ABBA Announces First Album in 40 Years!!! Set for 'Revolutionary' Tour

ABBA fans, get ready to dance like queens ... 'cause they're back!!!

The pop legends dropped two serious bombshells Thursday during a globally-streamed news conference. First, the band's dropping their first studio album in 40 years since "The Visitors" dropped in 1981. The new 10-track album's dubbed "Voyage."

The best part ... they've already released 2 singles from the album -- "I Still Have Faith in You" and "Don't Shut Me Down." The album's set to drop in November.

090221-abba-kal
BACK LIKE WE NEVER LEFT
ABBA / YouTube

The second bombshell ... the group's getting back together for a "revolutionary" tour in London that'll see the band members appear as virtual avatars. They'll play some of their best hits ... like "Dancing Queen," "Money, Money, Money" and "Mamma Mia."

The concert's slated to begin May 27, 2022 in a specially-built arena. The digital versions of the group will be accompanied by a live 10-piece band performing their greatest hits.

ABBA -- which split up in 1982 -- apparently got together in the studio while their studio was being built. ABBA teamed up with George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic studio. It's the first time the studio's dipped its toe into music, and it was no small task.

The studio needed weeks and months to motion-capture digital versions of ABBA and equip the arena. The gargantuan effort required an astounding 850 members to get it all done.

And, while the working stage was being built, the group finished 2 songs before deciding to crank out a few others. And, bang ... that's how the 10-track album came to be.

Cardi B Gets Props From Slain Model's Family Invite To Memorial Service

Cardi B is getting applauded by the family of slain IG model Miss Mercedes Morr ... they're thankful Cardi is shining light on the tragedy and they invited her to the funeral.

The late model's mother, Jeanetta Grover, tells TMZ ... the family's grateful Cardi brought awareness to her daughter's tragic death, because Cardi took the attention away from her daughter's alleged murderer and put it back on Mercedes.

MMM was found dead last month at her home in Houston in what authorities are calling an apparent murder-suicide.

Cardi defended Mercedes online after some folks tried to blame Morr for her own death.

The family tells us Mercedes was a huge fan of Cardi's, with a fiery spirit and a kind heart, and they reached out privately to Cardi to extend an invite to the memorial service.

We're told there's no pressure on Cardi to attend the celebration of life Saturday in Houston ... the family says they understand she's a busy woman and they're just thankful Cardi brought awareness to the case.

Mercedes's mom says if Cardi does show up, her daughter would have been blown away and excited ... and everyone would just be grateful CB took the time to pay respects and send love.

Texas Anti-Abortion Law SCOTUS Punts ... Roe vs. Wade Appears Doomed

The Supreme Court has all but said Roe vs. Wade is history, but not without a few justices railing on the majority for grossly abdicating its responsibility.

The justices -- by a 5 to 4 margin -- refused to hear a challenge to the Texas anti-abortion law, which essentially makes it illegal for abortions to be performed after the 6th week of pregnancy. And, there's no exception for rape or incest. And, anyone in the United States can sue anyone who facilitates an abortion after the 6th week and collect $10k.

The justices who formed the majority were predicable ... Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and the 3 Trump appointees -- Kavanaugh, Gorsuch and Barrett. Trump said he was picking justices who would overturn Roe, and his picks were true to form.

The majority said the case was just too complex for a quick ruling ... presenting novel issues. The fact is ... the Texas law is squarely, undeniably at odds with Roe vs. Wade. The justices hung their hats on the enforcement mechanism -- that private citizens and not the State itself was responsible for enforcing the law. But the reality is ... the ground rules for an abortion in Texas fly in the face of Roe. Nevertheless, the justices chose to punt.

The dissents were blistering. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the decision was "stunning," adding the majority chose to "bury their heads in the sand." She calls the law "clearly unconstitutional.

Sotomayor said, "In effect, the Texas Legislature has deputized the State's citizens as bounty hunters, offering them cash prizes for civilly prosecuting their neighbors' medical procedures."

This non-decision clearly sets the stage for the big showdown next term, when a Mississippi anti-abortion law squarely challenges Roe vs. Wade. It seems the Supreme Court's view of the Texas law is a precursor to squarely overturning Roe.

Hurricane Ida Storm Pounds New York, New Jersey ... Severe Flooding Kills 9, Wreaks Havoc

The remnants of Hurricane Ida led to fatal flooding and destruction in New York and New Jersey, and the area's under a state of emergency Thursday as everyone deals with the aftermath.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency in NYC for the first time -- not to mention a tornado watch -- as torrential rains flooded streets and subway lines, swept away cars, suspended flights, and destroyed buildings and homes overnight.

