'Botched' Star Terry Dubrow I'm No Lousy Doc ... Sues Patient's Lawyer for Defamation

'Botched' Doc Terry Dubrow is sick and tired of a former patient's attorney running his medical name through the mud ... so he's suing for defamation.

Dubrow just filed the docs against Texas lawyer Stephen Le Brocq who's representing Sandy Scoggins, a patient of Dubrow's back in 2019. Le Brocq sued Dubrow on behalf of Scoggins earlier this week, claiming she almost died after her butt lift procedure.

In the defamation suit, Dubrow's attorney, Larry Stein, says Scoggins kept in touch with Dubrow after her surgery and he claims she even admitted in writing that her "complications resulted from 'nothing ... anyone did wrong.'"

Stein says those communications are a far cry from what Le Brocq then did ... filing a lawsuit and making statements against Terry. Stein says Le Brocq accused Terry of leaving "medical equipment" inside Scoggins, which she claimed was a piece of mesh. Stein says Dubrow doesn't even use mesh in cosmetic procedures on the "abdomen, back or trunk."

The defamation docs also say Le Brocq included graphic images of Scoggins' "early stage post-operative wounds" in his legal filing for shock value.

TMZ broke the story ... in previous legal docs, Dubrow claims Le Brocq extorted him ... threatening him with a federal lawsuit and reporting him to the medical board if he didn't settle up with Scoggins for $5M.

Vulture Catches a Ride with Paragliders ... Thanks for the Lift!!!

101420-vulture-kal
JUST HANGING
Storyful

One vulture figured out an easy way to take a quick break while up thousands of feet in the air ... and it's all thanks to a couple of paragliders.

The incredible video was shot late last month above Algodonales, Spain and while it might appear to be an incredible encounter with nature ... there's actually a method behind it. The technique is called parahawking and it's practiced by paragliding instructor Scott Mason.

Parahawking includes a trained bird of prey to guide paragliders through thermal columns in the air. Participants don't just get to be up close and personal with the animals ... but the aerial trips also last longer and feel more "bird-like."

Mason has been training birds since he was a young kid and says his goal is to bring awareness to the animals about the role they play in their ecosystems.

Kottonmouth Kings Rapper Saint Dog Dead at 44

Kottonmouth Kings rapper Saint Dog has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Saint -- whose real name is Steven Thronson -- was found dead early Wednesday morning at a friend's house in Victorville, CA. We're told SD's buddy found him struggling to breathe in one of the home's bedrooms, and called 911.

Our sources say once authorities arrived ... Saint Dog was pronounced dead at the scene. We're told there were no obvious signs of foul play -- a cause of death will be determined pending an autopsy and toxicology report.

Saint was one of the founding members of the Southern California hip-hop group, which was formed in Orange County. He was one of three MCs in the trio, alongside D-Loc and Johnny Richter. Like their band name indicates, the guys loved to rap about weed in all capacities.

He was only with the group for its initial years -- having appeared on 4 of their early projects, including ... "Stoners Reeking Havoc," "Royal Highness," "Stash Box" and "Hidden Stash." After that, he went solo ... but would eventually return to collab with KMK.

He's most known for their early hits like "Suburban Life," "Bump," "Dog's Life," "Play On," among others.

Suburban Noize Records exec Kevin Zinger tells us ... "Anyone that knew Steve saw what a big heart he had. Some of my fondest memories was watching Steve stop the music in the middle of a Kottonmouth Kings show to bring a handicapped fan in a wheelchair on stage so that he could have a better view of the show and even join in singing a few songs. That was just the kind of person Steve was and he touched so many people in a positive way."

He adds, "His legacy will live on in his music and our hearts go out to his Son Max and his entire family, friends and fans worldwide."

He was 44.

RIP

Demi Lovato Unapologetic for Anti-Trump Track ... More Important Than My Career!!!

Demi Lovato's new song is a direct shot at President Trump, and no ... she's not worried about alienating her fans by getting political.

