Ewan McGregor Slams Racist 'Star Wars' Fans ... Leave Moses Ingram Alone
Ewan McGregor is pulling out his lightsaber to defend one of his costars, Moses Ingram, who's been subjected to yet another round of racist attacks from a gross group of fans.
The actor, who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi, posted a video through the official 'Star Wars' social media account, in which he strongly denounced all the hate that MI has gotten the past few weeks -- this as the franchise's new Disney+ rolls out on the streaming service.
Moses Ingram acaba de publicar estos mensajes que le mandaron en Instagram.
— Espacio Star Wars - Hello There (@EspacioStarWars) May 31, 2022 @EspacioStarWars
El racismo y acoso es real. De mi parte pueden ir a chin… su madre. Si piensan así de una vez denme unfollow.
No hagan de este fandom un lugar peor. pic.twitter.com/JFXfyTJQMY
Check out EMG's message to those who've sent vile DMs to Moses -- a Black woman who recently shared some of the comments, a few of which invoked the N-word among other racist statements and threats ... including the ominous line, "Your days are numbered."
Ewan explains Moses is a brilliant actor and brings so much to the new 'Obi-Wan' series as Reva Sevander -- one of Darth Vader's key henchmen. She's a new character to the franchise, BTW
Moses Ingram posted an instagram story about the racist comments she’s been receiving from Star Wars fans pic.twitter.com/NUe7aB0UQo
— sleemo (@sleemo) May 31, 2022 @sleemo
He says it succinctly ... as the lead actor/EP on the show, he's firmly in Moses' corner, as is the rest of the 'Star Wars' team. Ewan adds that anyone bullying her is no fan in his mind.
This isn't the first time an actor of color has fallen in the crosshairs of racist 'Star Wars' fanatics. Kelly Marie Tran experienced something similar when she was cast in the new trilogy ... and the harassment got so bad, she had to deactivate her social media for a while.
It's been an ongoing problem for Disney, but now ... they got their lead man speaking up. Time will tell if he can get the legion of 'SW' lovers in order here.
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Elvis Pulls Outta Vegas Wedding Chapels!!! Licensing Co. Clamps Down
Sorry, impulsive lovebirds -- looking at you Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker -- you're gonna have to help falling in love without Elvis Presley, because corporate is blocking those famous Las Vegas chapels from using his image.
In a move that's gotta have the Vegas wedding biz all shaken up ... Authentic Brands Group is playing the Scrooge, if you will, of love. The company, which handles all licensing for the Elvis estate, fired off cease and desist letters last month to all Vegas chapels.
Make no mistake, quickie nuptials are big money makers for Sin City -- generating about $2 billion each year -- and city officials say "The King" plays a role in a significant number of those ceremonies.
Just ask the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Barker ... who threw their own Elvis-themed "wedding" back in April. Yes, it turned out they did it just for the pics -- a sort of dry run for their actual wedding(s) -- and the camp of it all, but you get the point. Who doesn't love Elvis-hosted love???
The answer is, apparently, Authentic Brands Group ... which basically said it's now or never for the chapels to knock off all unauthorized use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice image, and other elements" of The King's persona because all of that stuff is trademarked.
If you're wondering ... any Elvis-themed stage productions are still in the clear -- live performances with impersonators are protected under Nevada's right of publicity law.
But, for now, the wedding chapels are more like heartbreak hotels for Elvis-loving couples.
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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Assured Top-Level Protection In U.K. ... After Seeking Legal Action
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been reassured their family will be well protected when they touch down in Britain today, a day ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend ... this coming after Harry threatened legal action to keep his kids safe.
The Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection unit has been working with Harry's crew to get him taxpayer-funded officers over the past weeks ... the family will get armed police protection while at royal events or at Frogmore Cottage where they'll be staying.
The protection won't be around, however, for smaller social events -- like hanging with friends or hitting up a pub.
