SoCal Wildfires Farm Animals Evacuated ... Piano-Playing Pig In Blanket Displaced

Piano Pig
PIANO PIGGY
TMZ.com

The wildfires raging in California are forcing tons of farm animals to be packed up and moved to safety ... including a pig in a blanket who can play the piano.

Nearly 200 animals are being evacuated to Pierce College in Woodland Hills -- it has an agricultural program -- and the farm manager on campus, Marcie Sakadjian, tells us they've run out of room to keep the displaced critters.

Pierce College works in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control ... the institution started taking in large animals evacuated from the Getty Fire earlier this week, and more started showing up today as a result of the Easy Fire in the Simi Valley.

We're told Pierce College is housing about 170 animals on its 30-acre farm -- mostly horses in addition to goats, alpacas and a pig who arrived with a blanket and a piano. Seriously.

The piano-playing pig, Romeo, is a 15-year-old potbelly and his owner tells us he can also play the tambourine. We're told Romeo's been lifting the spirits of the Pierce College volunteers by playing his unique brand of music. Yes, Romeo's getting piggy with it.

Pierce College is housing the animals in 3 large barns, and we're told the school recently built about 50 temporary pens that are coming in handy. Students, staff and volunteers are working around the clock to feed and take care of the animals, and the good news is the critters are showing up in good health with no signs of burns from the fires.

With Pierce College at capacity, we're told other large animals are being evacuated to another location in Ventura County.

Meanwhile, an alpaca farm in Somis, CA -- about 7 miles West of the Easy Fire -- is preparing to evacuate its 38 alpacas, 2 dogs and 4 cats ... this according to "Alpacas & Beyond" owner Kim Marziole. She says 3 of the alpacas are special needs animals.

It sounds like a crazy scene at the alpaca farm ... we're told there's horses running around on the loose and smoke is filling the air surrounding the farm.

Horses in Fire
NOBODY LEFT BEHIND
CBS LA

Hopefully, those horses are as brave as the stallion who rushed into the Easy Fire to lead its fellow steeds to safety.

SoCal Wildfires Horse Runs Back Into Danger ... to Save Other Horses!!!

Horses in Fire
NOBODY LEFT BEHIND
CBS LA

A horse is being hailed a hero after it ran into a treacherous situation to save his/her fellow horses from being burned up in one of the SoCal fires.

The dramatic footage was shot Wednesday morning as Good Samaritans worked to corral horses to safety as they tried to escape the fast-approaching Easy Fire in Simi Valley.

You can see one of the horses all but ready to get loaded onto a trailer when it busted a 180 and ran back to the foothills to save 2 confused horses caught in the chaos.

103019_horses_fire_sub_kal
LEADING HORSES TO SAFETY
CBS Evening News

According to CBS News ... multiple horses and small animals were led to safety. Unfortunately, a 28-year-old mare needed to be euthanized on scene after breaking her two front legs from running away from the fire.

Nearby ranchers were also swiftly moving to evacuate their horses ... and the scene's pretty heartbreaking. As we reported ... the Easy Fire was triggered around 6 AM and, in just a few hours, it torched nearly 1,000 acres.

The Ronald Reagan Library's currently under threat ... as flames currently surround the entire structure. Helicopters were seen dropping water around the library as crews battle the 60 mph winds.

Jeffrey Epstein Autopsy Expert Claims DNA Evidence Never Delivered ... M.E. Stands by Original Findings

UPDATE

10:12 AM PT -- The Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Barbara Sampson, stands staunchly by the original findings. She tells TMZ, "Our investigation concluded that the cause of Mr. Epstein's death was hanging and the manner of death was suicide. We stand by that determination."

UPDATE

She says, "We continue to share information around the medical investigation with Mr. Epstein's family, their representatives, and their pathology consultant. The original medical investigation was thorough and complete. There is no reason for a second medical investigation by our office."

Jeffrey Epstein's family is still waiting to hear about DNA evidence to prove he wasn't murdered -- evidence they've been demanding for more than 2 months, according to the family's forensic expert.

Dr. Michael Baden, a pioneer in forensics, says the family hired him to observe the autopsy that was conducted on August 11 ... the day after Epstein was found dead in his prison cell. Dr. Baden was on FOX News Wednesday, and he confirmed something TMZ first reported more than 2 months ago.