Sadly, the storm has also resulted in 9 reported deaths, including a mother and her 22-year-old son who were killed when a building partially collapsed in Queens.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio called the storm a "historic weather event" and warned citizens to stay inside and away from the dangerous conditions on the city streets. A travel ban was also imposed until 5 AM to keep people safe.

090221_nyc_flooding_kal
TAKING ON WATER
Storyful

Photos and videos from the storm show just how terrifying and dangerous things got, with cars almost completely submerged on the streets and passengers standing on the seats of a bus trying to make its way down Broadway in Queens.

090221_cardi_b_kal
GETTING SOAKED

The severe storm conditions weren't limited to the Northeast either ... Cardi B's also dealing with flooding hundreds of miles south in her 22,000-sq-ft Atlanta-area mansion.

She's not too happy about it either -- but neither are the millions of Americans tragically impacted since this monster storm first made landfall in New Orleans 4 days ago.

Kanye West Manager Says Drake Feud Could Reignite ... If He Trashes Ye on New Album

Kanye West's manager says all is cool with Ye and Chris Brown, but there's another possible beef that could flare up this Friday ... and it all hangs on what Drake has to say on his new album.

090121-bu-thiam-kal
PART OF THE PROCESS
TMZ.com

We got Bu Thiam at LAX Wednesday who tells us Kanye recently called Chris to work things out and the two are cool again. Chris went public with his frustrations earlier this week after Ye left him off the final product of "Donda" ... calling Kanye "a whole hoe."

083021_soulja_boy_boxing_kal
THROWIN' HANDS
TMZSports.com

Bu says artist features get left off albums all the time, and it was nothing personal against Chris. However, Bu didn't indicate that Kanye's settled anything with Soulja Boy, who was also pissed about being dropped from the album ... even challenging Kanye to a fight.

As we reported, Kanye and Drake have recently been at each other's throats, with Drake calling Kanye "burnt out" and Kanye posting the address to Drake's home in Toronto. Drake's set to drop his highly-anticipated "Certified Lover Boy" album Friday.

Bu tells us things are cool between Ye and Drizzy -- but that could all change if Drake takes aim at Kanye in any songs on 'CLB' -- where Kanye would almost certainly have to respond.

As for whether or not Kanye plans to tour "Donda" for fans across the country, Bu's got an answer for us ... but there's still a whole lot of mystery.

Buffalo Bills Young Fan Does Table Smash Celly!!! ... After Beating Cancer

090221_bills_fan_kal
SMASHING CANCER
Karen Hutchinson/Facebook

This video is one of the best things you'll see all day -- a young Buffalo Bills fan beat cancer this week ... and commemorated the accomplishment with an awesome table-smashing celebration!!

11-year-old Joshy Hutchinson was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last June ... and spent countless hours in chemotherapy sessions as he battled hard against the disease.

The moment finally came for Joshy to "ring the bell" after his last chemo session ... but took it one step further with a Bills Mafia party for the ages!!

Joshy -- rocking his Josh Allen jersey and a helmet -- came out to the Bills theme song blaring as family and nurses cheered him on with pom poms ... and then he smashed a makeshift table!!

Don't worry, there were pillows to make sure the dude had a safe landing!!

Of course, Bills fans are known for their wild tailgating antics -- from smashing tables to bowling ball shots to getting doused in condiments.

082820-conor-hurley-kal
GETTIN' WILD

While there were no bowling ball shots here -- maybe in another 10 years, kiddo -- it was definitely a bash that would be Bills Mafia-approved!!

We're told Joshy is hoping to go to a Bills game this season and get some time with his favorite quarterback -- make it happen, Josh Allen!!

Congrats on whooping cancer's butt, Joshy.

Dua Lipa No Met Gala For Me ... I'm Shooting My First Movie!!!

Dua Lipa's trading in one star-studded event for another -- the singer's missing out on the Met Gala ... because she's working on her big-screen acting debut.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the "Levitating" singer's among a slew of celebs invited to the famous fundraising ball in NYC this month, but she had to decline because she's busy filming for the upcoming action thriller, "Argylle."

The movie will be Dua's first acting role, and she'll be co-starring alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood ... Samuel L. Jackson, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Sam Rockwell and Catherine O'Hara, just to name a few.

We're told Lipa's currently in the UK shooting the film -- directed by Matthew Vaughn of 'Kingsman' fame -- otherwise, she'd be at the event. She previously attended in 2019.

