What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

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Some celebs say it takes a village to run their star-studded lives, but for power couple Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, all they need is each other ... and of course a strapping pair of boots. Tread lightly as you see if you've got what it takes to locate the trendy changes in the two shots!

The buttoned-up couple recently took an afternoon for themselves and took a stroll through one of the most fashion-forward neighborhoods in the world. Can you see through the pair's stunner shades and find the differences?

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner photos!**

Elon Musk Twitter Layoffs Had To Happen ... Losing $4 Million Daily

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Elon Musk is giving his justification for sending thousands of Twitter employees packing ... he says the bird app was hemorrhaging money.

Papa Elon broke his silence Friday night on the mass layoffs that happened earlier in the day at Twitter, claiming he had no choice but to cut folks loose ... he says the social media service was losing over $4 million a day.

As you know ... Elon recently bought Twitter for a staggering $44 billion, with the help of loans from Wall Street banks and big-time investors, including at least $10 million from Diddy. So he's got to find ways to cut costs.

Elon says the folks who were laid off were offered 3 months of severance pay, which he says is "50% more than legally required."

As we reported ... Twitter lost about half its staff in the cuts, with roughly 3,700 people being let go from the company.

Elon fired off a chilling memo to Twitter's workforce Thursday, informing them layoffs were coming ... and employees fired back with a preemptive lawsuit.

Musk has been on a firing spree since inking the deal to buy Twitter last month ... promptly giving pink slips to a slew of top execs.

Laid off Twitter employees are now sharing their stories on social media ... ironically posting goodbyes on Twitter.

But Elon's saying his hands are tied. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Xscape LaTocha Taking a Break … Won't Perform In Some Upcoming Shows

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UPDATE

4:42 PM PT -- Another source close to the group tells us LaTocha was asked if she wanted to be a part of some upcoming shows and declined. We're told she's given the remaining 3 girls permission to use the Xscape name -- and will join them at The Soul Train Awards.

UPDATE

We're told any notion the group is icing her out is false, and the promotion was done without her because she turned the the shows down.

Xscape fans started freakin' out after noticing a promo for an upcoming tour featured 3 ladies, not 4 ... but we're told it's not a sign the group is splitting up -- even if LaTocha has chosen to take a step back from the gals.

A source close to the group tells TMZ ... LaTocha is still part of Xscape, despite what fans are noticing online. She made the call herself to put some space between her and the group.

We're told Xscape shot a new Bravo show, which is set to come out in March ... and the issues began once they decided to do a small tour.

Sources say LaTocha was originally part of the tour ... until her husband got into it with the promoter. She asked the rest of the group to not use the guy, but they said no way ... choosing to keep moving forward, which is when she backed out.

LaTocha even asked her bandmates not to use the group name since she'd be MIA -- like when they went by Xscape 3 after group member Kandi took a break ... but no dice.

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We're told there's been no communication between LaTocha and her sister, Tamika ... not to mention the rest of the group -- but as a silver lining, it sounds like they will all be back together for the Soul Train Awards next weekend.

Megan Thee Stallion Drake, Doubters Will Look Silly After Shooting Trial, Says Her Atty

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Megan Thee Stallion's lawyer says hip hop artists -- like Drake, apparently -- who side with Tory Lanez in the shooting case are gonna look like fools, and he adds there's already plenty of evidence backing her up.

Meg's lawyer, Alex Spiro, joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" to remind everyone ... she's the victim here, but instead of fellow artists having her back, he says too many are calling BS.

Alex strongly believes prosecutors have built a case that proves Meg is telling the truth about Tory shooting her in the foot back in 2020 ... and, for that reason, he says Meg's doubters are gonna be eating crow.

As we reported, Drake is apparently the latest to say the H-Town Hottie is lying about getting shot in the foot while in an SUV with Tory.

There is another view of Drake's verse on "Circo Loco," which is that he was really rapping about thick women (stallions), in general, lying about getting "shots" for BBLs ... AKA Brazilian butt lifts.

