Here's proof we're living in the 'Twilight Zone' now -- a construction joint in SoCal won't let people inside while wearing face masks, but on physical contact ... all good by them!
Check out this photo that was taken recently of a store in Simi Valley called Ramsay One Construction and Flooring, which features these giant wooden signs out front that show the owners don't seem to be down with social distancing or PPE of any kind amid coronavirus.
In fact, they only want people doing the opposite of what the CDC says is safe -- namely, no masks allowed, handshakes are okay, and hugs are VERY okay ... according to them. Oh, and of course, they say they're open to the "truth" -- whatever the hell that means.
Also, take note of what they're advertising right there on their window ... it's a shout-out to the Zinger (a high-tech electric wheelchair/scooter), but the phrasing appears to be missing a crucial word. Instead, it sounds like a death sentence, or your money back guaranteed.
Look, this obviously isn't in line with California-mandated protocols for businesses that are open -- and yes, while construction has been deemed essential ... we're sure government officials weren't aiming for this when they gave these types of stores a green light.
We reached out to Ramsay One for comment ... so far, no word back.
How talented is Jamie Foxx? Talented enough to smoothly slip in and out of his Jay-Z, Dave Chappelle and Mike Tyson impressions ... without skipping a beat.
The actor/singer/comedian/all-around-renaissance-man broke down the most famous, and hilarious, voices he's known for doing -- and it's masterful to watch. He was talking to WNBA star Candace Parker on IG Live about his method approach to getting in character, and explained he uses music to help achieve the perfect tone for each celeb.
Then came a rapid-fire series of impressions, which did not disappoint. Check it out ... he shows off Jigga, Kermit the Frog and Sammy Davis Jr. -- and they're all basically the same voice, with slightly different twists. We'll let Jamie explain.
After that, JF presents us with 2 takes of Chappelle -- young and current -- and he couldn't be more spot-on if he tried. Seriously, easy to see why this was always part of his stand up act.
The way Jamie Foxx describes the opening scene of the Mike Tyson biopic got me wanting to see it immediately. pic.twitter.com/helTPJCdN1
Finally, Jamie does his best Tyson ... which we're sure came in handy while he was portraying the iconic boxer for a new movie that's due to come out soon. He makes a stark distinction between people's caricature impersonation of Tyson and the real McCoy.
Yeah ... we smell another Oscar coming soon. Can't wait to see it.
One couple took bizarre and incredibly offensive steps to protest California's stay-at-home orders -- deciding to rock Nazi flag face masks while shopping ... only to be met by cops.
The encounter was captured this week by one of the shoppers themselves, Dustin Hart, who posted the clip on BitChute ... a right-wing-catering video sharing platform. It shows him and a woman walking into a Food4Less near San Diego with swastika-emblazoned masks.
He explains the masks are part of a protest they want to show off, which is meant to symbolize -- in their warped minds, anyway -- Governor Gavin Newsom's "fascist" lockdown rules ... which have apparently left Hart and co. pissed off and in the mood to cause a stir.
As they go around the aisles placing items in their cart, one of the grocery store's employees eventually confronts them and asks them to take the swastikas off. Of course, they refuse ... insisting they're not doing anything wrong, and hiding behind the First Amendment. The guy even offers them different masks as an alternative, but they say no.
That's when some sheriff's deputies arrive and try talking some sense into these bozos -- telling the couple they're in a privately owned, family-friendly store ... and that their masks are obviously offensive to people. Hart tries explaining why he's doing it -- again slamming Newsom and the quarantine guidelines -- and even makes a homophobic comment.
He says he's offended by the LGBT flag, but doesn't go calling cops when he sees it being flown in public. The officers aren't hearing it though, and they ask the couple to leave.
Neither Hart nor his companion were arrested -- they simply headed to the register, paid for their stuff and finally got the hell out. What's crazy is that this is the same town where a man was recently seen wearing a KKK-like white hood while grocery shopping too.
