TMZ.com Home

T.J. Newman is on a journey from flight attendant to Hollywood scriptwriter -- she wrote a book that became a bestseller, and now her second novel is getting turned into a screenplay, creating a bidding war in the process.

T.J. joined us on "TMZ Live" and told us all about her new book, "Drowning," which comes out today ... telling us why her story is so coveted by movie studios and big-shot Hollywood producers.

Like her best-selling debut "Falling," T.J.'s new novel takes place on an airplane ... with the jetliner crashing into the ocean after taking off from Hawaii, trapping passengers in a cabin as it sinks beneath the waves. It's aviation's version of the famous "Poseidon Adventure."

T.J. says she wanted to write about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances ... and there was a bidding war for the movie rights, pitting Nicole Kidman against the likes of Steven Spielberg and Jerry Bruckheimer, plus the usual movie studio suspects.

In the end, Warner Bros. emerged victorious ... shelling out $3 million and bringing T.J. along for the ride as an executive producer.

This makes T.J. 2-for-2 in Hollywood -- her first novel, "Falling," is also being turned into a movie after flying off the shelves ... Universal Pictures paid $1.5 million for the movie rights to her best-selling debut novel, also winning a bidding war.

T.J. says she's actually writing the screenplay for "Falling" ... an honor she says is "bonkers" and a process that brings new challenges.

Memorial Day turned violent at a popular Florida tourist destination ... nine people were shot and injured, including four minors, in Hollywood Beach.

The bullets started flying Monday afternoon when two groups got into a heated argument and decided to settle their differences using guns.

Several videos circulating online caught all the chaos. One clip shows the moment shots were fired, causing people to scatter on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk -- a busy promenade filled with restaurants and shops.

Other footage captured paramedics giving first aid to victims at the scene.

Police said five adults and four minors were treated at hospitals for gunshot wounds -- and one had to undergo surgery. Yet, all nine victims -- ranging in age from 1 to 65 -- were listed in stable condition.

Hollywood Police Department spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said investigators detained one person of interest and were searching for a second possible suspect.

Megan Thee Stallion just might have a new bae -- she's sparking dating rumors with Inter Milan star, Romelu Lukaku, as they were spotted getting nice and cozy at a wedding together!!!

The pair sat next to one another during Romelu's teammate Lautaro Martinez and model Agustina Gandolfo's lavish ceremony ... and there are plenty of signs the pairing wasn't a seating arrangement coincidence.

Both stars are signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation management imprint ... and Megan was recently spotted at an Inter match several weeks ago.

They also spent some QT together outside of the wedding party. Italy has no shortage of sightseeing, that's for sure!!!

Megan was attached to rapper/songwriter Pardison Fontaine for more than 2 years before the fallout from the Tory Lanez trial seemingly led to their split -- they unfollowed each other on social media in February.

Romelu reportedly broke up with his longtime girlfriend of 5 years, and it was also revealed he quietly fathered his 2nd child -- a one-year-old son named Jordan.

Jimmy Butler had one more opponent to go up against after beating the Boston Celtics on Monday -- the Miami Heat star came face-to-face with a bumblebee during his postgame press conference ... and his reaction is hilarious!!

It all went down shortly after the Heat finished off the Cs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to avoid becoming the first team in NBA history to blow a 3-0 lead ... but before he could put his focus on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Jimmy had a much bigger problem on his hands.

As the series MVP was answering a question about his upcoming matchup in the NBA Finals, he abruptly paused his response to address an intruder.

"Oh my God, y'all saw that?!" a shocked Butler asked as he put his hands up in defense. "Goddamn bumblebee."

To Butler's credit, he quickly regained his composure to finish his answer ... but understandably, that was the end of his media availability.

It wasn't the only viral moment of Butler's night -- he was also spotted rejecting the Eastern Conference Finals Championship trophy from his teammate, Bam Adebayo ... appearing to say "I'll hold the next one" during the postgame ceremony.

