Jonathan Majors Atty. Claims Racist Witch Hunt ... Case Still On Post-Hearing

Jonathan Majors' big day in court turned out to be not so momentous after all -- because the charges he's facing remain in place ... something his attorney's not too happy about.

As you may have heard, the actor was due to appear before a judge Tuesday in what amounted to his first real chance to combat the criminal case that's been brought against him by the Manhattan D.A.'s Office -- but, in the end, nothing much came of it.

The D.A.'s Office tells us Majors' charges are still intact and unchanged from when they were first announced. For a refresher ... those charges include 3 counts of attempted assault as well as assault, a count of aggravated harassment and a separate count of harassment.

The D.A. says there'll be a future hearing to discuss a motion filed by Majors' legal team -- but it's unclear what exactly that's about. In any case, he's due back in court in June.

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PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG

As for what happened -- or didn't, rather -- today ... Majors' defense attorney, Priya Chaudhry, tells TMZ ... she and her team forked over what they say is irrefutable evidence that supposedly exonerates their client ... but say the D.A. turned a blind eye to all of it.

She goes on to explain that the D.A. allegedly told her they would not "fix" their complaint against Majors based on what was submitted -- however, the attorney now says they recanted on that promise and changed the accuser’s story with her help. The attorney also says she has clear proof the alleged victim is lying about that night, and that Majors is the one who's being falsely prosecuted.

Chaudhry claims the D.A. is simply altering their approach to this case based on what she says is the woman's continuously changing story -- and that, she says, is a shame ... not to mention a classic witch hunt, which Chaudhry suggests might be racially motivated.

She says, "When Mr. Majors showed a white police officer the injuries the woman caused him, the white officer got in Mr. Majors' face and taunted him, saying that if the officer were to slap Mr. Majors, the officer wouldn't break his finger. None of the white officers present investigated the assault of Mr. Majors. Worse, the District Attorney has not indicated any intention to pursue charges against the woman, or even investigate the truth."

Chaudhry says this is an example of explicit and implicit bias that still exists in the criminal justice system -- as well as a glaring double standard JM was on the receiving end of that benefitted his accuser ... who, as his attorney has pointed out, is a white woman.

The attorney also claims to have obtained even more evidence that proves her client is innocent -- but says she's hesitant to share it out of fear of the D.A. tipping off the alleged victim to twist the narrative even further. We'll see what comes of this next month.

In the meantime, Majors' future in Hollywood continues to be in question.

Ex-Suns GM Lance Blanks Died By Suicide ... Daughter Says

Former Phoenix Suns general manager Lance Blanks died by suicide ... his daughter revealed.

In an emotional piece that Riley Blanks Reed penned for ESPN on Tuesday morning ... she announced Lance killed himself last Wednesday.

"People will want more information," Blanks Reed said of her father's death. "But the fact is we will never truly know why. And we don't need to. All we need to do is remember him, honor him, celebrate him, and pour our love into the family that made him happy."

Lance was 56 years old.

In her letter, Blanks Reed reminisced on all the good times she had with her father ... remembering him as "my person, my idol, my teacher, my best friend and my confidant."

"He encompassed everything to me," she said.

Lance starred at the Univ. of Texas from 1988 through 1989 -- and had such a great two seasons there, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Honor in 2007.

Following his Longhorns days, Lance went on to have careers as a player and an exec in the NBA -- ultimately working for the Suns as their GM from 2010 to 2013 -- before he signed on to be an analyst for the Longhorn Network.

Blanks Reed said while all of his career accomplishments were incredible ... she knew him best for being "a leader and a guardian angel."

"In the darkness of my worst nights," she wrote, "he always picked up the phone."

Blanks Reed added, "Daddy, Lance, LB, my forever hero, has left a void that cannot be filled. And yet, I find solace in the promise to honor him with everything he left us. In the loving embrace of my sister, Bryn, I will remember that we are both forever connected to the remarkable man who was our world."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Britney Spears Recommendation in Ending Conservatorship ... Keep Knives Away from Her

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KNIVES ARE AN ISSUE
TMZ.com

Britney Spears has had a fascination with knives, and as the conservatorship came to an end, those caring for her prepared a list of recommendations, including this one -- keep knives away from her.

Multiple sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... there were a number of recommendations as the conservatorship wound down, including not driving alone. But the one that sticks out involves knives.