Meg definitely didn't take it that way, and clapped back on Twitter shortly after his album dropped Friday -- calling out Drake and other rappers for ganging up on her simply because she said "one of y'all homeboys abused her."

Alex tells us he's never seen such a strong amount of support against a woman who got shot, and he offers up a couple of reasons why that might be happening.

Shakur Stevenson Back In Public For First Time ... Since Takeoff Murder

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RING ROUNDUP

Boxing star Shakur Stevenson is back in the public eye for the first time since Takeoff's tragic murder ... but he did not speak about the events that went down that night.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Shakur was standing inches away from the Migos rapper just moments before he was fatally shot twice in Houston.

Stevenson went silent on social media in the days following the shooting -- aside from a tweet honoring his friend, saying, "R.I.P Takeoff 🙏🏾"

On Thursday, Shakur returned to his usual routine by joining the "Spit Bucket Podcast" to talk boxing ... and he seemed pretty composed throughout the interview.

The topic of Takeoff was not brought up ... probably for a couple reasons.

One, there is an active investigation into what went down that night ... and there may not be much Shakur can get really discuss at this time.

The other -- the incident literally happened just days ago ... and it's understandable to consider Shakur isn't mentally ready to talk about it.

He did, however, talk about who he'd like to fight next ... as well as some predictions on upcoming matchups.

Drake Calls Serena's Husband 'Groupie' ... Alexis Responds

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UPDATE

10:18 AM PT -- Alexis Ohanian has entered the chat -- the Reddit co-founder hinted at the diss in a Twitter thread about his recent accomplishments ... including being a father and husband.

UPDATE

"The reason I stay winning is because I'm relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do -- including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter." Ohanian said.

UPDATE

Serena Williams responded to the message with several heart-smiley emojis.

Drake wasn't only going after Megan Thee Stallion on his new album ... Serena Williams' husband was also name-dropped -- getting called a straight-up "groupie" in a new song.

The OVO rapper released his 16-track joint album, "Her Loss," with 21 Savage on Friday ... and the superstar's hubby, Alexis Ohanian, might not be a fan of a certain track called "Middle of the Ocean."

Here's what he says around the 3:35 mark:

"Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie
He claim we don't got a problem but
No, boo, it is like you comin' for sushi"

Fans went crazy over the bars on social media -- one person called Drake petty and another said Ohanian deserved it, as he's seemingly taken subtle jabs at the rapper in the past.

Remember, Drake and Serena were a thing back in the day -- TMZ Sports obtained pictures of them kissing in a fancy restaurant in 2015 ... before Ohanian was in the picture.

Drake also went to Williams' Wimbledon match in 2018 ... cheering her on from the crowd.

FYI, this ain't the first time Drake has mentioned Williams in his lyrics -- in his "Worst Behavior" song from 2013, he talks about the tennis legend:

"I'm with my whole set, tennis matches at the crib
I swear I could beat Serena when she playin' with her left."

Williams and Ohanian have not responded to Drake's diss ... but Meg did call him out for targeting her in the "Circo Loco" track.

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Originally Published -- 8:52 AM PT

Shaq Claps Back At Kanye Amid Twitter Beef 'Get Your Family In Order'

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Shaq has advice for Kanye West -- get your affairs in order before commenting on his ... after Ye took a shot at O'Neal on social media.

The interaction started when Kanye tweeted ... "Shaq is in business with Jamie Salter. Jaimie first said he's 50/50 with David Beckham and 50/50 with Shaq. I said "Jamie . . . There’s no such thing as 50/50 in business . . . Who has the extra 1 percent for the control and voting rights."

Ye continued ... "Jamie then said he's actually got the 51 percent on both those deals   We as the creators and talent get so caught up in our vanity that we don’t read or understand the fine print  Like Dave Chapelle said, we need to stop giving up control over our own names and our likeness."

Jamie Salter is a Canadian billionaire ... and his company, Authentic Brands Group manages Shaq's name and likeness. Jamie previously said ABG bought 50% of Shaq's future earnings. The company also owns more than 50 brands, many very large. O'Neal is one of the company's largest shareholders.

