Meghan & Harry Didn't Buy Mel Gibson's Mansion ... But They Should!!!

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry aren't moving to California just yet, despite reports they snapped up one of Mel Gibson's cribs, but from the looks of the place ... they might wanna reconsider.

There were reports last week the Sussexes bought Mel's $14.5 million mansion in Malibu. As you can see ... it's freakin' spectacular. However, our real estate sources have confirmed there's been no such deal.

The 5-bedroom beast of a home that has all the bells and whistles of prime real estate in L.A. ... plus access to a private beach club. The house has gone on and off the market several times over the years.

An L.A.-area real estate agent reportedly posted last week on social media that Harry and Megs sealed the deal, but then deleted that post. Seems someone got a little ahead of themselves, or it was just wishful thinking.

It wouldn't be a shocker if Harry and Meghan do buy something soon in the L.A.-area -- they both have deep ties in show biz these days. As we reported, Meghan just did the narration for Disney's new elephant documentary ... and Harry is producing a docuseries with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV+.

We're just saying ... they could do worse than a 6,600-sq.-ft pad on 5.5 acres with a private gym, 2 pools, French country kitchen and kick-ass views.

Ex-NBA Star Gary Payton Delivers BBQ Sandos to Hospital All Staff, Even Security!!!

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Former NBA star Gary Payton was in a pay-it-forward mood this weekend -- he brought a bunch of good food to the hardworking first responders in his own hometown.

The ex-SuperSonics PG strolled into Alta Bates Summit Medical Campus Saturday, which is in Oakland -- his stomping ground. We're told he came bearing gifts of the edible kind ... a crap ton of barbecue sandwiches and sides from local restaurant Kinder's Meats & Deli.

And, don't worry, Gary had more than enough to feed everyone ... and we mean just about every person on the hospital's payroll, including the often-forgotten security guards who are stationed at hospitals. All in all, we're told GP had enough grub to feed about 200 workers.

He set up shop and doled out the good eats as different wings and departments in the building caught wind of Gary's good deed, and made their way down to the floor he was on. A batch of 30 sandos even made their way to the ICU, where the most vulnerable are being treated.

An eyewitness tells us they overheard Gary tell someone that he actually has a friend who's currently staying at the hospital -- so it appears the spirit of generosity came over him to feed everyone working day and night to keep the people of Oakland healthy.

Just in time for Easter too. The Glove scores again ... well done, Gare.

Andrea Bocelli Solo Concert for Hope from Milan

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UPDATE

11:04 AM PT -- The man never disappoints ... Bocelli peformed for about 30 minutes, and the highlights included "Ava Maria" and "Amazing Grace." The blind tenor performed the latter after walking without a guide the doors of il Duomo to a microphone set up outside. 

UPDATE

Chills.

Andrea Bocelli is hoping his powerful voice can lift spirits around the world amid the coronavirus pandemic -- and he's performing live from hard-hit Italy.

The world-renowned singer is in il Duomo di Milano -- that city's iconic cathedral -- for a concert that will be livestreamed. You can see it here, starting at 10 AM PT.

The Easter event, dubbed "Music for Hope," comes as the country around Bocelli is still reeling from an astounding number of COVID-19 cases. Italy and the United States have each suffered more than 20,000 deaths during the pandemic.

Bocelli will be accompanied by pianist Emanuele Vianelli -- but Bocelli says he's not viewing this is a typical performance. It's clearly more spiritual to him. As Bocelli put it, "It will not be an actual concert, but an occasion to pray together through music.”

He added, "It will be a sacred singing, because as we are taught, ‘those who sing pray twice’. It will be an invitation for everyone to join in the prayer."

Amen to that, brother.

Kentucky Church Packed for Easter, Despite Nails in Parking Lot ... Cops Watching Closely

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Kentucky State Police were circling the parking lot of a church that's packed for Easter service -- defying state orders -- and issuing warnings, if not citations.

Maryville Baptist Church in Hillview, Kentucky drew what seemed to be nearly a full house Sunday morning. Reporter Sarah Ladd with Louisville's Courier-Journal captured images in the parking lot ... where you could hear the pastor leading the congregation in song.

