Jamaica Running Low on Marijuana ... No Weed, No Cry???
Jamaica's experiencing another unfortunate effect of both climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic ... there's a severe weed shortage.
It's mostly affecting the Caribbean nation's illegal market, which is reeling after last year's hurricane season wrecked marijuana fields and the ensuing drought made it even worse.
On top of all that ... a strict 6 PM curfew, put in place because of the coronavirus, prevented farmers from taking care of the crops at night, which is vital to production.
And, while supply is low, consumption and demand have remained high because ... well, there's a pandemic, and this is Jamaica.
The good news -- for those who can afford it -- the Jamaican government claims there's no shortage in the country's regulated industry ... but legal weed prices are apparently 5 to 10 times higher than on the street.
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T.I. and Tiny Reality Show on Ice After Sex Abuse Allegations
T.I. and Tiny's reality show is pressing pause as the couple faces allegations of sexual abuse, even though they've vehemently denied the claims.
Production on "T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle" came to a grinding halt Friday as MTV put things on ice. Network honchos said, "We are aware of the allegations, and while they are not connected to our show, we have reached out to T.I. and Tameka Harris, as well as local and state officials."
Last month several women posted allegations on social media -- claiming the couple had drugged or coerced them into having sexual encounters. As far as we know, none of the accusers have reported claims to law enforcement, or filed lawsuits.
Still, MTV says, "Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have decided to suspend production in order to gather more information."
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T.I. has strongly denied the allegations, and threatened legal action against at least one accuser.
The show had been shooting in Atlanta since December, but with this shutdown -- first reported by Deadline -- the fate of the 4th season is up in the air.
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Jennifer Lawrence Injured By Glass on Movie Set ... Eyelid Cut and Bled Profusely
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Jennifer Lawrence was injured on a movie set early Friday morning, after a "controlled glass explosion" went haywire ... TMZ has learned.
Sources connected to the production tell TMZ, Jennifer was shooting "Don't Look Up" in Boston with Timothee Chalamet when they were filming the final scene at 1 AM. JLaw was inside a restaurant when a window was supposed to explode as part of the scene.
The explosion did not go as planned and we're told a shard of glass cut Lawrence's eyelid and it would not stop bleeding.
The extent of her injury is unclear, although we're told "it wasn't that bad." Nevertheless, we're told production was shut down for the scheduled Friday shooting.
The photos (above) were taken in the scene before the "controlled glass explosion" scene. The scene from the photos is where Jennifer and Timothee are kissing and snuggling on a mattress with a 6-pack of beer at the ready.
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NFL Commish Roger Goodell To Joe Biden ... Use Our Stadiums As COVID Vaccine Sites
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Awesome gesture from Roger Goodell and the NFL ... the Commish is opening up all of the league's stadiums and urging Joe Biden to use them as COVID vaccine sites.
Goodell made the offer in a letter to POTUS on Thursday ... saying he and the league want to do everything they can to end the pandemic and promote vaccinations.
In the letter to Biden, Goodell said 7 NFL stadiums are currently being used as mass vaccination sites ... but he insisted all of the league's other facilities are more than ready to take on the task as well.
"We can expand our efforts to stadiums across the nation more effectively because many of our clubs have offered their facilities previously as COVID testing centers as well as election sites over the past several months," Goodell said.
"We look forward to further discussion with your administration as well as your partners in state and local governments to advance this effort."
The offer to the President comes just a few days after the NFL announced it's giving away 7,500 free tickets to this weekend's Super Bowl to vaccinated health care workers.
Huge props to the NFL for the moves.
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SAG-AFTRA Prez Gabrielle Carteris Trump Quit to Avoid Punishment ... But It Still Might Happen!!!
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SAG-AFTRA Prez and '90210' alum Gabrielle Carteris knows Donald Trump resigned to dodge punishment from the union, but says he could still get a rude awakening.
Gabrielle joined "TMZ Live" Friday to address the former President's letter to her, which as we reported contained the typical Trump beats -- petty insults, boasting and of course ... a claim he's been treated unfairly.
GC points out the timing of his resignation was just a day before he could have been disciplined and possibly expelled from the union -- so, she believes he simply didn't want to go through that.
Well, turns out Trump's not really in the clear just because he quit. Gabrielle laid out what SAG-AFTRA could still do to prevent him from ever rejoining the union.