The tweet didn't sit well with Shaq, who responded to Kanye, writing, "Believe me you don't know me like that. Worry about your business, and to quote the once great Kanye west " I got more money than you, so why would i listen to you" take my advice get your family business in order. Have a great day brother."

It all seemingly started when Shaq (and Charles Barkley) ripped Kyrie Irving for publicizing the controversial film, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!" Shaq said the NBA superstar was "not conscious" and didn't care who he offended.

Naturally, West took issue with Shaq's criticism of Irving, writing on Twitter, "They make us bully ourselves because of our business alignments."

Ye has evidently taken a liking to 30-year-old Kyrie ... showing support for the Nets hooper by posting a photo of him on social media.

Both men have been accused of being antisemitic.

As for Shaq, it's rare to see the big man go back and forth on social media ... so don't expect a long drawn-out feud between the Big Fella and Ye.

Takeoff Cops Piecing Together Beef That Led to Fatal Shooting

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Cops are trying to piece together the argument that escalated to the point of gunfire in the fatal shooting of Takeoff, and the triviality of the whole thing is just mind-boggling.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... angry words were exchanged between Quavo and others after he lost in a dice game at the bowling alley. We're told they took the argument outside, and somehow they begin jawboning over who could beat who at basketball.

That lines up with video obtained by TMZ, in which you hear Quavo become increasingly frustrated ... talking about basketball and assuring the group he'd win.

From there is when things hit a breaking point ... Quavo begins to walk away and then, our sources say, a punch was thrown. Suddenly, at least 10 shots ring out. It appears multiple weapons were fired, striking 3 people -- Takeoff fatally.

No arrests have been made, and cops haven't publicly named a suspect. However, in another video obtained by TMZ, you see one man in the group holding and then raising his gun. Cops tell us he's currently a person of interest.

Takeoff's Migos groupmates have not yet made public statements about his death.

Scott Disick Out With Kim K Cameras Close Behind

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Scott Disick is doing something we rarely see anymore -- spending some one-on-one time with Kim Kardashian -- as cameras for the family's reality show trailed close behind.

Scott and Kim had a late-night dinner together at Il Fornaio in Woodland Hills Thursday ... where you have to imagine they caught up on the latest family drama, and Kourtney's marriage with Travis Barker.

Fans of "The Kardashians" know Scott's been notably absent from the show lately.

Scott's spoken up about not getting invited to family functions -- for those unaware, he was a big part of Kourtney's life post-breakup, but that changed after she and Travis got hitched.

Kourt and Travis Barker's very public romance is what many have seen as why Scott's been pushed away ... and we're betting Scott and Kim will dive into that in the upcoming season.

'Arrow' Star Stephen Amell Not Backing Down in Kennel Battle ... I Want Peace & Quiet!!!

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While Stephen may have issue with the rescue, we've seen some declarations filed by other neighbors to the property that say there's never been an issue with loud yelping, excessive barking or the smell of animal waste.

What's more ... one of the declarations states Stephen is the mean neighbor, even once allegedly getting into it with a neighbor's gardener.

Stephen Amell is confident a judge will have his back after slapping his neighbors with a lawsuit over their kennel biz ... saying he loves dogs, but his family needs some peace.

We got the "Arrow" star Thursday at LAX and he fired off, for the first time publicly, since filing suit. Stephen told us there are just some things you should not be able to do in a residential zone.

His point is there just have to be some limits, for the sake of residents, and in his eyes this is one.

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As we reported, Stephen and his wife Cassandra took their neighbors Kristen Stavola and Jeremy Gardiner to court over their company called Rescues Rock Inc., claiming it's an unpermitted animal adoption biz ... one that's super loud and super stinky!

He and his wife have already lost one battle in the suit -- a judge denied the Amells' request to shut down the rescue and move it from its current location.

Despite this, he's not backing down... telling us he's pretty sure he and his wife are right and ultimately believes they'll come out on top.

