CPK Founder Sells Bev Hills Mansion for $34M!!! That's a Lotta Pizza Dough

California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Larry Flax has closed the deal on his estate in Beverly Hills ... and while the final sale price came in lower asking, he's still walking away with a ton of bread.

Our real estate sources tell us Larry's compound sold Wednesday for $34.4 million ... it's a markdown from his original $48.5 million asking price, but still impressive.

The nearly 3-acre property is in the same super exclusive neighborhood as the home Mark Wahlberg sold in February for $55 million, and this one is just as beautiful.

The estate comes with a 5-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom main house, plus a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house -- overall there's 14,239 square feet of living space, and the amenities are incredible.

Luxury is displayed right off the bat ... a motor court runs up to the French Chateau-styled mansion, and the foyer has a golden dome and a sweeping staircase.

The estate has a library with a marble fireplace and built-in bar, and there's a room just for silver, crystal and fine china.

In the gourmet chef's kitchen, there's a baking area, butler's pantry, wraparound granite island, commercial appliances and a walk-in refrigerator ... plenty to make a meal for a dining table that seats 20 people.

Oh, and there's a 1,800-bottle wine cellar that's visible from a separate fireside dining area.

The family room features floor-to-ceiling French glass doors, limestone-clad walls, a marble fireplace and a built-in bar ... with views opening out to the 70-foot swimming pool.

The grounds also feature a reflecting pond with marble statues of Daphne and Apollo -- it's a Greek thing -- plus a spa, a wading pool for kids and an outdoor kitchen with a built-in BBQ. Not to mention a rose garden and several fountains dotting the landscape.

It's like a game of "Clue" ... there's even a glass-enclosed conservatory, decked out with a custom glass chandelier and a painted ceiling.

We haven't even mentioned the tennis court, which has lights so folks can play tennis at night.

The primary suite upstairs has a sitting room with a fireplace, kitchenette, powder room and a terrace with another fireplace ... and it's just down the hall from a home theater with a velvet stage curtain.

Larry founded 'CPK' way back in 1985 and purchased this pizza palace in 1992.

Linda May of Carolwood Estates and Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Realty held the listing.

LLWS Player I'm Gonna Sit This One Out ... Attempts Wild Stance In Box

Ya gotta give this Little League World Series player an A for effort -- one kid tried to shrink the strike zone as much as possible during an at-bat on Tuesday ... by practically sitting in the box!!

It all went down during Mexico's matchup against Venezuela ... when second baseman Santiago Hernandez stepped up to the plate in the top of the 5th inning.

With a 1-0 count, Hernandez crouched down until he was basically in the dirt ... but unfortunately for him, his master plan didn't go according to plan, as Venezuela's pitcher threw a strike.

The announcers got a good laugh out of it ... wondering if the young athlete had practiced the stunt in the past.

As it turns out, the Little League rulebook specifically addresses this sort of thing -- stating a batter's strike zone is determined based on their normal stance ... displayed when they swing at a pitch or take a practice whiff.

In other words, Hernandez's crouching didn't change his strike zone one bit ... resulting in a called strike.

It ultimately didn't matter, though ... 'cause Mexico ran away with a 3-1 victory to advance to the fourth round.

Britney Spears Splits Up Pooches with Sam ... Both Happy with Agreement

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari shared 5 dogs between the two of them, and have already come to an agreement on who gets each pup ... TMZ has learned.

Sam was spotted walking the couple's Doberman, Porsha, Monday -- the same dog he bought as protection for Britney a couple years ago. We've learned Sam now has Porsha full-time, and got her back last week in an arrangement with Britney.

While she might be without Porsha, we're told Britney gets to keep 4 of her 4-legged friends as her own. She's got her Australian Shepherd, Sawyer, her Yorkie, Hannah, and 2 other smaller dogs.

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PUPPY LOVE
@britneyspears / Instagram

We're told both Sam and Britney are happy with the agreement on how the dogs were split.

As we first reported, Britney's pushed almost her entire support system -- including her family -- away in the past few months -- and is really only left with her manager, Cade Hudson, and lawyer, Mathew Rosengart.

