'Selling Sunset' Cast Responds to Josh Flagg ... Questioning Credentials

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Josh Flagg doesn't think all of the stars on 'Selling Sunset' are legit real estate agents, and a few ex-cast members are weighing in ... along with Jason Oppenheim, who's at the center of this.

ICYMI ... the 'Million Dollar Listing' star posted a video reviewing the most cringe moments from season 5 of 'Sunset' -- and based on his snarky commentary, it's clear Josh doesn't think too highly of the hit Netflix reality show.

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If his words weren't clear enough, his caption was ... "If you’d like to watch a real estate show with licensed agents, make sure to watch last nights episode of MDLLA on @peacock. If you want to watch actors pretend to be agents, tune into my newest YT video (Link in bio) where I review Selling Sunset. @estatemediala."

None of the agents currently on 'Sunset' have said anything just yet, but 2 former ones -- Christine Quinn and Maya Vander -- did, and they seem to agree.

Vander says she definitely had her license when she was on the show, while Quinn doesn't say one way or the other. However, she's squarely on Josh's side about the real focus of 'Sunset.' She responded, "The joke is on y'all if you think Selling Sunset was ever about Realestate."

CQ later clarified who on the show has licenses, from what she knows -- she name-dropped Maya, Davina Potratz and Chelsea Lazkani, and added she wasn't sure about the extras.

Now, we got Oppenheim himself to chime in on this too ... and he downplayed the apparent animosity between Josh's show and his own, telling us they're really good friends and that this was nothing but some light ribbing that's not meant to be taken seriously.

He also definitively said that all of his agents have their licenses and that everyone knows that. To be frank, we're not so sure Josh agrees. If he does, he's doing a great acting job in his attack on Jason's show.

Like we said, none of the current cast members have directly responded to Josh's insinuation some of them aren't licensed agents.

Even more reason to tune into both shows, we suppose. Nothing like a big rivalry!

Would-Be 'Bomber' Threatens to Blow Up H'Wood Sign ... Calls Wrong Cops with Demands!!!

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Someone allegedly tried to pull a Doctor Evil with the iconic Hollywood sign -- both in terms of his ridiculously wacky demands ... as well as his overall smarts. 😅

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a man called Hollywood PD Sunday threatening to blow the famous L.A. landmark to smithereens with pipe bombs -- that is, unless he was paid a WHOPPING $10,000 (insert Mike Myers pinky move here).

Big claims for big stakes, we suppose.

Here's the problem ... we're told the dude didn't even dial the right department. In attempting to reach L.A., our sources say he actually dialed cops in Hollywood, FL.

Unclear if he realized he had the wrong number, but in any case ... we're told the Florida HPD hit up their L.A. counterparts to let 'em know what was going on, nutty as the whole thing seemed.

We're told LAPD checked it out, and found no credible threat at all. Our sources tell us there've been no arrests, but the case is under investigation.

For context, the Hollywood sign is under 24/7 video surveillance, so it's always watched closely -- and there are additional safety measures in place if anyone tries to tamper with it. Of course, some have been successful getting to it in recent years ... but it's no easy target.

Just another day in the City of Angels ... not to be confused with Florida's so-called "Diamond of the Gold Coast."

Fun fact: Joseph Young founded Hollywood, FL in 1921, and yes, the former Cali resident was California dreamin' when he adopted the name for his "Dream City" in South FL.

Don Lemon Steps Down As Host For NYC Event ... Amid Misogyny Backlash

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Don Lemon seems to be trying to push himself out of the limelight amid all the anger pointed his way ... because TMZ has learned he's backed out of an upcoming event he was set to moderate.

Don was scheduled to host an event in NYC Tuesday, all about race and real estate in honor of Black History Month.

TMZ has learned Don stepped away from the gig ... making the decision not long after facing serious backlash for last week's misogynistic comments about Nikki Haley.

We're told Don was worried about his current news coverage overtaking the event, and our sources tell us event coordinators at Douglas Elliman agreed ... so he bowed out.

