Religion/ Spirituality

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's late friend, Ali Rafiq, collapsed in his parents' house before he was eventually found dead ... TMZ has learned.

Ali's sister, Rabia Rafiq, tells us her mother found Ali on the floor of their St. Louis home Friday afternoon, and she says it appears he had fallen and hit his head on a table.

We're told Ali was found dead on the floor around 4 PM Friday ... about 3 hours after they believe he passed. He had called his father from the house about 4 hours earlier.

Ali's sister says her brother had no known illnesses, other than asthma ... and the family didn't believe that was ever a serious issue for him. We're told there were no signs of foul play, and no indicators as to why he collapsed.

Ali was a big foodie who loved to post pictures of his meals, but his sister says he was not overweight or unhealthy.

The Rafiqs are Muslim and Ali's sister says their religion calls for bodies to be buried ASAP ... so the family buried Ali on Saturday, right after his body was released to the family.

Because Ali died Friday and was buried the next day, we're told Tom did not have a chance to fly out to St. Louis in time for the burial. We're told Tom got to his hometown Sunday and has been spending time with Ali's parents, and visiting the gravesite to say goodbye to his friend.

Ali's sister says Tom's parents attended Saturday's funeral and FaceTimed with Tom so he could feel like he was there ... and Ariana sent flowers.

As we reported ... Ariana looked somber Saturday when she got back into town from her trip to NYC, paying tribute to Ali with a social media post. Tom also shared a remembrance post.

Ali's sister says his death certificate cites "organ failure" as the cause of death, but the family is waiting for toxicology reports to learn what really happened.

New England Patriots player Ty Montgomery is providing a life-changing opportunity to a group of former foster kids this summer ... sending them to Israel for what is being described as a "transformative experience."

TMZ Sports is told -- the wide receiver will send 11 foster care alumni to the Holy Land for a 10-day Jerusalem Encounter tour ... with the intent to give them some guidance right as they adjust to living on their own.

The trip will include a tour of Israel, reading the Bible, and getting a better understanding of the history behind their faith ... something Montgomery did back in 2022.

Of course, the cause means a lot to Montgomery ... whose mother, Lisa, raised foster kids throughout his childhood.

Montgomery spoke about his decision to help out ... saying, "I want to send these people to Israel because God has asked me to, and I believe this experience will transform their lives."

"Those who have been in the foster care system will always hold a special place in my heart. I know the love they need. I saw it firsthand as my mom raised 17 foster youth alongside me."

"What better way to impact the lives of those exiting foster care than providing this experience of a lifetime."

Montgomery is hoping to make the trip an annual thing through his charity My 10 Percent ... and has already gotten financial support from NASCAR stars Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace to help the cause.

WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham -- known for his prowess as a bodybuilder and wrestler -- is on life support ... and his family says his situation is dire.

Graham's wife, Valerie, shared an update on her husband's status Monday ... saying, "Please urgent prayers needed for my husband. The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight. I refused."

"He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope."

According to a GoFundMe page for the WWE legend, the 79-year-old is dealing with a "myriad of very serious health issues" and has been in the ICU for over three weeks.

The once iconic bodybuilder is suffering from a significant infection in his ears and skull, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hearing loss. His family said he's also recently lost 45 pounds.

Born Eldrige Wayne Coleman, Graham rose to prominence wrestling for American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.

In 2004, WWE inducted Graham -- who mentored the likes of Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Scott Steiner, and Ric Flair -- into its Hall of Fame.

Graham's family is asking people to donate to his GoFundMe ... as medical bills for the former champ continue to mount.

Kanye West has lost his appeal with a lot of people and companies ... but that doesn't mean he's stopped creating, as evidenced in a recent trademark filing.

Ye's Mascotte Holdings Inc. recently filed for "YZY SOCK SHOES." The documents, obtained by TMZ, were submitted May 4 -- and while there's not a whole lot of detail -- there is an identification that reads, "Socks; socks with leather soles."

