TMZ.com Home

Japan just became the latest country to set up camp on the moon -- although, how hard it actually touched down is still a little unclear.

Yes, it's a big deal ... Japan is now the fifth country to get some kind of spacecraft up on the big ball of cheese in the sky -- landing their "Moon Sniper" explorer Friday ... part of which they streamed live to document the momentous occasion.

The question at this point, however, is whether the explorer crashed onto the moon ... or if it successfully made contact. There are conflicting reports on what the actual case is.

We suppose we'll know soon enough -- but in any case, it's cool to see the human race continue to try and explore our moon. This mission is called SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) and this launch of Japan's robot went down way back in September.

The other countries that have been to the moon ... Russia, China, India and, of course, the US of A. We're the only ones to get humans up there ... no one's been back since.

Sofia Vergara is being taken to court by Griselda Blanco's family over her new show where she plays the infamous Colombian queen-pin ... and they want to halt its release.

The actress is named as a defendant in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, in which her adult kids -- acting as representatives of her estate -- are suing her and Netflix over what they claim is the unauthorized use of their family's image and likeness in this upcoming series.

Of course, the show features Sofia playing the late Griselda in her heyday as one of the most prominent drug lords in the world -- but now, her children are trying to prevent it from coming out next week ... running to court and asking the judge for an injunction to block its release.

The gist of their argument boils down to this ... Griselda's son, Michael, claims he'd been doing interviews for years now with some guys who were trying to get his life story -- and that of his mother -- on paper in the hopes of developing it into a production of some sort. He alleges these interviews he did with them date back to '09 all the way through 2022.

Michael claims that these fellas he was consulting with not only wanted to develop his narrative into a show, but into a book as well -- and he says they told him they'd start shopping it around Hollywood in 2016. He alleges they pitched it to a producer ... ahead of a meeting with Netflix about it. Michael claims he was then told Netflix was interested -- but that they didn't wanna use any of his details or consultations from the interviews he'd done.

Fast-forward to the present, and Michael claims he's learned this new 'Griselda' show does, in fact, lean on a lot of his anecdotes and material ... but he says he never saw a dime.

That's why he and his siblings are suing -- alleging Netflix basically ripped off their family story and weaved it into the plot of their show ... and the kids claim use of their own images and likenesses in the show without their permission violate their rights.

The lawsuit doesn't specifically say that Netflix can't depict their mother -- a public figure -- but it's clear the kids believe their likenesses and interview materials were used to make it -- presumably meaning they're depicted in the actual show in some capacity -- so they want a judge to step in ASAP to stop it.

The show is supposed to come out on Jan. 25 ... but the Blanco children wanna pump the brakes. SV is an EP on this thing BTW -- which seems to explain why she's roped in.

Snoop Dogg says OnlyFans recently came a-knockin' with a nutso $100 million offer to show off the family jewels, but his wife's not ready to share his beans or frank with the public ... not even for 9 figures!!!

The legendary rap star has been married for 27 years and told his pal Slink Johnson on his "Wake & Bake With Double S Express" podcast that OF had one simple request -- "pull that thang out" and the $100 million would be all his!!!

Snoop Dogg reminded Slink that his wife Shante Broadus, who also doubles as his manager, was Black BLACK ... and no amount of money would green-light his sexual eruption online.

Still, $100 million's a ton of pretty pennies and Slink seemed determined to figure out some kinda work-around for Snoop to make the big reveal and get the dough.

Khloe Kardashian bundled up against Aspen's winter chill, but caused a firestorm over her fur coat's authenticity -- and we've got the answer to the question: real or faux?

The reality star stepped out Thursday night in a thick black and gray "fur" coat for some sister bonding with Kim and Kendall ... who were also tagging along, and looking fashionable.

In news that'll shock no one, the coat's causing a lot of debate online ... 'cause it looks pretty dang real -- which is weird since Khloe's spoken out in support of animal rights in the past. In fact, she did a whole ass campaign on it way back in the day ... an edgy one at that.

'Memba, KK stripped buck naked for a PETA campaign back in 2008 ... with the tagline that she'd "rather go naked" than wear fur -- and hey, no complaints here on that front!!!

She seemingly had a falling out with PETA a few years later after they threw a flour bomb at Kim on a red carpet ... issuing a statement saying PETA lied about their relationship with the culprit -- and she expressed disappointment about their support for the lady who did it.

She added at the time, "I've been a vocal supporter of PETA for a long time but I have also been very vocal about anti-bullying, so this was a huge disappointment for me."

Anyway, we figured out whether this thing is the real McCoy or not -- sources with direct knowledge are telling us it's actually faux fur -- so feel free to put down your pitchforks, folks.

