Buffalo Cops Shove Elderly Man to Ground ... Hits Head, Starts Bleeding

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060420_old_man_shoved_kal_v3 6/4/2020
"HE'S BLEEDING OUT OF HIS EARS!!!"
@mikedesmondWBFO
UPDATE

8:33 PM PT -- The Mayor of Buffalo says he's "deeply disturbed" by the video and says the elderly man is in stable but serious condition at the hospital.

UPDATE

7:51 PM PT -- The Buffalo Police Commissioner just announced both officers in the incident have been suspended.

Some cops in Buffalo shoved an elderly man, who lost his balance and hit his head on the concrete ... laying motionless and bleeding from his ear.

Protesters filled Niagara Square Thursday night to protest the death of George Floyd and injustices in our legal system. Officers, dressed in heavy gear, started to move in on the crowd while the elderly man approached and started a non-physical confrontation with some of the cops.

An officer from the group shouts "Move!" at the man and then proceeded to push him, causing him to stumble back and fall over.

In the video, captured by WBFO's Mike Desmond, you can see blood surround the man's head almost immediately as he lay motionless ... and officers call for a medic.

A rep for the Buffalo Police Department allegedly told a local reporter the man was injured when he "tripped and fell." His condition is currently unknown.

White House
NOT IN MY HOUSE
AP

The protests of the last week have remained mostly peaceful until intervention. As we reported, President Trump fired rubber bullets and tear gas into peaceful protestors so he could make his way for a photo-op at a local church that had been damaged the night before.

Originally Published -- 7:42 PM PT

Kobe Bryant Massive Mural Finished In Europe ... Biggest On Continent!!!

Published

Kobe Bryant fans in Europe paid homage to the Mamba in a HUGE way this week ... finishing up a 39-foot-high mural of Bean that's now the biggest on the continent.

Locals in Gradiška, Bosnia and Herzegovina began painting the tribute at an elementary school about two weeks ago ... with one of the guys saying it all started because Kobe helped them find a love for hoops.

"Kobe Bryant was one of my role models and when we heard that he tragically lost his life, we came up with the idea to pay tribute to him," a mural initiator told The Srpska Times.

"That is how we made a mural on the wall of the school next to which we spent time on the playground."

The piece is roughly 39 feet tall and 19 feet wide ... and as you can see in the pics, it's pretty amazing.

The image is of Kobe at the free-throw line in his Lakers jersey set to sink a basket ... and it's complete with his Mamba logo in the upper right corner.

The artist who painted the work said it was painstaking, but worth every minute ... and added he hopes it brings similar pieces of art to the country.

As we previously reported ... there have been a TON of Kobe murals in Los Angeles as well -- and they're so beloved, each and every one went untouched amid the chaos in the city last week.

LAPD Officers Smash Car Windows ... Pull Out Alleged Looters

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A swarm of LAPD officers tracked down a sedan, smashed the hell out of the car's windows ... and quickly yanked out the occupants during a pretty violent arrest of alleged looters.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a helicopter tracked the car leaving an Urban Outfitters Wednesday in Hollywood, a store that had been looted. When officers on the ground caught up to the car, we're told the driver revved the engine ... allegedly lurching toward a cop.

As you can see multiple officers destroyed the side windows to haul the driver and passengers out of the vehicle. They allegedly refused to exit on their own. One woman appeared to be slightly injured from broken glass, and another went down hard as officers tried to cuff her.

The trunk was allegedly chock full of clothes from Urban Outfitters -- complete with merchandise tags still on them -- according to our law enforcement sources.

We're told everyone in the car was booked for burglary, and the driver was also booked for assault with a deadly weapon -- for allegedly driving at one of the officers.

Joe Giudice Ring the Bell ... My Celeb Boxing Foe is J Lo's Ex!!!

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Joe Giudice finally has an opponent lined up for his celebrity boxing match ... and there's a good chance Jennifer Lopez may be rooting for him to kick some ass.