As we reported, Harry's legal team appeared in court in February during a hearing to reinstate his family's protection ... when they removed themselves from the royal family, they lost their public-funded protection in the U.K., having to pay for their own security while in America.
Harry feared his children, 3-year-old Archie and 11-month-old Lilibet, wouldn't be safe in the place he calls home ... his lawyer added, "It should go without saying that he wants to come back: to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart."
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Dolph Lundgren Speaks Highly of Amber Heard ... Great on Set of 'Aquaman 2'
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Amber Heard might be a terror behind closed doors -- at least according to Johnny Depp -- but she's an absolute pleasure in her professional life ... so says Dolph Lundgren.
The Swedish actor, famous for playing Drago in "Rocky IV," dished about his experience working with Amber for a second go-round as they filmed 'Aquaman 2' ... with both stars reprising their roles from the OG. That would be King Nereus and Mera, respectively.
During a Memorial Day giveaway for Redline Steel ... Dolph told CEO, Colin Wayne, that Amber was easy to work with and super nice on set. Despite all the public backlash she's faced during the trial, DL had nothing bad to say about Amber.
He even mentioned her new baby, who apparently was around during production ... and charmed the cast and crew.
Of course, the fact AH was nice to Dolph during filming doesn't really negate what's been revealed in this case -- namely, that she's been in some nasty fights with Johnny.
At any rate, Dolph's experience is she's a pro on and off camera. Still, that doesn't appear to have been enough to secure her a larger role in the film -- it's been confirmed now that Amber's barely going to be in 'AM2.'
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'90 Day Fiancé' Star Stephanie Matto Boob Sweat Production Shut Down by Big Bear!!!
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Stephanie Matto's newest business venture, selling jars of boob sweat, has come to a screeching halt after a bear ventured onto her property, making production way too life-threatening.
The "90 Day Fiancé" star tells TMZ she's been bottling up jars of mammary sweat for the past two weeks ... laying by her new pool to build up enough sweat to fill bottle after bottle.
She says her boob sweat was selling like hotcakes -- from between $300-$500 a pop. She says she was averaging $5K a day before the black bear made its presence known in the yard.
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Stephanie's now sweating, but not in a productive way. She can't lay by the pool and sweat, so she's now thinking of investing in a sauna.
This isn't her first time cashing in on her bodily functions -- Stephanie started selling her farts in jars last year and says she made more than $100K.
While it sounds like easy money, Stephanie told us back in December she ate way too many fiber bars and it nearly sent her to the emergency room!
Anything for a buck. Damn bear!
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Soccer Star Kurt Zouma Gets No Jail Time ... After Abusing Cats
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Soccer star Kurt Zouma will not have to spend time behind bars for attacking his cats ... instead, he was sentenced to community service on Wednesday.
Zouma had faced jail time after pleading guilty last week to kicking and slapping his pets during a February incident ... but a judge ordered him to just 180 hours of community service and a five-year ban from owning cats.
His brother, Yoan -- who pleaded guilty to a charge last week that he aided and abetted Kurt during the incident -- was sentenced to 140 hours of community service and was also banned from owning cats for five years.
The two were ordered to pay fines and fees as well.
During the sentencing hearing, the judge scolded the two brothers -- calling their actions "disgraceful and reprehensible."
"As a public figure," the judge said, "you must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you."
Both of Zouma's cats had been taken away from the 27-year-old, who's a member of France's national team, earlier this year after video show him kicking and slapping the felines.
The cats are currently in the care of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ... and are in the process of finding a new home.
As for Zouma -- who had been previously fined by his West Ham team -- he's apologized for the incident ... saying in a statement, "There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret."
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Marilyn Monroe Own A Personal Piece In 96th BDay Auction
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Marylin Monroe has been dead for almost 60 years, but fans are still as desperate to own a piece of her history, a reality for people with deep pockets -- thanks to an upcoming auction.
Wednesday, June 1st, the day that would have marked Monroe's 96th birthday, Julien's and TCM announces to TMZ a Marilyn collection as part of their upcoming Hollywood Legends auction.
