Kim Kardashian West Rodney Reed Said 'Praise Jesus' When Execution Got Halted

Kim Kardashian West
FAMILY PLAYS A HUGE ROLE
NBC

Kim Kardashian West says an overwhelming sense of relief and hope filled the room when Rodney Reed learned his execution had been delayed ... and she could "feel his soul" as he got emotional about it -- she could feel it, because she was there.

Kim told Jenna Bush Hager on "Today" about visiting with the death row inmate last week as he was just days away from his scheduled execution for a 1996 murder conviction -- a crime she believes he did not commit.

She was sitting with Reed when he got word that the highest court in Texas has issued a stay of execution and remanded the case back to the trial court for further consideration, and Kim says it was extremely emotional ... Rodney let out a "Praise Jesus."

Kim was also asked about getting involved in the Reed case and how she came to the decision to tweet at Texas Governor Greg Abbott about it ... she says it's a strategic process, and she does her homework.

She adds that she's extremely proud of the bipartisan support for Rodney's cause, and explains why she turned her focus to prison reform in the first place. Hint -- it starts with her own family.

Kim also responds to the victim's family's belief that Reed is indeed guilty ... she says she's sympathetic, but still wants to make sure all the evidence is released.

As we've reported, Reed is on death row for the murder of Stacey Stites, a white woman he claims he had a consensual affair with. Reed was convicted of raping and killing Stites, but has maintained his innocence for over 20 years ... and new evidence has come to light suggesting another suspect -- Stites' fiance at the time.

Kim and Kanye Family Time in Houston ... Time to Hit the Ice!!!

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'TIS THE SEASON
TMZ.com

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West took Saint and North to The Galleria in Houston TX, and they gave shoppers a show.

Kim, North and Saint hit the ice skating rink and did a respectable job as gawkers looked on. We don't see Kanye near the rink, although it's a good guess he was watching.

The brood spent about an hour and a half in the mall, as Houston police and mall security ran interference.

Kanye was happy to sign autographs as they left.

They're all in town for Joel Osteen's Sunday Service at the Lakewood Church. TMZ broke the story ... Kanye will appear at Osteen's 11 AM service, walk up to the pulpit and have a half-hour conversation with Joel about his freshly formed commitment to God.

There will be an evening service as well. Kanye is bringing his choir -- we're told around 120 strong -- and the 45,000 seat venue is expected to be overflowing with fans. Tickets are being distributed through Ticketmaster for free, but they're already having problems with scalpers.

Check out TMZ tomorrow, and we'll show you the service.

Kim Kardashian Visits Death Row Inmate Rodney Reed ... There When Execution was Delayed

UPDATE

4:58 PM PT -- A source with direct knowledge of the visit tells us Kim was allowed to go in to visit Rodney as a legal visitation. It's extremely tough to get a visit with an inmate on death row, however, Kim is a legal apprentice so she was able to make it happen.

UPDATE

We're told Kanye wanted to visit Rodney too -- as he was in Houston performing at the jail -- but only legal visitation was permitted. Our sources say the warden knocked on the door to interrupt Kim's visit and let Rodney know the good news ... it was extremely emotional.

UPDATE

4:31 PM PT -- Kim just detailed the meeting, saying, "Today, I had the honor of meeting Rodney Reed in person and the privilege of sitting with him when he got the news that the highest court in Texas had issued a stay of execution and remanded the case back to the trial court for further consideration."

UPDATE

She continued, "Words cannot describe the relief and hope that swept over the room in that moment. That hope had been building over the last few weeks around Rodney's case. We have seen Democrats and Republicans come together. We have seen grassroots activists and lawmakers link arms."

UPDATE
UPDATE

4:31 PM PT -- "We have heard people all around the globe speak up. And all because of a deep belief that every man or woman accused of a crime - especially one punishable by death - deserves the chance to have all available evidence considered."

UPDATE

She finishes, "So grateful for the commitment and passion of everyone who voiced their support, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for their recommendation to issue a 120 day reprieve, and the courts for issuing a stay!"

Kim Kardashian West isn't just lobbying to set a death row inmate free ... she met with him face-to-face with the clock ticking to try to figure out a plan.

