President Biden's Dog Trainer White House Too Stressful For Pups ... But I'll Get Major Up To Speed
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President Biden's dog trainer says the White House was just too crazy of an environment for German Shepherds used to chilling in Delaware, and they need more training before going back to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. ... and he's the man to do the job.
Mark Tobin -- who trained Biden's dogs, Major and Champ, before -- appeared on "TMZ Live" Tuesday and told a pretty simple story. Joe's pups suffered from culture shock at the White House. They went from a typical, single-family home, to a residence jammed packed with hundreds of strange people and an insane amount of activity.
As you know ... Biden's dogs have been sent back to the family home in Delaware following some aggressive behavior at the White House by Major, including a biting incident. A White House official said the First Lady had been traveling so until she returns the dogs will stay with a family friend in Delaware.
Mark, who runs K-9 Camp Training in Delaware, says he's putting in a call to the Bidens shortly so he can re-train the 2 dogs even before they make their way back to D.C.
Mark has clear ideas on how the dogs -- especially Major -- can feel calm, and that training will take place both in Delaware and D.C.
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'Real World' Star Kevin Powell Race Issues We Tackled in Season 1 ... Came Full Circle for Reunion
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Kevin Powell says his very first season of 'The Real World' 28 years ago foreshadowed many of the racial problems that have been brought to the forefront in America ... bookended by the Capitol riots.
One of the OG stars of "The Real World: New York" appeared on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to explain how the controversial discussions he sparked with his housemates about racism are more pertinent than ever today ... despite the fact no one seemed to take it seriously back then.
He says the cast -- especially his friend, Norman Korpi -- now fully acknowledges he was onto something ... and their discussions are ongoing.
If ya don't know, Kevin and the rest of the original cast reunited to film a 'Homecoming' docuseries ... and cameras were rolling as they witnessed the January 6 insurrection together from their famous NYC loft.
Kevin likens what went down at the Capitol -- along with the recent cases of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd -- to the 1992 Los Angeles riots ... which also occurred when the OG cast was together under one roof.
He tells us the recent events show no matter how much society has progressed, there's still a lot of work to be done ... and he hopes people see how his experience with his 'Real World' co-stars can make a positive impact.
BTW -- "The Real World Homecoming: New York" is available now on Paramount+.
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Piers Morgan Breaks Silence Since Quitting 'GMB' My Late Manager Would Approve!!!
3:24 PM PT -- Piers is speaking for the first time since walking off the set and bidding goodbye to "Good Morning Britain" ... saying his late manager John Ferriter would approve of his move.
12:04 PM PT -- Ofcom -- the UK's media regulator -- says it has launched an investigation into Monday's episode of "Good Morning Britain" under its "harm and offence rules." The media regulator says it received more than 41k complaints following Monday's program.
You'll recall Piers, among other things, said he didn't believe Meghan's claims of racism against the Royal Family.
10:27 AM PT -- Piers Morgan's on-set dustup with a fellow co-host appears to have stung deeper than many realized, because the longtime broadcaster is packing his bags and leaving the show entirely.
A statement was just released with the news, reading ... "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain." It's unclear if he quit or got the boot -- but either way ... PM is OUT.
That's pretty spectacular considering he's been a lead anchor since 2015. Helluva run ... which is now over.
Piers Morgan's throwing up his hands and saying 'good day' on the set of his own show, because a co-host called him out to his face about constantly bashing Meghan Markle.
3/9/21
TV presenter and weatherman Alex Beresford was going in on Piers during a 'Good Morning Britain' segment ... calling his comments about Meghan in the aftermath of her Oprah interview "diabolical" and accusing him of having it out for her no matter what.
Beresford made the point that aside from their wedding day, Meg and Harry haven't much good press at all in the UK -- and he suggested Piers played a big part in that.
Then came the crucial blow that forced Piers' hand -- Beresford seemed to spill some insider info ... saying he knew Piers had been pals with Meghan once upon a time, but that at one point or another ... she cut him off. Beresford implies that's why Piers is always trashing her.
Morgan then got up and said he was done, walking off while Beresford continued going off to others on set.