Dr. Michael Braden 10/30/19
HERE'S WHAT'S MISSING ...
Fox News

Baden says fractures in Epstein's neck are more consistent with homicide than suicide by hanging. Specifically, he says the hyoid bone (in the Adam's apple area) and 2 bones next to his thyroid cartilage were broken ... fractures common in strangulation. As we told you, those breaks are extremely rare in hangings.

Beyond the bones, Baden says the family had asked for DNA testing results from Epstein's fingernails -- which could show if he fought back against someone choking him to death -- and from the sheets he allegedly used to hang himself. Baden says the family wants to know if someone else tied the sheets together.

Baden says, immediately after the autopsy, the Medical Examiner said more information was needed to determine the cause of death -- presumably including that DNA testing.

He says the family doesn't understand why the ME suddenly announced, just 4 days later, it was suicide by hanging -- especially because the family never got the requested DNA results.

Originally Published -- 7:08 AM PT

Bin Laden Killer Rob O'Neill ISIS Raid Takes Me Back ... Americans Should Celebrate!!!

Rob O’Neill
I'M PROUD
TMZ.com

The Navy SEAL credited with firing the fatal shots on Osama Bin Laden says the killing of ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, should make Americans feel a sense of pride ... and he wants us all to bask in the glory.

We got retired SEAL, Robert O'Neill, at Reagan Airport in D.C. and he told us he's a little jealous he wasn't on the ground in Syria when U.S. forces took out the world's top terror leader.

Robert says he couldn't be prouder of all the brave men, women and K-9s who carried out the stealth mission ... and he recounts what it feels like to kill a notorious terrorist.

While Robert admits the fight against ISIS and Al-Qaeda is far from over ... he thinks it's important for Americans to pat themselves on the back for this huge victory, and he hopes those involved in the mission can come home and be with their families.

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PRE-GAME JAM
TMZ.com

No word if al-Baghdadi's killers took a page from Robert's book and bumped The Game's "Red Nation" before the raid.

Originally published -- 10/28 5:41 PM PT

Getty Museum Welcoming In Firefighters Take a Break After Battling Blaze

L.A. Firefighters desperately needing rest after battling the huge wildfires can hunker down on a very famous piece of property ... the Getty Center museum.

The blaze, dubbed the Getty Fire, is burning in the hills surrounding the world-renowned art museum -- but so far the Getty Center is safe, and it's hosting firefighters for rest breaks ... according to Lisa Lapin, VP for communications at Getty.

The museum is offering weary firefighters a place to shower, sleep and grab some food whenever they need a break. Law enforcement sources tell us all the firefighters are still on the front lines, battling the blaze and haven't taken breaks yet -- but the museum is standing by for when they do.

Getty Fire
OUT OF CONTROL
FOX 11/ KTTV

The Getty Center is built to be fireproof and earthquake-proof, so it's the safest spot in the region for firefighters to take 5.

Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Édouard Manet are some of the famous artists whose works are on display at the museum ... and the Getty Center tells us their art collections and archives have been closed and sealed off so smoke from the fire cannot get in and damage the art.

The Getty Fire has already torched 500 acres and prompted tons of mandatory evacuations ... including the home of NBA superstar LeBron James.

Jeff Bezos I'm The World's Richest Again ... Move Over Bill Gates

UPDATE

2:05 PM PT -- Bezos is back on top of the world ... he's once again the richest person on the planet after briefly ceding his title to Gates ... thanks to his Amazon stock.

UPDATE

After the markets closed Friday, Forbes says Jeff is now worth $109.9 billion, moving him back ahead of Bill and his $105.8 billion net worth.

Jeff Bezos can no longer claim he's the richest person on Earth ... the distinction now belongs to Bill Gates.

The Amazon honcho lost his title during after-hours trading Thursday, according to Forbes, when the company's shares plummeted 7 percent, dropping Bezos' fortune to a paltry $103.9 BILLION. How will he ever survive?!?

Bill's net worth stands at $105.7 billion, meaning Jeff is now looking up for the first time in over a year. The horror.

