U. of Wyoming Sorority Sisters' Transgender Suit Tossed Judge Won't Define Woman

Sorority sisters who were trying to have a transgender woman booted from their org just got gut-checked in court -- 'cause a judge tossed their lawsuit -- saying the court had no business telling the sorority how to define "woman."

U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson dismissed the complaint filed by 7 members of the University of Wyoming's Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter -- who sued their own sorority earlier this year for allowing 21-year-old Artemis Langford, who's trans, to join their ranks in recent months.

The reason, per court docs obtained by TMZ ... the court says it has no right to intrude on how the chapter defined "woman" for the purposes of admitting prospective members. The judge found Kappa Kappa Gamma clearly felt Langford was qualified to join when it voted her in ... and going back to disqualify that now is out of bounds.

Judge Johnson breaks it down like this ... "The delegate of a private, voluntary organization interpreted ‘woman,’ otherwise undefined in the nonprofit’s bylaws, expansively; this Judge may not invade Kappa Kappa Gamma’s freedom of expressive association and inject the circumscribed definition Plaintiffs urge."

In other words, the judge is saying this is an issue Kappa Kappa Gamma dealt with in-house -- and it was inappropriate for a court to interfere.

As for how Langford feels about this latest development ... her attorney, Rachel Berkness, told AP the claims never should've made it into a legal filing to begin with -- so, it sounds like her client is happy.

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"YOU'RE NOT A WOMAN!"
Fox News

The sorority sisters who brought this before hizzoner alleged Langford -- who's described as 6'2" and 260 lbs., and with male genitalia -- would get sexually aroused around the women within the house. The sisters claimed they were living in constant fear with her around.

Caitlyn Jenner chimed on in this case, siding with the sorority sisters suing ... saying Langford wasn't a "true trans" woman.

Lizzo Intends To Sue Backup Dancers ... My Accusers Took Photos With Topless Dancers

Lizzo's got plans to sue the same backup dancers who are taking her to court ... and new photos appear to show her accusers having a great time backstage following some nude entertainment in Paris, about a month after the infamous banana incident in Amsterdam.

Lizzo's attorney, Marty Singer, tells TMZ ... newly surfaced photos show Lizzo's accusers "happily carousing" and "gleefully reveling" backstage with the performers from a topless cabaret show in Paris during Lizzo's tour.

Singer says the photos are from March 5, which is about a month after the infamous February visit to Bananenbar in Amsterdam. Remember, in their suit, Lizzo's accusers claim she pressured them to eat bananas from performers' vaginas.

Lizzo's accusers -- Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez -- also claim they were essentially forced to go to the Paris topless show, but her attorney says that contradicts the photos ... he says they're "happily cavorting backstage" with the topless dancers, who are the ones in the colorful wigs.

Singer says Lizzo's accusers chose to re-up with Lizzo a few weeks after the Paris show and return for the third leg of her tour.

What's more, one month after the Paris backstage visit, Lizzo accuser Arianna Davis gushed over Lizzo in an audition tape ... saying, "It's been so amazing and such a beautiful journey. I look up to her so much. I just want to follow in her footsteps, and I just want to share that with the Queen Lizzo herself."

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LOVE FOR LIZZO

Singer says after we first reported on Davis' audition tape "she tried to explain away her glowing comments about Lizzo by claiming the 'bulk' of her accusations were based on things that happened later" ... but he says, "That excuse is completely contradicted by the facts, including by these images."

The attorney for the accusers, Neama Rahmani, tells us of the smiling pic, "Of course, they wanted to keep their jobs. They had bills to pay just like everyone else but they finally had enough of the abuse. We stand by every claim in the lawsuit and look forward to trial."

Rahmani continues, "We’ve been hearing from other former employees sharing similar stories, and as seen in the Los Angeles Times article today about how Lizzo used intimate footage of her dancers without their approval in the 2022 HBO Max ‘Love Lizzo’ documentary, we’re seeing even more of a pattern of just how much Lizzo thinks of those who work for her. Clearly, not very much.”

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BUSY & UNBOTHERED
SplashNews.com

Lizzo was spotted in public Monday for the first time since being sued, and she said she was doing just fine and working on new music.

Her attorney says he has other "substantial evidence" in addition to the photos and videos that "prove the glaring contradictions between what the plaintiffs claim in their bogus lawsuit and what is actually proven by the facts."

Lizzo's lawyer is ripping the lawsuit as a "sham" ... and he tells us she intends to sue for malicious prosecution after she wins the backup dancers' suit.

