Cardi B Fires Back at Candace Owens Ongoing Feud Over 'WAP,' Politics, Police Brutality

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UPDATE

2:17 PM PT -- Cardi's firing back at Candace, claiming an old photo she shared epitomizes how Trump panders to Black people to get their praise.

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UPDATE

The "WAP" rapper claims Candace wants Black people to look up to the President in this manner ... but she refuses to do so for anyone, other than the Lord.

Cardi B and Candace Owens are in an epic feud, with Candace calling Cardi an "illiterate rapper" who isn't worthy of interviewing Joe Biden ... thing is, Owens just doesn't get it.

Owens blasted Cardi for her recent sit down with Biden ... specifically, Cardi's question about what Biden would do about Black men dying in America. Owens thinks Biden should have fired back that, according to her, most Black men don't die at the hands of cops but rather other Black men.

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WHO'S REALLY HURTING BLACK MEN?

Apparently, Owens doesn't think there's an issue with systemic racism in police departments, nor does she address the long list of Black men and women who have died at the hands and knees of cops ... sometimes over minor offenses and sometimes over no offenses at all.

Owens just can't wrap her head around Cardi interviewing a Presidential candidate ... she just can't understand why Biden didn't, as she put it, sit down with "intellectual" black people.

Here's what she's missing. Cardi has a huge following and can do more to get out the vote that the people Owens mentions, including herself. On top of that, she may not care for Cardi's interview, but lots of others did. Maybe she thinks Cardi was just too effective.

At one point during the back and forth, Cardi posted a vid from the Hamptons of her sister, Hennessy, getting harassed because she and her friend are an Afro-Hispanic gay couple.

Owens says Cardi is "uneducated when it came to politics." For her part, Cardi says Trump supporters have gone after her, encouraging people to set her house on fire.

2020 politics ... it ain't pretty.

Originally published -- 7:14 AM PT

'Guardians' Star Michael Rooker I Got COVID and It Was Real Bad

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"Guardians of the Galaxy" star Michael Rooker just revealed his struggle with coronavirus ... and it was real bad.

Rooker, who also stars in "The Walking Dead" and the upcoming "Suicide Squad," says the virus took over his body. He said, almost clinically, "...there ain't a whole heck of a lot one can do externally, to fight off COVID-19 once it has gotten into your body," adding, "And I have to let y'all know it has been quite a battle."

He said he's been isolating in an Airstream during his illness. And, he said he decided not to take "any extra medicines or vitamins or supplements" while he was trying to recover. His reasoning ... "I felt if my immune system was not already prepared for this battle, loading up with all this extra stuff would only do me damage as kidneys and life would have been gravely stressed."

Michael proudly posted his negative test results, saying, "So, just so y’all know the end result of all those daily battles has come to an end," Rooker shared. "My body has won the WAR! Covid put up a pretty good fight... but bottom line, it ended up getting its ass knocked out! buy [sic] my immune system .. 1,2, punch to the head, 2 body shots and a left hook right upper-cut ... "End of story"

Lots of celebs have contracted the virus, including The Rock, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Andy Cohen, Idris Elba, Alyssa Milano, Lena Dunham, Brian Cox, Antonio Banderas, Madonna and Pink.

Kanye West Watch Us Walk on Water ... During Sunday Service

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Kanye West held what could be his most ambitious Sunday Service yet, when the whole gang walked on water during the event.

As for notable guests ... Kim Kardashian showed up. Hard to read the tea leaves, but it seems relevant, because of his self-described marital issues. But, there she was ... flying to Atlanta for the service.

Pastor Joel Osteen delivered the sermon and spoke about Jesus walking on water and how he gave Peter permission to follow suit. They all took it to heart, because after the sermon Ye, Joel and the choir all walked on H20, although not exactly.

The service was held on a lake near Pinewood Studios in ATL.

FYI ... looks like they all played it safe with social distancing.

Maryland Fight Crazy Bar Fight at Joker's Bar

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MASSIVE ASS-KICKIN'

This fight proves beyond a shadow of a doubt ... the Joker's wild.

Check out the insane brawl at Joker's Bar and Grill in Maryland, where COVID didn't get its ass kicked -- it's alive and well -- but some bar patrons sure did, as they piled on top of each other and pounded away.

