O.J. Simpson I'll Say It Again ... I'm Not Khloe's Dad!!!

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DON'T BELIEVE IT

O.J. Simpson is once again denying age-old rumors that he slept with Kris Jenner and fathered Khloe Kardashian -- explaining the reason that can't be true ... she ain't his type.

The Juice addressed the speculation in an interview on the "Full Send Podcast," where he was asked about gossip that he and Kris may have had an affair going on way back in the day ... when O.J. and Robert Kardashian were still good friends and before the murder trial.

O.J. says there's no truth to the notion he hooked up with Kris, explaining he was never attracted to her ... and didn't think she was attracted to him. Not to mention, she was married to Bob at the time -- so there's that.

He also flatly denies being Khloe's dad ... despite years of people suggesting he could be. O.J. says he doesn't know anything about that, but does float the possibility of someone else perhaps being her dad ... making mention of a "cook" rumor he's heard.

In any case -- O.J.'s sticking to his story -- one he's told on camera before regarding this.

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WASN'T ME!!!

O.J. does make clear he had a good relationship with the Kardashians once upon a time -- and it sounds like he was even friendly with Kris post-acquittal -- telling a story about how KJ once allegedly begged him to play golf with Caitlyn Jenner when they first got together.

Ancient history, nonetheless.

Jan. 6 Committee Criminal Referrals Against Trump ... Up to DOJ on Prosecution

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Donald Trump broke the law during the attack on the U.S. Capitol -- so says the Jan. 6 congressional committee ... which is now asking the Department of Justice to prosecute.

The House select committee made criminal referrals to federal prosecutors Monday, suggesting they've found evidence of criminality throughout their months-long hearings ... and are now pointing out specific crimes they feel the DOJ could pursue, if they're inclined.

The charges they feel are warranted here ... obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress, conspiracy to make a false statement, conspiracy to defraud the United States and straight-up insurrection. If the DOJ were to prosecute (and if Trump was convicted of all this) ... he could face up to 35 years in prison.

Of course, Congress's recommendation to the Justice Dept. is simply that ... a proposal, which is largely symbolic in this case -- and may not really amount to much big picture.

Fact is ... the DOJ is already running its own investigation into Trump on multiple fronts, including for his involvement on Jan. 6 -- for which they've already appointed a special counsel. Their probe(s) have been running parallel to the congressional hearings for a while, and they've been keeping tabs on the proceedings. It's unclear if they've become aware of any major new bombshells against Trump that they weren't already aware of.

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HANDS ON HIS NECK

With that said ... the fact Congress is officially looking to have a former Prez prosecuted -- even if it is out of their hands -- is a major statement ... as it's never been done before.

Whether Trump ends up being personally charged/prosecuted for any alleged wrongdoing -- and there's a lot he's been accused of lately -- remains to be seen, especially since he's running for office again and is about to be in the thick of his 2024 campaign very soon.

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TRUMP WANTED WEAPONS

Trump's alleged malfeasance on or around Jan. 6 has been well-documented throughout the hearings -- there's been claims that he fought with his own Secret Service in an attempt to arrive and meet the coup crowd at the Capitol ... not to mention the allegation that he asked to have metal detectors removed in hopes of people being able to sneak in weapons.

Of course, there's also the fact that he explicitly called his VP, Mike Pence, a traitor ... and essentially left him for the wolves, along with the other lawmakers that day. Trump was also very soft on condemning the attack, and is reported to have prolonged his response.

This, according to Congress, was in an effort to stop the certification of the 2020 election ... and for Trump to remain in power longer as he continued to challenge the results.

Ex-NFL Star Willie McGinest Arrested In L.A.

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UPDATE

9:51 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us ... Willie McGinest turned himself in, in connection with an assault that allegedly occurred within the past two weeks.

New England Patriots legend Willie McGinest has been arrested in Los Angeles, TMZ Sports has learned.

The ex-NFL star was booked at around 7:30 AM on Monday morning, jail records show. His bail has been set at $30,000.

It was not immediately clear what crimes he's been accused of.

McGinest, a first-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, played in the league for 15 years ... and is considered one of the greatest Patriots players ever.

He won three Super Bowls with the org. ... and made two Pro Bowls with the team as well. The linebacker was ultimately inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame in 2015.