Cardi B Your Fake Offset Cheating Claims 'Bout to Get You a REAL Lawsuit

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MAKING AN EXAMPLE

Cardi B is threatening to take legal action against a Twitter user who's been spreading claims that Offset cheated behind his wife's back!!!

On Monday evening, Cardi reacted viciously to a video posted Sunday by Twitter user @ayywalker -- who, by all accounts appears to be dedicated to Nicki Minaj.

Cardi scolded the fan for posting clearly fake images and AI audio of Offset, but also claimed to have the fan's father's personal information ... and planned on following through with legal action in order to make an example out of them!!!

The @ayywalker's post featured a purported photo of Offset, along with a fake voice memo attempting to set up a sneaky link with a woman behind Cardi’s back.

They included the caption, "Offset has allegedly cheated on Cardi B once again. How embarrassing” … effectively getting Cardi’s attention, who only found humor in the potential lawsuit she was filing.

There's precedent for Cardi filing this kind of lawsuit, especially because @ayywalker's defense for making the claim is "the streets" are saying it's true. Someone should tell them that's exactly how Tasha K got slapped with a $4 million judgment.

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ZERO TOLERANCE FOR TROLLS
TMZ.com

Cardi's not messing around with internet trolls!!!

Gilgo Beach Murders Ex-Suffolk Co. Police Chief Arrested Attempting to Solicit Sexual Act

UPDATE

2:45 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources in Suffolk Co. tell us James Burke allegedly exposed his penis to a plain-clothed male park ranger around 10 AM Tuesday, and while touching himself, discussed oral sex with the ranger.

UPDATE

11:04 AM PT -- In all, Burke's been charged with attempting to solicit a sexual act, public lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal solicitation.

James Burke -- the former Suffolk County Police Chief heavily criticized for derailing the Gilgo Beach murders investigation due to his ties to sex workers -- has been arrested for attempting to solicit a sex act.

The Tuesday morning arrest at Suffolk County's Vietnam War Memorial is remarkable because Burke was known to frequent sex workers back when he was Chief in the Long Island, NY community -- from 2012 to 2015 -- and many believe that's why he bungled the investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders ... as all the victims were sex workers.

Burke was previously arrested in 2015 for beating up a suspect in custody, and he was eventually convicted and served 46 months in prison.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Burke's mishandling of the case is just one of several failings we uncovered in the documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" ... streaming now on Hulu.

As we've reported, Rex Heuermann has been arrested and charged with 3 of the Gilgo murders, and he's the prime suspect in a 4th.

A total of 11 bodies have been uncovered on the Long Island beachfront.

Originally Published -- 10:33 AM PT

Lizzo I'm Doing Just Fine, Making Music ... First Sighting Since Lawsuit

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BUSY & UNBOTHERED
SplashNews.com

Lizzo looks and sounds unbothered by the lawsuit hanging over her head ... possibly using all the controversy as inspiration to create new art.

The "Truth Hurts" singer was spotted Monday for the first time since being sued by three of her former backup dancers who claim she sexually harassed them. Photogs asked her how she's been holding up in the face of the lawsuit.

Lizzo says she's doing good, and she was all smiles as she strolled into a recording studio in Hollywood. Her only other message ... new music is coming.

It's the first time we've heard Lizzo on camera since being sued ... she previously blasted the lawsuit in a statement, chalking it up to "sensationalized stories."

Lizzo said the days following the suit were "gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing" ... but now she seems at ease, at least publicly.

Remember ... Lizzo is being sued by a trio of former backup dancers, who claim she subjected them to nude entertainment shows in Amsterdam and Paris on tour earlier this year, claiming Lizzo pressured them to interact with the nude dancers despite their discomfort.

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WHAT WE WENT THROUGH
TMZ.com

Two of Lizzo's accusers, Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, previously joined us on "TMZ Live" and told us what it was like for them working under Lizzo ... alleging all of her backup dancers work in fear of losing their jobs if they don't go along with her demands.

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LOVING AMSTERDAM
Youtube / @3FMGemist

Lizzo's not letting the suit keep her out of the studio, though ... and it will be interesting to see if she references it in an upcoming song.

Xavien Howard Slams Sex Video Accuser ... You Attempted To Shake Me Down!!!

Xavien Howard says the woman who accused him of filming sex acts with her without her consent attempted to shake him down for a ton of cash before going public with her allegations.

