Britney Spears Paid Lawyer Mathew Rosengart Law Firm $4.2M in Legal Fees

Britney Spears has paid the law firm of her lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, millions of dollars in legal fees, and our sources say members of her team became agitated enough that Rosengart has now agreed to provide free legal services for the immediate future.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, Britney has paid Rosengart's firm $4,201,856 for the period November 2021 through March 2023. That represents the legal work Rosengart performed mostly after the conservatorship ended.

11/12/21
BRITNEY IS FREE
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Our sources say that figure represents only a part of what Britney has paid Rosengart's firm, and that the fees now approach $6 million total.

We're told Britney's team pushed back on Rosengart over his fees, and the lawyer has now agreed to work pro bono for the remainder of the case against Jamie Spears.

We know Rosengart has been providing legal services in various areas of Britney's life, including ending the conservatorship, an ongoing case against Jamie, music, her book deal and other matters.

Rosengart has been critical of some of the eye-popping lawyers fees connected to the conservatorship. According to legal docs filed by Rosengart, dozens of lawyers in the 13-year-long conservatorship case made a total of more than $30 million.

Britney was reportedly worth $60 million when the conservatorship ended. Our sources say it's now a lot less.

We reached out to Rosengart and his law firm for comment ... so far, no word back.

Arby's Restaurant Dead Body Found in Freezer

A twisted scene at an Arby's restaurant in Louisiana, as a body, believed to be that of an employee, was discovered inside the freezer.

According to KADN News 15, it was around 6:30 Thursday night when an employee walked inside the restaurant's freezer and discovered the lifeless body of a female. At this point, it's not known how long the woman was in the freezer, however, investigators believe it was an accident.

New Iberia Police Capt. Leland Laseter said, "A situation like this is unusual, so we're taking extra precautions during the investigation. (We) pretty much have completed our process at the crime scene. After completely processing the crime scene ... this does not seem like a homicide, it seems like an accident."

Police say an autopsy will be conducted on the employee to determine the cause of death and confirm her identity.

Report: Tom Brady In Talks To Buy Piece Of Raiders ... Partner W/ Mark Davis

Tom Brady is staying active even in retirement -- the future Hall of Fame QB is reportedly negotiating with Raiders owner Mark Davis about buying a piece of his team -- and becoming an NFL owner!

Brady and Davis have reportedly been in "deep discussions" about the 7x-Super Bowl champ coming on board in a limited partnership capacity. However, nothing has been finalized yet, and negotiations continue.

Brady is already in business with 67-year-old Davis. Just a month ago, Tom purchased a stake in Davis' WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces.

If the Raiders deal is completed, TB12 would reportedly not be involved in the team's business or football affairs.

As for whether Brady's future with FOX Sports would be affected (he signed a massive deal reportedly worth $375 million to call games) -- it doesn't seem to be a conflict ... as Brady was reportedly given the blessing to pursue Raiders ownership.

WE'RE ON TO LAS VEGAS

It's no secret that Tom -- who also owns a Major League Pickleball team -- has wanted to be an NFL owner for years ... and it looks like he's very close to fulfilling that dream.

NYC Subway Rider Death Marine Arrested For Strangling Jordan Neely ... Charged With Manslaughter

UPDATE

9:38 AM PT -- Daniel Penny has been released on $100,000 bail.

UPDATE

8:16 AM PT -- Daniel Penny was just seen exiting the police station in handcuffs.

Daniel Penny has just been criminally charged in the death of NYC subway rider Jordan Neely, who died after Penny put him in a chokehold on a train.

The Marine vet surrendered to police at a Manhattan station house Friday morning and was booked on a charge of second-degree manslaughter. After posing for a mug shot and getting fingerprinted, Penny will go before a judge to be arraigned on the felony charge in criminal court.

His attorneys from the law firm Raiser & Kenniff issued a statement Thursday night, saying they were "confident that once all the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are brought to bear, Mr. Penny will be fully absolved of any wrongdoing."

Penny was a passenger in a subway snaking through the Manhattan underground on May 1 when he and other riders encountered Neely, who was allegedly in the throes of a mental health episode. Penny's lawyers say Neely was aggressive and threatening.