McGinest -- who found a second career following his retirement as an NFL analyst for various television networks -- finished his career following the 2008 season with 804 total tackles and 86 sacks.

Originally Published -- 9:35 AM PT

NYT Crossword Swastika Design Draws Anger ... As Hanukkah Begins

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People are calling out The New York Times for a recent crossword layout shockingly in the shape of a swastika, and to make things worse, it debuted on the first night of Hanukkah.

Sunday's tone-deaf puzzle debuted with a ton of criticism -- featuring a massive swastika in the dead center of the grid. The puzzle's designer described it as a simple "fun whirlpool shape," but obviously not everyone had the same thoughts.

Many blasted NYT for the antisemitic design -- regardless of whether or not it was intentional ... with one saying, "How did this get approved without somebody noticing?" and another noting, "A hidden Happy Chanukah message in today's @nytimes crossword?"

Even Donald Trump Jr. blasted the news org ... writing, "Disgusting! Only the New York Times would get Chanukah going with this is the crossword puzzle."

NYT seems to be sticking to its guns ... because a spokesperson for the company told The Jewish Chronicle, "This is a common crossword design: Many open grids in crosswords have a similar spiral pattern because of the rules around rotational symmetry and black squares."

Amber Heard Settles Johnny's Defamation Case ... Paying Only $1 Million

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UPDATE

8:00 AM PT -- A source close to Johnny Depp tells us he'll be making a pledge followed by a contribution to several charities using the $1M. Contrary to what Amber Heard says, our source tells us the judgment can still be used against her in the future if she repeats the defamatory allegations.

UPDATE

Depp's attorneys, Camille Vasquez and Benjamin Chew, tell us, "We are pleased to formally close the door on this painful chapter for Mr. Depp, who made clear throughout this process his intent to bring the truth to light."

UPDATE

They continue, "This was never about the money. The jury's unanimous decision and the judgment in his favor against Ms. Heard remain fully in place, and the payment of $1M -- which Mr. Depp is pledging and will donate to charities -- reinforces Ms. Heard's acknowledgment of the conclusion of the legal system's rigorous pursuit for justice."

Amber Heard is closing the book on the defamation case brought by her ex-husband, Johnny Depp -- a decision that's going to cost her 7 figures.

The actress just issued a lengthy statement announcing that she's settled with Johnny -- this as opposed to going through with her appeal -- which she just recently filed. Amber says, in part ... "This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward."

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Amber is going to shell out just $1 million to Johnny -- but we're told it'll be money from her insurance company, not her own pocket.

As for what she has to say about it further ... Amber explains she never chose this, and that all she ever did was defend and speak her truth -- which she notes has destroyed her life ... via vilification through social media and beyond, which she calls a humiliation she can't relive again. AH says she did this to move forward and emancipate herself from this saga.

Amber also makes sure to mention the fact that she has lost faith in the American legal system -- having been found liable for defaming Johnny, whereas in the UK ... the verdict came in her favor. She says she has exhausted almost all of her resources in fighting this thing here -- and in the end, it seems she's decided it was going to be a losing battle.

One other thing ... Amber says she's going to now focus on things that matter to her life, including working for causes she believes in, not to mention time with her daughter.

She adds, "I will not be threatened, disheartened or dissuaded by what happened from speaking the truth. No one can and no one will take that from me. My voice forever remains the most valuable asset I have." Amber ends by thanking those who've backed her all along.

Johnny, for his part, hasn't addressed the settlement.

Originally Published -- 6:52 AM PT

Dog-Walking Horror Demon-Like Figure Crosses Path ... Chilling Sight Caught On Camera

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WHAT IS THAT!?

A dog-walking couple says they bumped into something pretty terrifying -- a creepy-looking figure crossed right in front of them in the dark, and although they caught it on camera, they have no clue what the thing is.

Hannah and Dave Rowett were strolling with their pups through Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England this month when they nearly bumped into the shadowy creature ... you can see it seemingly appear out of thin air, and cross their path before disappearing.

The couple posted the spooky clip on Facebook, where it's gotten some serious buzz ... and people are torn as to whether or not this thing is legit, or just a well-edited video.

Dave even referred to himself as a skeptic of ghosts ... but says this encounter made him a believer.

