Post Malone Thanks French Firefighters Who Battled Wildfires

Post Malone is saying "merci" to a group of firefighters in France ... thanking them for battling blazes that threatened the vineyard where his wine is made.

Sources close to Post Malone tell TMZ ... he was having dinner at Ultimate Provence in the South of France this week when he met some local firefighters who helped save the vineyard property from the fires.

We're told Posty thanked the firefighters for all of their hard and brave work ... shaking hands and posing for pictures in the restaurant.

The fires blazed in the South of France last month, causing thousands of people to flee their homes and hotels, and the fast-moving fires raced towards famous vineyards.

Post Malone's wine company, Maison No. 9, was in the line of fire ... until firefighters got the blaze under control.

The fires were the worst in France since 2003, and thanks to some recent rain, things are looking on the up and up.

Conor McGregor Lights Out in Hollywood

UPDATE

8:27 AM PT -- A source close to Conor tells TMZ ... Conor was with his managers and left the club early due to his leg and was really feeling some major discomfort. This wasn’t alcohol induced.

Conor McGregor knows a thing or 2 about putting people's lights out -- being a UFC champ and all -- and Thursday night he got a taste of his own medicine after a night of hard partying.

Conor lay passed out in his car outside Delilah ... where there was a listening party of sorts for Drake's new album.

On the way to the club, Conor posted, "I’m on the way to @delilah right now to have them play it on blast." Well, that he clearly did.

As you know ... Conor is nursing a gruesome leg injury he suffered during a UFC fight against Dustin Poirier. His leg snapped, and that led to an almost 4-hour surgery to repair the damage. His leg needed the works ... a rod, a plate and screws.

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Nonetheless, we got Conor out and about ... boasting he was way ahead of schedule in his recovery. He said, "Five weeks, five days since the surgery and they told me I wouldn't be able to cycle until eight weeks, And, he just told me just here today that I can cycle again!"

Conor didn't really miss a beat ... hanging with Justin Bieber, getting in lift sessions at the gym ... even hitting up Universal Studios on crutches.

He's gonna feel it today ... for sure!

Originally Published -- 7:49 AM PT

Elijah McClain's Dad Justice Looks Like Life in Prison ... For Indicted Cops, Medics

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TMZ.com

Elijah McClain's dad would like to see those indicted for his son's death spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Elijah's dad, LaWayne Mosley, tells TMZ ... he was ecstatic when he got the call from the Colorado Attorney General's Office to inform him about the 32-count indictment against the 3 Aurora PD cops who stopped Elijah in 2019, and the 2 Aurora Fire Dept. medics who responded to the arrest.

LaWayne, flanked by civil rights attorney Mari Newman, didn't mince words when he said he'd like all of them to do life in prison. He said, "I would love it."

LaWayne said he has hope justice will be served, and Newman added ... she trusts the process because Colorado AG Phil Weiser has run a thorough investigation. She's adamant Weiser wouldn't have brought these charges if he didn't believe they could get convictions. Now, it's wait and see.

For the moment ... LaWayne and Newman want these indictments to make all officers think twice before taking actions that kill people.

As we reported ... the 5 people tied to Elijah's death were slapped with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. Two of the officers -- Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt -- face additional charges ... 2nd-degree assault with the intent to cause bodily injury.

As you know ... Elijah was walking home 2 years ago when he was stopped and accosted by police because he seemed "suspicious." One of the cops could be heard saying as much in since-released body cam footage.

Elijah was eventually put in a carotid hold before he passed out. Medics are alleged to have administered a lethal dose of ketamine, which prosecutors believe killed him.

NY Mets GM Zack Scott Busted For DUI ... Pleads Not Guilty

UPDATE

11:30 AM PT -- 9/2 -- Scott appeared before a judge on Thursday ... his first appearance since being arrested early Tuesday morning. The Mets GM pled not guilty ... and left the courthouse shortly after.

UPDATE

10:41 AM PT -- The NY Mets have placed GM Zack Scott on administrative leave following his DWI arrest, the team announced.

UPDATE

The teams says Mets President Sandy Alderson will take over Scott's responsibility in the interim.

New York Mets Acting General Manager, Zack Scott, was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Tuesday morning after cops say they found him asleep at the wheel of his car, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

44-year-old Scott was busted at 4:17 AM by police in White Plains, NY ... after they found the Mets exec conked out in his 2018 Toyota Highlander, according to the White Plains PD.

