Kim K — Calling the Shots for New ‘Pussycat Dolls’ Show

Kim Kardashian is all set to return to the “Pussycat Dolls” … only this time, she’ll be running things BEHIND THE SCENES — as the executive producer of a new PCD reality show … TMZ has learned.

Kim signed a TV deal with “American Idol” honcho Nigel Lythgoe — to be the E.P. for an upcoming reality show about the “Pussycat Dolls empire” … that will feature the launch of a “new” PCD group.

One source tells us the newbies are “10 times better than the original group.”

We’re told Kim has a good relationship with PCD founder Robin Antin — plus Kim really enjoyed performing with the group in Vegas a few years back.

Kim is telling friends she’s “super excited” to work with Nigel because “he’s the best in the business.”

News Source: TMZ

Michaele Salahi — ‘Wild Sex’ Claims with Journey Guitarist

Michaele Salahi was bragging about the “wild sex” she had with Journey rocker Neal Schon …even before she left her husband Tareq Salahi … TMZ has learned.

Sources extremely close to the alleged White House crasher tell us … Michaele and Neal first met in 1998 — while she was engaged to Tareq — and the two felt an instant attraction.

We’re told, Michaele and Neal managed to restrain themselves at first … but in 2009, things came to a head — and the relationship turned sexual. Michaele even bragged about the “wild sex” to friends through emails.

Michaele and Neal managed to keep the affair secret for the past two years … but last week, things ramped up again … and Michaele decided it was time to make a move.

As TMZ first reported, Michaele ditched Tareq on Tuesday to meet up with Schon — and she’s been with him ever since.

Tareq claims he’s devastated — and has told friends he feels “betrayed” by his wife.

News Source: TMZ

FBI Closing In On Scarlett Johansson Hackers

The scofflaws who hacked Scarlett Johansson’s cell phone … and then leaked several nude pics — are in the crosshairs of the FBI, and we’re told the Feds already know the identity of the main culprit.

TMZ broke the story … Scarlett contacted the FBI yesterday after the pics — one which features her bare breasts and another showcasing her behind — were leaked to several websites.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ … the FBI is “honing in” on the group of hackers and know the identity of at least one of them — and we’re told it’s the ringleader.

Our sources say the hackers have done their dirty work on the cell phones of other celebs, including Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba, Lindsey Vonn, Ali Larter and Emma Caulfield.

News Source: TMZ

Christina Hendricks — My Boobs Are NOT a Conversation Piece!!!!

One day after she wore a top that shoved her boobs into her chin … “Mad Men” actress Christina Hendricks SHUT US DOWN when we asked a TOTALLY FAIR question about ‘em.

Hendricks was out in L.A. Tuesday night when we asked if she ever gets tired about people talking about her gals … when she refused to answer and walked away from our camera.

Of course, Christina hasn’t always been so shy about her chest … and if you’re not a blind person, you can see the proof below.

News Source: TMZ

Russell Armstrong — Distraught Over Divorce, ‘Tremendous Financial Problems’

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Russell Armstrong was at his wits end over his impending divorce from Taylor in the days leading to his death — and he was inundated with debt.

Russell’s lawyer Ronald Richards tells TMZ, Russell had been staying at a friend’s house on Mulholland Drive in L.A. — the same house where authorities found his body hanging last night.

Richards tells us, “I feel bad because his credit cards weren’t working … He had tremendous financial problems.”

Richards adds, “He was also extremely bummed out about the divorce with Taylor. As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don’t have any assets, so I’m not sure what there would be left to leave. I am extremely saddened … I had no idea he was depressed.”

As we previously reported, Russell — an investor who made his money in the 90s during the dot com boom — filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2005, claiming he had less than $50,000 in assets … and debt somewhere between $1 and $10 million.

News Source: TMZ

Meat Loaf’s Video Message — ‘I Did NOT Pass Out’

Meat Loaf has recorded a brand new video message to let everyone know his health is FINE — insisting he DID NOT pass out at a balloon festival in NJ this weekend … despite photos showing the singer sprawled out on the grass while hooked up to an oxygen tank.

In the clip, Mr. Loaf admits his asthma was “bothering me a little bit” … and points out “the heat index was at 106″ … but insists he only took a “little bit of oxygen” to alleviate his breathing problems so he could attend a meet and greet later that day.

Meat adds, “The brilliant thing is Pedialyte … Pedialyte will get you through anything.”

