Wiz Khalifa High Expectations For First Pitch ... 'Finna Get Stoned AF'

Wiz Khalifa is getting ready to throw that high cheese when he takes the mound at the Pirates game ... 'cause the rapper says he's planning on being "stoned af" for the ceremonial first pitch.

The Pittsburgh native -- who's in town for his "High School Reunion" tour -- will do the honors before his hometown team hosts the Cleveland Guardians on Monday ... and he's got a perfectly on-brand strategy in place ahead of his big moment at PNC Park.

"Finna get stoned af and throw this first pitch at the pirates game," Wiz tweeted to his 36 million followers.

It may not just be ganja powering Wiz through the toss, though ... 'cause he also added, "Shroomed out throwin a baseball is crazy."

To prove he wasn't kidding (not like he needed to), Wiz also posted a picture of his supply ... showing two big jars of weed, as well as some mushrooms.

You could say Wiz is sorta paying homage to former pitcher Dock Ellis, who famously claimed to have thrown a no-hitter while high on LSD back in 1970!!

High or not, Wiz will still probably throw a better pitch than 50 Cent.

Sorry, Curtis.

David Justice Put Barry Bonds In The Hall!!! ... 'Baddest Dude Of My Generation'

071223-david-justice-kal
TIME SERVED
TMZSports.com

It's time to let Barry Bonds into Cooperstown ... at least according to David Justice -- who tells TMZ Sports the SF Giants legend should be a Hall of Famer.

"Barry Bonds is the baddest dude of my generation," the former Atlanta Braves All-Star said this week. "The baddest dude of my generation. Bar none. Bar none."

Of course, despite being arguably the best baseball player ever ... Bonds has been essentially blackballed from the HOF after he was accused of using performance enhancing drugs during his career.

Justice clearly thinks that's all a joke ... telling us out at Kimpton La Peer Hotel in Los Angeles he feels that subjective way of thinking shouldn't ever be a part of Hall of Fame voters' thought processes.

"They already let guys in already that have been -- that have had tests done," Justice said, "that people know or have a pretty good circumstantial evidence that they've already let in."

Bonds clearly agrees with Justice ... he went on the "Hollywood Swingin'" podcast this week and said he belongs in the Hall because he was never convicted of using steroids.

071123_barry_bonds_kal
I WAS VINDICATED!!!
BLEAV Podcast Network

Justice, though, says Bonds deserves at least some blame for the yearly snub ... saying he thinks the 58-year-old should have made more of an effort to ingratiate himself with baseball media during his career.

As for other HOF slights, Justice said there's one more guy he wishes would get in -- Pete Rose ... and ya gotta hear his reasoning why!

VH1'S 'THE X-LIFE' DENISE RUSSO Death by OD, Fentanyl, Meth

Denise Russo, famous for appearing on VH1's "The X-Life," died from a lethal combination of two of the most powerful drugs on the streets ... TMZ has learned.

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner, Denise died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in what's being ruled an accidental overdose.

We broke the story ... Denise was found unresponsive on the floor of a friend's home in San Diego back in March and was pronounced dead.

Police said drug paraphernalia was found at the scene, and the medical examiner notes the same thing ... saying paramedics arrived and performed "aggressive attempts at resuscitation" on the 44-year-old.

Denise was featured on the 2011 reality show, which followed the lives of extreme sports athletes and their partners ... she was dating professional skateboarder Pierre-Luc Gagnon at the time. Denise and Pierre-Luc had a son together, but had since broken up.

Remember ... Denise's friend and former "The X-Life" castmate Susie Stenberg told us Denise was homeless and living in her car when she died. Susie also said Denise contacted her the night before she was found dead to tell Susie she loved her.

Charles Barkley Supports LGBTQ+ Community, Bud Light ... Powerful 'F*** You' Speech

071423_charles_barkley_kal
LOUD & PROUD
TikTok/@l._banana

Charles Barkley just threw all of his support behind the LGBTQ+ community and Bud Light while out in Lake Tahoe this week ... telling the haters to piss off during a powerful speech at a local bar.

While up on stage during a break in the action at the American Century Celebrity golf tournament ... the NBA legend grabbed a microphone and took aim at transphobes, homophobes and critics of Bud Light.

"I want y'all to drink this f***ing beer," he said. "I want y'all to drink this f***ing beer. I got three cases of Bud Light."