Neely was reportedly screaming that he was hungry and thirsty and didn't care if he went to jail. He also allegedly ripped off his coat and threw it on the ground.

MAY 2023
CLASHING WITH COPS
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In what he says was self-defense, Penny placed Neely in a chokehold while a witness started filming. Over the next several minutes, Penny and Neely grappled on the floor until Neely's body went limp and he was pronounced dead.

The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide due to "compression of neck."

Originally Published -- 5:18 AM PT

Shakira Not Dating Tom Cruise ... At Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton's Invite

Shakira fans freaking out about her potentially dating Tom Cruise can all breathe a sigh of relief ... we've learned they're NOT a couple, and things were never heading that way.

Sources close to Shakira tell us she's very much single, and only happened to be around Cruise at the F1 Miami Grand Prix because they share a famous mutual friend.

Our sources say both Tom and Shakira were invited to the event by Team Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who, of course, is the biggest name in the sport -- so that's why they were together several times during the race.

As for the Page Six report Tom sent Shakira flowers ... our source didn't know whether or not that was legit, but did say Shakira's just not interested in dating right now.

Shakira was spotted on a boat with friends, including Hamilton, on Wednesday -- but again, we're told there's nothing romantic there either, it's all friendly.

Shakira and her sons left Barcelona to move to Miami after she split with her soccer star BF Gerard Piqué after 11 years together. With F1 races and celeb-packed boat rides under her belt, it's safe to say she's loving her new MIA life.

Anderson Cooper Blasts Trump While Defending CNN ... After Town Hall Outrage

WHAT WAS THAT
CNN

Anderson Cooper's bashing former President Donald Trump for "disturbing" behavior and remarks during CNN's town hall -- but he's also responding to the waves of people dragging the network for giving Trump a platform.

He addressed the outrage Thursday night as tempers continue flaring over Wednesday's town hall by calling out Trump's "lie after lie after lie," and inappropriate name-calling toward moderator, Kaitlan Collins, amongst other shocking moments.

Cooper acknowledged the anger toward CNN, saying people have every right to never tune in to the network again -- but then defended CNN by pointing out a cold, hard truth: Whether you like it or not, DT is the Republican frontrunner for president, and shutting out someone because you don't share their beliefs just isn't a healthy reality.

As you know, many called for CNN to boot Trump from their network ahead of Wednesday night's town hall -- especially after he was found liable this week in his battery and defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll.

THEY'RE INFECTED
CNN

As for why CNN viewers, or Trump haters, shouldn't look away -- Anderson says the roaring applause during some of Trump's bombastic comments should strike fear in people, as he says it was a sampling of roughly half the nation.

For what it's worth, the town hall drew more than 3 million pairs of eyeballs -- way higher than CNN's typical viewership around the same time, so the country was definitely watching it all go down. For better or worse.

Sly Stallone & Jennifer Flavin 'We Are Family' Mode at TV Show Premiere ... What Divorce???

Nothing about Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin screams nearly divorced less than a year ago -- instead, the couple is loving and playful with as they celebrate their new reality show. What a difference 8 months make!!!

Jennifer and Sly posed for photos with their daughters Sistine, Sophia and Scarlet at the NYC premiere of their Paramount+ series, "The Family Stallone."

At one point during the photo op, Jennifer playfully wrapped her hands around Sly's neck as if to choke him -- perhaps flashing back to that tattoo disaster.

It was a cute but poignant moment given that she filed for divorce in August after 25 years of marriage. But cooler heads prevailed, Jennifer decided not to go through with it ... and they look tighter than ever now.

After the event, the Stallones moseyed inside Torrisi Bar & Restaurant in Manhattan to keep the party going.

SLY LOOKIN' FLY
TMZ.com

We got some video of the whole fam working the room with their guests.

Of course, Sly was the center of attention, with people coming up to the movie legend to chat and snap selfies with him -- but even he'd say his daughters are about to become big stars in their own right.

Well, that's the point of the TV show, anyway ... which launches next week.

Taylor Swift Date Night With Matt Healy

Taylor Swift and Matt Healy are the real deal ... because they're on a double date with Taylor's pal and longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and his fiancée.