We've seen some ridiculous demonstrations lately, but these might just take the cake in idiocy.
The gloves are officially off, because Barack Obama has made his feelings known about the way his successor has handled the coronavirus pandemic, and the former Prez did NOT mince words.
Obama was speaking with members of the Obama Alumni Ass'n, and during the 30-minute call, he was explaining to the group why there needed to be strong leadership to manage the crisis. He was trying to get the former staffers to get active in Joe Biden's bid to replace President Trump.
Obama then launched into his assessment of the way Trump has handled things, saying, "What we're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish, being tribal, being divided, and seeing others as an enemy -- that has become a stronger impulse in American life."
And, then you hear the former Prez in the audio obtained by Yahoo! News ... calling Trump's response to COVID-19 "an absolute chaotic disaster." He said, "It would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset -- of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else' -- when that mindset is operationalized in our government."
Obama is clearly referring to Trump hijacking the daily briefings and spending endless amounts of time talking about what a great job he's done and lying about the availability of tests. And, then there's the whole thing about ingesting disinfectant ...
Little Richard, a giant in the early stages of Rock 'n' Roll and beyond, has died.
Richard had enormous influence over the genre, with insanely popular hits like the fantastically frenetic, "Tutti-Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally." The Beatles have credited Richard as being inspirational to the Fab Four.
Richard's bass guitarist, Charles Glenn, tells TMZ ... Richard had been sick for 2 months. He died at his Tennessee home, surrounded by his brother, sister and son. Glenn says he spoke with Richard March 27 and the singer asked him to come over and visit, but he couldn't because of the pandemic. Glenn says Richard was like a father to him. Richard would sometimes tell him, "Not to take anything away from your dad, but you're my son."
Richard was born Richard Wayne Penniman in 1932. Ironically, he was born in a depression and died in what feels like a depression.
His dad had disdain for Richard's sexuality and threw him out of the family home when he was just 13.
Richard's music was heavily influenced by the church. He sang gospel and learned the piano at his house of worship.
His first break came in 1951, when he performed at an ATL radio station and it caught the ear of record execs. Richard was signed to RCA. He didn't become successful while at the label, but it was a start.
But then, in 1955, Richard signed with Specialty Records, where he recorded "Tutti-Frutti" which became an immediate hit.
So many hits followed -- "Long Tall Sally," "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Send Me Some Lovin'".
And, Richard tried his hand at movies, appearing in rock films like "Don't Knock the Rock," "The Girl Can't Help It" and "Mister Rock 'n' Roll."
In 1957, Richard shocked the world by quitting the rock biz and became part of the ministry, recording gospel. He recorded an album, "God is Real," in 1959.
He couldn't stay away for long. Richard came back in '64, after The Beatles re-recorded his hit "Long Tall Sally" with great success.
In 1964, following the Beatles’ recording of “Long Tall Sally,” Little Richard plunged back into rock music. Over the ensuing decades, Little Richard would continue to perform and record, but the public response failed to match the enthusiasm that greeted his earlier success.
Although he didn't achieve great success after that, his influence is irrefutable. He was one of the original inductees into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in '93, and got the Pioneer Award from the Rythm & Blues Foundation.
Richard suffered a heart attack in 2013. BTW, he took a baby aspirin and doctors told him that saved his life. He credited his survival to a higher power, saying, "Jesus had something for me. He brought me through."
Gregg Sulkin is not letting something like coronavirus torpedo his perfectly-toned physique.
Gregg took in a workout Friday at an L.A. park, and he's clearly figured out a way to stay jacked during self-quarantine. He worked out for about an hour, and then hit up a local store for some water, all the while practicing self-distancing and wearing the obligatory mask.
As for his equipment, Gregg pumped himself up with the help of a kettlebell and resistance bands. He's clearly used to exercising with more equipment, because judging from his muscles, he's a gym rat.
The British actor, who starred in various Disney flicks and MTV's "Faking It," clearly subscribes to the maxim, "Necessity is the mother of invention," because he's still working out like crazy, but without the barbells and weights that are standard fare.
