Francis Ngannou Still Wants Jon Jones Fight ... UFC/PFL Cross Promotion

051623_francis_ngannou_pfl_kal
JUST SAY THE WORD
TMZSports.com

Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones may be on life support, but it's not dead ... and if the UFC is ever down to cross-promote an event with the PFL, "The Predator" says he only needs a couple of months for a scrap with the man most believe is the greatest ever!

"I'd be ready in two or three months from that moment I agree with that," 36-year-old Ngannou told TMZ Sports late Monday.

Francis reiterated ... he wants Jon, and always has.

"I'd be on board. Listen, first of all, I always claim for this Jon Jones fight, I always wanted Jon Jones fight and then it seem like they didn't want to make this Jon Jones fight happen."

Of course, despite months of negotiations, a deal never came together between Francis, Jon, and the UFC.

Ngannou believes UFC was using the Jones fight as bait to get him to sign with the promotion.

"Until they wanna use Jon Jones as leverage to play me and that wasn't something that was going to happen. The Jon Jones fight wasn't just coming as a fight," Francis said, adding ... "He came with strings attached. That's what I would say. Jon Jones fight was coming with strings attached which was the thing that I couldn't take it just like that."

Despite the fact Ngannou is now with PFL and it's likely hell would freeze over before the companies worked together, that hasn't stopped the two MMA stars from continuing to talk about each other.

In fact, Bones tweeted on Tuesday ... "Calling yourself the baddest man on the planet from across the street, who does that? Lol"

Francis then responded ... "Then cross the street"

Please let Jon cross the street. Please. 🙏

'90s Actress Megan Ward 'Memba Her?!

American actress Megan Ward was in her early 20s when she became a well-known star for her roles in comedy films like "Encino Man," "Freaked" and "The Brady Bunch Movie" back in the early 1990s.

Perhaps one of her most notable roles was Robyn Sweeney in "Encino Man" -- where she played the high school beauty and teen crush of her co-star Sean Astin. She also starred in MTV's first film, "Joes Apartment" alongside Jerry O'Connell, where she played Lily Dougherty -- the senator's daughter.

Over the years, she has made guest appearances on TV shows such as "CSI: NY."

Guess what she looks like now!

SHY GLIZZY EX-GF CLAIMS HE THREATENED TO KILL HER AND HER FAMILY

Shy Glizzy's ex-girlfriend claims he's threatening to kill her, her family, her friends, and any man she dates in the future ... and now she just got court-ordered protection.

The rapper's ex, who works as a model, makes the shocking claims in her request for a restraining order against him ... telling the judge he's been threatening her ever since she broke things off with him.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, the gf claims Shy has repeatedly told her he will kill her and her mother. She says he's been making the threats ever since she broke up with him in April ... and she says he sent her a text message that said, "Ima f*** ya life up."

Shy's ex claims she started dating Shy in December but broke up with him on April 28 because she says he has "anger issues." She says Shy did not take the breakup well and things reached a head on May 13, when he was arrested for allegedly threatening her.

In the docs, the ex claims on May 13 she was driving around Los Angeles and noticed Shy was following her. She says she was stopped at a red light when he got out of his car and approached her car, banging her car with the handle of a gun. She says she drove away but he followed her and tried to run her off the road, hitting her car with his car and causing damage.

TMZ broke the story ... Shy Glizzy was arrested on May 13 on a felony charge of making criminal threats after his ex told police he pulled a gun on her.

The ex claims she's told Shy to stop contacting her, but she says he keeps messaging her, threatening to kill her, and post explicit pictures and videos of her without her consent in what she believes is an attempt to ruin her modeling career.

Shy Glizzy's ex also claims he texted her best friend, "Imma get her a** beat."

The judge granted a temporary restraining order ... and now Shy Glizzy has to stay 100 yards away from his ex and he's barred from contacting her. The judge also prohibited Shy from posting or distributing any explicit photos or videos he may have of the two.

We reached out to Shy Glizzy's camp ... so far no word back.

Weezer Entertains Striking Writers Outside Paramount

051723-weezer-kal 5/17/23
WEEZER FOR THE WRITERS
TMZ.com

Weezer provided entertainment to the striking writers picketing outside Paramount Pictures ... supporting the cause by playing some of the band's most famous songs.