Taylor and Matt joined Jack and actress Margaret Qualley for a romantic double date Thursday in New York City ... and we've learned they were all hanging out at the swanky Casa Cipriani.

Anyone who thought Taylor and Matt were just spending time together for a music collab are wrong ... the two are clearly dating.

In images circulating on social media, Taylor and Matt can be seen holding hands on a rooftop while walking around and sitting next to one another.

SUNDAY NIGHT
SHAKE IT OFF
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Taylor's back in NYC again during another break in her Eras Tour, and Matt's right by her side ... this on the heels of The 1975 frontman spending last weekend taking in all 3 of her shows.

The pair left together in the same car after Taylor's Saturday show in Nashville, and she's scheduled to perform Friday night in Philadelphia.

5/6/23
CHECKIN' OUT TAYLOR
MEGA

It will be interesting to see if Matt is at Taylor's Philly show too.

Stay tuned ...

We covered Taylor's recent outing in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Island Boys’ Franky Venegas Ex-GF Removing Tattoos of Him After Domestic Battery Arrest

SAVING FACE
Instagram / @bhlasertattooremoval

Franky Venegas, one of the twins from the viral Island Boys duo, is about to be a distant and faded memory for his ex-girlfriend ... who's erasing him from her body on the heels of him allegedly getting physical with her.

Franky's ex, Amina, went to Bad Habits Tattoos & Laser Tattoo Removal in Fort Lauderdale this week. Owner Liz Chaviano tells TMZ, it was the first of many sessions to scrub Amina's tattoos of Franky.

We're told she has a total of 3 ink pieces in honor of Kodiyakredd -- Franky's Island Boys alias -- a tattoo of his face on her neck, his name across her chest and another on her wrist.

Liz says the whole process can take up to a year and a half, depending on how deep the ink's been absorbed into the skin.

Interestingly, she says they seem to be so badly done, their removal could go pretty quickly. One removal session is done every 6 weeks.

As we reported, Franky was arrested for domestic battery after Amina told cops they got into an argument on Saturday by the pool of their Airbnb in Pompano Beach. She claims he slapped her and pushed her into the water after she threatened to break things off with him.

SWEET FREEDOM
Instagram / @kodiyakredd

You'll recall, he later posted a vid outside the jail ... letting folks know he was released from police custody.

Kodiyakredd and his twin bro Flyysoulja found Internet stardom back in 2021, after releasing their horribly catchy song, "I'm An Island Boy" ... emphasis on horribly.

Kendrick Perkins I'd Love To See JJ Redick Coach In NBA ... 'He Knows His S***'

LOVE TO SEE IT
TMZSports.com

Kendrick Perkins and JJ Redick don't always see eye to eye when debating sports, but the NBA champ tells TMZ Sports he loves the idea of the former three-point sniper becoming an NBA head coach -- saying, "He knows his s***."

We caught up with Perkins at LAX, where we asked how he felt about the Raptors reportedly interviewing Redick for the open spot after they fired Nick Nurse following a disappointing season, and he gave his ESPN colleague a ringing endorsement.

"I actually love it, to be honest with you," Perkins told us. "One thing about it, he [Redick] knows his s***. Also, on top of that, man, any time you can see a former player that played the game get an opportunity to go sit in that seat, you would love to see it."

Perk said if Toronto hires Redick ahead of other viable candidates with more coaching experience, he would feel bad. Nevertheless, Perk told us he'd be happy if Redick became an NBA head coach, believing he brings value to any team's locker room.

"Obviously, he's jumping ahead of a few guys that I would love to see get an opportunity that's been waiting in line," Perk said. "Sam Cassell. Phil Handy. You hate to see it because those guys served as assistants for about 10, 15, 20 years."

"But you always want to see a guy like JJ do it. He knows his s***," he continued.

Perkins and Redick have gained popularity for their spirited back-and-forth on "First Take" about who should win the NBA MVP Award this season, but Kendrick reassured fans it's all love between him and JJ and gave the impression there's mutual respect on both sides.

"It's no bad blood between me and JJ I get into it with everyone."

Guess Who This Dolled Up Kid Turned Into!

