Papa John's Employee Claims He Was Fired ... Refused to Work w/o Running Water
7:48 PM PT -- A rep for Papa Johns tells TMZ ... "Due to the cold weather, the water line froze. The restaurant was immediately closed in order to have repairs made." The owner of this franchised location confirmed the employee in the video was not let go -- instead, the employee walked off the job.
A Papa John's employee says he got canned after refusing to make pizza with no running water in the building so he could be sanitary ... and now, it sounds like he's lawyering up.
A TikTok user who goes by @mommarhodey posted a video she says her brother sent her from a Papa John's location in Colorado Springs, where he films his working conditions in below freezing temps ... which he shows left their pipes frozen, and no water to use at all.
The guy says he decided he didn't wanna keep baking pies in that type of environment, as he felt it was gross ... Y'know, because he wasn't able to wash his hands. So, he left his shift early -- but before doing so he wanted to set the record straight on what he was dealing with.
The employee shows a water heater in the corner of the room, and a tiny portable heater next to it that he says his manager set up in hopes of getting the thing working again ... and water running in their restaurant. He also tries turning on faucets all around him, to no avail.
His sister's the one sounding the alarm about this on his behalf -- she posted some follow-up videos explaining what happened next ... and would you believe it, she claims her bro was fired over it. As you can imagine, she's super pissed ... calling it a "wrongful termination."
She says she called the local public health department there, who apparently told her the Papa John's in question was shut down until they could get running water back. However, that doesn't jibe with what sis here says she's heard from the Papa John's staff.
She claims they've been continuing to work, despite the stop-order from officials. MommaRhodey says she's alerted the BBB, and Papa John's corporate office.
We reached out to the Papa John's location in question ... they had no comment. No word from their corporate office either at this point.
Originally Published -- 4:07 PM PT
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President Biden Woman Arrested Near WH ... Loaded Gun in Car, Letter for 46
A woman was arrested near the White House after reportedly telling cops she had a special delivery for President Biden -- a handwritten letter ... but much more ominous is that she had a loaded gun in her car.
The unidentified 66-year-old rolled toward a checkpoint in downtown D.C. Saturday evening ... close to the White House, which has a wide perimeter set for blocks on end. She was apparently with a man, and told cops they were there to meet Biden.
As for why ... cops say she told them she wanted to give him a letter. That prompted a search of the vehicle, where D.C. Metro says they discovered a loaded handgun. They claim the man she was with also had a BB gun -- but the woman was the only one arrested.
She was booked for possession of an unregistered firearm. The case has since been referred to the Secret Service.
The situation is eerily familiar ... there was another arrest like this back in January, when a Virginia man also drove up to a checkpoint, allegedly with fake inauguration credentials and a loaded firearm as well ... plus a ton of ammo, according to cops.
Just a day later, a woman was arrested under similar circumstances ... coming up to a checkpoint and trying to pass herself as a member of Biden's cabinet. She got busted too.
The National Guard's been in town since Jan. 6, and are set to stay there for a few more weeks. Probably a good idea.
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President Biden Plays Mario Kart at Camp David ... Beats Granddaughter Naomi
President Biden got out of town this weekend, opting for a happy virtual drive on Rainbow Road instead of a motorcade drive through D.C.
Joe was at Camp David this weekend -- where some of his family members met him to hang out for some QT with grandpa, including his granddaughter, Naomi ... who says she went head-to-head with 46 in a round of Mario Kart -- with both of them in the driver's seat.
Apparently, there are arcade games at Camp David -- and Mario Kart's one of them. Sounds like Naomi's granddad got the best of her. She says, "Secret Service made an exception and let him drive himself!!!!" Naomi adds, "A little rusty but he still won (barely)."
She also posted a boomerang video of herself rolling around in a human-size inflatable ball in what appears to be a gymnasium.