The ex-"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star will fight actor/producer Ojani Noa ... according to Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman. As we reported, Joe inked a deal last month for an October 24 fight in the Bahamas.

Joe Giudice
COMIN' AFTER YOU
TMZ.com

At the time ... the opponent was TBA, but Feldman said he was open to anyone. Joe even joked he'd step in the ring with Mike Tyson.

Let's face it, Noa's a much better fit for Joe. If you're unfamiliar ... Ojani was married to J Lo for less than a year between 1997-1998. About a decade later, they had some more drama. He's done film acting, nothing huge -- "Rapping-n-Rhyming" in 2002, "Irish Eyes" in 2004 and "Eye See Me" in 2007.

He'll need to do more than act like a boxer ... Joe's got some hands, for a celeb amateur. They'll go toe-to-toe for three 1-minute, 30-second rounds.

Let's get it on!!!

Warren Moon Drew Brees' Apology Is A Start Now Help The Black Community!!!

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Warren Moon
LEARN FROM THIS MISTAKE
TMZSports.com

Hall of Famer Warren Moon says he truly believes Drew Brees didn't mean any harm with his stance on the national anthem protests ... but now that he's apologized, it's time to step up and put his words to action.

Of course, Brees faced backlash from his teammates and other major sports figures for condemning kneeling during the anthem on Wednesday.

Moon -- who knows the Saints superstar personally -- is giving Brees the benefit of the doubt ... saying the QB was so passionate about his stance, he forgot to take everything into account before speaking.

"I know what type of guy that he is, but I think he just got so wrapped up into his beliefs on the national anthem and the flag that he forgot to open his eyes and listen to what was being said by others that might not have his same belief about what all that means to them," Moon tells TMZ Sports.

Brees apologized in a lengthy statement and video and vowed to be a leader for the black community ... and Moon says the next step in getting forgiveness is proving he's genuine.

"I don't know if the apology is going to be enough, but at least it's a start."

"I think he has to maybe now get out there and try and do some things physically to show that he's putting his money where his mouth is and maybe get on camera to talk about those things so people can look in him in the face, look him in the eye and see if he's sincere or not."

(A short time after we shot our interview with Warren, Brees posted an video apology.)

Drew Brees
"I'M SORRY"

Moon says Brees isn't the enemy people are making him out to be ... but can use this as an opportunity to hear from others with different experiences.

"I know Drew as a person and I just don't think that's him ... I just think he needs to -- and like a lot of other people around this country -- they just need to listen, they need to learn, and they need to see what's going on."

Jake Sisko on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' 'Memba Him?!

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Los Angeles-local Cirroc Lofton was only 15 Earth years old when he gained fame after he landed the role as the young human, Jake Sisko -- who lives on the space station as the son of the commanding officer -- on the '90s science fiction show "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

Cirroc Lofton was cast alongside a great cast of Earthless actors including Michael Dorn as the cool Klingon, Worf ... and of course Avery Brooks as the bald bossman (and Jake's dad) , Benjamin Sisko.

Fun Fact: Cirroc's uncle is Cleveland Indians' center fielder Kenny Lofton!

Guess what he looks like now at 41 years old!

Saquon, OBJ, Mahomes Demand To NFL ... Admit You Silenced Protesters Like Kaepernick!!!

Published
NFL
SAY IT!

The biggest names in the NFL -- from Patrick Mahomes to Odell Beckham to Saquon Barkley and more -- just dropped a powerful message demanding the league admit it wrongly silenced protesters like Colin Kaepernick.

More than 15 players -- including Zeke Elliott, Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu and DeAndre Hopkins -- all joined together to make an impactful video showing their support for the protests going on all over the country.

"How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players? What will it take? For one of us to be murdered by police brutality?" the stars say in the vid.

"We will not be silenced. We assert our right to peacefully protest. It shouldn't take this long to admit."

We're told the whole thing was put together by New Orleans Saints superstar Michael Thomas ... who organized the video after teammate Drew Brees condemned kneeling for the anthem.

