Cardi B, Nicki Minaj First Face-to-Face Since Shoe Throwing ... NOT At AMA's

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8:40 PM PT -- The AMA's have come and ended without the face-to-face many fans were hoping for ... and it's because Nicki wasn't there. A source close to Minaj had told us the rapper flew in to L.A. Monday for Tuesday's show and was getting ready just hours before it started. However, a production source tells us Minaj was never, at any point, scheduled to appear. Guess the showdown will have to wait.

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj will be on the same turf tonight for the first time since Cardi chucked her shoe at Nicki and ended up with a huge lump on her head ... TMZ has learned.

Both ladies will be attending the AMAs Tuesday night in L.A. -- Cardi's a scheduled performer ... but we've learned Nicki will be there too. It's unclear if she'll take the stage though.

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CARDI BEASTMODE

As you'll recall ... the last time the rappers were in the same room together, Cardi beelined it for Nicki and hurled a shoe at her, calling her a "p***y." Now, more than a month later, the 2 will be seated in the Microsoft Theater in L.A. Interesting to note, Cardi is up for 8 awards, Nicki was not nominated for any.

It's unclear how close they'll be seated to each other, but we know neither Cardi's team nor Nicki's made any special request to avoid each other.

Regardless, there will be high security. We're told the LAPD knows the 2 women will be there and they are on red alert.

James Gunn Back in Business ... Tapped to Write 'Suicide Squad 2'

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That didn't take long -- fired "Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn is bouncing back from controversial tweets by landing a gig writing "Suicide Squad 2."

As you know ... Disney canned Gunn in July over a bunch of years-old, yet horribly offensive tweets -- including comments about 9/11, AIDS, the Holocaust and rape.

Despite the controversy, Warner Bros and DC Films confirm they've snatched up Gunn ... and he'll now be tasked with improving the studios' much-maligned 'Suicide' franchise.

For what it's worth, Gunn's old 'Guardians' cast backed him immediately after Disney and Marvel let him go, saying he was the victim of "mob mentality." Selma Blair also publicly supported her friend.

Deadline first reported Gunn's new job ... which most superhero movie fans have said is exactly what DC needs -- a taste of the Marvel Cinematic Universe success. Critics might say ... at what cost?

Harvey Weinstein Checking Out Nicole Kidman ... Just Looking, No Purchase

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Harvey Weinstein's still keeping up with A-list actresses like Nicole Kidman -- whether they like it or not -- he just has to do it the way normies do ... at the magazine rack.

We got these shots of Weinstein making a pit stop at a Westport, Connecticut gas station over the weekend. Witnesses say he was picking up some snacks, but couldn't resist checking out Nicole's cover shot on the latest Marie Claire issue. He was, apparently, less impressed with Jennifer Aniston and Gwen Stefani's covers.

Nicole and the disgraced movie mogul have some history. Some of it good -- she starred in a few of his movies, including "The Hours" and "Lion" -- and some of it contentious.

Nicole didn't call out Weinstein by name, but about a year ago when his accusers were coming forward, she said ... "I support and applaud all women and these women who speak out against any abuse and misuse of power -- be it domestic violence or sexual harassment in the workforce. We need to eradicate this behavior."

Anyway, lest you think he was only checking out celeb news -- a spokesman for him tells TMZ, "[Harvey] was on his way out after paying for his fuel and groceries and was doing what most people do. He looked at some magazines near the register including Time, People and Vanity Fair. He didn't open them or read the articles and put them all back, and left."

Meek Mill Giving Back to Philly ... Fixing Up His Old Hoops Court!!!

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Meek Mill's cementing his role in Philadelphia as "Man of the People" ... with yet another contribution that will serve kids well for years to come.

The rapper is set to announce plans to renovate a basketball court at East Fairmount Park in North Philly. Meek specifically chose that park because it's the neighborhood where he grew up. He tells TMZ, "North Philly will always be home. When kids go to East Fairmount Park, they deserve to ball in the best conditions possible, so I'm glad they'll have that opportunity now."