The singer dropped "Commander in Chief" Tuesday night, and she's already responding to backlash due to the biting lyrics that kick off with ... "Were you ever taught when you were young / If you mess with things selfishly, they’re bound to come undone?"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Unsurprisingly, some fans criticized her for attacking the President and pissing off Republicans who support him ... and even said they were ashamed and could no longer listen to her.

But, Demi doubled down on her stance, and responded to the critics by reminding them she's entitled to political views despite being a celeb ... and she's not just around to entertain her whole life.

She continued by insisting she doesn't give a damn if her new song hurts her, saying ... "I literally don't care if this ruins my career."

Demi adds that her anti-Trump track -- which includes the lyrics, "Commander in Chief, honestly / If I did the things you do, I couldn't sleep" -- stands for something she believes in and it's worth the risk of losing fans.

She concludes by saying as a queer Hispanic woman, she won't be silenced to please an audience.

The music vid for "Commander in Chief" comes out Wednesday night, and for what it's worth ... Demi's also encouraging everyone to vote. It's pretty clear now who she's supporting too.

Barron Trump Also Tested Positive for COVID Melania Reveals

Barron Trump came down with coronavirus when his mom and dad did ... so says the First Lady.

Melania Trump posted an essay Wednesday on the WH site about her personal experience with battling COVID-19, which both she and her husband, Donald, contracted a couple weeks ago. She revealed that their 14-year-old, Barron, actually became infected as well.

She says that as soon as she was diagnosed as positive, her mind immediately went to Barron -- who, to her relief, tested negative at first. However, he came back with a positive shortly thereafter, but since then ... Melania says he too, like his folks, are now COVID-free.

The First Lady writes, "Luckily he is a strong teenager and exhibited no symptoms. In one way I was glad the three of us went through this at the same time so we could take care of one another and spend time together. He has since tested negative."

The White House confirmed Barron's negative test, but appear to have kept any further testing/diagnoses on the low publicly ... until now, that is.

Melania doesn't get into Barron's specific treatment regimen, but she does touch on her own ... which was apparently vastly different than that of POTUS himself, who was admitted to the hospital for a bit and put on a number of medications, some of which are experimental.

She says she mostly stuck to healthy food and vitamins, among other more natural remedies. With that -- not to mention outstanding medical care from Dr. Sean Conley's team -- she was able to kick it successfully, and apparently ... her and Donald's kid was too.

Lil Xan Sued For Pulling Gun on Man ... During Altercation Over Tupac

Lil Xan's gas station blow-up -- after a guy apparently called him out for disrespecting Tupac -- might cost him ... 'cause the rapper's being sued for pulling a gun.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ -- Anthony Sanchez is going after Lil Xan for their June 7, 2019 altercation at an L.A. 7-Eleven ... the tail end of which Sanchez recorded video.

060819_lil_xan_kal_v2 6/7/2019
BACK THE F*** UP!
TMZ.com

Sanchez claims he asked the rapper about a controversial comment he'd made, calling Tupac's music "boring" -- and says Xan pulled a gun out and pointed it at him.

In the lawsuit, Sanchez says he backed away and began recording the incident, and says the rapper continued to wave the gun around ... taking his finger on and off the trigger. Sanchez says he feared for his life.

The video shows Sanchez called Lil Xan a "bitch" a few times before Xan brandished what at least looks very much like a gun. According to the suit, Xan also threw his cup out of the window as he drove away and hit Sanchez ... which seems pretty trivial after the whole gun stuff.

Sanchez claims he suffered severe emotional distress, and he's suing for assault and battery as well.

At the time of the incident, Lil Xan posted on social media that he only pulled out the gun to protect himself from an attack. We've reached out to about the lawsuit ... no word back so far.

Ashanti This is 40 ... And It's Fire!!!

Ashanti's 40th birthday trip comes with all the bells and whistles you could imagine -- a private jet, partying with friends, lounging on a yacht, and oh yeah ... it's bikiniriffic.

The singer's celebrating her milestone bday -- which was Tuesday -- by traveling to Antigua with her crew for what she's dubbed #shanbday week ... so you know the celebrating has just begun.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Based on the photos from photographer Phillip Silverstein, it looks pretty damn good so far. Ashanti's flaunting her bikini bod in a sexy silver swimsuit while snacking on watermelon. Undoubtedly juicy ... and refreshing.