We've learned he's been replaced by real estate broker John Gomes, who works for Elliman -- the event will go on as scheduled.

As you know, Don was dragged after categorizing a woman's "prime" based on her age in regards to Nikki -- not only being met with anger online, but echoed by cohost Poppy Harlow.

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He's since apologized for the comment, but still was absent on Monday morning's "CNN This Morning" ... and him being MIA was only addressed in a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of way.

Madison Beer Swatted More Than 15X from Germany ... Caller Claimed She Was Going to Hurt Herself

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Madison Beer is a hot topic with LAPD ... not because she's breaking laws, but because a caller from Germany is repeatedly -- and falsely -- informing cops Madison's contemplating suicide.

Law enforcement tells TMZ ... LAPD's received more than 15 calls since the beginning of this year about Madison, with the most recent one coming this past Sunday. We're told each time it's been a male caller who claims she was going to harm or kill herself.

Sources say cops have spoken to Madison, who told them she's just fine and has no clue who's responsible for the mystery swatting calls. We're told the police will keep that in mind going forward.

We're also told cops determined the call was coming all the way from somewhere in Germany but haven't figured out much else yet. The case is still under investigation.

We've reached out to Madison for comment ... so far, no word back.

Swatting's been a growing problem for police around the country. For those unware, it's a form of prank call -- often done to live streamers online -- with the goal being to get a big police response to raid the victim's home.

Thankfully nothing escalated with Madison, but results in the past have led to cops bursting into people's houses with guns drawn ... creating serious panic, and the potential for much worse.

Pancake Day 2023 Celebs Are Feelin' Flapjacks ... Short or Tall, 💖 'Em All!!!

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It's Pancake Day, and if you're thinking about chowing down on baked batter and syrup -- well, you're not alone ... because Hollywood is already way ahead of you.

Check out these fancy food pics of your fave celebs indulging in a classic breakfast staple -- everything from the single flapjack to a short stack ... in The Rock's case, a tall one. The dude burns like a million calories a day through his insane workouts, so it balances out.

He ain't the only one who likes to pig out on these things ... other stars who've posed with pancakes over the years run the gamut -- and include everyone from Jeff Bezos to Ciara, Nick Offerman to Justin Timberlake and lots of others in between.

Just to name-drop a bit ... Busy Philipps, Rita Ora, Joe Manganiello, Karlie Kloss, Jonathan Bennett and Russell Wilson all seem to enjoy themselves a cake or two now and then.

In other words ... celebrities are just like us, even early in the morning.

BTW, fun fact about Pancake Day -- it's not just another random made-up holiday. In fact, it carries some religious importance, especially among Christians and Catholics. It's a day for feasting before the first day of Lent begins when people often fast in preparation for Easter.

In JC's name ... eat up!

Jon Jones Give Me Stipe Miocic After Ciryl Gane ... 'I Want To Solidify My Legacy'

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Jon Jones hasn't yet gotten his feet wet in the UFC's heavyweight division, but he's already eyeing the weight class top dogs ... telling TMZ Sports he wants Stipe Miocic after he fights Ciryl Gane next month.

Jones told us he feels a tilt with the former champ could help "solidify my legacy" ... adding that if he wants to be known as one of the fight game's G.O.A.T.s -- he's got to beat the best to do it.

"People consider him the greatest heavyweight of all time," Jones said of Miocic. "The opportunity to compete against such a man, I'd be honored."

"The opportunity to beat such a guy would be truly something special."

Of course, 35-year-old Jones has to get through Gane first in order to get that opportunity -- and he tells us it won't be an easy task.

The 26-1 fighter called Gane "one of the best talents the UFC has ever seen."

"I got a huge, huge order ahead of me," Jones said.

If Jones does get through Gane at UFC 285 on March 4, though ... Miocic sure seems down to get in the Octagon with him.

The 40-year-old tweeted right after the Gane vs. Jones matchup was initially revealed last month "I got winner in July."

