Madonna Stands Up For Jailed Band in Russia

Tensions were high following Madonna's concert in Moscow on Tuesday, when the singer expressed support for Russian punk band P*ssy Riot, who have made international headlines for being in custody for five months after giving an impromptu performance in the city's main cathedral to call for an end to President Vladimir Putin's rule. The band's trial wrapped up this week and a verdict is expected next week.

The issue has garnered international attention as prosecutors seek a 3-year jail term for the trio on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred for their "punk prayer."

On Thursday, Madonna spoke at length during her St. Petersburg show about human rights issues. "We want to fight for the right to be free," began the singer. "To be who we are. It's a very strange time in the world; I'm traveling around the world and I feel it in the air. I feel that people are becoming more and more afraid of people who are different. People are becoming more intolerant.

"It's a very scary time, but we can make a difference," she said. "We can change this: we have the power. And we don't have to do with violence, we just have to do it with love." Watch video here.

Jessica Simpson's Father Joe Arrested

We're told LAPD cops pulled Joe's car over around 10 PM ... and during the stop, officers got the feeling he was intoxicated and ultimately cuffed the famous pop and took him to the pokey.

Joe was booked and spent the rest of the night behind bars. He was released without having to post bail at 9:41 the following day.

The case has not been sent over to prosecutors in the L.A. City Attorney's Office yet, but if criminal charges are filed, it's likely Joe will not get any jail time since it's his first offense. He'll probably end up with a big fat fine -- something his daughter will have no problem paying. more on this story

Four Unreleased Lana Del Rey Songs Go Online

"It's not a new album, it's more like an afterthought," Del Rey told Nova FM while in Australia for a series of concert dates recently.

It's 'The Paradise Edition' of 'Born to Die.' It's like seven new songs that kind of put a period on the statement I was making when I was making the record � just a final thought on that � it's beautiful."

Now, four songs from the "Paradise Edition" have leaked online.

Photographer's Excuse For High Speed Justin Bieber Car Chase

Photog Paul Raef's lawyer, David Kestenbaum, tells TMZ ... his client is no different than a traditional news reporter covering a breaking story, and therefore he has a constitutional right to chase it.

Raef is the first person charged under California's new "Paparazzi Law," enhancing the punishment when a photog creates a dangerous situation for profit.

Kestenbaum tells TMZ Raef will challenge the new law, presumably on grounds that it violates his First Amendment right to freedom of the press.

Kestenbaum is in court right now for Raef's arraignment, where Raef's expected to plead not guilty. more on this story

Mother of Michael Jackson's Children Supports Joint Guardianship... But

Rowe filed the documents in L.A. County Superior Court today ... saying she has reviewed the co-guardianship application and signed off on the deal reached between TJ and Katherine to share parenting responsibilities for Paris, Blanket and Prince.

But in the docs, Debbie warns ... "Should the arrangement sought by TJ Jackson and Katherine Jackson become untenable, unstable, unsafe, or in any way contrary to the best interests of the children, Ms. Rowe will seek court intervention."

Rowe claims her concern is for the health, safety and well-being of HER children; and says she will continue to ensure their needs are met.

Remember, when TJ first petitioned for guardianship, the judge said that Debbie must be notified. more on this story

Locals Helped Randy Travis Following Arrest

TMZ has learned ... moments after word got out about Travis' arrest, several locals raced over to the jail to help out -- one man posted Randy's cash bond and another man offered legal services right away.

The lawyer was Gary Corley ... who tells TMZ the area around Sherman, TX is a close-knit community where the people take care of each other ... and he wanted to "do the humanitarian thing" and help Travis.

When Corley arrived to the jail, he briefly met with Randy, offered his services, and told him about the legion of photographers waiting outside the jail to shoot the singer.

Corley tells us he was wearing his Texas hat at the time, but decided Randy probably needed it more ... and literally gave him the cap right off of his head so the singer could shield his face from shutterbugs on his way out.

We're told Corley had a car waiting for Travis in case he wanted a ride ... but the man who posted Randy's cash bond had already arranged for transportation ... so Randy went with his money man.

So far, we're told Randy has not officially hired an attorney ... but Corley says he'll be there if he needs him. more on this story

Oprah Teases Rihanna Interview

"I went there with my own ideas about who she was from watching her videos and listening to her music," said Oprah. "I thought she was gonna be kind of a badass, a kind of hard edged, rocker, pop woman."

"Nothing could have been farther from the truth," summed up the talk show legend. Watch the tease here.

Dwight Howard Keeping Mum Over Lakers Trade Rumor

TMZ has confirmed with sources familiar with the situation ... Dwight is in "serious negotiations" to become a Laker in a trade involving 4 teams ... and it could happen VERY soon.

If the deal actually goes through, it would send Andrew Bynum packing ... possibly to Philadelphia.

Yesterday, our photog found Dwight in L.A., where he's still recovering from back surgery ... and asked the NBA star about all the wheeling and dealing.

Dwight pursed his lips at the question (pun intended) -- but with millions of dollars on the line ... it's probably a smart move. more on this story

Zac Brown's Midget Bowling Protested

You'll recall ... TMZ posted footage of country singer Zac Brown going "midget bowling" at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota last weekend -- sliding a little person named Short Sleeve Sampson down a greasy ramp ... and into bowling pins (he got a strike).

But a rep for Little People of America -- the country's biggest non-profit for people with dwarfism -- tells TMZ, "Little People of America does not endorse any activity in which a person of short stature is used as an object rather than regarded as a competitor, in a 'sporting event.'"

The rep adds, "We believe that such practices are a direct insult to the equality of people with dwarfism, grounded in a respect for basic human dignity."

