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Marcellus Wiley says Colin Kaepernick should've never knelt in the first place ... because taking a knee was too divisive and not a good strategy to make change.

Wiley -- one of Kap's loudest critics -- sat down with Van Lathan on "The Red Pill Podcast" and when asked if Colin Kaepernick did the right thing by kneeling Wiley was clear.

"No. If I had to vote whether Kaepernick did right or did wrong I would vote wrong, because I'm into resources. I'm into materializing. I'm into monetizing."

The "Speak For Yourself" host went on to compare Kaepernick's fundraising to J.J. Watt's Hurricane Harvey fundraising, saying that Watt was able to raise more money because he was more inclusive.

"I watch J.J. Watt, different cause, different reason. Instead of being adversarial. In alliance, he raised $41.6 million on record. $2 million on record, $41.6 million on record.'

Lathan points out that Kap's protest and Watt's fundraising are two totally different causes, but Wiley then turned to the fact that Colin's silence is part of the reason he thinks his protest fell flat.

"I'm not going to stand up with that responsibility, and connect with the voiceless and powerless and then go silent on them."

We should say, Colin Kaepernick hasn't gone silent, he's reached out to kids through his Know Your Rights Camps, and has been an active lightning rod for social justice since he first started to protest, but it's obvious Wiley thinks he hasn't done enough.

Link to the full Red Pill Pod cast is below.

Before this wide-eyed kid was starring on the big screen, he was born and raised across the pond in London and fell in love with the theater at a young age. He was active in drama in grade school, and got his big break when he was only 14.

Now, he's known for his work in 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' "We're The Millers," "The Maze Runner," "Detroit" and the interactive film, "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch."

Some of his best friends in the industry include one of his 'Narnia' co-stars, Ben Barnes, and YouTube personality Jack Harries.

Aaron Carter is adding to his home arsenal ... hitting up a pawn shop to purchase 2 guns and a bunch of ammunition.

The singer dropped by Rick's Pawn Shop Tuesday in Lancaster, CA ... and we're told Aaron bought a handgun and a rifle, plus 300 rounds of hollow tip bullets.

Looks like Aaron is dead set on starting his own gun collection after inheriting a massive cache of weapons from his father. Aaron got his gun license less than 2 weeks ago, and he immediately bought a 9mm handgun and 2 assault rifles.

After Tuesday's purchase, Aaron owns at least 5 firearms -- still a long way to go to catch up to the 500 guns he says his pops passed down to him.

We broke the story ... Aaron told us last week owning assault weapons is a necessity, because his dad taught him to protect himself and his family by any means necessary. Aaron also said his mental stability is "infinite" -- despite loved ones being concerned about his mental health.

BTW ... Aaron had his background check flagged two years ago when he tried to buy a gun in Florida, which was around the time he entered rehab.

Trina's mother has passed away ... TMZ has learned.

The 'Love & Hip Hop' star and legendary femcee's mom, Vernessa 'Nessa' Taylor, died Tuesday morning, according to Trina's rep. We're told she lost a battle to cancer.

Trina's camp tells us that Nessa was the rock that molded her daughter into the strong, successful woman she's become, and that she was also a pillar in her community in advocating for self-love, confidence and perseverance among women in general.

The rep tells TMZ ... "Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding Trina’s mother. It truly gives the family some peace and comfort knowing that 'Nessa' lived such a fulfilling life filled with love and abundance." Trina's team asks for privacy as the family mourns.

Trina mentioned her mother in her music, notably referencing her in a song similar to Pac's "Dear Mama." In her 2017 track -- simply titled "Mama (The One)" -- Trina raps about wanting to pass before her mother did 'cause of how attached she was to her.

Trina's lyrics go like this ... "Thinking 'bout you mama / Got me running to the liquor / Mama where you goin'? / I'm gon' have to beg to differ / I'd rather go first, so I wanna go with you 'cause I can't do this without you." Obviously, they were incredibly close.

Just last year, Trina and co. threw Nessa an extravagant rooftop birthday party, where photos and music were in abundance and a good time was had by all. Even in this clip though, you can see Nessa struggling a bit to walk -- it's clear she was ill at the time.

We're told Trina's inner circle is trying to keep her grounded during this difficult time, and that she's surrounded by loved ones as she works through the grieving process.