FYI — Pedialyte is an “oral rehydration solution” for kids … often consumed by children suffering from bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.

As TMZ previously reported, Meat had fainted on-stage at a concert just a few days before the balloon festival … and blamed the incident on his asthma.

Meat has another 3 shows scheduled for this weekend … hopefully, he’s stocked up on the Pedialyte.

News Source: TMZ

‘Big Brother’ Champ Sued for Embezzlement — He Claims Extortion

A partner in one of the biggest restaurant groups in Hollywood claims two of her fellow partners — both reality stars — stole the business blind … but one of the guys is coming right back at her and alleging extortion.

Shereene Arazm claims former “Big Brother” winner Mike “Boogie” Malin  and his business partner, VH1 reality star Lonnie Moore  “illegally siphoned away [money]” from the Geisha House, LLC restaurant group for years in order to “support their lavish party-boy lifestyles.”

In her suit, Arazm claims, “They gambled away hundreds of thousands of dollars that never belonged to them, they used some of the stolen monies to pay for sex, and they traveled the world at Arazm’s and the restaurant group’s expense.”

Arazm also alleges in the docs, Malin used company resources “to have multiple sexual encounters with various older men during which Malin would live out fetish role play fantasies.”

But before Arazm filed her lawsuit, Malin — who now co-stars with Moore on the reality show “Famous Food” — launched a preemptive strike Tuesday … filing his own lawsuit claiming Arazm and her lawyer, legal pit bull Marty Singer, were trying to extort him.

Malin clams he received a draft of Arazm’s complaint — written by Singer — a week ago. Malin claims he was told by Singer that he either had to pay up quickly or Arazm’s explosive lawsuit would be filed and all the dirty laundry would be aired.

Malin claims Singer’s threat constitutes civil extortion. Plus, Malin alleges Arazm and Singer had people hack into his emails and illegally tap his phone.

Both parties are seeking millions of dollars in damages.

Singer tells TMZ, “The lawsuit filed by Malin was simply a preemptive strike since Malin and his partners knew they were being sued for serious wrongful conduct. The claims in the suit are completely false and fabricated. We fully expect to get the suit promptly dismissed.”

Calls to Malin, Moore and Malin’s attorney were not immediately returned.

News Source: TMZ

Ex-Viking Bryant McKinnie — I WANTED Out of My Contract!

The Minnesota Vikings officially released him moments ago — but 335-pound left tackle Bryant McKinnie tells TMZ, it was his decision … after the team sidelined him over health concerns.

McKinnie tells us, his agent put in word with the Vikings moments ago — before they officially cut him loose — asking honchos to release McKinnie… so he can sign with another team before next season.

McKinnie was placed on the reserve/non-injury list yesterday, after doctors said his cholesterol was too high and he had to lose weight — but McKinnie tells us, “I’ll definitely be ready for next season. That’s not even a question.”

The Vikings just released their own statement, claiming “This decision, while not an easy one, is in the best interests of our football team as we move forward preparing for the season. We appreciate Bryant’s contributions to the Vikings, and we wish him the best in the future.”

News Source: TMZ

‘Melrose Place’ Star Grant Show — Wife Files for Divorce

“Melrose Place” star Grant Show may soon be a single man — TMZ has learned his wife has filed for divorce.

Actress Pollyanna McIntosh filed the papers in L.A. County Superior court last week.

The couple met back in 2004 during a commercial shoot for Lane Bryant. They have no children.

News Source: TMZ

Taylor Lautner — Check Out My New $200,000 Toy

“Twilight” star Taylor Lautner just gave the world one more reason to hate him — because the 19-year-old just bought one of the most badass cars on the planet … worth more than $200,000.

According to sources, Taylor walked into an L.A. Mercedes-Benz dealership with his parents last Wednesday … paid for a silver 2012 SLS AMG — complete with gullwing doors — and drove it off the lot that same day.

Score one — a BIG, FAST, awesome one — for Team Jacob.

Fun facts: the SLS AMG goes from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds … and maxes out at nearly 200 mph.

News Source: TMZ

Charlie Sheen and Brooke — Our New Family Photo

It’s the photo NO ONE ever thought would be taken … Charlie Sheen and his ex-wife Brooke Mueller TOGETHER with their kids this weekend … smiling, like one big happy family.

The meeting took place at Charlie’s Hollywood Hills mansion Sunday — while Brooke was on a break from her new rehab program.

