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Former Congressman Matt Gaetz is hitting back at Alan Ritchson, accusing the actor of lying about them being adversaries when they attended the same Florida high school.

Gaetz posted a message Thursday on X, explaining that Hollywood had apparently changed Ritchson -- best known for his title role as Jack Reacher in the TV series, "Reacher."

Gaetz — who represented Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 to 2024 -- said the two were on the Speech and Debate Team at Niceville High School and couldn't remember any tension between them, saying flat out "we were not adversaries."

Jerry "The Iceman" Butler, a legendary R&B singer and long-time Illinois politician, has died.

Marty, Jerry's assistant and "niece at heart," tells TMZ ... he passed away from natural causes on Thursday night at his home in Chicago. Marty notes Jerry was suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

She goes on to say, "An amazing man has relocated to heaven. Our loss here on earth."

Steve Martin and Martin Short have been forced to cancel their next two comedy tour dates ... because Martin caught the 'vid.

Steve announced Thursday evening his pal caught COVID-19 from the "Saturday Night Live" 50th Anniversary special that aired Sunday ... insinuating he got sick thanks to Maya Rudolph by sharing a photo of the pair kissing backstage at the event.

He joked ... "Maya had Covid. Marty has Covid. I wonder why? The SNL 50th Covid curse is real."

Toned abs and hittin' the gym are obviously a popular trend in Hollywood, but can you guess which studly star put his washboard abs on full display in this shredded shot?

This actor is used to showin' off his hot bod, especially when he's out in the wild adventuring with his famous brother ... He may be a traitor but hey, if you've got it, go on and flaunt it dude!

Are you heatin' up yet? Are your muscles feelin' swole?

Well, if you're needing some more pump, click through these in-shape celebs and vote who'd you rather break a sweat with!

There has been an onslaught of outrage since it was announced Cynthia Erivo would star in a short run of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in L.A. ... but one former messiah actor says haters need to chill and maybe ask -- WWJD?

Here's the deal ... Cynthia will play Jesus in the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in a three-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl in August ... and some people have gone berserk online over a Black queer woman being cast in the title role.

Ted Neeley, who played Jesus on Broadway and several world tours, as well as in the Golden Globe-nominated film, tells TMZ ... he's sadly not shocked the CE casting choice is getting backlash -- after all, he says the show has been polarizing since it opened decades ago!

Grammy-winning musician Nate Ruess was in his late 20s when he and his band, fun., reached their way to the top 3 on the Billboard charts with their 2012 album, "Some Nights."

In addition to their song "Some Nights," the other bangers include "Carry On" and "We Are Young" ft. Janelle Monae (which peaked at number one).

The group -- who also consists of Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost -- has collaborated with some of music's biggest stars like Queen ... and even toured with Paramore.

"Toniiiight, we are young, so let's set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun!"

The Dodgers' franchise has fielded a team every year for over a century, but Adrian Gonzalez tells TMZ Sports this year's iteration has a chance to be L.A.'s best EVER.

We chopped it up with the former Dodgers All-Star out at LAX this week just before Los Angeles kicked off its first spring training games of the year ... and when we asked him just how good the guys can be in '25, he didn't mince words.

"I know it could be best team of all-time," he said. "For sure."

Elon Musk is ready to cut through all the red tape in Washington, D.C. ... and even the red tree trunks too -- 'cause he brought a chainsaw out onstage at CPAC!

The tech mogul and head of the Department of Government Efficiency attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in D.C. -- a pep rally for the conservative base of the Republican party held every year in February.

Musk made a surprise appearance at the event ... and, during the show, President of Argentina Javier Milei presented Musk with a new toy -- a chainsaw with a silver blade and writing engraved on the side.

Alabama Barker says Bhad Bhabie's new look looks real familiar ... 'cause she sees it in the mirror everyday -- and, she's accusing the rapper of trying to look like her.