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TAKIN' IT TO COURT

Stephen doubled down on the fact he tried to be neighborly and squash the beef before having a showdown in court -- but that's where it is now, and he's still feeling good about his chances.

Kyrie Irving Finally Apologizes ... But Fans Question Sincerity

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Kyrie Irving is finally apologizing for tweeting out a link to an antisemitic film ... though many fans are questioning the sincerity of the Brooklyn Nets star's mea culpa.

The 30-year-old wrote out the "I'm sorry" in a lengthy post on his Instagram page late Thursday night -- one week after he promoted the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!"

He began by admitting he made a mistake in pedaling a movie that contained "anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion."

He then apologized to people of Jewish faith for his actions -- something he had refused to explicitly do despite having multiple opportunities in the days after he pressed "send" on his tweet.

"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post," he wrote, "I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize."

Some have found the line to be insincere -- believing it to be nothing more than "I'm sorry if I offended you" rhetoric.

Kyrie then apologized for not explaining the parts of the documentary that he actually agreed with ... another line with which fans took umbrage -- considering the entire film is laced with antisemitic tropes.

Finally, Irving wrote, "I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate." Some have blasted him for this comment as well. The question -- is he really acknowledging the Holocaust happened, or is he saying he's sorry he offended Jewish belief that it happened?  There's a huge difference between the two.

Irving's apology came just hours after the Nets announced the point guard would be suspended for at least five games over the situation. The team said in a statement he will not be allowed to play for the org. again until he "satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct."

Irving has started 8 games so far for Brooklyn this season, averaging 26.9 points per game.

NYC Fugitive Nabbed at Disney World!!! Accused Of PPP Loan Fraud

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There's no magic at the Magic Kingdom, not for an NYC fugitive who successfully dodged the law for a year ... only to be captured at the so-called happiest place on Earth!!! 😂

Quashon Burton was reportedly kicking it at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park in October when federal postal inspector Jeff Andre spotted him.

Eagle-eyed Jeff identified Burton by a distinctive "H" tattoo on his neck, and reported him to cops ... who caught up to Burton about an hour later. They reportedly found him with 2 family members while they were sitting at a bus stop in the park.

Cops say Burton wouldn't produce any ID and resisted arrest, so they took him down to the ground ... and later ID him with fingerprints.

Officials say Burton ran from his home in Brooklyn last year after fraudulently obtaining over $150K in forgivable PPP loans from the government, and allegedly used multiple identities to get cash out of an ATM at an NYC post office.

He's being held without bail, as NY prosecutors believe he's an "extreme" flight risk.

The lesson here -- even the mouse house can't protect ya from the feds!!!

Selena Gomez My Breakup With Justin Bieber ... 'Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me'

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Selena Gomez has turned her pain into purpose ... looking back, she's calling her breakup with Justin Bieber the best thing that ever happened to her.

The singer opened up about her heartbreak, following her long-term relationship with JB ... in her new doc "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me."

Selena admitted it was extremely hard ending her relationship in the public eye, saying ... "I felt haunted by a past relationship that no one wanted to let go of, but then I just moved past it. I wasn't afraid anymore."

She went on ... "I feel like I had to go through the worst possible heartbreak ever and then just forgetting everything at the drop of a hand, it was really confusing ... but I just think that needed to happen and ultimately, it was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Selena and Justin dated on and off from 2011 to 2018. There's been all sorts of drama following their split, especially once he got with Hailey Bieber. Selena fans screamed "overlap!!!"

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BIEBER BREAKDOWN

Hailey called BS on that on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast.

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It seems Hailey and Selena have moved past all the fan-fueled drama ... even flicking it up together at the Academy Museum Gala in L.A. the following month.

Selena told Rolling Stone ... this kinda drama would've set her back in the past, given her mental health struggles ... but she was able to defuse it with kindness.

Selena's hit song "Lose You To Love Me" is yet another way she's turned it all around for the better.

Diddy I Helped Give Elon the Bird!!!