We also talked to Jones about all the work he put in to move up from light heavyweight -- and he said it was a grind ... telling us he had to eat as many as seven meals a day!!

Guess Who This Birthday Baby Turned Into!

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Before this sweet girl with her party hat turned into a media personality and a talented actress, she was just gearing up for her birthday bash, hanging with her two sisters and growing up in Houston, Texas.

She's been making you laugh since her Vine debut back in 2013 and with much success, she has hosted a plethora of TV shows and award shows. For those of you "Freakish" fans out there ... this cute kid played the role of Violet Adams.

Need one more clue? In November 2016, she interviewed Barack Obama on her YouTube channel.

Can you guess who she is?

TRAVIS BARKER FLEXES BRACE On Finger ... After Drumming Injury

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Travis Barker is doing all he can to heal himself before Blink-182's upcoming tour -- he's already wearing medical hardware after suffering from a gnarly finger injury.

Travis and his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, were seen Monday walking hand-in-hand -- gently, we hope -- through the streets of WeHo. Both were slurping iced matcha drinks, so Trav seemed pretty relaxed ... not at all freaking out about his banged-up digit.

If you look closely, you can see his left hand, or at least the damaged finger, is wrapped in a brace.

As we reported ... Blink-182's drummer shared a nasty pic Sunday, showing the bone in his ring finger nearly popping out of the skin.

Travis confirmed the severity of the injury earlier today ... sharing an X-ray, and it's clear his finger is either broken or dislocated.

Of course, this comes at a bad time for TB ... as Blink is set to begin its reunion world tour in less than a month.

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THAT'S GOTTA HURT

We asked Travis about the upcoming tour and his status, but he was mum on the situation.

Avril Lavigne Hugging It Out with Tyga ... After Dinner at NOBU

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Avril Lavigne and Tyga have been getting really comfortable around each other ... evidenced in new pics after they shared a meal at one of L.A.'s most famous celeb hot spots.

Tyga, Avril and a few others grabbed dinner at NOBU Sunday night, where we're told they seemed to be hitting it off. The two hugged it out after dinner in the parking lot, as if to say goodbye, but then left together in the same car.

We've spoken to sources close to both Avril and Tyga who say they've been hanging out together a lot lately ... though it's unclear if things are at all romantic.

It's well known Avril and Mod Sun got engaged in March 2022 while in Paris ... the two dated for about a year before he proposed.

Mod's new album "God Save The Teen" features several songs dedicated to Avril, including one titled "Avril's Song" with the lyrics, "She blew me a kiss, And I didn't wanna blow my brains out anymore. And she is everything I'm not. Without her, I am lost."

It doesn't appear Mod was at the NOBU dinner on Sunday, but the two attended a pre-Grammy party together earlier this month.

Boosie Badazz T.I.'s Dead to Me ... So Is Our Joint Album!!!

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Boosie Badazz is washing his years-long friendship with T.I. and the album they completed together ... all due to T.I. admitting he once snitched on a deceased cousin to get out of a gun charge.

In his latest sit-down with VladTV, Boosie unloaded on T.I. for randomly choosing to divulge the info about the snitch-uation ... but, as a result, he says he has no choice, but to label his longtime friend a "rat."

Of course, that's IF the story is true ... Boosie halfway thinks T.I. was lying for podcast views, but nonetheless says he scrapped the project after waking up to more angry text messages than he could read at once!!!

Boosie expressed similar sentiments when discussing Cash Money Records CEO Birdman's older brother Terrance "Gangsta" Williams ... who openly testified against a dead friend to free himself from prison after serving 27 1/2 years on a life sentence.

Tip got his fair share of support when his podcast first aired -- fellow artists like Yung Joc, Lyfe Jennings and Young Dro all called the scenario a fortunate situation, but Boosie is going 100% lactose intolerant ... he's not accepting any cheese!!!