We're told Britney viewed knives as a means of protection ... she has a constant fear of being re-institutionalized, something she's referenced in the past.

Given her mental struggles that sometimes resulted in manic and volatile behavior, the recommendation was cautionary.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

TMZ has prepared a documentary on Britney's life in the year-and-a-half after the conservatorship ended. The documentary -- "TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom" -- will air on FOX network Monday, May 15 at 9 PM ET.

Robert De Niro Baby #7 At Age 79 ... I Got Strong Swimmers!!!

79-year-old Robert De Niro is proof you can still make some serious life changes even in your later years -- like havin' babies, for example -- which is what he recently did!

Here's the deal -- the legendary actor dropped the baby bombshell in a recent interview with ET Canada's Brittnee Blair, who brought up to him the fact that he's got 6 kiddos ... Drena, Raphael, Julian, Elliot, Aaron, and Helen.

Turns out, that list is getting a little bit longer -- shockingly he corrected her by adding "Seven actually ... I just had a baby."

Robert, who's ironically promoting his latest flick, "About My Father," seemed to breeze right past the huge news, especially for a guy his age. Instead, he went on to chat about fatherhood, saying he doesn't see himself as a cool pop ... and adding he disagrees with his kiddos from time to time, especially the younger ones.

As you know, Robert's tied the knot and gotten divorced 2 times -- once with Diahnne Abbott, and another with Grace Hightower. It's unclear who gave birth to baby #7.

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PREGNANT PRECAUTION
BACKGRID

However, in March he was seen out with rumored GF, Tiffany Chen, and as they made their way to their car you can hear someone say, "Hey guys, c'mon, she's pregnant."

We've reached out to Robert's reps for comment ... so far, no word back. But regardless, congrats!!!

'RHOA' Kim Zolciak Still Living with Kroy Despite Divorce

The marriage of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann may be over, but that doesn't mean they're ready to completely cut ties, not yet anyway ... we've learned they're still living under the same roof.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Kim and Kroy both continue to live in their Georgia mansion with their 4 young kids. It's the same home that went into foreclosure back in February. There's typically a grace period for homeowners to pay up and save the home. It's unclear where they are in that process.

It's also unclear how long they'll live there together, especially if things get nasty. Given they have 4 kids, they may want to cushion the blow of the divorce by staying in the same home ... at least in the short term.

As for what led Kim to file for divorce, we're told that's a mystery to everyone around the estranged couple, who thought all was good between the 'RHOA' star and Kroy.

In the divorce docs, Zolciak said the marriage was, "Irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation" ... but she didn't get more detailed.

Of course, the couple's recent financial struggles have been well documented. TMZ broke the story -- Kim and Kroy owe the IRS $1.1M in taxes, interest and penalties from 2013, 2017 and 2018 ... and also owe the state of Georgia $150,000 in unpaid taxes from 2018.

As we first reported, Kim's asking for primary physical custody and joint legal custody of the couple's kids ... she also wants spousal support.

Offset Takes Daughters to See 'Little Mermaid' ... Dressed as Princesses

Offset was on dad duty Monday with his 2 little girls -- he took them to the world premiere of the live-action 'Little Mermaid' movie ... and everyone was looking like Disney royalty.

The ex-Migos rapper made it to the debut screening of the highly-anticipated flick -- which stars Halle Bailey as Ariel -- in Los Angeles ... where he and his daughter -- 8-year-old Kalea and 4-year-old Kulture -- walked the blue carpet as they were headed into the theater.

Their outfits were on point/on theme ... Offset was dressed to the nines, wearing an ensemble that strongly resembled what Prince Eric wears in the animated flick -- complete with a white jacket, black pants and shiny matching boots. His kids were even cuter.

Kalea and Kulture each donned gorgeous mini gowns and tiaras, looking like they were being taken to the ball that Cinderella went to in the fairy tale. Kalea even had her hair dyed red, just like Ariel does in the cartoon and just like Halle in the live-action film. It's clear the family was excited to see this one on the big screen -- and probably for good reason too.

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MERMAID MAGIC
Getty

As you may know ... Halle being cast as Ariel -- who's portrayed as white in the OG -- was a big deal in the African-American community ... serving as a crucial point of representation that hadn't really been seen before. Little Black girls everywhere reacted to the trailer when it came out ... and they all pretty much seemed to be in awe that Ariel looked like them.

