Reality TV

A United 767 scheduled to take off from JFK Airport on September 11, 2001, could have been the 5th plane targeted by hijackers ... this according to the flight attendants and the pilot on that plane. TMZ will present the story of United 23 Monday on FOX at 9 PM ET.

TMZ has conducted a 6-month investigation into United Flight 23 -- scheduled to leave JFK at 9 AM ... bound for Los Angeles. We interviewed 3 flight attendants, the pilot, the United dispatcher, a member of the 9/11 Commission and others about a series of suspicious activities on the plane ... suspicious enough for the FBI to get involved.

Four passengers in first class aroused suspicion shortly after they boarded. The flight attendants say one of the passengers was a man disguised as a woman. The purser [first class flight attendant] tells us those passengers did not eat meat, and there were only 2 fruit plates in the galley. She wanted to get more fruit plates so the passengers could eat, and it triggered a heated argument ... with one of the passengers insisting, "We do not want to eat. We don't need food. We want to take off ... We just want to go."

There were other reasons the flight attendants were suspicious of the 4 passengers in first, along with 2 others in business class.

The plane taxied to the runway and was close to taking off when the World Trade Center was hit and the airport shut down. United 23 went back to the gate and was evacuated -- the plane was empty and locked. Twenty minutes later, people on the ground saw 2 uniformed people running in United 23's passenger cabin. Authorities came a short time later, opened the door and found the hatch -- that led from the belly of the plane to the cabin -- was open.

The pilot believes those 2 people may have been there to remove weapons or other incriminating evidence. We don't know what was removed from Flight 23, but we do know someone put box cutters in the first-class seat pockets in the plane parked next to United 23 ... a plane that was not scheduled to take off at that time. The United 23 pilot believes those boxcutters were intended to be on his flight but someone confused the 2 planes.

The FBI interviewed the flight attendants later that day and even took them to a lineup at the Port Authority to see if they could ID the 4 passengers.

"Vanderpump Rules" star Ariana Madix has every reason to hide away and feel sorry for herself, but she's doing the exact opposite ... with a big smile and new hairstyle to show off.

Madix was spotted in Los Angeles Thursday, grinning from ear to ear and sporting a lighter hair color as she waved to cameras before meeting up with a friend.

It's not the first time we've seen Ariana since we broke the news of her split with Tom Sandoval after discovering he'd cheated with Raquel Leviss -- she was recently celebrating a friend's wedding down in Mexico ... but she does genuinely look happy in these pics.

Earlier this week, Ariana broke her silence publicly on the "Scandoval," thanking everyone for the "outpouring of love and support i have received from friends, family, and people i’ve never even met in the last two weeks."

She continued, "to say i have been devastated and broken is an understatement." Finally, issuing a warning with, "What doesn't kill me better run."

The show's cast is gearing up to film what's sure to be a wild reunion in the coming weeks, TMZ broke the story, Raquel recently opened up talks with show producers to figure out whether or not she'll participate in the reunion.

Tyra Banks is hanging up her ballroom outfits, and slipping into serious business attire ... she's calling it quits at "Dancing with the Stars" to pursue her passion as an entrepreneur.

We got the supermodel Thursday on her way out of Whole Foods in Santa Monica when she dropped the bombshell about ending her time at 'DWTS' -- the show she's hosted since 2020.

TB recently launched her SMiZE & Dream ice cream internationally, but now she's focused on bringing it to the U.S. soon -- she says her heart and her soul are in business, and had some proof in her shopping cart.

She showed us the goods she just bought to do some taste testing for future ice cream flavors. Like the woman said, she's dead serious about research and development!

Of course, Tyra's been a fixture on TV for years, from "America's Next Top Model" to "The Tyra Banks Show" and more. She says she'll work on TV in the future, but it'll be more on the side of producing, not hosting.

"Vanderpump Rules" fans hoping to see behind-the-scenes drama from Raquel Leviss' perspective on the cheating scandal might be disappointed -- so far, she's barely speaking on camera ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to production tell TMZ ... show honchos scrambled to get camera crews together once we broke the news of the split and the drama that followed. They'd already wrapped for this season, but the new goal is to edit the so-called "Scandoval" into later episodes.