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Diddy played a secret role in Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter ... we've learned he was among the investors who helped Elon buy the bird app.

Sources close to Diddy tell TMZ ... the music and fashion mogul invested north of $10 million for the social media service.

Remember ... Elon bought Twitter last month for $44 billion ... with the help of wealthy investors and loans from Wall Street banks. Some of those investors reportedly include Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.

As for Diddy's 8-figure investment, we're told his strategy always revolves around having a seat at the table to represent.

Our sources say Diddy and the rest of Elon's Twitter investors believe in Elon's vision for the bird app. As for what that vision is ... our sources are mum.

Diddy and Elon have been rubbing elbows a lot this year ... they both sat in the front row of Dave Chappelle's show back in May at the Hollywood Bowl ... the show where an attacker ran on stage and assaulted Dave.

Diddy and Elon were among the celebs hanging out at Kanye West's Donda 2 experience back in February, along with French Montana and Rick Ross.

And in other Diddy business news -- according to The WSJ -- he's supposed to buy cannabis operations in NY and two other states for up to $185 million ... a move that we're told will create the largest black owned company in the world.

Diddy's 53rd birthday is today ... so it'll be interesting to see if Elon wishes him a happy birthday.

Megan Thee Stallion Claps Back At Drake for Diss On New 'Her Loss' Album

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UPDATE

1:57 PM PT -- Although Megan clearly isn't taking it this way, there's another theory about Drake's track -- the verse was simply a slick double entendre, calling out women who lie about getting BBLs.

UPDATE

Megan Thee Stallion isn't gonna take Drake's insults lyin' down ... because she's firing shots back at the rapper after he called her out on his new album with 21 Savage.

Meg took to Twitter early Friday morning ... soon after Drake and 21's "Her Loss" album dropped -- and it's on the track "Circo Loco" where he blasts the H-Town Hottie.

Drake goes, "This bitch lie 'bout getting shots, but she still a stallion/She don't even get the joke, but she still smiling" ... clearly referring to her getting shot in the foot in 2020 while in a car with Tory Lanez.

Meg quickly responded ... "I know I'm very popular but y'all gotta stop attaching weak ass conspiracy theories in bars to my name lol N***** nor hoes EVER address me or @ me WITH a fact or receipts. I AM CLOUT BITCH keep sucking my p***y."

Not that she needed to say anything more, but she sprayed a slew of follow-up tweets ... one said, "Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot ! You n***** especially RAP N***** ARE LAME! Ready to boycott bout shoes and clothes but dog pile on a black woman when she say one of y'all homeboys abused her."

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MEGAN THEE GRADUATE

FYI -- Drake circled back to Megan later on the track -- referring to her graduation from Texas Southern University with the line, "Shorty say she graduated, she ain't learn enough/Play your album, track onе, 'kay, I heard enough."

She wasn't the only one put on blast on the album, though -- Kanye West was called out, Adidas too and even ... Serena Williams' husband!!!

Joe Exotic This Prison Is the 'Bottom of Hell!!!'

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Joe Exotic's had enough of his living conditions behind bars ... so he's putting the whole place on blast, basically saying Satan is his warden now.

The "Tiger King" star fired off on Instagram Thursday -- yes, while in a federal pen -- and wrote, "I have officially landed at the bottom of hell, at the Federal Prison in Atlanta GA."

He continued "Senator Ossoff, Warnock and Walker are all lying to you Black Voters of Georgia because the Animals at the Atlanta Zoo are living better then [sic] your loved ones are in here I promise. #fixthiss***".

As you know ... the documentary star is serving a 21-year sentence for trying to hire 2 men to murder his nemesis, Carole Baskin.

Even before his transfer to ATL -- he was previously in a Texas federal prison -- Joe's had a rough go of it behind bars ... battling an aggressive cancer. In fact, he's moved a few times in order to get better medical attention.

The Atlanta facility he's in has reportedly been at the center of a monthslong investigation over allegations of drug abuse, violence and unsanitary conditions.

Sounds like Joe would love to testify.