Before this cutie-pie in her pink leotard turned into a young Hollywood actress, she was just dressing up for gymnastics class -- red lipstick and bracelets in tow -- and growing up in Westchester, New York with her seven siblings!

In 2006, she made her film debut in the Christmas film "Deck The Halls" starring Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick, which was only the beginning for this shining star's bright future! She starred in "Transformers: Age of Extinction" playing the daughter of Mark Wahlberg's character.

Need one more clue? Just ask her Posh mother-in-law.

Can you guess who she is?

Jeremy Allen White 'Bear' Star's Wife Files For Divorce

"The Bear" and "Shameless" star Jeremy Allen White's actress wife is bringing down the curtain on their marriage ... because she just filed for divorce.

Jeremy's wife, Addison Timlin, beelined it to court Thursday and filed for divorce after more than 3 years of marriage ... according to court records.

It's unclear what led to the split ... but the divorce could be complicated by the fact Jeremy and Addison have 2 young daughters together -- Ezer is 4 years old and Dolores is 2 years old.

Jeremy and Addison -- who acts in plays, TV shows, and movies -- first met when they were teenagers on the set of the 2008 film, "Afterschool." She hinted they were dating in 2013, and in June 2018 they announced her pregnancy.

Addison gave birth to the couple's first child in October 2018, and the following October they tied the knot at the Bev Hills courthouse.

When Jeremy won the best actor Golden Globe this year for his starring role in "The Bear," he shouted out Addison in his acceptance speech, saying ... "I love you deep in my bones. Thank you for all that you do, thank you for everything that you've done."

But 4 months after gushing about her on stage, it looks like the marriage is donezo.

Kim Kardashian Look-Alike Woman Arrested in Her Death ... Allegedly Gave Butt Injections without License

There's an arrest in the death of OnlyFans Model, and Kim Kardashian look-alike, Christina Ashten Gourkani -- a woman who allegedly administered butt injections in a hotel room is in police custody.

Arrest records say cops busted 50-year-old Vivian Alexandra Gomez in Florida last month, and she's been charged with 2 felonies -- involuntary manslaughter and practicing medicine without a license. Her arrest came not long after Christina died in California.

Gomez allegedly gave Christina "several injections" of what is believed to be silicone, and the procedure was done in a Burlingame, CA hotel room, according to the Daily Post. Cops say Gomez did not have a license to practice medicine.

As we reported, Christina's family shared the news of her death on GoFundMe -- saying they got a frantic call from a family member saying Ashten was dying, and when they arrived at the hospital they found out she suffered a cardiac arrest and had passed.

At the time, they didn't go into much detail, but said it was being investigated as a potential homicide, referring to a "medical procedure that took a turn for the worse."

JIMMIE ALLEN SUED Former Manager Accuses Him of Rape

UPDATE

4:21 PM PT -- 5/12 -- Elizabeth Fegan, the attorney for Jane Doe, is refuting Allen's claims they asked for money, saying, "The only ask we made of Allen and his legal counsel was to meet to discuss Allen’s behavior and resolution of our client’s claims. At no time did our client make a monetary demand. The response was a hard no, and colored with threats that his team would take steps to publicly tarnish my client.  My client had no choice but to be proactive in protecting herself by filing the complaint.”

Country star Jimmie Allen is being accused of raping his former business manager, and further sexually abusing her during 18 months on the job ... according to a new lawsuit.

In the suit, obtained by TMZ, a woman who claims she was hired straight out of college to work as Jimmy's day-to-day manager claims he made her life a sexual hell.

The woman, who is suing as a Jane Doe, claims Jimmy took her virginity when he raped her in a Los Angeles hotel room back in March 2021 after filming a guest appearance on "American Idol."

She claims she went to dinner with Jimmie and industry executives after the 'Idol' taping and had a couple glasses of white wine and then lost consciousness ... waking up naked in her hotel room several hours later, disoriented, confused, and bleeding from her vagina.

In her suit, the woman says "she realized she had lost her virginity through no choice of her own and felt she had betrayed her faith." She says Jimmie insisted they go to the nearest drugstore to buy Plan B and claims they rushed to get the pill. She says he opened the package and supervised her as she took the meds.

