Kevin Hart New Muscle Car's Faster Than Before ... And Much Safer Too!!!

Published

Kevin Hart's new muscle car is packing more power under the hood than his last one that wrecked ... and this souped-up ride's got some critical, upgraded safety features.

Kevin's new set of wheels -- a revamped 1970 Dodge Charger dubbed "Hellraiser" -- has an insanely powerful 1,000-horsepower Hemi engine. And, with all that HP it has potentially life-saving, 4-point racing seat belts and a roll cage.

Remember ... Kevin's 1970 Barracuda did not have a 5-point harness and roll cage, which car experts say could have spared him the horrendous injuries he suffered in Sept., 2019, when his friend crashed in the Malibu Hills. KH needed spinal surgery and lengthy rehab.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Sounds like the "Hellraiser" could leave Kevin's old Barracuda in the dust ... his new ride has power for days under the hood ... a 7.0-liter Hellephant 426 Hemi Crate engine with 950 lb-ft of torque routing through an 8-speed automatic transmission!!!

As we first told you ... Kevin recently dropped several hundred thousand dollars on the "Hellraiser" from SpeedKore in Wisconsin, the same company that tricked out his Barracuda.

Panic! At The Disco OG Bassist Brent Wilson ... Facing Drug & Gun Charges

Published

Panic! At The Disco's original bassist is in a heap of trouble out in Sin City -- because the guy's facing multiple felonies for drugs and possession of a gun.

According to a Las Vegas Metro PD report, obtained by TMZ, Brent Wilson was pulled over on Jan. 22 after cops say he crossed 3 lanes of traffic without a turn signal, cutting off oncoming traffic.

During the stop, the officer says he saw a bag with a white substance inside sitting out in the open in Wilson's center console.

Ya know what that means ... time for a search, and cops say they discovered substances consistent with coke and heroin in his pockets and in the car, as well as a scale and a lot of little baggies.

On top of that, the police say they found a loaded handgun too. Plus, they say Wilson was already on probation for a previous offense. They hauled him off to jail, and he's been charged with possession with intent to sell and possession of a gun by a prohibited person.

His attorney, Dustin Marcello, tells us it's too early to make a call on the merits of the case.

You may recall ... Brent was canned by Brendon Urie and co. back in 2006 for what the band deemed irresponsible behavior, and was replaced by Jon Walker.

Broncos' Kareem Jackson I've Spoken To Deshaun Watson ... QB Has 'Interest' In Trade To Denver

Published | Updated
020321_kareem_jackson_watson_kal
HE'S A DIFFERENCE-MAKER

If Deshaun Watson is indeed traded, keep an eye on Denver as a landing spot -- 'cause the QB's former teammate, Kareem Jackson, tells TMZ Sports the disgruntled NFL star has "interest" in the Broncos.

Jackson -- who played with Deshaun in Houston in 2017 and 2018 -- says he's spoken with Watson amid all his turmoil with the Texans ... and the Broncos All-Pro corner tells us the QB is definitely listening to the Colorado pitch.

"I had a couple of conversations with him," Jackson said of Watson. "Just with him saying that Denver is a place that's he's interested in landing."

Of course, Houston would have to be willing to trade Watson for the move to ever go down ... and so far, the team is holding firm it won't trade him -- not even for a king's ransom.

But, Watson is reportedly mulling a season-long holdout to try to get his trade wish ... and Jackson tells us landing the quarterback would be HUGE for the Broncos.

"I mean, if Deshaun Watson goes anywhere, they are automatically contenders," Jackson said. "If he has pieces around him, he's an automatic contender."

Don't get it twisted ... Jackson says the Broncos LOVE Drew Lock and the progression he's made -- the defensive back just says Deshaun is that "special."

"He can turn any franchise around."

By the way, as one of the few guys in the NFL who's played against BOTH Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady recently ... we had to get Jackson's take on this weekend's Super Bowl matchup.

His breakdown of the QBs for the big game? Watch the clip ... he loves both guys' style!!!