While we know Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix have been filming, including a scene they shot together in the hours after she found out he was cheating with Raquel ... it hasn't been that way with Raquel.

Our sources say she's only filmed one scene since the drama broke, a scene with Tom at her apartment in North Hollywood. Since then she's been staying with family members in hopes things would die down.

TMZ broke the story ... up until this week, Raquel had ignored show producers about attending the reunion episode set to film later this month. However, that recently changed, and our sources say she's become more open to participating in the reunion and telling her side.

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott want to make their son's name change official in the eyes of the law ... TMZ has learned.

The famous parents filed new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, asking to switch the kiddo's name from Wolf Jacques Webster to Aire Webster.

The docs say Kylie and Travis are both on board with the change ... and they both signed the petition, which is now making its way through the courts.

In the docs, Kylie and Travis say they "regret the initial name choice of Wolf Jacques Webster. Now that Petitioners have had the chance to spend time with their baby, they believe the name Aire Webster is a better fit."

Remember ... Kylie and Travis announced in March 2022 they were scrapping their boy's original name, Wolf, because they felt like it didn't suit him. He had only been born a few weeks prior to the change of heart.

In January, a few weeks before the boy was set to celebrate his first birthday, Kylie revealed his new name, Aire. The name is of Hebrew origin and it reportedly means "Lion of God."

Kylie and Travis' first child is named Stormi ... so Aire fits in with his older sister's name.

L.A.'s new "mansion tax" is about to go into effect, forcing sellers to cough up a ton of cash if their property sells for at least $5 million ... and Josh Altman is one of many real estate agents who think it's absurd.

Josh joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live," and immediately dumped on measure ULA ... calling it "the dumbest tax ever put through in the history of Los Angeles." Passed on the ballot last November, it slaps a 4 percent tax on homes selling for $5 mil and up, and 5.5 percent on those selling above $10M.

Josh points out the ridiculous ways agents would have to work around the taxes if they wanted to, including listing it for cheaper than its actual value ... just to dodge the additional tax.

The selling point to voters who supported the tax was the funds would go toward battling the homeless crisis in L.A. by developing more affordable housing -- it's projected to bring in $1B annually.

Josh tells us he's all for helping the unhoused, but just doesn't believe they'll get a dime from the new taxes.

Ariana Madix is finally speaking out since calling things off with Tom Sandoval after discovering he'd been having an affair with Raquel Leviss ... and she's leaving an ominous warning -- for Tom.

The "Vanderpump Rules" star shared her thoughts Wednesday night -- first, thanking everyone for the "outpouring of love and support i have received from friends, family, and people i’ve never even met in the last two weeks."

She goes on to call this time in her life her darkest hours, adding "to say i have been devastated and broken is an understatement" ... but she's grateful to have a killer support system as she trudges through it.

She ends with a clear warning -- "What doesn't kill me better run" ... which almost undeniably suggests payback.

It's been a whirlwind in the 'VR' family for a couple weeks -- Tom and Raquel have already apologized for the cheating scandal, and Ariana escaped the noise by going to Mexico.

"Vanderpump Rules" fans are salivating at the thought of Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss all coming face-to-face for the show's reunion ... but TMZ has learned Raquel has major reservations about joining.

Sources close to production tell us Raquel iced out 'VR' honchos most of last week, and was telling people close to her she had no plans of participating in the reunion taping ... in-person or remotely.

However, we're told things started warming this week, and she's started talks with producers about appearing ... and doing so in person, no less.

Of course, there is one small hurdle -- Raquel currently has a restraining order against fellow cast member Scheana Shay, but we're told the network is willing to work that out to ensure everything happens without violating the order.

Obviously, having Raquel at the reunion would be much more than a small victory for Bravo ... it's the whole ball game as her presence is what fans are dying to see. It'll be interesting if they're forced to push Shay out to ensure Raquel's on board.