Of course, there's been some backlash as well ... some of which, you could argue, is steeped in racism. No matter though -- the film's still coming out ... and it's a big deal.

No sign of Cardi here, which is fine. Looks like this was a dad-daughter date that Offset was more than happy to handle on his own -- and he certainly stepped up to the plate.

'Little Mermaid' releases wide later this month.

Kim Kardashian Posts Tristan Pic After Lakers Win ... More Evidence, Back with Khloe???

Kim Kardashian is showing some clear signs Tristan Thompson is back in good graces with the fam, and even potentially back with Khloe ... because she posted a pic of him looking as happy as can be after Monday night's Lakers win.

KK uploaded the snap of TT after Monday night's W against the Golden State Warriors -- with a big "YESSSSS GOOOOO LAKERS" plastered above his noggin. For the record, Tristan didn't get any time on the court, but it's a big team win nonetheless.

Worth noting, Kim appears to have taken the photo down as of Tuesday morning ... unclear why.

Regardless, Kim was super happy for Tristan and co., chilling courtside for yet another Lakers game. She was also there Saturday, and posted a pic of Tristan after that big win as well.

This time, she was with her mom Kris Jenner and Kris' boo Corey Gamble. A slew of other celebs were in the crowd -- Chris Pratt, Floyd Mayweather, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, and Judd Apatow.

The support from Kim comes after members of her fam went in hard on Tristan after the story broke that he fathered a kid with Maralee Nichols. It seems the ice has now thawed and Tristan is more than welcome in the brood.

Bradley Cooper Sells First L.A. Home in Venice

Bradley Cooper is kissing his longtime Venice home goodbye ... the property has been snatched off the market, leaving him with a nice chunk of change considering what he purchased it for so many years ago.

According to real estate records, the actor closed the deal on the home Monday for $3.13M.

As we reported, Bradley listed the property last month for $2.4M. He originally snagged it back in 2004 for $1.19M, and he has since given the home a complete makeover ... transforming the inside while working with renowned designer Santillane de Chanaleille.

The home is super charming, with a natural aesthetic. The 2-bedroom, 2-bathrooom pad comes with some nice features ... including concrete floors, high vaulted wood ceilings and a converted garage that can be used as an office, home gym, or living spa.

The new owner will also enjoy the really cool accordion doors that lead out to a fire pit and hot tub.

While this is first sale in L.A., he's not new to the world of real estate, whatsoever. Bradley also has another beautiful 3-level townhouse in Venice, a $13M townhouse in NYC and a $4.8M pad in the Pacific Palisades.

Diana Braun of Compass held the listing.

Howard Stern Bashes Charles' Coronation Calls King a 'P****'

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BASHING THE BRITS
The Howard Stern Show / SiriusXM

Howard Stern had some terse words for King Charles and his coronation -- going so far as to say he thought the guy was a "p****" and that the whole thing was a waste of money.

The radio talk show host went in on the Brits for putting on such an extravagant show for their new monarch -- who was officially crowned over the weekend in what amounted to a 3-day celebration, capping off with a massive concert with a lot pomp and circumstance.

You figure that's exactly what a coronation calls for, which HS says he understands -- but at his core ... he finds the idea revolting, seeing how they're pouring money down the drain.

Howard also takes some personal potshots at Charles himself ... saying the guy is no war hero, even though he kinda gets treated like one anyway by his royal subjects. His cohost, Robin, was getting in on the dogpile too ... and they called out Queen Camilla as well.

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GOD SAVE THE KING

The 'American Idol' moment -- in which both Charles and Camilla made cameos on the show -- was in their crosshairs too ... with Howard saying they looked like complete stiffs on there.

Howard's gripes seem to be steeped in what a lot of people -- particularly Americans -- say about the monarchy ... namely, that it's outdated and completely unnecessary in modern times, both in terms of reverence paid and the money spent to showcase the Royal Family.

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ROYAL GUESTS
ABC

He says he gets its tie to tourism and that it drives interest in Britain at large, but the dude's completely unimpressed by the institution  ... and definitely isn't a fan of HRH, Chuck.

Fortunately for him, he doesn't live there ... and it really isn't his issue. Problem solved!

