'Justice League' Actor Ray Fisher Re-Asserts Racism Allegations Amid Black Superman Rumors
5:18 PM PT -- A former federal judge, Katherine B. Forrest -- who was hired to head up WB's independent investigation -- is also speaking out on their behalf, saying unequivocally that Walter Hamada did NOT interfere in their probe by any stretch of the imagination, despite Fisher's allegations.
She says, "I am disappointed by continued public statements made suggesting that Walter Hamada in any way interfered with the Justice League investigation. He did not. I interviewed him extensively on more than one occasion and specifically interviewed him concerning his very limited interaction with Mr. Fisher. I found Mr. Hamada credible and forthcoming. I concluded that he did nothing that impeded or interfered with the investigation. To the contrary, the information that he provided was useful and advanced the investigation."
A Black Superman film might be among us soon -- but a Black actor who already starred in a DC flick is pouring cold water on it, re-affirming his claim he experienced racism on WB's watch.
Ray Fisher -- who played Cyborg in 2017's 'Justice League' -- reminded folks Saturday that as hyped as they were on the idea of Michael B. Jordan potentially donning the red cape ... there are still issues he believes run deep at the studio.
Do ya’ll remember that time Walter Hamada and @wbpictures tried to destroy a Black man’s credibility, and publicly delegitimize a very serious investigation, with lies in the press?
— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) February 27, 2021 @ray8fisher
But hey, Black Superman...
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He resurfaced claims he made last year against Warner Bros. and a handful of WB execs, including Walter Hamada ... whom Fisher alleges swept his concerns under the rug, and tried covering for another exec, Geoff Johns, while using other folks involved in 'JL' as scapegoats.
It's a long story, but essentially ... Fisher claims director Joss Whedon (who replaced Zack Snyder mid-shoot) was abusive on the set, while also alluding to racist behavior -- without getting into the nitty-gritty. Fisher alleges when he brought these issues to the attention of Hamada -- the Prez of DC Films -- the guy gave him lip service and brushed him off.
On top of all that ... Fisher claims WB's independent investigation into his claims -- which found no evidence to back his characterization -- was also BS, and hindered by Hamada.
As I’ve said from the start:
— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) February 27, 2021 @ray8fisher
Walter Hamada ATTEMPTED to interfere with the JL investigation.
He was unsuccessful in doing so because I did not allow him to.
Having the investigator make a statement claiming there was no interference is purposely misleading and desperate.
A>E
The backdrop to all this, of course, is that it was reported this past week author Ta-Nehisi Coates, an African-American, would be penning a new Superman reboot -- with J.J. Abrams attached to produce -- and that WB's "intent" was to intro a Black Superman.
That kicked the rumor mill into high gear that MBJ would be brought on -- which had been speculated about some years back. Some say he could play Val-Zod ... a Black character from Krypton who's part of DC canon, and who's got all of Kal-El's superpowers.
Val-Zod @michaelb4jordan
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) February 27, 2021 @Bosslogic
Reworked a throwback 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ekiG18PC7K
It's a neat idea, but Fisher seems to think it's nothing but an empty make-good -- in light of what he claims happened to him. For the record, WB denied Fisher's claims before, and doubled down again Saturday ... saying there's simply no truth to it.
A rep for the studio says, "As we have stated before, an extensive and thorough third-party investigation was conducted. Our executives, including Walter Hamada, fully cooperated, no evidence was found of any interference whatsoever, and Warner Bros. did not lie in the press." They add, "It’s time to stop saying otherwise and move forward productively."
Originally Published -- 3:18 PM PT
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Lada Gaga Dogs Found Tied to Pole in Alley ... Finder to Get $500,000 Reward
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Lady Gaga's 2 French Bulldogs that were stolen this week were tied to a pole in an alley, miles from where they were dognapped, and the finder is in for a big reward ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... they believe the woman who found the dogs is a Good Samaritan who happened upon the dogs and recognized them from all the media attention. We're told the woman saw the email address we posted from Gaga and said she found the dogs, and she was advised to take them to a nearby police station. The dogs are fine.