They totally regret asking for her opinion this morning pic.twitter.com/sQd5WwjmIh
— Luenic Luke (@luenic) March 8, 2021 @luenic
Piers got into another spat over Meghan and Harry just a day earlier with Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, who also took him to task for his one-sided slant against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
BTW, Piers insists Tuesday's walkout wasn't staged -- but did say the chat that followed in his absence was great TV ... so, worth it.
Originally Published -- 6:38 AM PT
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Vanessa Bryant Wins Important Legal Battle ... In Kobe Crash Photos Case
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Vanessa Bryant has just won an important battle in her case against the L.A. County Sheriff's Department ... a judge ruled she can obtain the names of the deputies who allegedly took and distributed graphic photos from the Kobe crash site.
Vanessa alleges that shortly after Kobe, their daughter, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Jan. 2020 ... sheriff's deputies took pictures of the wreckage and the bodies in it and shared the images.
County prosecutors had argued the names of the deputies allegedly responsible for sharing the photos should be kept under seal ... saying it could put the deputies in harm's way.
Vanessa, though, opposed that ... and it looks like she convinced the judge.
U.S. District Judge John F. Walter ruled in favor of Bryant on Monday, according to the LA Times, writing in a ruling, "Although the Court recognizes that this case has been the subject of public scrutiny and media attention and that the Deputy Defendants are legitimately concerned that they will encounter vitriol and social media attacks, such concerns, by themselves, are not sufficient to outweigh the public’s strong interest in access."
The county will have the opportunity to appeal the ruling.
In her lawsuit, Vanessa is seeking unspecified damages, including punitive damages.
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Queen Elizabeth Meghan & Harry's Racism Claims 'Concerning' ... But it's a Private Family Matter
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Queen Elizabeth's approach to dealing with the allegations made by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in their Oprah interview is to keep it in the Royal Family ... and behind closed doors.
According to Buckingham Palace ... the issues raised by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex -- "particularly that of race" -- are "concerning." The Palace says ... "While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."
The Royal Family also says it is "saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan." It's an acknowledgment what Meghan went through with her mental health struggle was real in the Queen's eyes.
The Queen's people add that the ex-senior royals, along with their son Archie, remain "much loved family members." Makes sense, because Harry mentioned he's in regular touch with his grandma and Meghan said she's always been treated warmly by her.
Of course, the mention of Archie in the Palace statement is notable because of Harry and Meghan's claim that a member or members of the Royal Family believed Archie's skin color could potentially be a problem if he was born "too dark."
So far, only 2 royals have been ruled out by Harry -- The Queen and Prince Philip -- and it seems Her Majesty wants to keep any further developments under wraps.
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Lady Gaga Dognapping, Shooting May Have Been Gang Initiation ... Reward not Yet Paid
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The people who stole Lady Gaga's 2 French Bulldogs and shot her dogwalker may have been part of a gang initiation, and the woman who found the dogs hasn't received her $500,000 reward because cops have not yet cleared her ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.
Our sources say ... cops told Gaga NOT to pay the reward she offered unless, and until, they determine the finder had no involvement in the crime. We're told cops don't believe the woman was part of the dognapping, but they're trying to figure out if she had any involvement after the fact.
Again, they don't know she's involved, but they're investigating. We're told Gaga is more than willing to pay the woman if she's cleared by cops.
What's more ... our sources say cops believe the dognapping and shooting of the dogwalker may have been a gang initiation. We're told there have been similar crimes in the L.A.-area recently, and this may well have been the M.O. in the Gaga case.
It's interesting ... if you look at the surveillance video of the crime, Ryan Fischer, the dogwalker, was not even near the dogs when he was shot in the chest. The dogs were to the other side of the dognappers. They could easily have just put the dogs in the car and taken off, yet they chose to shoot Ryan. That lends credence to the gang initiation theory.
The good news ... the dogs were unharmed and safe, but the case is far from over.
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Prince Charles Poses with Black Health Workers ... Amid Royal Racism Claims
Prince Charles has Black friends, or at least Black people who'll talk to him -- that's the image the palace seems to be putting out on the heels of Prince Harry and Meghan's racism claims.
The official Clarence House Instagram account posted a number of photos Tuesday showing the Prince of Wales visiting a place called Jesus House, which just popped up in London as a new vaccination site under the country's National Health Service.
In all of the pics you see Charles yukking it up with both workers and visitors ... all of whom are Black.