In the video, the players mention several African-Americans who were killed as the result of police brutality or racism -- including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

The video ends with this demand -- "So, on behalf of the National Football League, this is what we, the players, would like to hear you state:

"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."

Unclear what will happen if the NFL does not comply with the players' demands ... we're reaching out to reps to see if there's a plan to hold out or take other action.

Bottom line -- the players are fed up with the way they've been treated and they're not gonna take it anymore.

Kanye West Joins Chicago Protest ... Donates $2 Mil to George Floyd Causes

Published | Updated
UPDATE

6:33 PM PT -- Kanye West has joined protesters in Chicago. The rapper is with Chicago Public Schools students to protest the killing of George Floyd as well as to demand CPS cancel their contract with the Chicago Police Department.

UPDATE

Kanye West's giving a huge assist to the families and legal teams fighting for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd ... and helping in other ways too.

Kanye's donated $2 million, so far, to the cause and set up a 529 college savings fund to fully cover tuition for Floyd's 6-year-old daughter, Gianna. He's also made a separate donation to cover the legal costs for the Arbery and Taylor families.

Along with that, a rep confirms Kanye's donating to several black-owned businesses in his hometown of Chicago and nationwide that have been in crisis and impacted by the unrest in the U.S.

As you know ... widespread protests and riots have broken out since Floyd was killed in police custody on May 25. The demonstrations are a demand for an end to systematic racism and police brutality ... of which the killings of Arbery and Taylor are also prime examples.

Arbery was shot and killed in Georgia in February after being chased by 3 men who allegedly believed he fit the description of a burglary suspect in the area.

Taylor -- who was an emergency medical worker -- was shot and killed by Louisville cops in her own home in a "no-knock warrant" case, in which cops allegedly busted in without warning.

Originally published -- 11:25 AM PT

Drew Brees Drops New Apology Video ... Look Into My Eyes

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Drew Brees
"I'M SORRY"
UPDATE

5:52 PM PT -- Drew Brees just posted a new video ... saying he hopes people can look into his eyes and see how sorry he is for the comments he made.

UPDATE

"I know there's not much that I can say that would make things any better right now," Brees said on Instagram. "But, I just want you to see in my eyes how sorry I am for the comments that I made yesterday."

UPDATE

"I know that it hurt many people, especially friends, teammates, former teammates, loved ones, people that I care and respect deeply. That was never my intention."

UPDATE

"I wish I would have laid out what was on my heart in regards to the George Floyd murder, Ahmaud Arbery, the years and years of social injustice, police brutality and the need for so much reform and change in regards to legislation and so many other things to bring equality to our black communities."

UPDATE

"I am sorry and I will do better and I will be part of the solution and I am your ally."

Drew Brees is begging for forgiveness over his comments about the NFL kneeling protest ... saying, "it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused."

The New Orleans Saints QB has been under heavy attack from teammates and even LeBron James -- claiming his condemnation Tuesday of NFL kneelers is misguided and wrong.

In fact, people chanted "F**k Drew Brees" in New Orleans -- and some people set Drew's jersey on fire in the streets.

Here's Drew's statement in full.

"I would like to apologize to my friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt with my comments yesterday."

"In speaking with some of you, it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused."

"In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country."

"They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy. Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."

"This is where I stand ... "

"I stand with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality and support the creation of real policy change that will make a difference."

"I condemn the years of oppression that have taken place throughout our black communities and still exists today.

I acknowledge that we as Americans, including myself, have not done enough to fight for that equality or to truly understand the struggles and plight of the black community.

"I recognize that I am part of the solution and can be a leader for the black community in this movement."

"I will never know what it’s like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right."

"I have ALWAYS been an ally, never an enemy."

"I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability."

"I recognize that I should do less talking and more listening...and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen."

"For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

Of course, Brees had said Tuesday -- "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

It seemed Brees missed the point of the kneeling protest -- which is to put a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed scolded Brees on Wednesday night for his comments ... repeatedly calling the QB a "straight sucka."