While Tip's album plans with Boosie are a bust, the Atlanta rap legend's dropping his final solo album this year titled "Kill the King" ... setting the stage for him to address all the allegations, and Boosie all at once!!!

NBA's Meyers Leonard Signing With Bucks ... Two Years After Antisemitic Slur Incident

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Meyers Leonard is back ... the NBA center is signing a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks -- almost two years after he said an antisemitic slur during a video game live stream.

The 7-foot big man will be joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on a 10-day deal, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday -- marking the first time Leonard will be on a roster since 2021.

Remember, the former Miami Heat player was suspended indefinitely after he made the offensive comment while playing "Call of Duty: Warzone" on Twitch in March 2021.

The NBA launched an investigation ... which ultimately led to a $50k fine and an additional suspension.

The Heat traded the 30-year-old to the Oklahoma City Thunder a few days after the incident -- but he was later released. He was also banned from the Twitch platform.

Leonard -- the 11th overall pick out of the 2012 NBA draft -- worked with several Jewish organizations to fight antisemitism while away from the NBA hardwood -- and told us back in Oct. 2021 that he had learned a ton, and was remorseful for his actions.

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A BETTER MAN

"I can only be hopeful that people will allow me bounce back from a mistake," Leonard said at the time. "This was a mistake of extreme ignorance, and I own it."

Hayden Panettiere Brother Jansen Dead At 28

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Hayden Panettiere's brother Jansen Panettiere has died ... TMZ has learned.

A family source tells us Jansen died over the weekend in New York. His cause of death is currently unclear. Law enforcement sources tell us they got a call to a residence Sunday night around 5:30 PM. We're told there's no foul play suspected in Jansen's death.

Jansen, 5 years younger than Hayden, jumped onto the scene in the early 2000s, working on projects like "Even Stevens," "Blue's Clues," "Robots," and "Ice Age: The Meltdown." He also had a recurring role as Truman X in Nickelodeon's "The X's."

At one point, Jansen worked alongside Hayden in 2004's "Tiger Cruise" and 2005's "Racing Stripes."

He went on to star in Disney Channel original movies and made-for-TV Nickelodeon films, picking up a nomination for a Young Artist Award back in 2008 for his work on "The Last Day of Summer."

Jansen kept acting through the 2010s, working on shows like "Major Crimes" and "The Walking Dead." He also was attached to 5 more projects at the time of his death.

Jansen was only 28.

RIP

Alec Baldwin Wins Critical Battle in 'Rust' Case ... D.A. Drops Gun Enhancement Charge

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The Santa Fe County D.A. has gotta be a little embarrassed today ... dropping a key charge against Alec Baldwin that now means even if convicted he might not spend any time behind bars.

The D.A. dropped the gun enhancement charge in the case ... this after Baldwin's lawyer filed a motion excoriating prosecutors for going after the actor using a law that didn't apply.

As we reported, Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Halyna Hutchins. The D.A. initially tacked on the gun enhancement charge -- i.e., using a gun to commit the crime. Problem is, at the time of the shooting, New Mexico law provided a gun enhancement charge could only apply if the gun was "brandished" -- meaning the gun was displayed with intent to intimidate or injure a person. That's clearly not the case with Baldwin.

For some reason, the D.A. felt Baldwin could be charged with a recent amendment to the gun enhancement law, that doesn't require brandishing. Thing is ... that law was not enacted until 7 months after the shooting.

The D.A. belatedly saw it Baldwin's way and dropped the gun enhancement.

Here's why it matters ... if the gun enhancement charge stuck and Baldwin was convicted, he'd face a minimum of 5 years in prison. Now that it's been 86'd, if Baldwin is convicted of involuntary manslaughter, he'd face up to 18 months behind bars, but the judge could give him less ... or even probation.

The D.A. also dropped the gun enhancement charge against armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

Britney Spears, Sam Asghari Chillin' in Malibu ... Her Attorney Mum on Failed Intervention

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Britney Spears and her husband, Sam Asghari, are out and about -- grabbing dinner in public and looking like nothing is amiss ... even though her inner circle is deeply concerned about her well-being.