The caption reads, "Continuing Their Royal Highnesses’ work to encourage vaccine take-up, The Prince of Wales today visited @jesushouseuk in London." Clarence House also wants us to know Charles is committed, as is Jesus House, to combatting vaccine hesitancy in the Black community.
Now, Buckingham Palace is denying this visit is just about optics, and claim Charles was scheduled to visit over a week ago.
Of course, the Royals certainly knew when Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview was going to air more than a week ago. Also, Charles' last visit to Jesus House was way back in 2007.
So, was this a response to the allegations of racism in the British Monarchy ... and someone in the Royal family being concerned about Archie's skin color?
Well, a reporter at the event did ask Charles about Meghan and Harry's interview, but he was tight-lipped. Just like the Palace has been ... to this point.
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Comedian Paul Rodriguez Undergoes Heart Surgery ... Recovering Well
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Paul Rodriguez -- one of the 'Original Latin Kings of Comedy' -- underwent heart surgery, but the good news is he's on the mend.
A rep for the legendary comic tells TMZ ... Paul recently had quadruple bypass surgery, but is recovering nicely at his home. They add, "Paul wants everyone to know he is grateful for all the amazing care he has received and will be back better than ever very soon."
While it's great to hear he's getting better, it's unfortunate to learn this is the latest setback for the actor/comedian. Just last year, he revealed to FOX26 that a house he'd once purchased for his late parents burned in a fire. The outlet reported that the home was uninsured, so Paul essentially lost the property.
Not only that, but he also told them he'd fallen on hard times financially as well -- saying an accountant he'd worked with for years told him he was nearly "broke."
Paul told FOX26 he was going to try to get back on his feet through a 40-acre lemon farm he owns in the valley.
Here's hoping he bounces back soon.
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Uber Driver Cops Probing After ... Woman Coughs, Rips Off His Mask!!!
11:03 AM PT -- A spokesperson with the San Francisco PD tells TMZ ... after the suspects exited the car one of the passengers reached into an open window and sprayed what is believed to be pepper spray into the car and towards the driver. The suspects fled and cops are now looking for them. SFPD says anyone with information should call its tip line.
A spokesperson for Uber tells TMZ ... the behavior seen in the video is appalling and the rider no longer has access to Uber.
This no-mask "Karen" claims she has COVID-19, yet that didn't stop her from coughing all over her Uber driver, while also snatching his phone and HIS face mask.
Luckily, the Bay Area driver recorded the whole incident ... capturing the woman yelling, "No, f*** the mask," and declaring "I got corona." The driver tried his damnedest to get the woman and her 2 friends out of his car, but to no avail.
As if things couldn't get any worse ... the "Karen" grabs the driver's phone from his dashboard before ripping off his mask.
3/7/21
Through it all ... the driver remained calm, and luckily got his phone back but not before having to deal with a nightmare scenario all too familiar to ride-share drivers everywhere.
The "Karen" -- who goes by keepinupwforeign on Instagram -- went on social media to explain her side of things and said, "This man's plan was to go viral from the beginning instead of just taking us to our destination like wtf.”
She continued, “Idk who going to get out on the freeway or at the gas station in the hood at that with all the stuff I had! He could have said not [to] get in from the beginning period or at least waiting at the gas station for our next Uber but no."
You can see in the video the "Karen" posted she is wearing a mask ... but based on her side of the story it appears the driver's problem was she wasn't wearing a mask before getting into the car, and only throwing one on after getting into an argument that quickly escalated.
Originally Published -- 9:00 AM PT
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Thomas Markle Meghan Wouldn't Have Been Suicidal ... If She Didn't Ghost Her Own Family
MARCH 2021
Thomas Markle says his daughter's mental health struggles were partly her fault, because she chose to ghost the family that could have helped her -- her own family.
Markle appeared Tuesday on "Good Morning Britain" and responded to Meghan's harsh comments about him during the Oprah interview ... in particular his decision to work with the tabloids as a roll-up to her wedding.
Thomas says he's apologized for that over and over, and then went on the offensive ... saying Meghan's psychological problems and loneliness could have been averted if she would have reached out to her family instead of shutting them out of her life.
Thomas took direct aim at Harry, saying he was heartless to him before the wedding as he lay in a hospital bed after suffering a heart attack. He says he had a conversation with Harry -- this was after Harry learned Thomas was dealing with the British tabloids -- and said, "If you had listened to me this wouldn't have happened to you." Thomas said he was so angry at Harry's "snotty" comment he hung up on him ... and that was their last conversation.
