Lil Xan I'm Off to Rehab ... Need Help Kicking Opioids

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FRESH START
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12:50 PM PT -- Before he left for rehab Thursday, Xan came on "TMZ Live" to explain exactly why he's going, and it's interesting ... he says he's nowhere near "rock bottom."

He told us he's been far more strung out on opioids in the past, but feels he needs treatment now to get him "over that last hump." Perhaps not coincidentally, he's entering rehab on the 1-year anniversary of Lil Peep's fatal overdose.

Xan also broke big news about his plans when he completes his treatment. He's making at least one huge change.

Lil Xan is dead serious about kicking his drug addiction because he's headed to rehab ... something he hinted at when he spoke to us earlier this month.

The rapper announced Thursday he'll be checking himself into a facility by next week, and said he's looking forward to being clean so he can finish his Mac Miller tribute album.

As we reported ... Xan reached out to us when we broke the story about Mac's cause of death -- cocaine and fentanyl -- and he opened up about his current struggles with addiction.

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TAKING A STEP BACK
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Xan said the death of his hero, Mac Miller, coupled with the death of Lil Peep almost a year ago, really opened his eyes. He said he'd curbed his drug use, but still wasn't clean.

Xan recently canceled a slew of tour dates ... saying the work he's doing on Mac's tribute album has really taken its toll on him. He told us his fight to kick drugs also played a role.

Conor McGregor Apologizes For Whiskey Shortage Sold Hundreds Of Thousands Of Bottles

Conor McGregor would like to apologize ... to absolutely f**kin' nobody all you whiskey drinkers who have been dyin' to get their hands on his Proper 12 whiskey ... saying he's sorry for the worldwide shortage.

Proper No. 12 tells TMZ Sports they've "sold more cases in less than one month than many whiskey brands sell in a full year" ... amounting to hundreds of thousands of bottles sold.

The crazy sales have led to a shortage of the product -- great for Conor's bank account -- but bad news for fans tryin' to get their paws on a bottle.

"I don’t usually see reason to apologise but in this case I want to take this chance to apologise to absolutely everyone for our out-of-stock situation."

Conor says he's personally making sure the company is ramping up production.

"I was at the distillery last week and we have plans in place to be back in stock in Ireland and the United States in early December and onward."

"We are producing many hundreds of thousands of bottles now."

Luann de Lesseps Celebrates 100+ Days of Sobriety And 'Housewives' Return

Luann de Lesseps is making a strong comeback to close out 2018 ... nearly a year after spiraling out of control and getting arrested in Florida.

We've learned Luann recently celebrated more than 100 days of being clean and sober, and it's triggered a positive domino effect in her personal life. She's returned as a regular for an all-new season of 'Housewives,' and is already shooting scenes.

We're told she missed the reunion episode taping back in July, but only because she'd checked into rehab.

That was her second time in rehab since her Palm Beach arrest on Christmas Eve 2017 ... for allegedly attacking a cop during a drunken rampage. She eventually struck a sweet plea deal.

Luann tells us, "I take my sobriety very seriously and continue taking it one day at a time. Every step forward is a means toward a better life for me and my family."

On the family front, we told you her ex-husband and kids had sued her for breaking her divorce deal -- but we're told she's patching things up with them and working on an amicable resolution.

Luann's also been traveling around the country with her cabaret show, and recently launched a jewelry line that was filmed for an episode of 'RHONY' at SuperJeweler in Manhattan.

She credits yoga and the Zen surroundings of her new lakefront home in upstate NY for keeping her grounded ... and sober.

Chief Keef Strikes Plea Deal ... In DUI Bust

Chief Keef just caught a huge break in his DUI case ... getting a pretty sweet plea deal that will keep the rapper out of jail.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Chief got his felony DUI charge reduced by pleading no contest to a reckless driving charge.

Chief got off with 6 months probation and was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

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We broke the story ... Chief Keef was busted for DUI last year in Miami, after cops pulled him over in his green Lamborghini.

Cops say Chief had a ton of drugs in his system when he was arrested, and the list is pretty wild ... Keef tested positive for Morphine, Codeine, Promethazine, THC, Hydrocodone, Norcodeine, Dihydrocodeine and Hydromorphone. That's 8 different drugs!