FYI -- Clumber Park is supposedly haunted by a spirit called "Grey Lady" ... known as a woman in a long coat, often described as a demon, crawling on her long limbs -- which lines up pretty well with the hunched-over thing seen in the clip.

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SPOOKY SIGHTING

Word of advice for the Rowett's -- there's gotta be another park to walk your dogs!!!

Just sayin' ... 🤷🏽‍♂️💀

Grateful Dead Taking Heat for 'Idaho Is Dead' Shirts ... Really Bad Timing

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The Grateful Dead has become the target of a lot of criticism after many are calling out the poor timing of the band's recently released "Idaho is Dead" shirts in light of the 4 college students murdered in the state.

The band just posted new shirts on their official IG account. The caption read, "Check out the new Idaho United States Of Dead T-Shirt with artwork designed by @dreyfus.art. Available now at dead.net!"

As you might imagine, some folks immediately called out GD for being insensitive ... pointing to the fact that 4 college students from the University of Idaho were brutally murdered at an off-campus house, last month. Of course, that case remains unsolved.

One user wrote, "With the recent Idaho tragedy the first shirt is totally insensitive" ... another said, "Weird timing of a play on words considering the idiho4 😢🥺".

Grateful dead is selling similar shirts for other respective states on their website. For example, they are already selling "California Dead" shirts on their site.

So, It seems as though it may have been an innocent mistake ... considering the artist who they credit with designing the shirts is from Boise, Idaho. Nonetheless, people are still letting them have it.

Robert De Niro Christmas Gifts Almost Jacked By Home Intruder

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11:18 AM PT -- De Niro's Grinch, Shanice Aviles, was just led out out the police station in handcuffs.

UPDATE

Robert De Niro almost became a victim of the real-life Grinch -- a home intruder who was legit trying to steal the dude's Christmas presents ... just days before the holiday.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the actor's NYC home was broken into early Monday, at around 3:30 AM, by what cops say was a 30-year-old woman who pried his door and slunk inside. Not quite Dr. Seuss-esque (down the chimney) -- but still scary nonetheless.

We're told the woman was caught red-handed in the act ... cops say she was attempting to clean out the bottom of RDN's tree of gifts -- but Bobby D himself, who we're told was home with family, came down to confront her when he heard all the commotion.

As you can imagine, the police were called ... and NYPD says they recognized this perp immediately. Apparently, she's been arrested pretty recently for similar crimes -- we're told her long-running M.O. is to case houses and break-in, much like she did at De Niro's.

In this case ... they caught her, arrested her and took to her to jail. Sounds like they didn't wanna wait for her heart to grow three sizes and realize the error of her ways.

Christmas is saved at De Niro's crib!

Grinch-Esque Puppy Dyed Dog Goes Viral ... Owner Accused of Abuse

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A dog owner's going through a ruff patch ... because she's gettin' called out for alleged animal abuse after making her pup look like the mean one himself, Mr. Grinch.

The TikToker showed off her dog's transformation, going from its natural color to getting dyed green -- and even red and white to resemble the titular character's Christmas sweater.

The now-viral clip's captioned "When your groomer slays making your dog into the Grinch," but it might've gained traction for all the wrong reasons -- because people are up in arms over the supposed mistreatment of the animal.

The comment section ran wild ... with some saying "Kinda looks like animal abuse to me," "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should," and "Poor Puppy." Some were in the owner's corner though -- mentioning some dyes are pet safe.

However, some puppies have skin allergies and could get severe reactions in the process, but it's unclear if this doggo fits that bill.

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CROSSING THE CHRISTMAS LINE

The owner clapped back to all the noise ... showing the dog chillin' on the bed with the sarcastic caption "He's super abused."

The pup's still a lot more charming than an eel, that's for sure!

Elon Musk Twitter Users Vote For Him to Step Down as CEO!!!

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UPDATE

6:16 AM PT -- 12/19 -- The people have spoken ... with 57.5% voting "yes" to 42.5% voting "no" for Elon Musk to step down. Musk hasn't yet addressed the results, whether he'll abide by them or reveal if he has anyone else in mind to take over.

UPDATE

Elon Musk seems to have heard all the Twitter criticism loud and clear -- which is why he's leaving his position at the company in the hands of the people ... quite literally.

