visa -- through Sunday.

The search results also come as the country's started to lose ground in the war ... Ukrainian soldiers recently forced a Russian retreat, and they also took back the Kharkiv province this month.

Several protests were held after Putin's announcement, with hundreds arrested in the hours that followed.

If searches for DIY plaster casts go up, Putin might wanna take notice.

'BACHELOR' STAR DEMARIO JACKSON I'm Losing Brand Deals, Money ... Over Sexual Assault Suit

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FEELING TRAPPED
TMZ.com

DeMario Jackson, a former "Bachelor in Paradise" contestant, says the rape allegations against him are costing him six figures in brand deals ... and he's vowing to clear his name.

The reality TV star tells TMZ ... the day after he was sued for sexual assault by two women, he lost 10 deals worth $25,000 ... with brands he's worked with for years quickly severing ties.

DeMario straight up says it "sucks" to be dealing with another sex scandal -- back in 2017 'BIP' production shut down after he and Corinne Olympios hooked up in a swimming pool -- and he says his life's been a living hell since the lawsuit.

DJ tells us he feels like it's his 2017 nightmare all over again ... saying he hasn't been able to sleep and feels trapped in his home.

TMZ broke the story ... DeMario was sued Tuesday by two different women, who claim they went on dates with him that both ended with DeMario forcing them into nonconsensual sex.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

DeMario's attorney, Walter Mosley Jr., says LAPD already investigated the alleged incidents and the investigations did not lead to criminal charges ... and he says DJ has evidence that will exonerate him in court.

For his part, DeMario claims he maintained a good relationship with his accusers over the years -- he says they even had plans to meet up the day after they went to the police with their allegations. His attorney characterizes the suit as a shakedown.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

DeMario's social media accounts are littered with paid partnership posts, but he's not spilling the beans on which brands are ducking for cover ... and he says his day job in staffing/recruiting is now looking dicey.

Dave Chappelle Trae Tha Truth Delivers ... $25K Blinged Out 'Chappelle' Logo!!!

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STAND-UP GOLD
TMZ.com

Trae Tha Truth is making sure Dave Chappelle stays shining during his stand-up gigs -- he just hooked up the GOAT with a diamond and gold rendering of his signature logo!!!

The Houston rapper was recently in L.A. when he surprised the legendary comedian with the custom pendant, straight from famed H-Town jeweler Iceman Nick.

We're told the piece consists of 15 carats of VS quality diamonds and is valued at $25,000. It was intended to be a small gesture -- Trae noted Dave already has everything money can buy, but he picked wisely.

DC was floored when he opened the jewelry box, and admitted he didn't have a logo chain in his collection ... and graciously accepted the chain and pendant combo.

Dave and Trae have been friends for several years ... Trae regularly shows out to support when Dave is touring around the country, as he is now.

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NO MORE BOILED WATER
TJ Falkhan

Trae has been in a giving mood lately ... his Relief Gang charity recently delivered clean water and supplies to Jackson, Mississippi residents struggling with contaminated water pipes.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

In a far less kind gesture ... he helped hand out a certified beatdown to his former rapping partner Z-Ro a couple of weeks back -- but according to Boosie Badazz, J. Prince's mediation skills have been activated to squash that beef.

Anyway, far as Dave's concerned, the truth is ... Trae gives great gifts.

Boston Celtics Suspend Ime Udoka For Entire Season ... Coach Apologizes

UPDATE

6:47 PM PT -- The Celtics have just suspended Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season ... saying the coach violated team policies.

UPDATE

Udoka apologized to his players, fans and family shortly after the announcement was made.

UPDATE

The Celtics added that Udoka's suspension could last longer than this year -- saying in a statement, "A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date."

UPDATE

Udoka will begin serving his ban immediately, the team said.

Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer ... and he's now facing a suspension over it all.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday night the 45-year-old was found to have had a "consensual intimate relationship" with a woman who has a role on the Celtics' staff -- a violation of Boston's franchise guidelines.

As a result, according to Woj, Udoka is facing a ban from the team that could be "significant." Udoka's job, however, is not believed to be on the line.

Further details regarding the allegations were not disclosed. Udoka and the Celtics have yet to address the report.

Udoka -- who took the Celtics job in 2021 and led the team to an NBA Finals appearance in his first year as head man -- has been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010.

The couple reportedly got engaged back in 2015 -- and has one child together.

Udoka played in the NBA for nearly a decade in the early 2000s -- and began his coaching career with the Spurs following his playing days in 2012.

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BRINGIN' DOWN THE HAMMER
TMZ.com

He later coached for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets before joining the Celtics.

