Hot Vegas

Stand-up comedian and shock magician "The Amazing Johnathan" is dead after battling heart issues for years.

An assistant to Johnathan's wife tells TMZ ... Johnathan passed Tuesday night while at home "cuddling" with his wife of 11 years, Anastasia Synn. We're told a hospice nurse had been staying with him for the last 3 weeks, and confirmed he had passed.

The former Las Vegas headliner, whose real name was Johnathan Szeles, had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2007, and it's been a very tough road. The assistant says, "We have thought we lost him so many times that we never thought it would actually happen."

Johnathan was reportedly making up to $3 million per year at the peak of his Vegas fame when he had a residency at Bally's casino. His gonzo act featured some astounding, and downright shocking, moves ... including putting a spike through his tongue and sucking on his dangling eyeball.

The Detroit native gained a more mainstream audience after appearing on Criss Angel's reality show, "Mindfreak."

During a 2014 appearance, he announced he'd been told he only had one year to live ... but he was still around 5 years later when he launched a comeback tour.

Anastasia's assistant says they will have memorials for Johnathan in Vegas, Michigan and in L.A. they will hold the "Los Angeles Broken wand ceremony at the Magic Castle."

Johnathan was 63.

The Weeknd had himself quite a weekend -- not only hooking up with a new flame in Simi Khadra ... but linking with an old pal in Drake, who was there for the good time.

Drizzy just posted some photos that showed him having a ball with Abel in Vegas during the latter's 32nd birthday celebration at Delilah. The shots feature Drake and Weeknd embracing in the DJ booth ... and generally enjoying themselves in the lounge and surrounding casinos.

The caption he included ... "We’ve done everything like it’s nothing…isn’t that something." If you aren't familiar, Drake and Weeknd are close buds and longtime collaborators.

Like we told you, Champagne Papi was far from the only celeb in attendance -- Swedish House Mafia was also on hand, as was Kaytranada.

More importantly ... Simi Khadra from twin duo Simi Haze was nearby ... and locking lips with the birthday boy, as seen in exclusive video we obtained.

There have been rumors they're seeing each other, and the clip seems to confirm they're more than just friends.

Looks like The Weeknd has got his eye -- and lips -- on a new woman ... Simi Khadra, from the twin duo "Simi Haze."

The Weeknd was throwing himself a birthday bash Saturday night at Delilah in Vegas ... the club was packed with folks celebrating his 32nd b-day. It was around 2 AM when he and American-Palestinian DJ Simi Khadra were seen making out like there was no tomorrow.

There's been a buzz the two have hooked up ... this clip seems to confirm it!

The club was playing The Weeknd's hits long into the night, and they even had cocktails created just for him. Simi chronicled the bday trip on her Insta story. Drake was also in attendance, and Swedish House Mafia and Kaytranada both hit the DJ booth.

A few months ago, rumors started spreading the grammy-winning singer was dating Angelina Jolie ... even putting lyrics in his last album about his "new girl" who's a "movie star."

Just days after Saints star Alvin Kamara was arrested for felony battery, two other men have been charged in connection with the alleged beating of a man in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl weekend.

TMZ Sports has learned two men -- Darrin Young and Percy Harris -- turned themselves in to Clark County jail on February 14 ... and both were booked on battery resulting in substantial bodily harm.

It's the same charge that 26-year-old Kamara is facing -- a felony -- that can carry up to 5 years in prison, if convicted.

As for what happened ... there are a few versions of the story, depending on who you ask.

Police say surveillance video show Kamara pushing a man outside a nightclub on Las Vegas Blvd. ... before punching the man at least 8 times.

According to an incident report, Kamara's friends then got in on the action ... punching and stomping the man.

Due to his injuries, the guy had to be treated at a local hospital.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning ... but Kamara wasn't arrested until after the Pro Bowl (he caught 4 passes during the game) on Sunday.

And, that's caused controversy ... 'cause the NFL allowed the Saints superstar to play in the game, despite knowing police wanted to speak with him in connection to an alleged battery.

After the game, Kamara spoke to investigators and admitted to hitting the man ... claiming the guy said something disrespectful to his group.

However, cops say CCTV shows Kamara hitting the man at least 8 times.

But, Kamara's attorneys believe there is more to the story.