We broke the story ... Kim's desperately trying to stay the execution of Rodney Reed -- which was originally scheduled for November 20 -- because she and many others believe there is substantial evidence to exonerate him of the murder he was convicted of more than 20 years ago.

Lucky for both Kim and Rodney, on Friday the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued the stay of execution -- recommending a 120-day reprieve.

Our sources say Kim -- who traveled to Texas with Kanye for his upcoming performance at Joel Osteen's church -- was granted special permission by authorities to meet with Reed Friday.

We're told she wanted the chance to speak with him in person, hear his story and hash out a last-ditch effort to save his life. As we told you, she's publicly pleaded for Governor Greg Abbott to stop the execution.

Rodney is on death row in Livingston, TX for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites -- where cops initially said he'd raped, assaulted and strangled her to death. Reed has claimed the 2 had a consensual affair, but he's maintained his innocence of killing her for over 20 years now.

Just recently, a former inmate claimed to know the real murderer -- the guy alleges Stites' own fiance confessed to him while behind bars that he killed her for sleeping around.

Along with Kim, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and countless celebrities have voiced support to stop Reed's upcoming death.

Kim Kardashian Armed Guards for 'Diamonds' Launch ... Better Safe Than Sorry!!!

Kim Kardashian West and her sisters loaded up with millions of dollars worth of jewelry for the launch of their new fragrance line -- and they also loaded up on extra muscle for protection.

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney recently had a shoot for their brand new KKW Diamonds line -- just in time for the holidays -- and our sources tell us they had 3 armed security guards on hand at all times.

We're told the guards helped transport the diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings to and from the set ... and stood to watch the entire time.

Our sources say the jewelry was borrowed from designer Lorraine Schwartz ... so she obviously had a vested interest in protecting the merch too.

The 'Diamonds' promos raised some eyebrows because -- as you know -- Kim doesn't flaunt expensive jewelry anymore ... ever since she was the victim of the armed robbery in Paris.

She still only wears fake or replica jewelry, with the exception of red carpet events and shoots like this. When she does wear the real stuff, she's clearly not taking chances.

And BTW -- folks online speculating the ring on Kim's finger is a replacement for the one stolen from her in the Paris robbery ... we're told that was also on loan from Lorraine Schwartz.

Kylie Jenner Trespasser's Gonna Do Time in Lockup

The man who showed up at Kylie Jenner's house demanding to see her is going to be spending a lot of time in the big house -- he just got sentenced to a year behind bars.

The L.A. County Superior Court clerk tells TMZ ... Brandon Sevilla Martinez pled no contest to one misdemeanor count of trespass by driving on private property, and one felony count of bringing contraband into jail -- a glass pipe he had when he got busted.

Martinez will serve his sentence in L.A. County Jail.

TMZ broke the story ... Kylie got a temporary restraining order against Martinez last month after reporting he walked up her driveway and aggressively knocked on her door asking to see her. A security guard escorted him off the property and he was arrested.

We're told Martinez also got 3 years probation, and he has to stay at least 100 yards away from all parts of Hidden Hills -- the neighborhood where Kylie lives.

A hearing to extend the temporary restraining order is set for later this month.

Kylie & Travis Take A Trip to Astroworld ... As Mommy & Daddy

It's been a family affair this weekend in Houston -- Travis, Kylie and Stormi are together for Daddy's music festival -- just like old times, except they're not a couple anymore.

Sources close to the former couple tell TMZ it's important for Travis to have Stormi with him for his second-annual Astroworld Festival ... and he wanted the event to be a bonding experience. She was at the Festival last year.

We're told while Kylie and Travis remain friends, and parenting partners, they're not back together. Kylie's made the trip to Houston too ... but only to show her support and to make things as comfortable as possible for Stormi.

Travis holds the festival in Houston because that's where he grew up, and any trip home is a chance for Stormi to bond with her dad's side of the family ... so there will be plenty of that too. We don't know if they'll all be staying under the same roof.

Travis Scott took a nasty fall Saturday night during his performance at the Rolling Loud concert ... a fall that messed up his knee something bad.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
TMZ.com

You'll remember ... Travis busted his knee 3 weeks ago during a show in New York. Surgery was on the table so he could heal quicker. He had appointments with surgeons, but we don't know if he followed through and went under the knife. Travis had to cancel his show in Vegas last weekend because of the injury.

