Nick Cannon Thanks Everyone for Support After Death of Baby Zen

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FEELING LOVED
Fox

Nick Cannon sent a big thank you to everyone for the support, kind words and love sent after yesterday's emotional announcement where he revealed the devastating news that his 5-month-old son, Zen, passed away.

The "Wild "N Out" creator shared his gratitude on the "The Nick Cannon Show" Wednesday afternoon... "of course, everyone knows I'm not fine, but you all are making me feel better."

Nick says he feels a bit of guilt because he never wanted to exploit the news, but he is appreciative of the outpour of support ... "The onslaught of love is new to me, so thank you is all I can say."

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EMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Fox

Nick kept his son's diagnosis private for months out of respect for Zen's mom, model Alyssa Scott, and everyone in their family. Cannon says she's been taking things "5 minutes at a time."

As we previously reported, Nick announced Tuesday that his youngest child Zen died from a brain tumor ... after his brain tumor began to grow quickly around thanksgiving. Nick says he got to hold Zen for the last time by the ocean last weekend, after he made a trip to California to spend time with his baby.

Zen was Nick's 7th child and 4th of Nick's kids born in the last year and a half.

Nick says the love from all over the world was really unexpected, but doesn't want to make it about him ... he just wants to honor his son.

Jalen Rose Files For Divorce From Molly Qerim

UPDATE

12:10 PM PT -- Jalen just released a statement on the divorce ... saying he and Molly were separated for a year before officially deciding to break up.

UPDATE

"We both agree remaining friends and colleagues is the best course of action for our relationship moving forward."

One of sports TV's power couples has broken up -- ex-NBA player Jalen Rose filed for divorce from ESPN host Molly Qerim, TMZ Sports has learned.

Court records show Rose filed docs earlier this year ... kickstarting the process to end their 2 and a half year marriage.

Sources tell us the breakup was amicable and both sides remain cordial.

Rose first went public with the "First Take" host in June 2016 ... and they tied the knot at a lowkey NYC ceremony in July 2018.

Jalen filed April 30, 2021 ... just months after the couple starred in a Gatorade commercial together. Jalen says in court docs the marriage broke down irretrievably after Qerim moved to Connecticut.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

It should be known -- in the docs, Jalen does not want alimony and doesn't want Molly to have it, either. We're told there was not a prenup and Molly does not want any spousal support.

The breakup signs were all over social media -- Molly previously included "Rose" in her name on Instagram and Twitter, but has recently scrubbed it from her accounts.

On top of that, the couple hadn't been photographed together much at all in the months leading up to the filing ... and Jalen and Molly also haven't posted each other on their pages for months.

However, Qerim has shown public support for Rose even after the filing -- in June, she spoke out about his struggles with deaths in the family in an emotional segment on "First Take."

Rose played in the NBA from 1994-2007 before taking his talents to television. Qerim previously worked at NFL Network.

Both Rose and Qerim still work together at ESPN.

'RHOBH' Star Dorit Kemsley PK Was Barely Over Drinking Limit ... Heart Breaks for the Avants

DECEMBER 2021
GAVE ME HIS WORD
BACKGRID

Dorit Kemsley has some thoughts on her husband's DUI bust as well as the fatal shooting that befell Clarence Avant's family -- and her reaction to both is ... regret and sadness.

The 'RHOBH' star ran into paps Tuesday night, and there were two relevant topics to ask her about -- the fact her hubby, PK, had been hauled to jail over suspected drinking and driving ... and the recent break-in in town that cost Jacqueline Avant her life.

Luckily, Dorit was in a chatty mood ... so she opened up on each, first addressing Paul's arrest. Sounds like Paul wishes it never would've happened -- and Dorit expresses that quite clearly here.

She also kinda goes to bat for him a little -- explaining that Paul wasn't necessarily smashed ... even though he probably shouldn't have been behind the wheel. Good balancing act here!

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As for the Trousdale Estates tragedy -- where Jacqueline was shot and killed by a home intruder -- Dorit is the perfect person to speak on it ... seeing how she too went through a frighteningly similar situation just last month.

It's interesting ... Dorit seems to make a distinction between the Avants' predicament and hers, saying she's still here ... highlighting just how dangerous the whole thing was.

