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The famous Joe Montana "Catch" statue was VANDALIZED after the 49ers lost to the Seahawks on Monday night ... and now cops say they've arrested the dude who committed the worst facemask penalty ever!

Levi's Stadium security detained 37-year-old Jorge Alberto Lopez after he allegedly climbed the 350-pound statue and ripped off the facemask after the Seahawks kicked the game-winning field goal in OT.

Santa Clara PD formally arrested the guy who was booked on a FELONY vandalism charge, according to police record. TMZ Sports has obtained Lopez's mug shot.

The Montana statue is part of the 2-piece tribute to the famous "Catch" by Dwight Clark in the 1982 NFC title game that was erected in 2018. The statues are massive and weigh 350 pounds each ... and are 23 yards apart (honoring the distance of Montana's pass).

The team has already worked to repair the facemask and expect Montana's equipment to be fixed in time for the next home game this weekend.

Damon Dash is broke ... and he says so.

Dash filed legal docs in an ongoing business lawsuit in which he owes $2,400. Dash says he doesn't have the dough. He says he has no salary and depends solely on his business to make income, but the biz is making zero profits so he can't pay.

Dash says the only revenue stream he has is from Lee Daniels, who owed him $2 million. We posted video last year of Dash confronting Daniels at a Diana Ross concert, demanding payment. Daniels subsequently agreed to repay Dash.

Now, here's the twist. Daniels has been paying the loot back, but it appears the money has been garnished by creditors ... Dash is that deep in the hole.

He says, "My income streams have all been garnished ... and it is very difficult to address the mounting bills until I receive some relief from the courts."

This isn't the first sign of financial trouble. Dash filed legal docs in September asked the judge to terminate his child support obligations to ex-wife Rachel Roy. He said in 2018 he made just a hair over $56,000.

Dash says his fiancee is pregnant and he's had to pay unexpected expenses associated with her pregnancy.

George Lopez has a take on the House impeachment hearings that might actually surprise you -- let it sort itself out and whatever the outcome, find common ground as Americans.

We got the comedian out at LAX Wednesday afternoon and wanted to get his take on the historic hearings. George's initial default was to joke about it -- saying it's must-see TV like the Super Bowl -- but then it turned serious.

George, an ardent critic of President Trump, said if the hearings result in Trump's impeachment, then the efforts proved valid. And, if the hearings return empty results, George says he'd be the first to say, "my bad."

But, get this ... George says whatever the outcome, he wants everyone to find a way to find common ground. Because in the end ... everyone should just want what's best for this nation.

Disney actor Chris Tavarez is in hot water after allegedly flying into a rage, giving his girlfriend a concussion ... and getting his ass thrown in jail as a result.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Chris and the woman were at a house in Hollywood when the couple got into an argument that turned physical. We're told Chris allegedly pushed her ... causing her to hit her head.

Our sources say cops were called to the home last weekend, but by the time they showed up, Tavarez had bolted. The responding officers said his girlfriend had marks on her body but refused medical treatment.

Family sources tell us doctors at a hospital later told her she suffered a concussion. Two days later, Tavarez was arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. He was eventually released on $100k bail.

Tavarez, who turned 27 last week, is best known for playing Darien on the hit Disney show "K.C. Undercover" starring Zendaya. He also costarred in the Disney Channel movie, "Avalon High," and appeared in Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns."

Joe Johnson's not giving up on a possible return to the NBA -- telling TMZ Sports he's still training his ass off in case he gets that call.

The 38-year-old stud had a stint with the Pistons earlier this year after BALLING OUT in Ice Cube's BIG3 league ... but Detroit waived him back in October.

The question now ... will Johnson get another shot in the NBA, go back to the BIG3 ... or hang 'em up for good?

Right now, Johnson says he's not rushing to make any decisions -- but he's keeping his body ready in case he gets another opportunity with an NBA team.

In the meantime, Johnson says his focus is on enjoying life and living in the moment -- not worrying about his career.

It's easy for Joe to be so carefree about everything -- considering he's made more than $215 MILLION during his NBA career!!!

This smiling sweetie was born in Canada as Eilleen Regina Edwards, but would later change her name and grow up to sell over 100 million records ... making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Now dubbed the "Queen of Country Pop," her debut album in 1993 failed to make a big splash. Her second studio album, though, was much more successful ... it included a Top 40 single that was #1 on the country charts, won her a Grammy and was named Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.

From there, she skyrocketed to superstardom with her 1997 album that produced a string of hits, earned her 4 Grammy Awards and to this day holds the 12th all-time best-selling album in the U.S. ... right ahead of Guns N' Roses' "Appetite for Destruction."