Meek partnered up with Roc Nation and PUMA -- which is celebrating its reentry to the basketball market -- to refurbish and repaint the court. Plans for the refurbished court are expected to be unveiled within a few days.

Gotta say ... Meek's been giving back since getting out of prison. He donated 6,000 backpacks in August for Philly students.

'RHOP' Star Michael Darby Back to Work ... After Sexual Assault Charges Dropped

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"The Real Housewives of Potomac" star Michael Darby is now back on camera for Bravo after his sexual assault charges were dropped ... TMZ has confirmed.

We're told Darby has been allowed to resume shooting the upcoming season of 'RHOP.' The move comes a few days after the Montgomery County State Attorney's Office decided not to prosecute him for criminal charges over an alleged incident with a cameraman.

According to court records, obtained by TMZ, prosecutors found insufficient evidence to move forward. We broke the story ... Michael was suspended from the show late last month after a cameraman claimed Mike had groped his butt.

Michael had been facing charges of felony assault and misdemeanor improper sexual contact.

Washington Post first reported the charges were dropped.

Bill Cosby Chicken Cutlet Prison Smackdown ... It Wasn't Me!!!

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Bill Cosby's comedy is not bombing in prison ... at least not to the point where inmates are hurling food at him.

There are reports out that Cosby cracked a joke that another inmate found distasteful and reacted by removing a chicken patty from the bun and throwing it at Cosby, smacking him in the face.

An official from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections tells TMZ, "This did NOT happen, and I am unhappy with anyone who is reporting such fake news."

The official says Cosby isn't even mingling with other inmates yet ... he has no contact whatsoever. That's because he's being evaluated by prison staff and, until they determine the extent to which he should interact with other inmates, he's by himself and in his own cell.

Cosby's 2 weeks into his 3 to 10 year sentence for sexual assault.

Antonio Brown to Police Someone Stole $80,000 and My Gun

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It's becoming clear why Antonio Brown freaked out and threw furniture off his 14th story balcony -- the NFL superstar had told police someone jacked $80,000 cash and a gun from his apartment!!

TMZ Sports has obtained multiple police reports involving the Pittsburgh Steelers star -- and it paints a picture of a man who was REALLY pissed off after returning to Florida after an 11-day trip.

The first report was filed on April 23 -- Brown told cops he returned to his high-end Miami apartment and noticed $80,000 cash was missing from a tote bag he had hidden in his closet.

Brown says his 9mm firearm was also gone.

Cops obtained surveillance video which showed a cleaning crew entering Brown's place on April 13. Cops found the women who said they had been hired and authorized by someone claiming to be Brown's representative.

The women denied taking the cash and the gun -- and insinuated it could have been other people who were in the house in the days before Brown left for his trip.

The next day, cops were called back to the apartment complex after getting calls about Brown throwing furniture -- including vases -- off his balcony.

As we previously reported, Brown is being sued by a man who claims Antonio almost killed his 22-month-old son during his tirade.

Cops say Brown was not arrested for the incident -- but the complex told them they would initiate eviction proceedings to kick him out.

Police were called to Brown's apartment AGAIN the very next day, April 25, when Brown reported that someone had stolen his black Rolls-Royce.

But, when cops showed up to his apartment, Brown said, "I found the car" and closed the door in their faces.

We reached out to Brown's agent for comment -- but haven't heard back.

Terrence J $200k Car Wrecked in Crash ... Driver Flees Scene

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2:36 PM PT -- A rep for Jasmine Sanders tells us ... "On behalf of our client, Jasmine Sanders, we would like to clarify that Ms. Sanders was not in the vehicle at the time of this morning’s accident and was in no way involved."

A car registered to the former host of BET's '106 & Park' was totaled in a crash and the driver fled the scene ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Terrence J's black McLaren hit a parking meter after his GF Jasmine Sanders -- the alleged driver -- lost control Tuesday at around 12:30 AM in Studio City, CA. The car finally came to a stop after striking a tree.