"Alvin Kamara has gained a well-deserved reputation for being a hard-working and community-minded individual. The recent Las Vegas allegations are not consistent with who Mr. Kamara has shown himself to be in both his public and private life."

"Therefore, we are conducting our own investigation into all of the circumstances and individuals associated with this matter to determine both the facts and motivations of all involved."

After the Valentine's Day arrests, three men have now been charged in total for the alleged attack.

Adele has made a vow to fans hoping to see her in Vegas -- exclaiming the show will go on -- and needs to happen by the end of this year, because she's got a baby on the brain.

Adele sat down with BBC's Graham Norton Friday, saying that while she was gutted she couldn't start the residency ... it absolutely is still happening, and she'll be on stage in 2022.

The pop star was reluctant to announce any exact dates, but says it needs to happen this year because she wants to have a baby in 2023.

Of course, she's been dating sports biz big shot Rich Paul -- so it would appear things are getting very serious between the two.

During the interview, Adele wore a nice rock on her ring finger ... even Graham had to ask the question that we've all been wondering ... is she engaged?

Adele laughed off the question, and would not confirm ... but she also didn't say no. Perhaps both a new baby and last name are in her very near future.

Jonathan Owens, shield your eyes ...

Simone Biles received a lap dance on stage at a "Magic Mike Live" show in Las Vegas on Thursday night ... and video of it, obtained by TMZ Sports, is STEAMY!!

The gymnastics star took in the performance at SAHARA Las Vegas ... when about mid-way through the act, she was pulled on stage with another woman.

It didn't take long for the shirtless dancers to rope the two ladies into their bit -- 'cause the guys grinded all over the girls ... and, at one point, one of them even picked up Biles and took her to the floor.

The whole routine lasted about two minutes -- and it featured tons of gyrating, lots of hip thrusting, and plenty of touching.

Biles played along with it all and seemed to be having a great time -- she even posed for a picture with the dancers after the show.

No word yet on Owens' thoughts on it all -- but he and Biles have both said they're madly in love with each other, so we're pretty sure the football player ain't stressing over this.

Adele is finally speaking out since she canceled her Las Vegas shows ... saying she canceled because the concerts would've been "half-assed" ... which now has lots of folks wondering if COVID was the real reason.

Adele appeared on the BBC One Series on Friday ... again explaining she tried her best to go on with the show ... and then she dropped the "half-assed" comment.

Remember, Adele said half her crew had COVID and that's the main reason she pulled the plug on her residency last minute. If COVID were the real reason it would be kind of weird to say the performance would have been "half-assed."

As we reported, there were a number of disputes between Adele and the folks behind the scenes ... there were disputes over set pieces, audio and general production issues. Some folks in Caesar's camp say they just could not please her.

That said, Adele spent Thursday night at Heaven, a gay bar in London, where she sang along to "It's Raining Men" and ended up on stage doin' a little pole dance!!!

She also judged the stripping contest!

New Orleans Saints legend Willie Roaf is clearly disappointed with Alvin Kamara's arrest ... telling TMZ Sports the star running back just "can't do that, man."

The Hall of Famer said outside of a Super Bowl party at Academy in L.A. on Wednesday that even though the facts might not all be out surrounding the case at the moment, he's still pretty sure Kamara could've handled himself differently in Las Vegas last weekend.

"Whatever the situation was at the elevator -- you can't do that," Roaf said. "You can't do that, man."

"You just have to watch your environment. Probably some drinks involved, but, you know, you just can't do that."

As we reported, Kamara was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly beat up a man outside of an elevator at a Vegas hotel on Saturday.

In the police report, cops say Kamara was seen on video punching the man several times.

Roaf explained he doesn't necessarily think Kamara should be suspended over the alleged incident ... but he did add, "I know he needs to learn from this."

Wanna ball out in Shaq-like proportions?! The NBA legend is offering an incredible "Ultra-VIP" package to his "Fun House" Super Bowl party in LA this weekend ... and it comes with a whopping $1 MILLION price tag!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Shaquille O'Neal's yearly rage fest is providing a once in a lifetime experience for some super-rich party people ... and it comes with a round trip on a private jet, a VIP table ON the stage, Rolls-Royce Phantoms for transportation to the party and -- of course -- unlimited booze.

Shaq partnered with Wynn Nightlife in Vegas to put the whole deal together ... which means the group will get a dedicated security and host team via the resort.