She's obviously still rattled by what happened ... and what could've been.

Pele Hospitalized ... Receiving Chemo For Colon Cancer

Pele is hospitalized in Brazil -- where the soccer legend is undergoing chemotherapy treatments -- this months after the soccer G.O.A.T. found out he had colon cancer.

The 81-year-old FIFA "Player Of The Century" is receiving chemo at Sao Paolo Hospital Albert Einstein, the hospital and Pele's assistant announced this week, in an effort to treat cancer found during a routine exam in September.

After the diagnosis, the former footballer underwent surgery to remove a tumor in September, spending nearly a month in the hospital. At the time, the hospital said Pele would require chemotherapy.

So, nothing unexpected ... and the hospital says the plan is to discharge Pele -- who is in stable condition -- in the next few days.

Despite the health conditions, Pele has continued to keep a positive attitude.

“When the path is difficult, celebrate each step of the journey,” he wrote on Instagram during his last hospital stay.

“Focus on your happiness. It’s true that I can’t jump anymore, but these past few days, I’ve been punching the air more times than usual.”

As for Pele the player, many people consider him to be the greatest soccer player of all time. He is the only male to win the World Cup three times ... leading Brazil to their first title in 1958.

And, he is also the country's all-time leading international scorer with 77 goals and scored more than 1,000 in his entire playing career before retiring in 1977.

Pele was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993.

'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan I'm Cancer Free!!! ... 'Thank God'

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CANCER-FREE FOR CHRISTMAS

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is getting an early Christmas gift this year ... the WWE legend announced that he's officially cancer free after his bout with prostate cancer!!

"I just wanna share the great news I just received," Hacksaw said Wednesday, "That my cancer is all encapsulated inside my prostate."

"Thank God, I'm officially cancer free."

Hacksaw says doctors performed tests on his bones, lymph nodes, and the surrounding tissue ... and once everything came out clear, they officially declared him cancer free.

Back in October, the Hall of Famer was hospitalized to undergo a procedure that would try to eradicate the disease. Duggan and his wife, Debra, opened up about how he had been battling the disease for months.

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67-yeard-old Duggan went down to South Carolina to have his surgery ... and, fortunately for him, his family said everything went as planned and he was recovering and resting comfortably.

This isn't the first time Jim has battled health problems ... 20 years ago, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. In 2018, he spent time in the ICU suffering from heart issues.

"This is my second bout with cancer," Duggan said. "Twenty years ago, I had kidney cancer. Now prostate cancer."

In light of his recent experience, Jim encouraged people to stay on top of their health ... saying ... "Folks remember, early detection saves lives."

"Merry, Merry Christmas."

Jussie Smollett Photographed with Osundairo Brother Several Times Before Alleged Attack

Jussie Smollett was clearly good pals with the Osundairo brothers -- or at least one of them, as evidenced by these photos showing them hanging out several times in the months before the alleged attack.

TMZ got a hold of photos showing Jussie and one of the O bros in friendly settings on at least 3 separate occasions -- all before Jan. 29, 2019, when JS claims he was attacked by Ola and Abel (Bola) Osundairo.

One pic shows Jussie with Bola mere days before the incident -- they were together, with a third guy, at the Electric Hotel in Chicago on Jan. 19, 2019 ... and everyone looked chummy.

Another shot shows Bola and Jussie yet again, this time on Sept. 28, 2018, when they hit up LiqrBox. They also recorded a video together while in the Chicago hotspot.

There's yet another photo of Jussie and Bola from July 2018 at Joy District Chicago.

Interestingly, Bola's brother, Ola, isn't in any of the pics. Jussie testified this week Ola weirded him out as he got to know both of them.

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TMZ.com

Of course, Jussie also testified he and Bola had gotten intimate at a bathhouse, and even made out a few times. Bola denied he'd ever been in a relationship with Jussie.

Ultimately, the jury will have to decide who to believe -- the brothers or Jussie -- when it comes to almost every aspect of their interactions. If they buy Jussie's version more than the Osundairos, he's got a good shot at acquittal.

These appear to be some of the first shots of Jussie and Bola in the same frame -- other than when they passed each other on a cold Chicago street that fateful night.