TMZ spoke with Charlie … who told us the twins, Bob and Max, had a great time — playing around and scarfing down handfuls of candy while BOTH of their parents watched.

Charlie says, “Harmony is our goal. Sunday was a wonderful start.”

Charlie and Brooke are working hard to mend their relationship so they co-parent their kids. We’re also told … when Brooke completes her treatment, Charlie wants to move her to a home in his neighborhood, so they can spend more time together … as a family.

News Source: TMZ

Ron Artest — One Month ’til World Peace

Ron Artest is a shameless self-promoter — because over the last month, he had an L.A. newspaper print FOUR items about his new name … and it could change the way he’s identified forever.

Long story short — anyone looking to officially change their name in the State of California has to get a public declaration of the name change PRINTED in a local newspaper 4 times — once a week, 4 weeks in a row.

On July 19th, Ron’s LAST declaration to become Metta World Peace was published in the L.A. Daily Commerce — but the name change won’t become official until August 26th … when a judge is scheduled to sign the order.

Which means you have approximately four weeks to sell your Ron Artest jerseys.

News Source: TMZ

Arnold’s Divorce Response — Conflict Over Support

TMZ has learned … Arnold Schwarzenegger has filed his response to Maria Shriver’s divorce petition, and the former couple is at odds over whether Maria should get spousal support.

Arnold’s lawyer, Bob Kaufman, checked the box on the legal docs asking the judge to terminate any right on Maria’s part to get spousal support. Maria asked for spousal support in her petition.

Arnold — like Maria — is asking for joint custody of the couple’s two minor children.

And there’s another conflict. Maria is asking Arnold to pay for her attorney’s fees. Arnold’s response asks that the judge make each party foot the bill for their respective lawyers.

TMZ broke the story … there is no prenup, so under California law both Arnold and Maria are entitled to a 50/50 split of all earnings and property accumulated during their 25-year marriage. The two are estimated to be worth around $400 million.

Fact is … since — as we first reported — Arnold will get the very expensive family home — Maria will probably end up with at least as much if not more cash than Arnold, so spousal support may become a non-issue … especially since Arnold isn’t earning any real money right now.

News Source: TMZ

Kelsey and Camille Grammer Settle Custody … For Now

TMZ has learned … Kelsey Grammer and his ex-wife Camille have settled their child custody dispute — but only temporarily. And make no mistake about it — they’re still at war.

Sources tell TMZ … the agreement outlines who gets the kids, when and where, etc. We’re told Camille will have both kids more than Kelsey, but the agreement accommodates Kelsey’s work schedule.

The kids will not be separated. You’ll recall, at one point Kelsey’s lawyer recommended that the couple’s son would fly to Chicago to stay with him, and their daughter would stay with Camille in L.A.

Our sources say the underlying issues between the couple have not been resolved — i.e., money and permanent custody.

We’re told Camille is bitter at the way Kelsey has treated her and the kids, while Kelsey is angry because he feels Camille has been disrespectful to his new wife.

News Source: TMZ

Khloe and Lamar in Car Accident in NYC

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom were involved in a car accident yesterday in New York City, but neither was injured … sources close to the couple tell TMZ.

According to our sources, Khloe and and Lamar were being driven by a car service yesterday in Queens when they struck a motorcyclist and a 15-year-old boy. Khloe and Lamaer were not injured — but we’re told Lamar was particularly upset by the accident since he was already in town for his cousin’s funeral.

According to MediaTakeOut.com, which first reported the story, the motorcyclist and the 15-year-old boy were both seriously injured.

News Source: TMZ

Zac Efron — Could He Have Prevented Buddy’s DUI?

Zac Efron was drinking with good friend Ryan Rottman literally minutes before Rottman was arrested for DUI. The question, should Zac have said anything to his pal to prevent him from taking the wheel?

Sources inside the Dillon’s Irish Pub in Hollywood tell TMZ … Zac, Ryan, Rumer Willis and a few other friends ordered a total of 7 Kamikaze shots, 8 or 9 mixed drinks and 3 – 4 beers.

Zac and Rottman both left the bar at around 9:30 and went their separate ways. We shot video of Zac running from the bar to his car, though it appears Rumer drove him away. By 9:45, Rottman was in police custody.

Rottman apparently was hammered. Cops spotted him after he drove up a curb near Dillion’s. He blew a .19, more than twice the legal limit.