But tell that to Short Sleeve Sampson -- he called in to TMZ Live earlier this week ... insisting there's NOTHING wrong with a little "midget bowling" every now and then. more on this story

Michael Jackson's Sister Reacts To Olympic Team's Use Of His Music

In case you missed it, the Russian team of Natalia Ischenko and Svetlana Romashina donned MJ-themed bathing suits and performed an amazing routine to the King of Pop's "They Don't Care About Us." The performance eventually helped them land the gold, over Spain.

Their routine was near-perfect -- but no one was more impressed than Michael's sister, La Toya Jackson, who tells TMZ, "I'm thankful for the honor that the Olympian swimmers paid to my brother Michael's memory."

She adds, "It is so wonderful to see how many global fans he has!"

Yes, global fans who look OUTSTANDING in bathing suits. more on this story

No Doubt Go Street For New Album

"Today's gonna be fun because we're meeting with the artist who's going to be doing artwork for the album," says singer Gwen Stefani. "His name is El Mac; he is a street artist. He's actually from Arizona, but he has murals that he's done here in L.A. and all around the world," she continued. "Today he's coming to meet with the band, hear some songs, get a vibe. I'm really excited about it!"

"His technique, his ability is just mind-blowing," continues Gwen, "so the idea of him working with us on this album..it'll be classic." Watch it here.

Maps & Atlases Kicking Off Tour This Weekend

The tour includes headlining dates, as well as shows with St. Vincent, Yo La Tengo, Frank Turner & Murder By Death.

Maps & Atlases are touring in in support of their latest album, Beware & Be Grateful, which was recorded last year in a series of week-long sessions at Omaha's ARC Studios with producer Jason Cupp (Nurses, Good Old War). more on this story

Lamar Odom, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant Vs Power Balance

TMZ has obtained court papers, which show Odom claims the company stiffed him out of $133,870 before it filed for bankruptcy back in November.

Lamar was a minority investor in the company ... and swore by the non-scientifically proven magical powers the hologram-embedded bracelet is said to possess.

As for Shaq -- a former Power Balance spokesperson -- court docs show the big man is demanding $308,170.

The two join a long list of athletes who claim PB needs to open up its checkbook ... including Kobe ($400,000), Blake Griffin ($20,000) and skateboarder Ryan Sheckler ($25,000).

TMZ broke the story ... PB was ordered to shell out $57 million in a class action lawsuit after a bunch of former PB wearers called BS on the company's claim that the bracelet could enhance balance, flexibility and strength. more on this story

Love and Hip Hop Stevie J Catches A Fistful From Mimi

The "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta" couple were all smiles when they left My Studio last night ... until Stevie made a crack about Joseline, his on/off other woman, getting into a fight with Mimi. Big mistake.

For those who don't know, Joseline took a huge swing at Stevie's skull herself ... during a twisted couple's therapy session between Stevie, Joseline AND Mimi. Watch video here.

Case Against Johnny Depp For Alleged Iggy Pop Show Assault Dismissed

TMZ broke the story ... a woman named Robin Eckert sued Depp back in April -- claiming Depp's bodyguards assaulted her at an Iggy Pop concert last year, then dragged her along the ground ... causing her pants to be removed from her body and "exposing her buttocks."

Robin filed the lawsuit anonymously -- under the name "Jane Doe" -- though it's unclear why ... because she provided her name when she filed a police report back in December.

Now a judge has dismissed the case -- finding Robin had no justification for filing anonymously. According to the judge, Robin can refile -- but only if she sues under her legal name.

She has 20 days to decide her next move. more on this story

Rick Springfield Won't Do Jail Time for DUI Arrest

TMZ broke the story ... Springfield was arrested in May 2011 after cops in Malibu pulled over his 1963 Corvette Stingray ... and smelled booze. Sources tell TMZ Rick threatened to kill the deputy and his family if he had the car towed.

Springfield was charged with DUI ... but today, we've learned he cut a plea deal with prosecutors ... in which they agreed to drop the DUI charges in exchange for a no contest plea to reckless driving.

As party of the deal, Rick was put on 3 years probation ... and ordered to attend a 2 month traffic program.

We could rehash the maximum sentence Rick was facing, but the point is probably moot. more on this story

American Idol Honcho's Niece Wins Two Gold Medals in Olympics

Charlotte Dujardin rode her way to victory in the non-sport of dressage ... a fancy term for horse dancing.

As for the connection between the famed "American Idol" honcho and Charlotte, she's his ex-wife's sister's daughter. Translation -- even though Nigel calls her his niece, it's really his ex-niece.

Nigel tells us, although he hasn't spoken to her in 9 years, he sponsored her for a year in dressage before he got divorced.

Nigel tells TMZ when he found out Charlotte won for a second time this AM, he actually cried.

Hopefully, we'll see Charlotte on Nigel's next show ... "So You Think You Can Horse Dance." more on this story

Belgian Olympic Committee Fly Drunken Olympian Home

We posted the photos ... showing a completely wrecked Van Hoecke being carried out of a British nightclub earlier this week ... barely able stand or keep his eyes open.

We reached out to the BCF for comment ... and a rep told us, "I can let you know that the Belgian Cycling Federation regrets the conduct of [Gijs Van Hoecke] after the competitions."

In fact, the Belgian Olympic Committee reportedly put GVH on a plane and flew him home after the pics came out.

According to reports, the cyclist told his home paper, "I made a big mistake. I'm happy my parents didn't tell me off. They understand that I needed this" ... but since we don't speak Dutch, TMZ can't confirm the accuracy of the translation. more on this story