The Met Gala will be held on Monday, September 13, and even without Dua, will feature HUGE names, with rumored attendees that include Beyonce, Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Harry Styles, Lupita Nyong’o, Camila Cabello, Addison Rae and Lewis Hamilton.

Go make your movie, girl!!!

Todrick Hall Nashville Wedding Boycotts Gays ... Well, Boycott Them!!!

090121-toddrick-hall-kal
PRIVILEGE EXISTS EVERYWHERE
TMZ.com

Todrick Hall's got a straightforward way of dealing with the Nashville wedding venue that turned away a gay couple -- don't give it any business, and keep fighting injustices ... because it's working.

We got the "American Idol" and "RuPaul's Drag Race" star at LAX and asked how he felt about Barn in the Bend's owner rejecting the same-sex ceremony request, citing religious beliefs as her reason.

Todrick believes it's actually an example of privilege -- heterosexual privilege -- and he's giving a shoutout to Mike Gill and his partner, Coty, for shedding light on it.

While Todrick acknowledges this sort of unfair treatment is still happening in 2021, his point is that people don't have to stand for it anymore ... and he hopes Mike and Coty find the wedding venue of their dreams that makes them feel welcome.

TMZ broke the story, Mike and Coty had reached out to a Nashville wedding venue in hopes of planning their big day. However, after some awkward emails, the venue owner revealed she wouldn't host a gay wedding ... citing her religious beliefs.

He's also down to be added to the guest list, because like he says ... gay weddings are the best weddings.

Greg Rousseau Bills Star Rookie Gifts Mom New Jeep ... Surprise!!!

090121_greg_rousseau_kal
GIVIN' BACK TO MOM
Northtown Auto Buffalo

Greg Rousseau has yet to play a down in the NFL ... but he's already winning in his rookie season -- 'cause he just surprised his mom with a new car, and she loved it!!

The Bills' first-round pick hit up Northtown Auto in the Buffalo area to gift his mother with the ride ... and the sweet gesture was all captured on video.

In the clip, obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see Rousseau told his mom he was going to the dealership to pick up some keys.

All of the sudden, though, they brought out a new set of wheels that the football player had picked out specifically for her!!

The footage shows Greg's mom was clearly pleased with the present ... 'cause she asked the pass rusher, "Are you for real?!"

Mom later got behind the wheel and was floored by all the Jeep's features ... and said of Greg, "He's such a nice person!"

Of course, Greg went the full nine yards with the car ... we're told it's a fully loaded 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, which can run for well over $40,000!!

And, if Greg's preseason (he logged two sacks in limited playing time in 3 games) is any indication of his future production in the field, seems likely more gifts will be on the way for Mom soon.

Congrats!!

Jordan Tate on 'Baywatch' 'Memba Her?!

North Cambridge native Traci Bingham was in her 20s when she landed her breakout role as the lifeguard looker Jordan Tate -- who heroically saves beach-goers in distress along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California -- in the later seasons of the iconic slow-mo television show "Baywatch."

Bingham shared the small screen with some top-notch actors including Pamela Anderson as the blonde beach babe, C.J. Parker, Donna D'Errico as the seaside guardian angel, Donna Marco, Jeremy Jackson as the up-and-coming kid, Hobie Buchannon ... and of course David Hasselhoff as the man in charge, Mitch Buchannon.

Guess what she looks like now in her 50s and still in a swimsuit!

Dog the Bounty Hunter I Had a Pass To Use The N-Word ... Doesn't Make Me Racist!!!

Dog the Bounty Hunter says he has more Black friends than Eminem, claims "the brothers" gave him a pass to use the n-word and says using the term doesn't make him racist.

The reality TV star made the comments during an interview with ET's Kevin Frazier, pushing back on allegations from his daughter, Bonnie Chapman, who claimed her dad is a racist, homophobic cheater.

Dog says he's never been a racist and says he gets labeled as such because of an "Achilles' heel" from back in the day ... a leaked phone call with his son where he used the n-word at least 6 times in a rant that got him canceled at A&E.

Dog says he used the n-word so freely because, "I thought I had a pass in the Black tribe to use it, kind of like Eminem."

Kevin, who is Black, asks Dog point-blank who gave him the pass ... with Dog saying "the brothers." When pressed, Dog says "the brothers" were Black inmates he interacted with when he was behind bars way back in the day, when the n-word got tossed around in what he saw as a "compliment."

Dog admits his alleged pass expired, but says no one told him so. He also says he's got tons of Black friends, more than even Eminem, and then gets ripped by Kevin.