Beyoncé's packing out arenas on her highly-anticipated Renaissance Tour ... and some of those tickets went to some very famous folks, including Kris Jenner and Ronnie Wood!

Ronnie, his wife Sally, and their twin girls -- Gracie Jane and Alice Rose -- were in attendance at Beyoncé's London show over the weekend. And, they seemed to have the time of their lives as they watched her perform from their private box.

And, the Rolling Stones guitarist wasn't the only famous fan in the building ... Ronnie made sure to flick it up with Kris Jenner backstage before the night ended. Other celebs in attendance included ... Jay-Z (of course), Dua Lipa, Lori Harvey, and her boyfriend Damson Idris.

As you know, Bey kicked off her Renaissance Tour in Stockholm, Sweden, earlier this month ... taking the stage for the first time, alone, in seven years.

The show is proving to be well worth the hype ... with a ton of wardrobe changes, visuals, and surprises. As we reported, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's oldest daughter Blue Ivy was on stage in Paris, showing off her dance moves alongside her mama.

"Succession" star Sarah Snook has cheekily revealed she's had her first kiddo ... giving folks a glimpse at her new bundle of joy while thanking her fans as her extremely popular series aired its final episode.

Sarah took to Instagram Monday, where she showed off the top of her new baby's head with her HBO series on the TV in the background. She talks about how full her heart is of the "memories, good times, challenges and triumphs, to be able to break at all…so that makes me grateful."

The actress goes on to thank just about everyone involved in the popular series, ending it with, "I just watched the final episode of the final season of something that has changed my life. And now, my life has changed again."

Fans couldn't help but notice the little tike taking up the bottom half of the pic -- with many wishing Sarah a massive congrats ... not only on the show, but on her kid, too!

Fans of the series know the final season worked Sarah's pregnancy into the script ... with Siobhan Roy having to navigate the nitty-gritty of her father's company with a little one on the way.

BTW, this is Sarah's first kid with comedian Dave Lawson, whom she married back in 2021 -- although she's already been a stepmother to Dave's son from a prior relationship.

Uncle Sam isn't liking Uganda's new harsh anti-gay law -- which criminalizes "aggravated homosexuality" -- and we might just do something about it as a nation to condemn it.

President Biden's Sec. of State, Anthony Blinken, spoke out against the African nation's Anti-Homosexuality Act, which just got signed into law, and he says the U.S. will now consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials and others for what he calls a human rights abuse.

Blinken says he's instructed the State Dept. to update travel guidance as well for Americans who might want to travel to Uganda for business or pleasure -- so, perhaps restricting travel.

As for POTUS ... he's also slamming the law, and says he might even impose sanctions against Uganda over this -- adding he would review the ramifications of the law "on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda."

As for what is actually illegal now ... well, it's murky. Uganda says one can still identify as gay or as part of the LGBT community -- but that any promotion of homosexuality or any overt public acts of homosexuality, as it's vaguely described, is punishable by prison.

If you're thinking our politicians here would be divided on this, you'd be wrong -- at least as it pertains to Sen. Ted Cruz, anyway ... who publicly called out Uganda for overstepping.

He wrote, "This Uganda law is horrific & wrong. Any law criminalizing homosexuality or imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” is grotesque & an abomination.  ALL civilized nations should join together in condemning this human rights abuse."

Franky Venegas, one of the twins from the viral Island Boys duo, has to make a clean break from his ex-girlfriend ... he can't contact her at all after getting busted for allegedly getting physical with her.

Franky was arrested for domestic battery earlier this month and released from jail, and now he's got a set of special conditions to follow as the case moves forward.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Franky can have zero contact with the alleged victim in his case, ex-GF Amina Sobhi. This is standard practice in DV cases.

Franky was busted for domestic battery earlier this month after Amina told cops they got into an argument by the pool of their Airbnb in Pompano Beach, FL. Amina claims Franky slapped and pushed her into the pool after she threatened to break up with him.