The Chief Twit took to his favorite platform Sunday, and started off by apologizing for what sounds like Twitter's no-more-personal-promotion policy ... in which they'll ban anyone who plugs other social media profiles of theirs on Twitter.

He wrote, "Going forward, there will be a vote for major policy changes. My apologies. Won’t happen again." After that, he posed a question and interesting proposition, asking ... "Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of this poll."

It's a simple Yes/No poll, and as of this writing ... nearly 6 million people have weighed in, with about 58% in favor of Yes, and 42% saying No. There's still about 10 hours left to vote.

In a somewhat ominous and cryptic follow-up post, he wrote ... "As the saying goes, be careful what you wish, as you might get it." To us, that means he will, in fact, abide by the outcome ... like he previously has in other polls. Bringing Trump back comes to mind.

Now, there are some cynics who feel like this an empty promise from Elon -- as they suspect he'll simply install a sock-puppet CEO ... while he continues to pull the strings BTS. He will still be the majority owner of Twitter, after all -- so he could still presumably call the shots.

He did recently allude to that type of carte blanche rule earlier this year when he was discussing his Content Moderation Council -- basically saying, what I say goes, period.

Elon, however, appeared to shoot this notion down -- saying he doesn't have somebody else in mind for the gig ... and that there is no successor. He says no one would really want this job. Time will tell if he follows through, and what that'll mean for Twitter at large. 👀

Vox Populi, Vox Dei!

Originally Published -- 12/18 5:34 PM PT

E.T. Auction OG Alien Model Sells at Auction ... $2.5M Price Tag!!!

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There's now a very lucky (and wealthy) 'E.T.' fan with one of the coolest pieces of memorabilia from the film in their collection.

The one-of-a-kind original mechatronic model -- used to bring the alien to life -- sold for $2.5 million at Julien's Auctions. The piece was used as the #1 filming model "actor" for the movie's main character in the 1982 classic flick "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."

In all, the model has 85 points of movement and was created by "The Father of E.T." Carlo Rambaldi ... basically, it's a real engineering masterpiece.

That's not all... other unique memorabilia from the film sold, including the original E.T. maquette model made for director Steven Spielberg, to approve the E.T. design. It went for $125K.

A Kuwahara BMX bike used by BMX rider Robert Cardoza, who was the stunt rider for the legendary bicycle scenes from the movie was snatched for $115,200 ... which, turns out to be 3X more than organizers expected.

Celebs On Hanukkah Lightin' Menorahs & Having Some Fun!

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Hanukkah is upon us, and these celebs have lit the menorah and honored the holiday in style -- some with their closest loved ones!

Andy Cohen had the huge honor of lighting his neighborhood's massive menorah this year ... while 'Catfish's Nev Schulman snapped a pic of him doing the same from the comfort of his own home.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff lit the first candle together, too ... and looked pretty happy doin' it!

Mayim Bialik was smiling from ear to ear, rockin' a festive sweater and some earrings to match -- while "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star and creator Rachel Bloom put on a paper crown with some stern words against the Nazi party.

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Even sister-rock group Haim posted a Hanukkah-themed TikTok over the weekend, putting a hilarious holiday spin on a viral trend.

Chag Sameach!

World Cup Celebration Huge Party In Buenos Aires Streets ... Drone Cam Captures Wild Scene

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Thousands of people flooded Buenos Aires streets to celebrate Argentina's World Cup victory on Sunday ... and the wild scene was all captured on breathtaking drone video.

The party went down just minutes after Lionel Messi and the Argentinians beat France in penalty kicks -- with a sea of people packing into the country's capital to celebrate the W.

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In the drone footage, you can see fans lining streets for what appeared to be miles ... all going crazy over the big victory.

Some waved flags, some chanted and cheered ... and all, clearly, had a blast.

No word on when -- or if -- the party died down ... but the country's supporters had every right to throw the bash, seeing as it was the nation's first World Cup title since 1986.

The game, meanwhile, is being considered by many to already be the best in W.C. history ... it was a nail-biter that featured 6 goals followed by intense PKs.

Messi scored two total, and buried his lone penalty kick attempt. Later he was given the tournament's Golden Ball -- the award for best player at the event.

