Jason Derulo Strongly Denies Sexual Harassment Claims ... Calls Them 'Hurtful' And 'Defamatory'

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HURTFUL CLAIMS
Instagram / @jasonderulo

Jason Derulo is calling BS on a new lawsuit claiming he fired an up-and-coming musician after she repeatedly refused to have sex with him.

In a video statement posted on Instagram, the singer addressed the salacious allegations in the suit filed by Emaza Gibson in L.A. Superior Court Thursday.

Derulo said, "I wouldn’t normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful. I stand against all forms of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams."

He continued, "I’ve always strived to live my life in a positively impactful way, and that’s why I sit here before you deeply offended, by these defamatory claims. God bless."

In her suit, Gibson says Derulo contacted her in 2021 offering her a joint contract with him and two record companies, Atlantic and Future History, to produce songs.

Gibson says Derulo chose her because he needed to bring a fresh artist to Atlantic to launch the project, and she eagerly signed the agreement, believing he was now her mentor.

She says the plan was to work closely with Derulo on a mixtape and an album, delivering the final recordings to music execs within 6 months.

But, Gibson claims Derulo had other ideas, wanting her to participate in cocaine-fueled sexual rituals called “goat skin and fish scales" to fulfill his role as her artistic collaborator.

On several occasions, Gibson says Derulo also propositioned her to have dinner with him and tried to ply her with booze to get her into bed.

When she refused his advances, Gibson says Derulo eventually cut off all communication with her and terminated her contract with him and the record companies.

As a result, Gibson says she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after she suffered breakdowns and other medical issues.

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SERIOUS ACCUSATIONS
TMZ.com

Gibson is suing for sexual harassment, breach of contract and illegal retaliatory termination.

Drake Son Adonis Makes Rap Debut ... "For All The Dogs" Drops

He may have a significant head start, but Drake's son, Adonis, is already making his mark in the rap world ... not only designing the cover art, but rapping on his dad's new album too.

Drake dropped "For All The Dogs" -- his highly-anticipated album -- with features from Bad Bunny, 21 Savage, J. Cole and more. However, it's on the song "Daylight" where Adonis seemingly freestyles over the beat.

The 5-year-old says, "Don't talk to my man like that. I like it when you like it. My, my, my, my man. My, my, my, my man. Don't talk to my man like that. I like it when you like it. My, my, my, my man. My, my, my, my man. You know which one you want. I don't care which one you want. You can take whatever. I don't care what you do. I will always, watchin' for you."

The kid doesn't offer a lot of context to his verse, but who cares ... it's still cute as hell.

As we reported, Adonis drew the cover art for the album, a picture of a goat -- which he says represents his dad. Unclear if Adonis was paid for the artwork or his verses, but knowing Drake, he likely got some sort of cut.

Drake is still in the middle of his tour with 21 Savage with stops in Toronto Friday and Saturday nights. As we told you, 21 Savage recently got his Green Card -- which means he can now leave the United States -- so it's possible he pops up in Drake's home city.

'Love Is Blind' Inspires Special Vacation Package ... At Resort From Netflix Show

The Mexican luxury resort where "Love Is Blind" filmed part of the latest season is now offering fans a special vacation package ... and, best of all, you don't have to propose to a complete stranger.

The Netflix dating show filmed 2 post-pod episodes at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Cancún, and the resort is looking to cash in on its newfound reality show fame by putting together an all-inclusive package they're calling the "Love Is Blind" experience.

Here's what the more than $1,200 a night package includes ... an upgrade to a 1,300-square-foot suite with ocean views, plunge pool, walk-in shower, jacuzzi and romantic decor ... plus some sparkling wine and chocolate truffles upon arrival

"Love Is Blind" fans also get 50% off roundtrip transportation from Cancún International Airport ... and a $100 credit toward a private stargazing tour, oceanfront picnic or another romantic experience.