Of course, there's no way an "Ultra-VIP" would have to wait in any sort of line ... so naturally, there's a special expedited entrance for the group.

But, the best part of the package?? The "Ultra-VIP" group will get the chance to take part in Shaq's DJ Diesel set.

The Fun House ain't only for the outrageously bougie -- everyone in attendance will get to experience carnival rides, food from L.A. hotspots, an open bar and music from Zedd, Lil Wayne, Diplo and Shaq himself.

There will even be fire-breathers!!

Shaq's party has had a ton of celebs attend in the past -- from Migos to Gronk to T-Pain to Patrick Mahomes -- and we're told this year's guest list is even bigger.

NFL officials were informed Alvin Kamara was a suspect in a felony battery case by Las Vegas Metro PD prior to the Pro Bowl, but cops and the league allowed the Saints star to still play in the game ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.

We're told NFL security was notified several hours before kickoff that police were looking for the 26-year-old running back, but the parties essentially came to an agreement that Kamara would be allowed to play in the game, and cooperate with authorities afterward.

"We got in touch with NFL security about 10 o'clock in the morning and let them know that [Kamara] was a suspect in the case and they located him and he was already on the field," Assistant Sheriff John McGrath told the Nevada Current.

He continued ... "So they contacted him and he agreed to meet with us after the game. And so that's just the way we did it since he was cooperating."

Kamara played ... catching 4 passes for 23 yards.

Waiting to make the arrest seemed to payoff for the police.

After the game, police Mirandized the Saints star at Allegiant Stadium ... where he then spoke with investigators, and gave his side of the story.

Kamara admitted he punched the alleged victim at least 1 time early Saturday morning inside a Vegas hotel after he claims a man made a disrespectful comment to someone in his group.

However, the alleged victim tells a different story. He claims Kamara pushed him for an unknown reason, before Alvin and his 3 friends beat the man down.

Cops say they reviewed surveillance video and the footage showed Kamara punching the man at least 8 times.

Kamara was arrested on 1 count of battery w/ serious bodily injury, a felony.

"Khamzat is fighting all these little ass guys, but I'd like to fight him next."

That's rising star Nick Maximov talking to TMZ Sports at Planet Hollywood in Vegas hours after his UFC Fight Night win, calling out one of the most feared guys in the UFC ... undefeated 27-year-old, Chechen-born fighter Khamzat Chimaev.

But, it's not just Borz who's never lost ... 'cause Maximov, a Nate Diaz protégé, is a perfect 8-0, and has fought some super tough prospects -- something Nick says Chimaev has NOT done.

"Why are people scared? He hasn't shown anything to be scared about, cause he hasn't fought any wrestlers. He's a wrestler that hasn't fought any wrestlers. So, I'm like, 'what the f**k, fight me then!'"

Speaking of tough fights ... Nick was the co-main event on Saturday, and defeated Puna Soriano by split decision.

"It's my second UFC fight, I'm the co-main event. Second UFC fight, I'm fighting all these top prospects with either zero losses or 1 loss. I'm like, 'why am I fighting all these hard-ass guys?' No one else is doing that. Not Paddy Pimblett. Not Sean O'Malley."

But, Maximov continues to win ... and believes he will be champion inside a year.

We asked ... can you beat Adesanya?

"Easily. I think I can take anyone in the top 5," Maximov says.

Can't see Adele due to her indefinite postponement? Never mind, we'll find someone like her ... to fill her shoes in Las Vegas.

With Adele's residency on ice, "Legends in Concert" -- the longest-running and most-awarded show in Las Vegas -- has come up with a brilliant idea -- come see our impersonator instead. For now, it is the closest you'll get to her.

'Legends' is rolling out a spinoff production, of sorts – "Legendary Divas" – and it's offering free tickets to Adele fans who purchased tickets to the singer's "Weekends with Adele" residency.

'Divas' is performed nightly at the Tropicana, with look-alike Janae Longo belting out some hits -- not only does she have the look down, but she’s got a great voice too.

The show also includes tributes to Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Cher, and it's hosted by a Joan Rivers impersonator!

As you know by now, Adele pulled the plug on her residency last month, hours before it was set to debut. Although she tearfully said it was doomed by COVID-related delays ... multiple sources have told us it was really because Adele was displeased with the production.