He's clearly in good enough shape to perform. Then again, there's a spare throne -- once used by the likes of Axl Rose and Dave Grohl -- so Travis could easily inherit the crown.

Kylie Jenner Not Dating Drake ... Despite Romance Report

Kylie Jenner and Drake are in a relationship ... but it's the same relationship they've been in for a long time -- just friends.

Sources close to both Kylie and Drake tell TMZ ... they are not spending any romantic time together, as other outlets have reported or speculated. We're told they've been at some events together -- including the rapper's recent 33rd birthday party -- simply because they are pals.

Their friendship has endured despite Drake's beef with Kylie's bro-in-law, Kanye West, but our sources add ... in no way, shape or form are they dating.

We're also told Kylie currently isn't seeing anyone at all and has no desire to do so ... she's happy for now just being a mom to Stormi.

We broke the story ... Kylie's still been spending a lot of time with Travis Scott since their split -- cohabiting at her crib and doing fun stuff with their daughter together. Our sources say they are maintaining a good friendship and plan on a lot of quality family time together during the upcoming holidays.

No word if Drake will be hanging with Kylie more too, but if he does ... we're assured it'll be platonic.

Kim Kardashian Birthday Surprise For Kris ... Lunch At Our Old House!!!

Kris Jenner
BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!!!

Kim Kardashian gave her mother a blast from the past for her birthday ... organizing a super-secret lunch outing at the home where Kris Jenner raised the Kardashian kids.

Kris turned 64 years young Tuesday, and Kim pulled out all the stops to make sure her mom had a very special day ... Kim rented out her parents' old home, and she also rented every car her parents ever owned to get Kris, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie to their destination.

Kim kept her guests guessing with twists and turns, inviting everyone to the Beverly Hills Hotel and then pulling a switcheroo ... lunch wasn't at the hotel, it was at the old Kardashian home.

Kris started crying when she figured out what was going on, and Kim says everyone was super emotional during their meal. Kris' daughters sang happy birthday as she blew out the candles on a cake decorated as one of her old vanity license plates.

As for the lunch, it looked pretty fancy ... everyone got their own personalized napkins. High-class stuff.

And, in keeping with the throwback theme, Kim recreated the family's old table settings, complete with a landline phone and used their old wallpaper as decor.

Kim says she kept her emotions in check until she went into her old bathroom, closed the door and cried ... and she says everyone felt the presence of their late father, Robert Kardashian.

Happy birthday, Kris!!!

Kim K's Family Halloween Shoot Chicago Had to Be Photoshopped In ... Scared of Dino, Not of Bugs

Kim Kardashian says her daughter had to be edited into a family Halloween photo 'cause the kid was scared of Kanye's costume -- but only as a dinosaur ... not a giant mutant bug.

Kim posted a couple of decked-out Halloween pics over the past couple days, and it looks like the Kardashian-West fam went with "The Flinstones" and worm themes this year. Funny enough, Kim admits little Chicago had to be photoshopped into the former shoot, seeing how she was apparently terrified of dad in the life-size Dino outfit and wouldn't get near it.

On the flip side ... it looks like Chicago was able to pull it together for a way creepier family photo, where everyone dressed up as bugs -- or as Kim puts it, "West Worms."

If you ask us, Ye looks a lot scarier and more menacing as the fly/gnat/larva ... whatever the hell that is ... as opposed to the lovable Flinstones pet. But, hey, to a 1-year-old ... maybe Dino is the freakier sight. Better not put any Barney on around her ... just a suggestion.

Of the photoshop job, Kim said ... "This family pic was such a challenge because Chicago was so scared of Dino! LOL We tried to explain and show her that it was just daddy but she didn’t get the concept yet!" She went on to add, "So shout out to the photographer for editing her in & making our family Flintstones dreams come true!"

Kim Kardashian
BUGGIN' OUT

Kim also posted a BTS video of her and fam wearing their bug outfits -- set to soprano Lorna Anderson's soothing voice -- and it looks like Kanye had to win Chicago over there too.

Kids, man ... gotta love 'em.

Rob Kardashian Hits the Town ... Shows Off Major Weight Loss

Rob Kardashian looks great ... and this picture proves he's turned things around.