The KarJenners do this kinda thing all the time BTW -- Kendall wore what looked like fur in Aspen last month after her split with Bad Bunny and Kylie seemingly wore a real fur scarf on a trip in 2022 ... basically, the ladies kinda stir up drama on this front now and then.

Hugh Hefner's legacy is getting reexamined years after his death -- part of which has to do with what his widow now says about their marriage ... calling it toxic and backwards.

Crystal Hefner -- who was Hugh's 3rd and final wife, and who was still married to him when he died in 2017 -- is coming out with a new memoir soon ... and in it, she kinda trashes her late husband, not to mention the culture she says was cultivated in his Playboy world.

The book's called "Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself" -- and the title, she says, is based on what she claims HH asked to say about him when he was gone.

While Crystal did do that in the immediate aftermath of his passing, she's now singing a different tune -- looking back at their relationship with "regret and disgust" ... as the NYT put it in a new profile. As for why she's flip-flopping, Crystal suggests she was under a spell.

She says, "At the time I must’ve been brainwashed or something." There are a lot of allegations she's floating about how Hugh -- including claims that he was strict about her appearance/weight, not to mention making sure she kept to a curfew he'd set for her.

Crystal even suggests she was somewhat trapped at the Playboy Mansion -- saying she was able to "escape" one time by telling a guard she had to go buy tampons ... but then returned on her own volition because she says she had Stockholm syndrome at the time.

BTW, she isn't the first Playboy model to speak out against Hugh and the company -- in recent years, others have come forward with similar claims ... including Kendra Wilkinson, who just recently revealed she was seriously traumatized from her time with Playboy/Hugh.

7:53 AM PT -- A BAFTA spokesperson tells TMZ ... "We were very sorry to hear of Roy Battersby’s recent passing - he was a renowned and trailblazing director. Roy Battersby was awarded the Alan Clarke Award in 1996, a BAFTA Special Television Award. We confirm he will be honoured in our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards in May, and on the In Memoriam Section on our website."

Kate Beckinsale says the folks running BAFTA can't make any promises when it comes to honoring her late stepfather -- which she thinks is outrageous ... and she may be right.

The actress tore the British academy a new one Thursday in an IG post -- in which she alleged producers for the annual award show (basically, the UK version of the Oscars/Globes) told her the recently late Roy Battersby might not be recognized in their program.

KB posted a pic of her stepdad receiving a lifetime achievement BAFTA award years ago for work he'd done in television across the pond, and Kate went on to air her frustration.

She writes, "Today BAFTA told me they ‘could not guarantee’ he would be included in their “in memoriam” tribute , to honour the industry members we have lost. So a man dead less than a week somehow has to audition in front of a committee after a decades long career (in which he has been awarded from said organisation the highest accolade they have) to decide IF his death is worth mentioning."

As if that wasn't scathing enough, Kate adds ... "I am paralysed ,sick and sickened and I will honour him and his work every day of my life." She went on to say her mother, Judy Loe, has been quietly battling cancer behind the scenes too ... making this perceived snub worse.

One last final dig at BAFTA from Kate ... "[T]hanks again , BAFTA for your horribly cold email." Oof, talk about honest -- something tells us Roy will make it in there after all.

Jacob Elordi's new movie "Saltburn" has a bathtub scene that has many stomachs turning, while others are pending money to smell his bathwater ... and now the actor himself's getting a big whiff!

He came face-to-wick Thursday night on 'The Tonight Show' as Jimmy Fallon whipped out a very distinct scented candle. If the marketing can be believed, the candle smells like JE's scent -- mind you, it's fan-made.

Jacob said he was already aware of the candles, thanks to his "Priscilla" costar Cailee Spaeny -- but, he says he's not seeing a dollar off the product.

Of course, he couldn't leave without taking a big old sniff of himself ... and even got his mouth involved a la Barry Keoghan's character in "Saltburn."

We won't give away too much, but all ya gotta know is BK's character, Oliver, slurps up some very spicy bathwater after Jacob's character, Felix, does much more than just soak in it.

Like we said, stomach-turning!

As for how well the candle captures Jacob's essence -- the Australian actor seemed a bit unimpressed, noting it smells more like laundry detergent than him.

"Saltburn" is taking the world by storm right now, racking up nominations this awards season ... and Elordi's stayin' busy too with an 'SNL' hosting gig coming up Saturday.

A cargo jet went up in flames as it was flying over Miami Thursday night, creating a frightening and potentially deadly scenario that was all caught on video, but, thankfully, nobody was injured in the end.

The Atlas Air Boeing 747 plane took off from Miami International Airport for Puerto Rico at 10:32 PM – and just minutes into the flight one of the engines caught fire.

As the airliner was streaking through the sky, one woman on the ground turned on her phone camera and started recording the fireball.

Check it out ... Sparks shoot out from the rear of the jet as the woman expresses utter shock, "Oh my god. It's on fire. Oh my god."

