Mel Brooks and his very famous friends are counting on you to keep your ass at home during the coronavirus outbreak ... just ask Mel's son.
Not that the virus is any laughing matter, but Max Brooks pretty hilariously illustrated why public health officials are suggesting -- if not flat out ordering -- people to stay home. Watch the clip ... Max showed up at his dad's place, but stayed outside with a glass between them.
The renowned author, who's only 47, said, "If I get the coronavirus, I'll probably be okay, but if I give it to him ... he could give it to Carl Reiner, who could give it to Dick Van Dyke ... and before I know it, I've wiped out a whole generation of comedic legends."
Max, who wrote "World War Z," went on to encourage EVERYONE to practice social distancing.
Again ... the outbreak ain't funny, but Max has a funny way of educating the public. Our political leaders should be this entertaining. No offense, POTUS.
There has been a slew of concert cancellations and postponements in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and insurance companies are slamming the door on performers who dare to ask the insurers to cover their losses.
Several prominent managers of famous artists tell TMZ, it's virtually impossible now to put on a concert ... even before President Trump urged crowds not to exceed 10 people. So there have been a bunch of concert dates where the plug has been pulled, and we're told virtually every insurance company has made it clear ... they feel they have no obligation to pay up.
We're told after SARS and MRSA some of the companies excluded pandemics from coverage. And, there are others that don't have the exclusionary language but the insurance companies still claim there's an exclusion for the latest virus.
It's created all sorts of economic problems. Artists spend a lot of money before the first stop on a concert tour ... building stages, creating video packages and hiring staff. We're told a number of artists and their reps are currently fighting the insurance companies to cover the losses.
The other thing we're hearing ... a lot of artists are not canceling the dates ... rather they're postponing them because they feel it's the best they can do -- better to get the money belatedly than not get it at all.
The long arm of the law isn't backing down from the highly-contagious coronavirus ... and while cops are taking some precautions, they're just used to facing danger at every turn.
Cops across the country are telling us the same thing ... they're not afraid to arrest and interact with suspects, break up fights or subdue people in the face of a deadly pandemic.
Our law enforcement sources in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami and Green Bay tell us their officers face much bigger dangers every day on the force -- bullets, cars, staph infections etc. -- and most cops are under the age of 55, so they feel less at risk.
Sources tell TMZ ... at the LAPD, COVID-19 is just another occupational hazard, and officers are being instructed to wear gloves and not touch their face. We're told cops are still gonna get hands-on with suspects if they have to -- they're not just gonna let s*** hit the fan -- and the virus won't stop anyone from doing their job.
As we first reported ... one woman's already been arrested for allegedly threatening to cough on a cop and spread the virus.
Our sources tell us L.A. Sheriff's Department deputies are using caution when responding to calls, and if they're not sure how to handle a situation they're being told to call a supervisor. We're told LASD is picking and choosing battles, but if deputies need to get hands-on, they will ... and they're carrying special coronavirus kits.
Law enforcement sources tell us the NYPD has its officers wearing masks and gloves and exercising caution ... but laws still gotta be enforced, and that's what the NYPD is doing.
Our sources also tell us cops in Chicago are also being cautious, but they still have to answer calls and nothing's changed on that front.
Ditto for police in Miami, though sources say cops might not respond to calls where a police report can be taken over the phone. Still, we're told cops will still get in the mix when it's necessary.
Law enforcement sources tell us police in Green Bay are educating themselves on the virus, and they want officers to have access to safety tools like wipes and gloves. In the meantime, cops are taking more reports over the phone and will respond to calls when needed.
Bottom line ... coronavirus doesn't mean this is the Wild Wild West.
The UFC has officially postponed its next 3 events -- but Dana White tells TMZ SportsKhabib vs. Tony Ferguson WILL HAPPEN ... though there might be a few changes.
Of course, Dana White had been working like crazy to keep fights on as scheduled during the COVID-19 outbreak -- from finding replacement fighters to banning fans from attending UFC Fight Night in Brazil this past weekend.
But, it's clear the situation has become so serious that White deciding to postpone the UFC's next 3 events which were supposed to take place in London, Columbus and Portland.
We just spoke with White, who says the UFC is actively working with the fighters and other important people to reschedule the events -- including UFC 249 -- which was originally scheduled for Brooklyn.