The heavy drug use is interesting ... as part of his probation, Chief Keef is barred from using intoxicants in excess. Sounds like it could be a long 6 months for Chief.

Billy Corben to A-Rod You Ain't Gonna Like My New Movie ... About You!

Billy Corben to A-Rod, You Ain't Gonna Like My New Movie About You
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Billy Corben -- the acclaimed director behind "Cocaine Cowboys" and "The U" -- is about to debut his new film about Alex Rodriguez ... and warns the MLB star he ain't gonna like it.

The movie is called "Screwball" -- a no-holds-barred look at Alex's role in the Biogenesis scandal, when several players were accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.

A-Rod was banned for the entire 2014 season after an MLB investigation.

Corben tells TMZ Sports he's spent years working on the documentary -- and was actually contacted by Alex at one point in the process.

But, A-Rod allegedly wanted Corben to only tell his side of the story and things just didn't work out.

"He pitched us the idea," Corben said ... "But, then kind of ghosted us over the course of 2014, and then he realized he didn't have to tell anybody anything."

The movie is loaded with shocking claims and stories that Corben insists are 100% true.

Gotta think A-Rod will have a bone to pick with some of it -- but we'll see how this whole thing plays out.

And, if you think Corben is the kind of guy who runs from controversy, you're clearly not familiar with his work.

Tyron Woodley Mayweather, Weed and McGregor? ... Let's Talk.

Tyron Woodley says he believes Floyd Mayweather's explanation for backing out of his New Year's Eve fight in Japan -- and explains why small exhibition fights are a SMART move for TBE.

In fact, the UFC champ says he'd be down to take an exhibition fight anywhere -- including someone's living room -- as long as the price is right!!

Woodley also talks about Mike Tyson's new plans to become a marijuana baron -- and if it's a smart move for guys like Conor McGregor to embrace weed so publicly.

Also, can CBD help fighters in the ring? Tyron has the breakdown.

Plus, Woodley dishes out his weekly punch in the face and pat on the back.

Check out new episodes of 'The Hollywood Beatdown' every Friday on the TMZ Sports YouTube channel.

Young Thug Back in Jail ... After Failing Drug Test

Young Thug is back behind bars after his most recent drug test came back dirty -- and it looks like he'll now have to await trial in a jumpsuit.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, a Georgia judge revoked YT's bond Thursday during the arraignment in his felony drug case. The judge says Young Thug's drug test came back positive, and because he'd been ordered to stay clean as a condition of his release ... he's gotta go back to jail.

YT was booked into DeKalb County Jail at around 8:30 AM PT, and he's currently being held on no bond -- aka he's not walking out of there again, at least not for now.

As we reported ... Young Thug has been charged with 8 felonies stemming from an arrest in 2017, where he was pulled over for tinted windows ... and cops say they discovered multiple drugs in his vehicle.

Prosecutors are charging YT with possession and intent to distribute meth, hydrocodone and weed. He's also charged with possession of amphetamine, Alprazolam, codeine (2 counts) and a firearm.

Demi Lovato Wilmer Playing Major Role In Keeping Her Sober

Demi Lovato's sobriety is still heavily dependent on her ex-boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama, who remains a constant in her life after her return to Los Angeles.

Sources close to Demi tell us that while the pair hasn't been seen together in public since Demi returned to the West Coast, she and Wilmer still communicate regularly. Valderrama was a crutch for Demi through her hospitalization and visited her in rehab too ... and continues to do so.

Our sources say the two talk several times a week and meet up as well ... but it's nothing romantic, simply a supportive friendship.

TMZ broke the story ... Demi is splitting her time between a halfway house -- where she spends 3 days per week -- and a private residence in Los Angeles. We're told she's able to go to the gym, run errands and attend multiple AA meetings with the living arrangement.

Lovato has also been spotted out with clothing guru Henry Levy, who she met in rehab several years ago.

Mike Tyson I Hope Mayweather Fights Again ... But No MMA!