Ashanti's also spending time riding jet skis and going to fancy dinners while rocking some fine formal wear. In other words ... she's doing it right.

She thanked all of her fans Wednesday for all the bday love she's been getting ... adding, "I cannot express how happy I am for this next chapter in life."

Party on, girl!

President Trump Frog in His Throat??? Sounds Awful During Speech

101420_donald_trump_kal
UNDER THE WEATHER
C-SPAN 2

President Trump's voice sounds a little worse for wear, and it could be due to back-to-back rallies to flaunt his post-COVID condition ... or possibly the lingering effects of the virus.

POTUS was addressing the New York Economic Club at The White House Wednesday afternoon when he repeatedly cleared his throat ... and the hoarseness only got worse as he kept talking.

The focus of his message also seemed to worsen as he rambled ... but nothing really new there.

Of course, Trump's latest White House speech follows 2 straight nights of rallies in Pennsylvania and Florida. As we reported ... he held a massive rally in Sanford, FL Monday on the heels of announcing he'd tested negative for coronavirus twice.

During the rally, the Prez made claims he's immune to COVID now, and suggested he'd be down to kiss everyone in the audience. He made similar boasts and remarks Tuesday night in Johnstown, PA ... along with several other baseless claims.

1005290-donald-trump-kal2 10/5/20
GASPING FOR AIR
ABC

You'll recall ... just over a week ago he struggled to breathe after being released from the hospital and climbing the WH stairs. Now, he's on stage acting like it was no biggie.

Doctors had warned once Trump was off his heavy dose of steroids, he could take a turn for the worse since steroids mask symptoms.

'Cheer' Star Jerry Harris Defense: No Threat if Released on Bond ... He Won't Be on Internet

Jerry Harris wouldn't be able to hurt people or pose a threat if he was released pending trial in his child porn case ... at least according to his defense team, which says he'd be cut off from the digital world.

The disgraced star of Netflix's cheerleading docuseries, "Cheer," had a bond hearing Wednesday in Texas, where a judge heard arguments for and against cutting him loose before he stands trial. Currently, he's in custody at MCC Chicago.

Prosecutors have already made it clear they believe Jerry could prey on minors if he bonds out of jail -- they claim he has multiple underage victims thus far, and will likely fall into the same alleged behavior. As we reported, the feds claim he continued targeting minors even after he'd been tipped off about their investigation.

His defense team had a different perspective ... telling the court Jerry wouldn't have access to a phone or the Internet, if released, and he'd have regular check-ins with a psychiatrist.

On that last part ... Jerry's team says he does not possess the mental development of an average 20-year-old but understands the severity of the charges he's facing.

The judge postponed a decision on bond, and, for now, he'll remain in custody.

As we reported ... Harris was arrested last month in Illinois. The feds claim he admitted to many of the allegations against him ... including sexually assaulting at least one minor boy in an unlocked public bathroom during a cheer event.

Two of his alleged victims have also sued him.

The FBI is asking for the public's help to identify more potential victims.

Mark Cuban Delonte West's 'Making Progress' ... He Went Skydiving!!!

1014-mark-cuban-delonte-west-audio-art-tmz-getty
DAY BY DAY
Pardon My Take/Apple Podcasts

Mark Cuban says Delonte West is taking serious steps towards getting better ... and even living it up by going SKYDIVING!!!

As we previously reported, the Dallas Mavericks owner personally tracked down the ex-NBAer in Dallas and put him in a hotel last month ... and offered to provide any treatment necessary to get West back on his feet.

Cuban joined Big Cat and PFT Commenter on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" Wednesday to give an update on West's recovery ... and it sounds like he's doing well!!

"I just got a picture today, he was skydiving -- SKYDIVING," Cuban said.

"He's making progress. I just hope he stays with it. The first couple weeks are tough."

Cuban added ... "Going through rehab and dealing with addiction, that's not easy and dealing with mental illness, that's not easy. So, I hope he fights his way through it."

Cuban also gave a breakdown on how he was able to track down West in Dallas ... which shows just how hard he was willing to work to help.