Camp David's got stuff like this for POTUS getaways -- there are stories and photos of presidents past shooting pool, bowling and watching movies in a full theater there on the grounds. So, it's not surprising that they've got neat attractions like this these days.
Of course, 70 miles away in the nation's capital ... ex-Prez Trump was getting acquitted in his second impeachment trial. Out of sight, but not out of mind.
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Meghan Markle Pregnant Again Well-Wishes from Queen & Co.
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12:56 PM PT -- Buckingham Palace responded to the baby news, speaking on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Charles, saying ... "Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the entire family are ‘delighted’ and wish them well."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have another bun in the oven ... they're expecting baby #2.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the announcement Sunday, saying they are due to have a second child together ... although they didn't reveal how far along Meghan is, or the sex of the baby.
The couple says, "We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child." It looks like they already posed for some maternity shots too -- photo and personal friend Misan Harriman snapped some photos of Meghan and Harry in a lush forest, showing off her baby bump.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Harriman apparently did the photoshoot remotely, adding this ... "Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow. Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!"
The news comes not too long after Meghan revealed in November she'd suffered a miscarriage this past July, detailing the heartache and agony she and Harry went through ... and in private, no less. Her pregnancy wasn't known until she discussed it in the NYT.
Archie, who was born in 2019, will be turning 2 in May. Not a bad age difference as an older sibling.
Congrats!!!
Originally Published -- 11:47 AM PT
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Nicki Minaj Father, Robert Maraj, Dead at 64 Killed in Hit-and-Run
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Nicki Minaj's father, Robert Maraj, has died after being struck in a hit-and-run accident ... TMZ has learned.
Nassau County Police in New York say he was walking on the road between Roslyn Road and Raff Avenue Friday evening around 6 PM ET, when he was hit by a vehicle heading northbound. Cops say the driver then fled the scene without a meaningful description from witnesses.
via Facebook uma tia de Nicki Minaj publicou que Robert Maraj (Pai de Nicki ) veio a Falecer , as informações ainda não foram confirmadas ! esperamos que Deus posso conforta o coração da Nicki e sua Família nesse momento 🖤💔 pic.twitter.com/UMA1iNproj
— Rick Maraj (@HomoMrs) February 14, 2021 @HomoMrs
Robert was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries and passed over the weekend. The Homicide Squad is investigating the case and asking for the public's help in identifying the responsible party. There was not a decent description of the suspect vehicle provided.
Nicki hasn't spoken on her dad's death yet. There are shots of them together embracing over the years, so they obviously had a decent relationship and saw each other from time to time. It's unclear what Nicki's relationship with her dad was currently.
A rep for Nicki confirmed her dad's death, but did not have further comment at this time.
Robert was just 64.
RIP
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'1,000-lb. Sisters' Tammy Slaton Comes Out as Pansexual
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Tammy Slaton, one of the stars of "1,000-lb. Sisters" has come out as pansexual.
Producers released a clip of an upcoming show, in which Tammy opens up to Jerry, her boyfriend of 2 years, saying, "It means love is love," adding, "I would date anybody, whether they're transgender, straight, gay."
Tammy's sister, Amy, and her husband, Michael, are seated at the restaurant along with Tammy and Jerry.
Tammy explained in another interview how she came to her realization ... "I always thought I was bisexual, and then I started talking to one of my friends and she told me she was pansexual, and I asked her kind of what it meant."
She goes on ... "It means you love everybody, not just the same sex. And I was like, 'Well, I guess I am too," because I wouldn't mind being with someone who's transgender, or whatever."
Jerry told Tammy he still loves her, and to that she says, "I'm happy because he took it pretty well," Tammy says. "Acceptance of people's sexuality is important to me."
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LAPD Cops Share George Floyd Post ... Caption: 'You Take My Breath Away'
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The LAPD is conducting an internal affairs investigation to determine which officers shared a photo of George Floyd with the caption, "You Take My Breath Away."