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Mike Tyson tells TMZ Sports he's rooting for another Floyd Mayweather comeback fight -- as long as it ain't in the Octagon!

After that whole Japan fight debacle, Floyd insists he's retired (again) ... but Iron Mike says he hopes he reconsiders because he likes watching Mayweather fight ... as a boxer.

Also worth noting ... Mike Tyson is stoned to the bejeezus in this clip.

How do we know? 'Cause Mike's out promoting his new Tyson Ranch weed brand -- and his business partner, BigMike, told us they just lit up.

In fact, Mike recently smoked out Conor McGregor -- and got the UFC star's marijuana seal of approval.

"Hey, McGregor's a good guy," Mike said ... "He liked our kush. I'm very grateful for that."

Mike's marijuana ranch is huge -- 400 acres right in the Coachella Valley in Southern California ... and Tyson tells us his goal is to take over the whole THC industry.

Now somebody get that man some Funyuns!!!

El Chapo Please Judge ... Let Me Hug My Wife During My Trial

El Chapo has a simple request for the judge in his drug trial ... he wants to hug his wife in the courtroom.

Chapo's lawyers just filed legal docs asking the judge to allow him to embrace his wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, over the courtroom railing.

The lawyers say it would be a "humanitarian gesture," because he hasn't had any contact with his wife for 2 years since his arrest. He's been in solitary confinement and has had no ability to see, call or write her the entire time.

Chapo's lawyers say, aside from meeting with them, he's had no contact with the outside world and, as a result, his mental health has deteriorated. The legal docs say, "The only human contact Mr. Guzman has had since his extradition has been with the jail personnel when putting and removing his shackles, and a quick handshake from his attorneys when he goes to court."

The judge has yet to rule on the hug.

Demi Lovato Splitting Time Between Halfway House and L.A. Home

Demi Lovato isn't taking an immediate plunge back into her old lifestyle ... she's splitting her time between a halfway house and a private home in Los Angeles.

We're told Demi feels the need to spend a big chunk of her time at a sober house -- 3 days a week -- where there are counselors and people with whom she can relate and share experiences. At the same time, she wants to resume a normal life and decided to live 4 days a week in a private home.

That normal life includes regular trips to the gym and running errands.

She has a sober coach by her side 24/7 ... something that's essential given her past history, which includes a near-death OD experience. We're told she also attends regular AA meetings.

TMZ broke the story ... Lovato was spotted back in L.A. over the weekend with clothing guru Henry Levy. The pair seemed super cozy, holding hands while they ate in Bev Hills.

Lovato was hospitalized in critical condition back in July, after ingesting drugs laced with fentanyl. She was released 10 days later and just completed a 90-day rehab stint.

Demi broke her several-month long social media hiatus Tuesday to show she was voting and encouraged her fans to do the same.

Demi Lovato Breaks Social Media Silence ... Go Vote!!!

Demi Lovato has finally popped up on social media again in the wake of her near-fatal overdose earlier this year, and she made a splash with her message ... I'M VOTING!!!

The "Sober" singer posted a photo on Instagram Tuesday showing herself at a voting booth, looking fabulous and grinning at the camera. She added a caption that read ... "I am so grateful to be home in time to vote! One vote can make a difference, so make sure your voice is heard!" Demi also encouraged her fans to get out and vote themselves.

This is the first time Demi has posted anything on social media since she overdosed in July, but it's definitely not the first time she's been seen out in public.

We broke the story ... she's currently out of rehab after completing a 90-day program, and has been hanging with clothing line guru Henry Levy quite a bit since then. They were enjoying each other's company a lot this past weekend on back-to-back outings.

We're told Henry's been in and out of rehab since he was a teen, and actually met Demi while they were both in rehab. He recently brought her to an AA meeting as well.

Demi was hospitalized for 10 days following her overdose, and then checked into rehab at the beginning of August. Seems like she's doing great now, though.

CFL's Jon Gott I Played Buzzed ... After Viral Beer Chug!

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HERE FOR THE BEER
TMZSports.com

Jon Gott -- the dude who chugged a full beer in the end zone after a touchdown in a CFL game last Friday -- says he played the rest of the night with a solid buzz ... and loved it!!!