The stock market isn't the only reason Jeff is now No. 2 ... he could still be on top if not for this year's insanely costly divorce with ex-wife MacKenzie, who took a huge chunk of his fortune. MacKenzie's net worth now stands at $32.7 billion, placing her among the top 20 in the world.

As we've reported ... Jeff and MacKenzie split following what they called a trial separation, and Jeff is now seriously dating Lauren Sanchez.

Gates has gotta be super pumped ... he's once again the baddest billionaire on the block after losing the world's richest label to Bezos in 2018 after holding the title for 24 years.

Don't shed a tear for Bezos ... he could soon reclaim the top spot if Amazon stock is able to bounce back.

Originally Published -- 10:24 AM PT

Tick Fire Gentle Barn Evacuates ... Older Animals Stay Behind

The famous Gentle Barn went under evacuation because of California's devastating Tick Fire ... but some of the older animals are still in harm's way.

While a majority of the creatures who call The Gentle Barn home have made it to safety ... founder Ellie Laks tells us staff members are staying behind with several animals who were unable to escape.

We're told Zeus, a famous 12-year-old pig, and Forgiveness, a 3,000-pound cow, couldn't climb a ladder to safety ... so they were forced to stay back with staffers, who are keeping them contained in a safety fence.

Moby The Horse
STOP HORSING AROUND
The Gentle Barn

Check out the video ... you see Zoe the horse blanching when handlers tried to get her in the trailer. We're told Zoe was just too terrified.

11 animals remained on property at The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita ... including a bunch of potbelly pigs. Several workers spent the night with the critters who couldn't make it out.

Even some of the evacuated animals are not in the clear ... goats and sheep were taken to an "unsafe zone" where coyotes and bobcats roam. Gentle Barn workers are watching over them, and we're told they're searching for a safer area to hold the animals.

The good news ... the Tick Fire is moving away from The Gentle Barn ... but we're told staff remains on high alert and they've got their hands full assisting animals at various locations. The fire is only 5 percent contained and 50,000 residents have been evacuated.

The Gentle Barn is super popular with famous folk ... Moby and Daisy Fuentes tried to help in the evacuation, however, we're told Moby was stopped from entering the property by firefighters.

Kevin Hart I'm Still Too Hurt for Awards ... Nick Cannon's Got My Back

Kevin Hart is slowly getting back to work and hanging with famous friends. But, his first public appearance will have to wait.

Sources close to the comedian tell TMZ ... Kevin and Eniko Hart are being honored Thursday night by the Los Angeles Mission for their work with the organization, but Kev and his wife won't be on hand to accept their award because he's still recovering from last month's horrifying crash.

Nick Cannon is hosting the L.A. Mission's 9th Annual Legacy of Vision Gala ... and we're told he will also accept the hardware on behalf of Kevin and Eniko when it comes time to recognize them.

Our sources say Kevin and his wife only recently found out about the gala, and it was the family chef who actually accepted their invite. We're told Kevin wishes he could be in attendance, but his body is not quite up to the task.

102219_kevin_hart_jay_z_kal_v2
BACK OUT ON THE TOWN
TMZ.com

As we've reported ... Kevin continues to receive intensive outpatient therapy. He's been progressing enough to shoot promos for "Jumanji: The Next Level," and to grab dinner with Jay-Z ... but he's still not 100 percent yet.

As for his work with L.A. Mission ... Kevin served meals to the homeless last Thanksgiving on Skid Row, and he and Eniko pledged a $50,000 donation.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Wins $1 Million Human Rights Prize ... Donating To Charity

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is getting a big fat check for her contributions to social justice and gender equality ... and she's paying it forward.

RBG was just announced the winner of the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture, given annually to folks who shape "human self-understanding and advancement." It has not been announced which charity the 86-year-old is donating her $1 million prize to.

The Notorious RBG, who has served on the Supreme Court since 1993, is scheduled to accept the award in December at the New York Public Library.

The Berggruen Institute, founded by billionaire philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen, cited RBG's honorable work before and during her tenure on the highest court in the land ... including authoring the first law textbook on gender discrimination and her efforts in the 1970s with the ACLU's Women's Rights Project.

