TMZ.com Home

Michael K. Williams' death of an apparent drug overdose has triggered a criminal investigation ... because law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are trying to locate the drug dealer.

Our law enforcement sources say NYPD detectives are conducting an investigation into the origin of the narcotics cops found at the site of the actor's death over the weekend ... which we're told are believed to be heroin-based.

As we reported ... Michael was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment, and authorities found drug paraphernalia. An official autopsy has yet to be conducted ... but we're told drugs seem to be at play. A toxicology report should provide answers, but that could be weeks away.

A relative found Michael after not hearing from him for a few days ... and once he was discovered, a swarm of NY officials descended on his Brooklyn high-rise.

Michael, of course, had a prolific career ... and might perhaps be best known for his award-winning role as Omar in "The Wire." He also starred in "Boardwalk Empire," "12 Years a Slave" and "Lovecraft County." He was working up until recently ... with a few projects in the can, and a handful of others released in the past year or so.

He was 54.

Started from the bottom, now he's taking over "Monday Night Football" ... 'cause Drake is teaming up with ESPN to curate music for the upcoming season!!

The announcement just dropped minutes ago ... with the network saying the 6 God will be in charge of the aux cord for 10 games throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

ESPN says Drake will feature his newest songs and possibly some classics ... and while he has more than enough tracks to fill that demand, he'll also feature some other artists worthy of getting exposure.

Of course, this isn't the first collab between Drake and ESPN -- he "hacked" into "SportsCenter" last month to share the release date for his newest album, "Certified Lover Boy," ... which is doing record-breaking numbers in its first week.

"Now we are here ... the kickoff of the football season," ESPN's VP of Sports Marketing, Emeka Ofodile, said Tuesday. "And, who better to curate music for Monday Night Football than Drake, who sits firmly at the intersection of music and sports."

BTW -- Drake is a massive sports fanatic and can be spotted passionately cheering at sporting events ... so it's a safe bet he'll put that same energy into his new gig.

"We couldn't be more excited for this upcoming collaboration," Ofodile added.

Big names like Diplo and DJ Khaled have shared music duties in previous years ... which ESPN said was a "big hit."

Scott Disick is a single man again ... he and his 20-year-old girlfriend, Amelia Hamlin, are no more.

Sources close to Scott tell TMZ ... things had been falling apart between Scott and Amelia for weeks and over the holiday weekend, they officially ended things.

Our sources say Scott is the one who called it quits ... we're told it wasn't anything personal, he just didn't see a future with Amelia long-term, and didn't want to keep wasting his time or hers.

The breakup, of course, comes on the heels of Scott mocking his ex, Kourtney Kardashian's, PDA pics with Travis Barker to her ex, Younes Benjima, and getting called out by Younes.

Our sources say while the timing of the split is suspicious, they say it didn't have any impact on Scott's decision to pull the plug.

It's interesting ... Amelia shaded Scott over the weekend, posting a pic of her in a tank top with the inscription, "Don't you have a girlfriend?"

We last saw Scott and Amelia out on a date at Nobu Malibu last month. They started dating last fall following his breakup with Sofia Richie.

Always waiting for Scott's next move.

Erik Cowie -- one of the zookeepers featured on "Tiger King" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us Cowie's body was found Friday in NYC. We're told a friend found him face down in the bedroom of a residence. Unclear if it was his or theirs ... but he was a long way from Oklahoma, where he'd worked and lived in recent years.

Our sources say there's nothing suspicious about the death at this point, and no drugs were found on the scene, though a toxicology test will likely still be performed.

The guy made several appearances in Netflix's hit show from last year as one of Joe Exotic's longtime animal caretakers. In fact, he's often cited as the head keeper of JE's big cats ... and even stuck around to work at the GW Zoo even after Joe got thrown into prison.

Speaking of that ... Cowie testified against Joe -- saying he'd seen Joe order some of the zoo animals to be shot and killed -- which contributed to his conviction.

