Filed under: Selena Gomez , Celebrity Justice The judge has thrown Selena Gomez a temporary lifeline … but he’s not willing to pull her to shore. Moments ago, the judge in Selena’s alleged stalker case decided to reject her request for a permanent restraining order because Thomas Brodnicki — who’s temporarily in the looney bin — was unable to appear in court. Gomez’ lawyer mentioned to the judge he could have contacted the court when he was free, but Brodnicki chose to speak with TMZ instead … so it was his choice whether to contact the court. Nevertheless, the judge was not moved … and ruled he would not issue a permanent restraining order until Brodnicki has his day in court In the meantime, the judge has extended the temporary restraining order so she still has some fleeting protection. The judges ruling was bizarre because other judges regularly issue permanent restraining orders … even when the alleged stalker is not in court. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6.

Filed under: Prince Harry , Hook Ups Prince Harry was full on FLIRTING with a super hot waitress at a Las Vegas nightclub Sunday night … and TMZ has the footage to prove it. No word on the identify of the scorchin’ brunette — but sources inside XS nightclub at the Wynn Hotel tell us she was VERY LUCKY to get that close to the Prince, because dude was rollin’ with an ARMY of security. What happens in Vegas … could get this chick into Buckingham Palace if she handles it right. Permalink

Filed under: Conrad Hilton , Rick Hilton , Celebrity Justice Rick Hilton says his son Conrad insists the only reason he crashed into a parked car in Brentwood this weekend was to avoid running over a dog that darted out into the street. Rick was out in L.A. today — when he told a photog, “Well, what happened according to him telling me is that he was driving and a dog ran in front of him and to avoid the dog he had to veer off.” Rick says Conrad DID NOT leave the scene after the collision — although shortly after the crash, City News Service reported that police told them that Conrad had left the scene. Check out the crash video below — doesn’t appear to be a doggie anywhere in sight. Permalink

Francis Ford Coppola didn’t just stun his fans when he told TMZ he only should have made ONE “Godfather” movie … he also shocked the hell out of one of the actors who starred in ” Part II .” ” TMZ Live ” spoke with Frank Sivero — who played Don Vito’s consigliere Genco Abbandando in the flick that’s widely regarded as the greatest sequel of all time. Sivero tells us he regards the ACADEMY AWARD winning movie as a “masterpiece” — and says he’s completely baffled as to why Coppola would ever make such an outrageous claim. You broke our heart, Francis. Permalink

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large Nobody can figure out why director Francis Ford Coppola said only one “Godfather” movie should have been made — Frank Sivero, who played Genco in part 2 — spent 6 months filming the movie and tells us he’s just as baffled by Coppola’s comments … especially since the film is a masterpiece. Plus, Harvey comes off as the wedding Grinch, but he’s got a point. The money, time and stress of planning a wedding might not be worth it. And, did Matt Damon make a huge mistake by going to a bullfight in Mexico? Harvey thinks so and says the answer is … no more foreign aid to countries that host bullfights. Is it that easy? Permalink

Filed under: Francis Ford Coppola , Movies ” Godfather ” director Francis Ford Coppola says ” Part II ” — which many consider the greatest sequel of all time — was a MISTAKE … insisting, “There shoulda only been one.” Coppola was leaving Hemingway’s Lounge in L.A. last night when we asked if he would ever pick up the Corleone storyline for another GF flick when he dropped the bombshell. We agree about GF3 — but TWO? Two was AWESOME — with Al Pacino, De Niro … the trip back to Italy — C’MON!!!! So, we gotta ask … Permalink

Filed under: Liza Minnelli , Nurse! , Music Liza Minnelli was being pushed around New York in a wheel chair this weekend … after breaking her leg in THREE places — but according to the singer, it’s all her dog’s fault. Permalink

Filed under: Michaele Salahi , Tareq Salahi , Neal Schon Tareq Salahi may want $17 million from Neal Schon and estranged wife Michaele Salahi — but judging by their demeanor yesterday, all he’ll be getting … is laughed at. As TMZ first reported, Tareq fired off a letter to the two … threatening a lawsuit and demanding they cough up dough for humiliating him their torrid affair.

Filed under: Conrad Hilton , Celebrity Justice , Ride Me Conrad Hilton was tearing down a street early Saturday when he side-swiped a parked car — and the impact was all caught on surveillance video … obtained by TMZ.

