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Ray J and Bobby Brackins made good on their $25,000 promise to boost the bank account of the best mechanical bull rider in their contest, a hefty payday for just a few minutes of fun.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained video of the Ray-hosted event that went down on September 16 inside San Fran's Westwood bar, which we're told was so jampacked the owners made an exception and played hip hop all night when the airtime is generally reserved for country music.

A woman named "JC" took home the grand prize and it's not hard to see why it was an easy choice ... we're told not only was she the only one of the 7 contestants to stay on the bull-bot but she did it with flair by taking off her shirt and spinning it like a helicopter, which helped her seal the deal.

Even Ray couldn't hold on very long but the crowd wasn't there to see him be a matador -- he put on a full show and apparently, the crowd was loving each track he performed!!!

Ray and Bobby are using the fanfare to saddle up their latest linkup, "On Top," into the Billboard stratosphere.

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner seemed destined to fight out their divorce for months to come in court -- but now that anger-fueled ride's come to a screeching halt with their settlement ... which makes this look-back at how they got here all the more eye-popping.

Going all the way back to early May -- when CB first filed to end their marriage -- this uncoupling had all the markings of being ugly, starting with the fact her decision to divorce Kevin completely blindsided him.

What proceeded over the next 5 months amounted to one of the nastiest celeb divorces in recent memory ... despite the fact they had a prenup in place.

Pretty much from the jump, Christine indicated she had plans to challenge the validity of the prenup -- starting with the fact she put up a fight about moving out of their house ... even though the prenup required her to get out if she were to divorce him.

After A LOT of back and forth in court and a judge's ruling ... Christine did move out by the court-ordered deadline in late July. Keep in mind, Kevin said he'd already given her over a million bucks to get her own pad.

In addition to the housing drama ... there was the acrimonious issue of child support, which had been challenged by Christine since the beginning. At first, she'd asked a judge to make Kevin pay a whopping $248,000/month to support their 3 teenage kids.

Kevin, of course, scoffed at that ... insisting the realistic number was probably closer to $63k/mo. -- and while he had to cough up $129k/mo as an interim amount, the judge ultimately sided with him on this matter, ruling the $63k was enough to sustain the children.

Amid all this mudslinging and money talk, the Costners went on vacation -- 2 different ones, actually ... and their kiddos got to enjoy respective trips with Mom and Dad. Christine took them to Hawaii for a week, and then KC flew them out to Aspen for some QT.

Come August, it was back to the lawyers' table ... with both Kevin and Christine sitting for a deposition to settle the issue of whether Christine "understood" the prenup she signed way back before their 2004 wedding ... something she and her lawyers argued might not have been totally clear to her.

Kevin and Christine showed up dressed to the nines for that depo ... and then testified all over again in court to hash out more points, including money, rumored partners and more.

In the end, a judge sided with Kevin on this as well -- saying the prenup was clear, and ordered Christine to pay a little more than $14k to cover Kevin's attorney fees for litigating this minute detail.

Christine then signaled she wasn't done nitpicking ... asking for more cash from Kevin to cover her attorney fees, which she estimated at $885k.

That was the latest barb just a few days ago ... and there appeared to be no end in sight. Then, just this week, Christine and Kevin buried the hatchet in a surprise move.

As we reported ... they settled, the terms of which are being kept private for now. While Christine seemed to be taking L after L in court, it sounds like she might've clocked a small win in the end -- as our sources tell us she walked away with more dough than what she was due under the original terms of their prenup.

A decorated 40-year veteran is opening up about how combat missions forever changed his brain function, and he says his experience is a cautionary tale for all service members and the doctors who treat them.

We talked to General Gregg F. Martin Tuesday on "TMZ Live" about his just-released memoir, "Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness" ... which chronicles his personal battle. As he explains -- bipolar disorder can actually develop over time.

Conventional wisdom is bipolarity is something you inherit, but Gen. Martin says it's not that simple. He says doctors told him the gene for bipolar disorder was dormant in his brain, until the stressors of repeated combat missions in Iraq triggered it.

The General says his manic episodes were devastating ... and, in some cases, he literally thought he was Superman. It wasn't until he was diagnosed as bipolar, 11 years after leaving Iraq, that he got on the right meds and learned how combat impacts the brain's biochemistry.

Gen. Martin says he's not alone -- far too many vets in this country have gone through the same situation ... but he adds the Veterans' Affairs Department is aware, and on the lookout for symptoms of bipolar disorder among combat troops.

He's hoping his story brings the issue to the forefront and destigmatizes the topic of mental health within the military.

Tamar Braxton told cops her car was "completely trashed" by thieves ... getting emotional just looking at it, as seen in the body cam footage.

The footage, obtained by TMZ, shows the singer chatting with officers Monday morning about what she says happened -- explaining it's gonna be tough to figure out everything they took.