Ed Reed
SUCKA SENTIMENT
@20twentyer / Instagram

But, the most emotional backlash came from his Saints teammate and friend, Malcolm Jenkins ... who told Drew point-blank to "shut the f*ck up."

Malcolm Jenkins Sub
YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM
@malcolmjenkins27 / Instagram

Originally published -- 5:33 AM PT

Detained Woman Singing at Cop Gets 😂 Viral Remix ... 'You About to Lose Yo Job'

Published
Arrest
DETAINED FOR WHAT?

"You about to lose yo job, 'cause you are detaining me, for nothing!!!"

That's the hilarious freestyle one woman dropped off the dome while getting detained by a police officer ... and the viral video is already getting the meme treatment and a super cool remix!

The clip of a woman in police custody in "Somewhere, USA" started spreading like wildfire Wednesday on social media, and while the original version is gold ... the remix that dropped Thursday is platinum!!!

A cool cat by the name of Random J Pop just popped out the remix, adding a bumping beat to the woman's catchy little ditty ... and ya gotta give them both a listen. The lyrics are great, the tune is catchy, and the best part ... she even has her own dance!!! Watch, 'cause even the cop had to laugh.

Again, no clue where, when or why the woman was in custody -- all that really matters is, "You gotta git this dance!"

Note: We hope no one really lost their job, it's just too funny.

Old Lady 'Karen' These Kids Don't Have a Driver's License!!! Pissed Over Power Wheels

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Old Lady
CRANKY KAREN
TikTok/@luna4boys04

Karen has struck again -- this time at a park where a few little kids were taking a Power Wheels toy car for a spin ... and she was ready to pull 'em over.

Check it out ... the old lady -- who one Twitter user hilariously dubbed "grandkaren" -- is upset that the woman watching the children is letting them "drive all over the place."

When the woman says the kids are just playing in their toy vehicle, Karen says she's never seen a car in the park before ... and what really bothers her is that they don't have a driver's license.

Again, this is a Power Wheels ride ... which has a TOP speed of 5 mph.

Grandkaren gets one last gripe in about the kids being unsupervised ... by the woman recording them from yards away.

It's unclear when and where this vid was shot, but regardless ... it's incredible stuff.

George Floyd Family Remembers Magnetic Presence ... Crump, Sharpton Give Inspiring Remarks

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George Floyd Family 6/4/2020
FLOYD FAMILY REMEMBERS GEORGE
UPDATE

1:11 PM PT -- Al Sharpton just finished giving the eulogy and his words also brought the crowd to their feet. He said, "[George] did not die of common health conditions. He died of a common American criminal justice malfunction." Sharpton also took a shot at President Trump's recent photo-op and urged the Prez -- without ever mentioning his name -- to open the bible instead of using it as a prop. Sharpton said "George Floyd's story has been the story of black folks, because ever since 401 years ago the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed to being is because you kept your knee on our neck. It’s time for us to stand up in George's name and say get your knee off our necks."

UPDATE
Al Sharpton Eulogy
HIS STORY IS OUR STORY
UPDATE

Sharpton also had a message for the flawed criminal justice system: "We don’t have a problem denouncing violence, Mr governor. We don’t have a problem, Mr. Mayor, denouncing looting. But it seems like some in the criminal justice system have a problem looking at a tape and knowing there’s probable cause and it takes a long time for you to go and do what you see that you need to do."

UPDATE

12:59 PM PT -- Floyd's family remembered George as a magnetic presence regardless of who surrounded him. One said, "When he spoke to people, he made you feel special. They felt like they were the president because that's how he made you feel." They also remembered his big bear hugs. "No matter who you talked to, they all felt special. They never felt left out. He would embrace them. What I'll miss the most about him is his hugs. When he wrapped his arms around you, it felt like your problems would go away." They also talked about how George was a HUUUUGE LeBron James fan.