051723-weezer-INTV
KEEP IT UP
TMZ.com

Lead singer Rivers Cuomo was flanked by guitarists Brian Bell and Scott Shriner outside the major movie studio Wednesday ... playing an acoustic concert for the writers who are continuing their strike.

The Writers Guild of America members surrounded the band as they performed from just outside the studio entrance ... with Weezer playing some of their biggest hits, including "Beverly Hills" and "Buddy Holly."

050923-imagine-dragons-performance-kal 5/9/23
MUSICAL MOMENTUM
TMZ.com

Weezer joins Imagine Dragons as bands to play for striking writers ... last week Dan Reynold's and guitarist Wayne Sermon put on a show outside Netflix HQ.

pete pizza 5/5/23
LENDING A HAND
Storyful

We've also seen Pete Davidson and TV's late-night talk show hosts supporting the WGA, bringing pizza and food to the writers ... and there's also been a live mariachi band at the picket lines.

britney art 2
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Ya gotta imagine more bands will follow suit ... and it will be interesting to see who grabs the mic next.

Stay tuned ...

MLB Star Zac Gallen Kills Bird With Warm-Up Pitch ... Shades Of Randy Johnson

051723-zac-gallen-kal1
BASHED BIRD
Courtesy of MLB

Zac Gallen is used to doing a pretty good Randy Johnson impression on the mound ... but on Wednesday, he imitated The Big Unit in a way no pitcher ever wants to -- by killing a bird with a pitch.

The Diamondbacks ace threw the unfortunate toss as he and other Arizona players were warming up before their afternoon game against the A's in Oakland.

You can see in video captured by a camera stationed in the Coliseum's outfield ... as Gallen rocketed what appeared to be a curveball to his catcher -- he inadvertently struck a bird that was flying nearby.

The footage shows the feathered foe immediately crumpled to the grass after being hit -- and according to Bally Sports Arizona, it did not survive.

The BSA broadcast also reported Gallen felt pretty crummy over it all afterward.

Of course, Zac is far from the first Arizona player to kill a bird with a throw ... you'll recall, back in 2001, Johnson destroyed a dove with a fastball in a spring training game.

Like Zac, Randy didn't find much amusement in the moment at all.

RIP, birds.

Kim Zolciak I Want Kroy Drug Tested ... His Pot Smoking is Dangerous for Our Kids!!!

Kim Zolciak says she's witnessed her estranged husband, Kroy Biermann, smoke pot -- and she's afraid for her kids' safety -- asking a judge to step in and force him to get a drug test.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Zolciak says she's got serious concerns for the safety and well-being of her 4 minor kids while in Kroy's care ... and she points to his marijuana smoking as the source of her fear.

Zolciak is asking the judge to force Kroy to submit to a five-panel hair follicle drug screen ... and that he not cut or remove any of his hair until the screen is complete.

TMZ broke the story ... both Kim and Kroy filed separate petitions for divorce last week. Both are asking for sole physical custody of their kids ... and Kroy's asking for sole legal custody as well.

We were also the first to report the estranged couple's financial problems, owing more than $1 million to the IRS. In his divorce docs, Kroy asks Kim to retain all financial documents -- including expense reports as well as income and tax records.

britney art 2
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Kim states she and Kroy are still living under the same roof with their kids, the same home that went into foreclosure earlier this year ... but you gotta imagine tensions are running high between the two.

We covered the drama in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Dustin Johnson My Back Injury??? Paulina May Have Caused That 😏

No, Dustin Johnson didn't hurt his back earlier this year swinging a club -- instead, he strongly insinuated Wednesday it was a different kind of stroke that caused the injury.

Johnson was out in New York getting ready for the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club when he was peppered with a few questions about the muscle pull that yanked him from the Saudi International golf tournament back in February.

The 38-year-old former Masters champ didn't explain fully what caused the problem ... but he sure hinted it had something to do with fooling around with his wife, Paulina Gretzky.

Check out video of the exchange with a reporter ... when the media member asked the LIV star if he had gotten hurt playing golf or "lifting up" one of his children -- Johnson broke out a huge, wry grin.