Kylie posted this pic of her, Rob and Kendall, with the caption, "5am birthday adventures with my two fav people." Kendall's 24th birthday is Sunday.

As we reported, Rob's emerged from what seemed like self-imposed captivity for a long time. Check out the pic below, where Rob is posing with Kris Jenner. He's Papa Troll Doll, and she's in Dia de los Muertos gear ... in case you can't translate, it means Day of the Dead.

He showed up at Delilah nightclub in WeHo earlier this week celebrating Halloween with other members of fam along with friends. Before hitting up Delilah he was a karaoke bar -- Blind Dragon -- so he's hitting the town again.

There was a lot of buzz when Rob put his arm around Kylie's BFF, Stassi, but we're told they're just friends.

We're guessing we may see Rob again tonight for Kendall's official 24th.

It's good to see Rob out and about again.

Rob Kardashian Rare Public Appearance ... Even Rarer Social Media Pic

Rob Kardashian
ROBBIN' THE SPOTLIGHT
MEGA
UPDATE

4:53 PM PT -- Rob just uploaded an image of himself on social media for the first time in over a year, and he's showing off his slimmed-down figure in his Halloween costume alongside Kris Jenner.

UPDATE
UPDATE

It's the only picture Rob has of himself on his entire Instagram page, so this is very rare.

Rob Kardashian's stepping back out into the public eye ... for another one of his sister's birthday parties.

Rob was spotted entering Delilah in WeHo well after 1 AM to celebrate Kendall Jenner’s 24th bday, decked out in an orange hoodie and his signature blue baseball cap. As he walked in, he put his hands around the waist of Kylie's current BFF, Stassie Karanikolaou.

We're told Rob was at Blind Dragon for a while beforehand ... along with a massive celeb guest list partying with Kendall on Halloween.

As we told you ... Rob was seen for the first time in a long while last week on Kim's Instagram Story while he was celebrating with the family at her 39th birthday dinner. He's looking a lot slimmer.

Our Kardashian sources told us he'd lost weight by eating healthier, exercising, and most significantly ... quitting alcohol.

It's unclear if Rob abstained from drinking as he was hanging with his sis at the Hollywood hot spots, but at least he's joining the party.

Originally Published -- 6:51 AM PT 

Kylie Jenner Files Restraining Order Against Fan ... Who Showed Up at Her House

UPDATE

3:02 PM PT -- The man has officially been charged with 2 counts, including misdemeanor trespass by driving on private property, and a felony for bringing contraband into the jail -- the glass pipe.

UPDATE

12:17 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the man had a glass pipe on him and was arrested for being under the influence. We're told the L.A. County District Attorney's Office is going to file misdemeanor trespassing charges.

Kylie Jenner just got a restraining order against a man who showed up at her home, aggressively knocked at her door and asked to see her.

According to the docs, filed by Kylie's lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley and obtained by TMZ, a guy came her home Tuesday and walked up Kylie's driveway and started pounding the door. He claimed he was there to see her. A security guard escorted him off the property and he was arrested.

A security guard filed legal docs saying the guy was acting erratic and nervous and get this ... even though she's in a gated community he was able to hike onto the property and get to her front door.

Kylie says she's scared for Stormi and her own safety and she's afraid the guy will continue to stalk her and come to her home in the future. She says the guy follows her and other members of her family on social media.

Kylie was not home when the guy showed up.

He's been ordered to stay 100 yards clear of her home, her car and her.

Originally Published -- 11:54 AM PT

Kim Kardashian Sues Makeup App for $10 Mil ... How Dare You Steal My Photo!!!

Kim Kardashian says her image is worth millions -- more than $10 million -- and that's why she's suing a makeup app for allegedly jacking one of her pics.

Kim claims in the new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, iHandy used a 2017 photo of her to promote a makeup and beauty manipulation app. What's especially galling to Kim -- the photo was one she used to promote her own beauty line.

Kim's lawyer scoffed at iHandy's defense ... that it had no idea it was Kim in the pic they used. The lawsuit says, "Defendant claim, absurdly, as its alleged defense ... that they didn't know that the unlicensed, unauthorized photo they knowingly stole and misappropriated was that of [Kim Kardashian West] ... one of the most famous and recognizable women in the world."