The package even includes a 7-step hydrotherapy session at the spa ... complete with a eucalyptus-scented steam room with chromotherapy, polar pool, aromatherapy sensory shower, sauna, jacuzzi and a multi-sensory pool. We're talking pure relaxation.

These same amenities were showcased on the Netflix show ... and Grand Velas Riviera Maya is offering the "Love Is Blind" package through December 15.

It ain't cheap, but there's plenty of bang for your buck. 😉

YNW Melly Used 'Rihanna' Code Name ... To Tamper with Witnesses, Officials Claim

YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen are both facing witness tampering charges now, and officials say some of the tampering involved them invoking Rihanna's name as part of their system of codes.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Melly and Bortlen both actively worked behind the scenes to keep key witnesses from cooperating with authorities and testifying in their double-murder trial.

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ALL SMILES
WSVN

Officials claim Melly is said to have used the phone privileges of another inmate to pass word to the outside ... sometimes in calls to Bortlen, who was out on bond at the time.

According to the docs, Melly had apparently lost phone privileges due to disciplinary violations while in custody.

The docs say during some of the calls, there were references made to "Rihanna" and "A$AP Rocky's baby mama" staying behind in a "Maybach" -- which prosecutors believe was code for instructing a particular female witness not to appear at the trial. The docs note that the woman, in fact, did not show up at the trial.

Officials also say Melly developed a sophisticated system for communication -- which they say is caught on surveillance video -- where he would coordinate the delivery of hand-written messages to various cell blocks through nonspeaking cues.

Melly's lawyer told TMZ Hip Hop the claims are a "desperate attempt" on the part of prosecutors after they failed to get a conviction during the first go-around.

It'll be interesting to see how it all plays with the jury when the retrial starts next week.

Chandler Jones Gets 1st Tattoo, Appears To Be In Good Spirits ... Days After Raiders Cut

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NEW TAT
TMZSports.com

Chandler Jones seems to be handling his messy split with the Raiders well ... the former Las Vegas star was spotted at a tattoo parlor this week appearing to be in good spirits while getting his first-ever tat.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 33-year-old pass rusher was at Valerie DiMaggio's West Coast Tattoo Parlor in Vegas on Wednesday -- just four days after the Raiders cut him.

Jones, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his love interest, was seen smiling ear-to-ear throughout his visit ... while he worked with artist Bobby Vegas to get some crosses etched on the side of his neck.

We're told Jones was "super friendly" and "super happy" while he made his way around the shop -- a somewhat surprising sight, considering last week he not only broke down in tears while on a live stream, but he was also arrested for allegedly violating a protective order.

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JONES BREAKS DOWN

But, according to DiMaggio, Jones was "a real nice guy" the entire time.

DiMaggio says Jones got tattooed for around 30 minutes ... and after it was all finished, he was so thrilled with it, he promised to come back to potentially get some matching ink with the woman he was with.

Jones did not mention what's next for him as far as his football career goes ... but perhaps a new start somewhere to go along with some fresh ink is on the horizon.

Guess Who These Loving Sisters Turned Into!

Before these two smiling sisters with long brown hair were in the spotlight, they were just growing up in London, England and looking after their little bro. They both had big dreams of their own, but their 6-year age difference never stopped them from going back-to-back for a photo-op!

If you follow either of these two gals on social media, you'll find they love spending time and traveling the world together ... they're the best of buds! While one sister recently wrapped her world tour, the other is prepping to make her movie debut!

Can you guess who these sisters are?

Dick Butkus Dead At 80

UPDATE

5:44 PM PT -- A moment of silence was held in Butkus' honor prior to Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field ... where his former team is currently playing against the Washington Commanders.

4:14 PM PT -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Butkus' death.

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."

3:46 PM PT -- The Butkus family just released a statement ... saying Dick died in his sleep overnight.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Bears added ... "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."

The statement continued ... "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.

"Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

NFL legend Dick Butkus -- one of the greatest linebackers of all time -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. He was 80 years old.