UPDATE

The lawyer repping Floyd's family, Ben Crump, also gave an inspiring speech that brought everyone to their feet. He invoked the names of those who fell at the hands of injustice ... from Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor to Eric Garner, Stephon Clark and Trayvon Martin. Crump also had these inspiring words justifying peaceful protests, "What we are doing is helping America be America for all Americans."

The first of four services to honor George Floyd is about to get underway in Minneapolis ... and you can follow it live right here.

Thursday's memorial service will begin at 11 AM PT at the Frank J. Lindquist Sanctuary at North Central University. It's a private event to be attended by family, friends and invitees of the Floyd family only.

Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy.

On Saturday, a public viewing and a private memorial service will be held in Raeford, North Carolina. George was born nearby in Fayetteville, and his sister said "his family would remember him" in the state.

According to Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin ... no protesting will be allowed at this service. Peterkin said, "The memorial is about the life that Mr. George Floyd lived, and this is a time to embrace the family with expressions of love and kindness."

Finally, on Monday in Houston, there will be a public viewing at The Fountain of Praise Church, followed by a private service Tuesday. Floyd grew up in Houston but left several years ago when he moved to Minnesota.

Minneapolis Police 5/25/20
EXCESSIVE FORCE
Facebook/ Darnella Frazier

Of course, Floyd was killed while Minneapolis PD arrested him on May 25. The video of his death -- showing ex-cop Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck as he pled, "I can't breathe" -- set off a firestorm of outrage. Across the country, protests sprung up ... a few of which escalated to riots and violence.

All 4 Minneapolis PD officers involved in the incident were fired within one day, and 4 days later Chauvin was arrested -- initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The 3 officers who stood by as Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd have all been arrested and charged with crimes, and Chauvin now faces a 2nd-degree murder charge.
CHARGES FILED
Fox 9

On Wednesday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison added a 2nd-degree murder charge.

The 3 other ex-cops -- Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao -- were also arrested and charged with felonies ... aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Originally published -- 10:20 AM PT

MLB's Carl Crawford Arrested For Dom. Violence ... Denies Choking Ex-GF At Gunpoint

Published
UPDATE

7:38 PM PT -- Crawford's attorney, Rusty Hardin, tells us his client is innocent, saying ... "We strongly deny the charges and the conduct he is alleged to have engaged in. He would never hurt a woman. He has no criminal history."

Carl Crawford has been arrested for felony domestic violence in Texas stemming from a May incident where he allegedly choked his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint ... this according to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports.

The alleged victim claims she had recently broken up with the former MLB star after a two-and-a-half-year relationship, but agreed to meet with him on May 8 at her Houston, Texas apartment to talk things out.

When Crawford arrived, the woman claims he removed a semi-automatic handgun from his pocket. She then claims Crawford "unloaded the clip and ejected a round of the pistol and began walking towards her holding the firearm."

The woman says Crawford was visibly upset ... and claims the former MLB star began interrogating her, warning her that "if she lied to him that he was going to hurt her."

The woman says she tried to leave her apartment ... but says Crawford pushed her down to the ground in the hallway.

Crawford, per the docs, then "held the gun in one hand, and used the other hand to grab her by the head and neck, while asking her how long she had been dating a male acquaintance."

When she says she replied that she only knew the other man for a week, she claims Crawford accused her of lying and slammed her head against the wall several times.

While still holding the gun, Crawford allegedly began to squeeze the woman's neck while asking, "how long had she been having sex with the male."

The woman says she felt like she was about to pass out when her 1-year-old daughter walked over to her, which allegedly distracted Crawford long enough for her to get up and flee the scene.

She claims Crawford also fled, but left his gun at the scene. Cops were called -- and according to the docs, they observed pink areas on the woman's neck and an injury to her right hand.

After the incident, the woman says Crawford continued to send her menacing text messages ... saying, "That wasn't a beating u just mad I made u confess."

Crawford also allegedly texted that he was paying someone to track down the other male.

Officials in Harris County hit Crawford with a charge of assault of a family member - impeding breathing ... and he surrendered to authorities on Thursday, June 4.

