Tom Sandoval I'm One Month Sober!!!

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BREAK FROM THE BOOZE
TMZ.com

Tom Sandoval says it's been a month since he had a sip of booze ...  he's now fully into drinking non-alcoholic beer.

The "Vanderpump Rules" star celebrated the sobriety milestone Thursday during his band's concert at The Space at Westbury on Long Island, NY ... telling the crowd he's taking a break from liquor.

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GOT IT GOIN' ON
TMZ.com

Tom was drinking a Heineken 0.0 onstage, and it sounds like his fans support his sobriety ... his announcement was met with cheers and applause.

Staying away from alcohol is a big move for Tom ... he certainly has plenty of reasons to drink these days, considering all the fallout he's dealing with as a result of the "Scandoval" ... not to mention the temptations that come with going on tour.

Tom's band, the aptly named Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, also performed a remix of Fountains of Wayne's hit "Stacy's Mom" ... and he found a way to name-drop Raquel Leviss in the song.

Congrats, Tom, and good luck on your journey.

Ed Sheeran Puts on Impromptu Show ... After Copyright Trial Win

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VICTORY LAP
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Ed Sheeran is sharing his good vibes with fans on the heels of winning his Marvin Gaye legal case ... belting out tunes and giving fans a show outside of his NYC pop-up shop.

The "Perfect" singer put on an impromptu show on top of a car Friday outside his Wooster Street shop in SoHo, New York.

Of course, Ed's fans were more than pleased with the moment, crowding around Sheeran with their phones and singing along to each word with him.

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SHEERAN GOES TO COURT
Freedom News TV

As we reported, the mini concert comes a day after a jury found him not liable for allegedly ripping off Marvin Gaye's classic, "Let's Get It On."

Remember, the estate of Ed Townsend, co-writer of "Let's Get it On," sued Sheeran ... alleging the 2014 hit "Thinking Out Loud" stole key elements of the '73 Marvin Gaye classic -- claiming several aspects like the melody and even harmony were the same.

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BACK TO MUSIC
FOX

After the legal victory, ES stood his ground about his song while also taking jabs at the Townsend's estate.

Clearly he's in much better mood now ... singing his heart out!!!

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Donald Trump stuck his foot in it in his rape case, when he said men have groped women for a million years, "unfortunately, or fortunately," and Kevin Costner's marriage has crumbled. So, we gotta ask ...

Trump's Rape Trial ...

First To Marry ...

Carrie Fisher Family War -- Whose Side You On?

I Feel Bad For Kevin Costner ...

Menendez Bros Should Get New Trial ...

Ariana Madix Is Over Tom Sandoval ...

Gwyneth's Take On Sex With Brad And Ben ...

Paramount Should Sell BET To ...

I Trust Banks ...

Henry Ruggs Poses For New Mug Shot ... After Taking Plea Deal

Henry Ruggs was back at the Clark County Detention Center in Nevada this week ... where TMZ Sports has learned authorities made him pose for a new mug shot.

Because the former Raiders star took a plea deal from prosecutors in his DUI crash case on Tuesday, cops tell us he was required to head back to the Las Vegas jail on Thursday to be reprocessed.

As part of the procedure, Ruggs took a new photo ... and you can see, he didn't appear to be pleased to be back in front of a jail camera again.

Of course, the last time the 24-year-old had to pose for a mug shot was in 2021 ... after authorities accused him of drunkenly slamming his sports car into the back of Tina Tintor's Toyota, killing her and her dog.

At the time, Ruggs -- who was wearing a neck brace -- had visible cuts and bruises on his face in his mug shot.

Ruggs has since recovered from the injuries he suffered in the crash -- and his attorneys told a courtroom this week he reached an agreement with prosecutors to close out the criminal case against him.

Ruggs said he'll plead guilty to one felony count of DUI resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter. In exchange, prosecutors said they'll drop the rest of the charges against the former NFL player.

If the plea deal is accepted at a court hearing next week, Ruggs will eventually be sentenced to anywhere from 3-to-10 years in prison.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

By the command of TMZ, you are now in attendance at this week's Frigin' Difference and are ordered to find the switch-ups made to these two shots of King Charles III. Grab your hanky and see if you can crown the three minor changes!

The King was quite the busy man, as he made the rounds ahead of his coronation, but the old chap carved out some time to flash a friendly wave to his fans. See if you've got what it takes to put your finger on these royal diffs!