As we reported, police believe the woman has no involvement in the dognapping so she deposited the dogs at the PD and left.
As for the reward, sources directly connected to Gaga tell TMZ she will "gladly" pay the $500,000 reward to the finder and we're told tears of joy are still flowing in Rome.
As for the dognappers and, in particular, the person who shot her dog walker ... they are still at large, although we're told cops are combing the area for surveillance video.
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Roger Stone Does His Best Flavor Flav at CPAC ... Hype Man to Trump MC!!!
Coming to you live from CPAC 2021, we present ... Flavor Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy!!! Er, sorry -- nope, it's actually Roger Stone and MC TRUMPISTHECHOSENONE.
Check out this bizarre scene that was captured Saturday at the annual conservative convention -- where a recently-pardoned Stone was spotted getting his groove and hype man on next to a rapper who was putting on a song and dance, which appears to be an original.
No word on the name of the song, but based on what sounds like the chorus ... it could be "Feds Did a Sweep." There's more talk of Trump than the feds though ... a lot more.
Walking into #CPAC and I see this pic.twitter.com/3NljOwNFJZ
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) February 27, 2021 @VenturaReport
Listen to this dude's lyrics -- which Stone seems to LOVE as he bobs back and forth to the beat. The guy's talking about "Trump 2021" and "running it back," while also touching on the Capitol insurrection ... calling those guys "patriots," and name-dropping Michael Flynn too.
Then comes the bridge ... "Who won? Trump won! Who won? Trump won! Watermark the baddest, 45 the chosen one." There's more, but we'll just let you listen for yourself.
Spotted Roger Stone dancing outside CPAC @donie pic.twitter.com/Kr5bnCC5Vt
— Richa Naik (@richanaik) February 27, 2021 @richanaik
Of course, there's also the Rambo Trump-themed monster truck behind them ... which is another convo. And, when Stone flashes the Nixon double peace sign, it officially dives into parody.
Take it away, we guess??? 😅
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Vanessa Bryant Slams Evan Rachel Wood ... For Calling Kobe 'Rapist' Upon Death
Vanessa Bryant caught wind not everyone had nice things to say about her late husband, Kobe, upon his death ... including Evan Rachel Wood, who labeled him a "rapist."
Kobe's widow is skewering ERW and others for comments they made about Kobe shortly after his passing in Jan. 2020 -- many of whom brought up his 2003 sexual assault case ... arguing his legacy was marred by the allegations, and straight-up calling him guilty.
For the record, the criminal charges he was facing were dropped after the accuser refused to testify. She later sued him over it, and both sides reached a settlement.
Of course, Kobe was never convicted ... and is presumed innocent in the eyes of the law -- which is exactly what Vanessa points out to ERW, in sharp terms more than a year later.
She writes ... "Your false, insensitive, defamatory and slanderous tweet on 1/26/20 is vile and disturbing to say the least? Behavior like this is part of the reason why innocent black men go to jail for crimes they didn't commit. An accusation doesn't make someone guilty."
VB adds, "YOU DON'T KNOW THE FACTS OF THE CASE." She had a similar message for film producer Abigail Disney, who also called Kobe a rapist not too long after he died.
I haven’t said anything about Kobe so far because I felt some time needed to pass before weighing in. But yes, it’s time for the sledgehammer to come out. The man was a rapist. Deal with it. https://t.co/9jfZHSqnnQ
— Abigail Disney (@abigaildisney) January 29, 2020 @abigaildisney
Abigail still has her 2020 tweet up -- which links to a WaPo op-ed discussing Kobe's criminal case. Evan's Twitter account appears to have been deactivated. She still has an IG account though, where she's been detailing her allegations against Marilyn Manson.
Neither women have responded to Vanessa's criticism.
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CPAC Stage Design Looks like Nazi Symbol ... Used by WWII SS Platoon
12:38 PM PT -- 2/28 Hyatt's spokesperson responded saying, "We take the concern raised about the prospect of symbols of hate being included in the stage design at CPAC 2021 very seriously as all such symbols are abhorrent and unequivocally counter to our values as a company."
