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Britney Spears has clear regrets ... about a tattoo, and about her ex, Justin Timberlake -- she's even posting throwback pics of him -- which can't feel great for her husband, Sam Asghari.

She posted a video of herself getting inked up while in Maui, but never revealed the finished product. As Brit put it, "Can’t show it because it sucks 😂😂😂 !!! Like really really sucks !!! S–t 🙈🙈🙈 !!!”

That's probably exactly what Sam is saying about the Justin pics Brit posted right before her tattoo video. They were throwbacks to JT and Brit in 2001 wearing matching basketball jerseys, and the caption said, "When we used to shoot hoops TOGETHER … that’s when miracles happened."

It wasn't all gushing, though ... she also said, "I came out of my mom’s stomach just like we all did !!! Psss … why always cast me out ??? I’m equal as all !!!"

Brit didn't leave up the cryptic, yet definitely critical, Justin post for too long. That one's been deleted, but she left up the tattoo vid.

As you'll recall, Britney accused Justin last year of using her name to gain serious popularity ... referring to his hit, "Cry Me A River," as a way to blast her publicly for their split.

All the public reminiscing about her ex, can't sit well with Sam ... who was just publicly defending her.

As we reported, eyewitnesses told TMZ Brit was acting "manic" while out to dinner last week -- and video showed her sitting alone at the table and speaking incoherently.

Sam later said his wife was just freaked out by fans taking photos of her, and he denied leaving her in the restaurant. Chivalry at its best.

The Navy isn't gonna be happy with this.

Stephen A. Smith had a BOLD take this week, but it wasn't about whether Dak Prescott is elite ... it was his reaction to Rihanna performing the Super Bowl halftime show -- simply saying, "she ain't Beyoncé."

The ESPN personality made the comment during his appearance on "The Sherri Show" Wednesday ... claiming it's no shade to RiRi, but will most certainly come across that way with the singer's diehard fanbase.

"Rihanna's music is fantastic," SAS said during the interview. "She's great. She's a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I'm gonna support her 'til the cows come home."

"I'm just telling you, for me, there's Beyoncé and there's everybody else. Just like there's Michael Jackson and there's everybody else."

Smith says he isn't NOT excited to see Rihanna do her thing ... but makes it clear there's only room for one at the top.

"Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She's spectacular actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There's one thing she's not -- she ain't Beyoncé."

SAS says he mentioned Beyoncé because the icon did the SB XLVII show in 2013 without the likes of Coldplay and Bruno Mars ... although she did have support from her former Destiny's Child groupmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Here's the thing, though -- Rihanna could certainly do her gig alone as well ... as her show has been completely under wraps since it was announced.

Smith goes on to explain his stance ... comparing the situation to the show's host.

"I like television," he added. "I like a lot of talent out there. There's some spectacular females in television, I just want to say that. Everybody ain't Sherri. That's not throwing shading on them. That's appreciating their greatness but understanding, there's levels!"

Bottom line, both Rihanna and Beyoncé are incredibly successful and talented ... so there's really no need to pit them against each other. But, Stephen A. is entitled to his opinion.

The whole interview airs Wednesday ... check your local listings.

G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo is sharing his own experience in a similar situation to the one that ended deadly for Takeoff, and the clear pattern is ... dice games tend to go awry.

Coming up in Jamaica, Queens, Yayo says he's seen a ton of dice games go sour and recalled a brush with death he had while shooting dice inside an NYC barbershop years ago.

Yayo says he and his friends were celebrating as they were cleaning the guy outta his rent money, but afterward the loser asked for “a walk.”

Yayo explained to DJ Vlad “a walk” is when someone asks for a portion of their money back, so they won’t go home totally broke and disgusted.

Yayo says he was cordial with the guy, but when he refused to give up some of the winnings ... an argument resulted in gunfire, which Tony oddly described as a “friendly shootout.”

Dice games have been a touchy subject within the hip hop community since Takeoff’s Nov. 1 death in Houston following a not-so-friendly encounter.

A barista working the drive-thru at a coffee shop in Washington state was almost yanked through the opening by a would-be kidnapper ... who seemed ready to tie her up.

The horrifying incident occurred early Monday morning -- around 5 AM, when this longtime worker says she was by herself -- in Auburn, during which a man in a pickup truck ordered something to go and cruised up to pay and get his java ... all of which was on camera.

Check out what happens as he's trying to give her cash with her hand extended -- the dude literally snatches her arm and makes and effort to pull her into his truck in one fell swoop.