We're guessing the recognition will add a little pep to RBG's step ... not that she needs it.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg
MOOVIN' AND GROOVIN'
TMZ.com

RBG's still plugging along after her 4th bout with cancer ... and when we spotted her in New York City last month, she was walking without assistance.

And, get this ... RBG told a crowd at UC Berkeley this week she never stopped working out during her fight with cancer, and she still does push-ups every day.

RBG ... an inspiration to us all.

Pornhub Removes Hidden Camera Footage From College Women's Locker Room

Pornhub has taken down hidden camera footage shot inside of a women's locker room at a South Carolina college amid a police investigation ... and cops have ID'd a "person of interest."

Officials say someone installed a hidden camera in the visiting locker room at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. around late 2012 and recorded footage for months.

The footage reportedly captured women from at least 5 different schools in the act of changing, showering, etc. None of the women knew they were being recorded.

The creep who had the footage didn't upload the video to Pornhub until 2019 -- and that's when someone came across the video and reported it to Limestone officials.

Cops launched an investigation -- and the 5 videos were ultimately removed from Pornhub last week.

Pornhub's VP Blake White commented on the situation saying, "Through the years, we have supported legislation that has made revenge porn illegal and have also worked directly alongside local authorities on individual cases to assist in prosecution. On our platform, we strongly condemn non-consensual content, including revenge porn."

Officials say they have identified a "person of interest" in the case -- who was NOT a student -- but did say the person was "associated with the school at the time."

Limestone College also issued a statement saying its "primary goal continues to be the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests."

"It is unfortunate that an individual or individuals might have violated the terms under which we are gathered as a community at this College."

Eddie Van Halen Cancer Can't Slow Me Down!!! Fast Cars and Concerts

Eddie Van Halen is not letting cancer kick his ass ... he's still living his rock star lifestyle to the fullest.

Sources close to the Van Halen guitarist tell TMZ ... Eddie's going to the TOOL concert Monday night at Staples Center, and he's super stoked to see the band rock out.

As we first told you ... Eddie has been flying between the United States and Germany to get treatment for throat cancer, which he believes was caused by a metal guitar pick he used back in the day.

The sad medical news had some folks thinking Eddie was on his death bed ... but we're told that's anything but the case.

Eddie seems far from sick ... just this week, the rocker was shopping for exotic cars in Beverly Hills. Eddie stopped by a McLaren dealership and mingled with the sales team, taking pics and even giving one lucky fan a kiss.

Bottom line ... it's good to see Eddie out and about.

Kanye West Sunday Service Gone Global Jammin' in Jamaica

Kanye West
PRAISE ON THE ROCK
MEGA

Kanye West has gone international with his Sunday Service ... this time the destination was Jamaica.

Kanye barreled into Kingston Friday for a concert in Emancipation Park, to the delight of a huge crowd that crammed into the space for the 2-hour service.

No sign of Kim and the kids ... they could have made the trip, but they were nowhere in sight.

Kanye did bring along a choir of at least 120 people. He opened the service with the gospel song, "Prince of Peace," and also performed Damian Marley's "Welcome to Jamrock." He closed the show with "Jesus Walks."

The concert was made even better by weather conditions ... it was a cool, breezy night.  Some of the people in the crowd were so overcome with emotion they were sobbing.

Kanye and company were all wearing City of Kingston shirts. He launched Jamaica themed merchandise on his online shop.

Some people on social media, however, blasted Ye for profiting off government logos without paying royalties.

Mike Posner I Just Walked Across America!!! Ends Trek Right on Time

Mike Posner's putting 6 months worth of wear and tear on his feet behind him with a big dip in the Pacific, and ya can't say he didn't earn it ... after WALKING damn near 3,000 miles!!!

The EDM star completed the trek -- from New Jersey to California -- in 6 months, and by his count, he covered 2,851 miles over that period. Mike celebrated when he reached the sand on Venice Beach by jumping in the ocean.

Mike Posner won't let a near-fatal rattlesnake bite keep him from completing his walk across the U.S. of A. ... because the dude's back on the trail and more determined than ever!!! 9/12/19
CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP
TMZ.com

Not only was it not easy ... it could've killed him. You'll recall ... Mike was bitten by a baby rattlesnake back in August as he made his way across Colorado. After a few days in a hospital, he got back on the horse ... or his feet, albeit with the help of a walker.