The singer hit up Nobu in Malibu Sunday night, riding shotgun while Sam was in the driver's seat ... her manager, Cade Hudson, sitting in the back. Brit was rocking dark shades and everyone seemed to be decked out in brown, long coats.

TMZ broke the story ... Sam and others planned an intervention with Britney earlier this month ... which insiders described as a desperate attempt to stabilize her. As we reported, the concern was over her mental health and substance abuse.

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SILENCE

We got Britney's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, out late last week at an L.A. courthouse and asked him who called off the intervention, but he was mum.

We know the intervention planners are furious over the cancelation ... as they feel she's in serious, even life-threatening danger. Our sources tell us she's exhibiting erratic and volatile behavior.

Looks like her approach, for now, is to keep calm and carry on.

BAFTA Awards 2023 Celebs Hit Up Netflix After-Party ... All Smiles in London!

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Hollywood's biggest names took a trip across the pond for this year's BAFTA Awards ... and some of the stars aligned at Netflix's after-party for one exciting night.

It was a who's who of celebs at the Sunday night shindig -- Jamie Foxx, Florence Pugh, Ana de Armas, Winnie Harlow, Lisa Rinna and Eddie Redmayne were just a few of the many in attendance.

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A TREMENDOUS HONOR

Rami Malek snapped a pic with "Elvis" star Austin Butler ... who took home gold earlier in the night for Best Lead Actor -- shutting out the likes of Brendan Fraser and Colin Farrell. As we reported, Austin gave a major shout-out to the Presley family during his speech.

It was a big night at the BAFTAs ... stars like Cate Blanchett and Guillermo del Toro won in their categories, while Netflix's "All Quiet On the Western Front" clearly dominated -- taking home 7 awards, including Best Film and Edward Berger for Best Director.

"The Banshees of Inisherin" star Barry Keoghan also grabbed a W for Best Supporting Actor -- something fans of the flick have been waiting for since seeing his heartbreaking work.

Prince William and Kate Middleton also showed up to the award ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London ... giving the night a true dose of royalty.

For those unaware, Kate stirred up some controversy at the 2018 BAFTAs during the Time's Up Movement, straying away from the all-black dress code intended to show solidarity. No such issues this time around with her white gown and black gloves.

Don Lemon 'Day Off' Gets Split Second Mention On Heels of Sexist Remark

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Don Lemon's absence from the "CNN This Morning" desk nearly got lost in the sauce at the top of the show Monday ... which could be additional writing on the wall for his time at the network.

Poppy Harlow -- who may or may not be in her "prime," according to Don -- opened the show with Sara Sidner sitting next to her and ran down the big breaking story about President Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine.

Sandwiched between that news and announcing her other cohost, Katilin Collins, being in Poland ... Poppy said, "Don has the day off."

It was literally one second and if you weren't looking for it, you'd surely miss it. Obviously, the honchos at CNN didn't want to make a big deal about the late decision for Lemon to sit out Monday's broadcast ... on the heels of his misogynist comment last Thursday about Nikki Haley.

Now, Don also had Friday off -- that was scheduled prior to the Haley remark -- and he spent it lounging on a Miami beach ... seemingly not having a care in the world.

But, as we reported, his Monday absence was not pre-scheduled, and staffers found out in a memo circulated this weekend about the 'This Morning' lineup switch.

It's unclear if Don's skipping today was his decision or his bosses'. No one's spilling that tea just yet ... as the fallout continues from Lemon saying Haley was "not in her prime" at the age of 51 -- because, as he put it, Google says a woman's prime is in her 20s, 30s, "and maybe 40s."

Lemon apologized, first on Twitter, and then on a Friday morning phone call to CNN's editorial staff ... but his mea culpa hasn't been warmly received by some of his coworkers. There are reports CNN execs are considering making a switch, but we have not confirmed that.