Adele is giving off big time "don't look at me!" vibes -- this as the first clear photos of her have emerged since her Vegas time-out ... with none other than her BF by her side.

The pop star was seen Friday leaving Mr. Chow in Bev Hills with NBA agent Rich Paul -- and despite their best efforts to keep things low-key ... the paps fired away as their car started to pull out of the backlot, capturing some interesting shots as they exited.

As you can see ... Adele is straight up hiding behind her purse in the passenger seat, not wanting the cameras to get a good look at her mug -- and for the most part, she succeeded.

Adele has been hunkering down at Rich's place here in L.A. in hopes that the residency drama would blow over -- and while it seems to have settled down for sure since her tearful apology ... there are still tons of rumors flying about a possible all-out cancelation.

As we reported ... her story about having to postpone things due to COVID and other logistics simply doesn't add up to the folks over at Caesar's -- as we've been told by those in the loop that any COVID issue would've been brought up way earlier than when she did, and not just that ... but we'd heard much different accounts about what was going on BTS.

Long story short, word is ... Adele wasn't happy with the set pieces and stage design when she showed up for rehearsals -- very shortly before her debut performance, for which folks bought tickets and flew in from all over the world to catch in person.

According to our sources ... she just couldn't be satisfied, and ended up blindsiding Caesar's crew with her announcement. By the looks of it, she definitely doesn't wanna talk about it yet ... or even be seen.

Here's the latest offering in Las Vegas and a sign of things to come ... one famous strip club is now accepting cryptocurrency for lap dances!!!

The good folks over at Crazy Horse III tell TMZ ... customers can now pay for their dances with Bitcoin, and they're one of the only strip clubs in the country where you can use digital currency for adult entertainment.

CH3 says the Bitcoin option will allow folks to get lap dances and tip entertainers with no paper trail at all ... which, of course, makes it totally COVID-safe with no paper money getting exchanged.

Here's how it works ... guests scan a QR code for an instant Bitcoin payment transaction through their crypto wallet, trading Bitcoin for "dance dollars" which are valid towards lap dances and tips.

The gentlemen's club started accepting Bitcoin for VIP bottle purchase packages back in July 2020, but high customer demand moved them to expand cryptocurrency's buying power.

Adele's Las Vegas residency is on life support but it's not dead yet ... Caesars Palace and Live Nation want the show to go on, but they're trying to figure out how to work with Adele so they can come together and save the show.

Well-placed sources connected to Caesars tell TMZ ... the company is sitting on $150 million for the run of the residency -- that's the astonishing amount the show would generate. As a result, Caesars and Live Nation want to figure out a path where the concert can go on. We're told they need to figure it out -- one way or the other -- in the next month.

Our Caesars sources say they're not sure if they can reach an agreement with Adele, because there was significant conflict over numerous issues connected with the show over the last 2 months, including the sound system, the choir, a special effects pool, and on and on.

Our sources say Adele was unhappy with the outdated Meyer sound system that was in place at Caesars' Colosseum, so the casino installed an entirely new state-of-the-art sound system ... and Adele was happy with the upgrade. But we're told there are a bunch of other open issues which are still a source of conflict.

But, that obviously wasn't enough to save the show from going on as scheduled ... and now we're told even Adele's boyfriend, sports mega-agent Rich Paul, is involved.

Caesars initially hoped they could work something out so Adele would do at least a few concerts in February, but that's not going to happen. They're now shooting for mid-year, assuming they can reach an agreement fairly quickly.

Adele is out and Keith Urban is in ... and it didn't take Caesars Palace long to find a replacement after the singer postponed her Las Vegas residency.

The country music singer says he's just been booked for 5 shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in March and April ... and some of those dates were previously reserved for Adele's shows.

Keith says he's playing the weekends of March 25-26 and April 1-2 ... plus a weekday gig on March 30, and those weekend dates used to be part of Adele's 3-month residency, which is now on ice.

TMZ broke the story ... Adele's Vegas residency is postponed because she's displeased with the production, and not because of her initial claims of a massive COVID outbreak on her crew.

As we told you, our sources said Adele was unhappy with the sound system, choir and various set pieces ... plus other items associated with the show, and the folks at Caesars were "shocked" when she pulled the plug at the last minute.