Cops say Scott -- who was hired as assistant GM in 2020 and named acting GM once Jared Porter was fired for allegedly acting inappropriately with a reporter -- refused to take a breathalyzer ... but did attempt a field sobriety test.

He did not pass the test, according to police.

Scott was charged with DWI ... and released shortly after his arrest.

As for the Mets -- who have been playing bad on the field and dealing with controversies off if it (hey, Javy Baez) -- they're clearly not happy with their GM.

“We were surprised and deeply disappointed to learn this morning about an alleged DUI involving Zack Scott. We take this matter very seriously. Zack will not be traveling with the team for our upcoming road trip while we learn more and determine next steps.”

Scott is due back in court to face a judge on Thursday morning.

Originally Published -- 9/1 1:38 PM PT

Ex-'Drag Race' Star Lucian Piane Arrested ... Booked for Public Intoxication

Luciane Piane -- a former producer and judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" -- was arrested this week for making what cops describe as drunken phone calls ... TMZ has learned.

Oceanside PD tells us Piane was booked Monday for public intoxication, but they were first alerted because of bogus 911 calls. Cops say he made a series of the calls -- 7 of them within 3 minutes, and the same dispatcher picked up several times.

Police say Piane was harassing the dispatchers, allegedly calling them "c***s" ... among other things.

OPD says when officers arrived, they found Piane wandering down the road a ways from the motel. We're told he was cited for making the combative and completely unnecessary calls, but another alleged issue landed him in jail.

We're told, while writing him the citation, officers sensed he might've been under the influence of something and ended up arresting him on suspicion of public intoxication.

Piane was a guest panelist on 'Drag Race' from 2012 to 2016, and helped put the show's music together, as well. He has since moved on from the production altogether.

He's been released from jail, which is typical for this sort of arrest -- once you sober up, cops cut you loose -- but he'll still have to deal with the ticket for the 911 calls.

James Corden Smokes a COVID-Risky Blunt ... During 'Cinderella' Skit

James Corden hit the streets with Camila Cabello Friday for a skit that was fun and funny, but maybe not COVID-safe.

James and Camila were in West Hollywood for a Cinderella spoof. James played the mouse, Camilla was Cinderella and Billy Porter was the Fairy Godmother.

When the skit was over, James grabbed a blunt from a passing driver and took a hit. Not a great idea with the Delta variant raging in L.A. County and pretty much everywhere else in the country.

And, there's this ... you gotta see James/the mouse thrusting his hips to "Let's Get Loud" ... as an onlooker captures it on video.  Pretty hilarious.

Hopefully, James is OK. The skit will presumably air next week.

BTW ... James appears in the upcoming flick, "Cinderella," which was in production back in February 2020. It was shut down for months due to the pandemic, but it's in the can now.

"Cinderella" is set to stream on Amazon Prime September 3.

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro I'm Sober, Coming Back To 'Shore'

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Ronnie Ortiz-Magro says he's cleaned himself up and he's getting ready to come back to reality TV.

We got Ronnie at Avra in Beverly Hills on Thursday and he told our photog he's 4 months sober and planning to return to 'Jersey Shore' by the end of the 5th season.

It's welcome news for 'Jersey Shore' fans who've been missing Ron, and for him ... because it sounds like he's in a better place in his life.

As we reported ... Ronnie announced back in May he was stepping away from the show that made him famous as a result of mental health issues.

Ronnie's departure came in the wake of his domestic violence arrest, with Ron and MTV honchos agreeing he needed some time away from the cameras to seek treatment for issues he felt he was ignoring.

Ronnie has been booked for kidnapping. Cops also tell us Jen told them Ronnie went off the rails after doing coke, which could explain why cops had to tase him. 10/4/19
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Ron says he's learned from his mountain of legal issues over the years ... and he says he's become a better father and fiancé.

As you know ... Ronnie got engaged to Saffire Matos despite allegedly attacking her and getting arrested. He ended up dodging criminal charges in the case.

Ronnie also tells us who is getting wedding invites and who is getting snubbed ... and it sounds like his ex, Jenn Harley, doesn't need to sit by the mailbox.

Stay tuned for a 'Jersey Shore' wedding!!!

Demi Lovato Pops By Pot Farm ... Enjoys 'California Sober'

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Demi Lovato -- who recently revealed they're "California sober" -- certainly isn't scared to flaunt the lifestyle ... sharing vids of a visit to a pot farm and enjoying the product.

