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George Santos has just been arrested for a variety of alleged misdeeds, including lying.

Santos has been charged with 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to the House of Representatives.

Santos was taken into custody by the FBI and is expected to be arraigned later today.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said when the indictment was unsealed, he "seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations," adding, "He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."

Santos has been caught in a web of lies since his election victory last November. Some of his Republican colleagues wanted him expelled, but the leadership was radio silent on the issue.

According to the indictment, 2 of his supporters each transferred $25,000 to an account that was supposed to go to his campaign but was then transferred to a personal account. Santos allegedly used the funds to buy designer clothes and withdraw cash for personal debts.

It'll be interesting how Speaker Kevin McCarthy deals with Santos now.

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show has had lots of breeds that have snagged Best in Show, and lots of folks thought that'll be the day when a petit basset griffon Vendéen became top dog ... well Buddy Holly proved them wrong.

Buddy stole the show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York ... he's the first of his rabbit-hunting breed to take home top honors.

There were 6 finalists competing for the award ... Cider the English setter, Monty the giant schnauzer, Trouble the American Staffordshire terrier, Rummie the Pekingese, Ribbon the Australian shepherd, and Winston the French bulldog.

Also among the competitors -- Lepshi, a Bracco Italiano, co-owned by country music star Tim McGraw, won best in breed.

One handler at the show raved, "I never thought a PBGV would do this... Buddy Holly is the epitome of a show dog.” He's also named after one of the most awesome performers in Rock history!

Donald Trump ripped into his perceived enemies Tuesday night after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial.

The 45th President posted a series of videos to his Truth Social platform, condemning Carroll, the judge and jury in the case and New York City where the trial was held.

As you probably know, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million in damages for abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the '90s and then defaming her years later by calling her a liar.

In the footage, Trump first directed his ire toward Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, labeling him a "Trump-hating, Clinton-appointed judge, who went out of his way to make sure that the result was as negative as it could possibly be."

The 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner also said the jury was from an "anti-Trump area," meaning NYC, a place where he could never get a fair trial. BTW ... the verdict was unanimous and quick.

Trump then said he would appeal the jury's decision because he doesn't know Carroll from a hole in the wall. He went on to say the trial was a "scam" and "political witch hunt" (No surprise there). He also said the verdict was a "disgrace to our country."

And he wasn't done yet. Trump described Carroll as a liar whose case was financed by Democratic operatives, but it wasn't clear who he was referring to. He also mentioned fighting back against “this stuff,” implying a rigged justice system, so the country doesn't fall into an abyss.

As for why the jury ruled against him ... jurors heard him via taped deposition say for a million years male celebs have groped women, adding "unfortunately or fortunately."

Of course, Trump's legal woes might only just be starting. Last month, he was criminally indicted in the Stormy Daniels hush money case in Manhattan.

He also faces possible criminal charges in two federal cases involving the January 6th riots and for allegedly pilfering classified government documents.

Lily Collins is the latest celeb to fall victim to a major theft ... cops say she had high-end jewelry and other goodies swiped during what was supposed to be a calming trip to the spa.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the "Emily in Paris" actress was at a West Hollywood hotel over the weekend and secured her belongings -- including her wedding band, engagement ring, and some electronics -- at the spa before going to enjoy some relaxation.

We're told she came out singing a completely different tune, once she found all of her stuff was gone!

L.A. County Sheriff's deputies are currently investigating, and we're told there was no sign of forced entry where Lily stored her belongings.

We're told cops are now looking over the building's security footage for leads.

The theft is classified as "over $10,000," as you'd imagine since the thief made off with Lily's wedding rings. So far, no arrests have been made.

There's been a handful of L.A.-based celebs burglarized, this year alone -- as we reported, cops pulled up to Drake's pad in January after a man took off with something from inside his home.

LAFC star Kellyn Acosta had his house broken into in February, losing out on a few watches -- and Miles Teller's place was ransacked that same month.

The loss for Lily -- Phil Collins' daughter, if ya didn't know -- is particularly tough, considering the sentimental value of her engagement ring. Anyone with info is asked to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Office.

We've seen some celebs opt for leaving their expensive jewelry and watches at home in the current environment.

The Nikola Jokic-Mat Ishbia beef is no more ... the Nuggets star and the Suns owner made nice before Game 5 on Tuesday night -- and their feud-ending moment was super sweet.

Jokic appeared to first extend the olive branch just before the big playoff game in Denver ... when he walked over to Ishbia -- who was sitting courtside -- with a basketball and a smile.