Fans will be able to get their hands on everything from Monroe's handwritten notes and famous photographs, to costumes worn during movie roles and moments from her career.
Among the items -- Marilyn's beige heels, gold-tone earrings with crystal beads, and her bedazzled gown with headpiece she wore during the 1954 musical "After You Get What You Want You Don't Want It." The outfit is expected to sell for $80K-100K.
There's also a pair of sequin leotard costumes Marilyn and Jane Russell wore in the 1953 movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" which are expected to fetch $100k.
As for the personal stuff, there's a handwritten note from 1955 about her acting classes that's estimated at $3K-$5K. There's also her personally owned AFTRA card with receipt of overdue payments and penalties.
The items will be available online and in-person, in Beverly Hills ... starting Friday, July 15, and they'll be up for auction the entire weekend.
Looks like Kim Kardashian won't be the only one with the opportunity to pull off a Marilyn Monroe look!
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Jennifer Lopez Shows Off New 'J B' Manicure In Honor Of Ben Affleck
Jennifer Lopez is finding all sorts of ways to show off her love for her soon-to-be husband Ben Affleck … just ask her manicurist.
J Lo just got a set of fresh nails ... which included the initials "J" and "B" on her ring finger and a heart on her middle finger … courtesy of celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik.
And, if it wasn't already obvious, Tom let folks on social media know exactly what it stands for in his caption. He wrote, "If you know… then you know 🏹 Jen and Ben forever #couplegoals for the boss @jlo #nailsbytombachik".
Of course, J Lo's huge green diamond ring was the perfect touch to the nail art in the photos.
As we've told you, J Lo announced that she and Ben got engaged (again) back in April -- nearly 20 years after he first asked Jen for her hand in marriage. We spotted that she had been wearing her massive diamond on her ring finger a little before ... and lo and behold!
The longtime lovers first got engaged in 2002, but called it quits in 2004, before they got married. They ended up rekindling about a year ago and the rest is history.
Surely, they have a lot on their plate as they hunt for a house to blend their families together ... and get ready to say "I do".
But first ... a fresh mani to honor her fiancé is top on the priority list 💅
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Fighter Chris Avila Calls Out Chad Ochocinco ... 'Let's Box!!!'
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If Chad Ochocinco is still serious about his boxing career ... ex-UFC fighter Chris Avila tells TMZ Sports he'll gladly throw hands with the former NFL star, saying he's looking for a scrap with the guy this summer.
We talked to Avila out in the Bay Area this week and he's targeting August 13 for his next fight -- and, he'd love it if Ochocinco was his opponent.
"I think that'd be an exciting fight for people to watch," said the 29-year-old, who fought in the UFC back in 2016. "If he wants to fight a real fighter, he can box me."
Chad has transitioned into the fighting world following his football career -- you'll recall, he took on Brian Maxwell just before the Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather tilt in June 2021.
Chad was knocked down in the fight, but held his own. He's yet to get back in the ring since.
Avila -- who last fought in a boxing match on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley fight last December -- tells us he's hoping a match with Ochocinco will be featured on the undercard of Jake's next bout in August.
"I don't know if he'd accept it -- or maybe he wants to stick to fighting celebrities," Avila said of Ochocinco. "But if he's down to test his boxing skills, I'm down to fight him."
Avila says he isn't sure if Chad would accept the offer ... wondering out loud if the 44-year-old is "scared" of him. But, he did tell us he knows exactly how the scrap would end if the former Cincinnati Bengals superstar does step in the ring.
"I'm knocking his ass out."
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Ham in 'The Sandlot' 'Memba Him?!
American actor Patrick Renna was just 14 years old when he was cast as Hamilton Porter aka 'Ham' -- the catcher (and s'mores connoisseur) for his tight-knit-neighborhood baseball team -- in the 1993 film "The Sandlot."