Some people think the main event -- Khabib Vs. Tony -- fight is cursed ... with the fight being called off 4 times in the past. White is adamant the show will go on this time around ... no matter what.
We're told the HUGE fight is still slated to go down on April 18 (for now) ... but possibly at a new location outside of the United States.
San Francisco is going the way of Italy with its coronavirus safety measures -- the Mayor's instituting around-the-clock curfew, banning almost everyone from leaving their homes.
Mayor London Breed announced what she calls a "defining moment" in U.S. response to the pandemic. Beginning at 12 AM, all residents within the city can only leave home for doctor's appointments or runs to the grocery store.
It's the strictest new policy enacted in the nation, and matches the current rules in Italy ... which has been the 2nd hardest-hit country in the world.
The Mayor says the rule will remain in effect for at least the next 3 weeks.
In addition, to the city shut down, 6 Bay Area counties are telling residents to "shelter in place." That means ... unless your work falls under the list of "essential businesses," you've been ordered to stay home.
That list of essential businesses includes health care operations, grocery stores, shelters, media outlets, gas stations and banks. Restaurants can remain open, but only for takeout and delivery.
The wedding industry's in crisis mode as the coronavirus has resulted in mass wedding cancellations throughout the country ... with no end in sight. The big question ... when the bride and groom cancel, will they get their money back?
Wedding planners and reps at a number of prominent wedding venues tell TMZ ... staff from the famed Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC -- a backdrop in Macaulay Culkin's flick, "Richie Rich" -- contacted every couple that has a wedding scheduled at their venue over the next 8 weeks.
We're told the venue's urging couples to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people. So far, that's affected around 15 weddings, which were planned in 2019.
A rep for Biltmore Estate tells us ... they're allowing couples to postpone their weddings at their venue for up to one year from their current wedding date.
Another wedding planner tells us they've had 27 cancellations in just the last 3 days. They tell us some clients just stopped making payments and others have asked for a refund. We've called a number of wedding planners all over the country, and we're hearing the same story from all of them ... cancel, cancel, cancel, postpone, postpone, postpone.
As for those who want to tough it out and tie the knot, we're told some venues are offering closed-circuit viewing so friends and relatives can watch the ceremony without putting anyone at risk.
As for trying to cancel and get your money back, well ... that could be a problem. We've surveyed a number of insurance brokers. You CAN get wedding insurance, but until fairly recently it didn't cover outbreaks. Since the SARS and MERS epidemics, some insurance companies added a provision that said if a pandemic breaks out the bride and groom can cancel.
We're told insurance companies vary wildly when it comes to paying a wedding claim. One agent said the policy he writes would allow cancellation with a refund, but ONLY if the bride and/or groom test positive for coronavirus.
BlocBoy JB is lucky to be alive after a stunt that came incredibly close to disaster -- he jumped from a balcony into a pool ... but nearly smashed into concrete.
Video of the rapper surfaced this week, showing him leap from what appears to be a second-story balcony at an apartment complex or hotel. His plan, if he had one, was to land in the pool. He ended up barely clearing the edge, and did NOT walk away unscathed.
Watch the video ... while he landed in the water, it had to be pretty shallow. His ankle looked a little banged up.
One of his buddies who's recording video even says BlocBoy almost killed himself. Possibly a slight exaggeration -- it was only 2 stories -- but you can tell this could've at least ended in serious injury.
It's unclear when this was shot, but if it was recent, it looks like the rapper is too busy playing daredevil to sweat coronavirus. He might wanna reprioritize.
Idris Elba got back his coronavirus test, and it ain't good news.
The actor says he's contracted COVID-19, and he's placed himself in self-quarantine. Actually, Idris says he's been on lockdown since Friday. What's interesting about his case is he says he wasn't experiencing ANY symptoms.
Idris says, "I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive." He says he's quarantining for now with his wife, Sabrina ... although she hasn't been tested.
He added, "There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms and that can easily spread it ... this is real."
You'll recall, when Tom Hanks announced last week he and Rita Wilson had tested positive ... he said they at least had some indication -- body aches and other common cold-like symptoms.
No such warnings for Idris ... but he says, so far, he and Sabrina are feeling okay. Fingers crossed.