TMZ broke the story ... Raquel accused Scheana of punching her after finding out she and Tom cheated on Ariana. Raquel's temporary restraining order is good until at least the end of the month when the case will be heard in court.

Scheana's attorney, Neama Rahmani, told us, "This case is a fabrication by a known liar and a cheat who has betrayed everyone close to her. Scheana never punched Rachel (Raquel), period."

As for Ariana, she recently landed back in L.A. with a friend after they attended a wedding down in Mexico. We know she's shot at least one scene with Tom since we broke the news of the split.

While Bravo hasn't yet announced a specific date to shoot the reunion, our sources say it's supposed to happen at some point next week in Los Angeles.

On Wednesday's episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Andy Cohen assured the audience there would be a 'Vanderpump' reunion.

Damar Hamlin's appearance on "The Masked Singer" was a powerful moment for those in attendance ... with judge Ken Jeong freaking out at the sight of the Bills safety!!

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Damar and his little brother, Damir, were guests at "The Masked Singer" last month ... the NFLer's first public outing after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football on Jan. 2.

The full clip of Hamlin's cameo during the show's "Sesame Street Night" episode has now been released via People ... showing Damir -- a big fan of Big Bird and Co. -- talking with Elmo before introducing Damar, who walked onstage and waved to the crowd.

The video shows just how incredible the segment was for everyone involved -- especially Jeong, who could not contain his excitement.

"I'm just so glad you're here, but more importantly, I'm just so glad you're healthy," Jeong said in the video. "The whole world loves you."

Damar explained to host Nick Cannon why he decided to attend the taping ... saying, "Mainly because my brother. That's my world. I put family first and he loves Sesame Street more than most things. So we had to make it tonight."

Kyle Chrisley was ready to stab his boss with a knife before he got arrested -- at least according to police in Tennessee, who say the alleged victim claimed as much.

In the arrest warrant, obtained by TMZ, a Smyrna PD officer details the call for service he got ahead of Tuesday's aggravated assault arrest. According to the police narrative, the employer claimed Chrisley made a death threat while allegedly beating down his boss. The officer notes the boss was left battered and bruised.

The paperwork spells it out clear as day ... the boss told Smyrna PD Kyle had whooped on Deven Campbell Monday by striking him multiple times in the face and upper body. There's no mention of motive, or what prompted the fight, in the brief report.

Chrisley's employer also told the officer ... Kyle displayed a fixed-blade knife during the altercation, and threatened to stab and kill him. The cop says there were bruises and lacerations to Campbell's head, neck and hand -- which was enough for cops to get a warrant for Chrisley's arrest. They nabbed him Tuesday and hauled him off to jail.

"Vanderpump Rules" star Katie Maloney is CLEARLY taking Ariana Madix's side in all the Scandoval drama ... she's dragging Raquel Leviss for having an affair with Tom Sandoval.

Katie let Raquel have it on Wednesday's episode of Lala Kent's podcast, "Give Them Lala" -- saying she can "confidently say "f*** you" to her costar for what she did to Ariana.

They talk about having treated Raquel with respect -- something Raquel never appreciated -- and now they're reveling in the fact Raquel is getting what she deserved all along.

Katie -- who co-created the sandwich shop, Something About Her, with Ariana -- was once married to Tom's business partner, Tom Schwartz. TMZ broke the story ... the 2 got divorced last year, with her claiming he never really respected her.

Katie says she's now seeing some glaring similarities between her past relationship with Schwartz and Ariana's with Sandoval ... and Lala clearly agrees.

Georgina Rodriguez is opening up on the death of her and Cristiano Ronaldo's twin baby boy ... breaking down in tears as she relived the tragedy.

"This year I had the best and the worst moment of my life in an instant," the 29-year-old said in a trailer for her Netflix show released on Wednesday.

Rodriguez was overcome with emotion as she discussed the aftermath of the devastating experience that impacted their family last April ... saying, "Life is hard. Life goes on."

"I have reasons to move on and be strong."

The clip shows the soccer superstar with their newborn baby, Bella Esmeralda ... and Rodriguez said he was a rock for her as they did their best to return to normalcy.