We asked Zac’s rep if the actor urged his friend to take a taxi or find some other way home that would not have put him behind the wheel. We did not get a response.

So we ask …

News Source: TMZ

Bieber Rips BET Security — ‘This Guy’s a D-Bag’

Justin Bieber’s entourage and security at the BET Awards got into a heated showdown — which ended with JB declaring the doorman was “a douche bag” … and the whole incident went down on camera.

TMZ obtained the video, which shows Bieber — who was a presenter at the award show — and his squad being stopped at the door last weekend. It appears one of Justin’s bodyguards did NOT have a ticket … and while both sides argued, Biebs eventually interrupted by saying, “I need to bring my security! This guy’s a douche bag.”

Everyone on Team Bieb ended up getting into the show — and a BET rep downplayed the incident … saying, “It is our standard policy to make sure everyone has their tickets or credential upon arrival. Justin had the proper credentials.”

As for Justin — his rep says the Biebs was just standing up for his bodyguards … the guys who always have his back.

News Source: TMZ

‘Simpsons’ Bombshell — The TRUTH About MJ Song!!!

Michael Jackson hand-picked an MJ voice impersonator to sing the famous “Happy Birthday Lisa” song featured on “The Simpsons” back in 1991 … this according to Lisa herself, Yeardley Smith.

Smith was outside the Red O restaurant in L.A. this weekend, when she explained, “[Michael] was not allowed to sing on the show, so he literally hand-picked a guy to sing like him.”

During the famous episode, “Stark Raving Dad,” Michael provided the voice to a mental patient who thought he was MJ … but according to reports, Jackson’s record label blocked MJ from singing the Lisa birthday song.

MJ ultimately selected a man named Kipp Lennon — and Yeardley explains, “How unnerving would it be to sing like Michael Jackson in front of Michael Jackson?”

We called Kipp to find out — so far, no response.

News Source: TMZ

MJ Anniversary — The Flying Helicopter Flower Dump!

With the two-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death approaching — one helicopter company is giving fans the chance to pay their respects … by raining flowers down around Neverland … mid-flight.

The 30-minute Channel Island Helicopter flights are set to take off June 24th and 25th — exactly two years since Jackson died after a Propofol-induced cardiac arrest.

During the flight, passengers are encouraged to honor the late entertainer by chucking his favorite flower — a red rose — out of the helicopter mid-flight … over nearby Zaca Peak.

A rep for the helicopter company tell us — fans are super excited for the aerial tour … saying they feel it will bring them “closer to heaven” … and closer to Michael.

News Source: TMZ

Britney Spears’ Dad — Bargain Basement Tour Director

Jamie Spears is going to court to get some serious money for directing Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale Tour that kicks off today in Sacramento, CA… but turns out he’ll be the best bargain in town.

TMZ has obtained legal docs that Jamie has filed with the judge in Britney’s conservatorship case … asking the judge to give him money for directing the tour and managing the logistics of the tour.

Jamie has not specified the amount of money he wants, and sources tell us it hasn’t been calculated yet. Sources tell us the amount will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it’s crazy cheap for what Jamie is doing.

To give you some perspective, 5 people managed the 2009 Circus Tour. Although the amount they made is blacked out in the legal documents, we were able to discern the amount is in the 7 figures.

With Jamie on board for the Britney Spears/Nicki Minaj Femme Fatale Tour, 3 of the 5 positions will be eliminated. Thus, if Jamie gets a 6 figure salary for the upcoming 8-month world tour, everybody wins.

Whatever Jamie gets for the tour … it will be in addition to the $16,000 a month he’s pulling in for serving as Britney’s conservator.

News Source: TMZ

Cops Ready to Arrest Paps During Royals’ L.A. Visit

Law enforcement from the US State Department and the LAPD are making the rounds in a fancy L.A. neighborhood, warning residents Prince William and Kate Middleton will be guests of honor at a party on their block, and to be on the lookout for paparazzi.

Two LAPD cops and a member of the State Dept. are telling residents in Hancock Park, William and Kate will be attending a bash thrown by BAFTA — the British Academy of Film and Television Arts — and law enforcement plans on coming down on paparazzi like a hammer, arresting anyone who trespasses on private property to get a shot.

The trio is going door-to-door in the area surrounding the British Consulate, smack in the middle of Hancock Park.

One resident was told the event would be held on July 9.