"Hey," he added, "And I want to say this -- if you're gay, bless you. If you're transgender, bless you. And, if you have a problem with that, f*** you!"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Of course, the LGBTQ+ community and Bud Light have been under fire recently following Anheuser-Busch's decision to partner with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a BL promotion.

The collab sparked so much outrage amongst conservatives, the beer giant reportedly lost more than $27 billion as people protested.

But, Barkley obviously believes there's no need for that hate and anger ... making his stance on the issue crystal clear out in Nevada.

This is not the first time, though, that Barkley has been vocal in his backing of the LGBTQ+ community ... in fact, at this same event last year, he delivered a similar speech.

"If you're gay and transgender," he told bargoers at the time, "I love you. Hey, and if anybody gives you s***, you tell them Charles said, 'F*** you!'"

Well said, Chuck.

Robert De Niro Grandson Took Fake Oxy Pills Laced with Fentanyl ... Chilling Warnings from Drug Dealer

Cops say Robert De Niro's grandson ingested fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, and even though his alleged dealer knew the pills could kill ... she sold them anyway.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, investigators found several pills at the death scene of 19-year-old Leandro De Niro. They say they went through the teen's phone, and discovered he had exchanged texts with a 20-year-old woman named Sophia Marks about purchasing counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax just days before his death.

Most disturbing, cops say during one exchange Marks asked, "do you really need them? I don't wanna kill you." She continued, "I just don't like serving u them cuz they not script."

Eventually, the two struck a deal for 3 of the fake oxycodone pills and two tablets of Xanax for $105 ... and Marks allegedly texted (about the Oxy), "don't go overboard with these."

The drugs were delivered by car to De Niro around 9 PM July 1, and at 1:50 AM July 2 cops say Marks texted the teen, "u good?" ... De Niro never responded.

De Niro was found dead of a suspected overdose on July 2 ... investigators found one bag of cocaine, one straw with residue, two blue pills with "M" and "30" (the oxycodone) and seven rectangular tablets -- believed to be Xanax.

Shockingly enough, cops say Marks continued to sell after De Niro's death -- selling an undercover agent 25 pills for $500 on July 9 ... allegedly telling the undercover, "please be careful with these. don't do more than one at a time. my friend just died."

Investigators say further analysis revealed both the pills found at the De Niro scene as well as those sold to the undercover all contained traces of fentanyl.

Marks is charged with one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. She's also charged with two counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Robert De Niro's Grandson Woman Arrested in Connection with Leandro's Death

Cops have a woman in custody who they believe is directly tied to the overdose death of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez ... and TMZ has learned the feds are now on the case too.

Law enforcement sources tell us the 20-year-old woman was busted Thursday in NYC by a joint NYPD and federal task force -- and they believe she sold drugs to Leandro before his death ... which his mother has said was due to a fentanyl OD.

We're told the suspect is being processed at this moment, and we don't know yet what charges she will be facing.

As we reported, the 19-year-old was found dead inside an apartment on July 2. He had appeared in the 2018 film, "A Star is Born" ... playing the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George "Noodles" Stone, played by Dave Chappelle. Leandro also appeared in "Cabaret Maxime" in 2018.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose. We're told the teen was house-sitting, and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.

While authorities have yet to release an official cause of death, his mother, Drena De Niro, said last week, "Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him."

Story developing ...

White House Mystery Cocaine Case Closed ... Secret Service Can't ID Suspect!!!

UPDATE

12:30 PM PT -- Former Secret Service agent Bobby McDonald says the Secret Service doesn't have video footage of who left their cocaine in the White House because the area where it was found is lacking security cameras.

UPDATE
071323_robert_mcdonald_kal
LEARNING FROM THIS MISTAKE
TMZ.com
UPDATE

Bobby joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday and explained why the area of the West Wing where the cocaine baggie was found isn't closely monitored with video surveillance ... though he thinks the Secret Service will use the incident to implement some changes.

UPDATE

He says the Secret Service narrowed down the list of possible suspects, based on who was in the area during the time frame, but without video or physical evidence to nail a culprit ... the case is now closed.

Whoever left their coke in the White House can smile ... they're not gonna get busted for it, because the Secret Service has no video evidence to nail a suspect.

The Secret Service says it closed its investigation into the bag of cocaine that was found July 2 in the West Wing -- and, absolutely stunningly, they've been unable to identify who left it.