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above King Charles III photos!**

Jennifer Hudson & Common PDA in the 'Burbs!!! Out for a Couple-y Stroll

Jennifer Hudson and Common aren't just comfortable together, they've jumped to looking like a longtime married couple that takes romantic strolls in the middle of the day.

They were out together Thursday afternoon in the Chicago suburb where Jennifer currently lives, and they were not in a hurry. We're told the couple strolled around the neighborhood for about 90 minutes ... arm in arm, looking as cozy as ever.

Folks in the area tell us they've seen more of J Hud this week. She shoots her syndicated talk show in L.A., but with the writers' strike in full swing, she's got time to chill at home with her man.

Of course, their romantic walk isn't all that surprising. Common and Jennifer first fueled dating rumors back in February, when they had a date night at celeb hot spot Nobu in Malibu.

Before the outing, fans had been speculating they were a thing ... pointing to the fact that they were spending more time together after connecting on the set of the upcoming movie, "Breathe".

We gotta say ... the suburban stroll is giving 'Notebook' vibes.

'Meet The Fockers' Jim Herzfeld AI Can't Write Movies Like Humans ... So Give Us Our Due!!!

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YOU CAN'T REPLACE US
TMZ.com

Screenwriter Jim Herzfeld, famous for his work on "Meet the Fockers" and "Meet the Parents," doesn't think a computer can replace him in Hollywood ... he says AI jokes suck.

We got Jim in the picket line outside Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA asked him how artificial intelligence is affecting the writers' strike.

Jim, one of the most prolific writers on strike, sounds pretty confident he's not about to be replaced by ChatGPT ... but he still wants to see guardrails in place so none of the more than 11,000 film and TV writers on strike have their livelihoods negatively impacted by the emerging technology.

As a veteran writer, Jim remembers the last strike in 2007-08, when the internet was a huge issue, and he sees parallels between the way studios approached yesterday's tech and today's AI.

Jim says AI doesn't have the heart or soul of a human, therefore computers can't tell stories the way Hollywood writers can ... so listen for his "Meet The Fockers" joke, because it's a prime example of the limits he sees with AI.

Bottom line for Jim ... AI can't get it done, so pay the people.

Stars In Flower Suits Who'd You Rather?! Hollywood Carnation Day!

With April Showers wrapped up, it's peak season to honor all the blossomed buds, so we've planted some of Hollywood's hottest stars ... side-by-side and decked out in floral swimwear. It's now up to you to crown your fave bloomin' babes for ... Hollywood Coronation Carnation Day!

Bow down to bombshells like Hailey vs. Halsey who both snapped a mirror selfie showcasing their flower power, but the scenery doesn't stop with these two ... There is a bountiful bunch of other beauties like Stassie vs. Tessa -- and a bunch more babes -- stepping up to take the throne in their flower print swimsuits.

So, without further ado ... step into our blooming palace of nature's finest floral 'suits and use your authority to cast your vote for Who'd You Rather?!

MTV Award Show Won't Have Live Audience

The MTV Movie & TV Awards are going on without a host ... and now there won't be a live audience anymore either.

The upcoming award show, set to air Sunday on a bunch of TV channels, is pivoting away from a live audience ... according to Paramount Global exec Bruce Gillmer.

Bruce, who is also executive producing the award show, tells TMZ ... "As we carefully navigate how best to deliver the fan first awards show we envisioned that our team has worked so hard to create, we're pivoting away from a live event that still enables us to produce a memorable night full of exclusive sneak peaks, irreverent categories our audience has come to expect, and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best of film and TV over the past year."

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WRITERS WALK OUT
TMZ.com

The change comes on the heels of Drew Barrymore bowing out as host in a show of solidarity with striking Hollywood writers.

Sources at MTV tell TMZ ... the show is not live, but it's still happening, there just won't be a live audience.

The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards are scheduled to air Sunday at 8 PM ET on MTV ... with simulcasts on BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.

Drew's signed on to host next year ... when a live audience will presumably return.

Writers' Strike More Celeb Support ... Free Pizza? Thanks, Pete!!!

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LENDING A HAND
Storyful

Turns out, the picket lines full of WGA members aren't exactly such a bad place to be, as protesters are getting treated to live music and tons of free grub ... thanks to some pretty big names.

Friday marks the 4th day since the union voted to suspend all work, with members -- and even pre-WGA folks -- striking outside Disney, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Netflix, and other major studios.

One of the many celebs showing their support was 'SNL' alum Pete Davidson ... who pulled up to a strike in New York with boxes of pizza -- a sweet essential for those marching for hours on end.