The 38-year-old is currently in custody ... being held on $10,000 bond.

We've reached out to Crawford's reps for comment ... but so far, no word back yet.

As we previously reported ... just days after the alleged incident, on May 16, a child and a woman tragically drowned at the former L.A. Dodgers outfielder's Houston, Texas home.

In a statement addressing the accident, Crawford wrote, "My Hearts Heavy. The tragic events that occurred at my home will be with me forever. I'm at a loss for words I've struggled all week to manage my emotions and I keep thinking of the families of those who've passed and their grief, I know they have it the hardest."

He continued, "They are the first and last thing I think of these days. Please keep them in your prayers, I know they will always be in mine."

George Floyd Murder Case Charged Ex-Officers Appear in Court

Published

Three of the four former Minneapolis cops charged in George Floyd's alleged murder just went in front of a judge for the first time since their arrest.

J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas K. Lane and Tou Thao appeared Thursday in Hennepin County District Court, and the judge set their bail at $1 million for each.

Attorneys for Kueng and Lane tried to shift the blame to Derek Chauvin, noting the 2 officers were rookies and Chauvin was a 19-year veteran. Lane's attorney said his client asked if they should roll Floyd on his side, but claims Chauvin said no. Instead, he kept his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

The attorney asked the judge, "What was [Lane] supposed to do ... go up to Mr. Chauvin, grab him and throw him off?" He also said that Lane and Kueng had to refer to Chauvin as "sir" ... presumably in deference to his seniority. Lane's attorney also said Lane performed CPR on Floyd inside the ambulance.

The judge said all 3 could post a lower bail amount of $750k each if they agreed to additional bail conditions. A future court date for all three former officers was set for June 29.

The 3 officers who stood by as Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd have all been arrested and charged with crimes, and Chauvin now faces a 2nd-degree murder charge.
CHARGES FILED
Fox 9

As we reported ... Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison charged Kueng, Lane and Thao Wednesday with one count each of aiding and abetting 2nd-degree murder and aiding and abetting 2nd-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin was arrested last week and initially charged by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office with 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter.

But, the Minnesota AG, who is now heading the investigation and prosecution, filed an additional count of 2nd-degree murder against Chauvin, who is now facing 40 years in prison -- the maximum penalty for 2nd-degree murder.

Chauvin is yet to go before a judge ... and his first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Minneapolis Police 5/25/20
EXCESSIVE FORCE
Facebook/ Darnella Frazier

As you know ... Floyd was killed during a Memorial Day arrest, which saw Chauvin press his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes.

LeBron James Calls Out Laura Ingraham Ingraham Responds on TV

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:00 PM PT -- Laura Ingraham responded to LeBron on her show Thursday night ... saying, "Every American has the God-given right to speak his mind on any issue."

UPDATE

So ... olive branch???

UPDATE
060420_laura_ingraham_kal
LAURA RESPONDS
Fox News
UPDATE

She continued, "I think in order to heal and shed light on gross injustices, our country needs more dialogue, not less.  And we need more respect, less retribution."

UPDATE

"We are all human beings on this earth for a very short period of time when you think about it, This is a moment when we should be listening and learning. All of us."

LeBron James is weighing in on that new viral video of Laura Ingraham ... questioning why she didn't tell Drew Brees to "shut up and dribble" the way she told LeBron back in 2018.

The clip shows the way Ingraham went after LeBron for criticizing Donald Trump back in the day ... when she told the NBA star, "Keep the political commentary to yourself, or as someone once said, 'Shut up and dribble.'"

Fast-forward to June 2020 ... when Ingraham defended Brees on her show, saying, "He's allowed to have his view about what kneeling and the flag means to him."

Enter, LeBron ... who says, "If you still haven’t figured out why the protesting is going on. Why we’re acting as we are is because we are simply F-N tired of this treatment right here! Can we break it down for you any simpler than this right here????"