The agency says there was "no surveillance video footage found" that revealed who made the coke drop. Further, the Secret Service says the FBI lab couldn't find any fingerprints or DNA it could use to compare with the "known pool of individuals" ... such as White House staffers.

Interestingly, authorities say the coke was found in a "receptacle used to temporarily store electronic and personal devices prior to entering the West Wing."

You'd think there are security cameras blanketing nearly every inch of the President's residence -- especially in the West Wing, which hosts so many visitors, journalists and staffers each day. If ya buy what the Secret Service is saying here ... that's, apparently, not the case.

The Secret Service says it's closing the investigation "due to a lack of physical evidence."

Originally Published -- 9:10 AM PT

Las Vegas Streaker Wife Comes To His Defense ... He was Drugged!!!

The man who went on a violent, sexually charged rampage in Las Vegas over the weekend was drugged ... at least according to his family.

Brian Danilczyk downed a drink laced with hallucinogenics, causing him to slug a one-legged man at the Flamingo Hotel Sunday, his wife reportedly told the press.

vegas streaker 7/10/23
LET IT ALL HANG OUT!!!
TMZ.com

Danilczyk then got naked and barged inside Harrah's Hotel and Casino, where he flaunted his genitals and danced on top of a poker table. Vegas cops wrestled Brian to the floor, arresting him for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

But his other half, Michele, placed blame for the crimes on someone else in a text message exchange with the New York Post. First, Michele described Brian as a "great person" who would never normally behave in such a way, insisting, "He is the victim."

Then Michele said the person who spiked her husband's drink is the real criminal, adding that Brian had a severe hallucinogenic reaction and has no recollection of what happened. She said they are working with doctors who have performed toxicology tests to determine the type of substance Brian consumed.

We've contacted Vegas police to check out Michele's story about the mysterious person who spiked the drink ... so far no word back.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Barry Bonds Hall Of Fame Snub Bothers Me ... 'I Was Vindicated'

071123_barry_bonds_kal
I WAS VINDICATED!!!
BLEAV Podcast Network

Barry Bonds is patiently waiting for Cooperstown to unlock its doors and finally let him in ... saying he personally feels like he belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame, as he was never convicted of using steroids.

The home run king made a rare statement on his H.O.F. snub with the "Hollywood Swingin'" podcast this week ... saying he is bothered by the fact his own sport continues to hold a grudge when the court of law has vindicated him.

Of course, BB is widely considered one of, if not the greatest, athletes to ever step foot in the batter's box ... but his legacy was tarnished by allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs.

071123-barry-bonds-3---getty-
DONE MY TIME
BLEAV Podcast Network

But, Barry says records are records, and MLB already punishes players when they break rules ... so he's upset that the baseball hall has decided to "double punish" people who have made mistakes at some point in their careers.

Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice back in 2011 over his alleged use of PEDs ... but ultimately, the case was dropped.

Barry believes the sentence overturn should justify his place in the Hall ... and the media does not hold the higher ground when it comes to determining who should be regarded as the greats.

Barry -- who hit 762 home runs during his career -- was an MVP before anyone ever accused him of using 'roids ... and many believe he belongs in the Hall despite the scandal.

Bonds lost his shot at getting in the Hall on his 10th year of eligibility ... but the door is not completely closed yet, as he could potentially have his ticket punched in 2026.

Lamar Odom Alma Mater Wants Him To Coach Hoops ... Seriously Considering Gig

Lamar Odom's got a job offer to be the next head basketball coach at his former New York high school ... and he's giving the prospect some serious consideration.

A source familiar with the situation tells TMZ … Lamar recently had a conversation with the folks at Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, NY and was presented with an offer to be the head coach.

We're told Lamar originally reached out to the school about a month ago to inquire about the current head coach. Shortly after, the conversation developed into the school asking if he would consider taking the head coaching job for this upcoming school year. Should Lamar accept, we're told he would start in August and coach for 4 months, during the season.

Lamar's connection to the school is personal ... he played his senior season at Redemption, where he was named National Player of the Year by Parade Magazine. Lamar averaged 25 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 blocks at Redemption, and he was also named a McDonald's All-American and played in the 1997 Magic Johnson Roundball Classic.