The two are responsible for Britney's day-to-day, making sure she's fed, hitting appointments and taking care of any potential professional opportunities that may come her way.

Brielle Biermann Sued Over Unpaid Credit Card Bill

UPDATE

2:05 PM PT -- A rep for Brielle Biermann tells us she has plans to pay the bill in full Wednesday.

Brielle Biermann is being hounded by American Express for allegedly not paying a five-figure credit card bill, and now AmEx is going after her in court.

According to new legal documents, obtained by TMZ, American Express claims Kim Zolciak's daughter failed to pay off a $12,870.25 balance.

The credit card company claims Brielle hasn't been forking over the monthly minimum payment on her Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.

In the docs, AmEx says it's demanded payment from Brielle ... but she's failed to settle the bill ... and now they're going after her for the full balance, plus court costs.

The apple apparently doesn't fall far from the tree ... Brielle's mom is also being sued for an unpaid credit card bill at Target, just one factor in her mother's ongoing struggles.

Meanwhile, as we first reported ... Brielle's adopted father, Kroy Biermann, is being sued over an unpaid credit line from a casino trip to the Bahamas.

Originally Published -- 1:42 PM PT

Fyre Fest Founder Billy McFarland Selling Out Tix ... For Concert Fest Sequel

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REKINDLING THE FYRE
TMZ.com

Calling it a comeback is an understatement, but Fyre Fest founder Billy McFarland is actually selling out tickets for a sequel to that infamous flop ... and he's telling us how he's pulling it off.

McFarland joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live," revealing the first round of FYRE Festival II pre-sale tickets were scooped up quickly ... and, interestingly, Billy thinks all the buzz around his 2017 tropical failure is driving curiosity and interest around his second attempt.

He tells us why the "no publicity is bad publicity" model really works in his favor. BTW, folks who've already purchased tix, dropped $500 bucks without knowing the exact location or which artists will perform!!!

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BILLY IS BACK!!!

Billy also chats with us about how the hell he found backers for Fyre Festival II ... saying it wasn't until a Broadway production company supported a musical based on the first Fyre that financiers got interested in his return to live events.

You'll recall, Billy teased the new festival last October -- about 6 months after he served 4 years in prison for wire fraud related to the OG Fyre Fest disaster.

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GUESS WHO IS BACK

Months after the teaser, Billy reunited with Andy King -- the guy who famously revealed Billy asked him to give oral sex to a customs officer to get shipments of bottled of water -- and they sold grilled cheeses in NYC to raise money for Bahamas workers who still haven't been paid from Fyre.

Billy says he won't be doing as much at next year's festival, but he's at least secured one job -- cookin' up those infamous cheese sandwiches with Andy!

Andy King tells TMZ... "I look forward to working with Billy and our partners to share FYRE with the world. I’m so grateful to have support to help us execute the ultimate redemption."

Nia Long I Want Primary Custody Of Son With Ime Udoka ... He's Not Supporting Our Kid!!!

The split between Nia Long and Ime Udoka is getting nastier ... the actress is now asking for primary custody of the couple's child -- after she claims the NBA head coach has been failing to support the kid.

Long made the allegation in a court filing in Los Angeles last week ... while requesting a judge give her primary legal and physical custody of their 11-year-old son, Kez.

According to the docs, however, she did ask the judge to allow Udoka a reasonable opportunity to visit their kid to the extent "consistent with the child's best interest."

A ruling on the petition has not yet been handed down. Udoka has yet to respond.

As we reported, the couple broke up in late 2022 after 13 years together ... following allegations that Udoka had an affair with a team staffer while he was the Boston Celtics' coach.

Long had said at the time that the scandal was revealed that she was heartbroken ... adding that it was all "devastating" to her and her family.

Udoka, meanwhile, has since landed a new gig after the affair led to his ouster from Boston -- the 46-year-old just became the head coach of the Houston Rockets this offseason.

Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande Still With Scooter Braun's Company Music Exec's Taking On Larger Role

Music executive Scooter Braun still has A-list clients like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande under his belt, despite reports ... but we're told he's got his hands full -- because he's stepping into a larger role.

Sources familiar with what's happening behind the scenes tell TMZ ... all of Scooter's clients, including Justin and Ariana, are still under contract with his company, SB Projects.

However, we're told contract negotiations have been going on for several months as he shifts into his bigger role as CEO of HYBE America -- his multi-billion-dollar South Korean entertainment company that manages the likes of BTS.

Sources say folks spreading rumors about Bieber and Ariana are off ... Scooter's team at SB Projects is still handling both Justin and Ariana as they work through figuring out what the new structure will look like.

For those unaware, reports have been flying recently about the 2 superstars leaving SB, but it's been a bit of a gray area until now.

There was also word that Demi Lovato has stepped away from Scooter -- our sources confirm her departure, saying it was a mutual decision.

As we reported, Scooter's HYBE America dropped around $300 million to purchase music label, Quality Control, earlier this year ... the ATL rap label that includes big names like Lil Baby and City Girls.

Maui Wildfire Victim No Trust in Biden, Feds' Response ... My Family's Lost Everything

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TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
TMZ.com

Maui resident and former TV host Peter O'Riordan lost his home, car and belongings in the deadly wildfire, and says President Biden's visit is doing little to raise hope for victims like himself.

Peter, a former TMZ staffer who went on to host an Irish TV show before moving to Lahaina, joined us on Tuesday on "TMZ Live" ... revealing the devastating details of what's happened to his family and countless others just like him.

He says he's lost everything in the blaze, and its aftermath is wreaking havoc on his children's lives ... as they've been uprooted from their home, and have school left to attend.

Peter says his crying children were told to grab what they could, and flee for their lives as the fire advanced -- and it's that kind of lasting trauma that's so negatively impacting all kids in the Lahaina area.

As a business owner who relies on tourism, Peter says folks on Maui are super worried about the future and their island's economy ... and they don't feel like the federal government is a reliable source of help.

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BIDEN GETS THE BIRD

POTUS was met with jeers, and even outright chants of "f***k you" and residents flipping the bird, during his Monday tour of the devastation.

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NO COMMENT FOR MAUI
Fox News

Peter tells us the President's delayed visit -- coming 13 days after the fire -- already pissed off many residents, but he added that Biden made it worse when he said "no comment" to a question about the federal government's reaction.

With Peter's home and belongings reduced to a pile of ash, he's crowdfunding for his snorkel biz, Sea Maui, and he's reminding tourists that most of Maui is open for business.

While they desperately need tourism dollars, he's also asking visitors to be respectful of what locals are going through right now.

Peter's also working with the Maui Pono Foundation and Lahaina Restoration Foundation to help rebuild homes and businesses.

It's a first-hand account of what folks on the island are living through as they attempt to recover.

Serena Williams Deuce!!! Gives Birth to Baby #2

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have a lot to celebrate ... the couple just welcomed their second child together!!

The tennis superstar revealed the major news with a TikTok on Tuesday ... showing her get up from a table and leave the frame before returning with the little bundle of joy.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Alexis and Olympia look happy as can be -- with big sis adorably giving baby Adira River a kiss on the forehead.

The Reddit co-founder also posted about the newcomer ... saying, "I'm grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama."

"Feeling grateful. @serenawilliams you've now given me another incomparable gift — you're the GMOAT. Thanks to all the amazing medical staff who took care of my wife & our daughter 🙏 I'll never forget the moment I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister."

Serena and Alexis shared they were having another daughter at a lavish gender reveal just a few weeks ago ... and now that Adira is here, the countdown is on to see her take the court with Olympia -- just like Mama and Aunt Venus!!

No pressure, though.

Flo Rida Gettin' 'Low' With a Crowd-Surfing Baby!!!

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BABY'S FIRST CROWD-SURF

Flo Rida fans apparently come in all ages -- just ask the baby who joined the superstar rapper onstage after crowd-surfing through the audience!!!