The cops in question appear to work out of LAPD's Harbor Division, where the image was being passed around at work. The Department believes the original post may have been the work of an LAPD employee.
It appears a member of the LAPD saw that the post was being shared and was so offended they contacted the brass, which then triggered the investigation.
Internal Affairs is now trying to get to the bottom of it, looking to see where it was posted and who shared it. It seems that shouldn't be too difficult if the post was being shared among some of the rank and file.
The Commander at the Harbor Division said LAPD Chief Michael Moore is "disgusted" by the post, adding, "Messages with inappropriate content may result in discipline."
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Meek vs. Tekashi Face-To-Face, Almost Fighting
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Tekashi 6ix9ine and Meek Mill came an inch from trading punches early Sunday morning ... as their long-standing beef reached a boiling point.
The 2 men were at KOMODO in Miami and as Meek was getting in his car to leave, Tekashi appeared and they both started jawboning. In the video, you hear both rappers and their security yelling at each other. It looks like Tekashi is trying to lunge at Meek.
Tekashi is hurling insults at Meek, accusing him of working with cops ... yes, the irony is not lost on us.
They went from face-to-face to social media where it continued, 6ix9ne posting, “STOP LETTING THESE RAPPERS LIE TO YOU! THEY TO TOUGH FOR SECURITY @meekmill RUNNING AROUND WITH POLICE.”
Meek's response ... "69 waited out side the club for me they tryna get usssssss wtf ... We did not run into eachother I was getting in my car he just popped out ....we almost was smoking on that 69 pack for the love of a viral moment ..... he tryna get something locked up no cap lol"
And then, Meek lowered the boom ... “The feds sent him to take me out wtf. [I] had to spit on him so he retreated lol he really waited outside the club for me. I thought I was dreaming wtf we almost smoked him lol he posed a lil threat popping up in the parking lot waiting for me.”
Meek and Tekashi have squared off ever since Tekashi cooperated with the FBI in getting members of the Nine Trey Bloods locked up.
In May Meek tweeted ... "I hope that rat going live to apologize to the people he told on or the victim..... Y’all forgot that fast a “rat” killed nipsey he wasn’t suppose to be on the streets! That’s the only thing ima day because he’s dead... left his baby mom and child like a coward as targets!"
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Yella Beezy Busted on Weapons Charges ... Rapper Claims Set-Up
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Yella Beezy was arrested Saturday on weapons charges, but the rapper says this was a set-up ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Yella Beezy was driving in Dallas when cops pulled him over after they claim he was running stop signs. They searched his car -- unclear why -- and allegedly found an unlicensed weapon.
Video surfaced online where you see a police car with flashing lights and a cop checking inside the black SUV's trunk.
Yella Beezy's manager Adrian Low Brown tells TMZ... the rapper told him he was driving his armored-plated, bullet-proof truck in his old neighborhood to get Valentine's Day flowers for his GF when police stopped him and said he blew a stop sign.
He says they told him they smelled weed, which he says was an excuse to search his car. Beezy says he doesn't smoke and cops didn't find any marijuana and didn't charge him for possession.
As for the gun they found ... Beezy's team says his entire arsenal is registered.
The manager says he's currently trying to bail Beezy out. The manager says this is a case of harassment by cops.
Yella Beezy's known for his songs like "That's On Me," "Bacc at It Again," "Up One," and "Goin Through Some Thangs."
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Janet Jackson 1986 Album Soars on Charts After JT Apology
Janet Jackson got more than an apology from Justin Timberlake ... she got a revival.
Janet's 1986 album, "Control," has skyrocketed on the charts since Justin issued his mea culpa Friday over her 2004 Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction. As you know, she was skewered by critics, while Justin remained silent and unscathed.
Well, "Control" hit #1 on the Apple Top 40 U.S. Pop Album Chart a week ago -- before Justin's apology. It was the 35th anniversary of the album. But after the apology it's going really strong ... now the 8th most downloaded album on Apple iTunes.