Renna shared the big screen with Mike Vitar as the team leader Benny 'The Jet' Rodriguez, Tom Guiry as Scott Smalls, Chauncey Leopardi as Michael 'Squints' Palledorous and Marty York as Alan 'Yeah-Yeah' McClennan.
PR can also be spotted in other epic '90s roles like the soccer goalie in "The Big Green" and the young cone-loving brother in the Pauly Shore movie "Son in Law."
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Depp vs. Heard Jury Asks Clarifying Question ... 10 Hours of Deliberations
We're officially one full day into deliberations for Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard, and so far -- the jury has already asked for clarification on one issue ... and it has to do with Amber.
The jury came back wanting some guidance on how to handle Johnny's defamation claims. You'll recall he's suing over three statements in particular that were featured in AH's op-ed -- and the jurors wanna know whether they're supposed to look at the headline in isolation, or as part of the entire op-ed.
The headline they're referring to is the one that appeared in the digital version of the 2018 WaPo piece ... "I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change."
The jury's query to the court -- "Does question number three -- "The statement is false" -- pertain to the headline ... or does it pertain to the content of the statement and everything written in the op-ed?"
Today I published this op-ed in the Washington Post about the women who are channeling their rage about violence and inequality into political strength despite the price of coming forward.
— Amber Heard (@realamberheard) December 19, 2018 @realamberheard
From college campuses to Congress, we're balancing the scales.https://t.co/dBSwuJBtay
The answer from Judge Penney Azcarate was to look at the headline in isolation as its own statement and to decide if it, by itself, is defamatory, without considering the full context of the op-ed. Now that they got their answer, the jury continues to deliberate ... so far, they're about 10 hours deep, total.
FWIW, the other two allegedly defamatory statements have to do with Amber calling herself a "public figure representing domestic abuse" and saying she had the "rare vantage point of seeing, in real time, how institutions protect men accused of abuse."
It's interesting the jury came back with this ... it seems to harken back to something Amber's attorney, Ben Rottenborn, argued in closing -- namely, even if the jury doesn't buy all of Amber's claims ... her statements in the op-ed are still technically true on their face. He says she did, in fact, speak up and she did, in fact, become a public figure representing DV.
Rottenborn also invoked the First Amendment in his closing argument -- saying Amber had every right to speak on her own personal experience.
Oh, and while JD and AH weren't in court today -- their attorneys certainly were. Handling business for their clients, obviously. Even in deliberations, they're as busy as ever.
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Bodybuilder Paul Poloczek Dead At 37 ... Won '17 Arnold Amateur
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The fitness world is mourning the loss of Paul Poloczek, Polish professional bodybuilder, who passed away at the age of 37, according to his partner, Katherin DeNev.
Katherin shared the sad news in a social media post, saying ..."Bodybuilding was your life. You are not forgotten, you live on in our hearts. We will love you forever."
"I love you, baby," she added.
The cause of Paul's death has not yet been revealed.
Poloczek was last seen at the NPC Worldwide Championships in Germany on May 28, according to Generation Iron.
Paul, originally a soccer player, fell in love with weightlifting as a teenager ... and ultimately decided he wanted to turn pro.
At 17, Poloczek won his first Junior Championship bodybuilding competition. From there, PP went on to win or place in several other competitions.
Then, in 2017, Paul earned his pro card after he placed first in the Arnold Classic Amateur bodybuilding competition ... a prestigious event for any bodybuilding competitor.
Shortly after, Paul took a break from the sport ... before returning in 2021 at the Europa Pro where he placed 16th.
R.I.P.
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Ray Liotta NJ Hometown Plans Special Honor
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Ray Liotta's legacy will surely live on in his hometown, where planning is underway to commemorate the late actor's career in Union Township, New Jersey ... cause the city is planning to honor him in a special way.
Ray grew up in Union Township, New Jersey ... he graduated high school there in 1973, and his iconic roles would make him one of the town's favorite sons. Current mayor Manuel Figueiredo tells TMZ, they are looking at a variety of options to honor Ray, but also giving the family time to grieve before making a final decision.