According to the lawsuit ... Kim's lawyer claims iHandy "even had the audacity to threaten [Kim Kardashian West] not to bring claims against them for their blatant infringement, or they would go after her."

The app in question offers "perfect selfies with professional beauty and body retouch tools, including face life, smooth, concealer, slim and more."

As for why she's suing for $10 mil plus, the lawsuit says it includes the cost of licensing her photo and using her likeness. She also wants them to cough up any profits they made from using her photo.

Khloe Kardashian, Caitlyn Jenner No (Bday) Bad Blood ... It's All Rosy, Baby!!!

Settle down drama queens and pot stirrers, 'cause everything's coming up roses between Khloe Kardashian and Caitlyn Jenner ... literally.

There have been rumors Khloe and Caitlyn are beefing and that's one of the reasons why Khloe was NOT part of Caitlyn's 70th birthday dinner entourage Tuesday night. But, sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... it's all gravy, baby.

For starters, Khloe didn't make it to Caitlyn's dinner -- which included Kendall, Kylie, Brandon, Kim and Kourtney -- because she was shooting a commercial all day. Our sources tell us Caitlyn knew Khloe wouldn't make it 'cause Khloe herself called and told her.

Then there's this ... our sources say Khloe sent Caitlyn an exquisite flower arrangement. In fact, Khloe's pink and white rose arrangement was front and center when Caitlyn posted a picture of the bountiful blossoms Tuesday on her Instagram. She captioned it "Birthday today! So blessed to have so much love in my life from family and friends."

Oh, and there was some buzz Caitlyn canceled an appearance last week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL after she found out Khloe was gonna be there too.

However, our sources say Hard Rock actually canceled Caitlyn's appearance at the last minute due to budget constraints.

So, yes, Khloe and Caitlyn have had their issues in the past, but that had nothing to do with Khloe missing Caitlyn's dinner ... or them missing each other in South Florida.

Much ado about nothing ... said family spokesman William Shakespeare.

Kim K's Pal Jonathan Cheban No More The Name's Foodgod, Legally!!!

Jonathan Cheban -- Kim Kardashian's longtime friend and frequent guest on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" -- just turned his Instagram handle into his legal name. Chow down!!!!

JC filed legal docs in Florida -- his primary residence, it seems -- asking a judge to sign off on the name change from Jonathan Cheban to .................... wait for it ...

...

...

.... just a little bit more

........... FOODGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's actually just Foodgod, but you get the idea. And yes, there's no capital G in the name, and the words aren't split up either as some media outlets have stylized it in the past. Sorry about that, holy folks and grammar nerds. Unfortunately for you, the Foodgod has spoken.

TMZ got a hold of the official judgment that was entered last week. It ain't all that fancy -- a name change isn't complicated. But, for Jonathan Foodgod, it carries significant weight.

If you don't know, FG's been all about the eats for a while now -- being a bonafide foodie is kinda his thing, and he proudly showcases it all over his social media pages. Literally, it seems like just about every post is related to good grub ... he even sleeps with food.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

And, of course, Jon's been rockin' the @foodgod handle for a minute too. But, if you check out his IG today ... you'll see he's got the registered trademark symbol next to it.

Next stop ... the DMV!!!

Kanye West 'Jesus is King' Tour Starts 'Right Away'

Kanye West
TAKIN' JESUS ON THE ROAD
TMZ.com

Kanye West says he's ready to hit the road "right away" and give fans a chance to hear "Jesus is King" live ... in what will be his first tour in 3 years.

We got Kim and Kanye taking a not-so-quiet stroll in NYC Friday, getting mobbed by fans. Kanye was super cool, talking about his album and upcoming plans. He seems to have a stage design in mind -- no floating one this time around.

Kanye West Bus
SHARING A SNEAK PEEK
TMZ.com

And, get this ... Kanye's chartered a two-story bus to cruise the streets of NYC and blast his album. Fans chased it down to get a listen, and one even wore a king's crown.

The last time Kanye was on a headlining tour was back in 2016 for the Saint Pablo Tour. The whole thing was slated to run until late December but was stopped in late November when Kanye was hospitalized to get treatment for mental health issues.

Of course, he's been holding his now famous Sunday Service events complete with a band and live choir every week for almost a year ... but you gotta assume he's itching to get back inside arenas for a headlining gig.