She put out one more album in 2002 before taking a hiatus in 2004 for health reasons, including vocal rehabilitation. She made a triumphant return with a new single in 2011, followed it up with a Vegas residency and released her first studio album in 15 years in 2017.

Oh, and she also appeared on an episode of "Broad City" that year.

At least ONE team has committed to sending a rep to the Colin Kaepernick workout on Saturday -- the Miami Dolphins -- but the question is ... who will attend???

Remember, one of Colin's demands is that the workout must be attended by real shot-callers and decision-makers to ensure the workout is legit and not a PR stunt.

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores was asked if his team will be sending anyone ... because the QB situation in MIA is HORRIBLE ... and Flores said they're planning on going.

"We'll have someone there," Flores said ... "We'll see what he looks like."

"We like our quarterback situation right now. We're going to do our due diligence."

Kaepernick says he expects "head coaches and GMs" -- so we'll see if Flores makes the trip.

Meanwhile, NY Jets head coach Adam Gase was also asked if his team is planning on going ... but he declined to answer, saying he's focused on the Redskins.

As we previously reported, Kaepernick is set to work out in Atlanta on Saturday in the hopes of getting back into the NFL after being out of the league for 3 years.

Chris Morgan, aka The Angry Bagel Guy, is currently in a New York hospital after suffering an apparent stroke ... TMZ has learned.

Morgan's manager, Bill Shannon, tells us Chris was outside a Long Island deli Monday when the medical emergency happened. Shannon says he's with Chris in the hospital now, and it appears he's lost feeling on the left side of his body. A video posted on his Twitter account showed Chris laid up in his hospital bed.

There does seem to be at least one positive sign -- Bill tells us Chris was able to raise his right arm to respond when Bill entered his hospital room. Bill says Chris has diabetes, but it's unclear if that's related to the apparent stroke.

We're told Chris' family members are on their way to the hospital.

Morgan gained internet fame back in July when he was caught on video in an angry confrontation inside a NYC bakery.

Waffle House is being sued for discrimination by a black woman whose arrest went viral ... and she's claiming the restaurant treats black customers like crap.

The woman behind the lawsuit is Chikesia Clemons, and she says she went to the WH in Saraland, AL with 2 friends in April 2018 -- a visit that ended with her in handcuffs following a scuffle with police ... all of it recorded by a friend.

In the suit, Clemons claims within 2 minutes of walking in, the manager told a Waffle House employee to call 911 and tell the dispatcher the group was intoxicated and refusing to leave. Clemons claims the 911 operator asked if the customers were male or female, but the employee responded, "They're black."

According to the docs, Clemons claims a white waitress told her she would be charged 50 cents for plastic utensils, which sparked an argument because Clemons says white customers don't get hit with that charge. Clemons says the waitress then refused to serve the table.

Another waitress -- also white -- tapped in, but things didn't go any smoother ... according to Clemons who claims the woman said, "You're racist," and "You need to learn your place."

The viral video shows 2 cops showing up, one grabbing Clemons and throwing her to the ground. One of the officers told her, "I'm about to break your arm," as they tried to put cuffs on her.

In her lawsuit, Clemons claims the only reason the officers roughed her up was because Waffle House employees falsely reported her and her friends as being drunk. She wants Waffle House to serve up some money -- as in damages -- and to stop the alleged discriminatory treatment.

We reached out to Waffle House for comment ... no word back, so far.

No, this puppy did NOT come from the Chernobyl pound, but yes -- this is a tale of 2 tails ... including the one growing out of the doggo's forehead.

The little guy's name is Narwhal, and he's a recent rescue at Mac's Mission Animal Rescue in Jackson, Missouri. The founder of the joint, Rochelle Steffen, says prospective owners need not worry about Narwhal's extra appendage -- "He had x-rays and a vet visit (Tuesday) and is a perfectly healthy puppy, with an extra tail on his face."

She adds the foretail doesn't require surgery, and doesn't seem to be giving him any harm at the moment.

Rochelle says her staff found Narwhal -- a Dachshund and Beagle mix, they think -- recently at a dumpsite, and took him in to help find him a forever home.

It's unclear what the growth is exactly, but it's probably a mutation that occurred at birth.

Either way, Narwhal is just as rambunctious as any other puppy -- hide your shoes -- and doesn't seem too bent about being named after a whale that has a tusk growing out of its head.

Based on how lovable and unique he is, something tells us he'll be scooped up quickly.

Marlon Wayans says Jennifer Hudson kisses like she comes from heaven -- but he wants to keep it our little secret. And, what he especially wants to keep on the down-low ... he gets a woody when he hears her sing.

The actor-comedian broke down what it was like to plant one on his costar on the set of their new movie "Respect" -- which is a biopic about the late, great Aretha Franklin.