On the West Coast, peeps striking outside Paramount and Netflix were greeted by a waffle food truck -- courtesy of the 'Late-Night' gang ... AKA Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. Best part? The food was free!

Turns out, Kimmel's assistant put in the call on behalf of his talk show brothers, ordering food for 600 people ... the truck owner says he even gave them a discount to rent it out!

Netflix even had a live mariachi band out front, too ... pretty rad!

Writer, actress, and producer Mindy Kaling was also at the Paramount lot, joining those asking execs to give a fair, living wage to the thousands that believe they've been cheated in the era of streaming and AI.

You'll recall, the last strike in 2007-2008 lasted 100 days before an agreement was met, so this could last a while ... but it looks like the writers have no reason to slow down -- especially with all this support!

Taylor Swift 'Cornelia Street' Pad For Rent ... $49,500 Per Month!!!

Taylor Swift's former townhouse -- the same one that inspired a fan-favorite tune -- on Cornelia Street in Manhattan has just hit the market.

Laurence Carty, the real estate broker who holds the listing, tells TMZ ... the place is hitting the market Friday, rent is $49,500 per month for a 12-month lease. Laurence says the owner would also consider a sale, price upon request.

Taylor famously lived in the townhouse in 2016 and 2017 ... renting it from Laurence, who later sold the place to the current owner.

She wrote about the place in a song called "Cornelia Street" on her 2019 album, "Lover," and the track is a fan favorite. Some of the lyrics include, "I rent a place on Cornelia Street."

Swifties believe Taylor alludes to ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn on the track, singing ... "And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends // I'd never walk Cornelia Street again // That's the kind of heartbreak time could never mend."

The home is three stories of pure luxury ... it comes with an indoor pool, 3 gas fireplaces and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Manhattan.

The 4-bedroom townhouse is in the heart of the West Village ... two of the guest suites come with private terraces, en-suite baths and walk-in closets ... and the master has a private patio with a gas fireplace, plus a walk-in closet, marble bath and a glass shower with a skylight.

Taylor Swift fans have spent a fortune on tickets for her 'Eras' tour ... let's see if a deep-pocket fan is ready to splash on her former abode.

NBA's Kenny Smith Jettin' Around Miami Beach ... With Bikini Beauty

Kenny "The Jet" Smith might be in the middle of covering the NBA playoffs, but he's still finding time for R&R -- the "Inside the NBA" analyst hit Miami Beach with a stunning woman on Thursday ... and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

Smith -- who's been a regular on TNT for decades -- ditched his shirt and threw on some red trunks to catch some rays in Florida ... and had model Aline Bernardes right by his side for the occasion.

It's unclear if the two are dating -- they didn't show any PDA throughout their beach visit, but Bernades DID put him on Instagram for her 207,000 followers to see ... posting a video rocking out to music.

"Teaching gringo friends to enjoy Péricles," Bernardes captioned the clip ... which showed the ex-NBAer dancing along to the Brazilian singer.

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BEACH BABES

Of course, Smith has flown under the radar romantically ever since his divorce from Gwendolyn Osborne, which was finalized in 2021.

As for Bernardes, her social media feed is free of any significant others.

Smith doesn't have to rejoin Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley again until Sunday ... so it makes sense to get out of Atlanta for a while and rest up.

Speaking of Shaq -- Bernardes also shared a snap with the Big Aristotle at Prime 112 in Miami later Thursday night ... saying, "with my BFF."

Enjoy the downtime, Jet ... and just a bit longer until the offseason!!

NYC SUBWAY RIDER DEATH Jordan Neely Family Calls For Action ... Prosecute Man Who Fatally Choked Him

UPDATE

4:55 PM PT -- Daniel Penny's legal team, the law firm Raiser & Kenniff, tells TMZ ... "We would first like to express, on behalf of Daniel Penny, our condolences to those close to Mr. Neely."

UPDATE

Penny's attorneys continue ... "Mr. Neely had a documented history of violent and erratic behavior, the apparent result of ongoing and untreated mental illness. When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect themselves, until help arrived."

UPDATE

They add ... "Daniel never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death."

The family of the NYC subway rider who was choked to death wants prosecutors to go after the marine vet who put Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold ... and they wonder why he hasn't even been arrested yet.

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WE WANT JUSTICE
TMZ.com

Lennon Edwards, one of the attorneys representing Jordan's family, joined us Friday on "TMZ Live," and we asked what justice looks like for the Neelys.

Lennon says Jordan's family is outraged and feels like the justice system isn't working on their behalf -- he says it took too long for the medical examiner to rule Jordan's death a homicide, and now the family wants the marine, Daniel Penny, to face criminal charges.