"Yeah, lifting up a kid," he said, stifling a laugh. "Just a bigger kid."

The remark left the room full of journalists in stitches ... and the ear-to-ear smile that Johnson continued to wear didn't require any further follow-ups.

Of course, Johnson could've been talking about something completely different ... but both he and Paulina have had all day to clarify the comments -- yet the two have remained tight-lipped.

Congrats on the (maybe!) sex, you lovebirds!!

Billie Eilish & Jesse Rutherford Splitsville ... But They're Still Friends

Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford have broken up ... TMZ has confirmed.

The "lovely" singer's rep tells us ... "We can confirm Billie and Jesse did split amicably and remain good friends. All cheating rumors are false. Both are currently single."

The breakup marks the end of a short-lived relationship ... we first saw Billie and Jesse hanging out -- and making out -- back in October, and in November they went Instagram official.

But Billie and Jesse, the lead singer for the band The Neighbourhood, had not been seen together in public since last month when they went to Coachella.

Billie seemed to signal trouble with the relationship earlier this month, when she showed up to the Met Gala without Jesse, dressed in all black.

While Billie was reportedly seen cozying up to "Love, Victor" actress Ava Capri at a Met Gala after-party, we're told neither Billie nor Jesse was unfaithful when they were dating.

Still, it's unclear what led to the split ... Page Six was first to report it.

Remember ... Billie and Jesse first sparked dating rumors in October 2022 when a viral video showed them walking out of a haunted house together, holding hands.

TMZ broke the story ... the Hollywood Horror Nights outing came the night after Billie and Jesse went on a dinner date at a famous Los Angeles vegan restaurant, where they also looked like a couple.

britney art 2
TMZ INVESTIGATES

A couple days later, Billie and Jesse showed off some PDA, kissing in front of cameras.

Now, seven months later, it's all over.

Artificial Intelligence Existential Threat to U.S. Democracy ... Expert Urges Action!!!

051723_gary_marcus_kal
THE DANGERS OF AI
TMZ.com

Artificial Intelligence poses some serious risks and could potentially threaten the very fabric of our democracy ... so says AI expert Gary Marcus, who is urging Congress to implement strong guard rails.

Gary joined us on "TMZ Live," a day after he testified before Congress ... warning about the future of AI machines and urging them to take local, national, and global measures.

051723_gary_marcus_senate
GROWING CONCERNS

Having worked extensively with AI, he feels morally responsible for warning the public about the risks ... and there are plenty. He agreed some genies are already out of the bottle -- all the more reason to slow the technology with regulations.

Gary says that while some large language models are here to stay, chatbots pose a serious threat. He emphasizes that this technology has the power to influence ways of thinking and manipulate users ... and that boils over to the political realm and threatens our democracy.

051223_fake_cnn_kal_v2
MAKING FAKE NEWS

Remember, even former President Trump shared a doctored Anderson Cooper clip from the CNN town hall. That one wasn't AI, but it makes you wonder how much worse it could be if someone used AI to distribute misinformation. Of course, some of this tech has already infiltrated the music industry.

Gary says it's only a matter of time before these machines surpass us humans ... so the time to act is now.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Slams Paps After Harry & Meghan Car Chase Reckless & Irresponsible!!!

small eric
DANGEROUS DRIVING

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is calling out the paparazzi for tailing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a "near catastrophic" high-speed chase ... saying the whole thing is irresponsible and dangerous.

Mayor Adams weighed in on the incident Wednesday morning during a public safety announcement about retail theft ... calling the whole thing especially reckless in NYC because of the dense population and traffic. Adams was especially pissed that two NYPD officers could have been injured -- not to mention Harry, Meghan, and innocent bystanders.

051823-meghan-harry-chase-kal 5/16/23
SHADES OF THE PAST
BACKGRID

The mayor added, "It's clear that the press, paparazzi, they want to get the right shot, they want to get the right story, but public safety must always be at the forefront."

As we reported, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were involved in a dangerous high-speed chase Tuesday night. The chase lasted about two hours and, according to H&M's reps, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and officers. Markle's mom was also in the SUV with them before they all jumped into a taxi to get away.