Demi posted pics and vids from their visit to the growing site for Ball Family Farms, a premium cannabis company in L.A. ... capped off with a video where they're smoking a joint in a car.

The singer captioned the vid, "Left w some goodies aka MIYAGI DO."

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Demi -- who also came out as non-binary in May -- has been very open about their 2018 near-death experience and the recovery process ... which interestingly includes what has been dubbed, "California sober."

Now, there's no exact definition for that term, but it commonly means that the person uses a little marijuana and may drink in moderation.

It's certainly a gray area -- especially for addicts -- and has been met with criticism by many folks ... like 'Intervention' host Ken Seeley. The critics say sober is not a negotiation term ... you either are or you aren't.

Demi certainly doesn't seem to care about the criticism, or if they do ... they're smoking it away.

'Buffy the Vampire' Star Nicholas Brendon Busted in Indiana Over Prescription Drugs

Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon looks unrecognizable in his mug shot ... after he was arrested for allegedly obtaining prescription drugs by fraud.

According to an affidavit, obtained by TMZ, Nicholas was driving erratically when cops spotted his silver Dodge Journey last week in Vigo County, Indiana. Cops say he failed to signal and was swerving all over the place.

After he was pulled over ... cops say they noticed him sweating profusely and "appeared nervous due to a visibly racing pulse on his neck and shaking hands."

When they asked him for ID ... cops say Nicholas gave them a California ID with the name Kelton Schultz. Cops say Nicholas told them Kelton was his twin brother.

Cops claim they found a "small plastic bag that contained crystal/powder residue" and a pill bottle in a bag with a medication prescribed to "Nicholas Bender."

Cops brought out the K-9's because of "signs in the vehicle that narcotics were potentially being trafficked." One of those signs -- the new-ish car's carpeting had been cut out in multiple places and padding under the carpeting revealed evidence screws were removed.

Cops say a thorough search turned up several more plastic bags containing residue but no other contraband ... and a prescription filled that same day at a Kroger grocery store.

The prescription, cops say, was for amphetamine salts prescribed to Kelton Schultz. When asked why he lied to them about his identity, cops say Nicholas told them "they have the same prescription and they fill each other's prescription." Cops say Nicholas admitted to taking pills that were prescribed to Kelton.

They believed Nicholas was abusing the pills and or selling them and believe "he was using his brother’s ID to procure more or that the ID he initially handed me belonging to Kelton is fraudulent.” They arrested him for failure to identify and obtaining a prescription by fraud.

We reached out to Nicholas' attorney, Christopher Eskew, who declined to comment.

Sha'Carri Richardson I Felt Bitter Watching Olympics ... But It Helped Me Grow

Sha'Carri Richardson says watching the 2020 Olympics from home was bittersweet ... admitting she was initially pissed to miss out on competing, but it ultimately helped her move on from her marijuana suspension.

Richardson -- the fastest woman in America -- is set to return to the track in the Prefontaine Classic this weekend ... her first race since being punished.

Before making her big comeback, the 21-year-old explained what it was like having to experience the Tokyo Games from a TV instead of in person ... saying it was a bit of a mixed reaction.

"It was a moment of bitterness, but at the same time it was sweet," the U.S. track star told the "Today" show.

"Because, it just gives me more -- it gives me more time, it gives me more to show the world that I'm here to stay."

"Watching it made me want to push forward and grow from that."

Of course, Sha'Carri received a 1-month suspension in July after testing positive for marijuana --- leaving her out of the Tokyo Olympics.

SCR later explained that she used marijuana after her biological mother died a few days before the Olympic trials ... and she's owned up to the mistake.

"I know what I did," she added Friday. "I know I'm responsible and I'm here to take what it is from the choices I decided to make. Can't run from reality."

"At the end of the day, I did make a mistake but that doesn't take away from my talent."

"It doesn't take away from who I am."

Richardson will be able to get back on the right track against a powerful trio this weekend -- Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah, who won the gold in the women's 100-meters at the Tokyo Olympics.

Fraser-Pryce won the silver and Jackson took home the bronze in the same race.

But, SCR says she's ready for the competition and "excited" to get back on the track.

"I'm feeling overjoyed to getting back to doing what it is that I love to do."