The Miami Dolphins star made the claim in a motion to dismiss his accuser's lawsuit on Monday ... alleging the woman -- ID'ed only as Jane Doe -- sought "presumably millions of dollars" from him prior to filing her suit in Florida in the spring.

In the court filing, Howard also said the woman's suit should be thrown out immediately for a multitude of reasons -- including Doe's insistence on remaining anonymous.

As we previously reported, the woman filed the suit against Howard in May ... alleging he had not only videotaped sex with her without her knowing -- but he then distributed the footage to at least one other person.

In her suit, she said she found out about it all because a woman had sent her the clips after claiming Howard had messaged them in an effort "to make her mad because she didn't want to have sex with him."

The woman sued Howard for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress -- and asked for damages.

In his motion Monday, however, Howard also argued that Doe didn't meet Florida legal standards for either of her claims.

"Her anonymous lawsuit is not compliant with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, wildly at odds with due process, and further creates the practical problem of one-sidedly prejudicing the public and potential jury pool," Howard's attorney, Brad Sohn, wrote in the docs.

Howard -- a Pro Bowler last season -- is currently in training camp with the Dolphins ... and is expected to have another huge role on Miami's defense this season.

Wander Franco Placed On Leave ... Amid Investigation Into Relationships With Minors

It appears MLB star Wander Franco won't be taking the baseball field anytime soon -- the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop has been placed on administrative leave as the league investigates claims he had inappropriate relationships with underage girls.

Franco -- who was previously on the Rays' restricted list -- is currently under police investigation in his native Dominican Republic ... after the allegations made on social media went viral.

"Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Wander Franco has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation," MLB announced Tuesday.

"The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy."

22-year-old Franco last played on Aug. 12 ... and did not travel with the team during its road trip against the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels.

He will be able to appeal the leave, although it's unclear if he will do so at this time. He will still be paid throughout the duration of his time away from the team.

Franco is one of the league's young stars -- he signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with Tampa in 2021 ... and was an All-Star this season.

Gilgo Beach Serial Murders Killer Likely Murdered Many Others

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PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR
TMZ.com

The person who buried the bodies of sex workers on Gilgo Beach in Long Island did not stop killing during the 12 years the case was mishandled ... this according to numerous experts.

TMZ's latest documentary --- "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" -- puts the spotlight on a former police chief who went to great lengths to derail the investigation, in no small part because he himself was hiring prostitutes and didn't want a spotlight put on him.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Numerous law enforcement people, criminologists, and psychologists appear in the doc, and they say during the 12 years the case lay dormant, despite clues that would have led them to Rex Heuermann's doorstep, more women were probably murdered.

These people say serial killers don't stop killing ... maybe some do for a while, but they ultimately give in to their impulses.

Authorities are now looking at Las Vegas and South Carolina, where Heuermann owned properties, to determine if there are other victims. Some authorities believe there are other burial grounds out there.

In fact, cops arrested Heuermann earlier than they planned because he was allegedly getting close with another sex worker.

He's currently charged with murdering 3 women whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach, and he's the prime suspect in a 4th. Police found 11 bodies on Gilgo Beach, at least 8 of which were sex workers.

"TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" airs Sunday on FOX at 9 PM ET, 8 Central.

Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Former Escort and Stylist Says She Dined with Rex Heuermann in 2015

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A BRUSH WITH DEATH
TMZ.com

More than 4 years after the bodies of at least 8 sex workers were found on Long Island's Gilgo Beach, a former escort and current stylist says she had dinner with accused killer Rex Heuermann, and she says she knew he was the serial killer.

TMZ interviewed Nikki Brass for Sunday's Fox documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs," and she describes in great detail how she spent an evening with Heuermann at a Long Island restaurant, 45 miles from where the bodies were buried.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

She says during their dinner in 2015, he asked if she was a fan of true crime, which she was. He then asked if she was familiar with the Gilgo Beach murders, and she said of course she was.

Then things turned ... according to Nikki, Heuermann was not so much talking about the murders as he was bragging about them. She was so creeped out, she called a friend to pick her up.

When dinner was over, Heuermann asked her to come home with him, and she declined. Nikki says he got angry and she left.

Nikki, who is now a stylist, says the way he spoke about the murders, she was convinced Heuermann was the Gilgo Beach serial killer and told many of her friends for years.

She didn't go to cops because she was on probation for a drug offense.

"TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" airs Sunday on FOX at 9 PM ET, 8 Central.