We're told someone went to check on Butkus at his home on Thursday ... and he was found unresponsive.

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DISPATCH ASSIGNMENT

Our sources tell us ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus is among the most intimidating players to ever step onto a football field -- coming in at 6'3", 245 pounds, he was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 ... going No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

He played his entire professional career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 ... racking up every individual award imaginable -- six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.

Butkus earned many nicknames due to his style of play .. including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.

Butkus was named to the league's All-Decade teams in the '60s and '70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Butkus -- whose career was shortened due to injuries -- had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels.

The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.

Off the field, Butkus was known for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa ... as well as dozens of films and TV shows, including "Any Given Sunday," "Hang Time," and "The Last Boy Scout." He was also an analyst for CBS.

Butkus continued to follow the NFL in retirement -- in fact, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram just hours ago.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children.

RIP

Originally Published -- 2:57 PM PT

Caitlyn Jenner Remorseful for Kris Comment ... Starting Family Drama

Caitlyn Jenner is regretting some family drama she caused over her recent comments about the current state of her relationship with Kris Jenner ... apologizing for upsetting the Kardashian and Jenner clans.

Here's the deal ... Caitlyn was doing a press tour in London for a new documentary on the Kardashians when she was asked about her relationship with Kris, revealing the two don't talk anymore and calling the whole thing "sad."

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NO CONTACT
ITV

Sources close to Caitlyn tell TMZ the comment caused tension within the whole family, and everyone is siding with Kris over Caitlyn ... including Caitlyn's daughters Kendall and Kylie.

As a result, we're told Caitlyn is extremely remorseful and is willing to do whatever it takes to mend the family divide.

Our sources say Caitlyn was promoting her upcoming appearance in the "House of Kardashian" trailer, a gig she was paid for ... and the family was not on board with her participating in the project. Our sources say Caitlyn's intention was to go on camera to defend the fam and speak highly of them.

Caitlyn has been excluded from the Kardashians reality show on Hulu ... and feels like she should be free to make her own decisions about what she chooses to be a part of ... without a "gag order" against her.

Our sources say Caitlin was just speaking the truth about how things are with Kris, but she's remorseful for putting it out in public.

Michael. B Jordan Nothing But Love With Steve Harvey Good Vibes After Lori Split

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HUGGIN' IT OUT
Instagram/@nba

Michael B. Jordan & Steve Harvey are showing signs all is well despite the actor's split with Steve's daughter, Lori Harvey.

MBJ and SH were all smiles at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games Thursday ... dappin' each other up courtside. Michael had a huge grin on his face, going in for the tight squeeze -- as a group of pals couldn't help but smile around them, too.

Seems like there are no hard feelings between them ... as we reported, Michael and Lori, called it quits last June -- about a year after they started seeing each other. She also scrubbed her socials from any mention of him.

There was never an official word about what led to the split ... but Lori talked about red flags in relationships a couple of months after the plug was pulled -- saying being too close with an ex was a major one.

There was also talk that 35-year-old Michael was ready to settle down and get married, but 26-year-old Lori wasn't.

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FIGURING IT OUT
The Steve Harvey Morning Show

BTW, Steve joked around about his daughter's split just a couple of days after they called things off ... poking fun at the expense of his own costly divorce from his ex-wife, Mary.

Phillies Fan Drops $4,500 On Beer ... For Whole Section At Phillies Game!

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FREE BEER

A fan at Wednesday's Phillies playoff game was feelin' VERY generous ... 'cause the stranger hooked up an entire section with $4,500 worth of beer -- and they were lit!!!!

The booze gift givin' went down during the Marlins-Phillies NL Wild Card series game at Citizens Bank Park ... when a beer vendor made just about the sweetest announcement a crowd could ever hear -- someone purchased a bunch of Miller Lite for the section!

"Have your IDs out," the vendor yelled ... "Here you go!"

"Free beer! Courtesy of a gentleman that doesn't wanna be named."