Jenn Harley Gets Felony Charge in Dom. Violence Case ... Assault with Deadly Weapon

UPDATE

2:05 PM PT -- Jenn's attorney, Michael Cristalli, tells TMZ ... the charges are "unsubstantiated." What's more ... Cristalli says "there is going to be overwhelming mitigated evidence that exists [showing] Jenn did not commit any crime."

UPDATE

The lawyer added they look forward to their day in court and having the charges against her dismissed.

Jenn Harley's officially facing 2 charges following her June domestic violence arrest for allegedly threatening to pull the trigger on a gun she'd pointed at her boyfriend.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ ... the prosecutors in Nevada charged Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's ex with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon constituting domestic violence, and one misdemeanor count of battery constituting domestic violence.

As we told you ... Harley was arrested in Las Vegas on June 19 after a fight with her now ex-boyfriend, Joseph Ambrosole. He told cops she dropped the n-word while pointing a gun at him and threatening to kill him.

About a month after the incident, Jenn checked herself into a Las Vegas rehab facility to seek treatment for alcohol dependency.

Her rep told us she made the decision because she wants to be the best parent she can for Ariana, her 3-year-old daughter with Ronnie.

We're told Jenn recently completed her 28-day stint and is looking forward to a fresh start, but her legal issues aren't going away easily.

Originally Published -- 9:43 AM PT

Real-Life 'White Boy Rick' Honored Eminem's Portraying Him ... in 50 Cent's 'BMF' Series

Eminem's a living legend with deep roots in Detroit ... and that's what makes him the perfect person to portray "White Boy Rick" ... according to the real-life guy himself.

Richard Wershe Jr., aka "White Boy Rick," tells TMZ ... it's an absolute honor the rapper will portray him in 50 Cent's Starz series "BMF." In fact, Rick tells us it's also perfect casting because Eminem was one of the first people who flirted with the idea of making a movie based on Rick's life.

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For the uninitiated ... Richard earned his "White Boy Rick" handle in the 1980s during his drug trafficking trial. The FBI recruited him at just 14 years old to be an undercover informant, but, he went rogue and ended up getting busted for drug trafficking.

Rick was sentenced to life in prison in 1987, but was freed in July 2020 when he was granted parole.

Netflix dropped a documentary about him in 2017 dubbed "White Boy" ... and Richie Merritt portrayed him in the 2018 film "White Boy Rick."

Fiddy's new series will center around the real-life Detroit brothers Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory and Terry "Southwest T" Flenory ... power players in the city's drug trafficking -- their Black Mafia Family organization raked in nearly $300 mil selling cocaine in 11 states.

Eminem's cameo in episode 7 is directed by 50 himself. The show premieres September 26.

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BTW ... Rick, who will be launching his own strain of cannabis called The 8th, gave us a short and sweet message for Em on the role.

Interestingly, when he got out of prison, Rick wore a "Free Big Meech" shirt, and he still has strong feelings about Meech getting a 30-year prison sentence. He's expected to be released in 2028 after a judge reportedly cut 3 years. Big Meech's brother was released to home confinement last year.

Devin Booker Boozy Lunch With Kendall Jenner ... After Romantic Lake Trip

Devin Booker's offseason of love is still going strong ... 'cause after a romantic lake trip with Kendall Jenner, he sipped booze with the model at a lunch in NY -- and, yeah, the NBA star sure looks smitten.

The attractive couple hit up a party for Jenner's 818 Tequila brand at Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island on Wednesday ... with Booker playing the role of proud BF as he watched Jenner celebrate the success of her alcohol.

Booker was seen smiling, laughing and schmoozing with Jenner's friends ... and we're told Kendall couldn't have been happier to have her tequila with her man by her side.

Of course, Booker and KJ have been inseparable since his triumphant return from the Tokyo Olympics ... they were just spotted enjoying other's company on a lake earlier this week.

In fact, Jenner proudly displayed her BF's new gold medal while rockin' a tiny bikini on their boat.

The two have been dating for over a year now ... and sure have been hot and heavy through the last few months -- with Jenner even hitting the road to see most of his playoff games.

Begs the question ... even though Booker didn't get an NBA championship bling this year -- is a wedding ring in the cards??

Probably not ... but maybe?!?!

Sam Hunt Pleads Guilty in Nashville DUI Case ... Gets Suspended Jail Sentence

Sam Hunt cut a plea deal in his DUI case ... and while his sentence includes a 48-hour jail stint, we're told it won't actually be behind bars.