Of course, Kanye's no stranger to shoe design ... and he was actually spotted wearing what appeared to be a sock shoe-type design back in 2019, so it's possible he's bringing the product to the masses.

As for a retail partner, that's where Ye might have some troubles ... as you know, Adidas cut ties with him after his countless attacks on Jewish people and his praise of Hitler.

He could always sell through his Yeezy brand, but it's currently unknown what sort of infrastructure still remains behind the scenes of the company.

Xavier president Colleen Hanycz went in on West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins for his use of homophobic slurs earlier this week ... calling his comments "repulsive" and "offensive."

Hanycz addressed Huggins' controversial radio remarks about Xavier fans during a speech at a school event on Wednesday ... and she didn't hold back.

"The deplorable, mischaracterization, and homophobic slurs directed towards our LGBTQ+ and our Catholic communities were repulsive and offensive," Hanycz said on campus.

"To those in our Xavier family who were directly targeted and harmed by these hateful words, be assured you are invaluable members of our Xavier family, and you belong here. Your presence makes us better."

Huggins found himself in hot water on Monday after he referred to Xavier fans as "Catholic f**s." The 69-year-old ultimately apologized to the Xavier, Cincinnati and West Virginia communities ... saying he was "ashamed" and "embarrassed."

Huggins -- who was reportedly handed a suspension and $1 million salary reduction by WVU as punishment -- said he was "heartbroken" over the hurt he caused by his words, and vowed to do better moving forward.

College basketball coaching legend Bob Huggins stuck his foot firmly in his mouth during a radio appearance on Monday morning ... using a homophobic slur not once -- but twice -- on the show.

Huggins, who's been the men's basketball head coach at West Virginia since 2007, dropped the offensive remarks while talking with Bill Cunningham about Xavier on the radio personality's 700 WLW show in Cincinnati.

Bill brought up the NCAA transfer portal with Huggins -- and asked if he had "poached any Xavier guys to come to play for West Virginia?"

Huggins responded that "Catholics don't do that" -- before he added, "Any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God they can get away with anything."

Huggins seemed to be referencing an incident that happened when he was coaching for the Cincinnati Bearcats against the Musketeers in a Crosstown Shootout rivalry game prior to his time at WVU.

"I think it was transgender night wasn’t it?" Cunningham said ... before Huggins responded, "No, what it was, was all those f**s. Those Catholic f**s I think."

"They were envious they didn't have one."

Huggins coached at UC from 1989 to 2005. He had a brief stint as Kansas State's head coach from 2006 to 2007 before he joined the Mountaineers. In his career, he's earned 934 wins -- the eighth-most all-time -- and made two Final Fours.

Last season, he helped lead WVU to the NCAA tournament but lost in the first round to Maryland.

West Virginia has yet to comment on the coach's interview. Xavier has not yet either.

Brandon T. Jackson is sending up prayers for his friend Jamie Foxx, saying JF's hospitalization ... coupled with the pressure on comedians is starting to scare him.

We caught up with the actor/comedian Wednesday at LAX, and he offered up some words of encouragement to Jamie following the mysterious health condition that's landed him in a hospital for more than 3 weeks.

Brandon spoke directly to Jaimie, saying, "I love you. My prayers are with you and your family" ... and he actually took a moment to pray on camera.

He added, as a fellow comedian, he wants folks to understand the fast-paced lifestyle of the industry ... something that's starting to frighten him.

Of course, Jamie's ailment remains a total mystery and there's no word what he's battling or what caused it. Still, BTJ says it's important for entertainers to take care of themselves with healthy doses of sleep and moderation.

As we reported, Jamie suffered what his family called a "medical emergency" on April 12, and has remained in the hospital. He finally broke his silence Wednesday with an IG post, saying ..."Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed."

Jamie Foxx remains hospitalized more than 3 weeks after suffering a medical emergency, and those closest to him say he needs all the prayers and well-wishes his fans can muster.

While his exact condition remains secret -- tightly guarded by his family -- we've spoken with sources close to Jamie who echo the same plea -- "Pray for Jamie."