He added, "And to my people don’t worry I won’t stop until I see CHANGE!!! #ShutUpAndDribbleThisPowerfulBlackManComingFullSteam"

Other superstar athletes across the country weighed in on the clip as well ... with L.A. Chargers receiver Keenan Allen saying, "Wow ... so Bron and KD need to shut up and dribble... but DREW BREES (white man) can have opinions ... RACISM!!!"

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans added, "People like her are f*cking disgusting."

We reached out to Fox News for comment, but so far, no word back.

Gabrielle Union New Legal Filing ... NBC, Simon Cowell's Racist Conduct Behind 'Termination'

Published
UPDATE

3:19 PM PT -- Union's attorney, Bryan Freedman, is firing back at NBC, calling them out for failing to address her claims of racism. Freedman says, "It’s very telling that NBC fails to substantively address the DFEH complaint that Ms. Union filed based on racial discrimination. Instead, NBC wants to try and play word games by saying that their Chairman, Paul Telegdy, did not directly threaten Gabrielle Union."

UPDATE

He continues, "It is frankly sad but not surprising that, rather than addressing its own racial discrimination, NBC wants to try and avoid the systemic issues that permeate it’s company.”

UPDATE

2:58 PM PT -- A rep for NBC tells us, "The allegation that anyone involved in this process threatened Ms. Union is categorically untrue. We took Ms. Union‘s concerns seriously, and engaged an outside investigator who found an overarching culture of diversity on the show."

UPDATE

The statement continues, "NBCUniversal remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect."

Gabrielle Union is filing a new legal complaint, claiming she was fired from 'AGT' over her refusal to stay silent in the face of a toxic culture of racism, sexism and misogyny.

The actress filed docs Thursday with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, calling out Universal Television, Fremantle Productions, Simon Cowell and his production company. In the docs, she says she was canned because she took issue with "racist jokes, racist performances, sexual orientation discrimination, and excessive focus on female judges’ appearances, including race-related comments."

According to the complaint, obtained by TMZ, Gabrielle says the network is a "snake-pit of racial offenses" where racism and misogyny get a pass.

She's also ripping NBCUniversal for what she claims is a silent and unapologetic response to the Jimmy Fallon 'SNL' blackface controversy ... and says she took major issue with an 'AGT' contestant who performed with "blackface hands" -- gloves that changed the appearance of his hands from white to black -- and claims Simon signed off on it happening.

Gabrielle is also questioning the network's decision to hire Julianne Hough, who had been criticized in the past for wearing blackface on Halloween.

In her complaint, Gabrielle says she raised about 60 issues with higher-ups when she served as a judge on 'AGT' -- including racially insensitive acts, racist and misogynistic remarks and other instances of race and gender discrimination.

Gabrielle claims things got off on the wrong foot from her first day, when she took issue with Simon flouting CA law by smoking cigarettes indoors.

In the docs, Gabrielle says NBC picked at her appearance, claiming producers said her hair was "too wild" and needed to be "toned down" ... Gabrielle calls it part of a "larger animus directed towards women" and claims Simon and Howie Mandel were never asked to change their looks.

Gabrielle also says NBC tried to make her wear a cardigan for a photo shoot, claiming it was for a 1950s period piece ... but she thought the request was blatantly racist.

Jay Leno
KEEPIN' IT LIGHT
@LionsShareNews

Jay Leno is also drawing Gabrielle's ire ... she says she had a huge problem with the comedian joking about Simon's dogs looking like the menu at a Korean restaurant.

The complaint matches the very public claims Gabrielle made last year about her time at 'AGT.' The difference here is she's now upped the stakes by filing a formal complaint -- and in the process, challenging NBC's investigation into her firing.

Just last week, NBC said an external legal review found Gabrielle's claims of racism and misogyny had "no bearing" on the decision to let her go. Although she says she was fired, NBC says her contract was simply not renewed.

That external review essentially cleared Simon and the network of wrongdoing, but Gabby's clearly not buying that assessment of what happened.

Her new complaint also accuses the network and producers of discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, unequal pay, emotional distress and more.

Originally Published -- 11:54 AM PT