It's still not quite clear if Messi is officially done with international play -- but if it was the end, it was certainly a hell of a way to go out ... and one Argentinians will be celebrating for a while.

Mama June's Ex Geno Doak Relapses ... After 9 Months In Rehab

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Mama June's ex-BF Geno Doak has relapsed, TMZ has learned ... this after spending 9 months trying to get better in rehab.

Geno tells TMZ ... he left his South Carolina rehab facility after hitting 9 months clean back in June. He says he left in good standing with a certificate of completion -- but regretfully relapsed on alcohol last week.

As for why, Geno says the addict in him told him a drink wouldn't hurt, adding he convinced himself he was doing good -- the fact it was alcohol and not drugs seemed innocent enough to him.

He tells us he hasn't had another drink since last week's incident, and doesn't plan on having one -- but adds he isn't going back to rehab. Instead, Geno says he's going to continue to apply what he learned and continue to attend AA meetings.

As we reported, Geno told us he tried to kill himself last year by chasing 90 blood pressure pills with a liter of Jägermeister ... and says after telling June about the OD, she referred him to the SC rehab center.

He has an active arrest warrant from 2021, after failing to show up to his community corrections program -- part of his sentence in a 2019 crack cocaine case. Macon County Sheriff André Brunson told us while Geno was in rehab, they weren't going to pull him from the program.

Since leaving, the Macon County Court Clerk confirms his criminal case is still active ... and Geno says he's working on a resolution.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

'BELOW DECK' CAPT. LEE ROSBACH I'm Getting My Muscly Sea Legs Back ... After Major Health Scare

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"Below Deck" star Captain Lee Rosbach is doing boatloads better after telling his crew he had to step off the boat due to serious health issues ... now he's liftin' weights like a champ!

"The Stud of the Sea" was seen Wednesday pumping some major iron at the gym ... lifting 175 lbs on a chest press -- just a couple of days after his departure announcement aired on the Bravo show.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the bombshell announcement on the most recent episode was shot back in February, and he was in pretty bad shape at the time -- but he's made nothing but progress ever since.

We're told Rosbach's been working with a team of experts to help with his mobility -- and he's been hittin' the gym every day to get his strength back.

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I'VE MADE A DECISION

Leaving the boat was one of the hardest mountains he ever had to climb. Nonetheless, Captain Lee isn't ready to hang it up -- and he hasn't ruled out a return to the luxury yacht life.

Way to go, Cap ... you're on your way to gettin' those sea legs -- again!!!

Amar'e Stoudemire Arrested for Domestic Violence ... Denies Assaulting Daughter

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5:55 AM PT -- 12/19 -- Amar'e Stoudemire is breaking his silence on the arrest ... saying Sunday evening he did not assault his daughter.

UPDATE

"As the investigation unfolds, the facts will show the allegations to be groundless as my daughter's medical condition is not the result of being assaulted by a father who is nearly 7 feet tall and weighs 250 pounds," he said in part of a statement on his Instagram page.

UPDATE

"I could never see myself assaulting any person, especially my children. I respect, protect, and love my family, particularly my children."

Amar'e Stoudemire was arrested this weekend for domestic violence -- this after he allegedly beat his teenage daughter.

The ex-NBA star was booked early Sunday morning in Miami on one count of misdemeanor battery and one count of domestic violence. He posed for this mug shot on the way in -- but as of late Sunday morning, he appears to have been released from custody.

According to the arrest report, obtained by TMZ, Stoudemire is alleged to have struck one of his teen daughters -- one is 17 and another is 14 -- across the face at least twice ... once with a closed fist, which was described by the girl as a punch, and another being a slap.

The report states that his daughter was left bloodied from the hits, and goes on to say the alleged victim described him as continuing to strike her body after the blows to her face.

The reason he allegedly snapped ... per cops, Amar'e described disciplining her after she responded with "attitude" to her grandma (Amar'e's mother) when she called for her at his house, which caused Amar'e to confront his kid ... and allegedly dole out a "whooping."

The daughter is reported to have contacted her mother, Alexis, with photos of her alleged injuries -- which spurred the 911 call and subsequent arrest. Sounds like Alexis came to pick up the rest of their 3 kids and left with them all as well when police took Amar'e away.

Originally Published -- 12/18 10:55 AM PT