You can see in video of their interaction, Jokic tossed the ball to the Suns honcho ... before grabbing his hand and pulling him in for a hug.

Ishbia was all smiles as he embraced Jokic back -- and it was clear, the two were pals once again.

Of course, back on Sunday night, the guys were anything but friends ... after Jokic pushed the 43-year-old for the way he held onto the ball during a play in the middle of Game 4.

Jokic was fined $25,000 for the incident.

Tuesday night, though, wasn't without at least some spice for Jokic ... 'cause while the Nuggets ended up winning easily over the Suns and the Ishbia problems evaporated, the big center still found drama.

Late in the game, Jokic and Kevin Durant got into a mix-up on the sideline -- one where Durant actually shoved the Denver star. KD was given a technical over the play.

Bret Michaels found his Los Angeles vacation home ... an impressive estate in Westlake Village, outside of L.A.

Our real estate sources tell us the Poison lead singer spent $5,471,000 on the 5-bedroom home.

The main house is 5,461 square feet and has all the bells and whistles ... a wine room, pool, spa, basketball court, and outdoor kitchen.

Bret's new place is super modern ... nestled in a gated community. He's definitely familiar with the area because he used to live in a mansion across the street before selling that place back in 2020 for $4.28 million.

The rocker calls Arizona home, but he was in the market for a vacation pad in L.A. after a successful stadium tour... and now he's found one. We're told he paid in cash.

Belal Muhammad doesn't plan on waiting for Leon Edwards and Colby Covington to fight ... the UFC star, coming off a decisive win over Gilbert Burns, tells us he wants to jump "Chaos" and scrap with "Rocky," and he knows precisely when and where.

UFC 294, October 21, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. UAE.

"I’m still hoping and praying that since Leon wants to fight in Abu Dhabi and he wants to fight in October that they’ll just let me fight him because that makes the most sense in the world," Belal told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

"There’s not a bigger fight they can make in Abu Dhabi than me fighting for the belt in Abu Dhabi."

Dana White previously said Colby would get the next title shot. Assuming the UFC prez sticks with his original plan, we asked Belal if he's been told he has next.

"Yeah, for sure," Muhammad said, continuing ... "I saw Dana in the back. He said, ‘Yup, you got it, man. You earned it. You got your spot now.’ When you hear it from the boss’ mouth that’s all I need to hear. That’s like freakin' -- the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You’re like, ‘Uh, got it, finally.’"

Of course, 34-year-old Muhammad beat Burns by unanimous decision at UFC 288 ... and is now the 3rd ranked welterweight, behind the champ, Edwards, former champ Kamaru Usman (#1), and the aforementioned Covington (#2).

FYI, Belal's resume is about as strong as it gets. He's won 9 fights in a row and hasn't lost since January 2019 (Geoff Neal). Over the course of the win streak, Muhammad has beaten the likes of Demian Maia, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, and Vicente Luque, amongst others.

Muhammad already fought Edwards in 2021 ... but the fight was stopped near the start of the 2nd round after an inadvertent eye poke forced Belal out of the fight. The bout was ruled a "no contest."

Belal believes he's done more than enough to run things back with Leon ... who is coming off a victory over Usman, the welterweight G.O.A.T.

"I’ve done everything I can do. I have five ranked wins. What else is there to do? There’s nothing else."

Check out the clip ... there's much more with the UFC star, from his breakdown of the fight with Burns to his plans to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov later this month.

Before this beaming boy turned into an actor and a husband, he was mastering the art of karate, dancing up a storm in hip hop class, and growing up in Hudsonville, Michigan with his rents and little sister.

This on-screen werewolf used his karate skills to fight in a series of movies, vying for Bella Swan's love, and if you don't recall him in those movies ... perhaps you've seen him in "Cheaper By The Dozen" acting next to Hollywood greats like Steve Martin and Hilary Duff.

Need one more hint? Just ask his ball and chain, Taylor!

The University of Georgia football team is bucking tradition ... electing not to go to the White House after winning its second consecutive national championship in January.

The Bulldogs -- who defeated TCU in dominant fashion -- announced the decision Tuesday ... saying they received an invitation from Joe Biden and Co. last week, asking the football team to celebrate their CFB title at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave on June 12.

However, the program said the date -- almost a week before summer starts -- is "not feasible" because of the demands placed on their student-athletes during that time.

Nevertheless, the Bulldogs said they appreciate the invite and look forward to taking the White House up on the offer if the program continues rattling off titles.