The wild scene happened during Flo's performance at the CelebrateErie Fest on August 19 ... the baby was passed through the crowd, eventually making it to Flo's arms. At one point, Flo put the mic up the infant's mouth for them to sing along with the rowdy crowd.

Somehow, the child even found his way onto the main stage, where they were hoisted up in the air -- "Lion King" style -- while Flo jammed his hit "GDFR."

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SELF MADE
TMZ.com

Flo recently scored a huge $80M payday and the last time we spoke to him, he said the bottomless revenue will allow him to still do shows at his own leisure.

Gilgo Beach Murders Ex-Suffolk Co. Police Chief Arrested Attempting to Solicit Sexual Act

UPDATE

2:45 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources in Suffolk Co. tell us James Burke allegedly exposed his penis to a plain-clothed male park ranger around 10 AM Tuesday, and while touching himself, discussed oral sex with the ranger.

UPDATE

11:04 AM PT -- In all, Burke's been charged with attempting to solicit a sexual act, public lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal solicitation.

James Burke -- the former Suffolk County Police Chief heavily criticized for derailing the Gilgo Beach murders investigation due to his ties to sex workers -- has been arrested for attempting to solicit a sex act.

The Tuesday morning arrest at Suffolk County's Vietnam War Memorial is remarkable because Burke was known to frequent sex workers back when he was Chief in the Long Island, NY community -- from 2012 to 2015 -- and many believe that's why he bungled the investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders ... as all the victims were sex workers.

Burke was previously arrested in 2015 for beating up a suspect in custody, and he was eventually convicted and served 46 months in prison.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Burke's mishandling of the case is just one of several failings we uncovered in the documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" ... streaming now on Hulu.

As we've reported, Rex Heuermann has been arrested and charged with 3 of the Gilgo murders, and he's the prime suspect in a 4th.

A total of 11 bodies have been uncovered on the Long Island beachfront.

Originally Published -- 10:33 AM PT

Titans' Caleb Farley Father Killed In Explosion ... At Cornerback's Home

UPDATE

10:15 AM PT -- Authorities say Caleb Farley's father, Robert Farley, was the one who was killed in the home explosion.

UPDATE

He was 61 years old.

A massive explosion at a North Carolina home belonging to NFL defensive back Caleb Farley has left one person dead ... and another injured.

The incident happened overnight Monday in Mooresville, N.C. -- leveling a multi-million dollar property that, according to multiple reports, Farley had just purchased recently.

Iredell County Fire Marshal's Office spokesperson Kent Greene tells TMZ Sports ... one person was recovered from the scene deceased -- while another was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Farley was not a victim, Greene added.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing, Greene tells us ... though the current focus of the probe is centering around the home's natural gas lines.

According to local media outlets on the scene, Farley -- a 24-year-old Tennessee Titans corner -- was seen at the site Tuesday morning cooperating with authorities.

Farley is currently on the Titans' physically-unable-to-perform list while dealing with a back injury. Since the team took him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Farley's played sparingly, seeing action in just 12 total games.

Originally Published -- 8:49 AM PT

Lizzo I'm Doing Just Fine, Making Music ... First Sighting Since Lawsuit

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BUSY & UNBOTHERED
SplashNews.com

Lizzo looks and sounds unbothered by the lawsuit hanging over her head ... possibly using all the controversy as inspiration to create new art.

The "Truth Hurts" singer was spotted Monday for the first time since being sued by three of her former backup dancers who claim she sexually harassed them. Photogs asked her how she's been holding up in the face of the lawsuit.

Lizzo says she's doing good, and she was all smiles as she strolled into a recording studio in Hollywood. Her only other message ... new music is coming.

It's the first time we've heard Lizzo on camera since being sued ... she previously blasted the lawsuit in a statement, chalking it up to "sensationalized stories."

Lizzo said the days following the suit were "gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing" ... but now she seems at ease, at least publicly.