We're told, the city is considering naming one of its baseball fields after him, as a nod to his role in "Field of Dreams." The field they're looking at is used for youth sports in the area.
In case you didn't know, Ray was born in Newark, but raised in Union Township. His family actually has strong ties there -- his mom was the Township clerk, and his dad was a store owner and President of a local Democratic club.
Ray was inducted into the Union High School Hall of Fame in 1993, and that same year, he participated in the Township's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.
As we've reported, Ray died in his sleep last week at the age of 67 ... while in the Dominican Republic filming a movie called "Dangerous Waters."
There were no signs of any health issues leading up to his death.
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Van Jones Police Delay in Uvalde Frustrating ... DOJ Should Do More Than Review
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Van Jones is floored it took so long for Uvalde PD to put an end to last week's mass shooting, especially because he's seen cops race into much less threatening situations with more aggression.
We got the CNN commentator Tuesday at LAX, and he thinks the underreaction from police in the Texas town raises some concerns. Van points out all the videos we've seen over the years of law enforcement's extreme reactions in Black and brown neighborhoods.
For that reason, he's glad the Dept. of Justice is looking into the Uvalde tragedy, but hopes it takes action if it finds glaring errors. He also thinks gun manufacturers need to accept some blame too.
As we reported, the DOJ announced the launch of an investigation Sunday, looking into the police response at the request of Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin.
The department notes it will be impartial and fair, as it looks for any failures upon which the agency can improve in the future.
As we now know ... 19 different cops were on the scene, but the police chief told them to stand down as the shooter was in the classroom murdering 19 kids and 2 adults.
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Deshaun Watson Facing 23rd Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit ... After HBO Special
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A 23rd female massage therapist is now suing Deshaun Watson ... claiming she's decided to file the docs after watching the HBO special on the quarterback earlier this month.
In the lawsuit, filed in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday and obtained by TMZ Sports, Nia Smith says Watson was sexually inappropriate with her during three separate massage sessions in 2020.
Her allegations -- which are similar to the other 22 masseuses who have sued Watson in the past two years -- had been made public before ... she spoke about them in an interview in July 2021, but had said she did not sue Watson over it all, fearing backlash.
However, in her suit, Smith claimed after watching a piece on Watson and his accusers during HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" last week ... she changed her mind.
"After seeing Watson publicly refuse to take responsibility for his action," Smith's attorney, Tony Buzbee, wrote in the documents, "saying he had 'no regrets,' and Watson's lawyer repeatedly calling the women liars, [Smith] decided enough was enough."
"She decided that Watson needs to be held accountable," Buzbee added. "She does not want him to get away with his lies."
In her suit, Smith is asking for "minimal compensatory damages."
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"Today we filed suit for the 23rd plaintiff in this litigation," Buzbee said in a statement to TMZ Sports following the filing. "Other cases may come. The Watson defense team has vilified these women and this cause. Shame on them! We look forward to trying this case in court."
As we've previously reported, Watson -- who has not been charged criminally over the women's claims -- has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing, saying in his Cleveland Browns introductory press conference earlier this year, "I never assaulted any woman, I never disrespected any woman."
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Kim Kardashian See, I Really Did Eat 'Beyond' Products Posts Vid Chowing Down
Kim Kardashian did, in fact, go to town on Beyond Meat products ... a point she really wanted to prove in a newly surfaced video from a recent commercial she did for the company.
ICYMI, Kim K came under a lot of fire for an advertisement she recently did for the plant-based meat substitute. In it, Kim said she'd been named the company's new taste consultant ... yet people online noticed the ad never showed Kim actually taking a bite of any of the items she was holding.
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Kim attempted to quiet all the trolls Tuesday, posting a ton of outtakes from the commercial where she bites into tenders, sausage and even a burger -- though she ditched the top bun to cut carbs.
Kim didn't caption the outtakes video, but it's pretty clear that her intention of putting it up was to prove she does eat the product.