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The Truth About Priyanka Chopra and Meghan Markle's Friendship. If you feel that Priyanka Chopra and Meghan Markle are friendship goals, then you're not alone. The two beauties have been close friends for quite some time and have always supported each other through the good and the bad. However, as of late, many have speculated the besties are experiencing a fall out, but that couldn't be further from the truth, according to a source. "All the rumors that Priyanka and Meghan aren't friends anymore are totally not true," a source tells E! News. "Priyanka and Meghan are still very close friends and they talk frequently." The insider adds, "Meghan confides in Priyanka about the adjustments she has to make with being a royal." For those unfamiliar, rumors began swirling their friendship was crumbling when the former Suits actress didn't attend Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding in January. To fuel the rumors even more, the 36-year-old actress was surprisingly absent from the Duchess of Sussex's New York City baby shower in February. Guests included Gayle King, Amal Clooney, Markus Anderson and Jessica Mulroney. "Just because Priyanka didn't go to the shower, or that Meghan couldn't come to her wedding(s), doesn't mean anything about their friendship," the source explains to E! News. "They're still very close friends and Meghan considers Priyanka one of her closest confidants." Despite their absences during certain life events, it's clear Meghan and Priyanka's bond is unlike any other. When the Duchess of Sussex was chosen as one of Time's Most Influential People of 2018, the Isn't It Romantic actress penned a powerful piece on her friend, writing about Meghan's exceptional qualities. "More than anything else, Meghan is an important influencer in a world that needs strong public figures to respect and look up to," Priyanka said. "People the world can be inspired by. Meghan, standing shoulder to shoulder with [Prince] Harry, will be a princess for the people." And when the 36-year-old star and her now-husband first got engaged, the famous pair reportedly jet-setted to London so Nick could meet the royal couple. They allegedly spent time at Prince Harry and Meghan's country home. At the time, a source told E! News Nick earned Meghan's seal of approval, saying she was "very excited" for the betrothed pair. "Everyone is very happy and they are definitely a great match." It appears there's no bad blood here. (Eonline)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are sharing their condolences with the grieving country of New Zealand, which recently welcomed them with open arms. Wearing all black and walking hand-in-hand, the couple, who are expecting their first child in April, made a surprise visit to New Zealand House in London on Tuesday afternoon to sign a book of condolences for the victims of Friday's terrorist attack in Christchurch, where 50 people died and dozens more were injured after a gunman opened fire on two mosques. A 28-year-old man has since been charged with murder. Meghan wrote: "Our deepest condolences. We are with you." Harry signed his name with "Arohanui," which is Maori for "best wishes." As the couple arrived, they were greeted with a hongi (traditional nose rub) by High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae and Deputy High Commissioner David Evans. Harry and Meghan were asked to represent the royal family because they are the most recent royal visitors to New Zealand. Meghan wore special jewelry for the occasion: the gold Boh Runga Discologo stud earrings which were given to her as a gift from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during the couple's royal tour. According to the brand's website, "in Maori mythology the Miromiro feather was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you." On Friday, Kensington Palace issued a joint statement on behalf of Prince William, Kate Middleton, Harry, and Meghan, where the royal couples referred to the "senseless attacks" as a "horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship." Both couples previously spent time in Christchurch, where two mosques were attacked. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were last there in 2014, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex -- who are expecting their first child in April -- recently visited in October 2018 as part of their 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch," the lengthy statement began, alongside a photo of the New Zealand flag. "We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people," they wrote. "No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship." "This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, and the broader Muslim community. It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship," the royal foursome continued. "We know that from this devastation and deep mourning, the people of New Zealand will unite to show that such evil can never defeat compassion and tolerance." Wrapping up their heartfelt note, the royal couples said they were sending thoughts and prayers to the people of New Zealand and finished with "Kia Kaha" -- a Maori phrase that means "stay strong," which is often used by New Zealanders as an affirmation. (People)

Andy Cohen to Receive GLAAD Media Award From Sarah Jessica Parker. And the mazel of the day goes to Andy Cohen -- again! The host of Bravo's Watch What Happens Live -- the first out gay host of an American late-night talk show, and new dad is set to receive the Vito Russo Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on May 4. His longtime friend and LGBTQ ally Sarah Jessica Parker will present the honor to him. The award is given to an openly LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance and is named after Vito Russo, a founder of GLAAD who pushed open the door for news and entertainment industries to include LGBTQ performers and stories. In a press release, GLAAD praised Cohen for how he "consistently speaks out on LGBTQ issues on the show including marriage equality, anti-transgender legislation, and hate violence against LGBTQ people." Previous Vito Russo honorees include Cohen's friend Anderson Cooper, Parker's Sex and the City co-star Cynthia Nixon, The Handmaid's Tale's Samira Wiley, Ricky Martin, and Rosie O'Donnell. Madonna is also being honored at the ceremony; she will become the first woman to receive GLAAD's Advocate for Change Award. The GLAAD Media Awards in New York City will air live on Logo on Sunday, May 12 at 8pm ET. The show will be hosted by Ross Matthews and will feature appearances from stars such as Samantha Bee, CNN journalist Don Lemon, and cast members from FX's Pose. Another GLAAD Media Awards ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on March 28. (Eonline)