Mike had been logging about 24 miles per day, but the snakebite slowed his pace for a while.

Still, he trekked on to complete the journey. He told us way back in April when he started that the deaths of his father and Avicii inspired him to make the trip ... and he hoped to inspire others to achieve their goals.

His personal goal was to reach Cali by October, so he nailed that. If anyone deserves a massage on the beach today ... it's you, Mike!!!

Forrest Gump would be proud.

Justin Trudeau Blackface Protesters on Campaign Trail ... 'We're Aladdin Too!'

Justin Trudeau's blackface scandal is still a hot-button issue as the election for Canada's Prime Minister approaches ... as a couple of demonstrators were happy to remind him.

Trudeau took a road trip Friday in Ontario to meet with voters and hold babies -- including black babies -- as he campaigns for reelection, making stops in Barrie and Whitby.

He was greeted by a group of protesters, at one of his stops, decked out in blackface while holding up the old blackface photos of Trudeau that threw him into a storm of controversy.

The demonstrators also had signs reading, "We're Aladdin Too! Orillia Blackface Club Welcomes Trudeau."

As we've reported ... the Canadian PM has been on the apology tour since a 2001 yearbook photo surfaced showing him in blackface when he was 29 years old. He claimed he was dressed as Aladdin but, after the initial scandal, 2 other instances surfaced where Trudeau wore blackface as part of a costume.

Justin Trudeau
FACING THE CRITICS
New Mom, Who Dis?

Justin's been trying to save face ever since, staging a boxing workout with a famous black fighter and appearing on a kids' show to tell a pair of black twin girls he was sorry.

Looks like he still has some work to do, and quickly ... the election's on Monday.

Shaquille O'Neal Paying for Accessible Home For Family Of Boy Paralyzed In Shooting

Shaquille O'Neal is stepping up and doing an amazing thing for the family of a 12-year-old boy who was paralyzed in a random shooting ... paying for them to live in a handicap accessible home.

12-year-old Isaiah Payton was struck in the spine by a stray bullet when leaving a high school football game in Atlanta on August 17. He was paralyzed from the chest down.

Payton was hospitalized and eventually stabilized -- but doctors would not release him because his family's 1-bedroom apartment was not equipped to handle his special needs.

That's when Shaq stepped in ...

The NBA legend -- along with partners at Papa Johns -- found Payton's family a suitable home in the College Park area and have pledged to take care of the family's finances for a year.

"We’re going to give her some furniture, TVs and pay her rent off for a year and help her get on her feet," Shaq told WXIA-TV.

"I was watching the story and it’s just sad. It could have been any one of us. It could have been my son. It could’ve been your cousin."

As for the shooting, the Atlanta Police Dept. arrested a 15-year-old boy who's being charged with aggravated assault.

El Chapo Son Detained And Released In Mexico After Cartel Holds Soldiers, Cop Hostage

UPDATE

8:56 AM PT -- 10/18 -- Gunmen for the Sinaloa Cartel reportedly held 8 soldiers and 1 police officer hostage demanding the release of El Chapo's son. The government, according to the Wall Street Journal, gave in.

UPDATE

6:30 AM PT -- 10/18 -- El Chapo's son, Ovidio, was reportedly detained, then released in order to protect other lives, as the gunfire raged on between security forces and the suspected members of the Sinaloa Cartel.

One of El Chapo's sons is now being held by Mexican authorities, and a massive shootout is going down in the city where the drug kingpin's offspring was arrested.

According to multiple reports, El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzmán López has been taken into custody in the Mexican city of Culiacán ... and masked gunmen are now trading fire with Mexican security forces.

Ovidio is said to be an active member of El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel. He's reportedly facing charges in the U.S. for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

In video posted on social media by journalists in Mexico, you can see a massive police presence carrying out an apparent operation to bring in Ovidio. There are tons of armed officers on foot, plus trucks and jeeps with mounted weapons following behind.

Folks in the city are also sharing terrifying footage of the aftermath of the arrest ... men riding around the city with machine guns who are NOT part of the Mexican army.

As we've reported ... El Chapo was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. back in July, after being found guilty for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds, international distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drugs and use of firearms.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 10/17 5:26 PM PT