Last week, Marlon and Jen were seen sharing a smooch while filming, and as passionate as it looked ... it was apparently even better in person -- for Marlon, anyway. Check out how he intricately describes locking lips with JH ... it's almost too descriptive for comfort.

Our photog crossed the line -- at least according to Marlon -- when she asked who is a better singer ... Jennifer, or Beyonce??? He scolds us for trying to pit two black queens against each other.

Pete Buttigieg says while his odds to the win the White House might be similar to Donald Trump's a year out from election day ... he's going about getting there with a full 180.

The South Bend Mayor spoke to us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" after news broke that he's the leading Democratic candidate in Iowa, according to a new poll ... not to mention that his chances at going the distance are eerily similar to DT's from this time 4 years ago.

He weighs in on both, telling us the new poll reflects what he's been feeling on the ground ... a connection to voters and a groundswell that just can't be stopped.

As for the Trump comparison, he says the only thing he wants to share with 45 is the final destination. That said, he does admit there are similarities in how folks perceived their campaigns early on -- namely, they were seen as odd men out despite later success.

Then, we got into what could become a problem ... how PB plans to deal with religious voters -- especially in the South -- who may view the fact he's gay as a dealbreaker.

"You wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan."

Soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stint with the L.A. Galaxy has come to an end ... and in true Zlatan fashion, the 38-year-old left with an epic message for his former organization and its fans!!

"I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel alive again," Zlatan tweeted. "To the Galaxy fans - you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome."

"The story continues...Now go back to watch baseball"

Ibrahimovic finished with 52 goals, 17 assists and 1 crotch grab in his 2 seasons with the Galaxy.

Zlatan and the Galaxy mutually agreed to part ways earlier Wednesday ... and the Galaxy thanked him for essentially wrecking the MLS for 2 seasons.

"Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles," team prez Chris Klein said in a statement.

"We are grateful for his work ethic and passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole."

Up next?? Probably a return to Europe.

Farewell, new friend ... and thanks for the soundbites.

Kathie Lee Gifford's definitely not wistful over her old gig at NBC ... but she's still got love for all her old friends there.

The famous TV host was leaving the NBC building in NYC Tuesday afternoon when we asked if she misses her morning news days with 'Today' as the cohost of the fourth hour, "Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda."

In a word ... nope!

Kathie tells us she misses the people, but not the work, and she's very happy doing what she's doing now ... so don't expect an NBC comeback.

It's interesting ... Kathie just made her return to her old stomping grounds this week for the first time since leaving the show in April, and told her pal, Hoda Kotb -- who now hosts the show with Jenna Bush Hager -- she's happier than ever.

As for why ... Gifford moved to Nashville, and she says the people and the culture there are just so much kinder, and the atmosphere is more joyful and fun.

Kathie's also expressed a desire to produce Christian movies, which she's been doing with the Hallmark Channel, and has a Christmas flick called "A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love" coming up.

California Governor Gavin Newsom says President Trump isn't going to bully the Golden State into doing what he wants -- even with threats that could put thousands of lives at risk.

The Gov. was on "TMZ Live" Tuesday with a fierce response to POTUS tweeting he might cut federal funding to help fight California's wildfires ... if Newsom didn't get his "act together" to stop the fires.

Newsom made it clear he's not about to bow because the reality is the Prez needs Cali more than it needs him. He says Trump likes to spew threats as "political theater," and also because he can't stand NOT getting his way in the most populous state.

As the Gov. put it, Trump's political pressure won't fly in Cali.

On a much lighter note, we also got Gov. Newsom -- who just might have the best gubernatorial hairline in America -- to talk about this year's CA Hall of Fame inductees ... who include George Lopez, RuPaul, Wolfgang Puck and the late Dr. Maya Angelou.

The ceremony goes down in Sacramento on December 10, and Newsom's honored to be inducting such a diverse group of talented people.

Justin Bieber's gearing up for a new tour, and he's already making sure his dance moves will be in top form.

Sources close to JB tell TMZ ... he's rehearsing for a new tour and could hit the road as early as summer 2020. We're told the tour will coincide with a new album, which as we told you ... has already been teased as a transition into R&B.

Justin was seen Wednesday heading into 3rd Street Dance in L.A. apparently to start laying the groundwork for his moves for the upcoming tour ... and possibly to work on his hockey skills. Maybe he just has a game afterward, though.

We broke the story ... Bieber's team also just filed legal docs to try to land the trademark for "R&Bieber," the working title of his potential new album.

Justin promised fans he'll release it by Christmas if the October 27 Instagram post gets 20 million likes, but it's currently just at 11.8 million ... so still a ways to go.

Regardless, we're told a new album is coming sometime soon -- which would be his first in 4 years -- and a new tour would be his first since he cut his Purpose Tour short in July 2017 ... after performing 150 shows across 6 continents.