Shortly before the service began, volunteers were clearing the parking lot of nails, apparently left there by someone who wanted to discourage the service ... which is violating Kentucky's safer-at-home order. Gatherings of more than 10 people are illegal.

So far, the cops aren't shutting down the service or arresting churchgoers. Instead, they're leaving notifications on the cars in the lot ... informing the owners they are potentially spreading COVID-19.

The notifications also say the health department will contact the car owner, and his or her family members, and require them to quarantine for 14 days.

Unclear, if they're issuing tickets, but the notice does warn the churchgoers they may be committing a misdemeanor by violating the state's emergency order.

'SNL: At Home' COVID Survivor Tom Hanks Hosts ... 'RBG' Shouts Out Fauci

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"Saturday Night Live" is figuring it out too -- how to keep the show going from home ... with self-shot skits, and the perfect host, too, in Tom Hanks.

The first celeb survivor of the coronavirus hosted the special 'SNL from Home' episode ... delivering a full monologue that did NOT use a laugh track (thankfully) but did pump in a little studio applause during his intro.

Right off the bat, Tom said the show wasn't live -- hence the multiple camera cuts during his monologue -- but was instead shot by the whole cast at home, and later edited.

Everyone was waiting to see who would play Dr. Anthony Fauci in a skit -- he had wisely opted for Brad Pitt -- but it didn't happen. Let's face it, they didn't have the services of hair and makeup to pull off those kinds of transformations.

Fauci did get a shoutout though during Kate McKinnon's hilarious skit about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's home workout sessions. While pumping iron -- meaning AA batteries -- 'RBG' begged Fauci to slide into her DMs.

Other skits included Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che -- complete with the usual graphics -- and Alec Baldwin doing a Trump "on-the-phone" skit (again, no hair & makeup).

Pete Davidson did his version of a Drake's "Toosie Slide" music video, but the home tour was slightly less fabulous, and it was directed by Pete's mom. Remember, he lives with her in Staten Island ... even when NOT quarantined.

PM Boris Johnson Gets Out of Hospital ... Nurses Jenny & Luis Saved My Life!!!

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is off his potential COVID-19 deathbed ... getting out of the hospital on Easter morning, and he's giving props to the people who helped him survive.

Johnson made a 5-minute long address shortly after he was released from a London hospital, and parts of it sounded like an Oscars acceptance speech. That's not a dig, it was actually very cool the PM mentioned by name almost every nurse or doctor who treated him as he battled the coronavirus.

He made special mention of 2 nurses named Jenny and Luis, who he says were at his bedside through his 3 nights in ICU. As he put it, "They were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed" in order to increase his body's oxygen levels.

Johnson announced he tested positive on March 27, and it got so bad he had to be hospitalized early last week.

You can tell he's not anywhere near 100 percent ... Johnson was gasping for air at times during his speech. His office says he will not be going back to work immediately as he continues recovering.

Joel Osteen Easter Service with Mariah, Tyler ... Carries on without Kanye

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Joel Osteen's highly-anticipated virtual Easter Sunday service, featuring some big names chiming in remotely, is underway.

The event's going down from Joel's Lakewood Church in Houston. Joel's preaching from the church with no congregation -- but he'll get some assistance from Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry.

Tyler Perry
A MESSAGE FROM TYLER

As we first reported ... Mariah reached out to Joel about a special tribute to medical professionals and first responders as they battle in the frontline to battle COVID-19. We're told she's going to sing her song "Hero" via webcam.

Joel asked Tyler to share some inspirational words to help the massive congregation -- nearly 5 million last weekend -- through the pandemic quarantines. Joel told us Tyler recorded a 5-minute clip doing just that.

Kanye West and his Sunday Service Choir were supposed to perform as well, but that fell through on Friday. We were told the problem was social distancing the large number of singers and still capturing their harmonics.

BTW ... going virtual's nothing new for Joel. He's been delivering his sermons online for several weeks. Maybe some other pastors can rip a page out of his playbook. Pretty sure the CDC and most states governors' would appreciate it.