Our sources say Lamar would love a coaching job in California, where he currently lives, but he's seriously considering taking the position at Redemption because the school has a special place in his heart. Of course, if Lamar accepts he would move to NY and live there during the season.

Ultimately, we're told Lamar wants to coach college basketball in the future ... and he also wants to get back in the classroom and earn his BA in business, which would help with his Odom Recovery Group.

Our sources say those plans are on hold until Lamar decides if he wants to coach at Redemption.

The clock's ticking ... we're told Lamar only has a few more weeks to give the school an answer.

Honey Boo Boo Dad Goes MIA Before Scheduled Rehab at Lamar Odom's Facility

Honey Boo Boo's dad was supposed to check in for some much-needed help to combat his prescription pill addiction at a rehab owned by Lamar Odom, but he's since gone MIA ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Lamar tell us Sugar Bear was scheduled to fly into Kansas Thursday night and begin treatment with Odom Recovery Group at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center for his serious issues. However, we're told he never got on that flight ... and he's giving the Odom group radio silence.

Our sources say Lamar and co. believe SB simply got cold feet, because first he told them he couldn't attend the rehab because of work, then said he couldn't go because he was in the hospital for another health issue.

We're told Lamar's team isn't giving up on Sugar Bear, and hope he'll change his mind on getting help -- but he's not been responsive in their efforts to get in touch.

As we reported ... Lamar purchased 3 rehab centers in California earlier this year, and he's built on that foundation ever since.

Bam Margera is one celeb Lamar's worked tirelessly to get into treatment ... but the former "Jackass" star left one of Lamar's facilities only a few days after checking in.

Honey Boo Boo's Dad To Check Into Lamar's Rehab Facility ... Prescription Drug Addiction

Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson is seeking help for an addiction ... and he's turning to one of Lamar Odom's rehab centers for treatment.

Sources close to Sugar Bear tell TMZ ... he reached out to Lamar over the weekend about going to one of his treatment centers, and on Thursday evening he will check into a facility in Kansas to focus on his recovery.

We're told Honey Boo Boo's dad is hooked on prescription drugs he started taking as part of his diabetes treatments, and he also has severe depression and anxiety.

Our sources say Sugar Bear first met Lamar last summer through their manager, and they've since established a friendship, which led him to start rehab at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center in Louisburg -- part of the Odom Recovery Group.

We're told Sugar Bear hasn't had a relationship with Honey Boo Boo for more than a year now, and he was noticeably absent from her graduation. It's unclear if their estrangement is tied to his addiction.

Our sources say Sugar Bear is still hoping he can mend fences with his daughter once he's completed his rehab stint.

As we reported, Sugar Bear underwent an astonishing makeover last year following a cancer scare, but since then he's hit a rough patch -- we're told his most recent girlfriend broke up with him a month ago, and he hasn't been handling it well.

Hopefully, rehab helps him turn things around.

Robert De Niro Grandson Died from Fentanyl-Laced Drugs, Mom Says

Robert De Niro's grandson is one of the latest victims of the fentanyl crisis ... according to his mother.

Leandro De Niro's mother confirms TMZ's story ... police are investigating the 19-year-old's death as a possible overdose, and adds someone consciously sold him tainted drugs.

Drena De Niro said on Instagram, Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him."

She went on ... "So for all these people still f**king around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever."

As we reported, police found drugs and drug paraphernalia near his body at a New York City Apartment.

The Medical Examiner has not determined an official cause of death. Toxicology tests could take a while. The Manhattan D.A. is now on the case as well, so it appears authorities are looking for the drug dealer.

Jennifer Lopez Defends Launching New Booze Brand ... I Drink But I Don't Get 'S**t-faced!'

070523_jennifer_lopez_kal
just a little sip

Jennifer Lopez's new alcohol brand drew a lot of questions and even some criticism from folks who thought her household was booze-free -- but she's setting the record straight.

The triple-threat entertainer hopped on IG Tuesday to both plug her just-launched spritzer line, Delola, and defend herself against fans who were apparently calling her out over it ... namely, the fact Jen has, historically, sworn off booze in the public eye.

Check it out ... Jennifer says she's aware of certain people raising an eyebrow about this business venture, and she addresses it head-on -- which also includes a confession.

She says while it's true she didn't drink for a long time while coming up, that changed about 10-15 years ago ... at which point, Jen says she began to enjoy the occasional cocktail. J  Lo says there's photographic evidence of this and that it's well-documented, BTW.