West has been showing strong signs of improvement this month ... and was horseback riding with a smile from ear to ear last week.

As we reported, West recently went through the "detox" phase of his recovery ... and we're told he's doing better each day.

George Floyd Memorial Site Decorated In Honor of His Birthday

George Floyd would have been 47 today, so people are remembering him by flocking to the Minneapolis block where he was killed to leave tributes.

The makeshift memorial site for Floyd -- at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue -- is visited by hundreds weekly who grieve and protest his death ... but on Wednesday they also adorned the area with flowers and balloons in honor of his birthday.

Memorials are pouring in online as well, including from Sen. Kamala Harris, who says ... "He should still be alive today celebrating another year with his family and friends."

Along with the extra balloons and flowers, there's also a gathering planned Wednesday night at the location ... to honor Floyd's memory and the movement his death sparked in America and around the world.

As we reported ... a beautiful new mural of Floyd was also unveiled days ago in his hometown of Houston, which encourages people to "Be the Change" and "Vote."

George's family's also hoping to use his bday as a catalyst to get people registered, and they're out and about in Minneapolis today to make it happen.

Jesse Williams Nasty Divorce Finalized ... She Gets Houses, He Gets Big Chunk of 'Grey's' Money

Jesse Williams' 3-year bitter divorce drama has officially come to an end ... on paper, at least.

The judge just signed off to finalize the "Grey's Anatomy" star's divorce settlement with Aryn Drake-Lee -- and it means they're both officially single as of August 7, 2020.

According to the legal docs, obtained by TMZ ... they will share joint legal and physical custody of their 2 young children -- son Maceo and daughter Sadie. However, they have to meet and confer with each other about posting images of the kids on social media.

As for major financial business ... Aryn gets to keep the former family house in L.A., along with places in Brooklyn and Oakland. She's also keeping a leased 2017 Audi Q7 SUV and 2018 Q5 SUV, while Jesse gets to keep his leased 2018 Porsche Cayenne SUV. They really dig SUVs.

The good news for Jesse -- he's also keeping the $936,810 he made in profits from "Grey's Anatomy" since their 2017 separation.

Other accounts and royalties accumulated during their marriage will be split up, and of course ... Jesse's still on the hook for child support. According to the docs, he owes $50,629 per month for the 2 kids up until October 2019, and then $40k per month after that.

He also has to fork over 2 more spousal support payments of $50,695 for August 2019 and September 2019 to Aryn ... but then no more.

According to the docs ... Jesse and Aryn actually reached the settlement in Sept. 2019, but now it's officially a done deal with the judge's signoff.

TMZ broke the story ... Jesse filed to end his 5-year marriage to Aryn in 2017. They'd actually been together for 13 years.

When Jesse filed, it initially seemed like the proceedings would be amicable. Remember, they were even committed to co-parenting despite the divorce. But, it didn't take long for things to take a nasty turn when they beefed over child custody.

It was around that time that Jesse also responded to stories about dating Minka Kelly on Jay-Z's "Footnotes from 4:44" video release.

Then there were all the financial battles -- after he was ordered to fork over $100k per month in support payments for Aryn and the kids. She wanted more child support money and Jesse wasn't buying it.

So, pretty contentious, to say the least. But, at least it's all over now.

Lil Uzi Vert Cops Break Up Paintball War in Philly ... Allegedly Fired at Cars

UPDATE

9:10 AM PT -- Uzi was not ticketed. Although he was clearly part of the paintball mayhem, he apparently had left the area by the time officers arrived. Cops cited his friends, but not him.

Lil Uzi Vert took a paintball match to the streets of his hometown, but the fun didn't last long -- cops ended up busting his friends.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the Philly-based rapper's pals were detained and cited Tuesday night after reports came in about them firing what appeared to be real guns out the window of a vehicle near N. Philadelphia.

We're told officers eventually found the car in question and searched it ... recovering 7 different paintball guns.

101420_lil_uzi_vert_kal
SHOWIN' OFF

They kinda brought this on themselves via social media. Uzi himself documented the paintball war with his buddies on his own IG Live. Somebody captured the footage and posted it on YouTube afterward, and you actually see the dude firing.