The car was registered to Terrence Jenkins.

Witnesses say Jasmine was behind the wheel and he was the passenger ... and they both took off after the wreck.

Cops are looking for surveillance footage.

BTW ... a driver involved in an accident that causes death, injury or property damage must leave a note with identifying information. At the very least, the driver should have left a note on the parking meter. Hit-and-run is a crime.

Terrence J was the host of BET's popular music video countdown show before becoming a co-host of "E! News." He also starred in the films "Think Like a Man" and "Think Like a Man Too."

We reached out to Terrence and Jasmine ... so far no word back.

Originally published 7:25 AM PT

Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets Hero's Welcome In Dagestan ... 'You Inspired Me!'

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WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS

Khabib Nurmagomedov has returned to Dagestan -- and people filled a STADIUM to see their hero!!!

The UFC star was cheered by the masses Monday at Anzhi Arena after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 and eventually took the mic to address his adoring crowd.

"One thing I am asking for is not to be remembered for that incident when i jumped out of the cage," Khabib said ... "I wanted to show the difference between my nation and his nation."

"Because we're all here to know what great history we have ... we know our ancestors and all the ordeals our nation had to go through and nothing can break us."

Khabib told his fans that he hoped he made them proud -- adding, "You can't keep an eagle in a cage!"

He continued, "The inspiration I have comes from here -- from Dagestan -- from all the people who were waiting for me here. Thank you very much."

"We are all Dagestani people. Let's stay united."

The crowd -- filled with people wearing his traditional white hat -- roared.

Kanye West & President Trump Doing White House Lunch

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President Trump and Kanye West are officially teaming up to ... make America great again, and their plan will kick off with lunch at the White House.

Kanye and 45 are set to meet on Thursday, and their agenda will include discussing boosting American manufacturing and preventing gang violence, especially in Ye's hometown of Chicago ... according to the White House.

They'll also continue the convo on prison reform ... which Trump started with Kanye's wife, Kim Kardashian West, during a September meeting.

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I CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

When he was here at TMZ last week, Ye said he'd been trying to encourage Colin Kaepernick to sit down with POTUS ... now he gets to work the other side.

This will be their first face-to-face meeting since late 2016 when the rapper, shoe and fashion mogul met with then President-elect in NYC.

The question now for Kanye ... what to wear? MAGA hat or no?

George Taliaferro Dead At 91 1st Black Player Drafted By NFL Team

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George Taliaferro -- known as the "Jackie Robinson of Football" after becoming the 1st black player drafted by an NFL team -- died Monday ... his alma mater, Indiana University, confirmed.

He was 91 years old.

Taliaferro was a superstar at IU back in the late 1940s ... playing running back, quarterback and punter -- and garnering All-American honors three times.

When he left the school in 1949, the Chicago Bears picked him in the 13th round ... becoming the first-ever black man to be drafted into the league.

Taliaferro made three Pro Bowls in 1951, 1952 and 1953 ... and finished his career with 1,300 receiving yards, more than 2,000 rushing yards and 1,633 passing yards.

"All of us at Indiana University are deeply saddened by the passing of George Taliaferro," IU said in a statement.

"The 'Jackie Robinson of football,' he went on to become the first African-American player to be drafted by the National Football League, where he excelled at a remarkable seven positions and earned Pro Bowl honors in three of his six seasons."

"A man of enormous talent, courage and determination that helped him shatter racial barriers and earn a special place in the annals of our state and its flagship public university."

RIP.

Brad Pitt & Leonardo DiCaprio Oldies But Goodies ... for Tarantino's '60s Flick

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Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio (yes, that really is Leo) might not know how to party like it's 1969 but they certainly know how to act like it.

Brad and Leo threw on some groovy outfits to film a scene in Quentin Tarantino's film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on Monday in L.A. Brad looked dashing as ever ... rocking a white denim top and bottom with some brown boots. Slick finish with a black t-shirt. Leo, on the other hand, was unrecognizable.