Franky later posted a vid outside the jail, letting his fans know he was released from custody. As we first reported, Amina's now getting treatments to remove 3 tattoos she previously had inked in his honor.

In addition to steering clear of Amina, the docs also state Franky must stay away from alcohol and drugs, submit to random drug and alcohol testing, and possess no weapons.

Now under center for the Las Vegas Raiders ... Tom Brady?!?

Troy Aikman tells TMZ Sports he could imagine a scenario in 2023 where that situation is a very real thing ... saying he wouldn't put it past Brady to suit up for the team he's about to be a part owner of.

"I don't want speak for Tom," the Dallas Cowboys legend told Babcock, but "I wouldn't rule anything out."

Aikman's reasoning is simple ... he says because of the way Brady keeps himself in shape -- and his great relationship with head coach Josh McDaniels -- he could see it all happening.

Plus, Brady owning a piece of the team wouldn't hurt the chances, either.

"I would bet that just nothing is off the table," Aikman said, "as far as what may occur during the season or what Tom's role may be."

Of course, the Raiders already have Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a big contract ... and Aikman said he strongly believes Brady is "done playing."

"But," the Hall of Famer added, "you just never know."

Aikman also spoke with us about Aaron Rodgers' move to New York ... and he said he thinks the change of scenery from Green Bay could really impact the quarterback positively.

He also said he's stoked to be able to broadcast Rodgers' first-ever game as a Jet when NY takes on Buffalo during the NFL's season-opening "Monday Night Football" matchup in September.

TV Personality Dana Wilkey was in her mid-30s when she became popular as one of the more bougie women of the Beverly Hills squad -- most known for showing off her $25,000 sunglasses -- on Bravo's season 2 of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" back in 2011.

Although she was not a primary cast member, her flashiness and over-the-top personality earned her some star-power points and contributed to the show's drama, standing alongside key players including Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump and Camille Grammer.

... And, can't forget about her $1 million lollipop holder!

Something about the new live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" isn't sitting right with singer Paloma Faith ... who says the movie's plot is a really hard one to explain to her kiddos.

Paloma took to social media over the weekend, first congratulating Halle Bailey for her performance in the new Disney flick -- before dragging the story's main focus, saying "I don’t want my kids to think it’s ok to give up your entire voice and your powers to love a man."

She added, "Wtf is this s***?! Not what I want to be teaching next gen women at all.” Of course, she's referring to Ariel giving up her own voice to become a human to be with her love interest, Prince Eric.

For those unaware, it's the same trope that was used in the original 1989 version, so it seems Paloma might've forgotten the story before watching this new adaptation.

However, Halle told Edition earlier this year that her new version "definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy ... It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.”

Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez have apparently plopped down on a massive rental while their Beverly Hills pad gets the multimillion-dollar treatment ... and the new home away from home is reportedly none other than Kenny G's humble abode.

The Amazon founder and his new bride-to-be have picked the world-famous sax player's Malibu compound as their rental -- according to The Dirt, the happy couple's been shacking up there since March while work is still underway on their 9-figure property.

This temporary space looks pretty sweet, sitting cliffside and overlooking the ocean with a gorgeous backyard and massive pool. Unclear how much the 2 are payin' for a place like this, but it's gotta be a drop in the bucket for the wealthy pair.

The spot -- picked up by Kenny in 1998 -- has been expanded upon over the years, even adding on the smaller mansion next door ... the 2.5-acre property reportedly comes with a screening room, massive recording studio, and a key to Little Dume Beach, AKA one of the most exclusive beaches in Malibu.

As we reported, Jeff and Lauren got engaged during their recent vacay on his brand new $500 mil yacht, dubbed the Koru ... and sources told us the bigwig popped the question somewhere in Spain.

The husband of a recent beauty pageant contestant was in an all-out rage after his wife was named the runner-up ... rushing the stage and chucking the winner's crown on the floor!!!