The daughter of Travis Barker and burgeoning music star posted to her Instagram story Thursday afternoon about Bhad's new look ... kicking off her post by writing that imitation is the best form of flattery -- clearly a shot aimed at BB.

Alabama adds she's just moving on with her life instead of paying attention to everything other people do ... but, jokes she appreciates all the love that her imitators are showing her.

Grimes is taking to Elon Musk's social media platform to try to get in touch with her ex ... publicly revealing one of their kids needs urgent medical help -- but, Elon won't call her back.

The singer-songwriter posted on X Thursday afternoon in a desperate attempt to get the attention of the platform's executive chairman ... asking him to please respond to her to discuss their child's medical crisis.

Grimes writes, "I am sorry to do this publicly but it is no longer acceptable to ignore this situation. This requires immediate attention. If you don't want to talk to me can you please designate or hire someone who can so that we can move forward on solving this. This is urgent, Elon."

Ten people allegedly involved in the brutal beating that ultimately killed inmate Robert Brooks have been charged in connection to the death ... with six of them facing murder charges.

Nicholas Anzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Farina, Christopher Walrath, Mathew Galliher and an unnamed suspect who hasn't been arraigned yet all face charges of second-degree murder in the violent beating.

Three others -- Michael Mashaw, Michael Fisher and David Walters -- have been charged with manslaughter. Nicholas Gentile has been charged with tampering with physical evidence.

LaMelo Ball made sure to stop by and see how his dad was doing prior to torching the Lakers on Wednesday ... saying "it was only right" to check in on LaVar after his recent foot amputation.

The Charlotte Hornets star shared the pic on Thursday ... showing him posing with his famous dad -- who was standing with help from a knee scooter -- at what appeared to be their Chino Hills home.

"seen my dawg b4 da game it was only right i love u pops 5L and after," Melo said on Instagram.

Erik and Lyle Menendez were viciously attacked in the early days of their time in prison, but their lives have radically changed since then.

The Menendez brothers appeared by phone on TMZ's podcast, "2 Angry Men" with Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos, who reps Erik and Lyle. They talked about how they survived and evolved in the 35 years they've been incarcerated.

Erik says he was violently attacked numerous times, but never fought back. He and Lyle were in separate prisons for the first 21 years behind bars, and Erik vividly remembers when he got word his brother had been viciously attacked and suffered a broken jaw.

They are clearly anxious about their re-sentencing hearing next month, where they will learn how they will spend the rest of their lives -- either as prisoners or free men.

Rick Springfield's got "Speak to the Sky" on repeat lately ... chatting with TMZ about all the wild plane scares going down recently -- including that Delta jet that flipped upside down this week.

The rock icon was at LAX Thursday when we caught up with him -- and he tells us the Delta scare's a bit freaky since he flies with 'em all the time. But hey, he says the chances of that happening are like getting zapped by lightning -- so no need to stress!

Catch the clip 'cause Rick spills on the one scary plane ride he did have -- but he says that’s the deal when you’re flying high and gotta hand over the controls.

NFL general managers looking to have Aaron Rodgers on their team in 2025 better listen up ... he just revealed what he's looking for in his next squad!!!

The soon-to-be free agent quarterback doled out his wish list following a training session in sunny Southern California on Thursday ... explaining that he really only desires two things in his next team.

No. 1, he asked to be wanted. And No. 2, he said he was hopeful to be surrounded by talent. It didn't seem he'd be opposed to some good weather, either.

Jim Jones is having a hard time wrapping his head around the bruhaha revolving around Snoop Dogg, Nelly and other rap stars performing for Donald Trump's Prezzy gala ... he remembers the time rappers were considered enemies of the state!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the Harlem Capo on Thursday with Dyce Payso as he put the finishing touches on his upcoming album "At The Church Steps" inside the NYC Pelle Pelle store.

The pioneering hip hop fashion brand will add to his photoshoot, but it's the politics Jim says he doesn't have a handle on.