Celebrities are coming forward to show their support for Wendy Williams after she announced on her talk show Tuesday that she's been living in a sober house. Former "Today" co-host Tamron Hall, who's set to launch a talk show of her own in September, tweeted, "Proud of @WendyWilliams for taking this major step! Her journey will inspire so many people in the same situation... using her voice for good." CNN anchor Don Lemon praised the 54-year-old -- who has been open about her past drug abuse -- for her bravery in coming forward. "I say bravest woman I know. @WendyWilliams finally speaks her truth about recovery," Lemon tweeted. "The View" co-host Meghan McCain said what Williams shared was not "for the weak of heart." "Sending strength and love to you @WendyWilliams speaking your truth and showing your struggle and darkness on national television is not for the weak of heart," McCain tweeted. For comedian Whitney Cummings and "Scandal" star Bellamy Young, things got personal. "Addiction has plagued myself and my family for my whole life and I'm just so grateful that she's sharing her story to help combat the shame of addiction," Cummings tweeted. "This is a disease that discriminates against nobody." And Young shared, "I learned a long time ago in #AlAnon that 'we're only as sick as our secrets.' So, shine your LIGHT. Let us heal w/you. There are very few lives untouched by addiction: it's so important that we share how we heal & how we grow. I'm w/you 100%." Meanwhile, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler -- who in January told GQ he's been sober for nearly a decade (his fourth attempt at staying clean) -- spoke about bravery. "YOU KNOW WHATS BRAVE...? ADMITTING YOUR FAILURE... ADMITTING YOUR TRIUMPHS WITHOUT A CARE FOR JUDGEMENT," he tweeted. "STRENGTH TAKES TIME TO BUILD... BETTER LATE THAN NEVER... CONGRATS TO @WendyWilliams FOR SPEAKING YOUR TRUTH. ." Piers Morgan, known for blasting celebs, took a break from his feuds to compliment Williams. "Love @WendyWilliams one of the nicest & most genuine people I've encountered on US TV," he wrote. "This was a gutsy thing to admit wish her all the best." Howard Stern, who went after Williams and her "mystery illness" after she criticized his book, has yet to address Williams' announcement. On Tuesday, Williams revealed that she didn't tell anyone but her husband, Kevin Hunter, that she would be moving into the sober facility. "Only Kevin knows about this. Not my parents, nobody. Nobody knew because I look so glamorous out here," she shared on her show. "After I finish my appointments ... I am driven by my 24-hour sober coach back to a home that I live in the tri-state with a bunch of smelly boys who have become my family. ... We talk and read and talk and read and then I get bored with them. Doors locked by 10 p.m., lights out by 10 p.m., so I go to my room and stare at the ceiling and fall asleep to come here and see you. So that is my truth." Her revelation comes after she took a 2-month hiatus from her eponymous TV show. Upon her return, she revisited her past struggles with drugs but said her absence was because of her Graves' disease. She didn't officially say on Tuesday that she relapsed. (Page Six)

Danielle Bregoli just hit a milestone of wealth and success at a very young age -- she's now the proud owner of a Rolex watch ... the perfect way to ring in her 16th birthday. Sources tell us Bhad Bhabie received her first Rolex ever Tuesday in NYC as an early birthday gift to celebrate her sweet 16, courtesy of her managers, Adam Kluger and Dan Roof. We're told Danielle has always wanted a Rolex but hasn't gotten around to snagging one. The diamond-encrusted watch is a beaut, and it's custom too. Our sources say this is a Mother of Pearl Rolex, and it comes fully loaded with 15.38 carats of VS diamonds around the band, and 1.5 carats of VS diamonds on the Roman numerals lining the face dial. All in all ... we're talking about a $42,000 value. We're told the watch was commissioned by Joel the Jeweler in L.A. We got Danielle out in NYC Tuesday and she was already sporting her new gift ... but she says there's still one more present that'll make her bday perfect. Danielle certainly deserves it -- she's been riding a wave of success so high for so long now that it's somewhat surprising she hadn't copped one of these before. From smash hit songs to her own reality show on Snapchat, she's come a long way from her "Dr. Phil" days. Happy birthday, kid. (TMZ)