Guess Who This Mullet Man Turned Into!

Published

Before this mini-man on the microphone was up late cracking jokes to a live audience, he was just another funny fella repping a mullet in Bay Ridge, New York.

This singing star is best known for his quirky comedy, topical impressions, and hilarious musical stylings -- which he showed off effortlessly in an audition that launched his career. This weekend gig was just the beginning ... he caught the bug for the big screen but eventually shifted back to late-night entertainment.

Now, you can catch him letting his hair down in sketches and interviewing some of your favorite celebrities as a television host.

Can you guess who he is?

Ice Cube Biden's Gonna Hear Me Out On 'CWBA'

Published | Updated
slack-imgs-1
LET'S GET TO WORK

Ice Cube is continuing his mission to help create jobs and new business opportunities for Black Americans, and he's about to chop it up with President Biden.

Cube says the Biden Administration reached out to him Tuesday, and they're hashing out a time and a place for a meeting about his "Contract With Black America" ... which Cube's been pushing since before the election.

The rapper/activist was a guest on the Ryan Cameron Uncensored radio show on Majic ATL Wednesday when he revealed his plans to sit down with the new Prez ... and he's hoping the meeting goes down this month.

Cube says he's hoping they can make it a face-to-face meeting where he can also bring in some of his experts and specialists on the subject.

Sources close to Ice Cube tell TMZ ... planning for the summit is still in the early stages, but Cube is following through on his promise to talk to whoever won the election about helping Black Americans moving forward.

Morgan Wallen DQ'd From ACM Awards Because of Racial Slur

Published | Updated

The fallout continues for Morgan Wallen after hurling the n-word ... he's now ineligible for any awards from the Academy of Country Music.

The org announced Wednesday it informed Wallen it put the brakes on eligibility for this year's ACM Awards. In announcing the news, the ACM said it "does not condone or support intolerance or behavior that doesn't align with our commitment and dedication to diversity and inclusion." The ACM says Wallen will have no involvement in the awards show.

The ACM Awards are slated for April 18 in Nashville. Morgan was likely to bring home several awards. He recently dropped "Sand In My Boots" and "7 Summers" ... both receiving critical acclaim and has been #1 on Billboard for 3 straight weeks.

The news of his ouster from this year's ACM Awards comes just hours after his label dropped him ... as did major radio and streaming platforms. As we reported ... iHeartRadio and Cumulus Media -- the largest and second-largest radio broadcasters respectively -- pulled the plug on him.

020221_morgan_wallen_main_kal JANUARY 2021
PROFANE GOODBYE

Pandora also stopped streaming his music and Country Music Television shelved him as well. Many of his peers denounced him after TMZ posted video of him dropping the n-word.

TMZ broke the story ... Morgan was filmed by a neighbor hurling the epithet following a rager with friends. He issued an apology and said there was no excuse for his behavior.

Fred Goldman O.J.'s Only Paid $132k In Wrongful Death Suit ... Owes Millions

Published

O.J. Simpson is still DEEEEEEEP in the hole to the Goldman Family -- only paying $132,849.53 ... despite reportedly owing more than $70 MILLION.

... it's all according to new court documents filed by Fred Goldman in Nevada in the hopes of collecting from the ex-NFL star in the state where Simpson now lives.

Of course, back in 1997 ... O.J. was ordered to pay $33.5 million to the Goldman family after he was found liable in the killing of Ron Goldman, who was slashed to the death along with Nicole Brown Simpson in Brentwood, CA in 1994.

Interest has caused the initial $33.5 million to balloon -- it was at $57 mil in 2015, according to Goldman and there are reports that number has now cracked $70 mil.

Simpson spent several years in prison for a 2007 armed robbery -- but in 2018, after he was released, Fred Goldman claimed O.J. had resumed making money from signing autographs for collectors and he wasn't handing over the proceeds to satisfy the judgment.