It's unclear what triggered the fight, but you hear lots of screaming as a scuffle starts in the back and then all hell breaks loose.

There's a dude pinned down on the pool table with 7 bar patrons surrounding him. Hard to tell, but it looks like he's being choked.

You also hear glass shattering ... almost like in a western flick. Once the glass goes, there's fighting all over the bar. Someone eventually orders everyone to stop, and it's crazy, because they are still fighting as they move toward the door.

Maryland has been hit hard by COVID -- over 112,883 cases and 3,660 deaths.

What do you get in a bar??? Answer: Corona.

Former Temptations Lead Bruce Williamson Jr. Dead at 49 from Coronavirus

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Bruce Williamson Jr., the lead singer of the Temptations, has died from coronavirus.

Bruce died Sunday night at a hospital in Vegas after battling COVID.

Williamson's son posted an emotional tribute ... "There's no words in the world that can express how I feel right now I love you Daddy thank you for being awesome thank you for being loving thank you for being Who You Are I pray to God and we will meet again. I love you Daddy R.I.H KING WILLIAMSON"

Bruce became a Temptation back in 2006 and sang with the group until 2015. He performed with the group in concert and on TV.  He also sang lead on the Temps albums, "Back to the Front," and "Still Here."

He once said he did "more in six months of being a Temptation than many artists have done in a lifetime."

Of course, Bruce was not an original member of the Temptations, which produced a string of Motown hits including "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Get Ready."  But, he certainly sang those songs and many other Temptations hits.

Bruce was born in Compton and cut his teeth on music by singing gospel in Church.

Bruce was 49.

RIP

Burning Man SF Mayor Slams Partygoers ... Beyond Irresponsible During Pandemic, Wildfires

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RECKLESS AND SELFISH

The Mayor of San Francisco is livid at a thousand people who attended a rager Saturday night to commemorate what would have been Burning Man's 34th event.

You wouldn't know there was a pandemic by looking at the scene ... crowds squeezed together with partygoers in wild outfits, as music blares and lights flash.

There were also a number of bonfires ... something that is prohibited and really irresponsible given the terrible air quality from the raging California wildfires.

Mayor London Breed was enraged, saying, “This was absolutely reckless and selfish,” Breed tweeted. “You are not celebrating. You are putting people's lives at risk. You are putting our progress at risk. No one is immune from spreading the virus.”

Burning Man festival was 86'd this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Exotic's Tiger Team Back to D.C. ... To Hand-Deliver Pardon Request

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Joe Exotic's team is heading back to our nation's capital for another shot at getting the Tiger King pardoned by President Trump ... and this time, they got an in at the White House.

Sources tell TMZ ... Joe's squad of attorneys and advocates will be flying to Washington D.C. Wednesday to hand-deliver a copy of their official pardon request to a contact they have at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The hope it seems ... to get the pardon request in front of Trump, and we're told Eric Love -- who's leading the team -- has a contact within the White House, so it would seem this might be their best chance yet to get DT to listen.

Not just that, but it would appear the Joe Exotic squad has more Trump allies than just one -- here's a photo of Eric with Brad Parscale, 45's head of digital operations for his campaign. Eric and the team met Brad in Texas recently, but also ... he's not the contact they have at the White House. Still, knowing BP can't hurt their odds!

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FREE THE KING

Remember, Love and co. rolled up to D.C. a few months ago in a huge bus with a 'Pardon Joe Exotic' wrap. It doesn't appear that venture was all that successful -- Trump hasn't pardoned the guy after all -- but we know Joe's on Trump's radar.

He actually brought up Joe's name recently in a press conference, and said he'd look into his case. No better time than now, right?!?

Tokyo Olympics Games Will Go On Regardless of COVID

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Pandemic be damned ... the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will go forward, regardless of COVID.

The Veep of the IOC, John Coates, just said the Olympics will be the "games that conquered COVID."

The games will take place next year, and it doesn't matter the state of Japan or the world with respect to coronavirus. The games were postponed in March because of the pandemic ... the first time the Olympics have been put on ice other than wartime.

It seems Coates is turning a blind eye to the virus, saying, "It will take place with or without COVID."  He vows the games will kick off July 23, 2021.