Tiger Woods I'm Back!!! ... Commits To Playing In Event With Son

Tiger Woods is back ... the golf legend has just committed to playing again nearly 10 months after his car crash -- officially signing up for next week's PNC Championship with his son.

The event will take place beginning on Dec. 16 in Orlando, Florida ... and it's a huge deal -- considering it'll be the first time Woods has competed on the course since he horrifically broke his leg in a Feb. 23 car crash.

As we previously reported, Woods suffered comminuted open fractures in his right leg -- and he said last week the injuries were so bad, amputation was a very real possibility.

But, Tiger's made huge strides in his comeback -- swinging his golf clubs regularly ... and now, he clearly feels he's ready to compete in a tournament.

While the PNC Championship is certainly not the Masters -- it's still a 36-hole event that'll pit Tiger and his son, Charlie Woods, against some of the biggest names in golf -- including John Daly, Justin Thomas and Bubba Watson.

"Although it’s been a long and challenging year," Woods said of his impending return, "I am very excited to close it out by competing in the PNC Championship with my son Charlie. I'm playing as a Dad and couldn't be more excited and proud."

Tiger and Charlie previously competed in the event in 2020 -- finishing in seventh place.

A-Rod Miami Property sells for for $6.3 Million

Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez just unloaded one of his Miami properties for $6.3 million ... a price point that qualifies as the highest recorded lot sale ever in the area.

The home, located in the Design District, has plenty of backyard space -- with a pool and grilling area -- and inside has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms ... and a modest (at least for A-Rod) 3k-sq-ft of living space.

As you can see in the photos, the pad is just steps away from the water... but this sort of thing isn't new to A-Rod, who has lived in Miami for years.

The former MLB slugger made a nice return on the property, considering he bought it for $5.5 million back in March, he was represented by his sister and agent Arlene Susy Dunand of Coldwell Banker ... the buyer was repped by Compass agent Julianna Castro.

A-rod owns multiple luxurious homes in the Miami area ... last year, he and his now-ex J Lo bought a Massive $40 mil waterfront estate on Star island -- the super-exclusive, super-expensive area for celebs and business tycoons.

We'll see where A-Rod decides to buy, or invest, next.

Serena Williams 'Not Where I Need To Be Physically' ... Will Not Participate In Australian Open

Serena Williams will not be playing in next month's Australian Open tournament 'cause she isn't physically healthy enough, with the tennis G.O.A.T. explaining she's "not where she needs to be physically."

"Following the advice of my medical team, I have decided to withdraw from this year's Australian Open," Williams said in a statement.

"While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete," Williams said.

"Melbourne is one of my favorite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year. I will miss seeing the fans, but am excited to return and compete at my highest level."

FYI, the Australian Open -- one of the sports 4 major tourneys -- goes down in late January in Melbourne Park. Serena has won the tournament 7 times.

The Australian Open tweeted out support for the tennis legend, writing ... "All our love, @serenawilliams. Come back stronger 💪 #AusOpen."

This latest announcement from Serena comes just months after she withdrew from the U.S. Open ... so she could nurse a hamstring injury she sustained at Wimbledon.

Williams -- who holds more grand slam titles (23) than any other active player -- needs one more victory to tie Margaret Court's record (24) ... and two more to pass her.

Get well soon!!!

Kim Kardashian Thanks Ex Kanye for Fashion Guidance ... Accepts Fashion Icon Award

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THANKING YE
E!

Kim Kardashian took home the Fashion Award at the 2021 People's Choice Awards last night ... and she thanked her ex, Ye ... YAY!!!

Last year's winner, Tracee Ellis Ross, presented the award to KK, who wore a skin-tight black jumpsuit, gloves and sunglasses -- as she sauntered down a long runway to accept.

The Kardashian was full of gratitude and said she felt honored to receive the award from Tracee. But, the nod to her estranged husband, Kanye, was by far the most interesting moment.

Kim said she felt inspired by so many people. But, she made sure to give her ex all his flowers ... "To Kanye," she said, "for really introducing me to the fashion world"

Kim explained she started off as a closet organizer and a stylist, so getting the honor felt like a "pinch-me moment" ... "I fell in love with fashion and I'm so inspired by so many people but again, this is like a dream that I get to wake up and wear these amazing clothes and try new things and take a risk."