So, he's filed new court docs in Nevada to keep the heat on Simpson, who regularly flaunts a carefree life on social media which shows him bouncing from golf course to golf course in the Las Vegas area, instead of hunting for "the real killer."

It's clear Goldman believes O.J. has more money than Simpson claims to have -- and he's hoping this move will shake some of that cash loose.

Andre Hill Former Cop Who Shot Him Indicted For Murder

Published | Updated

Former Ohio police officer Adam Coy, who shot and killed Andre Hill in his own garage, has been indicted for murder.

A grand jury just indicted Coy for murder in the commission of a felony and felonious assault, plus two counts of dereliction of duty and failing to turn on his body cam.

Coy was arrested Wednesday and his first court appearance is set for Thursday.

As we reported ... Coy, a 19-year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, fatally shot an unarmed Hill inside his own garage Dec. 22 while responding to a non-emergency call.

Coy and the other responding officer allegedly did not turn on their body cams before the fatal shooting, but the body cams have a feature capturing the minute before it's turned on ... and that's how the shooting was recorded, though there's no audio.

010221_andre_hill_kal_v1 12/22/2020
LEFT TO DIE

The body cam video shows Coy and the other officer waiting 10 minutes before helping a dying Hill.

Coy was fired Dec. 28 after the department determined he violated policy by failing to render first aid and also failing to turn on his body cam.

Chris Pratt Racist, Anti-Muslim Tweets are Fake ... Twitter Backs That Up

Published | Updated

Chris Pratt's been trending for posting horribly bigoted tweets from back before his Marvel Universe days, but he says the backlash is unwarranted ... because the tweets are phony.

A spokesperson for the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star tells TMZ ... he never posted the offensive messages that began circulating Wednesday morning. They appeared to be from 2012 and 2013, with one saying "calling another n***a a 'n****r' is hilarous idc" ... and the other "Muslims scare me so much."

You can see why fans would be upset, but Pratt's rep says, "Chris never tweeted the offensive things that are being circulated today. Any suggestion that he did is not only totally false but also defamatory."

Twitter, where the fake tweets have trended all day, was also suspicious, and a senior exec for the platform says they "strongly believe these [tweets] to be fake."

There were 2 other tweets circulating, but they were relatively innocuous jokes. Pratt's rep confirms one of them -- suggesting all the Miss America contestants are super skinny -- is real.

Hardly cutting edge humor, but that one you can still see on Chris' timeline. His camp says there was no deleting of tweets -- the offensive ones never existed ... until someone else made them up.

Floyd Mayweather 50 Cent Wants to Fight? I'll Beat Your Ass Too!!!

Published | Updated

Floyd Mayweather says he's ALL THE WAY DOWN to scrap with 50 Cent -- telling the rapper to get in line and he'll beat his ass at the end of 2021.

The 43-year-old boxing legend just laid out his schedule for the year ... assuring his fans the postponed exhibition bout with Logan Paul will DEFINITELY happen before the end of the year.

But, Floyd also touched on other boxing challenges ... and responded to 50 Cent who went on V-103's "The Morning Culture" last week and said he'd love a crack at Floyd.

Remember, 50 expressed concern that Floyd is too small and wouldn't agree to a catchweight -- since Floyd usually fights at 150 lbs and Mr. Cent is closer to 180.

Now, Floyd says size doesn't matter one bit -- he'll happily accept 50's challenge.

"I also heard that 50 cent would fight me but claims I'm too small," Floyd said on IG ... "If he wants to lace up at the end of the year we can do an exhibition then."

"I don't care about weight class with any of these guys. The Paul brothers will make great money with the events, but with 50 cent It has to be Winner Takes All.'"

WHO WOULDN'T PAY TO SEE THAT?!?!!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

There's more ... Floyd also says he's down to fight Logan's little bro, Jake Paul, but only if he defeats his upcoming opponent, Ben Askren, when they face off in April.

Also on the schedule, 43-year-old Mayweather says he plans to take another exhibition fight in Tokyo -- just like he did back in 2018 when he beat the dog snot out of undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

Floyd claimed he made MILLIONS for the Tokyo fight -- and said he would continue to do exhibitions for years to come.