Eric Robertslikes being stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, but there's one thing he's struggling to replace ... his morning gym routine!!!
The veteran actor joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" from the comfort of his own home, where's he's holed up for the next several weeks. Professionally, this is horrible timing for Eric ... we asked him about movie theaters shuttering within days of his new flick coming out.
"Inside The Rain" opened in theaters last week, and Eric told us it ain't great seeing empty theaters after pouring his blood, sweat and tears into a film.
The entertainment shutdown is also impacting his family because his stepson, singer Keaton Simons, was supposed to play Stagecoach. Obviously, that ain't happening until October.
Eric says all of his pending projects -- he has several dozen hanging in the balance -- are on hold for at least the next 2 months. In the meanwhile, he's settling in at home, and actually enjoying the break.
He says he's treating it like a staycation, but the toughest adjustment has been NOT going to the gym every morning. They've all been forced to close their doors in California.
Still, Eric gets it, and says he's being extra careful because he's a granddad.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing folks to get more of their essentials delivered to their homes ... and one major marijuana company is seeing green.
Select Cannabis, one of the biggest retailers of cannabis oils and concentrates, is raking in the dough from deliveries ... the company's marketing reps in Los Angeles tell TMZ the coronavirus has business booming.
The cannabis giant tells us it's seeing 4 times as many delivery orders than normal since the COVID-19 outbreak -- yes, you can get dank delivered in Cali -- and there's also been a 50% increase in customers purchasing vape products. The most popular items -- edible gummies and vape pens.
It's kinda funny, and a telling sign of the times ... Select Cannabis tells us they're pushing a new motto to encourage users to keep themselves safe in the face of a deadly and contagious virus ... "Puff, puff, no pass."
Coronavirus seems to have folks thinking they can do as they please -- one LAPD officer claims he experienced it firsthand with a rogue, and possibly contagious, car parker.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a cop in L.A. came across a woman this weekend whom he says was parked in a handicap spot without a proper placard, and when he approached her over the violation ... we're told things turned sickly.
Our sources say the woman almost instantly became combative with the officer, threatening to cough on him and give him coronavirus ... something she claimed she'd contracted.
Well, that didn't deter the cop ... we're told he arrested her for felony criminal threats. Unclear if the woman actually had COVID-19, but in any case ... we're told the officer gloved up for the bust and washed up after.
As for whether the criminal threat charge will stick, that's also hard to say for sure -- as we're told something like that is considered a wobbler -- meaning if she's eventually charged, the D.A. has the option to leave it a felony, or reduce to a misdemeanor.
Nonetheless, it's pretty crazy that an alleged parking violation escalated to a viral face-off. Crazy times, indeed.
3:25 PM PT -- Looks like Steve Smith's had a change of heart in about 24 hours time -- the restaurateur has reportedly caved to public pressure and is now saying he will, in fact, be closing up all his bars and restaurants, including Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse.
UPDATE
Probably a good idea, to be honest.
Kid Rock's Nashville honky tonk says it will NOT shut down over coronavirus ... despite the city's orders ... and Kid's joint ain't alone in taking this defiant stand.
Restaurateur Steve Smith -- who co-owns Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse -- put out a blistering response Sunday to Nashville Mayor John Cooper's recent directive that all bars in town close up, and restaurants cut their capacity in half.
The move -- which several other cities across the country are starting to implement -- is in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic -- but even so, Smith is saying ... kick rocks to the government.
JUST IN: Several bars on Lower Broadway, including popular Tootsies, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s bar, will remain OPEN after Nashville mayor asked them to close over #COVID19pic.twitter.com/LfGJ1ZfzoU
He says rather matter of factly, "We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there's a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses."
Smith adds, "[A] Tootsie's patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn't recall such extreme measures being handed down in history." He continues, "In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy's, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner will continue to remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Governor of Tennessee."
Smith's snub of the Mayor comes after a viral video captured the scene this weekend inside a downtown Nashville bar -- the joint was packed with patrons, out and about without a care.
Interestingly enough, Kid Rock himself hasn't spoken on the issue of closing up yet -- even though he co-owns one of the bars threatening to stay open.