For starters, Leo's rocking sideburns and a mop top hairstyle ... completing the '60s look with pink pants and a vintage polo shirt. Leo's playing Rick Dalton, a has-been western TV star who lives next to Sharon Tate. Brad plays Cliff Booth ... Leo's character's stunt double.

As you know ... the movie stars Margot Robbie playing Tate, who was brutally murdered by members of the Charles Manson family in 1969 while she was pregnant with Roman Polanski's child.

As we reported ... Debra Tate Sharon's sister was PISSED Leo and Brad accepted the starring roles but she came around after visiting the set and jawboning with Tarantino.

Katt Williams Managers' Decision Got Me Busted ... Picked Emmys Over Court!!!

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Katt Williams' handlers wanted him to get some shine at the Emmys so badly, they kept him in the dark about a scheduled court date -- a decision that blew up in Katt's face with his weekend arrest.

Sources close to the comedian tell TMZ ... Williams' management team didn't tell him he was due in an Atlanta courtroom at the same time he was flying to L.A. last month to attend the Emmys. Yes, Katt was nominated for his role on the hit show "Atlanta," and he ended up winning.

However, we're told Katt's making it clear he would've picked going to court over the award show if anyone on his team had bothered to let him know what was at stake. When Katt no-showed for court, the judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Our sources say Katt never even knew about the warrant until he got busted in Oregon for allegedly assaulting his driver. He remains in a Portland jail, and no decision's been made yet on extradition.

Bottom line -- Katt feels like he's paying the price for his team choosing lady Emmy over Lady Justice.

Ronda Rousey Double-Crossed By Bella Twins ... Beatdown On 'Raw'

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Ronda Rousey knows how John Cena feels -- because she got straight-up blindsided by Nikki Bella on Monday night ... and got her ass kicked in the process.

Rousey and the Bella Twins were part of a 6-way tag team match against the Riott Squad on "WWE Raw" in Chicago ... and things were going great, until Rousey got double-crossed.

After the ref had raised their hands in victory, Nikki hit Ronda with a clothesline from behind ... knocking her to the ground.

Brie Bella then rushed over and continued the beatdown -- stomping her out and throwing her into the steel ring stairs.

Yeah, we know ... fake (blah, blah, blah) -- but watch the video, Ronda's body took some real damage here.

So, what happens next?

Revenge. Sweet, sweet revenge.

Ronda faces Nikki Bella with her title on the line at "WWE Evolution" later this month.

French Montana Here's Why I Bailed a Woman Out of Jail ... In My Hometown

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French Montana isn't trying to fix the criminal justice system by himself, but says he still wants to do his part ... which is why he bailed a woman out of jail who couldn't afford it.

We got French Monday in NYC shortly after he posted bail for a woman in the Bronx who couldn't put up the money. He tells us poverty isn't a crime, and just because you can't afford to get out of a cage doesn't mean you should be in one.

He teamed up with Global Citizen, Revolve Impact, The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Org and Mass Bail Out, an org focused on this cause, but French told us this is very personal for him ... revealing how the cash bail system has affected some of his close friends.

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If it sounds like French is taking a page out of Kim Kardashian West's playbook -- dedicating himself to prison reform -- he says absolutely, because if he didn't ... he'd just be a rapper with a mic.

His ultimate goal, though, is inspiring the next wave of leaders. Here's hoping they're listening.

Jimmy Fallon Spitting Hot Fire ... Destroys Post Malone's Artist In Rap Battle

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You better come correct if you challenge Jimmy Fallon to a rap battle ... 'cause Jimmy just put one of Post Malone's artists in a body bag.

The 'Tonight Show' host wasn't playing around when he went rhyme-for-rhyme with Post's upcoming artist, Tyla Yaweh ... hitting him where it hurts with no regard for human life.

It all went down at Paddy Reilly's Music Bar in NYC after Post's appearance on the 'Tonight Show', and ya gotta watch the video ... Jimmy GOES IN, Tyla flops hard and Post bows down.

No word on Jimmy's plans to drop a mixtape.