Luckily, the woman was able to wiggle her way out of it and escape his clutches ... but the scarier part is what appeared to be in his other hand while doing this -- an instrument that cops have said looks like a black zip tie, which they suspect this man wanted to use.

He almost tries to go for her again, but decides against it ... dropping his money on the ground and slowly driving away after what police say was a failed abduction attempt.

It's a good thing this was on video, because Auburn authorities say they got a massive amount of public tips after posting this clip ... which helped them catch this guy about 24 hours later. Auburn PD says he's in custody, but it's unclear what charges he was booked on.

Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to show up for his team's warmups on Tuesday night ... boycotting Philadelphia's decision to have its players wear rainbow-colored jerseys that supported the LGBTQ+ community.

Provorov, who ultimately ended up playing in the game after the Flyers switched back to their normal uniforms, said after the contest he made the decision due to his Russian Orthodox beliefs.

"I respect everybody and I respect everybody's choices," the 26-year-old said. "My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That's all I'm going to say."

Reporters attempted to ask Provorov further questions about the decision ... but he shut them down, saying, "Did you not hear what I just said? Can you respect that?"

Flyers head coach John Tortorella, meanwhile, seemed to back his player's choice ... telling media members after the game he never once considered not playing Provorov, despite the pregame protest.

"It's one thing I respect about Provy," the 64-year-old manager said. "He's always true to himself. And, so, that's where we're at with that."

The Flyers opted to wear the pregame kits -- as well as wrap their sticks with rainbow-colored tape -- in order to promote inclusivity in a sport that's historically struggled with diversity. Philly auctioned off its players' pregame items after the game, donating proceeds to groups who are helping grow hockey in diverse communities. Provorov was the only Flyer who didn't have memorabilia up in the auction.

The team spoke generically about the issue in a statement just before the game ... saying, "The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community."

The NHL has yet to comment on it all.

Provorov ended up playing a team-high 22:45 minutes in the game against the Ducks, which Philadelphia won, 5-2.

Rep. George Santos is now firmly in the doghouse ... the embattled U.S. Congressman allegedly scammed a disabled homeless military veteran out of thousands in donations intended to keep his dying service pooch alive.

The freshman legislator from NY -- who's already copped to lying about his education and work experience -- crossed paths with Navy veteran Richard Osthoff in May 2016 and identified himself by one of his aliases, Anthony Devolder ... according to local news site, Patch.

Osthoff told Patch he and his beloved service dog, Sapphire, were living out of a tent on the side of a highway in Howell, NJ. That would be trying enough, but Sapphire also had a stomach tumor that was getting larger day by day.

Osthoff needed to come up with $3,000 for his dog's surgery, so a veterinary tech put him in touch with Santos through a charity named "Friends of Pets United" ... which was operated by "Anthony Devolder," Santos' alias. Ya, see where this is going, right?

Santos/Devolder allegedly started a GoFundMe to harness funds for Sapphire's surgery, and Osthoff says one month later, Santos posted on Facebook, "We made the goal, and then some."

This is where it gets really shady -- according to Osthoff, he and Santos discussed taking Sapphire to a different vet after a bleak prognosis from Santos' animal doctor.

Osthoff texted Santos, "My dog is going to die because of god knows what" -- and Santos allegedly replied, "Sapphire is not a candidate for this surgery the funds are moved to the next animal in need and we will make sure we use of resources [sic] to keep her comfortable!"

Osthoff says Sapphire never got the surgery, died in January 2017 ... and they never saw a dime of the donation money. Osthoff was so distraught, he contemplated suicide, pointing out he "loved that dog so much, I inhaled her last breaths when I had her euthanized.”

Now, Santos is denying the whole ordeal ... saying he has no clue who Osthoff is or what he's talking about. He told the Semafor news site, "Fake. No clue who this is."

As we've reported, Santos' track record already sucks ... he was accused of fabricating much of his resume to help him win the congressional seat repping parts of Long Island and Queens.

There are growing calls, even from Republicans, for him to resign after he admitted lying about earning degrees from Baruch College and New York University, and making misleading claims about working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Mel B's ex-husband is being dragged to court by an up-and-coming singer who claims he cost her a fortune after allegedly grifting her into a bogus management contract.

Malu Trevejo just filed suit against Stephen Belafonte -- whom she alleges swindled her into signing a binding deal to have him represent her exclusively as her manager ... this after she says he discovered her in 2020 and suggested they meet one-on-one to talk business.

In her court docs, obtained by TMZ, Trevejo claims Belafonte completely misrepresented himself as a licensed talent agent ... and not just that, but also says the agreement he had her sign was completely one-sided in his favor -- which she says she naively signed.