They continued, "The CPAC 2021 event is hosted and managed by the American Conservative Union that manages all aspects of event logistics, including the stage design and aesthetics. We discussed directly with ACU leadership who told us that any resemblance to a symbol of hate is unintentional. We will continue to stay in dialogue with event organizers regarding our deep concerns. Any further questions can be directed to CPAC."
12:56 PM PT -- CPAC's chairman, Matt Schlapp, is shutting down the idea that the stage design is in any way a nod to Nazi history, saying ... "Stage design conspiracies are outrageous and slanderous. We have a long standing commitment to the Jewish community. Cancel culture extremists must address antisemitism within their own ranks. CPAC proudly stands with our Jewish allies, including those speaking from this stage."
The main CPAC stage where Republicans and other conservatives are gathering this weekend in Florida looks eerily similar to an old Nazi symbol ... something that's causing utter outrage.
Somebody pointed out the design, noting the stage appears to be shaped like an emblem the Nazis proudly flashed during WWII. And no, it's not the swastika that everyone knows ... but it is an offshoot of it, one that's less known but still as hateful.
The symbol is called Odal rune, and it dates back to ancient Germanic languages. Its rough English translation is heritage, inheritance or inherited state. Yeah, pretty Nazi-ish.
This specific symbol ended up being emblazoned on uniforms of Nazi SS soldiers belonging to the 7th Volunteer Mountain Division, which was stationed in occupied Yugoslavia. The infantry formed in 1941, but it's unclear how the rune came to be adopted.
In any case, there's no question its part of Nazi history ... there are even photos of old Nazi soldiers with the rune prominently featured on their getups. As for how it came to be an apparent blueprint of the CPAC stage -- it's anyone's guess, but many feel it's no coincidence.
.@tedcruz ends his #CPAC2021 speech yelling "Freedom!"pic.twitter.com/brWcHOXU4c
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 26, 2021 @dcexaminer
BTW, this doesn't seem to be a fake photo or a photoshop attempt -- the stage looks similar in design to where Ted Cruz did his best William Wallace/Mel Gibson and screamed "Freedom!" on Friday. Wide shots of Rep. Matt Gaetz's speech also seem to match.
Now, people are up in arms over this -- whether it was intentional or not -- and are demanding answers from the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, where this stage was built. We've reached out to the hotel, but no word back yet.
Originally Published -- 2/17 10:49 AM PT
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NorCal Plastic Surgeon Dr. In Surgery While Fighting Traffic Ticket on Zoom
A plastic surgeon wanted to fight his traffic ticket this week and was ready to make his case to the judge ... in the operating room where he was performing surgery on a patient!!!
It's a crazy video ... Dr. Scott Green appeared virtually before Sacramento Court Commissioner Gary Link. The doc was decked out in surgical scrubs and you see the patient on the operating table ... mid-surgery.
The police officer and the lawyers were all present on zoom as the doctor raised his right hand and swore to tell the truth.
Truth be told ... he acknowledged he was in the middle of the operation, but he was quick to add there was another surgeon who was working on the patient while Dr. Green fought the ticket.
Judge Link seemed freaked out, and said he wasn't comfortable holding the trial ... worrying about the well-being of the person on the operating table.
The case was continued to next month.
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Rachel Lindsay Off Instagram Because of Bachelor Nation Hate
Rachel Lindsay has disabled her Instagram account because of what's described as a torrent of hate by members of Bachelor Nation.
As you know by now, Rachel's interview with Chris Harrison led to him stepping away from the show after he defended current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell over a photo taken 2 years ago where she attended an antebellum party.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Van Lathan, who co-hosts the 'Higher Learning' podcast with Lindsay, tore into her critics, saying "Y'all have got to get a f***ing life." As he puts it, "Rachel is not responsible for Chris Harrison, a 49-year-old man who can't read the room in these 2021 times."
For her part, Lindsay is done with "The Bachelor" franchise and has moved on, which may be an underlying reason why Bachelor Nation is so pissed off.