The games initially were to be themed, the Reconstruction Games ... this after the earthquake and tsunami that hit Tohoku in 2011. But, things are different, and Coates says, "Now very much these will be the games that conquered COVID."

We're guessing COVID will still participate in the games, in insidious fashion ... unclear who's gonna be the real losers.

Tiffany Haddish I'm Ready To Start My Own Studio ... Tyler Perry's Teaching Me!!!

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Tiffany Haddish wants to be just like Tyler Perry ... because she's ready to start her own production studio!!!

The actress and comedian joined us on "TMZ Live" and we asked her if she's got aspirations to be like Tyler and one day start a movie studio in her name.

Tiffany says she would love to follow Tyler's lead and tells us he's actually been teaching her how to start a studio from scratch. Tiffany's already got a name picked out, and it's pretty catchy and appropriate.

As you know ... Tyler just officially reached billionaire status, thanks in large part to owning Tyler Perry Studios, so his words of wisdom carry serious weight.

Speaking of billionaires, Tiffany tells us she's been hanging with other members of the triple comma club, and picking their brains about business. Smart woman.

It's an interesting and fun conversation ... and Tiffany tells us why the eyes never lie at Dave Chappelle's socially-distanced comedy shows, and why she wants to give her acceptance speech for her Emmy nom for her Netflix special, "Black Mitzvah" another take.

Brian Austin Green Don't Worry, Ms. Hoffman ... Teacher's Wi$h List is On Me!!!

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Brian Austin Green is leading by example when it comes to truly appreciating school teachers ... 'cause he's put his money where his mouth is.

The "90210" star made one preschool teacher's life in Collingswood, NJ a helluva lot easier when he dug into his own pocket and paid off her Amazon Wish List of school supplies, and the awesome gesture couldn't come sooner with kids beginning classes next week.

The preschool teacher, Amy Hoffman, tells TMZ ... a few days ago she was watching Brian's first Instagram Live show that went on for almost 40 minutes. But, in the final 6 minutes or so, Brian talked about his kids and how they're handling virtual learning. He emphasized, now more than ever, the important role teachers play in our everyday lives.

And, with that in mind, Hoffman -- who normally has around 15 kids in her class -- says she decided to tag BAG on social media and direct him to her Wish List. And, get this ... Hoffman says that same day, Brian paid off her list, which came out to a little under $500.

Hoffman tells us with the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers are in desperate need of more school supplies because, unlike normal times, kids can't and shouldn't be sharing supplies.

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TEACHERS MAKE IT FUN

Hoffman tells us she usually has a school supply budget of about $250 ... but teachers, on a good day, still have to pay out of pocket expenses to cover what they need. But, in the midst of the pandemic, teachers need individual tool kits more than ever -- crayons, markers, paper, etc. -- for every student to avoid potential spread of the virus.

We're told supplies started trickling in soon after BAG covered the expense.

There are TONS of teachers out there who need the exact same kind of help. And, just like Hoffman, one teacher in Illinois tried a similar approach ... but she hit up Amazon's head honcho, Jeff Bezos.

Unclear if Bezos, the world's first $200 billion man, came through. Maybe she shoulda just hit up Brian.

Chasten Buttigieg Rough Start Coming Out as Gay

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AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY

Chasten Buttigieg's coming out experience didn't get off to a good start, but thanks to his parents it turned out well, and speaking of things working out ... he's focused on the bright side of his husband's unsuccessful presidential bid.

Mayor Pete's husband joined "TMZ Live" to tell his story about confiding in his family that he was gay, the difficulty and pain that followed ... and the life-changing call from his Mom that helped them heal.

Chasten tells us he's thankful for his parents' allyship, and describes what has to be done to make sure people like him are protected and supported ... something he says he's striving to do for others.

As for his famous hubby and the disappointment of not becoming the Democratic nominee for Prez ... Chasten says it was a bummer, but it's not all bad.

He points out that they've been able to regain a little anonymity in their lives while still focusing on their dreams and goals, and reminds us that they are both still very young ... and the future is bright.

Of course, Chasten believes the outlook will be much better if a certain person is elected president in November ... you can probably guess who, but watch the clip anyway.

Chasten's releasing a memoir this week titled 'I Have Something to Tell You,' in which he opens up about his upbringing, politics, and his relationship with Pete.