Law enforcement said they wanted residents to contact police immediately if there was any sign of photogs, and the cops would take swift action.

News Source: TMZ

Topless Newt Gingrich — On a Rock, In a Hard Place

TMZ has obtained a photo of a glistening Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich laying topless on a beach in Greece … days before his campaign staff quit over the timing of his two-week vacation.

The photo was taken on June 2 — as Newt chilled out on Paradise Beach on the island of Mykonos.

Newt’s decision to go on the trip — just weeks into a Presidential campaign that got off to a very rocky start — enraged his campaign staff to the point where the majority simply called it quits.

Despite all the drama … he looks pretty relaxed, right??

News Source: TMZ

NFL Player Allegedly DESTROYS Ex’s Apartment

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens is under investigation in Georgia for allegedly smashing up his baby mama’s apartment and dousing her most valuable possessions in bleach … TMZ has learned.

Cops in Gwinnett County responded to the apartment Sunday night … after Owens’ ex-GF, LaTia Terry, claimed the NFL player entered the pad when she and their 9-month-old kid were out of the home … and trashed the place. Sources connected to the incident tell us the two had a heated argument over their custody arrangement the night before.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, LaTia says 24-year-old Owens — a 3rd round pick in the 2009 draft — smashed holes in the wall, destroyed expensive electronics and even broke the baby’s crib.

But worst of all, Owens allegedly grabbed handfuls of LaTia’s valuable jewelry, designer clothes and pictures of the the former couple … threw it all in a pile … and drenched it with bleach — ruining everything.

LaTia claims she lost several pairs of fancy $1,200 shoes in the bleaching … and estimates her total loss to be around $15,000.

LaTia has obtained a restraining order against Owens — but so far, he has not been charged with a crime.

Calls to Owens have not been returned.

News Source: TMZ

Arnold’s Mistress — I’m No Sell Out!

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s baby mama Mildred Baena claims she did NOT make one single cent for the tell-all interview she gave to Hello! Magazine … insisting it wasn’t about the money.

Mildred’s lawyer tells us, “Mildred was tired of people selling their lies to the media or claiming to speak for her when they do not … She gave the interview in order to set the record straight once and for all.”

Her lawyer adds, “All she wanted to do was put the lies and rumors to rest. And we believe that she has done that through this interview.”

As for how the interview ended up with Hello! Magazine — we’re told it was delivered to the magazine by a freelance reporter … who has a personal relationship with Baena’s lawyer.

News Source: TMZ

Sean Kingston’s Savior — He Was Puking Blood

The guy who heroically jumped into the water to save Sean Kingston says the singer was spitting up blood after his jet ski accident last night — but that Sean was responsive and even spoke during the rescue.

Jonathan Rivera, a member of the Coast Guard, says he was driving his boat around Star Island on his day off … when he was called over to the accident scene by a man and a woman on a jet ski. Rivera says he noticed an empty jet ski, a woman in the water floating (she was wearing a vest and complaining her head hurt) and Kingston.

Rivera says the two people on the jet ski were trying to hold Kingston up, but they were struggling to keep his head above water. Rivera says Kingston’s size was a problem for them, as his life vest had come off.

So Rivera says he jumped in the water and noticed Kingston was “puking up blood out of his mouth.”

Rivera says he wrapped his arms around Kingston and held on to the jet ski to help keep Kingston’s head above water. Rivera said Kingston was “convulsing and throwing up blood all over me” — but said he didn’t notice any head trauma.

Rivera tells us he held onto Kingston for about 15 minutes, until a police boat finally arrived. Rivera says he doesn’t think he could have held on much longer than he did.

Rivera says when helped arrived, he told Sean he was going to be okay. He says Kingston repeated back to him, “I’m going to be okay.”

When it came time to get Kingston into the boat, Rivera says Kingston was able to follow directions, though he did need some assistance getting in.

From there, paramedics quickly came and cleaned Kingston up and rushed him to an ambulance that was waiting nearby.

Rivera, who says he didn’t recognize Kingston until well into the rescue, tells us, “I mean regardless of whether I was in the Coast Guard, I would have still jumped off to help him. He needed help.”

Jimmy Vega, who was with Rivera at the time and assisted in rescuing Kingston, talked to a local reporter (see below) and explained, “We were about to turn back around [and go home] when we noticed him. I truly believe if we did turn around, he would not be with us today.”

News Source: TMZ