The equipment he's using seems to be pretty advanced -- almost like, well, an Uzi-style paintball gun that can shoot several rounds at once. In Uzi's clip, you can even see some of the damage he or one of his friends did on the side of a nearby SUV ... lit it up pretty good.

At one point, Uzi discusses someone getting "the law" involved -- but he laughs it off, claiming he's the law around those parts.

Not last night! Uzi and co. were all released after getting tickets.

Originally Published -- 7:50 AM PT

Sen. Ben Sasse Uses ACB Hearing To Crap On Astros ... 'Miserable Cheaters'

101420_ben_sasse_astros_kal
MORE SALT IN THE WOUND
C-SPAN

"I'd like to talk about the Houston Astros, who are miserable cheaters."

Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse used time during the Amy Coney Barrett hearing Wednesday to dump ALL OVER the Astros ... and we gotta say, it was funny as hell!!

The 48-year-old Republican was trying to make a point to ACB ... when he went on a long tangent RIPPING Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and the rest of the 'Stros.

"All baseball fans know the Houston Astros cheat," Sasse said. "They steal signs. They bang on cans. They've done a whole bunch of miserable things historically."

Sasse continued, "They deserve to be punished probably more than they have been."

Sasse was briefly interrupted by Texas U.S. senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn ... but the dude kept on going forward regardless!

Eventually, Ben got to a point ... he said ACB has to turn down people trying to influence her decisions the same way umpires turn away cheating requests from baseball players.

We know ... kind of a stretch, but, hey, we're chucklin'!

By the way, the Astros are just one game away from being eliminated from the postseason ... if the Rays get the W in Game 4 Wednesday night, it's on to 2021 for Houston.

Everybody got their Tampa hats on?

Chainsmokers Hamptons Concert Organizers Fined $20k, No Permits for You!!!

The State of New York just dropped the hammer on the folks who organized the now-infamous Chainsmokers concert in the Hamptons this summer ... fining them, and making it harder for them to do it again.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday the promoters who put on the sold-out drive-in charity event in July are gonna be getting a bill soon to the tune of $20,000 ... this after the NY Department of Health conducted an investigation, and found wrongdoing.

Concert 7/25/20
PACKED IN
@eyeoftheo / Instagram

Cuomo adds, "The Town of Southampton cannot approve permits for group gatherings without State approval." Southampton officials signed off on the concert ... supposedly, with coronavirus-safe regulations in mind, according to sources connected to the event.

The Gov. didn't see it as a safe environment at all, and after seeing video from the concert, said he was "appalled" at the "egregious" violations in social distancing. While we've been told the promoters feel the clips in question distorted things -- insisting it was, by and large, a safe gathering -- the State has spoken.

As for this new policy aimed at Southampton ... it's unclear if other NY townships and cities are under the same constraint, but if not -- obviously, a harsh message is being sent.

BYU-Idaho Students Investigation for COVID-19 Scheme ... Get the Virus for Cash!!!

College kids attending Brigham Young University-Idaho might have intentionally contracted the coronavirus in order to sell their plasma containing antibodies ... and they're in big trouble if it's true.

The university has launched an investigation into reports of its students deliberately exposing themselves and others to COVID-19 with the hope of getting it, then getting paid for their antibody-rich plasma.

BYU-Idaho says it's "deeply troubled" by the allegations, adding it "condemns this behavior and is actively seeking evidence of any such conduct among our student body."

Students found to have engaged in this COVID-for-cash scheme will be suspended immediately and could be kicked out of school permanently ... according to the university.

It adds ... "The contraction and spread of COVID-19 is not a light matter. Reckless disregard for health and safety will inevitably lead to additional illness and loss of life in our community."

The school also warns that if coronavirus cases in the county and in Idaho continue to trend upward ... it may be forced to go to full-time remote learning.

101420_gayle_king_kal
BONEHEADS!!!
TMZ.com

We got Gayle King leaving CBS Studios in NYC for her take on the troubling reports. We'd say she went pretty easy on the college kids, all things considered.