The contract, however, isn't her biggest gripe ... it's the alleged misappropriation of funds -- not to mention what she claims were predatory financial practices Belafonte undertook.

For example, Trevejo alleges Belafonte rented a luxury Beverly Hills home in 2021 with her cash ... but, according to her, lied and insisted the lease was only for a few months ... when, in fact, she says it was actually for a year -- unbeknownst to her. For the majority of the time, Trevejo claims Belafonte was using the pad for himself and having her pay for it.

Another instance of alleged fraud that Trevejo hurls is a $400k loan she claims Belafonte lent her through a friend ... only to charge her a massive amount of interest, upwards of $150k.

These are just a couple manifestations of what she claims was a lot of self-dealing on his part ... all at her expense, and under shady circumstances. For this, Trevejo says she's entitled to major damages from Belafonte ... because he's cost her a lot of dough in 2 years.

Jay Briscoe, a professional wrestling star with Ring of Honor, has died. He was only 38 years old.

AEW founder Tony Khan, who purchased the Ring of Honor promotion last March, shared the sad news on social media ... writing, "Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today."

"Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We'll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace Jamin."

Jay -- real name is Jamin "Jay" Pugh -- joined ROH in 2002 and formed one of the greatest tag teams in the history of pro wrestling with his brother, Mark.

Jay and Mark were tag team partners wrestling under the name "The Briscoe Brothers," but Jay enjoyed success as a singles competitor, too -- becoming the Ring of Honor world champion on two separate occasions.

Pro wrestling insider Dave Meltzer reported the wrestling vet was involved in a car accident in Delaware.

Jay and Mark were inducted into the Ring of Honor's inaugural Hall of Fame class last year.

Jay's contemporaries throughout the wrestling biz have already begun sharing condolences over the tragic loss.

Kelsea Ballerini might be playing coy about whether she's dating Chase Stokes -- but he's a bit more definitive ... explaining to TMZ what it is, exactly, he likes about her.

The "Outer Banks" star confirmed to our photog Tuesday he and the country singer are, in fact, an item ... but whether he meant for it to slip out the way it did is another story. Check out our chat with him in L.A. ... where we congratulated him on his new boo.

Rather than correct us or clarify anything ... he simply said thanks, and even gave us an answer when we asked what Kelsea brings to the table in their relationship.

Another tell they're definitely dating -- CS scoffing at the idea that Kelsea might need to brush him up on Southern culture. She's a Nashville girl, but Chase made sure to set the record straight ... noting he was raised in the South himself, and knows all about cowboy hats and such.

The speculation over whether they're a thing all started last week when they were seen attending the National Championship game in the same group -- but it looked more official when Chase posted a photo of just the 2 of 'em cuddled in the stands.

That seems to be the IG official pic, but Chase is letting people come to that conclusion on their own -- he didn't comment on the game shot, but happily talked about Kelsea.

For her part, Kelsea reacted to the gossip with a non-answer answer -- rolling her eyes at some DeuxMoi chatter about them and a lot of "Really?".

Frederic Prinz von Anhalt says he got into a nasty car crash at the top of the new year ... one that resulted in a total LOSS of his finger!!!

We got Zsa Zsa Gabor's widower Monday in Bev Hills, and he filled us in on the ordeal -- saying he got himself a brand-spanking new Rolls-Royce for the holidays, and was taking it for a spin when he got hit on the driver's side.

On top of the decimated digit on his right hand, he tells us his shoulder on his left side is hurting too. He even jokingly calls out Zsa Zsa for putting this on him from beyond the grave.

You'll recall, Prinz was on the short-lived reality show "Adults Adopting Adults" last year, taking in Kevin Feucht -- only to reverse the adoption process once the show got canned.

We got Prinz soon after news broke, and he told us he's still on the market for an heir -- but more likely an heiress, saying it's all about trust. Kevin told us he was "shocked, disappointed, and sad" about the reversal.

Don't fret, Cowboys fans ... Martin Gramatica -- one of the best kickers in NFL history -- is predicting a bounce-back game for Brett Maher, explaining all the guy has to do is just "forget" about his dreadful performance in Tampa.

Maher missed four extra points in the Cowboys' playoff win over the Buccaneers on Monday night -- and he looked downright beat up over the performance both during and afterward.

But, Gramatica told Babcock on "TMZ Sports" on Tuesday that he doesn't think the Dallas placekicker should be all that concerned ... explaining it was just one game.

Gramatica advises the 33-year-old to move on quickly ... adding that he believes Maher has a whole season of success that should trump his bad evening in South Florida.