Remember ... Lizzo is being sued by a trio of former backup dancers, who claim she subjected them to nude entertainment shows in Amsterdam and Paris on tour earlier this year, claiming Lizzo pressured them to interact with the nude dancers despite their discomfort.

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WHAT WE WENT THROUGH
TMZ.com

Two of Lizzo's accusers, Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, previously joined us on "TMZ Live" and told us what it was like for them working under Lizzo ... alleging all of her backup dancers work in fear of losing their jobs if they don't go along with her demands.

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LOVING AMSTERDAM
Youtube / @3FMGemist

Lizzo's not letting the suit keep her out of the studio, though ... and it will be interesting to see if she references it in an upcoming song.

Queen Agreed to Cut 'Fat Bottomed Girls' For Kids Music Platform

Queen fans are pissed "Fat Bottomed Girls" was removed from their "Greatest Hits" on a children's music platform -- but we've learned the band signed off on that change.

For those unaware, the Freddie Mercury-led band's "Greatest Hits" album recently made its way to Yoto, a kids' audio player, and the big booty-themed track was notably missing from the lineup.

While there's been some fan outrage over so-called "woke-ism," a rep for lead guitarist Brian May tells TMZ ... he and the rest of the band agreed to "Fat Bottomed Girls" being omitted from the platform.

The rep stated that the band wouldn't be making any additional comment about the decision.

FYI -- Yoto's version of "Greatest Hits" includes songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," "We Will Rock You," and "Another One Bites the Dust."

A disclaimer on the children's site says the tracks used are "original and unedited recordings" ... adding, "Whilst no swear words are used parental discretion is advised when playing this content to or around younger children."

Folks online have been angry at Yoto for cutting 'Fat Bottomed,' but it sounds like they'll have to take that up with the band, and not the kids' app ... because Queen's cool with it!

Drew Barrymore Swept Out Of New York Panel ... As Fan Rushes Stage

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UNEXPECTED VISITOR

Drew Barrymore was whisked off the stage during a recent interview with singer and actress Reneé Rapp ... as an alleged stalker rushed up to the stage, demanding to talk with her.

Here's the deal, Drew was chatting with Reneé about the singer's upcoming album, "Snow Angel," at a 92NY panel Monday when the man -- who said he's Chad Michael Busto -- said something to get Drew's attention, but her positive reaction to him quickly went away.

As he walks up to the front of the stage, he says, "You know who I am, I need to see you at some point" while in NYC. Security quickly stops him at the stage, and Reneé swoops in to walk Drew off stage.

The clip's been making the rounds online, and many are applauding Reneé for having Drew's back, especially as fast as things got bizarre during the panel. It's unclear if Drew's ever interacted with him before this ... but Busto makes it seem like she's aware of him.

We're told there were no complaints from yesterday's incident ... cops didn't respond as a result and Busto wasn't arrested.

Britney Spears Lawyer & Manager Left In Charge of Her Care

Britney Spears has lost most of her support system to help with the care she desperately needs ... leaving her lawyer and manager essentially in charge of her well-being.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us it isn't necessarily a case of Mathew Rosengart and Cade Hudson taking the reins ... it's more they're the last people standing in Britney's life.

We're told they assist in getting Britney fed, to appointments and manage any potential professional opportunities that may come her way.

Our sources say Rosengart does not believe Britney's mental state is cause for great alarm, and there has been no plan to amp up her medical care and therapy. Some folks in Britney's world don't see it that way and believe she's in desperate straits.

As for her family ... Britney's very publicly shut her dad, Jamie, and sister, Jamie Lynn out of the picture. Her mom, Lynne, flew to L.A. a few months ago to help her daughter, but that relationship has since fallen apart as well.

Our sources say Britney's older brother, Bryan, has occasionally been trying to help Britney since her split with Sam -- going to her house to workout, and offering to do what he can -- but we're told Bryan's walking on eggshells, as Britney's just too volatile.

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SINGLE AND READY TO BE LICKED

Britney threw a small divorce party over the weekend. She wore a green dress and surrounded herself by a bunch of shirtless dudes -- including Cade Hudson.

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