082021-bonnie-cecily-chapman-kal
WE SHOULD BE THERE
TMZ.com

As we reported ... Dog's daughter claims she didn't get invited to his wedding because she supports BLM, but Dog says he supports the movement too and says he's not a racist just because he uses the n-word.

Dog also pushes back on claims he cheated on Beth Chapman before she died from cancer ... and is on the defensive pretty much the entire time he's being grilled on camera.

Britney Spears D.A. Won't File Charges ... Over Alleged Battery

Britney Spears can rest a little easier after the ugly incident in which her housekeeper accused her of battery ... we've learned the singer will NOT be charged with a crime.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office tells TMZ ... prosecutors decided NOT to file any criminal charges against Britney for misdemeanor battery.

The D.A. says the office declined to file charges "based on insufficient evidence that a crime had occurred and the lack of injury to the housekeeper or significant damage to the phone."

Britney's attorney, Mathew Rosengart, tells us "As I have previously-stated, this was nothing more than sensationalized-tabloid fodder -- an overblown 'he said, she said' regarding a cell phone. If this involved Jane Doe rather than Britney Spears it would not have been pursued or covered at all."

He continues, "Anyone can make an accusation but this should never have made it this far and we are glad the DA’s Office has done the right thing. Sadly, it is apparent that some have learned nothing from the past, and we sincerely hope the media and others will be more respectful of Ms. Spears in the future."

081921-britney-spears-kal_2
PUPPY LOVE
@britneyspears / Instagram

We broke the story ... one of Britney's longtime housekeepers accused her of battery during an argument over Brit's dogs, with the housekeeper claiming Britney slapped her phone out of her hands.

As we reported, the housekeeper called deputies to Britney's home, but later went to a Ventura County Sheriff's station to file a report, and the Sheriff's Dept. launched an investigation.

As we first told you ... Britney's dogs were taken to a vet after her dog sitter and housekeeper believed the pets were being neglected ... and that's what triggered the confrontation between Britney and her housekeeper.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Dept. wrapped up its investigation into Britney's housekeeper's claim and forwarded its findings to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

We were told the case basically boiled down to Brit's word against the housekeeper's story -- the housekeeper claims Britney struck her in the arm, while Britney claims all she did was swipe the phone out of her hand.

We're told the Sheriff didn't know which version was true, and the case was ultimately forwarded on to the D.A. to make the final call.

As we reported, our Britney sources were confident nothing would come of the allegations ... and ultimately that's what happened.

Meanwhile, we're told the housekeeper is no longer working for Britney and the dogs are back in the house.

Kevin O'Leary and Kevin Harrington 'Shark Tank' Stars Sued For Fraud

UPDATE

8:51 AM PT -- 9/2 -- O'Leary is denying any involvement in the alleged scam.

UPDATE

KO, through his attorney Andrew Brettler, tells TMZ ... "It appears that someone has been using my name and likeness without my knowledge, permission, or consent. I've never heard of any of these purported companies and have never conducted business with any of the plaintiffs who filed this suit."

UPDATE

He adds ... "Obviously, I want to get to the bottom of it too, as my rights have been violated. We will make sure that the bad actors are held accountable."

Kevin O'Leary and Kevin Harrington allegedly scammed tons of entrepreneurs out of hundreds of thousands of dollars ... according to claims in a new lawsuit.

The "Shark Tank" stars are being sued by 20 people who claim O'Leary and Harrington each played roles in what they say was a brazen scam to defraud hard-working entrepreneurs.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, O'Leary and Harrington steered investors and entrepreneurs to hire one of two companies, InventureX or Ideazon, to handle crowdfunding for their startups.

In the suit, the folks who claim they got scammed say they were promised help raising funds for the businesses and some say the prospect of appearing on "Shark Tank" was dangled in front of them ... but they say once they paid money to the companies endorsed by "Shark Tank" stars, they got little to nothing in return, aside from a bill.

What's more, the suit claims the crowdfunding companies O'Leary allegedly endorsed might not even exist at all and suspect it may be a big "predatory fraud scheme.”

While 20 people are suing O'Leary and Harrington, those folks claim they are just one small faction of hundreds, if not thousands, of folks who fell victim to the scam.