Filed under: Conrad Hilton , Nicky Hilton Nicky Hilton used the “I’m on phone” technique to dodge our photog’s questions this afternoon about her brother, Conrad Hilton , who was in a car accident early Saturday morning. Cops say Hilton crashed into two parked cars at 12:50 AM. He was not ticketed. Permalink

Filed under: Natalie Wood , Celebrity Justice The detective who investigated the death of Natalie Wood back in 1981 says he would have arrested Robert Wagner himself if the evidence pointed in that direction, but instead he “never really got suspicious of a murder.” Duane Rasure , a retired detective sergeant for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, tells CBS News, “If I have ever the slightest inkling there was a murder, something suspicious, I would have worked it. I did not cover for anybody and I wouldn’t cover for anybody. I don’t care about their celebrity status. They were people.” Rasure, whose interview airs on CBS tonight, says he believes Dennis Davern , the boat captain from that night, is not telling the full truth and that he is “trying to sell a book and make money off of it.” Permalink

Filed under: Lee Corso , TMZ Sports ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso got a little excited this morning when picking the winner of the SMU/Houston game today … and screamed out “F**k it!” in the middle of his pick. Corso later apologized for the profanity. Permalink

Filed under: Mickey Rourke Mickey Rourke emerged from lunch yesterday wearing a wool hat, t-shirt, jacket and shoes … but NO PANTS! Don’t worry though, he got a pair from a friend and put them on in the parking lot.

Filed under: Brittney Jones , Ashton Kutcher , Demi Moore , Celebrity Divorce Only in Hollywood can someone who slept with a married man claim they feel “lied to” — but that’s what Brittney Jones , Ashton Kutcher ‘s alleged mistress, told our photog yesterday. As TMZ first reported, Jones — whose alleged tryst with Kutcher in 2010 was heavily denied by his camp — says she felt vindicated when Demi Moore finally pulled the plug on her marriage to Ashton. Jones said she hasn’t spoken to Ashton lately but she wishes him and Demi the best. How comforting. Permalink

Filed under: Natalie Wood , Robert Wagner , Celebrity Justice The captain of the boat where Natalie Wood spent the last moments of her life was extremely drunk during the critical moments before and after she went missing … this according to the Captain himself. Capt. Dennis Davern told us on TMZ Live … he drank a lot of scotch and wine in the hours leading up to Natalie’s disappearance. What’s more … Davern says Robert Wagner plied him with liquor in the hours after she vanished.

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large The reopened Natalie Wood death investigation continues … and we have “Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour” author Marti Rulli , Splendour Captain Dennis Davern , and Natalie’s sister, Lana Wood , all on the show. Marti says whether Natalie was pushed or just fell off the boast, Robert Wagner was with her when it happened. Dennis says despite drinking a lot of wine and scotch, he remembers what happened … and that Wagner wouldn’t let him turn on the search light to look for Natalie. And Lana tells us Wagner knew Natalie was deathly afraid of water. We’re all over this story from every angle. Permalink

Filed under: Lana Wood , Natalie Wood , Robert Wagner , Celebrity Justice Lana Wood is telling a chilling story about the night her sister died — that Robert Wagner knew Natalie Wood was in the water … but instructed the captain of the yacht to “leave her there, teach her a lesson.” In an interview with TMZ, Lana says Captain Dennis Davern told her several details about Natalie’s death … including that there was a drunken fight between Wagner and Natalie that night in 1981. Lana claims Wagner – or RJ, as she calls him — didn’t call her until 2 days after Natalie’s death and offered her no explanation, other than … “it was an accident.” As for the reopening of the investigation, Lana says her sister “deserves the truth” — and she never bought the official explanation about Natalie and the dinghy … because she knows her sister was afraid she would die in “dark water.” Permalink

Filed under: Robert Wagner , Natalie Wood , Celebrity Justice Robert Wagner is not a suspect in Natalie Wood ‘s death — this according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department — but a spokesperson says they’ve received new information that was “substantial enough” to reopen the investigation. Lt. John Corina wouldn’t go into detail about the new information during a news conference — but said it was credible, and that two homicide investigators have been assigned to the case … 30 years after Natalie’s drowning was ruled accidental. Lt. Corina also wouldn’t say if Natalie’s body would be exhumed, or if Christopher Walken — who was on the boat the night of Natalie’s death — would be interviewed. Permalink

Filed under: Bonnie Pointer , Celebrity Justice Bonnie Pointer — a founding member of the famous Pointer Sisters singing group — was arrested early this morning in Los Angeles for possession of a controlled substance … TMZ has learned. According to law enforcement, 61-year-old Pointer was busted for felony possession of a controlled substance at 12:39 AM and hauled to a nearby station– where she was booked and held on $10,000 bail. Pointer was released from custody around 4:30 AM. The Pointer Sisters were HUGE in the ’70s and ’80s — churning out hits like “Slow Hand” and “Neutron Dance.” TMZ shot footage of Bonnie in L.A. last weekend — in which the singer revealed her sister Anita is fighting cancer. Bonnie appeared loopy and out of it. Story developing … Permalink