"Cris really encouraged me to continue with my agenda," Rodriguez added. "He said, 'Gio, get on with life. It'll do you good.'"

"My priority right now is my family and my children," she said. "I'm so happy and thankful."

"Selling Sunset" is getting an upgrade ... the real estate office from the Netflix show is carving out a bigger footprint, and taking over the space next door.

Our sources tell us The Oppenheim Group's flagship office in West Hollywood -- where the streaming series shoots all the office banter -- is expanding, and construction is already underway.

As you can see, scaffolding is up in front of the office building adjacent to the current "Selling Sunset" HQ ... and we're told the Oppenheim bros are taking over the property and knocking down a wall to make the current office bigger.

Tourists and locals driving past the office, which sits on the Sunset Strip, might have noticed a ton of activity there this week ... with movers and construction crews hard at work.

Office supplies are being boxed up and carried out. but we're told it's just to clear the space for the renovations and expansion.

It appears new signage may be part of the office facelift ... the current sign has vanished, at least for now.

We also got "Selling Sunset" star Romain Bonnet at Sunset Plaza and asked him about the expansion .... and he told us he's helping oversee construction on the new and improved office.

Remember, Romain's a project manager on the show and is also married to another cast member, Mary Fitzgerald.

The Oppenheim Group office has been the backdrop of the hit Netflix series for all of its 5 seasons ... and it's since become a tourist attraction.

"The Real Housewives of Miami" star Alexia Echevarria tells us she still isn't on speaking terms with her costar Adriana de Moura, after comparing her foot injury to Alexia's son's near-fatal car crash ... but she's still holding out hope the relationship can be repaired.

We got Alexia and her hubby Todd Nepola outside Il Pastaio in Bev Hills and she says Adriana hasn't reached out to her after filming their explosive reunion -- she was hoping she'd hear something from her costar.

Fans of the show know Adriana messed up her foot after castmates Guerdy Abraira and Kiki Barth fell on top of it on their Bahamas cast trip this season, and Adriana compared her foot injury to what Alexia's son Frankie faced in 2011.

Frankie was in a friend's car when they got into a serious crash ... resulting in permanent brain damage. Needless to say, the two events are not even close to comparable.

Adriana already attempted to repair the relationship a couple times on the show this season ... but Alexia still hasn't accepted an apology.

Todd Chrisley's son, Kyle Chrisley, has serious legal trouble of his own -- although, his resulted in much less time behind bars -- so far, at least.

A rep for the Rutherford County Jail in Tennessee tells TMZ ... Kyle was arrested and booked for felony aggravated assault Tuesday, and was released after posting a $3,000 bond. We're told he was busted by Smyrna PD ... and looked none too pleased in his mug shot.

We're still working on details about what landed him in jail.

Kyle's arrest comes 2 months after his father started doing time in federal prison for bank fraud and tax evasion.

Todd is serving a 12-year sentence, while his wife, Julie, is doing 7 years.

Things have been tense between Todd and Kyle over the years ... with the former gaining custody of Kyle's daughter, Chloe. Kyle accused his father of using her for TV ratings, and for a while, things were nasty between them on "Chrisley Knows Best."

However, Kyle's said they mended fences, and he's asked the public not to judge.

We've reached out to cops for a report regarding Kyle's arrest ... so far, no word back.

Ariana Madix is back in L.A. after a weekend of cutting loose in Mexico ... and she's super tight with a male friend, but we're told it's not what you think.

AM was at LAX Monday with the guy who was her plus 1 for the wedding she attended in Oaxaca, Mexico -- and they seem to be getting along well with each other, hugging quite a bit while waiting for their ride.

However, a source close to Ariana tells TMZ ... the man she traveled out of the country with is just one of her best friends. No rebound here, folks.

TMZ broke the story ... Tom Sandoval was invited to the wedding too, but couldn't go due to a prior commitment -- and his decision was made before his cheating came to light. With Tom out, it seems her BFF stepped in to take his place.

FYI -- Ariana was looking as happy as she could be over the weekend in Mexico ... dancin' up a storm and giving off tons of good energy.