At one point, Tamar takes a peek in the car before having to look away, saying she might cry just based on the condition of the vehicle. The cop eventually opens the door, showing some clutter on the passenger side -- but the rest of her vehicle's interior isn't visible.

Tamar says she usually locks her car, but admits she came down the night before to get something out of it, and isn't totally positive if she locked it back up.

BTW, Tamar says the culprits oddly enough left a computer behind when they took off.

Shannon Beador's DUI isn't the only allegedly booze-fueled arrest that's gone down in the world of 'Real Housewives' ... a handful of folks from the series have been accused of and busted for similar offenses in the past.

As you know, video appears to show Shannon slamming her car into the side of a house in Newport Beach over the weekend. Law enforcement sources tell us she was trying to pretend she was walking her dog when cops arrived ... but was arrested and booked for DUI and hit-and-run.

But, Shannon's ordeal is just the tip of the 'Housewives' iceberg.

TMZ broke the story, Kim Zolciak's 20-year-old daughter, Ariana, was booked in Georgia last year for 3 separate charges ... misdemeanor DUI driving under the influence of alcohol, misdemeanor improper lane change, and underage alcohol possession.

Ariana's lawyer told us she was "involved in a minor fender bender," and said officers "incorrectly concluded she was impaired by alcohol. That was not the case. She wholly denies these allegations."

Dorit Kemsley's husband, PK, was busted for DUI in 2021 after CHP officers said they saw his Bentley weaving in traffic on L.A.'s 101 freeway. His attorney told us he had a glass of wine at dinner before driving, and regretted not finding another way home.

Law enforcement told us PK blew a .081 blood alcohol in the field, but blew a .076 when he arrived at the police station. The legal limit is .08 BAC, and we were told the level change led prosecutors to decide to not charge him.

'RHONY's Luann de Lesseps was arrested in 2017, being hit with a slew of charges after her alleged drunken rampage -- including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and 2 counts of corruption by threat.

She allegedly told cops, "I'm going to kill you all," and later struck a plea deal for that case ... but authorities say she later violated her probation by drinking mimosas.

Kim Richards also got busted back in 2015, allegedly reeking of booze and slurring her speech while being dragged out of the bathroom by cops at the Polo Lounge inside the Beverly Hills Hotel.

She was charged with trespass, resisting arrest, battery on a police officer, and drunk in public. She eventually completed her probation.

Quite a long and wild list of arrests ... but it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Do you think Shannon Beador's DUI/hit-and-run will affect her chances of staying on the 'Real Housewives' franchise? Vote below.

With the Tory Lanez shooting trial in the rearview and a new collab with Cardi B in the books, Megan Thee Stallion's comeback is imminent.

In a new interview with Billboard published Tuesday, Meg confirmed she was closing all "old chapters" and looking forward to the future ... which includes a new album and partnership with Hot Cheetos.

Meg promised to deliver nothing but tea -- in the form of her music and revealed she is now co-producing songs with her longtime collaborator LilJuMadeDaBeat.

"Expect a lot of rawness, a lot of realness, a lot of s*** talking. Just know I’m coming and I hope everybody ready," she warned.

Meg expressed constant mental breakdowns during the Tory trial but told BB that physical fitness was the key to her sanity, something she recently shared on IG in a viral workout video.

2 people are reportedly dead after being hit by a bolt of lightning on a beach in Mexico ... and the horrifying incident was caught on video.

The ordeal went down in Michoacán Monday, along the country's Pacific coast -- as the weather got super nasty. You can see someone packing up an umbrella, just before the strike.

After the first person is hit, you can see the lightning appear to travel along the sand to the other person ... both of them collapse, causing nearby folks to scream in horror.

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, the victims were a man and a woman -- one was a tourist, and the other sold hammocks. The outlet says the woman was killed instantly at the scene, and the man later died at the hospital while receiving treatment.

Odds for a person to get hit by lightning are rare, at about 1 in 15,300.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are doting new parents once again -- proudly showing off their latest bundle of joy to the world ... with one of the cutest photo shoots ever.

The musical power couple -- who just welcomed their latest son, Riot Rose, in August -- posed for some incredible shots at home ... with both the new 1-month-old baby, and their other kiddo, RZA.

We gotta say, the Mayers look super happy and gotta be one of the best-looking crews in all of Hollywood.

Mama and Papa Bear definitely took a similar fashion theme. RiRi is sporting a royal-blue look -- with the denim button-down -- and dad's got a pair of jeans on ... with a splashy green flannel to bring it all together.

Young RZA was also wearing jeans, BTW ... his whole getup is honestly freaking adorable.

As for Riot ... let's just say he's giving his big bro a run for his money in the cuteness department. The proud parents had him swaddled up in a blanket -- but underneath, the baby was decked out in a salmon-colored onesie.