She then calls over her mom, while stating, "Holy s**t. I hope they're ok."

After a few more seconds, the video cuts off as the plane appears to be on a downward trajectory.

A rep for Atlas Air told TMZ that while the plane experienced an engine malfunction, the crew followed all standard procedures and safely returned to Miami International Airport.

Taylor Swift hit the recording studio in NYC Thursday night -- and considering her eventful past several months ... ya gotta figure she might be cooking up a new love song.

The pop superstar rolled up in a black SUV to the West Village's Electric Lady Studios – stepping out with the help of her chauffeur. As she quickly walked inside, Taylor turned her head away from the flashing cameras of the paparazzi who had assembled outside the building.

She was wearing a stylish long black jacket, a tan maxi dress, and black leather boots.

In the few seconds we saw her, Taylor seemed focused on her mission to create some more magical tunes, and maybe even a bit pensive about her BF – Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. The big question on everyone's mind is will Travis pop the question and make Taylor Mrs. Kelce?

Our sources say all the talk about the two getting engaged is just that -- talk. We're told a marriage proposal is simply not in the cards right now ... but that's not stopping people from speculating and even putting a timetable on a potential proposal.

Whatever happens, it's certainly gonna be interesting to watch -- especially on the creative side if TayTay is, in fact, cranking out new material.

Stayed tuned!

Justin Timberlake seems to be making moves suggesting he's got new music coming -- and if the trademark history on his albums is any indication ... that's exactly what's happening.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, trademark applications have been filed for the phrases "Everything I Thought It Was" and "Everything I Thought It Was ... A Sonic film."

The reason that's relevant to JT and what appears to be a soon-to-be-announced album is the fact the attorney on record for this trademark app made a very similar, and telling, move a few years ago.

The trademark app for 'EITIW' was filed by an entity called TBTHC LLC -- and it's signed by C. Brandon Browning ... an attorney who certainly knows his way around the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as it pertains to Timberlake music projects.

Browning filed the trademarks for Justin's "Man of the Woods" album back in 2018 -- and now, here he is doing it again for "Everything I Thought It Was."

That's not the only huge clue -- Browning's filing comes just as JT himself is beginning to tease something with those exact initials -- 'EITIW' -- on his social media.

ICYMI, Justin recently scrubbed his entire Instagram page, and now, he has only 2 posts on his IG -- the 'EITIW' one, and another promoting his Friday night show in Memphis ... all of which leads fans to believe a sixth album is on the way.

As for the new trademark applications ... they're filling to use 'EITIW' for musical sound recordings, posters, soundtracks and merchandise -- basically, everything that goes with promoting, selling and performing new music.

Justin historically files all his trademarks under the LLC "Tennman Brands" ... and the new trademarks are under the LLC "TBTHC." Obviously, the "TB" could be an abbreviation for "Tennman Brands."

Anyway, the *NYSNC reunion might not be in the cards anytime soon, but Justin fans definitely have good reason to get excited about new solo music from him.

Malia Obama has come a long way from her childhood days in the White House ... 'cause she's now walking the red carpet at Sundance as a straight-up filmmaker.

The 25-year-old daughter of former president Barack Obama made her debut on the red carpet at the Park City, Utah annual event Thursday night.

Malia looked just stunning in her light blue button-down shirt, gray overcoat, gray scarf, black pants and shiny brown boots.

The former first daughter showed up for the premiere of her new short film, "The Heart," which she wrote and directed under the name Malia Ann. Turns out that Ann is her middle name, which appears in the credits.

Malia has said the movie is about "lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things."

Sounds like a winner to us! Let's hope the Sundance jurors and audiences think so, too, when they go vote for their favorite flicks in each category.

As a side note ... Malia was just 10 when she moved into the White House during her dad's 8 year tenure as the 44th President of the Unites States from 2009 to 2017.

The cast of "The American Society of Magical Negroes" all seem to be in agreement that white people shouldn't say the title in full -- and that goes for our own camera guy too.

David Alan Grier made that perfectly clear in a walk-and-chat we did with him Thursday at LAX -- where he was on his way to Sundance to screen his and Justice Smith's new dark comedy ... which is sort of a goofy spin on 'Harry Potter,' but with historical racial tropes.

Just watch the trailer to get the gist of what it's actually about -- it's pretty self-explanatory -- but on the issue of saying this film's title in full ... DAG is on the same page as Justice. Namely, he also thinks whites should steer clear of letting it come out of their mouths.

You'll recall ... JS -- who's the lead star of the flick -- told us exactly that yesterday at the airport, although you can tell he's totally joking. Ditto for Dave ... or so it seems?!?

Check out this back-and-forth he has with our photog ... let's just say, it's a bit awkward.