FYI, the last college football team to visit the W.H. was the 2019 LSU Tigers. Alabama didn't go in 2020 because of COVID-19 protocols.

This is the second time the Bulldogs are skipping out on getting some time with the POTUS -- in 2021, Georgia elected not to visit due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, LSU star Angel Reese and the Tigers, who defeated Iowa to win the program's first NCAA title, announced Monday they will visit the White House on May 26.

Remember, Reese initially took issue with First Lady Jill Biden after FLOTUS said Iowa should attend the White House alongside LSU ... calling the suggestion a "joke."

Here's Imagine Dragons showing support for striking writers in Hollywood ... bringing a guitar, microphone and speaker up to the picket line and performing some of the band's biggest hits.

Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds and guitarist Wayne Sermon provided some entertainment Tuesday outside Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles ... where writers are continuing their strike.

Dan and Wayne brought a couple speakers and a couple microphones with them for an acoustic concert of sorts ... performing Imagine Dragons hits like "Radioactive" and "Whatever It Takes."

The Writers Guild of America members surrounded the band as they performed from a bench on the sidewalk ... chanting "Imagine" and "Dragons" and even singing along to some parts.

After the mini-concert, Dan told us why he supports the writers' strike ... saying writers deserve to be better compensated for creating and driving so much of the entertainment coming out of Hollywood.

We've seen Pete Davidson and TV's late-night talk show hosts support the striking writers recently, dropping off pizza boxes and footing the bill for food trucks ... and last week there was a live mariachi band outside Netflix HQ.

Nate Diaz clearly ain't sweatin' his criminal case down in Louisiana ... the former UFC star actually had a laugh about it all with Jake Paul on Tuesday.

Paul was the one who brought up the choke-out incident to Diaz during a news conference to hype up their August boxing match ... wondering if the MMA fighter thought he was scrapping with his brother, Logan Paul, when he choked out a guy on Bourbon St. during an April 22 melee.

Diaz smiled and then pretended to truly believe it was Logan who he put to sleep on the popular New Orleans roadway.

"You're going to act like that wasn't Logan?" Nate said with a grin. "Come on, man!"

"You thought it was Logan?" Jake asked again ... before Diaz responded with a giggle, "It is Logan, what are you talking about?"

Of course, the case shouldn't be much of a laughing matter for Diaz ... officials have charged him with second-degree battery after they allege he caused the man to suffer a head wound during the incident. Diaz is now facing time behind bars if ultimately convicted.

Diaz, though, did get serious about it all for at least a few seconds during the presser ... appearing to say he took it easy on the guy by choking him instead of throwing hands.

"You don't want to just hit people out there," Nate said. "That's f****** dangerous. You know what I'm saying? Give him a little nap."

Diaz didn't elaborate on it all further ... but he's been adamant since the incident went down that he did nothing wrong -- and was simply acting in self-defense.

The "Jeopardy! Masters" tournament has host Ken Jennings' arch nemesis back in the game, but don't expect Ken to give in to the trash talk being thrown his way -- he tells us he's hung up his buzzer for good.

Ken joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to respond to James Holzhauer, who's playing again in the 'Masters' tourney ... and who called out Ken during Monday night's episode. 'Jeopardy!' fans know Ken and James were long considered #1 and #2 in the all-time rankings -- they went head-to-head in 2020's 'G.O.A.T.' (Greatest of All Time) tournament, and Ken came out on top.

Last night, James playfully demanded Ken give him a rematch -- but KJ tells us it ain't gonna happen. He says he's happy just to have defeated James once ... plus he's digging being the host now, instead of playing.

For now, Holzhauer will have to settle for taking on 5 other champs for a $500K prize and a Trebek Trophy.

Ken says he's thrilled to be watching the action from his hosting podium, adding ... the competition is already really fierce.

Donald Trump was found liable in his battery and defamation trial involving E. Jean Carroll.

The jury of 6 men and 3 women reached the verdict Tuesday after deliberating for a mere 3 hours. They found the former president liable for defaming Carroll and sexually abusing her ... but not liable for rape. As a result, Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages.

As you know ... Carroll sued Trump for battery and defamation, claiming Trump raped her back in 1996 in a Manhattan department store dressing room. She said she was attacked by Trump after they ran into each other at the store and shopped together.

Trump maintained Carroll's allegation was just a "hoax" and claimed he wouldn't have raped her because she wasn't his type.

As we reported ... Carroll's attorney grilled Trump about his general treatment of women when he sat for a deposition as part of the suit.