Jordan's family is also taking issue with how some are framing the incident. The NYPD says Neely appeared to be having a mental health episode, with some witnesses telling cops Jordan's behavior made them fearful.

Lennon insists that feeling alone doesn't justify putting someone in a chokehold for 15 minutes ... arguing Penny, and not Neely, is who subway riders should have feared.

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CLASHING WITH COPS
FNTV

What's more, Lennon says Jordan clearly showed he was unarmed when he took off his jacket to reveal a short-sleeve shirt ... and he says Penny appears to have attacked from behind.

Bottom line: the Neely fam thinks Penny should be in an NYPD jail cell right now.

Protests are erupting in the Big Apple and politicians are bickering over the way the incident is being discussed  ... and Lennon says the marine's actions seem like they have less to do with Jordan specifically, and more to do with his general feelings toward homeless people.

Originally Published -- 1:46 PM PT

Donald Trump Grabbing Women by P**** Nothing New ... 'Unfortunately or Fortunately'

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DONNIE'S DEPOSITION

Donald Trump's infamous "Access Hollywood" quote isn't just locker room talk, apparently -- he repeated it while under oath for a deposition in the E. Jean Carroll case ... and added a pretty shocking clarification.

During Trump's depo -- recorded on video last October -- Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, is grilling him about his treatment of women, generally, and raises the hot mic remarks he made during the 2005 interview with Billy Bush: "And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, grab them by the p****. You can do anything."

The attorney asks, "That's what you said, correct?" ... and without blinking he responds, "Well, historically, that's true with stars. If you look over the last million years, I guess that's been largely true."

He then, stunningly, added ... "Unfortunately or fortunately."

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LEAKED CONVO

Trump was being deposed because Carroll is suing him for battery and defamation, and the trial is ongoing right now in NYC. Carroll claimed Trump raped her in the '90s, and he responded by calling her story a "hoax," and declaring she's not his type.

During the depo, he also called her a "nut job" and a "whack job."

Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday, unless Trump decides he wants to testify.

Gigi & Leo Leave Same NYC Event Mins Apart ... Back in Full Swing?!!

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ONE AFTER ANOTHER
BACKGRID

Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid definitely aren't doing a good job of snuffing out dating rumors ... they were at the same event in NYC, and juuust happened to leave 3 minutes apart!

The actor and model hit up a celeb-packed event Thursday night at Cipriani SoHo, and while it's unclear how much contact, if any, they had inside ... their grand exit says a lot.

We're told Leo dipped out around 1:51 AM and Gigi left at 1:54 AM ... with the only buffer between them, wittingly or unwittingly, being FKA Twigs. So, you be the judge!

Yes, it could just be coincidence -- but when it's happened multiple times, does that still apply?

As we reported, Gigi and Leo both hit up the same Met Gala after-party Monday night at Zero Bond. That night, though, they didn't leave together.

Despite this, folks have been suspecting they might be on again for a while now. It was back in February when they pulled a similar move, leaving a Milan restaurant 10 minutes apart.

You'll recall, Gigi and Leo were first linked together last September but the spark reportedly went out earlier this year.

A good stiff breeze sometimes reignites sparks, though. Just sayin' ...

Young Thug's Brother Unfoonk Busted for Gun Possession ... RICO Case Probation in Jeopardy!!!

Young Thug's brother, Unfoonk, is a return inmate at Fulton County jail -- law enforcement sources tell TMZ Hip Hop he's been arrested and booked for firearm possession by a convicted felon.

Unfoonk joined Gunna last December in entering a plea in the high-profile YSL RICO trial ... but his latest run-in with the law could lead to a violation of his probation terms.

Cops in Atlanta say Unfoonk (real name Quantavious Grier) was pulled over in his neighborhood around 4 PM Thursday ... and during the stop, officers claimed to have smelled burnt marijuana inside the black Mercedes sedan.

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We're told officers also say there was excessive tint on Unfoonk's windows, and the YSL rapper wasn't wearing his seatbelt.

They called in a police K9 to help with the narcotics search of the vehicle, and during that search ... we're told officers located a handgun in the driver's side door panel. As the owner of the car, Unfoonk was arrested for gun possession.

According to the docs, he was also dinged for criminal street gang activity -- and the much smaller infractions of improper window tint and a safety belt violation.

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WHAT'S THE DEAL?
TMZ.com

YSL's RICO trial remains ongoing and has been the center of nonstop hijinks ... this latest chapter included.