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What's The Big Frigin' Difference?
Don't let these two almost identical images of Regé-Jean Page keep you too distracted from the task at hand! Take a good look around both of the photos above and see if you can spot any switches that have been made to the original pic!
The "Bridgerton" star was seen out and about in New York City just last week ... and we have made a few changes to this sneaky snap! Put your detective skills to see if you can uncover the differences between these two super similar photos!
**HINT -- There are THREE differences in the above photographs!**
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Lady Gaga Stolen Bulldogs Back Home Safe ... Shooting Suspects Still at Large
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Lady Gaga's beloved French bulldogs, Koji and Gustav have been returned ... after her dog walker was shot in the chest trying to save the dogs in Hollywood.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a woman turned the dogs in Friday night to an LAPD station. We're told the dogs were unharmed and have been reunited with Gaga's team.
Our sources say the woman appears to be a good samaritan and claims she found the dogs and brought them in. The LAPD is continuing to investigate, and the shooters are still on the loose.
Sources close to Gaga tell us she cried "tears of joy" when she got the news.
It's currently unclear if and when the woman will be rewarded the $500,000 offered by Gaga for the return of the dogs.
TMZ broke the story ... 2 of Gaga's pups were abducted Wednesday night, when thieves confronted her dog walker on the street and shot him. Lady Gaga, who was in Rome working on a new movie at the time, offered $500,000 for the dogs' return, no questions asked.
Surveillance video from a neighboring home showed the brazen attack ... and you hear one of the thieves cock a gun and tell Gaga's dog walker, Ryan Fischer, to "give it up" before a struggle ensues and the gun goes off.
Fischer, who was shot in the chest, was walking 3 of Gaga's French bulldogs when he was attacked ... and one pooch, Asia, was able to run away from the thieves before coming back to the injured dog walker.
Our sources told us Lady Gaga was extremely upset by the scary incident ... but now all 3 dogs are safe and sound.
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Abigail Breslin Father Dead at 78 from COVID
Abigail Breslin's dad had died from COVID, and the actress has shared her grief.
The "Zombieland" star posted 78-year-old Michael Breslin passed away Friday, adding, "Hard to write this. Harder than I thought. I'm in shock and devastation ... my sweet, perfect, amazing, heroic, wonderful dada passed away after my family and I said goodbye. It was COVID-19 that cut my sweet daddy’s life too short."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Michael had been suffering from COVID this month and his condition deteriorated ... he was eventually placed on a ventilator and several days ago lost consciousness.
24-year-old Abigail's siblings, Ryan and Spencer, also shared thoughts about their dad.
Michael worked in telecommunications and worked as a computer programmer and a consultant.
He was 78.
RIP
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Aldis Hodge Zoom Bombed By Racists ... During Black History Month Event
A zoom celebration of Black History Month was interrupted by some racists who hurled the n-word for all to hear, but, as host Aldis Hodge said, were too cowardly to show their faces.
"Straight Outta Compton" star Aldis, along with Reginald Johnson and Malyia McNaughton, were on the call when an uninvited guest blurted out, "Aldis Hodge, my n*****. I heard you're like a famous actor, my guy."
Aldis and company kept their cool as they tried to boot the disembodied racist from the room.
Malyia then resumes the conversation, talking about the importance of Black History Month, when another voice chimes in, "When's white history month?"
At that point, the co-hosts decided to address the haters. After another uninvited guest hurls the n-word, Aldis lowers the boom, saying, "If you're brave enough to speak to me in such a callous way, I would love to see your face so we can speak face to face."
Of course, the invitation is not accepted, and Aldis labels the racists "cowards."
Sounds about right.
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Bill Maher Cancel Culture is Destroying America
Bill Maher took aim at cancel culture, saying it's become McCarthyism in reverse.
Maher ended 'Real Time' Friday night with a blistering attack on cancel culture, using examples like Chris Harrison and Justin Timberlake, but warning it's not just about celebrities anymore ... he says it's coming to a neighborhood near you. Bill grouses he can't keep up anymore with who's on the s*** list.