Also worth noting, this is the first time we're seeing Rihanna since she popped. It probably goes without saying -- but she's looking damn good.

YouTube is cutting off Russell Brand's cash flow in response to rape and sexual assault allegations against him -- the platform's suspended him from making money off his videos.

A YouTube spokesperson said on Tuesday it's suspending the comedian-turned-influencer's account -- which has over 6.6 million subscribers -- which means he won't be able to cash in on the ads that play before and during his library of vids.

The company says Brand violated its creator responsibility policy -- which, in part, says a creator's off-platform behavior that's deemed potentially harmful to others can result in YouTube taking action.

This doesn't just affect Brand's main channel, BTW ... it also puts the kibosh on his other accounts raking in the dough, like Awakening with Russell, Football Is Nice, and Stay Free with Russell Brand.

As we reported, Brand is now facing claims from multiple women who claim to have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused by him from 2006 to 2013 ... with one alleged victim saying said she had toxic interactions with him when she was just 16 years old.

He was put on blast in 2 pieces, published on Saturday through The Times (UK) and Channel 4. Brand tried getting in front of the report by posting a video Friday on social media -- including his YT channel -- saying all of his sexual encounters have been consensual.

Rep. Lauren Boebert isn't to blame for her raunchy theater hookup -- her estranged husband is actually responsible for making her a horny single ... so says the man himself.

Jayson Boebert -- who's in the middle of a divorce right now with the Colorado congresswoman -- took to Facebook Monday to defend his soon-to-be ex-wife ... saying that people shouldn't pile on Lauren for her behavior, and instead come after him.

He addresses RLB's constituents, writing ... "I am writing to address the deep concerns circulating. Watching the attacks against Lauren, I feel the people should know the truth of our broken marriage and burden she has carried for too long."

Jayson goes on to praise Lauren as an exceptional mom, wife and grandmother -- adding that she was a wonderful spouse and partner in their marriage ... that is, before he shattered her trust by cheating. It seems he's attributing that to her decision to file in May.

He puts it quite plainly ... explaining, "This has been a devastating divorce that I hold all responsibility for. It upsets me that everyone believes she left me over fame or a new lifestyle. That is far from the truth. Then again, most of what’s said about our family is untrue. Another battle we have faced together for too long. Much of this is on me because the problem starts at the root. I am the root."

Jayson says he's put Rep. Boebert through the wringer, and believes it's because of this pain that she might've acted out this way. He then makes a personal overture to her personally, saying he stands behind her and condemns the attacks coming her way in the fallout.

One final plea to the public from JB ... "I am asking for you all to show grace and mercy towards Lauren in this troubling season. She deserves a chance to earn your forgiveness and regain trust. I have broke her down in so many ways, but she will come out stronger as she always does, and so will I."

As for Rep. Boebert herself -- she's reacted to Jayson's message, saying she appreciates his sentiments, but stops short of saying there's any sort of reconciliation on the horizon.

She's been handling this as well as she can -- taking responsibility and getting back to work in D.C. As she explained to us on camera yesterday ... no more dates for the time being.

It may be the most shocking turn of events this year ... the divorce war between Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner is now history, because they have SETTLED UP!!!

As improbable as a settlement seemed, there were signs it might happen. As we reported, Kevin's legal team, headed up by disso queen Laura Wasser, won a series of legal skirmishes, particularly in the child support department. Wasser submitted paperwork to the court saying Kevin's monthly obligation should be $63k a month. Christine wanted $248k a month, and after a 2-day evidentiary hearing in Santa Barbara earlier this month, Judge Thomas Anderle sided with Kevin.

The judge also made it pretty clear ... the prenup would be enforced, and if Christine challenged it she would have to repay Kevin more than $1 million and pay his attorney's fees for the prenup fight. Apparently, Christine saw the handwriting on the wall and agreed over the weekend to the terms of a 3-page settlement letter.

The 2 were married for 18 years and had 3 kids together. Christine filed for divorce back in May and asked for joint custody. Kevin also asked for joint custody. We don't know the details of the settlement, but it looks like Christine's $850,000 fee request is off the table.

Although the prenup is enforceable, our sources say Christine got more than what was prescribed in the doc ... for the sake of settlement.

Did not see this one coming.

'RHOC' star Shannon Beador was zooming around a residential street moments before slamming her car into the side of a house ... according to this insane footage of her alleged DUI incident.

Beador was hightailing it around a Newport Beach, CA street on Saturday just before midnight, when -- based on this video -- she seemed to misjudge a corner, careen out of control and crash into the home.

Almost immediately, Beador threw her car in reverse, getting off the sidewalk and back onto the street before slowly pulling away.

We got these pics of the damage left behind from the accident ... a concrete planter is crumbled after taking the brunt of the impact and there's a huge skid mark on the road.