Here's the deal -- Emannuelly Belini, representing Várzea Grande, was being crowned at Brazil's Miss Gay Mato Grosso 2023 on Saturday when the husband of 2nd place-winner Nathally Becker rushed on stage with some obvious qualms.

Check out the insane clip ... the husband grabs the crown just as it's being placed on Belini's head and slams it on the floor! As folks are in pure shock, he throws it down again before trying to walk off with his wife -- ultimately getting stopped by security.

The event put out a statement after the sore loser incident -- reiterating that Belini was indeed deemed the winner of this year's event, while also condemning the actions of Becker's hubby ... claiming the org's camp will be taking appropriate legal action after the ordeal.

Ralph Yarl, the Black teen who was shot in the head after walking up to the wrong house last month, was at a charity event for a good cause ... helping others who have ended up in situations similar to his in one of his first outings since the near-death experience.

The 17-year-old Missouri student was at the “Going the Distance for Brain Injury” run-walk event in Kansas City Monday -- the same city where he was shot 2 times -- including in the head -- just over a month before by 84-year-old Andrew Lester.

Ralph's mom, Cleo Nagbe, told local outlet KMBC she's extremely grateful for the outpouring of support she's been receiving for her son. In regards to the event, she says, "Socially it’s still hard for him. So, I’m glad he was able to overcome this. I pray that he will overcome most of his social hurdles after doing this."

You'll recall, Ralph was attempting to pick up his siblings when he mistakenly approached Lester's home, resulting in Lester shooting the teenager twice ... he's since been dealing with a serious brain injury but is luckily alive after the terrifying incident.

Lee Merritt, attorney for the Yarl family, told TMZ the part of Ralph's brain that deals with emotion and stress was damaged, so his doctor didn't give him the green light to return to school due to all the social interactions.

Ralph also got an invite from Ahmaud Arbery's mom, Wanda, to join her at a 5K race earlier this month, but his fam didn't think the time was right to be in a social setting, especially after the school denial.

Milt Larsen, founder of the legendary Magic Castle, has died.

Family sources tell TMZ Milt passed away in his sleep Sunday night at his home in Hollywood with his close friends and family by his side.

Milt is known heavily in the world of magic -- forming the ever-popular Magic Castle ... a private club for magicians located in the heart of Hollywood, CA which is also home to the Academy of Magical Arts.

He and his brother Bill grew up together in a family of magicians, and worked together to promote the Castle and recruit members, opening the doors in 1963.

Milt also celebrated the 50th anniversary of his annual stage show, "It's Magic!" with a big bash at the then-Kodak Theater in 2006. He and Bill also were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Milt's family was named 1 of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century in 1999's "Magic" magazine.

Apart from magic, Milt also had a long writing career --  working with Richard M. Sherman of the Sherman Brothers for decades, writing several scores together for nightclub speakeasy revues, comedy albums, and musicals like "Pazzazz!"

He also was a writer for the Bob Barker TV show, "Truth or Consequences" ... as well as "Malibu U" and audience participation shows with the likes of Vin Scully and Jim Nabors.

Milt was 92.

Looks like Jennifer Garner is mixin’ pretty well with her ex Ben Affleck and his new boo Jennifer Lopez -- because she took to the happiest place on Earth over the weekend with not only her daughter, but J-Lo’s kid, too.

The actress was in full chaperone mode at Disneyland Sunday, wrangling a group of teens at the beloved theme park ... having some fun with her youngest daughter, Seraphina, and some of her pals -- as well as Lopez's 15-year-old kid, Emme, whom the singer shares with Marc Anthony.

Seems to be no issues over here with the new family dynamic ... JG even got them all to snap some pics in front of the castle -- with Emme and Seraphina cheesing right next to each other!

As you know, Affleck and Garner pulled the plug on their decade-long marriage back in 2015, with Ben and J-Lo tying the knot last year.