Adams emphasized, "I don't think there's many of us who don't recall how his mom died" -- obviously referring to Harry's mom Princess Diana, who was killed in a '97 crash after paps chased her car in Paris.

The mayor noted that it's hard to believe paps were chasing them around at full speed for the full two hours, but regardless he says even 10 minutes is too long.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms

Logan Paul Celebrates One Year W/ Nina Agdal ... 'My Danish Queen'

Logan Paul and Nina Agdal just hit a special milestone in their relationship -- the couple is celebrating their one-year anniversary together ... and the WWE Superstar penned his model girlfriend a special tribute in honor of the big day.

"One very special year with my Danish queen @ninaagdal," Logan said on Instagram on Wednesday ... sharing several romantic shots of them embracing over the past 12 months.

As we previously reported, Logan and Nina were first spotted in public at Novikov in London last June ... showing PDA as they grabbed dinner with their friends.

Speaking of friends, Logan's podcast cohost Mike Majlak took credit in the comments for setting them up ... saying, "i literally made this happen i want equity in this relationship too."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Logan and Nina have been attached at the hip ever since ... with Nina being his biggest supporter at all his WWE matches and other business events.

britney art 2
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Agdal also recently showed serious love for Logan ... saying, "Obsessed with this boy 💘."

logan nina
BOATS & CAVIAR
Instagram / @loganpaul

It looks like their special day will be filled with boating, bubbly and caviar ... and, of course, tons of bottles of Logan's Prime drink.

Congrats!!

Harry and Meghan Chased by Paparazzi for 2 Hours ... 'Near-Fatal,' Cars and Pedestrians at Risk

UPDATE

9:54 AM PT -- A source tells TMZ the chase started around 10 PM, after the award ceremony, and the pursuit was at its most intense on the FDR Drive ... a highway on the east side of Manhattan. We're told Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's SUV got up to about 80 mph as they tried to shake the paparazzi.

UPDATE

We're also told it ended around midnight ... so, that 2-hour time span Harry and Meghan's spokesperson mentioned is accurate.

Prince Harry must have had a bone-chilling case of deja vu Tuesday night after he and Meghan Markle were followed by paparazzi in what his people are calling a "near catastrophic" car chase.

As we reported, Meghan received an award at a ceremony earlier in the evening that Harry and Meghan's mom attended, after which they left and got into an SUV followed by police. Apparently, that's when the chase was on.

051823-meghan-harry-chase-kal 5/16/23
SHADES OF THE PAST
BACKGRID

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said, "This relentless pursuit, lasting over 2 hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and 2 NYPD officers."

At some point during the chase, the SUV pulled over and the trio jumped in a New York taxi and beat a hasty retreat. It looks like the cops tried to outwit the paps by driving in a different direction than the cab.

Sources say the paparazzi were in a half-dozen blacked-out vehicles, claiming the traffic violations included driving on the sidewalk, running red lights and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

This obviously brings back tragic memories of Harry's mom, Princess Diana, who was killed in a 1997 crash where paparazzi chased her car in Paris.

One of the searing images from the tragedy ... 12-year-old Harry and his brother, 15-year-old Prince William silently walking behind her casket.

Originally Published -- 7:37 AM PT

Shakira & Gisele Bündchen Single Ladies Link Up in MIA ... Dinner Date with Kiddos

Shakira and Gisele Bündchen are both hot off relationships with two of the biggest athletes in the world, and they've seemingly struck up a close friendship ... bringing their kids together for one big dinner date.

The Colombian singer and the Brazilian supermodel were spotted Tuesday grabbing a bite to eat at Makoto restaurant in Miami. The dinner date was complete with GB's kids Vivian and Benjamin, as well as Shakira's sons -- Sasha and Milan.

We're told Gisele arrived at the sushi eatery around 7:15 PM, and Shakira pulled up about 10 minutes later. Once inside, they ordered a variety of rolls, hamachi, and salads for the table.

Of course, Shakira and Gisele are both single moms now after ending their relationships with their high-profile partners last year.

Shakira split from her soccer star BF Gerard Piqué after 11 years together, and Gisele filed for divorce from NFL star Tom Brady last October after 13 years of marriage.