Another point of clarification ... Jen says she drinks responsibly and doesn't get "s***-faced." As she says herself, she just sips a little to be social and to relax/cut loose a bit. And as far as why she chose a spritzer as her alcohol of choice, she says it's light and relatively healthy.

One specific dig she did not address -- but which is certainly being discussed -- is Ben Affleck's alcoholism ... something he's battled for years, and which he seems to have kicked after stints of rehab, including a very famous one that roped in his ex, Jennifer Garner.

As we've reported ... he's had his ups and downs with alcohol, and JLo's been getting a lot of disapproval on that front too -- especially for advertising it on the 4th of July, no less.

070423-ben-jennifer-kal
PICKLED FUN
TMZ.com

Ben has said nothing about it himself, so you gotta figure he's on the same page as his wife -- and that Delola isn't a problem in the blended Affleck-Lopez family ... who looked quite happy and in sync this weekend.

jlo harvey charles
BRAND BASHING

Carry on, people ... no outrage to be had here.

White House Cocaine Possibly Found in West Wing ... Fire IDs It as Blow

Cocaine may have been found inside the White House this weekend -- and it appears to have been discovered in an area that President Biden frequents a lot on the job.

The Secret Service says it discovered a white powdery substance Sunday night in the West Wing during routine rounds. It's unclear where exactly in the West Wing it was found -- but a spokesperson for the agency will only say agents stumbled upon it in a "work area."

070423_white_house_audio_1643661
DISPATCH AUDIO

The SS rep also notes any notion the substance might've been found in the executive mansion is false. While Secret Service won't disclose where the alleged coke lay, it appears DC's FEMS let the cat outta the bag ... reportedly relaying via dispatch it was in the library.

POTUS was not at the White House during this entire ordeal, BTW.

The discovery of the unknown powder prompted an increased security alert and a brief evacuation of the premises, and tests are being done to decide what it might be. WaPo, citing sources familiar with the matter, says preliminary tests suggest it is, in fact, blow.

Speaking of that dispatch audio from earlier ... it seems a firefighter who was on the ground firmly believed cocaine was the culprit, -- telling the department's hazardous materials team that a test they conducted indicated "cocaine hydrochloride." No ambiguity at all.

Officials are saying the substance did not pose a threat, and an investigation is underway as to how it made its way into the White House ... and, obviously, who brought it in.

Biden and his family left the White House Friday and returned Tuesday. The White House punted in a response to us -- saying they're deferring to the Secret Service on this.

Young Buck Gets Into Fight w/ Afroman's Crew ... After Gut Check Gone Wrong

062823-afroman-young-buck-kal
RAP RUMBLE
TMZ.com

Afroman and Young Buck were recently at odds -- and it got so ugly, hands were thrown ... leading to a full-blown brouhaha breaking out between their respective crews.

Sources with knowledge tell TMZ ... the G-Unit rapper got into it last weekend with one of Afroman's up-and-coming artists, Lil Sodi, at this place called The Zarati Shop in Abingdon, VA -- where Afroman and co. were scheduled to perform, and where YB was also performing.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

We're told after Buck exited the stage and Afroman was getting ready to go out there ... some kind of altercation occurred in the VIP room that escalated into a brawl between Sodi and Buck -- and it required lots of people to help break it up.

Afroman took to social media to explain things from his POV. The guy claims Young Buck rolled into the VIP room -- where he and Sodi were -- and appeared to be intoxicated. Not just that, but Afroman says Buck was hurling profanities and being disrespectful ... especially to Sodi.

Afroman says they tried to get Buck to leave them alone, but alleges he kept at it ... and Afroman claims Buck actually smacked Sodi in the stomach ... which apparently set Sodi off.

As you see in our video, it took a while to separate the parties -- Afroman wasn't directly involved in the mix -- and tensions were high in the room. Afroman came down on the venue staffers, whom he said had a responsibility to manage Buck and the talent better.

Now, Young Buck himself had words for Afroman and co. after the fact ... continuing to taunt them and suggesting they could finish their business at another time, while also claiming he was just trying to come show them love and they jumped him.

It's clear Afroman doesn't wanna drag this out -- he posted a peace treaty and well-wishes.

This episode ended with Buck/his crew being removed from the property -- and, thankfully, without cops being called. We've reached out to Buck for comment ... so far, no word back.