It's pretty amazing ... Kim went from working behind the counter at the Dash store to launching her shapewear brand, Skims, which was valued at over $1 billion. And, of course, there's her beauty brands -- KKW BEAUTY and KKW Fragrance.

Balenciaga is clearly her thing ... you'll recall her all-black jumpsuit, gloves, and long pleated train that covered her from head to toe at the MET Gala -- yes, even her face.

As far as Kanye and Kim ... Ye has been vocal about his love for his estranged wife, who has clearly hooked up with Pete Davidson. Nevertheless, the divorce is still on.

FOX News Christmas Tree Set on Fire at NYC HQ!!! Man Arrested for Arson

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UP IN SMOKE
Newsflare
UPDATE

8:47 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a 49-year-old homeless man, Craig Tamanaha, was arrested. He was booked for criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, arson, disorderly conduct and criminal tampering.

UPDATE

Sources say the property damage totaled $500,000.

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas -- a very smoky one -- after someone torched the tree outside the FOX News building ... and cops already have a suspect in custody.

NYPD arrested a homeless man they believe acted alone in setting the 50-foot tree ablaze early Wednesday morning. No one was injured, and FDNY put out the fire pretty quickly, still ... we're told smoke filled the office building.

The tree had been decorated with 10,000 ornaments, and its 100,000 lights were just turned on Sunday during an on-air lighting ceremony.

The flames damaged three other nearby trees decorated with Christmas lights ... but luckily, there were no injuries reported.

Crews are already taking down what's left of the burned-out tree, and FOX has plans to install and decorate a new one ASAP.

Not today, Grinch ... not today!!!

Originally Published -- 7:23 AM PT

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Snuggle Sesh At Lakers Game ... PDA In Front Of LeBron!!!

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LOVE IN THE AIR
PrettyLittleThing

Forget popcorn and beer, Ben Affleck got a side of Jennifer Lopez at the Lakers game on Tuesday ... with the Oscar winner getting some serious PDA from J Lo all night in front of LeBron James!

Ben and Jen sat courtside for L.A.'s tilt with the Boston Celtics at Staples Center ... and cameras caught them getting cozy throughout the evening.

Early in the game, the two were seen on the broadcast cameras -- with J Lo holding Ben's hand while LeBron was just feet away playing on the hardwood.

In the middle of the game, the couple was spotted on the jumbotron, and their flirtatious convo was viewed by everyone in the venue's packed crowd.

And, after the game, J Lo was seen wrapping her arms around Ben, snuggling her man as everyone filed out of the venue where the PDA continued at an event sponsored by PrettyLittleThing.

Of course, it was all lovey-dovey ... but Ben didn't exactly get to go home super pleased -- his beloved Celtics were blown out by LBJ and the Lakers, 117-102.

Then again, we're pretty sure going home with Lopez cheered him up pretty quickly.

Storm Barra Plane Makes Terrifying Landing in Heavy Winds

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TURBULENT TOUCHDOWN
Storyful

If you're a white-knuckle flyer ... DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!

A plane made a terrifying landing in England during an epic storm ... and the armrests now almost certainly have permanent indentations.

The plane was attempting to land at the Manchester Airport Tuesday ... as winds from Storm Barra seem to rip in every direction around the runway.

The plane was battered by crosswinds as the pilot tried touching down. The plane at times goes perpendicular to the runway as the pilot struggles ... seemingly in vain.

You gotta wonder ... why didn't the pilot abort the landing? The answer may be this was the least bad option, because if the pilot aborted the plane would be in the same predicament and maybe worse.

It seemed the pilot was running out of runway ... moving almost uncontrollably for too long, but good news ... somehow the plane landed.

Hope the passengers brought a change of clothes.

'AGT' Contestant Skilyr Hicks Dead at 23 ... Cops Suspect Drug OD

UPDATE

6:54 AM PT -- 12/8 -- Chief Deputy Chad Brooks at the Pickens County Sheriff's Office tells us at this time, it's suspected Hicks died of a suspected drug overdose. We're told Hicks was found inside a bathroom on the floor, drugs and paraphernalia were found at the scene. Hicks was pronounced dead at the scene.