Taylor Swift Sued You'll Be Sorry 'Evermore' ... For Stealing Our Theme Park Name!!!

Published

Taylor Swift's new album is creating a major mix-up between folks looking for her tunes, and those looking to get their goblin on ... at least according to a fantasy park.

The owners of the Utah-based park called Evermore are suing Tay-Tay for trademark infringement -- claiming they own the rights to the name “evermore,” and saying Swift trampled said rights when she started selling merch with that branding to promote her album by the same name.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, the Evermore park camp claims it's poured many millions of dollars into building the facility, branding and selling its own gear since the park was conceived in 2014 and, of course, when it opened in 2018.

The park owners say they've got 'Evermore' trademarked for a number of different purposes -- including clothing and other merchandise they sell ... all of which they claim was diluted once TS dropped 'evermore' in late 2020.

Evermore park brass alleges since the record came out, their search results are way down in Google, and that it's legitimately causing confusion in the marketplace ... which they say is hurting their bottom line.

They also allege Tay's team was aware that the trademark for 'Evermore' was snatched up, but proceeded with their own campaign anyway ... figuring they'd drown out the park.

Taylor's team calls the suit "frivolous" ... going on to claim the CEO of Evermore park owes millions in construction fees, adding the purpose of the claim is obvious, in their minds. Meanwhile, Evermore park says it had already sent a cease and desist last year -- but now, it's seeking millions in damages.

Donald Trump Mar-a-Lago Helipad Going Bye-Bye ... No More Presidential Treatment

Published | Updated

Donald Trump no longer has the privilege of using Marine One whenever he pleases ... so his exclusive helipad at Mar-a-Lago is getting the boot.

According to new building permits -- obtained by TMZ -- the formal process of removing the helipad from the former President's favorite resort has begun ... and it looks like the job will cost about $15,000.

Trump's helipad is apparently an exception to the rule in Palm Beach, FL, which doesn't normally allow helicopters or helipads in the city. It approved it for Trump's use early in his term though ... "for business relating solely to the office of the president."

However, according to reports, now that he's no longer Commander in Chief ... the helicopter trips no longer qualify.

According to the docs ... Pyramid Builders of Palm Beach will be handling the demolition.

Sean Penn Berates Anonymous Whistleblowers ... Who Blasted Vaccine Effort

Published

Sean Penn's going full Sean Penn on a pair of anonymous whistleblowers who say they're part of his nonprofit helping in L.A.'s vaccination drive ... and are getting worked to the bone.

The Oscar-winner reportedly sent a 2,200-word internal letter to his CORE employees this week -- which was leaked to the L.A. Times -- and in it he unloads on them for remarks in the comments section of a recent NYT article about Penn/CORE's efforts at Dodger Stadium.

Penn reportedly went in on the 2 alleged CORE staffers who claim the work conditions at the stadium are exhausting, and possibly illegal ... as they allege they're barely getting breaks and grinding through near 24-hour shifts.

The Times says he referred to their comments as "shameful entries" and "obscene critiques." That was the kindest part, because Penn added ... "And to whoever authored these, understand that in every cell of my body is a vitriol for the way your actions reflect so harmfully upon your brothers and sisters in arms. I have taken counsel and here will refrain from using the words with which I would otherwise choose to describe the character of your actions."

Penn might have censored his language, but you can tell there's a Tom Cruise-esque rant simmering inside of him.

He did acknowledge some CORE workers might have been working longer hours lately, saying these are unprecedented times that call for extra manpower... and it was his call.

He also added this for any of his employees who are "predisposed" to complaining or "whining" ... "It’s called quitting. Quit for CORE. Quit for your colleagues who won’t quit. Quit for your fellow human beings who deeply recognize that this is a moment in time. A moment of service that we must all embody sometimes to the point of collapse."