Xavien Howard Sued Allegedly Filmed, Shared Sex Videos ... NFL Star Vows To Fight Claims

Xavien Howard has been sued by a woman who claims the NFL star filmed "hard core" sex acts with her without her consent ... and then shared them with at least one other person -- though the Miami Dolphins player is adamant he'll fight the case.

The woman, ID'ed only as Jane Doe, made the claims in a lawsuit filed in Florida back in May.

In the suit, she alleges she first made contact with the cornerback in 2016 over social media direct messaging ... before the two began dating in 2022.

A short time later, however, she claims a woman reached out to her via Instagram, concerned she might have been sent a video by Howard that showed Doe having sex with the football player.

The woman allegedly told Doe that Howard had shared the footage with her in an attempt "to make her mad because she didn't want to have sex with him." Doe claims after viewing the video, she was easily identifiable in it.

According to the lawsuit, Doe texted Howard about the situation in late September 2022 ... telling him she had not consented to being filmed. She said in the docs in October, she sent him a cease and desist letter.

Yet Doe says months later, in April 2023, another woman contacted her via cell phone and said Howard had sent her photos and videos of nude women because "she would not have sex with him" -- and she said she believed Doe was in one of the pictures.

Doe "was in one of the photos and it was both taken and disseminated without her knowledge or consent after [she] had sent the cease and desist letter," the lawsuit states.

Doe is now suing Howard for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She's asking for damages in excess of $50,000 ... as well as injunctive relief that would preclude Howard from further disseminating the images.

But, Howard's attorney, Brad Sohn, said in a statement to TMZ Sports that his client intends to vehemently defend himself in the case.

"Anyone can file a lawsuit," Sohn said. "That does not remotely mean that this lawsuit ... actually has merit. This will be fought against aggressively."

This is not the first time Howard has been accused of wrongdoing in a lawsuit ... a Jane Doe sued him back in 2022, alleging he had negligently given her genital herpes. That case was dismissed earlier this year.

Brandon Spikes I Showed Tim Tebow Pics Of Nude Girls ... To Make Sure He Wasn't Banging

Tim Tebow's former Florida teammate took drastic measures to confirm he was really saving himself for marriage ... 'cause Brandon Spikes claims he would randomly show the quarterback pictures of naked women to see how he'd respond.

Spikes -- who played alongside the Heisman winner in Gainesville from 2006-09 -- went in depth about the media obsession with Tebow's virginity during the Gators' dominance in the mid-2000s ... and he revealed he did some questionable investigative reporting of his own to prove the guy was, in fact, sex-free.

"I just wanted to see if he was real," Spikes said on Netflix's "Untold: Swamp Kings," according to the New York Post.

"So I would like, you know, maybe have a picture, a nude picture on my phone or something and show it to him just to see how he would react."

The stunt didn't go over too well with Tebow ... and Spikes explained his response led him to believe the whole thing was really true.

"He was like, 'Come on man! Like, you really get a man uncomfortable!'"

"And I was like, 'Oh, he's serious.'"

Tebow's virginity was a major storyline throughout his college and pro career ... and he went on to marry former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2020.

Safe to say the abstinence paid off.

Elton John Does Dinner with Kevin Spacey ... Month After UK Trial Testimony

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ALL SMILES
Instagram / @snugglers.music

Elton John and Kevin Spacey were having a blast overseas while out to dinner ... enjoying each other's company a month after the singer's crucial testimony in Spacey's sexual assault trial.

The 2 pals dined out at La Petite Maison in France this week, along with Elton's husband, David Furnish, the couples' kids and a few other friends.

They were serenaded by a group called The Snugglers, who posted a clip of the friends' night out on the town. BTW, the group was singing Elvis' "Suspicious Minds" as the table enjoyed their grub.

Elton certainly is a true friend to Kevin, and we aren't just talking about a fun dinner together -- as we reported, he took the stand, remotely, last month during Kevin's trial in London, where he was being accused of sexually assaulting 4 men from 2001 to 2013.

The Rocket Man's testimony challenged the claim of one of Kevin's accusers ... who alleged he was groped by the actor while they were going to one of Elton's annual parties, saying it happened either in 2004 or 2005.

Elton testified, under oath, that timeline wasn't possible ... because Kevin only attended his 2001 party he hosted. David also testified, saying he found old photos to back up Elton's memory.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

It was a vital one-two punch in that accuser's case.

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THE RIGHT OUTCOME
Sky News

Kevin was eventually found not guilty after 2 days of jury deliberation ... and the night out in France proves he's still got a friend in Elton.