NBA's Jacob Evans Honors Slain LSU Player Wayde Sims ... with Custom Pendant

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jacob Evans is honoring the memory of slain LSU basketball player Wayde Sims ... in the form of a custom pendant.

Evans and Sims grew up in Baton Rouge -- and Evans was devastated when he learned Sims was shot and killed at a party near the Southern University campus on Sept. 28.

Officials say Sims was trying to defend a friend in a fistfight when another 20-year-old man pulled out a gun and opened fire on the LSU hoops player.

The alleged shooter is now being prosecuted for 2nd-degree murder.

23-year-old Evans wanted to pay tribute to his friend -- so he hit up Courtney Roy of Clarity Custom Jewelry to order a custom piece featuring Sims and Ja'Cardo Hawkins, another friend who passed away in 2019.

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IMMORTALIZED IN ICE

Hawkins was also a college basketball player who was and All-CCAA Honorable Mention in 2018.

It's a beautiful tribute to two young men who died way too young.

RIP.

'Simpsons' Star Harry Shearer If Trump Hate Tweets My Album ... That'd Be The Tops!!!

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Harry Shearer is definitely trying to poke the bear that is Donald Trump with a hilarious spoof album that's got the President singing show tunes ... and kissing Jared Kushner's butt.

The legendary voice actor and comedian -- who's played countless characters on "The Simpsons" -- came on "TMZ Live" to talk about his new album, "The Many Moods of Donald Trump," which he's been teasing with new single drops throughout the summer.

His first one was a banger -- it's called "Son in Law" ... and it's all about singing the virtues Jared. It also features Harry playing DT (with some incredible motion-capture animation tech) as he goes through a show-stopping number in the Oval Office. It's an awesome music video.

Now, as for whether this one was aimed at Donnie or Jared, Harry tells us they can split his mockery right down the middle. And, as far as praise, HS says the ultimate compliment would be if 45 himself hate tweets about 'TMMDT.' That'd be like hitting #1 on the charts!

We then pivoted to a much more serious topic -- the November election, which could see Trump in power for another four years -- well, Harry has opinions.

Hope Beel Teeny-Weeny White Labor Day Bikini!

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Today's Summer Hot Shots are coming to you from sun-drenched shores of Tulum, Mexico where fitness guru Hope Beel flexed her flawless physique in a white-hot string bikini. That is the ultimate ending to the Labor Day Weekend.

When Hope Beel isn't bouncing back and forth between Tulum and the Lone Star State and sharing blazing body shots on social media ... the Texas treat is soaking up all things local including the Dallas Cowboys, country music and munching Tex-Mex food.

Hope you enjoy!

This year’s Summer Hot Shots were done a little differently … we teamed up with smoke shows from around the world to create some eye-popping photo galleries with a DIY flare (social distancing, duh!) just for you.

A HUGE thank you to Morgan Ketzner, Cheyenne Parker, Stefania Ferrario, Race Cooper, Kayla Fitzgerald, Uche, Lexi Mars, Amy Lefevre, Tom Ernsting, Zoe Antonia and Sabrina and Maggie for participating in this year's hot features.

St. Louis Cardinals Legend Lou Brock Dead at 81 ... Battling Multiple Illnesses

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St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Lou Brock has died ... this according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch.

Reporter Rick Hummel says Brock passed away Sunday afternoon, adding he was battling multiple medical conditions near the end of his life. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Brock was a living legend in Missouri, as he's best known as one of the greatest Cardinals players ever who helped lead the franchise to a World Series title in 1964 ... the same year he was traded to the team from the Chicago Cubs. He was a major factor to them winning the fall classic again in 1967, racking up a then-historic number of hits and stolen bases.

Speaking of the latter, Lou will perhaps be best remembered for exactly that ... the dude could steal anything out on the diamond. The guy leads the National League as the all-time greatest base stealer (ever) with a whopping 938 stolen bases through his 19-year career.

There are other milestones he hit along the way, but just to sum up his achievements ... the guy was a 6-time All-Star, 2-time World Series champ, had over 3,000 hits to his name and was a first-ballot HOF inductee. He goes down in the books as one of the greats.

He's survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son, Lou Jr. Brock was 81.

RIP