The woman claims Jimmie grabbed her and forcibly kissed her goodbye after she took Plan B, whispering ... "You're mine now." She says she was terrified to tell her boss what happened for fear of being fired like Jimmie's manager before her.

In the docs, the woman says Jimmie eventually ratcheted up the sexual harassment ... grabbing her breasts and butt, shoving his hands down her pants in public, and "harassing her to engage in sexual conduct."

She claims Jimmie also sexually abused her in cars, green rooms, airplanes ... basically everywhere she was required to go with him as part of her job. She also says he "raped her in private while choking her" and "videotaped multiple sexual encounters in order to blackmail her to stay silent."

The woman says she tried talking to her bosses but says they never investigated her claims and instead made it clear she would be fired if she complained.

By October 2022, the woman says she was depressed and anxious and contemplating suicide as a result of Jimmie's alleged conduct ... and she says she told her boss she couldn't put up with Jimmie anymore and asked to be reassigned. Instead, she says she was placed on leave and ultimately fired.

Jimmie tells us, "It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever. I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely."

He continues, "Only after things ended between us, did she hire a lawyer to reach out and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives. The simple fact is, her accusations are not only false, but also extremely damaging. I’ve worked incredibly hard to build my career, and I intend to mount a vigorous defense to her claims and take all other legal action necessary to protect my reputation."

The lawsuit and allegations come on the heels of Jimmie splitting from his pregnant wife, Alexis Gale. As we first reported, the couple had been trying to work through the issues but ultimately decided it was best for their family that they separate.

Boxer Kenneth Egano Dead At 22 ... After Collapsing Following Fight

Kenneth Egano -- an up-and-coming Filipino bantamweight boxer who only had one loss in his career -- has died after collapsing in the ring following a fight last weekend.

He was only 22.

The tragic incident was caught on video ... and occurred on May 6 when Egano (7-1, 3 KOs) fought Jason Facularin (4-1) at the Imus Sports Gymnasium in the Philippines.

You can see Egano in the black shorts and Facularin, wearing red, dap each other up when the bell rang in the last round ... and before they announced Kenneth as the winner by unanimous decision, he suddenly collapsed in his corner.

Another angle shows a closer look at the scary moment ... you can see a trainer from Egano's team literally holding him up waiting for someone to bring a chair.

Eventually, someone brings Egano an oxygen mask before he was transported out of the ring via stretcher. Sadly, Kenneth reportedly fell into a coma due to a brain hemorrhage.

He died four days later.

"Our condolences to Kenneth's family, relatives, and friends," the Games and Amusements Board in the Philippines said on Wednesday. "May his soul rest in peace."

The 8-round bout was part of Manny Pacquiao's TV show "Blow by Blow", which features boxers on smaller cards.

Prior to his death, Pacquiao reportedly said he would cover his medical bills.

Egano began his boxing career in 2019 and was on a five-fight winning streak at the time of his death.

R.I.P.

Shakira Cruisin' Around W/ Lewis Hamilton ... Tom Who?!?

Shakira seems to get along with super fast and successful guys ... 'cause after hitting it off with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix, the superstar singer was spotted hanging out with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton on a boat!!

Rumors have been swirling around the "Hips Don't Lie" artist's love life following her appearance at the big race over the weekend ... with reports saying the "Top Gun" actor was smitten with her.

But it appears Hamilton may be zooming into P1 in the race for 46-year-old Shakira's heart ... 'cause the potential couple spent some quality time together on his boat Wednesday.

The two reportedly met at Cipriani restaurant in Miami after Sunday's event ... and it must've gone well, as Shakira made her way to Lewis' Florida crib just days later.

In pics of the trip, 38-year-old Lewis, who was wearing a black tee with the sleeves cut off, is shown being a gentleman and offering his hand as Shakira made her way onto the watercraft ... with the driver's friend, fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, standing nearby.

No word on whether they're just friends or if there's a romance brewing ... but Shakira is available after her split from soccer star Gerard Pique, and Hamilton appears to be single as well.

Shakira & Tom Cruise ?!

Hamilton -- who finished 6th place in the Miami GP -- has a bit of downtime before getting behind the wheel in Imola next weekend ... and by the looks of it, he's taking advantage!!

Old news is old news!
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