Catholic Church Cuts Confessions Amid Pandemic ... Sacraments for Dying Only

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Catholics in America can still praise God on laptops this Easter, but confessions will have to wait, as churches across the country put a pause on that ritual.

TMZ's learned several Catholic Church leaders in major U.S. cities are ordering confessions and other sacraments to be discontinued during the coronavirus pandemic.

Joseph Zwilling, the spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, tells us ... "All of our sacraments have been put on hold during this crisis," but adds there can be exceptions. Those include people who need a reading of their last rites ... or an emergency baptism.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has called off all regular penance services, too ... but appointments can be set with a priest for dying parishioners or other "extremely extraordinary" situations. Even in those cases, we're told proper social distancing rules must be followed. The Archdiocese of Boston is using the same guidelines.

In San Francisco and Miami, confessions are still being held ... but by appointment only. The Archdioceses in both cities tell us strict social distancing rules are in place, and a special confessional ensures safety, as well as confidentiality.

In Miami, they've benched all priests over 65 or with a compromised immune system.

And, this is interesting ... in New Orleans, some churches are doing confession drive-thrus. We're told parishioners drive up to a priest wearing a mask and gloves, keep a safe distance, and confess away.

Of course, the best advice is don't do bad stuff that requires confession. You're in quarantine, anyway.

Playboy Mansion Pouring More Than Plaster ... So Far, $1 Mil in Renovations!!!

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The Playboy Mansion's massive facelift is already running 7-figures ... and this is only the tip of the iceberg.

TMZ's obtained a score of building permits from the City of L.A.'s Department of Building and Safety which show the extraordinary undertaking going down at the historic crib. For example, the staff area/garage alone is getting nearly $401,000 in renovations.

According to the permits, that's how much it'll cost to expand an "accessory living quarter" which is described as the guard/staff house that includes a basement. They're also adding a 4-car garage.

The revised basement will cost a cool $125k and that includes expanding the theater and golf simulator area, remodeling the kitchen, family and powder rooms.

Crews are adding "structural steel mesh" to the grotto pool and replacing the spa walls -- that'll cost $10k. For $20k, the infamous grotto pool is getting lights and skimmers to manage floating debris ... those will come in handy!!!

Over in the staff quarters, a whopping $70k will be needed to remodel the interior.

All in all, since billionaire Daren Metropoulos started filing permits for his new playground in July 2019 ... total construction cost has been $1.06 million.

As we reported, the Playboy Mansion is a shell of its former self since Daren started renovating the late Hugh Hefner's world-famous pad.

WWE Champ Drew McIntyre The Rock Believed In My Potential ... Before I Even Did!!!

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WWE's newest champ Drew McIntyre is giving a sincere shoutout to The Rock for believing in his potential before he ever dreamed of getting a belt ... and the video will hit you right in the feels.

Let's take you back to July 2019 when TMZ Sports posted a video of Dwayne Johnson being asked to name a wrestler who could be the next big thing.

073119_the_rock_4601725 :: 0_4pdziqxa :: 0_jdas0r3e
THE NEXT BIG THING

The Rock quickly shouted out McIntyre -- explaining, "I think he's got a great look, great build" and insane potential!

Well, the video made quite an impact on Drew -- who says it came out of the blue at a time where he was still trying to find his identity in the ring.

And, to hear someone like The Rock publicly talk about his talent gave him a huge boost to his confidence and his career.

Ya gotta watch the clip ... Drew is incredibly humble and grateful for the support -- and he'll never forget it.

In fact, now that he's become a champion himself, Drew says he will always remember to pay it forward and help other people in his life looking to get to the next level.

Kansas Supreme Court Justices Hear Arguments Via Zoom ... Uphold 10 or Less in Church

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UPDATE

6:32 AM PT -- 4/12 - Governor Kelly wins. The Kansas Supreme Court ruled the Legislature lacked the authority to override Kelly's resolution. The Court's decision was based solely on the language of the resolution. The Justices did NOT address the Legislature's claims Gov. Kelly had infringed on religious freedom.

UPDATE

Bottom line: Easter services -- and all church services during the state's safer-at-home order -- must, legally, have 10 or fewer people.