The country star appeared in Nashville court via Zoom Wednesday and pled guilty to 2 counts of DUI. He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in jail ... but he won't have to serve it he stays out of trouble.

As for the 48 hours ... he'll fulfill that by taking a DUI education course.

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Sam must also complete an alcohol safety course. His driver's license will be suspended for 1 year. When he gets the license back, he'll have an interlock device installed in his car.

BTW ... the third charge, an open container violation, was dropped.

As we reported ... Sam was busted in November 2019 after cops say he was driving on the wrong side on a Nashville road. Cops said he reeked of booze and blew twice the legal limit .. .173.

Cops said he was so wasted when they asked him for his driver's license he struggled to find it ... even though it was sitting right on his lap. Cops said Sam mistakenly gave them a credit card and his passport.

Sam later apologized and called his actions poor and selfish.

Sha'Carri Richardson To Race Jamaican Olympics Winners ... After Missing Games

Sha'Carri Richardson is getting a second shot at glory -- the U.S. track star will face-off against the Jamaican Olympics winners anew ... this after missing her shot at the games.

SCR is confirmed to be one of 9 competing in next weekend's Prefontaine Classic at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field -- where she'll run against Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson in the women's 100-meter sprint.

It's the first professional race Sha'Carri has participated in since being suspended for marijuana use before this year's Tokyo Olympics -- which resulted in her not racing at all.

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The above-mentioned Jamaican sprinters all took home the top 3 medals in the titular event that Sha'Carri would've otherwise competed in ... placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd among themselves. Sha'Carri beat 'em all out during the trials ... and, now, has the opportunity to do it again.

Of the forthcoming moment to prove she woulda kicked butt in Tokyo, her rep says ... "Sha'Carri is focused on running a good race since she last competed at the US Olympic Trials," adding ... "She will be focused on executing her race to the best of her ability regardless of who is in the race."

Sha'Carri has her work cut out for her -- Thompson-Herah actually beat her trial time of 10.64 seconds in the 100-m with an historic speed of 10.61 seconds during the actual games ... second only behind Flo-Jo.

Cops: Rey Maualuga Plowed Through Mailboxes & Hit Parked Car ... Before Arrest

UPDATE

12:03 PM PT -- Maualuga drove through yards, plowed into mailboxes and ultimately hit a parked car before his arrest Wednesday, this according to police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports.

UPDATE

In the docs, cops say it all happened at around 7 PM, when they say witnesses near the scene of the chaos told them Maualuga had been driving the car that caused all of the damage.

UPDATE

Officers say in the docs that when they questioned Maualuga, he was "sweating profusely," reeked of alcohol and admitted to drinking "a few" alcoholic beverages before driving.

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Cops in the docs say during questioning about the incident, Maualuga told them he "did not know what had happened as he was trying to get home."

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"[Maualuga] had apparently driven into the wrong subdivision where he lost consciousness, and crashed into multiple things," officers said in the docs.

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They added that Maualuga "was telling people he was sorry, mentioned he had screwed up, and that he's already had multiple DUIs and this one would potentially put him in jail for a long time."

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Cops noted Maualuga refused field sobriety tests and an intoxilyzer.

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Jail records, meanwhile, show the former NFL player now has a court date set for September.

Rey Maualuga is in trouble with the law again ... the former NFL and college football star was arrested on Wednesday, TMZ Sports has learned.

Jail records show the 34-year-old -- who was a 2nd-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft -- was booked into Kenton County Jail in Kentucky at 8:19 PM.

Details surrounding his arrest are unclear -- we're working on it -- but records show Maualuga was booked on three charges, including DUI, criminal mischief first degree and criminal mischief third degree.

Maualuga -- who was listed at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds on his booking sheet -- was arrested by the Villa Hills Police Dept., the records show. He's due in court later Thursday.

Of course, this is far from Maualuga's first brush with the law ... in fact, he was just arrested by the Villa Hills Police Dept. back in July 2020.

In that case, Maualuga was accused of driving drunk and driving recklessly.

Maualuga was also arrested back in 2010 on suspicion of DUI ... and in 2017, he was arrested for allegedly attacking an employee at a Miami nightclub while he was a member of the Dolphins.

Maualuga is one of the best college football linebackers ever, starring at USC from 2005 through 2008. He went on to play 9 seasons in the NFL, starting 108 total games, before leaving the league after the 2017 season.

Originally Published -- 7:00 AM PT