A few more items. Thomas said yeah, he's made mistakes, but he's never played naked pool or dressed up like Hitler ... referring, of course, to Harry.
And, he said he does not believe the Royal family is racist and even tried to justify the comment about Archie's skin color.
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Kim Kardashian Feels Like a 'Loser' ... 'KUWTK' Teases Divorce
Kim Kardashian's divorce from Kanye West might not be the sole focus of the farewell season of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" ... but it's definitely gonna get some airtime.
In a trailer for the show's 20th and final season, Kim cries with a wad of tissues in her hand and exclaims ... "I feel like a f***ing loser."
It's presumed since the show was filming for much of the past year that Kim's breakdown is related to the tumultuous times for her and Kanye, as their marital issues came to a head during his 2020 run for President, several Twitter tirades ... and a bipolar episode.
Kim and Kanye aren't getting all the shine -- Kendall wanting kids, Khloe and Tristan considering surrogacy, Kourtney and Scott Disick possibly reconciling and Kris talking about meeting up with Caitlyn Jenner are all topics to look forward to ... based on the trailer.
The final season premieres March 18. Get your popcorn, and some Kleenex, ready.
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BLM Co-Founder Boycott The Royal Family ... They Don't Value Black Lives!!!
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Black lives do NOT matter to the Royal Family ... at least according to a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, who is now calling for a royal boycott.
Opal Tometi, one of the originators of the BLM movement, tells TMZ ... after hearing Meghan Markle's experience with racism within the Royal Family, people should no longer stand with the Royals or the monarchy.
Opal says Meghan and Prince Harry's admission to Oprah, that at least one member of the monarchy wanted to discriminate against their son Archie because of his skin color, makes it clear the Royal Family places virtually no value on Black lives ... and thus, the masses should turn their backs on the Royals like at least one of them did to little Archie.
As you know ... the entire globe has been left to guess who brought up the skin color concerns to Harry, and neither he nor Meghan is ratting them out. The Palace remains silent, though Oprah did offer ... it wasn't Prince Philip or the Queen.
Regardless of who it was, Opal says Meghan and Harry's experience shows just how problematic the Royal Family has been for quite some time, and the world doesn't need to have institutions that treat Black people as if they don't matter.
Remember, Meghan also says things got so bad she contemplated suicide and went to human resources begging for professional help, but she got turned down flat.
Opal says Meghan's experience is what all too often happens with Black people ... they try to go through the proper channels to resolve problems, but then it turns out the issue is with the institution itself.
Eliminating racism from the Royal Family with a boycott won't be so simple ... but in any event, Opal says folks should start believing Black women when they speak up, because Meghan's surely not the only one dealing with racism.
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Pepe Le Pew Creator Chuck Jones Daughter Rejects Rape Culture View ... Cites a 2021 Lens
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Pepe Le Pew was never meant to be interpreted as rape-y, but the times have caught up with him to make it seem that way ... so says the daughter of the guy who first drew him.
Linda Jones -- whose father, Chuck Jones, is credited as the creator and original animator of Pepe and other Looney Tunes -- tells TMZ she strongly disagrees with the notion the suave skunk contributed to rape culture, as suggested in an NYT op-ed.
On the contrary, Linda says she doesn't think anyone who ever watched Pepe was inspired to go out and rape, or even harass, people. She gets pretty literal, saying Pepe never raped another character on the show -- which, okay ... that's a given.
Still, LJ just doesn't think Pepe should be canceled or shelved over this -- because the OG running gag with him was never meant to be predatory ... she says it was more about how much he stunk as a suitor, despite thinking he was desirable.
She does admit Pepe's grabby approach toward Penelope Pussycat certainly doesn't look good by today's standards ... but insists folks who were watching him in the '50s, '60s and '70s were NOT thinking of that dynamic as normalizing rape culture.
RW blogs are mad bc I said Pepe Le Pew added to rape culture. Let’s see.