Originally Published -- 6:04 AM PT

Donald Trump Where's The Beef? Judge Asks On Claim FBI Planted Evidence

Donald Trump's legal headaches keep piling up and now he has another one ... the special master in his classified documents case just ordered 45 to prove his assertion FBI agents may have planted evidence at Mar-a-Lago.

Court-appointed Special Master Raymond Dearie has requested that DT put his money where his mouth is. In a filing Thursday, Judge Dearie ordered Trump to submit a sworn declaration itemizing “inventory” of materials seized from his Palm Beach, FL estate that were NOT actually recovered during the FBI search. In other words, Dearie is calling DT's bluff about the FBI's alleged shenanigans.

You may recall Trump went ballistic after the feds raided Mar-a-Lago on August 8 and carted off more than 11,000 sensitive government docs the former president had allegedly swiped from the White House.

Trump fired off a message on his social media platform, suggesting FBI agents did something sketchy during their Mar-a-Lago search. "Planting information anyone?," Trump asked. He also went on Sean Hannity's show this week and insinuated the feds had dropped evidence "into those piles" of secret documents taken from his resort. Even his lawyers have gotten into the action by hinting the feds were up to no good that day.

But, not one of them has coughed up a shred of evidence to support their incendiary claims.

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DONALD'S DECLASSIFIED DOCS
FOX News

Speaking of unsubstantiated claims ... Trump told Hannity that as President he had the ability to declassify the sensitive docs just by thinking about it -- and that's just plain ridiculous.

As you know, Trump's been trying to put the brakes on the Justice Department's criminal probe. He asked for a fair and impartial review of the classified documents by a Special Master to determine what federal prosecutors can use in their case. But, the federal court of appeals has ruled in favor of the DOJ, which can now have access to the documents and won't have to wait for the Special Master to finish his review.

Bob Saget SCLERODERMA FUNDRAISER RAISES $1.2 MILLION ... Celeb Friends Take Stage

Bob Saget's famous friends are picking up where he left off, raising seven figures for a cause near and dear to his heart ... scleroderma research.

John Mayer, Jimmy Kimmel and Jeff Ross took over hosting duties for their late friend Wednesday at an annual fundraiser for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, with the event raising $1.2 million for crucial research.

Bob hosted SRF's signature event, "Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine," for 30 years before his death ... and this year's fundraiser featured a special video tribute to Bob, presented by John Stamos and Mike Binder.

Dave Chappelle showed up to the Beverly Wilshire for a surprise performance, even sharing a personal video message he got from Bob before he passed. Bill Burr joined Dave on stage for a couple jokes too.

And, Lori Loughlin was also in attendance at the event.

Other celeb performers included comedy sets from Howie Mandel and Kevin Nealon, plus a musical number from Mayer. Joel McHale led the live auction.

Attendees plunked down $500 just to get inside the building ... and they chowed down on a sit-down dinner curated by celeb chef Susan Feniger.

Bob's sister, Gay, died from scleroderma -- a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening of the skin and connective tissue -- back in 1994 when she was only 47 ... and the SRF's annual fundraiser has now raised over $28 million for research to find a cure.

'Diff'rent Strokes' Todd Bridges I Said 'I Do,' Again!!! Small Wedding In Bev Hills

Todd Bridges, who famously played Willis on "Diff'rent Strokes," has tied the knot for a second time ... this time with a low-key Bev Hills ceremony.

Sources at the wedding tell TMZ ... Todd married a woman named Bettijo on Wednesday at Greystone Mansion & Gardens, and it was an intimate and exclusive affair for those closest to the bride and groom.

The guest list topped out at around 40 people -- friends and family members ... like Todd's mom, son, sister, brother, and nephew were present. The rest of the crowd was mainly from Bettijo's side.

We're told she ran a little late, but hey ... it's her party, and that's every bride's prerogative!

The reception went down later at Il Cielo, a couple of miles away -- more people were invited to that, and the party went well into early Thursday morning.

Talk about your whirlwind romances ... we've learned Todd and Bettijo met 9 months ago on a dating app, and got engaged about 6 months later. She comes from a big Mormon family, and Todd's now stepdad to her 4 kids.

FYI -- he's already got 2 of his own ... 24-year-old Spencer and 25-year-old Bo.

As we reported, Todd and his ex-wife Dori split back in 2012 -- putting an end to their 14-year marriage.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

So, now ya know what Willis is talkin' bout these days -- marriage!!!

Floyd Mayweather Canelo Would F*** Up Jake Paul ... 'He'll Get Demolished'

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PROVE YOURSELF
TMZSports.com

Floyd Mayweather admits he's impressed with Jake Paul's ability to win fights and promote big events ... but the 50-0 legend says don't go overboard, 'cause a legit boxer would wreck The Problem Child.