Lots of things suck about self-quarantine, but among the most annoying has to be running into people when this is finally all over -- whenever that may be -- and finding out they actually look better than they did before going into self-isolation. Oh well.
Andre Harrell, a legendary music exec who gave Diddy his big break and, among many other accomplishments, ran Motown Records, is dead.
DJ D-Nice broke the news Friday night on Instagram Live. The cause of death is not yet known, but the day before his death Andre posted this ... "Whoever need a ride to 2021 ... we leave tomorrow morning," and ... "Skip the virus and Let's Pick it up again at the top of the year."
Andre's career began as half of the rap duo, Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, back in 1981. Andre and Russell Simmons worked together and Andre ultimately became a veep for Def Jam Records.
But by 1986, Andre became restless and wanted a label of his own, and he did just that with Uptown Records. It was enormously successful, with artists like Teddy Riley, Al B. Sure, Heavy D and many others. He signed Mary J. Blige when she was a teenager. And, get this ... his former intern helped jump-start the label ... an intern named Sean "Puffy" Combs, who quickly became an exec for the label.
And, as they say, the rest is history. Combs discovered Notorious B.I.G., but it was short-lived. Combs was fired in '93 and created Bad Boy Records, bringing Biggie along for the ride. But, Andre and Diddy stayed close over the years. Andre was Vice-Chair of Revolt.
Andre made another move in '95, when he became the head of Motown.
But, there's more ... Andre went on to become E.P. of the series, "New York Undercover."
Tributes are pouring in ... Mariah Carey said, "Why Andre ... My heart is breaking and I can't stop crying. He was an amazing friend and I will miss him forever." DJ D-Nice said, "Truly heartbroken. Rest peacefully, Andre Harrell." Viola Davis ... " RIP Andre Harrell ... thank you for the gift of so many incredible artists. Gone too soon." And, Ava DuVernay tweeted, "Saluting Andre Harrell. The architect of so much music, so much culture."
Andre is survived by partner Wendy Credle and a son, Gianni Credle-Harrell.
This is kinda shocking, but Carnival Cruise enthusiasts aren't letting the pandemic scare 'em away from boarding ships with hundreds of passengers.
A rep with Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, travel franchise, tells TMZ ... after Carnival announced this week it would resume some cruises in August, its clients immediately began reaching out to book their reservations first and nab the most premium deals.
We're told in the 3 days after Carnival's announcement ... Cruise Planners' Carnival bookings shot up 600 percent compared to the previous 3 days before the news. That makes sense, but more interestingly, it's a 200 percent increase over the same time period in 2019 -- when folks traveled without fear of the novel coronavirus.
The travel company tells us those booking Carnival cruises were "not a bit concerned about traveling at this time" because many stated they are young and healthy, and just looking to have some fun after being cooped up for so long.
Though Carnival's plan is to resume some of its cruises on August 1, it's made it clear there's no guarantee, saying ... "We continue to work with various government agencies, including the CDC, as we introduce new onboard protocols, but there is no assurance of a return on August 1."
As you'll recall ... COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships were early indicators the world was facing a full-on health crisis. Yet, Carnival's news has given some people a glimmer of hope for the future ... crazy as that may be.
Joe Exoticis getting some sweet revenge as the face of a new fashion line ... because the "REVENGE" collection is already selling like hotcakes!!!
The 'Tiger King' star officially signed a deal with streetwear brand Odaingerous April 30, and his pact with the L.A.-based company is a 6-month partnership ... Odaingerous owner Odain Watson tells TMZ.
Joe's fashion line is in demand ... we're told Monday's soft launch sold out within hours and raked in more than $20,000 in online sales.
While the first wave of merch was cleaned out in a nanosecond, the full collection went up for sale Wednesday and we're told already more than 7,000 items have sold.
The collection includes joggers, hoodies, and graphic T-shirts emblazoned with Joe's name and, naturally, tiger imagery.