Skilyr Hicks -- a one-time contestant on "America's Got Talent" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

The young singer-songwriter passed away Monday, having been found lifeless in the home of a friend -- this according to her mother, Jodi. She says she doesn't know the actual homeowner. Skilyr's body was discovered in Liberty, South Carolina.

While the exact circumstances of her death -- including a cause -- are still unknown to the family, Jodi tells us her daughter battled with mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse. She also says Skilyr was loved by her family and 4 siblings -- using her music to help people in need. Jodi says, "She will live on through her music."

At just 14 years old, Hicks appeared on season 8 of 'AGT' in 2013, auditioning for Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Howard Stern ... and impressing them enough to be moved on to the next round.

She performed an original song of her own during her debut, and actually had a good touching backstory that landed her own segment on TV. Skilyr had lost her father a few years prior to the audition and apparently taught herself to play, write and sing.

Hicks scored four yeses from the judges but was eliminated shortly thereafter before the live rounds in NYC. Still, her time on the show was memorable.

The artist ran into some legal trouble in her later years -- getting arrested for underage drinking in 2018, and also spending some time in jail for allegedly roughing up her fam.

She was just 23. RIP

Originally Published -- 12/7 6:41 PM PT

Security Companies Seeing Boom in Celeb Clientele ... Over L.A. Crime Spike

The crime spree unfolding in L.A. has got celebs acting skittish, so much so that there's a big boom in security hiring ... which might sound great for them, but isn't a good sign big picture.

TMZ spoke with two different high-profile security companies that offer services for famous folks and other VIP types -- and they both tell us the same thing ... their business is on the upswing, and it seems to be aligned with what's going on in the City of Angels.

Alfredo Moosa and AJ Moosa of 2 Deep Executive Protection -- which has worked for people like French Montana, Maria, A1 Bentley and more --  tell us they're getting booked left and right these days, especially in L.A. ... where they say they're most in demand.

Take the Tank Davis fight in town this past weekend -- the Moosa's say there alone they had 8 different clients with their guards on hand, who are being hired for way longer shifts than anything they've done in the past (17+ hours) ... emblematic of what they say is happening generally. In the past year ... they tell us they've hired 15-16 new guards.

The Moosa's also say they've seen a lot of their clients lately ditch jewelry and other bling they may normally wear -- which they think has to do with the fact people are getting jacked in brazen attacks of late. 2 Deep is also doing a lot more house calls at the moment -- we're told now, they're being asked to stick around and patrol Airbnbs their clients might stay in ... whether they're actually there or not, a shift from what they're usually asked to do.

There's also Kings Protection -- having been hired by the likes of Quavo, Lil Pump, LeBron James, etc. -- whose CEO, Jack, tells us they too are getting a spike in bookings, and everything else that comes with their offerings.

Jack says they've seen an increase in day-to-day security needs, including clients being out and about in a nightlife setting ... or even just home patrols, something they specialize in. Kings have had to hire 200 more guards this year due to the phone constantly ringing.

We're told Kings usually has armed guards keeping watch at a client's rented residence, and they've even started to roll out K9 units to help, which shows how serious they're taking the job in this crime-ridden climate.

CBS Rolling Out New 'Survivor'-Ish Show ... With Celebs Battling!!!

CBS is going back to the well that's served them well for years -- pumping out a new reality show that'll have contestants outwit, outplay and outlast one another, but with a celeb twist.

Production sources tell TMZ ... the network is getting set to debut a new series that we're told is very "Survivor"-esque, but the main difference here -- the contestants are all celebs, including a handful of reality stars.

We're told that, like "Survivor," this show will feature similar challenges -- and will have a similar vibe to what viewers have watched since 2000.

Some of the names we're hearing attached ... Colton Underwood, Metta World Peace, Ray Lewis, Jodie Sweetin, 'RHONY’s' Eboni K. Williams and model Paulina Porizkova. There may be others who end up tagging in, but these folks are for sure playing the game.

Our sources tell us all participants had a certain amount of money donated to the charity of their choice. The show has already been filmed, and we're told a lot of it went down in Panama -- so, sounds like it's straight outta the "Survivor" playbook.

The series is expected to premiere in April 2022, and an announcement or teaser from the network should be coming in the near future.