As for why she felt action had to be taken -- Gabrielle gave a very impassioned explanation of what she saw play out on Jan. 6, and how it threatened lives ... including those of union members.
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Christopher Plummer Dead at 91
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Christopher Plummer -- who starred in "The Sound of Music" and so many other iconic films -- has died.
Plummer passed away peacefully at his home in Connecticut Friday, his family said in a statement. His wife of over 50 years, Elaine Taylor, was by his side. Lou Pitt, a longtime friend and manager of 46 years, said, "Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words."
Christopher, who started his acting career in the '50s, was featured in more than 100 films. His role as Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 classic, "The Sound of Music," cemented his status as one of the best actors in Hollywood.
He started his acting career at the Montreal Repertory Theatre. He landed his first leading role as Hal in "Henry V" at the 1956 Stratford Festival in Canada. He earned his first Tony nomination 3 years later for best actor in Archibald MacLeish's "J.B." He also landed roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the UK.
He won a Tony in 1973 for his title role in the musical "Cyrano" and then again in 1997 for the title role in "Barrymore." In total, he was nominated for 7 Tony Awards ... with his most recent nomination coming in 2007 for his lead role in "Inherit the Wind."
Among his other credits ... "The Thorn Birds," one of the biggest miniseries in TV history, which aired in 1983. He scored a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2010 for "Beginners." At the time, it made him the oldest winner ever in the acting category.
Christopher -- born Arthur Plummer in 1929 in Toronto -- was also nominated for an Oscar for his work in Ridley Scott's "All the Money in the World." Remember ... he's the actor who replaced Kevin Spacey following Spacey's ouster from the film stemming from the #MeToo movement.
For his role as J. Paul Getty ... Christopher earned a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination. He recently starred in "Knives Out" with Daniel Craig and Chris Evans.
His manager added, "He was a National Treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come. He will forever be with us."
Interesting side note ... he was the great-grandson of John Abbott, Canada's third prime minister. He was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada in 1968.
Christopher was 91.
RIP
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Sen. John Thune Running for Prez Ain't What it Used to be ... Thanks to Trump
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Sen. John Thune says becoming President used to be the dream for Senators, but now the bloom is off the rose ... the job's less about being qualified and a good leader and more about being famous and loud ... like a certain ex-President.
The Republican Senator from South Dakota was at the Reagan National Airport in D.C. Friday when he took a thinly veiled shot and Donald Trump ... suggesting the presidency is far less appealing due to the celeb and social media-obsessed culture.
Thune tells us the "kind of person" who would be successful as Commander in Chief these days has to run a different type of campaign than traditional methods, have a big online following ... and be more "ostentatious" than presidential.
It's a pretty stunning statement coming from a Senator, who even cites a John McCain quote about how every Senator aspires to become Prez .... until they're embalmed.
Sure seems Thune's not down with aspiring to POTUS status ... so don't expect him to throw his hat in the ring for 2024, but his take seems like it also applies to other senators as well.
As for his perceived jab at Trump ... the 2 had a falling out in December, when Trump lashed out at Thune on -- you guessed it, social media -- after the Senator denounced his own party's efforts to overturn the Electoral College results.
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Kodak Black Ice, Ice Baby ... Shining Bright with Post-Prison Look
Screw the future -- Kodak Black's present is looking super bright, literally.
The rapper's post-prison look is filled with diamonds all over his body ... from his new diamond-crusted grills to massive bling hanging around his neck, wrist and fingers. We don't know how much it's all worth, but it's super icy ... and pricy, for sure.
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One thing's for sure ... Kodak's enjoying his newfound freedom since former President Trump commuted Kodak's sentence last month. As we reported, the rapper was one of the 142 either pardoned or freed from prison.
Kodak, who had been sentenced to 46 months in prison for making a false statement on a Federal document, served nearly half his sentence. The pardon statement had noted Kodak's charitable contributions in various ways, "such as providing educational resources to students and families of fallen law enforcement officers and the underprivileged."
Kodak also donated $50k to Dave Portnoy's Barstool Fund, which provides financial assistance to struggling businesses in the wake of COVID.
But, as we told you ... Kodak's not out of the legal woods just yet. The pardon only covered his federal crime, and he's still facing prosecution in South Carolina where he's accused of allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman in a hotel room after a Feb. 2016 concert.