Cowie said before showing up on Joe's doorstep, he was apparently "at the end of (his) rope" ... admitting to a one-time drinking problem, but denying any other drug use or addiction, despite his appearance.

People speculated Cowie might've used meth due to his bad teeth, but he shot that down and attributed it to old age. Funny enough, he got those chompers fixed up nice post-"Tiger King."

Like many other "Tiger King" stars ... Cowie had run into some legal trouble. Earlier this year, he got busted for DUI in Oklahoma following a car accident. He pleaded guilty and was supposed to be sentenced shortly thereafter.

However, he never showed up to court, so an arrest warrant was issued. It was unclear where he'd gone, but obviously he landed in the Big Apple.

Erik was 53.

RIP

Ex-NBA star Cedric Ceballos is asking everyone to pray for him ... revealing he's been hospitalized in the ICU, battling COVID-19.

The 1992 NBA dunk champ broke the troubling news Tuesday -- posting a photo of himself wearing an oxygen mask in a hospital bed on social media.

"On my 10th day in ICU, COVID-19 is officially kicking my butt!" Ceballos said.

"I am asking ALL family, friends, prayer warriors healers for your prayers and well wish for my recovery."

The small forward added, "If I have done and anything to you in the past, allow me to publicly apologize."

"My fight is not done!"

Ceballos -- a 2nd-round draft pick in 1990 -- played 11 seasons in the NBA for the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons and Miami Heat.

Cedric famously won the 1992 Slam Dunk ... with an epic blindfolded dunk. He also made the 1995 All-Star team. Ced averaged over 14 points and 5 rebounds during his NBA career.

After retiring from the NBA, he continued to hoop overseas and in other leagues across America.

The sports world -- from NBA to NFL stars -- has been showing love to the 52-year-old basketball star ... including Paul George who wrote, "keep fighting OG"

Caitlyn Jenner says she's all for "a woman's right to choose," but she also supports Texas' new, restrictive abortion law ... or at least its right to adopt it.

Jenner explained herself during a Tuesday segment on CNN ... saying "I am for a woman's right to choose" but "I am also for a state having the ability to make their own laws. So I support Texas in that decision. That's their decision."

When CNN anchor Brianna Keilar pressed her once again ... Jenner said, "Now, do I agree with the decision or not? No. To be honest with you, I actually probably do not agree with the decision."

Jenner, who is trying to become Governor of California, also noted that while she supports Texas' legislative decision she doesn't see the Golden State's laws changing in the future when it comes to a woman's right to choose.

As we reported ... Texas' new law, which went into effect September 1, pretty much outlaws abortion after the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. Critics of the so-called "heartbeat bill" wanted the Supreme Court to step in but they refused to hear the case ... in effect, killing Roe vs. Wade in Texas.

Sarah Silverman is among the bill's harshest critics ... saying it's an attack on the poor.

Monica Lewinsky says it's taken her a long time to get past her scandal with Bill Clinton, and while she's no longer harboring resentment ... she implies the former Prez still owes her an apology.

Lewinsky's story is set to take center stage again with the Tuesday night premiere of "American Crime Story: Impeachment," so she's understandably nervous ... but says she's also proud of the project because she worked as a producer on it.

It seems like the mini-series, airing on FX, will focus on telling Monica's side of the notorious American tale, and she provided a hint of what to expect when "Today" host Savannah Guthrie asked Monica if she has a message for Clinton

Monica says Bill should want to apologize for his actions, but watch ... she strongly insinuates he never has offered her one. The good news for Monica is she says she no longer needs it.

"The Whitest Kids U Know" star Trevor Moore appears to have fallen to his death from an upstairs balcony at his home ... at least that's what the police investigation's turned up so far.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police and fire responded around 2:30 AM on Aug. 7 for a medical emergency at Trevor's home in L.A., where he was found unresponsive in the backyard and pronounced dead by paramedics.

We're told cops believe the comedic actor fell from the upstairs balcony, suffering head trauma when he landed -- however, it's unclear if he fell accidentally or intentionally jumped.