Filed under: Natalie Wood , Dennis Davern , Robert Wagner , Celebrity Justice Dennis Davern , the man who captained the boat the day actress Natalie Wood drowned, said this morning … Robert Wagner was “responsible” for her death. This morning on “TODAY,” Davern admitted he did “lie on a report several years ago” — but wouldn’t say what new evidence he offered up to authorities. When asked if he thought Wagner was responsible for the death of Natalie Wood, Davern responded, “Yes, I would say so. Yes.” Davern said he believed Wagner tried to keep the investigation into Wood’s death low-profile. Lana Wood, Natalie’s sister, told TMZ she felt Wagner was not honest with the cops at the time of the drowning. Permalink

Filed under: Barack Obama , Celebrity Justice President Barack Obama ‘s uncle appeared in court this morning for a DUI charge — and continued to dodge the deportation bullet … while his attorney questions the “legality of the traffic stop.” Onyango Obama ‘s attorney filed a motion in a Massachusetts courtroom — claiming police had no reason to pull over Onyango, and therefore violated his constitutional rights, when he was arrested August 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge continued the case until January 12, 2012. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of Onyango after the arrest, but he was later released. He could be deported back to Kenya if found guilty. Permalink

Filed under: Dominic Monaghan “Lost” star Dominic Monaghan was rolling around L.A. last night in one of the most badass cars on the planet — but even he admits Lamborghinis have a major design flaw … it’s “very difficult” to get freaky in a car without a backseat. Rich people problems. Permalink

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large The chick accusing Justin Bieber of knocking her up drops the paternity suit and gets a new lawyer — after her original attorneys bail out. Anyone still buying her story? Plus, the debate that got everyone fired up — are some people just destined to be fat? Richard Simmons calls in and says people choose to be overweight by eating like crap and not exercising — and someone takes Harvey to task over his views on sizey foks. You really don’t wanna miss this. Permalink

Filed under: Tito Jackson , Marlon Jackson , Jackie Jackson , Celebrity Justice Three of Michael Jackson ‘s brothers — Marlon , Jackie , and Tito ( left to right ) — have filed a lawsuit against a guy who they say duped them into signing 1,000 replicas of the famous Michael Jackson “Thriller” and “Beat It” jackets. According to a new lawsuit — obtained by TMZ — the 3 bros were promised $100,000 each for their signatures on replicas of the iconic, red, leather jackets that MJ wore in his “Thriller” and “Beat It” videos. The brothers claim Steeve Bohbot and the other defendants were supposed to pay as soon as the ink was dry, but they allegedly changed the deal and said they would pay when the jackets were delivered to Amazon.com for sale. According to the suit, Bohbot claimed there was a problem with delivery to Amazon, but the brothers say it was just a lie. Bohbot’s lawyer had no comment. Permalink

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large Jerry Sandusky may have helped the prosecution in his child sex case … could his bizarre interview with Bob Costas be used in his trial? Plus, Harvey makes the case for Howards Stern as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” … but Parents Television Council president Tim Winters says NBC would be making a massive mistake by hiring Stern because he’s too disgusting for family TV. And, retired NBA player Olden Polynice calls Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan a “Richard” … and says the NBA lockout is really about owners vs. owners … and that the chances for a season are slim. Permalink

Filed under: Marc Tyler , TMZ Sports USC star running back Marc Tyler says he’s been sober ever since we saw him in July — jokingly suggesting USC pays players and they all “gettin’ Kim Kardashian” — and he gives all the credit to us.

Filed under: Jerry Sandusky Jerry Sandusky ‘s lawyer says he thinks he found the boy who was allegedly raped in the shower that has become the flashpoint for the scandal, and the man — now in his 20′s — is saying it never happened. Joe Amendola told Ann Curry on “Today” … prosecutors have never given him the names of the accusers, but he believes he’s found the alleged victim, and if indeed it is him Mike McQueary is lying. Amendola also concedes, “It is possible Jerry did this [molested kids]” and if he did he should be punished.

Filed under: TMZ Sports Jerry Sandusky got tough direct questions from Bob Costas on “Rock Center” tonight … watch the video and judge for yourself how he handled them. Permalink

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large Jerry Sandusky ‘s sex abuse scandal needs to be fully investigated to see who at Penn State knew what and for how long … this according to Pennsylvania state legislator Scott Conklin, who called in. Conklin represents the district that encompasses the university, and he tells Harvey and Charles he’s not part of the good ol’ boys network that appears to have covered up Sandusky’s alleged crimes. Plus, the Conrad Murray documentary … he cries and says he loved MJ … but is that the problem? Doctors should care for their patients … not be their best friend. Permalink

Filed under: Politix Republican Senator for Utah Orrin Hatch doesn’t have much faith in his party — telling TMZ NONE of the GOP candidates has a fighting chance to take the Oval Office … except for one very handsome Mormon. Not that you have to be good-looking to be President — Orrin tells us, one man clearly stands out as the ugliest Chief Executive of all time .. and maybe the greatest. Permalink