Maher scoffs at the Chris Harrison and "The Bachelor" -- which he calls the "F*** a Stranger Show." And, he says San Francisco has canceled Abe Lincoln. In case you didn't know, back in the day, Lincoln embraced white supremacy ... despite ending slavery.
The 'Real Time' host who detests Trump, is a staunch liberal, an atheist and intolerant of intolerance ... has pretty much pissed off everybody.
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Gorilla Glue Woman Discovers Lump in Each Breast ... During Boob Job Consult
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Tessica Brown's joy after getting Gorilla Glue removed from her hair ... is giving way to a serious scare -- doctors found lumps in her breasts.
Tessica's manager, Gina Rodriguez, tells TMZ ... Tessica's getting a mommy makeover, which includes a boob lift/implants and some abdominal lipo.
As part of a pre-surgery consultation, Dr. Michael Obeng -- the doc who defeated the Gorilla Glue -- examined her breasts earlier this week, and unfortunately discovered a lump in each of Tessica's breasts.
We're told Tessica subsequently had a mammogram which confirmed the presence of masses. She's already had surgery to remove them, and they're now being tested for cancer.
While it's frightening news ... Tessica sees the silver lining.
She feels everything that happened with the Gorilla Glue incident was supposed to lead her to this very moment -- and she's grateful Dr. Obeng found the lumps now, and not further down the road when it might have been too late.
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Stars and Scars You Be the Judge
French Bulldogs Thefts On The Rise ... Get 'Em Microchipped!!!
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Lady Gaga's stolen pups are part of an alarming trend ... French bulldog thefts are on the rise, but breeders say there are a few things folks can do to keep the dogs safe.
Honchos at Francoeur French Bulldogs, a breeder in California, tell TMZ ... stealing Frenchies has recently become a thing -- it's happening in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix -- and they're advising French bulldog owners not to walk their dogs at night.
TMZ broke the story ... dognappers abducted 2 of Lady Gaga's Frenchies at gunpoint this week in Hollywood, stealing them from her dog walker as he was taking them down the street around 10 PM.
Folks at French Bulldog Puppies Los Angeles say they're telling their celebrity clients to be extra careful with the dogs, because thieves know Frenchies are in demand and expensive. We're told puppies can be worth up to $20,000 and older dogs could still fetch $2,500.
Lucky for Gaga, her dogs were returned unharmed Friday night when a woman dropped them off at a LAPD station. Remember ... Gaga offered a $500,000 reward for her dogs' return, no questions asked.
French Bulldog Puppies has a message ... the most important precaution folks can take is microchipping their Frenchies so they can be identified if they're taken to a vet.
Frenchies are small, in-demand and worth a lot of money, which puts a target on their back ... and the owner of French Bulldogs LA says the problem's compounded by the fact the dogs are so friendly they would hop into a stranger's car with no problem.
Stay safe out there, Frenchie folks.
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Lennox Lewis Open To Mike Tyson Rematch 'If the People Want It'
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FEBRUARY 2021
Lennox Lewis says he'd seriously consider getting back in the ring with Mike Tyson for a long-awaited rematch ... but only if there was a serious demand.
"If the public wanted it then we would probably talk," the former heavyweight champ tells TMZ Sports.
Lewis famously KO'd Tyson in the 8th round when they clashed in June 2002 -- despite Tyson making some wild threats in the build-up to the fight (remember, Tyson said he wanted to "eat" Lennox's children!?).
But, after Tyson's incredible performance against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, there's definitely an appetite to see "Iron" Mike get back in the ring.
NOVEMBER 2020
Question is ... who will be Mike's next opponent?! 55-year-old Lennox?
Lennox hasn't fought professionally since a 2003 victory over Vitali Klitschko -- but he admitted he'd consider squaring up with Tyson ... but only if the situation was perfect.
"I don't know. I don't really have nothing pushing me in the ring right now. People would love to see that fight but I don't know."
Our photog asked if a poll on TMZ Sports would help sway the boxer ... who admitted he's curious how that would go.
So, VOTE if you want to see the rematch!