Conor McGregor says he OWES Nate Diaz a third fight -- purely out of respect -- and states definitively, "The trilogy will happen." McGregor was standing on the bar at Binny's Beverage Depot in Chicago when he told a bunch of his fans why the rubber match NEEDS to happen. TMZ Sports has the video. "He fought me, he beat me. He gave me a rematch at the exact same weight, there was no hesitation, that's a true fighter right there," McGregor said. "I have nothing but respect ... I owe him the trilogy now and the trilogy will happen." Of course, Conor first fought Diaz at UFC 196 in March 2016 -- where was choked out and submitted in a legendary, bloody brawl with the fighter from Stockton. Diaz agreed to a rematch at UFC 202 in August 2016 -- where Conor emerged victorious in a 5-round major decision. There's been talk of a third fight for years -- but Conor has been chasing bigger money fights with guys like Floyd Mayweather and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Conor still has a TON of options -- he's only 30 years old and wants rematches with Floyd and Khabib ... but it seems a trilogy with Nate is high on his priority list. The UFC has gotta be excited about it too ... considering McGregor vs. Diaz I is the 3rd most bought pay-per-view fight in UFC history ... and McGregor vs. Diaz II is the 2nd biggest. The #1 PPV of all time? McGregor vs. Khabib. Conor recently talked about how he NEEDS to get the Khabib rematch too ... and famously posted a post-fight breakdown pointing out what he did wrong -- but many people think he needs to get a win under his belt before he steps back in the Octagon with The Eagle. The other issue with Conor ... he says he wants OWNERSHIP shares of the UFC before he takes another fight. What will the UFC do? It's a great question ... (TMZ)

YBN Almighty Jay is getting his stolen Rap-a-Lot Records chain back ... thanks to some VERY strong words from label honcho J Prince, and some help from French Montana. TMZ broke the story ... Jay's chain was snatched -- along with his wallet and shoes -- during a brutal NYC street brawl. Now, we've learned French and fellow Bronx rapper Hocus45th had a Monday night meeting in L.A. with J Prince ... and returned the stolen chain and pendant. We're told FM and Hocus flew in from NYC to hand-deliver the piece. J Prince tells TMZ ... "It was never about the chain, it was about the name that was built off of blood sweat and tears." We're told French connected Hocus45th and KT (the big dude in white) with Prince so they could see eye-to-eye on getting the jewelry back to its rightful owner. We're told Hocus' name carries a lot of weight in the Bronx, so he was able to recover it from the guys who allegedly robbed Almighty Jay. After their productive meeting -- which included J Prince Jr -- we're told the men are moving forward with #MobTies ... J Prince's term for his allies. It's more good news for Jay. Our sources say he's still recovering from multiple stab wounds suffered in the attack. Bottom line ... J Prince is keeping his perfect record of getting back snatched chains. As he puts it, "Real recognizes real in every hood." (TMZ)

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer will NOT be charged with any crime stemming from his physical altercation with his wife ... TMZ Sports has learned. Sources tell us officials thoroughly investigated the altercation -- combing through multiple videos and interviewing several witnesses -- and ultimately determined Baer's action's did NOT constitute a crime. The SF District Attorney's office gave us the following statement ... "After a careful review of the relevant evidence, including multiple videos, statements from several witnesses and the parties themselves, the evidence does not support filing criminal charges." TMZ Sports posted video showing Baer in a physical altercation with his wife in a public park -- ultimately knocking her to the ground in a struggle to pry a phone out of her hands. You can hear her screaming, "Oh my god. Help!" Larry has taken a leave of absence from his job with the Giants while cops and the MLB investigate the situation -- and has expressed remorse. "I am truly sorry for the pain that I have brought to my wife, children and to the organization. It is not reflective of the kind of a person that I aspire to be, but it happened and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I never behave in such an inappropriate manner again." Baer's wife, Pam, has publicly supported her husband ... calling the incident a non-issue and has insisted they are still happily married. Baer has been involved with the Giants organization for decades. He was named chief operating officer in May 1996, team president in October 2008 and CEO on January 1, 2012. (TMZ)

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer will NOT be charged with any crime stemming from his physical altercation with his wife ... TMZ Sports has learned. Sources tell us officials thoroughly investigated the altercation -- combing through multiple videos and interviewing several witnesses -- and ultimately determined Baer's action's did NOT constitute a crime. The SF District Attorney's office gave us the following statement ... "After a careful review of the relevant evidence, including multiple videos, statements from several witnesses and the parties themselves, the evidence does not support filing criminal charges." TMZ Sports posted video showing Baer in a physical altercation with his wife in a public park -- ultimately knocking her to the ground in a struggle to pry a phone out of her hands. You can hear her screaming, "Oh my god. Help!" Larry has taken a leave of absence from his job with the Giants while cops and the MLB investigate the situation -- and has expressed remorse. "I am truly sorry for the pain that I have brought to my wife, children and to the organization. It is not reflective of the kind of a person that I aspire to be, but it happened and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I never behave in such an inappropriate manner again." Baer's wife, Pam, has publicly supported her husband ... calling the incident a non-issue and has insisted they are still happily married. Baer has been involved with the Giants organization for decades. He was named chief operating officer in May 1996, team president in October 2008 and CEO on January 1, 2012. (TMZ)