And, that was, by his own admission, a restrained Sean Penn.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Sued by MeidasTouch ... Blocking Us is Unconstitutional!!!

Published | Updated

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is getting hit with one of the side effects of holding elected office in the 21st century -- she's getting sued for blocking someone on Twitter.

The freshman Republican congresswoman from Georgia just got slapped with a lawsuit by a political action committee that's actually pretty popular online. It's called MeidasTouch, and they're known for criticizing politicians -- especially right-leaning ones -- and getting unique hashtags trending every now and then ... much like The Lincoln Project or Really American.

Anyway, according to the docs -- obtained by TMZ and filed by Ben Meiselas and Michael Popok -- Meidas says Greene blocked them at some point after Jan. 6 ... which they believe was in direct response to her being ticked off about their scrutiny/commentary of her for allegedly posting conspiracy theories.

As a result, Meidas says it's unable to view any of her tweets from her official account -- @mtgreenee from which she more often tweets personal views -- which they claim is unconstitutional, because she's a public political figure.

In the suit, Meidas claims she can't ice someone out just because she disagrees with them.

It's interesting ... they cite another famous example of political Twitter blocking involving Trump ... who was sued a few years ago for blocking someone in a similar situation. In that case, the federal court ruled it was unconstitutional to block specific viewpoints in this way ... although Trump's lawyers are trying to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

This isn't just a GOP issue, BTW -- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was also recently sued over this exact type of thing. Meidas is asking the court for damages and to force Rep. Greene to unblock them.

Kyle Rittenhouse Prosecutors Say He's Not Taking This Seriously ... Hike Up His Bond, Judge!!!

Published

Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen charged with homicide in the Kenosha, WI killings, isn't complying with his bond ... according to prosecutors, who want him to pay $200k more.

The State of Wisconsin claims Rittenhouse is no longer living at the address listed with the court, and has failed to update it within 48 hours of moving ... which violates the conditions of his bond.

Prosecutors claim Rittenhouse has not lived where he claims he's living since at least mid-December -- based on an investigation by Kenosha PD -- and has failed to provide the court with his current address for weeks.

According to legal docs ... this means the court can't effectively monitor his whereabouts.

Further, the State claims Rittenhouse has no incentive to comply with his bond conditions because neither he nor his family had to come up with his $2 million bond ... rather the money came from a "dubious Internet fundraising campaign."

Prosecutors claim Rittenhouse, therefore, has no financial stake, and doesn't care to follow the rules ... which they say he demonstrated by hitting up a bar last month, allegedly hanging with Proud Boys members and flashing white supremacy hand signs.

The State of Wisconsin's asking the judge to increase Rittenhouse's bond by another $200k in an attempt to get him to take it more seriously.

As you'll recall ... Rittenhouse is charged over the killing of 2 protesters and wounding a 3rd during the civil unrest in Kenosha that exploded following Jacob Blake's shooting. Video allegedly shows him shooting 2 of the 3 people before walking right past police.

He's currently out of jail after posting the $2 mil bail, which as we reported ... was made possible by supportive donors, including actor Ricky Schroder.

Morgan Wallen Denounced After Hurling Racial Slur Radio, Sirius, Label, CMT Shelve Him

Published | Updated
UPDATE

12:06 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Emmis Communications tells TMZ ... it's yanking Morgan's music from its only country-programmed radio station, Hank FM, in Indianapolis.

UPDATE

A spokesperson for Cox Media Group also tells us effective immediately his music and content will be removed from its country-brand station playlists.

UPDATE

10:49 AM PT -- A spokesperson for SiriusXM tells TMZ ... the satellite radio company has pulled Morgan's content from SiriusXM as well as the streaming service Pandora, which Sirius owns.

UPDATE

9:39 AM PT -- The hits just keep on coming for Morgan -- now, his own record label has put him on the shelf ... saying his contract with them is on a freeze, for now.

UPDATE

Big Loud -- an independent label based in Nashville -- says "In the wake of recent events, Big Loud Records has made the decision to suspend Morgan Wallen’s contract indefinitely." They go on to say Republic Records -- which distributes his music -- is fully onboard too, adding ... "such behavior will not be tolerated."