We reached out to reps for "Shark Tank" ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 9/1 5:06 PM PT

Joe Rogan Has COVID, Cancels Show ... Admits He's on Ivermectin

090121_joe_rogan_kal SEPTEMBER 2021
"I FEEL F**KING GOOD"
UPDATE

2:36 PM PT -- Joe says he's taking ivermectin -- the livestock dewormer drug that the CDC and the FDA have specifically come out and warned against as a remedy to battle COVID. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Joe Rogan's contracted COVID-19 -- something he's spent countless hours talking about -- but says he's doing better thanks to a laundry list of meds ... but still has to cancel an upcoming show.

The famous podcast host, UFC commentator, conspiracy theorist and hot-take-giver says he got home from being on the road Saturday and felt like hell, so he quarantined from his family and got tested for the coronavirus.

Sure enough, he has COVID, so Rogan says he immediately began consuming all the modern medicine he could get his hands on -- seriously, listen to what he claims he took -- to combat the virus ... and it worked.

Joe says after 3 days on all those meds, he feels great ... but he's canceling his upcoming show in Nashville out of caution and rescheduling for late October.

As you may know ... Rogan's provided many controversial takes on COVID and the vaccine, stating in April that young, healthy people don't necessarily need to get it. This resulted in some pushback from Dr. Fauci, and Joe walked his comments back later ... saying he's not anti-vaxx, and that he is a moron.

042821_anthony_fuaci_kal_1 APRIL 2021
JOE DOESN'T KNOW!
NBC

More recently, Rogan's railed on vaccine mandates, alleging they are pushing the U.S. "closer to dictatorship." His inoculation status remains unclear, but if one thing's for certain ... he'll probably talk more about it on his podcast soon.

Originally Published -- 2:01 PM PT

'RHOA' Star NeNe Leakes Husband Gregg Dead at 66 After Cancer Battle

NeNe Leakes' husband, Gregg, has died ... this after an on-and-off battle with cancer.

The 'RHOA' star's hubby of over 20 years passed away Wednesday -- this according to a family rep. They say, "Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife Nene Leakes."

The rep adds, "We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time."

Sources close to the family tell TMZ there won't be a funeral -- which is at Gregg's request. We're told he wanted to be cremated, and NeNe and co. are honoring that wish. Our sources do say, however, that there will be a celebration of life ceremony some point down the road.

Gregg was featured on pretty much all the season for 'Real Housewives' that NeNe appeared on before bowing out of the franchise entirely last year. His colon cancer diagnosis was covered at length on the series ... and it was incredibly emotional watching him battle.

Gregg and NeNe first got hitched in 1997 but divorced in 2011. However, a couple years later -- in 2013 -- they said "I do" once more ... and have been happily married ever since. The couple shares their son, Brent, who's in his 20s -- and also have kids from previous relationships. Despite that though ... they were quite the blended family, usually putting on a united front while cameras rolled.

082921_nene_leakes_kal_1
NOT HAVING IT
@teachertales / TikTok

The news of Gregg's passing was something NeNe alluded to just over the weekend -- a video of her at a lounge in Georgia went viral ... because she called out some clubgoer who gave her a hard time for not publicly wishing them a happy birthday over the microphone.

She ended up giving the birthday shout-out, but not before letting them know Gregg was on his death bed at home ... and that she and her fam were going through a very hard time.

RHOA honcho, Andy Cohen, also commented on Gregg's death, sending "love and strength" to NeNe -- who he has not always had the best relationship with.

Gregg was 66.

RIP

Joe Kennedy III Condemns Sirhan's Parole Kennedy Family Divided

Ex-congressman Joseph Kennedy III is outraged at the looming release of the man who killed his grandfather, Robert F. Kennedy ... standing in square opposition to two of RFK's own children.

Joe put out a statement Wednesday after last week's news that assassin Sirhan Sirhan was getting out of prison after 53 years. It's pretty scathing ... he says flatly, Sirhan doesn't deserve it.

He writes, "I echo the anger and heartache of my father, a majority of his siblings, and my grandmother at the California Parole Board's recent recommendation. For our family, there has been no apology, no acceptance of responsibility, and no remorse."

JKIII adds this ... "For our country, there has been no justification for letting the perpetrator of one of our most devastating political assassinations walk free."

Joe goes on to explain the U.S. cannot accept violence as an answer to political disagreement ... which he suggests is what led to Sirhan killing Bobby all those years ago. He adds he's all for rehabilitation of criminals, but for those who skirt responsibility -- like Sirhan  -- Joe says "there should be no accommodation."

It's a pretty fierce take on the strong likelihood that the 77-year-old will walk free soon. He's also standing against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Douglas Kennedy -- two of RFK's sons who've come out in support of SS's release.

The weight of the Kennedy family is on the side of keeping him in prison, but it looks like that's also the losing side.