It also looks like Beador barely missed the front door of the house ... which likely would've caused even more damage, and potentially injured someone inside the home.

TMZ broke the story ... sources say Beador eventually parked in the middle of the street, getting out with her dog. We're told when cops arrived, she tried to act like she was just walking her pup, but the officers weren't buying it.

A rep for Newport Beach PD says Shannon was arrested and booked for hit-and-run and DUI alcohol -- both misdemeanors -- and was cited and released without bond.

The Bravo series isn't currently in production, so she wasn't filming before the arrest -- her lawyer Michael Fell says, "[Beador] is extremely apologetic and remorseful. We will be awaiting the official information on this case as it becomes available, and Shannon is prepared to accept full responsibility for her actions."

Don't forget, Beador revealed earlier this year that she felt blindsided by the brutal split from her BF, John Jassen ... which came just weeks after production wrapped on season 17.

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

Do you think Shannon Beador's DUI/hit-and-run will affect her chances of staying on the 'Real Housewives' franchise? Vote below.

James Marsden's 50th birthday bash took the cake -- literally -- with a candlelit dessert featuring a throwback photo of the star in his modeling days.

The Emmy-nominated actor and a bunch of other celebs piled into the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in L.A. Monday to celebrate Marsden's milestone.

Bold-faced names included Tessa Thompson, Woody Harrelson, Natasha Lyonne, Ben Barnes and Aaron Paul. Ronald Gladden, who costarred with Marsden on the popular Amazon Freevee show "Jury Duty," also made a cameo.

The main attraction wasn't Marsden himself -- but, instead, the picture of him as a handsome young model plastered on the Bday cake.

The black and white image of Marsden was surrounded by gold candles with “Happy 50th Birthday JAMES!” inscribed underneath.

Marsden later posted several snapshots of the fancy cake on Instagram, along with a video showing him blowing out the candles as everyone sang, "Happy Birthday."

Partygoers also got to drink like sailors thanks to Casamigos -- the tequila company that threw the party. The “James Birthday Cocktails” list showcased a cucumber jalapeño margarita, a passion fruit margarita and casa ranch water.

Emmy-winning soap star Billy Miller "surrendered his life" after a long and valiant battle with bipolar depression, according to his mom. Although she didn't use the word "suicide," it's clear he took his own life.

Patricia Miller revealed her son's personal struggle with the mental disorder and thanked his friends and fans for their well wishes after he passed away in Austin, Texas, last week.

Patricia said Billy did everything in his power to control the disease, but, in the end, it got the best of him, and he "surrendered his life," stopping short of giving a specific cause of death.

She ended by saying "we all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss."

During his acting career, Billy played the role of Billy Abbott in The Young and the Restless, winning three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the character. He also appeared in General Hospital and All My Children.

Billy was 43.

RIP

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a horrific knee injury Monday night ... one that was so bad, ABC chose not to air close-up replays of it.

The NFL star and his team were going toe to toe against the Steelers during a primetime game in Pittsburgh ... when Chubb got knocked out of the contest in the second quarter.

During one of the plays ... Deshaun Watson handed the ball to the 27-year-old tailback, who sprang forward into a crush of helmets, getting tackled by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Moments later, Chubb was unable to get to his feet even with the help of his teammate. He grimaced and writhed in pain as he gripped his left knee -- which he also severely injured in 2015 while playing college football.

A far-away replay showed Chubb's leg had bent in a way it shouldn't have ... and both Joe Buck and Troy Aikman -- the game's broadcasters -- told the audience they would not be showing the other angle of the hit due to its gruesomeness.

Chubb was then carted off the field to cheers from the opposing crowd at Acrisure Stadium.

After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Chubb suffered a "significant knee injury" -- one that will almost certainly sideline the running back for the rest of the season.

Britney Spears delivered a not-so-cryptic message to her fans, more than suggesting her book will be a scorcher about family betrayal.

Britney shared a vid of a little girl baking something, as 2 older girls crack eggs on her forehead, then bust into laughter.

She said she relates to the video on a dark level ... "similar things have been done to me so I look at this with different eyes !!! Most of my inner conflict with people is knowing the enemy is right in front of me but I kept them because I loved them !!! I'm extremely sensitive to anybody laughing at someone or bullying in any way !!!"

She goes on ... "There's so much I've kept private that's gone on with me personally and maybe one day I can let people know ... until then, there's 3 sides to every story !!! Your side, my side and the truth !!! The child within is the trust, the girl in the middle is the truth ... watch it NOW with no sound !!!"

Although she doesn't specifically mention her family, it's pretty easy to connect the dots ... "The enemy is right in front of me but I kept them because I loved them."

Britney's book is due out next month, and based on her latest words, it does not seem like the relationship between her and her family has been repaired.