'Deadliest Catch' Since Urine the Crab Biz, Why Not Pee on the Fishing Gear?!?

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GOLDEN HONOR
Discovery Channel

"Deadliest Catch" is back with more wild twists and turns ... and we've got an exclusive look at the moment a deckhand blesses the fishing gear with her urine!!!

In a new episode of the crab fishermen series, Captains Wild Bill Wichrowski and Linda Greenlaw are met with an interesting request from deckhand Maria Dosal ... after repeatedly pulling in empty crab pots at sea.

Ya gotta see the clip! Maria tells the captains about her native culture's custom of throwing pee all over the fishing gear for good luck and prosperity. And, that's precisely what she wants to do.

Linda looks a bit startled ... but lo and behold Maria gets the green light and it all goes down on the boat!

It might sound pretty insane to folks on dry land, but they make it clear there's a ton of superstition and tradition at sea.

If you wanna know if this one worked, you'll have to catch the full episode Tuesday at 8 PM on Discovery.

Prince Harry Went To Buckingham Palace After Coronation ... Zero Contact With Senior Royals

Prince Harry was in a real hurry to get out of town after the Coronation ... because he didn't hobnob once with senior members of the Royal Family.

According to multiple reports, Harry went to Buckingham Palace after King Charles and Queen Camilla were anointed Saturday at Westminster Abbey.

But, the Duke of Sussex stayed at The Palace for less than 30 minutes to take a breather from the public frenzy his presence had whipped up, The Daily Mail reports.

While he was there, Harry never interacted with high-level Royals, because he was anxious to get back to the States to be with his wife and child, sources told The Telegraph. At the same time, The Royals were busy with the Coronation procession, providing them cover NOT to meet with Harry.

Harry was also MIA from the Royal Family's official Coronation portrait and Sunday's Coronation Concert headlined by Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

What's more, Harry was treated like a second-class Royal at the Coronation. He was seated in the third row during the two-hour ceremony, while his brother, Prince William, and wife, Kate Middleton, were front and center.

Harry seemed rather uncomfortable throughout the event as photographs emerged of him shooting awkward smiles.

Upon leaving The Palace, Harry jumped into a car and hightailed it to Heathrow Airport, where he caught a flight back to the US to celebrate his son Prince Archie's fourth birthday.

Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, sat out the Coronation at the couple's home amid their continuing drama with the Royal Family.

Jerry Springer Gravesite Unveiled ... Wife's Burial Plot Ready Next to His

Jerry Springer's gravesite can now be seen for the first time ... and right off the bat, you might notice an adjacent plot for his wife -- although she's still very much alive.

TMZ has obtained photos of the late talk show host's final resting place -- which marks where he was buried a little over a week ago in a Chicago suburb. As you see, it's a relatively modest scene, with a large headstone and bench with his surname, "SPRINGER."

There's a separate slab with his first and middle name inscribed -- Gerald Norman. Right next to that is another space with a different headstone designated for Margaret 'Micki' Velton ... his wife of nearly 50 years.

We're calling Micki his wife because -- as sources with direct knowledge have explained to us -- all the reports of them having divorced in the '90s are complete BS. We're told they were never apart, and there weren't any marital issues as had been widely speculated.

As for why Micki's been labeled his ex-wife all these years without any correction from Jerry -- our sources say he was a very private person and didn't feel the need to address it publicly. In other words, they've been together as man and wife this whole time.

Now that that's cleared up ... let us clear up another thing in light of Micki's own headstone already being in the ground next to Jerry's -- there's nothing looming ... she's fine.

There's a larger 'SPRINGER' headstone that covers both plots -- the whole space is marked for Jerry and Micki. So, in other words ... he's just waiting for her.

As we reported, there are plans in place for a much larger public service/celebration of life on June 9 at a Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati. We're told organizers are anticipating a big turnout ... and they're planning to let around 500 people inside the venue.

Jerry died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, which he kept under wraps.

Jerry was 79. RIP

Aljamain Sterling Cejudo Is No Longer 'Triple C' ... Now He's 'Henry'

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ENDING THE CRINGE
TMZSports.com

"I think he's now 'Double C.' Maybe even just 'One C' now. Maybe he's just Henry. He's just Henry now. He's just Henry. I took his gold medal. I took his gold belt. I don't know, there's not much left."