It was April 12 when Foxx's daughter, Corinne, announced her father suffered a "medical complication."

Jamie is one of the most prolific players in Hollywood, and his condition has sent studios scrambling.

Jamie has been the host of the hugely popular "Beat Shazam" music lyric game show on FOX, which was going into production just days after he was hospitalized.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Jamie will not be on this season of "Beat Shazam." We're told filming starts today, with a new host. We're also told Corinne, who DJs on the show, will not be on as well -- she's been a fixture at the hospital in Atlanta by her dad's side.

As we reported, Jamie was in Atlanta for work on the film "Back in Action" when he fell ill, a stunt double and body double have been seen filling in for Jamie for that project.

Michael Blackson is rejecting Desiigner's "mental health" apology/explanation for his recent indecent exposure charges -- instead, he thinks it's simply a sign American culture is too soft!

On Tuesday, Desiigner posted a video of himself bumping a new tune while claiming he was moments from checking himself into a treatment facility as the aftermath of his bizarre Delta flight unfolds.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story, Desiigner is charged with indecent exposure for masturbating in plain sight of multiple flight attendants during a flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis. The FBI says he was even armed with a jar of Vaseline.

Michael thinks Desiigner used mental health as a cop-out for his horniness after he got busted and compared American culture to his native homeland of Africa ... a place he says everything gets blamed on the devil!!!

We recently spoke to G Perico, who doesn't have a dog in the fight in the convo, but unlike Michael, says he can see obvious mental health issues in Desiigner's sitch and wished him well.

Ex-NBA player Matt Barnes is gunning for office by the time he's 50 ... and one politician is here to tell him how to make it happen -- former Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa!!

As we previously reported, the 2017 champion shared his intentions on Rachel Uchitel's 'Miss Understood' podcast last month ... saying he'd love to make a difference as an elected official like mayor or governor.

Of course, Villaraigosa knows a thing or two about the former -- he held office from 2005-13 -- and Barnes better listen up, 'cause he's droppin' some nuggets on how to get started.

"Get involved -- get involved in your church, get involved in your community and your kids' schools," Villaraigosa said.

"Get involved in trying to get people to vote. Get involved around an issue."

As for Barnes' reputation as an enforcer during his playing days, Villaraigosa says it shouldn't be an issue -- 'cause those in politics are generally forgiving people.

Robert Kraft and Meek Mill are teaming up once again ... the rapper and the Patriots owner attended a march in Poland on Tuesday, honoring victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

Kraft and Mill participated in the 35th annual "March of the Living," a 3-Kilometer event commemorating the lives lost in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Kraft -- who in 2019 started his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism -- reportedly lit one of six torches commemorating the 6 million people who died during the Holocaust.

The march covered the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II, and included students, survivors and educators.

Kraft and Mill have grown closer over the years ... the 81-year-old billionaire advocated for Meek's release from prison in 2018 after the Philly MC felt he was unfairly sentenced.

When Meek teamed up with business mogul and hip-hop icon Jay-Z on criminal justice reform in 2019, Kraft joined the alliance alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin.

RK's foundation recently launched a $25 million national campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate, to stop hateful acts directed toward Jewish people.

"I love this country, and we're at a danger point, I'm sorry to say," Kraft told WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben in an interview. "I've never seen the hatred and bigotry that's going on."

Doja Cat was in an upbeat, trolling mood Monday when she gave her followers the tiniest music preview imaginable of her upcoming rap album.

A giggling Doja went live on IG and breezed through 25 tracks ... but only played 2-second snippets of each song, barely giving the opening chords time to breathe and never letting a beat fully drop.

It might sound like a torturous exercise, but her audience ate it up anyway ... as did Rich The Kid, who's dying to guest on the album!!!

The song array sounded diverse, indeed, but fans won't be able to know for sure until she pops the lid off the project ... which is tentatively being called "Hellmouth."

Doja also addressed her new tattoo of a half-female, half-mythological creature, and after seeing pics, many fans are labeling it demonic.