"I would just say, do what you did throughout the year," said Gramatica, who made 76.4 percent of his kicks in his 11-year NFL career. "Short memory. Forget about it. You're good enough. You got us here."

Maher made 29 of his 32 field goal attempts this season ... and rarely struggled prior to the playoff stinker. Gramatica made it clear both the kicker and his team should focus on that -- as opposed to the missed kicks against the Bucs.

"The message I guarantee you from his teammates and coaches is, You got us here," the former Bucs and Cowboys kicker said. "You helped us get here. Some of your game-winners got us here."

"So, forget about it. Next game, we're going to need you."

Austin, Texas native and actor Ryan Lee was 15 years old when he was cast as the mini Tom Petty lookalike Joseph -- the school's cyberbully who goes face-to-face with a pushy pregnant mom -- in the comedy film "This Is 40" back in 2012.

Lee shared the big screen with Hollywood greats including Leslie Mann as the mom who is anxious to turn the big 4-0, Debbie, Paul Rudd as the father and record label owner, Pete ... and Maude Apatow as the 13-year-old daughter who doesn't make the hot list, Sadie.

Ryan was also in the show "Trophy Wife" as well as David Guetta's music video for "Titanium."

More marital issues for Marvin Gaye III, son of Motown icon Marvin Gaye ... his wife is seeking court-ordered protection after he got arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at her.

Marvin's wife, Wendy Gaye, beelined it to court Tuesday and filed for a domestic violence restraining order against her husband ... according to online records.

Wendy's filing comes on the heels of her husband's arrest.

TMZ broke the story ... Marvin III allegedly physically assaulted his wife and cousin during an argument inside his Calabasas home Thursday, and allegedly pointed a gun at both women.

Police surrounded Gaye's home and called for him to come out, but he had already left in his Corvette.

The next day, MG3 turned himself in to sheriffs and was booked on two charges ... misdemeanor domestic violence and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Gaye posted $50,000 bond and was released.

The Golden State Warriors returned to The White House to celebrate their 2021-2022 NBA Season championship -- but it wasn't just members of the team who went -- Oakland hip hop legends joined in too!!!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained photos and videos of E-40, Too $hort, Sway Calloway and Mistah F.A.B. at the White House during the reception, posting up with V.P. Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

We’re told V.P. Harris was excited to meet 40 and $hort ... being a proud Oakland native herself, and the guys got to swap stories with Pelosi and her husband, Paul.

The hip hop stars are regulars at The Chase Center, supporting the Warriors through thick and thin -- so it's not totally shocking they were able to tag along. The group also got a pic in with players Andre Iguodala and Moses Moody.

Outside on the White House grounds, 40, $hort and F.A.B. discussed Oakland streetwear legacy and later connected with former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for a photo-op.

We spoke with $hort earlier this season about the potential for this year's squad, and he’s adamant the Warriors will win another chip with ease.

Last year marked the Warriors’ 4th championship in recent years, but it was their first trip back to the White House since 2015, after refusing to celebrate with Donald Trump.

Billie Eilish is asking a judge for some protection, asking for a temporary restraining order against a man she claims allegedly broke into her family home earlier this month.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Billie's asking for protection against 39-year-old Christopher Anderson ... as well as protection for her parents and her brother, Finneas.

Billie's father says Anderson's visited their family house numerous times since late December, allegedly professing his love for the singer and hoping to meet her. She says cops were called 5 times, and they've made multiple reports.

Billie says these incidents caused her "substantial anxiety, fear, and emotional distress" over the safety of herself, her parents, and Finneas -- adding she doesn't feel safe visiting her parents anymore.

As we reported, cops responded to the Highland Park home earlier this month after receiving a report of someone scaling a fence to gain access to the property.

The BBC's broadcast of an important soccer match got super sexual ... audio from what sounds like a pornographic movie started playing ... and now the network's apologizing.

It all happened during the buildup to Tuesday's FA Cup match between Wolves and Liverpool, when BBC broadcaster Gary Lineker was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a woman having an orgasm.

Gary was barely able to contain his laughter as he told the audience, "I wasn't expecting that noise," before asking a reporter at the game a couple questions.

In the moment, Gary openly wondered about the source of the porno audio, saying ... "Somebody's sending something on someone's phone, I think. I don't know whether you heard it at home."

Yes, yes we did, Gary ... we all heard it loud and clear.

During the match, Gary tweeted a photo of a cell phone with some adhesives and captioned the post, "Well, we found this taped to the back of the set. As sabotage goes it was quite amusing."

The BBC is already apologizing "to any viewers offended during the live coverage of the football this evening" ... and a network spokesperson says BBC is investigating.