There was no suicide note found, but alcohol might have contributed -- we're told empty bottles were found in Trevor's house.

We're told the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner is still waiting on toxicology reports and will make the final determination on Trevor's cause of death.

Trevor, famous for co-founding the sketch comedy group "The Whitest Kids U Know," was 41.

Andrea Constand is breaking her silence over the release of Bill Cosby -- and her first reaction is utter disgust over what she calls a screwed-up criminal justice system.

She spoke to NBC in an exclusive sit-down -- the first she's given since Cosby was sprung from prison 2 months ago -- and makes it pretty clear ... she's not happy about him getting to walk free over a deal he struck years ago, which the State Supreme Court honored.

Constand calls it a "back door deal" that she can't believe the court honored and the D.A. should've considered pursuing charges against BC anew ... saying she's shocked and disappointed.

As for the man himself ... Constand says she finds the fact that he's roaming free horrid, because there was enough there to put him away based on her testimony -- evidenced in the conviction itself. With that said, she says she doesn't regret anything ... even now. She says it was worth it.

She goes on to label him a "violent predator" who's been let back into society, and says anyone giving him a platform oughta be ashamed. Constand notes Cosby hasn't shown remorse, which he himself has said he won't do -- ever since first being locked up in 2018.

Simone Biles is clapping back at her critics yet again ... this time shutting them down in savage fashion by saying, "I can't hear you over my 7 olympic medals."

Biles -- apparently still hearing from trolls for the way she pulled out of several events at last month's Tokyo Olympics -- posted the fiery message on social media over the weekend.

In the commentary, accompanied by a photo of the silver and bronze medals she won at this summer's Games, Biles insisted she is not a quitter.

"Can't believe it's already been a month," Biles said. "Definitely not the way I planned the Olympics going but I wouldn't change anything for the world 🤎."

"I'm proud of myself and the career I've had thus far. this Olympics doesn't erase the past accomplishments I've achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete."

Biles continued, "I've pushed through so much the past couple years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary. for some of you that may be how you define me but keep talking because I can't hear you over my 7 Olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated American gymnast."

As we previously reported, Biles said a mental block was caused her to have the "twisties" while competing in Tokyo.

The issues were so bad for the 24-year-old gymnast, she called them "petrifying" and feared she could hurt herself by competing.

Paramore's lead vocalist Hayley Williams just put one of her Nashville homes on the market ... and it's the place where she recorded her second solo album.

The singer listed the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom pad for a cool $1 million ... and the place is 2,137 square feet and recently renovated.

As you can see in the gallery, the place has a quirky master bedroom and bath on the upstairs level, wood floors throughout, carefully manicured lawns, patios, a fire pit and a green front door that really sticks out.

Hayley's Cape Cod-style home is in a booming area of Hillsboro Village, in walking distance to tons of shops, grocery stores and restaurants.

The home served as a creative inspiration for Hayley ... she recorded her second solo record, "Flowers for Vases / Descansos," at the property. The album came out in February, and now it looks like she's ready to move on.

Vernon Davis, former NFL star turned actor, is dead serious about dedicating his life to acting ... and has landed several big-time roles alongside A-list actors Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis.

TMZ Sports talked to 37-year-old, 6th overall NFL Draft pick (2006) about his burgeoning film career ... and the bond Davis has forged with Freeman.

"After working with [Morgan] on this film Muti, he's just brilliant. Not only is he a great actor, he's a great person," Vernon says.

"I mean he comes to work every day, great energy, joking, playing and I'm looking at this guy like this guy's 80-something years old and he still comes with energy unknown to mankind."

"Muti," starring Freeman, is currently filming ... and is expected to hit theatres in 2022.

In addition to the film, Vernon has 8 other projects in the works ... starring actors like Bruce Willis, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dillon and John Malkovich.

Davis -- who played 14 seasons in the NFL for San Francisco and Washington -- also told a story about a scene he recently filmed with the Academy Award winner, and it's pretty awesome.