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Nick Cannon Hosting 'Wild 'N Out' Again ... Nearly 7 Months After Firing
Well, this is wild ... Nick Cannon has his old job back hosting "Wild 'N Out," almost 7 months after ViacomCBS fired him over anti-Semitic remarks.
Nick's set to return to the VH1 show when season 16 resumes because the network says he's "not only apologized and taken responsibility for his comments, but he has also worked to educate himself and others through engagement with Jewish leaders and on his platforms."
JUNE 2020
As we reported ... Viacom -- the parent company of MTV and VH1 -- fired Nick last July after he made anti-Semitic remarks on his "Cannon's Class" podcast.
While talking with Professor Griff -- formerly of Public Enemy -- Nick said things like, "You can't be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people. When we are the same people who they want to be. That's our birthright. We are the true Hebrews."
Nick later apologized and, as Viacom noted, consulted with Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who said Nick was apologetic upfront, but more importantly ... he listened when Cooper explained how some of his perceived "facts" were actually hateful and harmful propaganda.
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School Security Cam Catches Custodian Hitting Trick Shot ... While Cleaning Basketball Gym
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He vacuums. He sweeps ... and he also HITS NO-LOOK TRICK SHOTS FROM HALF COURT!!!
Check this awesome video of Liberty-Benton Middle School custodian Joe Orians casually gettin' a seriously difficult bucket while cleaning up the school gym.
THE VIDEO IS AWESOME!!!
Orians quickly celebrated -- but like a true pro, he got right back to work and carried on with his day (albeit, with a little extra pep in his step!).
But, here's the cool part ... Orians mentioned the shot to Principal Kyle Leatherman who ran back the security camera footage -- and was so impressed, he posted it on social media!
"He didn't mention that it was a no-look backwards half-court shot," Leather tells TMZ Sports.
Now, Orians -- who lives in the small town of Findlay, Ohio -- is going viral ... and the students and faculty couldn't be happier for the guy!
Globetrotters need an extra guy???
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SoulCycle's Stacey Griffith Cutting Vaccine Line Could Lead to Criminal Charges
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The SoulCycle instructor who described herself as an "educator" in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine may have committed a crime ... but we've learned it's unlikely she'll be charged.
Stacey Griffith's looking at a possible perjury charge -- or a charge of offering a false instrument for filing -- if it's shown she knowingly submitted a false statement on the vaccine eligibility form ... this according to the New York State Dept. of Health.
Both charges are misdemeanors, and if convicted ... she'd face up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
A law enforcement source connected to the matter tells TMZ ... it would be rare for prosecutors to charge someone with a crime under these circumstances.
Our source says Griffith could easily make the case she thought she legitimately qualified for the vaccine. In other words, she is a teacher ... and although her conduct clearly violates the spirit of the rules ... it probably falls short of criminality.
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As we reported ... Griffith caught flak after sharing a since-deleted photo of herself getting the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, while most school teachers have still not been vaccinated in NY.
She apologized afterward, claiming to have made a "terrible error in judgment."
As for whether Griffith's still eligible to receive her second shot ... the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene refused to comment.
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Dr. Jill Biden Puppy Bowl PSA with Champ & Major ... Mask Up for Your Pets!!!
Dr. Jill Biden's teamed up with a couple furry celebs for a very fitting Super Bowl Sunday commercial ... to air during Puppy Bowl XVII.
The First Lady and the First Dogs -- Champ and Major -- are making a special appearance to promote the continued use of face masks during the pandemic.
The German shepherds won't be live at Puppy Bowl ... Jill and co. recorded their bit at the White House. They looked super cozy in front of a fire as Jill talked about pets being a constant source of joy and comfort ... and Zoom crashers.
Part of the Puppy Bowl's mission is to also spread awareness about rescue animals, and as you may know ... Major is a rescue dog, believed to be the first to live at The White House.
Both he and Champ actually got sworn in before Joe ... part of a very special "inDOGuration" welcoming the pups to their new home.
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Avril Lavigne & Mod Sun Dinner Date, Plus Pics with Fans ... Back to Normal in WeHo???
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Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun grabbed dinner together in West Hollywood, and afterward, the whole scene looked very much like a night out in 2019 ... plus face masks.
The musicians were leaving BOA Steakhouse Thursday night when they were swarmed by photogs and fans, just like the old days. Avril even signed some autographs and took selfies.
Again, everyone was wearing face coverings -- but it was the first strong visual of L.A. reopening for outdoor dining after months of strict COVID shutdowns.
