Ukraine skeleton star Vladyslav Heraskevych won’t be sliding for Olympic gold this year ... because officials have benched him over a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the war -- and now the decision is sparking a global firestorm.
The Ukrainian Olympian -- widely seen as a legit medal threat -- was disqualified from competing after refusing to ditch a custom helmet featuring tributes to more than 20 fallen Ukrainian athletes and coaches who died during Russia’s invasion.
Two women were swept off their feet by a pair of Good Samaritans after a flood in Brazil did the same to them ... with bystanders dashing through the raging waters to pull them.
Daniela Gonçalves Silva, 44, and Gabriela de Jesus Lima, 23, were standing outside Lima's shop in Montes Claros -- a city in the north of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais -- Tuesday when the rain in the area intensified, causing a flood that carried them down the street.
In the clip, you can see the two women sliding and tumbling down the block, along with a motor scooter ... unable to hold on to anything to brace themselves against the storm's onslaught.
"Dancing With the Stars" pro Emma Slater saw her 'DWTS' partner James Van Der Beek just days before his death ... and she expressed her gratitude for their final meeting in an emotional tribute to the late actor.
Emma was paired with Van Der Beek in Season 28 of the dancing competition show in 2019, and she posted her favorite pic from their season to Instagram on Wednesday, calling him her "big brother."
She wrote ... "All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance. We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together. It started with being dance partners and I was beyond excited to be dancing with you, and it continued into the deepest of friendships."
Reese Witherspoon is honoring James Van Der Beek's life as she mourns his death, saying she's heartbroken over the loss of the talented actor.
Witherspoon paid tribute to Van Der Beek on her Instagram Story after he passed away Wednesday in Austin, Texas. While an official cause of death has not been released, Van Der Beek had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since August 2023.
Reese writes she's "devastated" about Van Der Beek's passing, calling him an "extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.” Witherspoon went on to say she's praying for Van Der Beek's family.
Van Der Beek's final acting role will come in the upcoming TV series, "Elle," based on Reese's iconic character, Elle Woods, from the 2001 flick "Legally Blonde." Witherspoon is an executive producer on the show, which is set to premiere on July 1. In the series, Van Der Beek portrays Dean Wilson -- a school superintendent and mayoral candidate.
James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe has raised more than a million bucks less than 24 hours after his death was announced ... and it's still growing.
As of Thursday morning, the crowdfunding page has $1.2 million in donations, from fans and big-name friends alike. "Dancing with the Stars" pro Derek Houghdropped $1,000, Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana -- using her married name of Zoe Saldaña-Perego -- donated $2,500, the Marla Maples Foundation sent in $5,000, and Lyn Lear, the late Norman Lear’s wife, and YouTuber Codie Sanchez even each donated $5,000 on a monthly basis!
Notably, TMZ has not verified the donations -- but it's clear Van Der Beek's death hit people in the heartstrings, as more than 24,000 donations have poured in.
Sen. Raphael Warnock says there's no such thing as too much celebrity support ... even if some folks think Hollywood's star-spangled backing of Kamala Harris did her no favors at the ballot box.
We got the Democratic Senator from Georgia at the Hart Building in Washington, D.C. ... and our producer asked him if there's a delicate balance when it comes to celebrity endorsements.
Sen. Warnock says he's happy for any celeb support he receives, because he's a man of the people, and celebs are people too ... and he explains why he's happy to work with folks like Usher.
Ain't no way we forgot about lover's day! TMZ's got you covered with the cutest custom cards -- Hailee Steinfeld, Tate McRae and more hot stars are ready to spice up your Valentine's Day!
Whether you're ridin' solo, cuffed up, or have your eye on a special someone ... no need to run out to the store, 'cuz these crafted cards are ICONIC!
When you find your perfect match, click the linkto download a printable version and then see if you can score the Valentine's Day word below:
WrestleMania is now only just over 60 days away, and while Cody Rhodesisn't paid to be the matchmaker in WWE ... he tells TMZ Sports there's one he would love to see in Sin City come April -- Logan Paulvs. Bad Bunny!!
We caught up with the former Undisputed WWE Champion in New York City, where we asked him whether he hopes BB finds his way back to the WWE in time for WrestleMania 42.
"I hope we get him back," Rhodes said. "He did a wonderful job, but he's on top of the world right now."
Sheesh, what a week cheek it's been! Singer and rapper Coi Leray spiced up the social media feeds in high heels ... and an outfit that highlighted her curves and assets?! Say less!
Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce, would do anything for her son ... except sign an NDA ... at least according to a chat we had with the famous matriarch at LAX today.
When our cameraperson asked Donna if Travis and his fiancée, Taylor Swift, had her sign a non-disclosure agreement, Donna scoffed at the idea.
A rep for the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas says ... it was reported to them at 6:44 AM. No cause of death was given.
James' wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, posted about his passing shortly after we broke the news ... writing in a shared Instagram post her husband "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." She asked for privacy for their family at this time.
For Tony Yayo, beef doesn't die, it just gets old ... and that was evident in his plane pillow fight with longstanding nemesis Ja Rule.
Yayo and Uncle Murda are sharing their side of the story from their recent dustup with Ja on Delta Air Lines ... telling TMZ Ja Rule is capping what really went down.
The New York rappers, who just launched their own podcast together "The Real Report," say Ja wanted no smoke when he realized his worst enemies were seated right behind him in first class for a flight from SFO to JFK ... and after some jawing and pillow throwing, Ja made the smart move and ducked off the plane to catch a later flight.
Christine Quinn's "Selling Sunset" chapter could be reopening ... TMZ has learned.
Multiple sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... production for the Netflix hit series is gauging Christine's interest in a possible return for Season 10, asking whether she'd consider coming back.
We're told premature conversations have taken place and are ongoing ... but nothing is official, and no contracts have been signed.
Christine starred on the show from Seasons 1 through 5 and quickly became one of its most polarizing personalities, known for her over-the-top fashion, sharp tongue, and explosive feuds with Chrishell Stause, Mary Fitzgerald, Heather Rae El Moussa, and Emma Hernan.
Nicole Curtisis addressing the controversy surrounding HGTV pulling her show "Rehab Addict" from its platforms following the release of leaked footage showing her using a racial slur during filming.
Curtis tells TMZ ... "I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone." She tells us she was unaware of HGTV's decision to pull the plug on her show on the same day it was set to return to air after a hiatus.
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Despite the surprising split, she tells us, "I'm grateful for the 15-year journey we've shared. It's been a meaningful chapter, but my focus isn't on my career. My focus, at this moment is rightfully on my relationships, and my community -- the people who truly know my character and where my heart is."
Rapper Chanel West Coast has gone country, but she's not leaving her hip-hop roots behind ... she told us her new song "Giddy Up" is a perfect blend of both genres -- and her best track yet!
We caught up with the former "Ridiculousness" star last night outside of Andys in West Hollywood, California, where she called the song "honestly, a little mix of everything I like, which is all music."
Chanel was so excited, she shared a snippet of the new tune on socials yesterday before its Friday release ... and it is a banger!