Lauren Sanchez's brother says $200K pact with Enquirer was 'deal with the devil'. Michael Sanchez, the brother of Jeff Bezos' lover, confirmed that he made a "deal with the devil" and helped the National Enquirer break the sensational story on Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's extramarital affair. But Michael insisted to Page Six he did it to benevolently protect Lauren -- and the world's richest man -- by ensuring the news of their romance broke only after their mutual spouses were told. But now it's unclear whether the couple at the center of the scandal is even together anymore. They have remained apart while Bezos' security chief Gavin de Becker has conducted an investigation into the mole who leaked Bezos' racy texts and below-the-belt selfies. A clandestine meeting in Manhattan between Bezos and Lauren that we reported on last month has been strongly denied by his camp. A source told us the two "haven't seen each other since the story broke. A lot of this has to do with their decision to lay low and spend time with their kids, who didn't get a warning about the Enquirer story and now have to deal with the intense public interest and the paparazzi in pursuit." The source added, "Michael isn't doing her and Jeff any favors by keeping his sister's name in the press. He may genuinely believe he is defending Lauren, but in many ways he is actually doing more to ... doom her relationship with Jeff." The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the Enquirer's parent company, AMI, paid Michael, a Hollywood manager, $200,000 for racy texts between the couple. Sanchez sniffed that he would not "dignify" rumors from anonymous sources. But one thing he says he is sure of: He insists he was not responsible for leaking the more intimate shots of the Amazon founder's package -- which Bezos argues Enquirer editors tried to use to extort him. Sanchez added of the lurid leak: "I may have helped the Enquirer with their story. But I never had access to the penis selfies." (PageSix)

Shaan Patel's not shocked or outraged by the recent college admissions scandal and says the ultimate fallout will be more people -- yes, even the filthy rich -- opting to take a legal route to higher scores. Shaan's company, Prep Expert, really took off after he appeared on "Shark Tank" and convinced Mark Cuban to invest. On Tuesday's "TMZ Live," he admitted the college entrance process has always been rigged to favor 1 percenters ... hence the $1,000/hr. he's gotten as a tutor! He says the difference between the alleged cheating/bribery scandal and courses like his is simple -- results. Make that, LEGAL results -- and he claims to have the numbers to back that up. Still, he doesn't dodge the notion that desire to get into name-brand schools -- like Harvard, Yale, USC and Stanford -- can lead to parents making shady deals. Ya know, like allegedly paying $500,000 to have your daughters designated as recruits for the crew team ... when they don't actually row. Translation: the whole process is a racket -- has been for a long time -- but there are cheaper, less criminal paths to success. (TMZ)

The USC Judicial Council for the Undergraduate Student Government is knee-deep in investigating the cheating scandal at the school, and we're told students are blowing the whistle on scores of their fellow students who allegedly cheated their way into the University. Sources directly connected to the Council tell TMZ, USC students have referred 60 of their classmates to the Council, claiming they used underhanded or illegal means to gain admission. One source tells TMZ, there is "hysteria" on the campus in the wake of the scandal, and the accusations are flying. We're told of the 60, the Council determined 57 allegations were unfounded. As for the remaining 3 ... our sources say 2 of the students are freshman and used the services of the ringleader of the scandal, Rick Singer, who contacted the athletic department on behalf of both of them. Our sources say there is some connection to the men's lacrosse team, however, they are quick to add they have not determined if there was any wrongdoing ... at least, not yet. We're told the 2 students appeared "very nervous" after the scandal broke. As for the third student ... our sources described her parents as "unindicted co-conspirators" who live on the East Coast. The case was referred to the Judicial Council by a faculty member. We're told the student in question is a junior who used Rick Singer to help gain admission. As for Lori Loughlin's daughters, Olivia and Isabella, we're told the Judicial Council was about to begin an investigation, but members were called to the Provost's Office on March 14 and were asked to stand down -- the University would handle the matter. TMZ broke the story ... Olivia and Isabella will not be returning to the school. TMZ has obtained the document in which the Council surrendered the case to university officials. The Judicial Council has the power to suspend students for one semester and to place students on unlimited academic probation. (TMZ)

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