In the depo, recorded on video last October, Trump clarifies his hot mic comments during his 2005 interview with Billy Bush, where he infamously said ... "And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, grab them by the p****. You can do anything."

Carroll's attorney asked Trump if that's indeed what he said, and without blinking he responded, "Well, historically, that's true with stars. If you look over the last million years, I guess that's been largely true."

Trump then shockingly adds ... "Unfortunately or fortunately."

While Trump never appeared in court during the trial, he ripped Carroll as a "whack job" and a "nut job" in his deposition.

It will be interesting to see if Trump references the verdict tomorrow during his CNN town hall.

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's divorce has telltale signs it's already super nasty ... with a war brewing over the estranged couple's children and broken finances.

We've now obtained Kroy's petition for divorce, and he wants sole legal and physical custody of the pair's 4 minor children. That in itself is an aggressive move, essentially cutting his estranged wife out of the child-rearing process.

Kim's legal docs also reveal things are not kumbaya. She's asking for sole physical custody with visitation for Kroy. When couples get along, they typically ask for joint legal and physical custody, but neither seems to want that.

There's also the couple's home -- which went into foreclosure earlier this year. Kroy's asking for possession of the home ... and that Kim be forced to vacate the property. Again, super aggressive.

TMZ broke the story, Kim and Kroy owe more than $1 million in taxes, dating back to 2013.

Kroy puts Kim on notice in his divorce petition, saying she must maintain all financial documents ... including all income records, tax records, expense records and more. This suggests a deep conflict over who was responsible for their financial woes.

Interestingly enough, both Kim and Kroy filed separate petitions for divorce, Kroy's was stamped on Monday ... and we're told Kim filed hers over the weekend. In other words, it was a race to the courthouse so each could say they filed first to end the marriage.

Francia Raisa stopped talking to Selena Gomez because SG wouldn't stop drinking after she had given her a kidney ... at least, according to her ex-friend's dad, El Cucuy.

El Cucuy -- the famous Spanish radio host and father of Francia -- went on a Spanish news show called "Primer Impacto" about 5 months ago and wound up giving more context about what went down between the 2 ex-best friends.

During the interview he was asked why his daughter wasn't included in Selena's highly-anticipated doc, "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me." He told the outlet, it was no secret what happened between them, and added ... that's just what happens with love, money, and fame.

He then explains Selena and Francia had a disagreement when SG was drinking. Apparently, FR told her she didn't give her a kidney, so she could go out and drink ... causing stress on the organ.

BTW, they used to be thick as thieves, having met when they were child actors. So much so, Francia donated her kidney to Selena in 2017 after hers failed due to her battle with lupus. However, things soon went left.

Francia recently fielded a bunch of questions, from a pap, about Selena ... but she dodged almost every single question ... which came off a little shady to some Selena fans.

As a result, FR later said she'd been dragged through the mud online and wanted it all to stop.

Ex-NBA player John Amaechi is calling out West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins over the anti-gay comments he made earlier this week ... telling TMZ Sports everyone involved in the conversation is straight-up "disgusting."

As we previously reported, Huggins used homophobic slurs during a Cincinnati radio appearance on Monday ... referring to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s" while speaking with Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW.

Amaechi -- who came out as gay in 2007 -- got wind of what the coaching legend said ... and he believes, unfortunately, Huggins isn't the only one in a sports leadership role who would use such a term.

"I don’t know the man -- but he sounds like a dinosaur," Amaechi tells TMZ Sports. "College (and indeed pro) sports are littered with them."

But Amaechi isn't just disappointed in Huggins -- he continued to speak out against the show's hosts ... saying they "are also disgusting and to blame for egging this conversation on and calling him 'the best' after he said those words."

"It's hardly surprising that some people still think it’s OK to say these words," he added. "As to whether he should be an educator (as a coach or otherwise), I would remind people that the vociferously anti-trans and anti-gay usually sit in a constellation where many other minority groups (including Black and Brown people) are also held in contempt."

Amaechi -- who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz over the course of 5 seasons in the Association -- has become a voice for the LGBTQ+ community since coming out ... and has also built a career as a psychologist and professor at a Russell Group university.

He was recently honored for his work at an event ... where he gave a powerful monologue that actually ties in with Huggins' controversy.

"I won an award the other day from the Sports Industry, and in my acceptance speech, I talked about sports being an empty vessel that people fill with who they are -- if you imagine what this man fills his sport with, it's hard to imagine that the human outcomes will be positive, even if sporting success occurs," Amaechi says.