That's 33-year-old UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, who just defended his belt (for a record 3rd straight time) against future Hall of Famer Henry Cejudo ... joining Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show on Monday (airs weekdays on FS1), and crowning Triple C with a new nickname.

Henry.

Of course, Cejudo's Triple C moniker derives from his propensity to win titles ... starting with his 2008 Olympic gold medal. A decade later Cejudo beat the legendary Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title, before defeating Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight strap in 2019.

Cejudo -- who many believe is in the MMA G.O.A.T. convo -- returned after a 3-year layoff ... and now that Aljamain beat an all-time legend, he's eager for fans to finally pay him the respect he deserves.

"'You're supposed to be the greatest of all time. So what happens when I beat you? What does that say about me?' So I need the fans to keep that same energy, the ones that were doubting me, and said I had no chance."

Aljo continued ... "He's a two-division champ and an Olympic gold medalist, and my wrestling 'sucks' compared to him. I'm like guys, I am now the Olympic champion. I beat the Olympian in a wrestling match. Four takedowns, baby. How many takedowns did he get?"

We also talked to Sterling about the judging ... which the champ believes was trash.

FYI, he officially won via split decision ... though Aljo thinks it should've been unanimous.

There's more ... Sterling also talked about his next scrap with rival, "Suga" Sean O'Malley.

Dana White indicated he wants that fight to happen on August 19 in Boston ... but Sterling says he has other ideas of when and where they'll settle the score.

As for Cejudo ... a parting shot from Aljo.

"I tip my hat off to Henry, but I think I did the universe a favor and finally ended the cringe."

Triple C ➡ Henry Cejudo

'Ally McBeal' Star Calista Flockhart 'Memba Her?!

American actress Calista Flockhart was just 26 years old when she first played the role of Ally McBeal -- the Boston lawyer who is looking for love, wanting to have a baby and feeling the pressure of her biological clock -- in the legal comedic drama "Ally McBeal" back in 1997.

Joining Flockhart in the TV series included Greg Germann as the smooth-talking lawyer who puts winning over morality, Richard Fish, Lisa Nicole Carson as Ally's best friend and roommate, Renee Raddick and Peter MacNicol as the shy attorney who thrives in the courtroom, John Cage.

Guess what she looks like now!

Jeremy Piven On Mark Wahlberg Missing Piece For 'Entourage' Reboot

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YOUR MOVE, MARK
TMZ.com

Jeremy Piven says Mark Wahlberg is the key to "Entourage" making a comeback.

We got the OG star of the hit HBO series Monday at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker and asked him what Mark could do for a potential reboot.

Mark recently went on the record in support of an "Entourage" comeback, but he hasn't committed to starring in a potential series ... and Jeremy tells us Mark is the key to getting the idea off the ground.

The way Jeremy sees it ... all Mark needs to do for "Entourage" to return is to carve out time from his notoriously busy schedule and get on the phone with HBO.

Mark was a co-executive producer on the OG show and Jeremy says it's just a matter of Mark stepping up to the plate and giving fans what they're clamoring for.

While Jeremy doesn't know if Mark will ever sign on to get in front of the camera for a recurring role on "Entourage" ... he tells us what he thinks might bring Mark into the fold this time around.

Stay tuned ...

Island Boys’ Franky Venegas Arrested For Domestic Battery After Poolside Spat with GF

Franky Venegas, known to many as one of the viral Island Boys twins, has been arrested ... after his girlfriend told cops he slapped her and pushed her in the pool.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Venegas' girlfriend told police they got into an argument Saturday at the pool area of their Airbnb in Pompano Beach -- after she threatened to break up with him due to his "physical abusive behavior."

She told PD Venegas got upset and slapped her across the face and pushed her into the shallow part of the pool, causing her to hit her chin on the concrete floor below. Cops say they noted bruises on her chin, as well as on her legs and arms when they spoke to her at a nearby hospital.

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SWEET FREEDOM
Instagram / @kodiyakredd

Police say they then went to the Airbnb and arrested Venegas for domestic battery ... he let his fans know he's since gotten out -- posting a pretty enthusiastic vid outside the jail.

For those unaware, Venegas -- AKA Kodiyakredd -- took the internet by storm in 2021, dropping his song "I'm An Island Boy" with his twin brother Flyysoulja. The track brought a ton of attention their way, and they even had some beef with Jake Paul during their quick rise.