Bottom line, what Vernon's doing is darn impressive ... but not necessarily surprising.

In fact, last February he told us he was gunning to be an actor post-football -- and now he's filming movies with Hollywood royalty.

Super Bowl ring ✅
Oscar award?!?

Michael K. Williams -- best known for his breakout role as Omar Little on "The Wire" -- is dead from a suspected drug overdose ... TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement sources ... Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment Monday after a relative hadn't heard from him in a couple days and went to check on him.

We're told the actor was found in the living room of his home, and drug paraphernalia was on a table nearby ... suggesting he may have died from an OD. NY Post first reported the death.

After years of minor roles on TV and movies, Williams became a household name as Omar -- the gritty, streetwise and homosexual criminal on HBO's "The Wire" ... earning him critical acclaim and adoration from fans.

Williams would go on to star in several other hit HBO series' -- like "Boardwalk Empire," "The Night Of" and more recently "Lovecraft Country" -- as well as movies like "12 Years a Slave" and "Assassin's Creed."

One of the actor's trademarks was his signature facial scar -- the result of a bar fight he got involved in on his 25th birthday that almost killed him. According to Williams ... the scar helped to launch his acting career, leading to calls to do music videos and some minor work playing a thug in TV shows.

Williams was a 5-time Emmy nominee, and when we last saw him we had a good convo about his nom for 'Lovecraft.'

He is survived by his son, Elijah.

Williams was 54.

RIP

Nevada native Meaghan Martin was only 15 years old when she was cast as the popular girl with some serious attitude, Tess Tyler, who bullies the new girl and creates havoc around the song-filled summer camp -- in the 2008 Disney Channel movie "Camp Rock" and the 2010 follow-up film "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam."

Meaghan Martin shared the rockin' movie with some up-and-coming celebs including Joe Jonas as the vocal dreamboat, Shane Gray, Alyson Stoner as the summer friend, Caitlyn Gellar ... and of course Demi Lovato as the outsider at camp, Mitchie Torres.

Brielle Biermann looks like she's had a rough couple of weeks following surgery, but she says recovery's actually going smoothly ... and she can't wait to eat pizza like a normal person.

Kim Zolciak-Biermann's daughter says she had double jaw surgery a couple weeks ago, but that it was NOT an aesthetic procedure ... but to improve her quality of life.

According to the "Don't Be Tardy" star ... she suffered from TMJ and a significant overbite due to sucking her thumb for years, which resulted in her having major biting and breathing issues.

Brielle writes ... "Have you ever thought about what it's like to not be able to bite into pizza? or omg trying to bite into an onion on a burger? impossible for me. I had to use my tongue to help me chew and almost choked every time I ate."

So, she says she needed the surgery to correct her problems but was very scared, but her family, friends and support system came through for her ... along with her doctors.

Brielle says the first 2 weeks of recovery were supposed to be the hardest, but it's been "easy breezy" ... despite what the photos and videos she posted suggest!!!

Cardi B's baby No. 2 is finally here!!!

Cardi gave birth to her baby Saturday at a hospital in the New York area. She posted a photo of the special moment with Offset in the hospital. She also added the blue heart emoji so ... baby boy?!?

As we reported ... the "I Like It" rapper made the surprise announcement in June during a performance at the BET Awards. Cardi performed alongside Offset and the rest of Migos ... showing off a revealing outfit 'cause you could definitely see her massive baby bump.

Cardi later confirmed the news on Twitter with an elegant photo shoot that showed off her baby bump. Up until that point ... Cardi B had been laying low ... and the surprise announcement was the reason why.

This, of course, is Cardi and Offset's second baby. Cardi gave birth to Kulture ... who is 3 years old. After the huge announcement at the BET Awards ... we got Cardi and Offset at the after-party and asked them a ton of questions about baby No. 2.

Cardi and Offset kept their lips sealed on just about everything ... but they did reveal Kulture's absolutely ECSTATIC about being a big sis.

CONGRATS!!!