Nessa was 62.

Kevin Federline claims Britney Spears' father abused one of his grandsons, which Kevin reported to cops ... and now there's an active investigation.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the alleged incident went down on Aug. 24 at Jamie Spears' home in Ventura County. We're told Federline claims his 13-year-old son and Jamie got into an argument, and at some point Jamie allegedly put hands on him.

Our sources say Jamie broke down a door to get to his grandson and grabbed him once he was in the room -- however, we're told there were no visible bruises or injuries to the child. Still, the incident was serious enough to Kevin that he reported it the next to day to the Ventura Co. Sheriff's Department. We're told investigators have already interviewed witnesses and turned over their findings to the D.A.'s Office.

The D.A. will decide whether to charge Jamie.

As we first reported, Britney and Kevin just formalized a shift in their child custody agreement -- he now has their 2 boys 70% of the time. We're told that's been their informal arrangement for a year now, but they filed docs to make it official with the court.

That filing came just 3 days after Kevin went to cops about the alleged abuse.

Aaron Paul went all out celebrating 40 years of life ... living it up for two weeks at a posh beachside resort in the Dominican Republic with his wife and Bryan Cranston!!!

The "Breaking Bad" star rang in the big 4-0 in the DR ... and he spared no expense, staying in a suite at The Ani Resort that goes for $25,000 a night. Aaron shacked up for 12 nights, dropping $300k just for his lodging!!!

Aaron was rolling deep ... he had his better half with him, plus his family and close friends, including Bryan. We're told the "Breaking Bad" costars spent their time sipping their new Mezcal that just launched, Dos Hombres.

Rum's usually what you think of when you picture a boozy drink on a Caribbean beach ... but when you've got your own liquor brand, you play by your own rules!!!

Aaron and co. had a rocking time ... soaking in all the resort and island have to offer ... infinity pools, perfect weather, soft sands, amazing food, crystal-clear seas ... the whole shebang.

Blowout birthday parties are kinda Aaron's thing ... when his wife turned 30 back in 2016, Aaron rented out a massive private villa in Thailand just for the 2 of them.

It appears Chris Jericho's AEW World Championship belt got SNATCHED ... 'cause the wrestling superstar claims his shiny new hardware was stolen over the weekend.

The 48-year-old filed a police report with Tallahassee PD in Florida on Sunday ... saying he landed at the airport and headed over to Longhorn Steakhouse for some food ... and somehow along the way the belt went missing.

It's confusing ... here's what the police doc says.

"The limo driver shuttled the victim to Longhorn for dinner. The victim remained at Longhorn while the limo driver returned to the airport. The victim had taken the wrong luggage from the airport and the driver took it back to the terminal. When the driver picked up the victim from the restaurant, the belt was missing."

It's unclear if the stolen (or lost) belt was the new AEW belt Jericho won on Saturday ... but it's likely it was.

According to the report, responding officers searched the limo and airport for the belt ... but couldn't come up with it.

In the report ... the victim is listed as Christopher “Jericho” Irvine, W/M, 11/9/70″

We've reached out to Jericho for comment ... so far, no word back.

R. Kelly is finally out of solitary confinement and will join the general population, even though prosecutors called BS on his isolation woes.

The singer's attorney, Steven Greenberg, tells TMZ ... Kelly was moved Tuesday and claims the singer was only kept in solitary by prison officials as a form of punishment -- due to his celebrity and the prurient nature of his alleged crimes.

Greenberg tells us that although R. Kelly will be in gen pop -- which is normally considered more dangerous, especially for high-profile inmates -- he claims there are going to be security measures in place that should keep his client safe.

We're told R. Kelly will now be allowed 10 non-attorney visits instead of the previously allowed one. He'll also have a longer leash for phone calls and emails.

Perhaps most important -- for R. Kelly it seems -- is the fresh air he'll be able to experience now with other prisoners during rec time. He'll get to hit the yard if he wants.

Now, prosecutors confirmed R. Kelly was being moved to gen pop in a court filing of their own -- but added he was only in solitary briefly and at his request.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, state prosecutors say R. Kelly had previously asked to be placed in a secluded wing of the prison called the Special Housing Unit with no cellmates, at first. They say he eventually did get cellmates.