Janet took to social media and said, “I was at home just the other day by myself, and I began to cry. I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with, all that he has given me, and I’m so thankful for him being in my life.”
She went on ... “I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life. You’re so special to me, and I want to thank all of you for making ‘Control’ number one once again. After 35 years, never in a million years would I think that this would happen. I really appreciate you, and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
Justin's apology was driven by a radio interview that surfaced in the new Britney Spears documentary, where he bragged about taking her virginity. He apologized to Britney, but also to Janet for the Super Bowl incident.
Justin said, “I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism. I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”
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Gwyneth Paltrow V Stands for Vibrator ... Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Gwyneth Paltrow's all about the V ... so she's pitching the perfect gift of self-love for Valentine's Day.
Gwyneth's company, Goop, is unveiling its first vibrator, which it's rolling out on Valentine's Day. At first, we thought the timing was a little weird, but we're guessing it's for people who might not have a Valentine but still want to celebrate. Good thinking, we think.
It's priced reasonably in the Goop world -- $95 for a Double-Sided Wand Vibrator.
In case you're in the market, here's the Goop description ... "Our Double-Sided Wand Vibrator is the ultimate intimate massager: One end has a wonder-ball wand with deep, rumbly vibrations for external stimulation. On the other side, the slim, flexible end provides powerful and precise vibration for clitoral or internal stimulation. Each end of the wand offers eight pulsating patterns that vary in intensity, with subtle, ergonomically placed controls for uninterrupted navigation. And it’s a thing of beauty on a nightstand. Basically, it’s a pleasure all around."
Although it's Goop's first vibrator product, it's not the first sex product by a long shot. Goop's released sex-themed candles, which are labeled "This Smells Like My Vagina," and the encore product, "This Smells Like My Orgasm." Again, if you're in the market ... $75 a pop.
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Britney Spears Not Working On Her Own Documentary ... Despite Speculation
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Britney Spears does NOT have her own documentary in the works ... we're told fan speculation and media reports to the contrary are not accurate.
A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ ... a doc from Britney and her team is definitely NOT happening. We're told a project of this magnitude would need to be vetted and authorized by Brit and her conservators, which is a big hurdle.
Another source tells TMZ ... a female filmmaker has been reaching out to people in Britney's inner circle, telling them she's working on a doc about Britney's life, and the filmmaker claims she's going to pitch the project to Netflix.
There are reports and speculation circulating that Britney is quietly working on a doc with a top female filmmaker and Britney fears her father, Jamie Spears, could hijack the project to make himself look better ... but we're told neither Britney nor her team are involved in the production.
There's no shaking Jamie at this point either ... as we first told you, a judge denied Britney's request to have her father removed as her co-conservator during Thursday's court hearing.
Britney and her conservatorship are all the rage again these days ... the new doc 'Framing Britney Spears' is getting a lot of buzz, and it's resulted in Britney's boyfriend ripping Jamie, and Justin Timberlake offering her an apology for the things he said after their breakup.
Things with Britney's situation aren't always what they seem from afar either ... her sister Jamie Lynn Spears denied reports Friday she attended a #FreeBritney Zoom rally.
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Vegas Weddings Chapels Losing the V-Day Bump ... COVID's Crushing Love!!!
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Valentine's Day is usually rush hour at Las Vegas wedding chapels, but a bunch of Elvis pastors WILL be lonesome this weekend ... due to the pandemic.
According to the Graceland Wedding Chapel ... it conducted a whopping 75 ceremonies on V-Day 2020 -- just weeks before COVID-19 changed the world -- but it only has 50 on the books so far for 2021.
The famous chapel tells TMZ ... roughly half its business typically comes from international guests, but with coronavirus travel restrictions that number's a big, fat zero this year.
Graceland says it hopes to get 60 wedding ceremonies booked before Sunday, but that's still a significant decline of at least 20 percent.