Despite their differences over the years, NeNe Leakes is letting her former 'RHOA' costar Kim Zolciak know she's got a friend in her -- especially during her divorce.

We got NeNe at LAX this week ... and she revealed to us that she and Kim ran into each other not that long ago -- noting KZ briefly mentioned she was having a hard time lately as it pertains to uncoupling with Kroy Biermann.

Check it out ... NNL says didn't elaborate on the statement .... and they kept the rest of their catch-up positive. Good to hear, considering how much they've beefed in the past.

NeNe says she wishes Kim nothing but happiness cause nobody ever wants to see a family break up ... especially when kids are involved.

Whether they choose to be together or apart, Nene says she hopes K&K can come to an amicable agreement ... cause their happiness and peace are most important.

Other than that, Nene gushes over Kim's tiny figure ... telling us she looked great -- the girl power much-welcomed after years of animosity between them.

But Kim's focus is probably geared toward her estrangement from her husband, Kroy ... rather than rebuilding her friendship with NeNe for now.

KZ & KB have been at each other's throats for months -- we broke the story ... police were called to their home in Nov following a nasty fight between them and body cam footage shows Kroy blaming Kim for their financial struggles while also accusing her of "f***ing other men."

They're still living under the same roof at their Georgia mansion ... which they're desperately trying to sell ... though they've had to slash the price a few times cause there's been no serious takers.

TMZ got into the thick of things on Thursday -- covering a canceled reboot of an old Disney show ... to Jillian Michaels calling out Oprah over Ozempic, and everything in between.

Let's get right into it with "TMZ Live" ... where we dove into the legendary fitness guru JM going after Ms. Winfrey for what she claimed were financial reasons on the issue of Ozempic.

Check out the full segment to get the gist of what exactly this was all about -- but basically, Jillian was suggesting Oprah has a vested interest in making sure the magic weight loss drug does well on the market ... and it all has to do with a stake she owns in WeightWatchers.

Up next, we got "TMZ on TV" ... where the gang tackled this "Lizzie McGuire" reboot that was scrapped by the Mouse House -- all 'cause some of the material they were writing/shooting at the time wasn't exactly family-friendly.

You'll see what we mean by the convo here ... Hilary Duff was living as a full-grown 30-something woman -- that is, until Disney pulled the plug.

Lastly, we have "TMZ Sports" ... where Michael Babcock and Mojo talked about Reba and Post Malone taking a crack at the anthem and "America the Beautiful" for the upcoming Super Bowl.

Rob Gronkowski says there's plenty of heat left on Bill Belichick's fastball ... telling TMZ Sports his former head coach is still every bit the "powerhouse" he used to be.

"I think, 100 percent, he's still the great Bill Belichick," the Patriots legend said. "No doubt about that."

Of course, it's all come into question recently ... after Belichick struggled to find success in New England following Tom Brady's departure.

In his four seasons without the GOAT under center, Belichick recorded just a 29-38 record ... and only made one playoff appearance.

Now that he's officially out of Foxborough, though, Gronk says he believes Belichick can prove once more he's still the best ever to put on a headset ... telling us if he gets a hold of a roster with stars on it, watch out.

"If he goes to a team with great players with great talent, he will be successful," Rob said, "because he's still the powerhouse coach that we all have seen throughout the years."

For now, Belichick seems more likely than not to end up in Atlanta ... he already interviewed for the Falcons' vacant job earlier this month -- and, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he'll have a second meeting with the team's brass this weekend.

As for The Hoodie's replacement in New England ... Gronkowski had nothing but good things to say about Jerod Mayo -- telling us all he's heard so far about his former teammate is that he's become a helluva a leader on the sidelines.

There's much more with Gronk ... we also talked to the NFL legend about his upcoming Super Bowl party, Gronk Beach, at Encore Beach Club on Saturday, February 10.

The 5,000-person strong pool party/music festival will have all kinds of entertainment, including Afrojack and DJ Irie, in addition to other surprise musical guests.

In past years, Rob's brought some of his famous to the party ... like Travis Kelce, Julian Edelman, Guy Fieri, Deebo Samuel, Johnny Damon, Camille Kostek and even Bill Belichick!

Here's your chance to party with Gronk ... don't drop the ball!

American actress Alicia Witt was in her mid 20's when she played June Carver -- the fashionable and flirty gal eager to land the new Chief Counsel role for a real estate company -- in the comedy/romance film "Two Weeks Notice" back in 2002.

Alicia shared the big screen with Hugh Grant as the arrogant billionaire and real estate developer, George Wade, and Sandra Bullock as the smart Harvard Law alumni, all about environmental law and preservation, Lucy Kelson.

Alicia first rose to fame as a child actress landing roles in "Dune" and "Twin Peaks." She also acted alongside Queen Latifah in "Last Holiday."