As we reported, Joe and his team negotiated the deal with Odaingerous over prison letters and phone calls.
The fashion line is pretty up to date ... in a sign of the times, Joe's even peddling face coverings. Savvy move.
Do not let these two almost identical images of Kelly Osbourne start making you feel confused ... just take a deep breath and get a really good look around to see if you can find the sneaky switches that have been made to this tricky pic!
Osbourne was spotted leaving her Los Angeles home just a few weeks ago, for some fresh air, and we made a few changes to this pic! Use your detective skills to see if you can figure out the differences between these two super similar snaps!
**HINT -- There are THREE differences in the above photographs!**
UFC fighter Jacare Souza has tested positive for coronavirus and will NOT participate in his scheduled fight at UFC 249 on Saturday, the UFC confirms to TMZ Sports.
The 40-year-old Brazilian was slated to fight Uriah Hall on the undercard of the massive PPV event in Jacksonville, Florida -- but he tested positive during the UFC's thorough testing process and now he's out. We're told he was asymptomatic.
Souza's two cornermen also tested positive.
"UFC's medical team examined Souza and his two cornermen and found them too be currently asymptomatic, or not exhibiting the common symptoms of COVID-19," the UFC said in a statement.
"As per UFC's health and safety protocols, all three men have left the host hotel and will be self-isolating off premises, where UFC's medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and will provide assistance with any necessary treatment."
We spoke with UFC honcho Dana White who tells TMZ Sports, "Our process worked."
White had spelled out the testing process on "TMZ Live" on Friday -- explaining that fighters and their teams were being subjected to multiple tests every day.
We're told the event WILL continue as planned -- none of the other fighters have tested positive for COVID-19.
The UFC has already been in touch with Florida state athletic officials which are allowing the other fights to continue as planned, per ESPN.
Souza's scheduled opponent Uriah Hall tweeted a message to Souza -- saying, "Brother I know it sucks I’m sorry you have to go through this I am beyond devastated for the missed opportunity I wish you nothing but recovery for you and your family."
"We administered 1,200 tests this week, on 300 people," UFC president Dana White told ESPN ... "It's not unexpected one person would test positive."
"The system works. And what's good about this, is now we know Jacare tested positive, he's doing what he needs to do and we're in a position to help him if he needs it."
The brutal killing of Ahmaud Arbery is gut-wrenching and outrageous. And, the virus is causing many to choose between financial and physical health. So we gotta ask ...
Roy Horn, one half of the famous Siegfried & Roy magic and entertainment act in Las Vegas, is dead after being infected with the coronavirus ... TMZ has learned.
We just got a statement from Siegfried, who told us, "Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend. From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried."
Siegfried goes on ... "Roy was a fighter his whole life, including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."
Roy died Friday, a little more than a week after testing positive for COVID-19.
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacherwere a staple in Sin City for more than a decade, and they were well known for their daring performances with tigers and big cats.
Roy was famously mauled by a 380-pound white tiger, Mantecore, way back in 2003 during a performance at the Mirage Las Vegas. The tiger bit Roy by the neck during the act and dragged him offstage.
Siegfried and Roy claimed then and always maintained it was NOT an attack ... instead, they say Roy was having a ministroke and the tiger actually saved his life by dragging him offstage.
The incident left Roy partially paralyzed, and it basically ended Siegfried and Roy's act as we knew it ... though they later performed live with a tiger once again in 2019 for ABC's '20/20.'
YouTube superstar-turned-fighter Jake Paul says he'll beat the living daylight out of MMA fighter Dillon Danis in a boxing match ... and tells TMZ Sports he has a UFC superstar on board to help him get it done.
Of course, Paul previously stated he was going to avenge brother Logan's controversial loss against KSI in a match at Madison Square Garden as soon as the coronavirus pandemic was over ... which KSI's team quickly denied, citing his focus being on his music career.