As you can imagine, the fans were very appreciative of the gesture ... and even started cheering, hoping the secret beer buyer would hear.

"Thank you for the free beer! Wooooo!" one fan yelled ... while another one joked, "Bad day to be a Miller Light can!"

It's not even the first time this week that Phillies fans have been on the receiving end of some free suds. 26 bars across Philly handed out free Miller Lite during Game 1 of the WC Series on Tuesday.

To add icing on the cake, the Phillies blew out the Marlins ... and will now advance to face the Atlanta Braves in an NLDS rematch starting on Saturday.

It's Miller time!!! 💪

Tristan Thompson Slammed by First Son's Family ... Only Shows Up for His Kids with Khloe

Tristan Thompson may be getting praise from the Kardashian family for being a good dad, but it's certainly not that way across the board ... as he's now getting slammed by the aunt of his first son.

Tristan has a 6-year-old son named Prince with Jordan Craig ... and Jordan's sister, Kai, just unleashed on the former NBA star. Kai says it's disgusting Tristan can't show up and be a "real parent" for Prince yet he can do a bunch of nice things for the two kids he has with Khloe Kardashian.

Kai continues, "The fact that he can take other children to school and activities in the same city, yet never sees or speaks to his own son, unless it's for a party or planned photo opportunity, is appalling and inexcusable."

She then turns her focus to Kim, who on a recent episode of "The Kardashians" said Tristan was, "such a good friend and such a good dad."

Kai says to Kim, "I don't want to believe that you are this insensitive to the fact that he literally ignores his children. That's nice if he's been a good friend to you, but let's consider our sisters before taking to global platforms to defend this man's character."

Kai also claims Tristan has not paid for Prince's tuition or child support in a "very long time."

We should note ... Tristan also has a son with Maralee Nichols, it's unclear how often he sees that child, but he was reportedly ordered to pay child support. It's unknown if he has any additional kids.

Kanye West Abruptly Quits Pedicure My Toes, My Choice!!!

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DON'T TOUCH MY TOES!!!

Kanye West didn't wanna tough it through a painful pedicure, cutting the technician off before the whole thing wrapped, and then getting back to his business.

Kanye's pal, and music partner Ty Dolla $ign uploaded the funny footage Thursday showing  Kanye's interaction with the puzzled pedicurist. You see Kanye react with a quick jolt of pain before deciding the whole treatment was over ... standing up and saying he wanted to stop.

The woman performing the pedicure tries to convince Kanye to let her finish, but he ain't budging, saying "It's my toes." Check out the look on Ty's face, he's stunned by the whole interaction.

Kanye's essentially been trekking barefoot in Europe throughout the summer -- so you gotta imagine the nail tech had her work cut out for her -- but Ye didn't wanna take a chance.

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YE SAYS NAY
TMZ.com

Funny enough, after he told her the whole thing was over, Kanye didn't miss a beat ... getting back to business.

As we reported last week, Kanye is working on a solo project, and he and Ty$ have been working hard on a possible joint album as well. Apparently, nothing -- not even callouses -- will keep them from completion.

President Biden's Dog Signs Commander Not Getting Proper Training ... Says Former Secret Service Dog Trainer

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ALL IN THE TRAINING
TMZ.com

If President Biden's dog Commander, AKA the White House biter, really is getting training -- as the administration's claimed -- he's been getting the wrong kind ... that's according to a former Secret Service officer who's dealt with other First pooches.

Marshall Mirarchi worked in the Secret Service's K-9 division for a decade -- including when Biden was VP in the Obama administration -- and he joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday to explain why he's not so sure Commander's legitimately graduated obedience school.

According to Marshall, dogs NEVER get past a point of no return -- even a recidivist like Commander -- when it comes to training. He says they can always be re-trained, although the amount of time it takes a dog to fall in line is a different story.

Regardless, Marshall thinks all signs point to Commander not getting the proper direction, and he tells us what can, and should, be done to get him White House-ready again.