You've seen the clip by now ... the Ottawa Redblacks OL ran straight to his girlfriend after his squad scored a TD late in the 3rd quarter -- and slammed some suds in epic fashion.

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Well, Gott tells TMZ Sports all that booze had some consequences ... and he played the rest of the game a little tipsy!!!

"You're playing on an empty stomach and you crush a beer, yeah, I felt it a little," Jon says.

"But, you know what? I just kept going along. It kind of made me feel a little looser on the field!"

Of course ... there were other consequences for the chug -- the CFL didn't fine Gott, but it made a brand-new rule banning the celebration from the game forever.

As for the beer Jon drank ... the 33-year-old tells us the brewers were so excited he chose to slam their product -- they're sending him some goodies!!

But ... don't expect an encore performance from Jon when the playoffs begin later this month -- he says his TD celebrations began and ended with that beer can last weekend.

"I've got nothing else."

Lil Xan I Still Struggle with Addiction ... Demi & Mac Scared Me

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TAKING A STEP BACK
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Lil Xan is opening up about his current struggles with addiction, the death of his hero, Mac Miller, and why he understands what Demi Lovato's going through right now.

Xan reached out to us Monday, a few hours after we broke the story about Mac's cause of death -- cocaine and fentanyl -- and told us he's not surprised the opioid was to blame. Xan said he was dealing pills years ago -- before he got his break rapping -- but says when fentanyl burst on the scene it scared him.

He says, "My friends were taking it, they were puking. I was like I can't ... I'm out the game."

The 22-year-old rapper told us the deaths of Mac and fellow rapper Lil Peep, almost a year ago, made him curb his drug use, but says he's still not clean. He got specific about which drug he's struggling with now. Much like Demi, he says he's gone through long periods of sobriety, but "I relapsed, and that's common. Any other addict would understand that s**t just happens."

As we reported, Lil Xan canceled a slew of tour dates recently, and while the official reason given was "exhaustion" ... he told us his fight to kick drugs also played a role.

Xan says he's not in rehab, but he has isolated himself in a forest somewhere while he recovers. He's hoping to be back in commission by the time his Mac tribute album, "Be Safe," drops.

French Montana I Wish I Was With Mac Miller That Night ... I Might Have Saved Him

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French Montana says he hopes he could have prevented Mac Miller from fatally overdosing if he had been around ... because celeb OD's are all about the people surrounding them.

Our Raquel Harper chopped it up with French for Tuesday's episode of "Raq Rants" on BET ... and he told her if he had spent time with Mac the night he died from a mix of fentanyl and cocaine, he hopes Miller would still be alive. He wishes Mac had a big brother figure in his life to tell him to cut it out.

French believes Mac didn't have good people around him, and it sounds like FM has dealt with similar issues in his own life.

The interview also touches on French's work in Africa, his dating life and new music on the way.

"Raq Rants" airs Tuesday at 11 PM on BET. On the West Coast, if you have Dish or Direct TV, it's on at 8 PM.

Demi Lovato Hanging Out Again with Sober Buddy

Demi Lovato has what appears to be a constant companion, and he has a few things in common with her that are now the centerpiece of her life -- addiction and sobriety.

We just got these photos of Demi and clothing guru Henry Levy grabbing coffee Sunday night in West Hollywood ... and, as you can see, they're getting really close. Demi's got her arm around Henry's waist, and he's got his draped over her shoulder.

We've learned Demi and Henry went to an AA meeting Sunday night -- he's been in and out of rehab since he was a teen. We're told Demi and Henry actually met a few years back when both were in rehab.

Demi and Henry's Sunday outing comes on the heels of their fancy sushi dinner Saturday night at Matsuhisa in Bev Hills ... when we first saw them together having a great time over dinner.

Demi definitely enjoys Henry's company ... because they were back at it again the next day, smiling, laughing and looking cheerful as they waited on iced coffees.

Lovato was in rehab for 90 days. We broke the story, she almost died July 24 after OD'ing at her Hollywood Hills pad. She was hospitalized for 10 days, and then checked into rehab at the beginning of August.