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) March 6, 2021 @CharlesMBlow
1. He grabs/kisses a girl/stranger, repeatedly, w/o consent and against her will.
2. She struggles mightily to get away from him, but he won’t release her
3. He locks a door to prevent her from escaping. pic.twitter.com/CbLCldLwvR
Perhaps that was wrong or ignorant of audiences back then, she muses, but that just wasn't the vibe, nor the intention -- as she explains her pops, Chuck, was a super liberal dude, and was never out to hurt people. Linda says the purpose of Pepe was pure comedy.
As for axing Pepe from the new 'Space Jam' movie entirely ... Linda tells us that's Warner Bros.'s prerogative -- and that if they choose to give him a break for a while, so be it.
She did suggest something interesting to rebrand Pepe and capture the spirit her father intended -- write him as a perpetual job-seeker who keeps getting rejected, but constantly changes up his routine thinking he's the perfect candidate.
Now that's #progress.
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Rob Gronkowski Releasing Rare Digital Trading Cards ... Cashin' In On NFT Boom
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Rob Gronkowski's gettin' in on the EXPLODING digital sports memorabilia market ... the NFL superstar is releasing his own limited edition, virtual trading cards.
TMZ Sports talked to 31-year-old Gronk ... and the 4x Super Bowl champ broke the news on his new side hustle.
RG -- with biz partners Adam Richman and Joe Silberzweig -- linked up with artist Black Madre, Gronk's good friend ... and created 5 (very limited) trading cards.
But, no cardboard here -- the cards are part of a digital collection Rob's calling his Championship Series NFT Collection.
NFT stands for non-fungible token -- essentially a digital card that can't be duplicated -- and Gronk believes they're the future of the trading card world.
"I think having digital trading cards now is just gonna be unique and it's gonna blow it out of the water. Actual trading cards, I think will always be there, but I think it's leading towards a way where everything's digital."
Trading cards (and all sports memorabilia) have blown up over the last few years. In fact, a 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractors Kobe Bryant rookie card just sold for $1.8 million.
Rob -- starting Thursday at 7 PM ET on crypto marketplace, OpenSea.io -- is dropping 5 cards featuring original, hand-drawn artwork ... celebrating his Super Bowl XLIX, LI, LIII, and LV championships.
Each SB card comes in only 87 editions (Rob's jersey #) ... with the exception of the 5th card -- the holy grail -- a Career Highlight Refractor Card signed by Gronk.
If that wasn't cool enough ... the winner of that card will have an opportunity to go to a Bucs game next season and meet Gronk, in-person.
The cards are only available via auction later this week ... good luck!!
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Kenny Loggins 'Memba Him?!
West Coast song-maker Kenny Loggins cut his teeth in the music business in the '70s in bands like Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loggins And Messina ... but it wasn't until the '80s his solo career shot to the top after Loggins landed a few blockbuster bangers like "Footloose" from the 1984 dance film and the '86 follow-up "Danger Zone" from the high-flying classic "Top Gun."
KL continued to make more music which was featured in movies and TV shows and has tour dates for live performances slated for later this year.
More 'Memba Thems!
Samantha Markle Calls Meghan a Narcissist ... She Lied About Losing our Dad!!!
Meghan Markle's sister is furious the Duchess essentially disavowed her family -- especially their dad -- during the Oprah interview, and claims she's merely playing victim for sympathy.
Samantha Markle went HAM Monday while on the Australian radio show "Fifi, Fev & Nick" ... calling BS on Meghan telling Oprah she'd lost her father because of Royal family pressures.
Samantha said, "When she said 'I lost my dad' -- the world watched as my dad was in interviews wanting communication with his daughter. She didn't lose her dad. She iced her dad!"
MARCH 2021
Samantha didn't pull punches, as she played dime-store psychologist on Meghan, saying ... "I see a narcissistic personality disorder," and suggested Meghan needs counseling.
It gets worse ... she also equated Prince Harry to a kidnapping victim who's falling in love with his captor. Samantha said, “I feel sorry for Harry. He fell victim to her negligence, and I will say sociopathy ... she pulled him away from his family, all of his friends, the life that he knew."
As for Meghan's claim to Oprah that she didn't know anything about the Royals and their way of life -- Samantha claims Meghan studied the UK Monarchy, and even tries to emulate Princess Diana.
Samantha added, she doesn't think Meghan's embarrassed of her family -- she just didn't want them around to expose lies Samantha claims her sister's told.
She thinks Meghan was tired of getting "busted" on stuff in the media ... "So she started playing victim."