Mod and Avril being out together is also interesting because they just worked together on his new track, "Flames" -- which he's said came about "like magic" -- and rumors are starting to circulate there might be some magic between them.
Watch the video and decide for yourself if that's what's going on. We did ask Mod, and his response was pretty coy.
They've both seemingly been single for a bit -- Mod had a bitter breakup with Bella Thorne in 2019, and Avril divorced her rock star husband, Chad Kroeger, in 2015.
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Tory Lanez Pre-Super Bowl Bash ... Looks More Like a Super Spreader!!!
Dr. Anthony Fauci's urging to "lay low" for Super Bowl weekend didn't get to Tory Lanez or a few hundred others partying hard in Tampa ... with zero distancing or masks.
The rapper held a pre-Super Bowl soiree Thursday night at WTR Pool in Tampa where fans packed in and swarmed around the stage where Tory was performing -- loudly singing along to his hits.
What pandemic, right?
Now, Tory's event isn't the only game in town when it comes to crowded parties -- and everyone knows Florida's been wide open for months. Even though it was held outdoors ... health officials have insisted for some time now that even while outdoors, social distancing and face coverings are essential.
It's interesting though ... promotions for the bash noted, "Social distancing and mask guidelines will be strictly enforced as per city guidelines."
As we reported, Dr. Fauci urged Americans earlier this week to cancel Super Bowl LV parties ... fearing nationwide super-spreading events.
He had said, "The one thing you don't want to do, you don't want to be somebody that's putting a damper on anything, but you don't want parties with people that you haven't had much contact with."
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Ex-WWE Superstar Gabbi Tuft Announces Gender Transition ... 'This Is Me'
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9:02 AM PT -- Gabbi says she first began realizing she identified as a woman when she was a kid -- telling "Extra" she would sneak into her mom's closet and try on her clothes.
"And, it just felt right," Gabbi told Billy Bush in an interview that airs Friday.
During the interview, Gabbi also opens up about how her romantic life with her wife has changed since transitioning from a man to a woman ... explaining how the situation has actually brought them closer together.
A former WWE superstar is going public about her gender transformation -- announcing, "This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me."
The wrestler is Gabbi Tuft -- who performed for years under the ring name, Tyler Reks. Reks first appeared on "Smackdown" in 2010 and went on to wrestle with some of the top names in the biz, including John Cena, CM Punk and Ryback.
Reks last wrestled for WWE in 2012.
Now, Tuft -- who previously used the name, Gabe Tuft, in her personal life -- says she's going public as a proud transgender woman.
"This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do," Tuft said in an emotional IG post.
"I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I love myself for WHO I am."
Tuft says she's been struggling over the past 8 months -- "The emotional turmoil of being transgender and having to face the world has almost ended me on multiple occasions."
But, Gabbi says she stopped caring about what other people think -- which has allowed her "authentic self to come into the light."
Gabbi has been married to her wife, Priscilla, since 2002 and they have a 9-year-old daughter together. Tuft says her family is supporting her through the transition.
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"My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am. To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know."
Gabbi says she promises to be "transparent and truthful" with her journey -- and clearly intends to be a role model for younger transitioning people who might be struggling, too.
Originally Published -- 5:56 AM PT
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The Weeknd SB Halftime Show's All Me ... Starboy's Flyin' Solo!!!
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The Weeknd's guaranteeing he'll be the MVP of his halftime show at the Super Bowl ... because he's not bringing any special guests to join him.
The singer went on NFL Network Thursday and explained that in order for his vision to play out properly and for him to include all the songs he wants, it doesn't make sense for other entertainers to be involved in the performance.
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We're told the chatter about The Weeknd venturing into the stands at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium is true, but it's part of a pre-built set ... not like he'll be mingling with random fans in the seats.
Our sources say this plan was put into place with COVID precautions in mind, and to cut down on the number of people involved in the stage construction and removal.
Another fun fact, The Weeknd is the first Canadian performer to solo headline the halftime show, a major feat considering heavyweight Canadian talent like Justin Bieber, Drake and Rush.
As we reported ... The Weeknd also promised at Thursday's media event to try his best to keep his show PG-rated, saying he wants to be respectful to families watching all around the world.
That might be a challenge, based on the mature themes of many of his songs ... but it seems he's at least hoping to receive fewer FCC complaints than Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's halftime show did last year.