Heidi Klum's husband is rolling the dice ... because he decided to venture out into some busy public spaces while awaiting the results of his coronavirus test!!!
Heidi's hubby, Tom Kaulitz, went shopping for groceries Sunday with his brother, Bill Kaulitz, at the super-popular Los Angeles supermarket, Erewhon Market ... this after falling ill and getting tested for the deadly virus.
Tom and Bill wore face masks and gloves during their grocery run ... but masks and gloves aren't a steel curtain.
Heidi says ... "Like many of you, I also have been sick all week and, unfortunately, my husband who returned from his tour a couple of days ago is also feeling ill. To be safe, we are staying apart until we get the results of our coronavirus tests.”
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No harm, no foul if Tom tests negative ... but if he tests positive, that's an issue.
11:51 AM PT -- A judge just granted Kenneth's request to have internet restrictions lifted as part of the conditions of his pre-trial release. With the court's order now in place, the guy's free to continue surfing the World Wide Web again.
Nicki Minaj's husband really wants to get back to surfing the Internet ... something he's currently barred from doing due to his pending criminal case.
Kenneth Petty just submitted legal docs, obtained by TMZ, begging a California judge to allow him to use the World Wide Web.
As you know ... Kenneth recently registered as a sex offender in Cali aftergetting arrested for allegedly failing to do so when he moved to the state with Nicki. One of the terms of his pretrial release -- he can't use the web unless approved by a supervisor.
According to the docs, prosecutors have already agreed to Kenneth's request ... so now, it's up to the judge to sign off.
Kenneth, who pled not guilty to failing to register as a sex offender, has a curfew and is being required to wear an ankle monitor as he waits for next month's court date. His travel is also restricted to Southern California.
"Modern Family" got some really sad news over the weekend -- Ed O'Neill's TV dog Stella has died.
The French bulldog -- real name Beatrice -- died about a week ago and just days after wrapping the show. It's unclear what led to Beatrice's death. "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson bid her goodbye Sunday ... posting a picture of Beatrice on the set with the caption, "Rest in peace sweet Beatrice. We love you so much," followed by a crying emoji.
Ed's character, Jay Pritchett, reluctantly got a dog in season 2. Beatrice took over the role season 4. Ed ultimately grew to love his Stella ... often showering her with gifts.
Beatrice's owners had said during a 2017 interview that Ed was obsessed with Beatrice in real-life ... often bringing her treats when she was on set and always looking out for her.
The pooch was also no stranger to being on TV. Beatrice also appeared in "Workaholics" and "The Kominsky Method." Beatrice also appeared in commercials for Dunkin' Donuts and Chase Bank.
The news comes just weeks before "Modern Family" -- after 11 glorious seasons -- airs its series finale in April. #RIP #AllDogsGoToHeaven
One of James Bond's lovely ladies on-screen has come out in real-life to say she has coronavirus -- this just weeks after the latest flick was put on ice over it.
Actress Olga Kurylenko made the announcement Sunday, taking to Instagram to notify her fans of her current condition as well as the symptoms she's experiencing. She writes, "Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus."
Olga adds, "I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" She went on to translate her message to Russian -- OK was born in the Ukraine, but has French citizenship as well.
In her IG post, you can see Olga snapped a pic from behind a glass window ... showing she's in isolation and presumed self-quarantine. Unclear where this was shot from, but her primary residence is said to be in France, which is under heavy restrictions right now as a nation -- very similar to much of the U.S. ... but not quite as bad as Italy yet.
If you've forgotten, Olga played Camille in 2008's "Quantum of Solace" opposite Daniel Craig -- the so-so sequel to 'Casino Royale' which rebooted the franchise in a big way. She was also in the 2013 film, “Oblivion,” with Tom Cruise ... and has been in several American flicks on top of those too.
Olga's announcement comes less than two weeks after MGM put the release of the new Bond movie, "No Time to Die," on hold as the world gets a grip on the coronavirus situation. It was originally slated to come out in April ... now, it's been pushed back to November. It's supposed to be Craig's last turn as Bond -- Lea Seydoux and Ana de Armas have been cast as the latest Bond girls.
Kurylenko is just the latest celebrity to announce a positive test for the novel coronavirus -- a handful of pro athletes have tested positive, and notably ... so has Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.