Now, both ladies are moving on with their lives ... and perhaps finding comfort in each other.

'General Hospital' Star Haley Pullos Busted For DUI After Wrong-Way Driving Freeway Crash

Haley Pullos, known for her work on "General Hospital," was arrested for a DUI after allegedly causing a major freeway wreck ... one she's lucky to have survived, based on some horrific crash scene photos.

Haley, who plays Molly Lansing-Davis on the long-running soap opera, told Soap Opera Digest last week that she was taking a break from the show to recover from a car accident -- but according to a police report, Haley left out a few key details.

In the document, obtained by TMZ, cops say Haley was driving on a freeway in Pasadena on April 29 ... when she swerved, flew over the dividing barrier, and into oncoming traffic.

She ended up colliding head-on with another car that was going about 60 mph.

When cops arrived at the crash scene, they say Haley was unable to exit her car. Firefighters helped free her and got her into an ambulance .... where things got weird and a little violent.

Police say a firefighter was assessing her injuries when she struck him and shouted, "This is a $400 f***ing shirt!"

When they searched her car, cops say they found weed edibles and mini-bottles of tequila.

Haley was taken to the hospital ... cops met her there and say she showed clear signs she'd been driving under the influence -- noting the smell of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and watery eyes.

She was arrested for felony DUI while still at the hospital ... and cops note she got aggressive and fought hospital staff. They eventually had to sedate her.

The driver of the other car survived but was hospitalized with major injuries.

britney art 2
TMZ INVESTIGATES

What's more ... cops tell TMZ Haley was also involved in a hit-and-run traffic collision before her gruesome freeway crash.

Pasadena Fire Dept. shared pics of the accident, warning people not to drink and drive.

We reached out to Haley's rep ... so far, no word back.

Elon Musk Corrected by Twitter After False Statement About TX Shooter's Neo-Nazi Ties

Not even Elon Musk can escape Twitter's community notes -- aimed at dispelling misinformation and lies on the platform -- though one note, correcting Elon himself, has seemingly disappeared.

The Twitter honcho sat down with CNBC Tuesday in an interview that's making a lot of noise ... namely because of what Elon falsely stated about the gunman who killed 8 people at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas earlier this month.

It was widely reported, and confirmed by The TX Dept. of Public Safety, that the shooter had neo-Nazi tattoos and beliefs, and wore a patch that said, “RWDS,” an acronym for Right Wing Death Squad.

However, Musk claimed to CNBC, "there's no proof he is" a white supremacist and, "We should not be ascribing things to white supremacy if it's false."

One Twitter user noticed Elon's gaffe, and posted the CNBC clip with the caption, "Musk doubles down on his claims that there's no evidence the Allen, Texas mall shooter had white supremacist beliefs."

051723_elon_musk_kal
DOULBING DOWN
CNBC

That tweet was quickly flagged by Twitter community notes, with a footnote that read, "Texas police have confirmed that Allen mall shooter "had neo-Nazi tattoos and beliefs" and wore a patch signifying "right wing death squad."

While the community note was present Tuesday night, it had been deleted by Wednesday morning ... though it's unclear why, or if Elon had anything to do with getting it removed, as it only served to correct something he falsely stated.

Salma Hayek Keeping Abreast of the Times!!!

slama slip
REVEALING DANCE
Instagram / @salmahayek

Salma Hayek gave her millions of Instagram fans more than eyeful Tuesday, accidentally exposing her breasts as she danced her butt off.

The actress posted a video to IG, showing her partying with her peeps inside a room after scoring 24 million followers on the social media platform. As Salma was boogying, she didn't notice the top of her robe was open, putting on a show she hadn't bargained for.

But her wardrobe malfunction didn't stop the party. Salma just kept shimmying and having a blast with friends.

She wrote on IG, "24 million followers, 24 million reasons to smile 😄 Thank you all for joining me on this wild ride! ❤️🙏 I cannot contain my excitement & gratitude 💃"

This isn't the first time Salma has given us a little peep show. Last month, she was photographed wearing a yellow bikini on a boat while puffing out her chest.

But Salma's probably not getting many complaints, especially from the guys.