A rep for Chapel of the Flowers tells us their wedding ceremony bookings are also down 20 percent this year compared to last ... but it's even worse at a couple other spots.
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel says it's down 50 percent for V-Day, and like Graceland ... the lack of international couples is crushing its bottom line. As of now, it says it only has 17 wedding reservations for Sunday ... which is incredibly low.
The owner of Bliss Wedding Chapel, which just opened in October, tells us he's been banking on a Valentine's Day surge for some much-needed cash ... but it's not happening.
He says he's been in the biz for a while and would expect a solid 50 ceremonies under normal conditions ... but COVID's limited bookings to just 26, so far.
One thing the chapels cited for their struggles is having to operate at half-capacity. Like the Bliss owner put it -- weddings are the opposite of social distancing, so couples who would be forced to cut the guest list are simply opting to wait or go elsewhere.
The good news -- Elvis is still in the building. Graceland says couples can still have an Elvis impersonator conduct the legal vows and perform ... and he can do it all in a mask
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Tom Brady Autograph Prices Explode ... Doubled In Just 4 Years!
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Tom Brady's signature is like GOLD -- the prices for a TB12 autograph are higher than ever ... DOUBLING in just 4 years!!
The Tampa Bay Bucs QB is holding a private autograph session for collectors and memorabilia shops ... and if you want his John Hancock on a Bucs helmet, you're gonna have to shell out $3,700!!!
Here are the current prices compared with rates from a TB12 signing back in 2017 -- back when Tom only had 5 Super Bowl rings (he's got 7 now!).
TB signed photo from SBLV -- $1,600 (up from $850 in 2017)
TB signed football -- $2,000 (up from $1,000 in 2017)
TB signed mini-helmet -- $1,800 (up from $900 in 2017)
TB signed Bucs jersey with special SBLV inscription -- $3,000 (up from $1,600 in 2017)
And a signed TB Bucs SBLV helmet with “LV MVP” inscription can be yours for $3,699.99!!!
Obviously, a lot has changed since 2017 ... Tom left the New England Patriots and basically secured his spot as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.
7 Super Bowl titles. 5 Super Bowl MVP awards ... and he still wants to play a few more years!
Bottom line ... these prices may seem high now, but if he wins ANOTHER title, you can probably expect another surge!!
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Morgan Wallen His Career Will Go On, and it's Unfair ... Says BCMA Cofounder
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Frankie Staton -- a Nashville musician who's worked to increase diversity and inclusiveness in country music -- doesn't think Morgan Wallen's really getting what he deserves ... and it sounds a lot like what's described as white privilege.
Staton -- who co-founded the Black Country Music Association in an effort to produce Black country stars -- isn't among folks willing to accept Wallen's apology for using the n-word ... at least not so readily.
She suggests Wallen's situation is more of a societal issue, but the consequences he's experiencing demonstrate the difference in a fallout between a popular white celeb ... and someone else.
JANUARY 2021
To prove her point, she mentions how Wallen's popularity and sales are skyrocketing despite dropping a racial slur ... so it seems his career won't be adversely affected by his actions.
We asked if she thinks that's fair -- Frankie says "not really." However, she says she doesn't like seeing other musicians' careers go down the drain because of a mistake ... but as a Black woman, she underscores what Wallen said is unacceptable.
Frankie's putting the pressure on Nashville to start holding people accountable for stuff like this in the future.
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TMZ's Last Minute Valentine's Day Cards!
Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Well don’t stress yourself out, we have just the thing to keep you in Cupid’s good graces ... our celeb-inspired custom cards!
These babies will surely impress your special someone, and save you from last-minute panic. We’ve got a number to choose from and a ton of celebs to scroll through!
Simply take a look through our super sweet collection of V-Day cards, and when you find the perfect one click on the link to download a printable version.
And, just like that you’ve got the perfect gift ... you can thank us later!