Floyd joined Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weeknights on FS1) earlier this week ... and analyzed Jake's impact on the sport and his skill in the ring.

"Jake Paul, as of right now, for what he's doing, it's good for what he's doing," Floyd told us. "But once he fights a real actual fighter, it's gon' be bad."

"But one thing I like about him, he's selling it. He's making good money. He's entertaining. I like it."

Of course, Jake's just 25 years old and has only been training for a few years. Still, he's 5-0 with 4 KOs ... and he's beaten future UFC Hall of Famer Tyron Woodley twice.

In fact, Paul previously told us his ultimate goal is to box Canelo Alvarez ... and Jake believes he can win.

Floyd, however, does not.

"He'll get f***ed up by Canelo," Floyd said.

Mayweather continued ... "There is no way. He'll get demolished. For what he's doing, as long as they keep getting YouTubers and keep putting him in there with MMA guys that's kind of over the hill, he's going continue to shine. So, I'm proud of him. I'm not really upset."

Of course, Floyd isn't exactly best buds with Canelo or Jake. Mayweather comfortably beat Alvarez in 2013 ... the first loss of the star boxer's career (it was Saul's 44th fight).

As for Floyd and Jake ... remember JP snatched Floyd's hat at a Miami media event promoting Money's June 2021 bout with Logan Paul.

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ABSOLUTE MAYHEM!!!

In fact, Floyd-Jake is a fight fans have clamored for since the incident in South Florida. The issue is there's a large size difference between the men. 5'8" Mayweather spent most of his career fighting around 150 lbs. Paul is 6'1" and fights around 185 lbs.

But, Floyd says he doesn't care about the weight difference ... and would fight Jake, despite the sizeable difference in physical stature.

"I think [Jake] was doing a sitdown on a podcast one time, and he talked about [a fight with me]," Floyd said. "He said, 'I don't want to do an exhibition against Floyd Mayweather.' He said, 'I'm only doing real fights.' And of course, I can't get high up in weight, but I'll fight him in a real fight at the weight that I'm at."

Speaking of Floyd's fight with Logan ... Mayweather touched on allegations made by LP, where he claimed he was never paid by FM for the exhibition boxing match.

We also asked Mayweather about the final fight of the Canelo and Gennady "GGG" Golovkin trilogy ... which Money may have missed because he was flying across the world in his private jet.

Check out the clip!

Guess Who This Lil' Batman Turned Into!

Before this cute Batman turned into an absolute Hollywood hunk and a health and fitness guru, he was just a little joey hopping around Australia and being a big thorn in his brothers' sides.

This big-time actor starred in "Men In Black: International" alongside Liam Neeson and Tessa Thompson, and looked quite dapper in his black suit. And, when he's not on the big screen, you can find him catchin' waves and surfing far away from the sharks ... especially during "Shark Week."

Need one more little nudge? He put on 20 pounds of muscle for one of his big roles.

Can you guess who he is?

Pennsylvania H.S. Football Ten Students Charged Hazing, Sexual Assault Case

Ten Pennsylvania H.S. students have been charged ... after a month-long investigation into hazing and sexual assault allegations involving the school's football team.

As we previously reported, Middletown Area High School's football season was canceled in August after several cell phone videos surfaced that appeared to show serious hazing incidents at the school.

The Superintendent of MAHS said the footage was "disturbing and upsetting." Other officials said one of the videos showed two players restraining a group of students while poking two boys with a muscle therapy gun and other athletic equipment in the turf room.

Lower Swatara Township Police and the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney’s Office in Dauphin County opened an investigation ... and on Wednesday, Dauphin County District Attorney Francis T. Chardo announced they're charging 10 students in the case.

"Two students, both seventeen years of age, have been charged with multiple counts of criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, unlawful restraint, simple assault, and hazing," Chardo said in a statement.

The other students were charged with various offenses from unlawful restraint, simple assault, hazing, and violating hazing statute.

Officials say the cases will be handled through the juvenile system.

According to officials, the investigation revealed that six student-athletes -- ages ranging from 14 to 17 -- were victims in the case ... but there could be more.

"As many as six other students may have been assaulted but they have been reluctant to cooperate with the police," Chardo said.

Police say they will continue to investigate ... and are urging anyone with information to call the Dauphin County detectives at 717-780-6200.

'Riverdale' Actor Ryan Grantham Sentenced To Life In Prison ... For Murdering His Mom

Ryan Grantham, known for playing Jeffery Augustine in "Riverdale," has been sentenced to life behind bars for killing his own mother.