R. Kelly's alleged sex slaves aren't staying locked up inside just because he is ... they're out cruising the streets of Chicago, looking carefree as can be.

Azriel Clary and Joycelyn Savage were spotted together over the long Labor Day weekend riding around the city in a Vanderhall Venice 3-wheeler ... a pretty slick ride for Kelly's so-called girlfriends.

Azriel's behind the wheel in video captured by Fox News correspondent Matt Finn ... all smiles as she leans over to check something on Joycelyn's phone before speeding off down Michigan Ave.

Hard to tell what the ladies are listening to ... but ya gotta assume some R. Kelly's on their playlist.

We broke the story ... Clary and Savage have a master plan to use the money they make on a couple potential deals to help Kelly score legal funds for a powerhouse defense team. They're also aspiring to launch careers in Hollywood.

It's unclear how the fun new car fits into that plan ... but we ain't judging.

Cris Cyborg has found a new home -- the MMA superstar has signed with Bellator after parting ways with UFC.

"Hey Cyborg Nation fans, I'm very excited to announce that I'm going to be partnering with Scott Coker and Viacom -- I'll be fighting Bellator," the fighting legend says.

"And, you guys know I have a lot of girls that want to fight at 145 pounds and this means you're going to have a lot of fights per year and I'm very happy about that."

The 34-year-old had clashed with UFC honcho Dana White earlier this year -- and White had said he was going to release Cyborg from her contract.

"I will not match any offers, she is free and clear to go to Bellator or any of these other organizations and fight," White said back in August ... adding, "We’re out of the Cyborg business."

Well, Bellator wasted no time snatching her up ... and it seems pretty obvious Cyborg -- who's 21-2 as a pro -- will get an immediate title shot against Julia Budd, the reigning featherweight champ.

Budd is 13-2 with her only 2 career losses coming from Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes.

Seems Cyborg has her eye on more after that, 'cause she says she's hoping to be one of the most decorated fighters EVER once she arrives in Bellator.

"My goal is going to be the only female fighter holding four different major tiles in the same division and I know with you guys I can do that. And, I just want to say, Cyborg Nation, Welcome to Bellator!"

Haley Smith -- a former contestant on "American Idol" -- died over the weekend after crashing her motorcycle in Maine ... TMZ has learned.

The singer passed away early Saturday morning in Millinocket, Maine in a one-vehicle crash after police say it appears she failed to make a sharp turn along a residential road that becomes a highway in certain sections. Police say she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her father, Mike Smith, tells TMZ ... Haley was riding on a country road and her family believes a deer might've caused the accident -- as he implied she was a good rider, and they doubt she simply lost control of her bike.

Haley's time on 'AI' was relatively brief in 2012, when she auditioned in Colorado during season 11. She didn't make it beyond the second Hollywood round, but Haley certainly left an impression on the judges at the time in her audition.

She sang Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good," putting a folksy twist on it that left Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler pretty impressed.

Steven even said it was an honor to hear her sing, 'cause he said she was out of his "era" with her look, sound and vibe.

Haley was 26, and her family says they were preparing to celebrate her birthday this upcoming November.

RIP

Amber Portwood is vehemently denying her boyfriend's claim that she went after him and their 1-year-old son with a machete ... she says his version of events makes him sound "insane."

Amber finally opens up about her domestic violence arrest on the 'Teen Mom OG' reunion show, telling Dr. Drew her side of the story and ripping her boyfriend, Andrew Glennon.

In this clip from the special, which airs tonight on MTV, Amber says Andrew's clearly off his rocker for trying to make her out as some sort of machete-wielding maniac.

TMZ broke the story ... Amber was busted for domestic violence July 5 after Andrew contacted cops and claimed she struck him with a shoe while he was holding their child, James.

We later learned Amber also allegedly wielded a machete and struck a door with Andrew on the other side.

But, Amber says Andrew's allegations simply don't add up ... she says she's kept her nose clean since choosing prison over rehab back in 2012, and there's no way she would jeopardize everything she's worked for by allegedly running after Andrew and their boy with a machete.

The L.A. home of Lakers center JaVale McGee was burglarized over the weekend -- with scumbags stealing everything from cash to an NBA Championship ring, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... McGee only discovered the burglary Tuesday, but surveillance footage shows the incident took place on Saturday.