He also addressed how difficult it is for WH staffers living and working with a dog that's, up to this point, very unpredictable.

As we reported, Commander was booted from the White House this week after reportedly biting a minimum of 11 people -- with at least 1 recent victim being sent to the hospital.

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THERE'S STILL HOPE
TMZ.com

BTW, we spoke with Marshall back in July -- when Commander had bitten 7 people over 4 months -- and he claimed again the dog could be re-trained ... but based on Marshall's lengthy experience, it sounds like someone dropped the ball.

Ryder Cup Golf Course Catches Fire, Erupts In Flames ... No One Injured

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BLAZE ON THE GREEN
X / @conorN11

Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy, the host of last week's prestigious Ryder Cup golf tourney, erupted in flames on Thursday as a structure on the course caught fire!

The fire, which started in a three-story hospitality suite, happened less than a week after hundreds of thousands of fans packed the course to watch the famed golf tourney in Rome, dominated by the Europeans.

Billowing black smoke could be seen miles away ...  as multiple firefighters rushed to the scene and began battling the blaze.

“A fire was reported in one of the temporary hospitality structures to the right of the first fairway at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club earlier this afternoon,” Ryder Cup Europe wrote in a statement.

“Local fire crews were called to the scene at 5:07 PM local time and quickly brought the blaze under control."

Despite how bad things looked, no one was injured, most importantly.

Authorities also say there was no damage to the golf course ... outside of the temporary building that was engulfed in flames.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by experts.

The Weeknd Boosts Colombian Economy After Latest Gig ... 1,500 Jobs & Tons of $$$

Colombia has The Weeknd to thank for a huge boost to the country's economy ... his latest not only brought in a whole bunch of money, but a ton of jobs with it.

The singer performed in Bogotá -- the country's capital -- Wednesday night, working with 35 different companies in the city, which translated into a sky-high number of folks able to work for the big night. In fact, we're told 1,500 jobs in all were created through the show.

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RECORD BREAKING TOUR
XO Records

The Weeknd's been selling out stadiums across the globe as part of his "After Hours Til Dawn" tour, blowing the roof off in London, Paris, and, of course, Bogotá -- and his latest shows ended up generating over 800 million pesos.

He brought the house down at Nemesio Camacho El Campín Stadium, BTW ... with fans having a blast all night long as he sang his chart-topping hits.

Sounds like The Weeknd's Colombian fans aren't the only ones grateful that he came and put on a show ... the rest of the country's gotta be thanking him, too!

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BRINGING A BIG BOOST
TMZ.com

NFL's Darius Slay Please Skip Eagles Game, Taylor ... You're Chiefs' Good Luck Charm!!!

Taylor Swift is striking fear in the hearts of NFL teams everywhere -- most recently, the alarm sounded for Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay ... who's publicly pleading with her to sit out their matchup later this season.

The 5-time Pro Bowler spoke out about Swift's recent attendance at Chiefs games to support Travis Kelce during his Big Play Slay podcast this week ... and he had a personal message for the "Anti-Hero" singer.

"Taylor, do not come to the game, 'cause it seems like you bring the energy of winning," Slay quipped on The Volume.

Slay has a good reason to be worried -- the Chiefs are 2-0 with Swift in the crowd, dominating the Bears in her first game in the stands ... and squeezing out a road win over the Jets this past weekend.

The Eagles will have a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs in Philadelphia on Nov. 20 in front of the Monday Night Football cameras ... and chances are Swift will be there, especially considering she grew up rooting for the Birds.

Taylor’s presence at games has been a blessing for TV ratings -- last Sunday, the Chiefs vs. Jets contest peaked at 29 million viewers and averaged 27 million throughout the contest.

The game was NBC Sports' biggest-ever streaming audience for a regular season Sunday Night Football contest.

Teams and cities alike are starting to feel the pressure ... but Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey invites it -- 'cause he's hoping she comes through for the Chiefs' road game this weekend.