Britney Spears Sam Believes She Cheated with House Staff Member ... Saw Vid of Them Together

Sam Asghari is telling people he believes Britney Spears cheated on him with a staff member at her house, and engaged in other inappropriate sexual conduct as well ... sources tell TMZ.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Sam has claimed Britney asked at least one staffer to shoot video of her naked. Not only that, we're told Sam believes she hooked up with at least one of the male staff members working at her home.

As for how Sam supposedly knows -- our sources say he claims there's footage of Britney and the staffer together in a compromising position.

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BRITNEY ON THE POLE
Instagram / @britneyspears

We're told Britney's in a fragile and hyper-sexualized state, and it's contributed to her dangerous decision-making ... making her a risk to her own safety.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Our sources say Sam acted as a crutch for Britney for a long time, but her recent conduct was too much. We've reported Sam has been over the marriage for a while now, and recent events were simply the last straw, leading him to file for divorce.

As we reported, Britney's now without a support system -- she's iced her family out, doesn't have real friends, and has now lost Sam. We're told there's serious concern from her loved ones, but at this point, there's not much they can do.

We discussed Britney's split from Sam on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Wander Franco MLB Investigating Rays Star ... Over Allegations Of Improper Relationship W/ Minor

UPDATE

10:00 AM PT -- Wander Franco will not play baseball for the Rays while MLB investigates a claim made on social media that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

UPDATE

"The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip," the team announced in a statement Monday morning.

UPDATE

A player on the Restricted List is still part of the team, but is not eligible to play.

Major League Baseball has launched an investigation into Rays star Wander Franco ... after social media posts emerged over the weekend that allegedly showed him in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Franco did not play during Tampa Bay's game on Sunday as the posts on X went viral. Fans at Tropicana Field 14 and younger had received Wander Franco Snapback Hats as part of the pregame promotion.

His coach, Kevin Cash, said the afternoon off was simply a routine rest day for the shortstop -- though the manager told reporters he "was aware of the speculation" surrounding the 22-year-old.

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UNRELATED DAY OFF
Courtesy of MLB

The Rays, meanwhile, said in a statement they're taking the allegations against Franco "seriously."

"During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco," the org. said. "We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence."

Franco was in the team's dugout during its 9-2 loss to the Guardians ... though he left in the fifth inning. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, he did not get on the team plane as the squad headed to San Francisco on Sunday evening for its upcoming series with the Giants. Passan added Franco could be placed on the restricted list as the probe continues.

Franco is considered one of baseball's brightest young players -- he signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with Tampa in 2021 ... and made his first-ever All-Star team this season.

In three years in the Big Leagues, he's compiled a .282 batting average.

Austrian Supermarket Spider With Bite That Can Cause Permanent Boners Invades Store, Forces Evac

A supermarket in Austria was evacuated after a highly venomous spider was spotted in the store ... and the creature has a bite that can not only kill, but also cause permanent erections!!!

The deadly arachnid in question is the Brazilian Wandering Spider, and it was reportedly spotted in the store. The creature has reached Europe before, usually by hiding in bunches of bananas being shipped to stores.

The 4-inch, black and red spider apparently popped up at the Penny supermarket in Krems an der Donau, which is about 45 miles west of Vienna ... the store called authorities after Tuesday's sighting and the shop has been shuttered ever since.

It's super scary ... the spider is still on the loose despite an extensive search of the store, which included sealing all the banana crates.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most venomous arachnid ... and its bite can also cause hypothermia, blurred vision and convulsions, in addition to erections.

Sexyy Red Relax, I'm No ‘Raw Dog Queen’ ... Was Just Joking!!!

Sexyy Red has earned clout in hip hop saying whatever comes to her dirty mind … even if it’s not exactly the truth.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The "Pound Town" rapper had to call cap on her own self after her Lil Yachty interview comment about never using condoms went viral on Thursday -- and many fans started calling her out for sexual irresponsibility.

Sexyy Redd referred to herself as the "raw dog queen" while retelling a past encounter where her ex-boyfriend accused her of sleeping around and leaving used condoms as evidence --only to walk back those comments on Instagram as fan outrage grew.

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Elsewhere in the interview, she spoke on being a victim of revenge porn, but things have since done a 180° for the St. Louis rapper, much like her anti-condom comments.

Her Nicki Minaj-featured hit remix "Pound Town 2" was recently certified Gold by the RIAA and her breakout album "Hood Hottest Princess" continues to twerk on the charts as well.

Fans should probably take her XXX-rated lyrics with a grain of salt, though.