We spoke with Jake about his boxing future now that KSI is out of the question ... and he says Danis is the one opponent he wants BADLY.
"I hate to bring his name up because he's such a lowlife club rat who calls himself a jiu-Jitsu black belt," Paul tells us. "But, everyone in the jiu-jitsu community hates him, everybody in the fight community hates him. I hate him."
Despite all the hatred, Danis is widely considered one of the best ground fighters in the game ... but many people believe that his striking is the weakest part of his game.
"Dillon, if you're watching this, I'm going to kick the s**t out of you ... I'd make your life even f**king worse ... I'm coming for your head."
So ... how is Jake gonna get it done?? He says he's got the current UFC BMF belt holder on his side -- Jorge Masvidal!!
"Masvidal's gonna be in my corner," Jake says ... explaining they met up in Miami during JP's last fight againstAnEsonGib ... and they both bonded over their hatred for Danis.
Jake says he's the Paul bro for Danis to fight -- not Logan -- because he's the better fighter ... and he will mess him up.
As for KSI, Jake tees off on his excuse for not taking a fight ... saying his music is wack and isn't a valid excuse to duck a meeting in the ring.
9:15 AM PT -- We just obtained a stipulation Josh and Brody signed back in December, in which he agreed to complete a substance abuse program with aftercare. He agreed to participate in a 12-step program and to be subject to psychological testing and random drug-testing twice a week. He also has to use a Soberlink device 2 times a day for 6 months and give her the results. He also agreed to participate in a batterers' intervention program.
Queens of the Stone Age front man Josh Homme is flipping the script on his estranged wife, whom he claims has been trying to get him busted for allegedly violating a restraining order.
Now the rock singer's filed for a restraining order against her. In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Josh claims Brody Dalle-Homme intentionally shows up to his events, trying to trigger a restraining order violation against him.
In one case, he says he took their teenage daughter to a horse riding lesson in February, but an hour before it ended ... he claims Brody parked next to his car and started recording video on her phone. Josh says he then got a threatening message from her attorney saying they were gonna call cops if he didn't leave immediately.
Josh says he's afraid those kinds of phony allegations are going to get him arrested. In the docs, he also alleges during their marriage she punched him in the face at least 7 times and threw an iron, and even bragged to friends and relatives about it.
Josh says he has not lived with Brody for nearly 6 months but claims she continues to monitor his phone and credit card usage to keep track of his movements.
The judge gave Josh the restraining order ... so now Brody has to stay at least 100 yards away from him -- at least until they have a court hearing later this month.
As we first reported ... Brody filed for legal separation back in November and a month later, divorce. She got the restraining order against him in December claiming he showed up to her house drunk and head-butted her.
Former NBA player Cliff Alexander -- the top H.S. recruit in the country in 2014 -- was arrested Wednesday ... after cops say they found a loaded gun on him during a traffic stop.
TMZ Sports has learned ... Cliff was pulled over at around 9:30 PM CT in Chicago, Ill. after cops claim he failed to stop at a stop sign at an intersection.
Officers say when they questioned Cliff ... he admitted to having a firearm under his driver's seat -- and when officers checked, they say he did indeed have a loaded pistol in the car.
Cops say the 24-year-old told them he had the gun because he was on his way to Englewood and was nervous for his safety.
Cops also say Alexander admitted to having weed on him ... and claim they found a "clear plastic bag" with a green substance in it when they searched him.
Alexander, who cops say does NOT have a concealed carry license -- was arrested and booked on a felony charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
He was also hit with a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign -- but he was NOT booked on drug charges. Jail records show the 6-foot-9, 245-pound basketball player was released from custody late Thursday afternoon.
Alexander was a MONSTER star in high school ... earning Naismith Prep Player of the Year honors in 2014 and receiving offers to play at nearly every college in the country.
But, Cliff never quite lived up to expectations after signing with Kansas ... only logging a cup of coffee in the NBA after going undrafted in 2015.
Alexander -- a Chicago native -- is now currently a member of a pro team in France.