We're told the thieves stole TWO safes from the home which contained at least $200k in cash and jewelry -- including one of the two rings McGee won during his stint with the Golden State Warriors. Unclear which ring was taken.

McGee is also missing the celebratory goggles he used in the locker room for the champagne celebration after winning one of those titles.

McGee won a 'chip with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018 -- before signing with the Lakers in July 2018.

We're told cops have been reviewing the surveillance video -- but so far, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. They're working on it though.

As you probably know, McGee has a pretty solid surveillance system in his home -- it recently captured the NBA star fighting with a giant bug in his driveway.

Unfortunately, celebrities (and athletes in particular) have become targets for burglars in the L.A. area -- with stars like Yasiel Puig and L.A. Rams WR Robert Woods having been victimized.

Moments before Kevin Hart's muscle car violently veered off the road, the driver was peeling out ... according to at least one witness, and cops are paying close attention to that information.

A witness who was within earshot of the Sunday morning crash tells TMZ ... they heard the tires screeching, followed shortly thereafter by the sound of the car smashing through fencing.

As we've reported, Kevin's friend, Jared Black, was behind the wheel at 12:45 AM ... and cops say he had just turned onto Mulholland Highway from Cold Canyon Road when, for some reason, he lost control of the car. The skid marks show exactly where he careened into the fence, and landed in a ditch 10 feet off the road.

Cops say the roof of the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda was crushed on top of Black and his fiancee, Rebecca Broxterman. Kevin was able to escape the vehicle.

Law enforcement sources tell us CHP investigators are absolutely looking into speed as a possible factor for Black losing control.

As we reported, Black was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center ... unclear what his condition is now.

Kevin underwent back surgery on Monday and remains hospitalized in recovery. His wife, Eniko, says he's "going to be fine."

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are making changes to their child custody arrangement official in court docs.

TMZ has learned that they have formally agreed Kevin will gets custody of their 2 boys 70% of the time. We're told this has actually been the arrangement since August of last year but wanted to see how it worked before formalizing it -- and they made it official last week in docs filed on Aug. 28.

This is a shift from the previous agreement where they each had 50-50 custody. It's been that way ever since Britney stabilized following her mental health struggles that began in 2007.

Sources with knowledge tell us under the new arrangement Britney's 30% custodial rights with 12-year-old Jayden and 13-year-old Sean are not supervised.

TMZ has been reporting ... Britney has struggled over the past year with her mental health, in no small part because the medicines she was taking for her mental health condition stopped working. She entered a facility earlier this year to stabilize herself ... however, our sources say doctors were having trouble finding the right mix of medications.

Britney's been out and about in public, but privately ... we're told she still struggles to get back on an even keel. Her career remains on ice while she tries to get better.

NFL superstar DeAndre Hopkins says he "felt like a slave again" when he heard late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair infamously refer to NFL players as "inmates" back in 2017 ... but he still believes McNair was a "good man."

McNair made the comments during an NFL owner's meeting in 2017 while discussing the league's reaction to Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest ... and said he was against "inmates running the prison."

When Hopkins heard about the comments, he was FURIOUS -- and now, he just opened up about the situation to GQ.

"I went home," Hopkins says ... "I ain't going to practice today. Hell no. I was about to not play in the game."

Hopkins also described his feelings when he heard the comments ... "It feels like I'm a slave again. Getting ran over. Listen to the master, go to work."

But, Hopkins says he took into consideration that McNair -- who died last year at age 81 -- was an "older" man and chalked up the comment to simple ignorance ... not aggressive racism.

"RIP, his soul. He was a good man, but some people they don't really ... When you grow up certain places, you talk a certain way."

"I try to take into consideration that he's done a lot of good for black people, so sh*t, you can't take nothing away from that."

Hopkins says he considered sitting out the Texans next game -- but ultimately decided to play because he didn't want to let his teammates down.

In the GQ article, DeAndre also vents about how upset he was that the Texans didn't give Colin Kaepernick a workout after starting QB Deshaun Watson suffered an injury during the 2017 season.

"Yeah, I was upset. Everybody needed to give Kaep a look. He can help a team win. I've seen a lot of quarterbacks that's not as good as Kaep, but teams don't want the heat behind them."