The 24-year-old was sentenced Wednesday in British Columbia, Canada Supreme Court -- approximately 6 months after pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge for the death of his mom, Barbara Waite, back in 2020.

Prosecutors say the disgraced actor recorded his confession and the aftermath of the tragic ordeal with his own camera at the time -- in the clip, he admitted, “I shot her in the back of the head. In the moments after, she would have known it was me.”

Justice Kathleen Ker described the case as heartbreaking, tragic, and life-shattering while giving him the sentence.

According to prosecutors, Grantham shot his mother in the back of the head while she was playing the piano at home -- the following day he loaded his car with guns, ammo, Molotov cocktails, and directions to Rideau Cottage -- where Canadian PM Justin Trudeau lives.

Detectives investigating the case say Grantham later confessed he was attempting to kill Trudeau and wrote about his goal in a journal.

Per the terms of the sentence, Grantham will not be eligible for parole during his first 14 years locked away.

GloRilla Surprises Students At Former High School... With Fat $25K Check!!!

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GLO GIVES BACK
TMZ.com

'F.N.F.' rapper GloRilla is maximizing her rookie season with acts of kindness -- just ask her alma mater, who were just surprised with a $25,000 check!!!

Glo was back home in Memphis Thursday at Martin Luther King Prep High School where she donated the funds to the school's fine arts programs in hopes of fostering more talented acts down the line.

MLK Prep principal Chiquita Perry accepted the check in front of students and faculty members, and Glo called being in the position to give back a blessing, just like her recent single.

As we reported, Glo's charitable check comes on the heels of Cardi B also visiting her former school stomping grounds, where she presented her high school with a whooping $100k check earlier this month.

As fate would have it, the two rap stars are combing forces for Glo's upcoming single "Tomorrow 2" ... which drops on Friday.

Glo is a leading favorite for hip hop's 2022 rookie of the year. Her breakout hit "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" dropped in April and peaked at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 ... which earned her a cash-filled contract with Yo Gotti that boasted a $500K stipend.

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ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE
TMZ.com

The last time we spoke to Glo, she said she was already looking to invest her signing bonus and wasn't splurging just for the sake of the 'Gram.

We'll say donating back to your old school is a reason to break open that piggy bank! Let's goooooo!!!

Utah Mom I'm 56 & Pregnant With My Son's Baby!!!

A family in Utah will certainly have a story to tell their newest member ... because a 56-year-old mom is carrying her son's baby.

You read that right, 56-year-old Nancy Hauck volunteered to carry her son Jeff and his wife Cambria's 5th child, a girl. Cambria is unable to carry a pregnancy after getting a life-saving hysterectomy.

Jeff and Cambria already have 2 sets of twins, but wanted more, and that's when grandma decided she'd work as the vessel to carry the new kiddo.

Nancy, however, did express concern about carrying a baby at her age, but after docs gave her the green light she acted fast before she began menopause. It's been 26 years since Nancy was last pregnant.

Speaking to SWNS, Jeff said, "I felt grateful to have such a selfless and loving mom that was willing to make that kind of sacrifice for my family ... having experienced over four years of infertility treatments, I knew how complicated the process can be and doubted that it was possible for her to carry a baby for us, but I was very moved that she would even offer."

New Jersey H.S. Football Player Sophomore Dies ... After Traumatic Head Injury During Game

Xavier McClain -- a sophomore high school football player in New Jersey who suffered a traumatic head injury during a recent football game -- has died, the school tells TMZ Sports.

"The Linden Public School district is deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Linden High School sophomore student," the school said in a statement. "The district extends its heartfelt condolences and will continue to offer prayers and support to the family during this difficult time."

The district says they've made counseling available to any students and staff who want to talk to a professional.

McClain was "critically injured" during a varsity football game on September 9 ... when Linden was taking on Woodbridge H.S. in Woodbridge.

According to witnesses who were at the game, Xavier, in the second half, was returning a kickoff when the injury occurred. An ambulance was quickly brought onto the field, and play was temporarily halted.

FYI, kickoffs are one of the most dangerous plays in football. In fact, there's been a push by some to eliminate the play from the sport.

Derek Armstead, the mayor of Linden, asked the community for prayers for Xavier's parents, Lisa and Norman, as they grieve the tragic loss of their son.

"At this time, the best way to help them and Xavier is for every one of you to pray," Armstead wrote in a social media post. "If you can, stop what you are doing for a minute right now and join me in a moment of silence and prayers."

Armstead -- who's known Xavier and his parents for years -- said the news "hurts," adding, "I trust that God knows better."

"HE needed an angel and decided to call Xavier home to be with HIM," Armstead wrote. "I asked that you continue to keep the family in your prayers."

R.I.P.