The portrait actually comes from Italian physician Fortunio Liceti’s 1616 artwork "De Monstris" a.k.a. "monsters" and Doja explained most of her tats are simply an appreciation of the art and have no real meaning to her.

Famous Dex is looking like a changed man these days ... and he swears he feels just as great now that he's been clean for nearly a year!!!

The "JAPAN" rapper linked with TMZ Hip Hop Wednesday at LAX, and he gleefully shared the good news he was indeed healthy, drug-free for 11 months and couldn't be any happier ... ankle monitor and all.

Dex even removed his stunna shades to show fans how clear his eyes had gotten -- a complete 180° from last September when we broke the news he reentered rehab following a stint in jail.

Dex's health isn't the only thing on the up ... he recently disclosed he re-signed with 300 Entertainment for several million dollars and tells us "Rich Forever 5" -- his long-running album series with Rich The Kid and Jay Critch -- is up next!!!!

It's been several years since Dex dropped a project, but he's been warming up ... recently connecting with his homie Warhol.SS for their "Wave Bros Pt. 2" duet.

He also shared a message to any fans also battling addiction: "Keep God first, never forget where you come from and stay humble."

Comedian and former 'SNL' star Victoria Jackson felt the need to drop a TON of white-hot homophobic takes at a local city council meeting -- going off on an obscure tangent about homosexuality before, ironically, calling on people to avoid getting brainwashed.

Citizens of Franklin, Tennessee got their chance to speak at a city meeting Tuesday ... which at one point focused on whether or not the city would hold a Gay Pride Parade this year.

When it's Victoria's turn to take the mic, though ... she starts by bluntly saying God hates homosexuality, among other things -- calling it "an abomination."

She goes on to say God also despises pride, reading a verse from the Bible as proof. Obviously, that word was used as the motto for the LGBTQ+ alliance long after any of that was ever written.

While it might feel shocking, this isn't uncommon for Victoria -- she's been going on homophobic rants for a while now, including in 2011 when she called "Glee" disgusting after they showed 2 men sharing an on-screen kiss.

Since then, most forgot about her 6-year run on 'SNL' -- she instead was known as the self-proclaimed conservative Christian that would bash homosexuality.

Cardi B couldn't contain her disgust after seeing the clip of the Dalai Lama asking a young boy, "suck my tongue" -- and even though her criticism made some people go after Cardi, she's not backing down.

An irate Cardi ripped child "predators" Monday, and urged parents to always know what's going on in their kids' lives.

Some fans agreed with Cardi's take on the odd video -- showing the Dalai interacting with a young boy during a public appearance -- but others brought up a shady moment from her pre-stardom past.

You might recall, Cardi admitted drugging and robbing men back in her strip club days.

She addressed the haters, head-on, saying those dudes were adult, drunk lowlifes who attempted to take advantage of her and she just happened to get the upper hand.

Unlike Cardi, the Dalai Lama's office is apologizing for the incident -- from February, BTW -- saying he "teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras."

Doesn't seem like the "Bodak Yellow" rapper is buying what the Dalai's selling.

The Dalai Lama, in all his wisdom, is rolling out a much-needed apology ... after getting dragged online for bizarrely asking a child to suck his tongue at a recent event.

That's right, the religious leader is saying sorry after his problematic request at the city of Dharamshala in February, with his office issuing a statement saying he's apologizing "to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused." Words, not actions, BTW.

His people say DL "teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras" ... but many online have called BS on any playfulness going on here.

The whole thing was caught on video -- the boy kindly asks if he can hug the 87-year-old, but it quickly becomes an uncomfortable watch. The Dalai follows it up with a kiss on the lips -- which you'd think is as bad as it could get ... that is until he asks the boy to "suck my tongue."

This isn't the first time the Nobel Peace Prize winner has faced controversy -- he apologized back in 2019 after talking about the possibility of a female Dalai Lama succeeding him ... saying she "should be more attractive."

Some online have called for him to be stripped of his title, but it doesn't look like a change is coming this time around.

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