UPDATE

Kentucky had a similar ruling, upholding the Governor's plan to ban mass gatherings for church with one exception ... a drive-in Easter service being held in Louisville

The Kansas Supreme Court will decide today whether Kansans can flock to church for Easter, and they're deliberating on webcam ... just like the rest of us.

The surreal scene went down Saturday morning as all 6 state Justices hopped on a Zoom conference from their homes to hear oral arguments in a case that will have major ramifications in the state -- and perhaps in others too.

The case is between Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas State Legislature -- the latter overturned Kelly's executive order banning religious gatherings of 10 or more people.

Gov. Kelly didn't take that sitting down -- she sued the state body and now the matter's being discussed by the highest court in the Sunflower State. Gov. Kelly wanted this figured out before Easter, and she'll get it too. A decision is expected later today.

It's just the latest installment in pastors vs. coronavirus. As you know, several church leaders -- including Tony Spell in Baton Rouge -- insist they can and will continue holding services that violate social distancing. Spell told us his parishioners would be happy to die from the virus if it means they can go to church.

Of course, all the other people they could infect outside his church don't get a say in the matter.

Anyway, point is ... a lot of eyes are on Gov. Kelly and the Kansas Supreme Court.

Originally published -- 12:27 PM PT

Celebunny Ears Hoppy Easter!

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Even though we're stuck at home, we still wanted the Easter bunny to make a special appearance!

Celebs are all about dressing for the occasion, and on a day like today, we thought we'd share some of their festive photos!

Stars such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert Downey Jr., and Mariah Carey are all dressed up and ready to kick off some of the festivities!

Celebrate the day along with these celebs as you start hopping through our gallery of Easter celebunnies ... Get a look at all of the other famous faces ready to impress this holiday!

Happy Easter!

'MY 600-LB LIFE' James King's Death ... Not Related to COVID-19

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The death of James King, who starred on "My 600-lb Life" was NOT related to the coronavirus -- instead, the big guy's family says his heart gave out.

James got very sick back in early February, and his liver and kidneys were shutting down due to his weight ... one of his family members tells TMZ.

Remember, James actually gained weight following his debut on the reality show. He was 791 pounds starting out on the show, but by the end of 2018 his weight got up to a whopping 840 pounds.

We're told James, who lived in Paducah, KY, was initially transported to a local hospital on Feb. 10. Shortly after that, he had to be transferred to a Nashville hospital that was better equipped to treat a patient his size.

The family member says after the liver and kidney issues, though, James' heart gave out under the stress. He died April 3 in the Nashville hospital.

James also battled other health problems in the past, including cirrhosis of the liver and sepsis.

He leaves behind a large family. James is survived by his wife, Lisa Raisor King, 4 daughters, 2 sons and 19 grandkids.

He was 49.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

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Hidden behind this festive Easter bunny is a famous singer with 10 Grammys in his basket.

This celeb got his start back in the day on "The Mickey Mouse Club" alongside other big name stars such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling ... and years later went on to be a member of a very popular boy band.

This star later went on to launch a solo career and even went back to acting as he starred in several films including, "Friends with Benefits".

Hop around this pic and see if you can uncover who this Easter bunny might be!

Walt Disney World 43,000 Employees Getting Laid Off

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Walt Disney World employees are taking it on the chin, hard -- the theme park is about to furlough 43,000 workers as it remains closed due to the coronavirus.

Orlando's Magic Kingdom, which has been shut down since March 16, reached agreements with its workers' unions, and will make the layoffs effective April 19 ... according to Forbes. Most of the employees are security guards and other workers involved in operating the facilities.

The Mouse House says the laid-off workers will keep their health benefits up to one year -- and Disney has agreed to pay for coronavirus testing for any employees who need it.

Of course, it's still unclear when Disney will reopen gates at its parks around the world. The massive park will now be staffed by only 200 people with "essential duties."

Forbes says Disney World is the largest single-site employer in the country ... and the massive layoffs are expected to have a domino effect on the Central Florida economy ... where so many other industries depend on Disney being open to stay in business.

The "Most Magical Place on Earth" ... once upon a time.