UPDATE

It's unclear what an indefinitely suspended contract means big picture -- but it sounds like they're stopping short of dropping Morgan from their roster, and just putting any music biz of his on pause for a time.

UPDATE

CMT -- Country Music Television -- is also pulling the plug on him, saying they're removing any appearances or performances of Morgan's on their platform ... as they don't tolerate that type of language which contradicts their core values.

UPDATE

9:01 AM PT -- You can now add iHeartRadio -- the nation's largest radio chain -- to the list of platforms yanking Morgan's music. iHeart announced Wednesday it's pulling the plug on airing the disgraced country star's music in wake of his using a racial slur.

UPDATE

A spokesperson for the company, which has nearly 1,000 radio stations in the U.S., said, "In light of Morgan Wallen’s recent actions involving the use of a racial slur, we have made the decision to remove his music and content from our stations effective immediately."

UPDATE

7:45 AM PT -- Country star Mickey Guyton -- one of a small handful of well-known Black singers in the genre -- just spoke her piece about Morgan's situation ... and she gives some poignant insight, including an olive branch for Morgan himself.

UPDATE

She writes, "When I read comments saying 'this is not who we are' I laugh because this is exactly who country music is. I’ve witnessed it for 10 gd years. You guys should just read some of the vile comments hurled at me on a daily basis. It’s a cold hard truth to face but it is the truth."

UPDATE
UPDATE

Mickey goes on to say that she's often questioned why she fights to stay in an industry that has shown it hates her at times because of the color of her skin, but goes on to explain that she does so because of the proverbial bright-eyed artist ... who aspires to contribute to what Mickey characterizes as a beautiful style of music, and for whom she wants to fight.

UPDATE
UPDATE

She also wrote in a huge list of country stars she's aware of who she says are actually great people and ambassadors of the genre -- including Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, Kree Harrison, Chris Young, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and many, many more. Mickey finished her thoughts with a rebuke of "cancel culture" too.

UPDATE

MG says people need to be given a chance to change, including Morgan -- and hopes he sees the error in his ways ... adding that tossing someone out permanently isn't a solution.

Morgan Wallen is feeling an immediate backlash after using the n-word -- music platforms are dropping him left and right, and fellow country artists are also condemning his behavior.

The singer's music was reportedly banned from Cumulus Media overnight, which is one of the biggest radio chains for country music across the nation. A directive from the station's brass told all their affiliates to scrub anything Morgan for Wednesday's slate of programming.

The memo, obtained by Variety, reads ... "MORGAN WALLEN — EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Team, unfortunately country music star Morgan Wallen was captured on video Sunday evening using a racial slur. Effective immediately we request that all of Morgan Wallen’s music be removed from our playlists without exception. More to follow."

Many of his own peers are decrying his use of the racial slur too -- but there seem to be differences of opinion on whether this is an isolated incident or a bigger problem that's just coming to light now.

For example, country star Kelsea Ballerini wrote ... "The news out of Nashville tonight does not represent country music," to which Maren Morris responded ... "It actually IS representative of our town because this isn’t his first “scuffle” and he just demolished a huge streaming record last month regardless. We all know it wasn’t his first time using that word. We keep them rich and protected at all costs with no recourse."

020221_morgan_wallen_main_kal JANUARY 2021
PROFANE GOODBYE

Despite that, nobody appears to be watering down Morgan dropping the slur ... or excusing it. So, there's a united front there.

TMZ broke the story ... Morgan was filmed by a neighbor Sunday night getting rowdy with his friends, and then dropping the n-word as he made his way inside, seemingly telling a buddy to rough somebody up.

He issued an apology, saying there were no excuses for his behavior ... and promising to do better. It might be too little too late though -- which is a shame for him, because MW was the king of country this past month ... breaking streaming records, and getting tons of love.

Originally Published -- 6:39 AM PT