Lizzo Breaks Down Over Hate/Negativity ... Cardi & Celebs Defend Her

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UPDATE

2:31 PM PT -- Cardi just added more context to the controversy, she wrote, "Rumors is doing great. Stop trying to say the song is flopping to dismiss a woman emotions on bullying or acting like they need sympathy. The song is top 10 on all platforms. Body shaming and callin her mammy is mean & racist as f***."

Lizzo is once again batting off haters who have nothing but mean things to say about her -- but this time, it's truly gotten to her ... 'cause she's in tears on camera.

The singer went live Sunday and broke down over what she says is growing negativity aimed in her direction following the release of her and Cardi B's new song, "Rumors," which Lizzo says amounts to fat-shaming, racism and accusations of catering to white audiences.

Lizzo says that despite trying to put positive energy in the world through her music or posts or whatever, she feels like she oftentimes receives more hatred back than love ... and while she notes that she's got thick skin for that type of thing, it's weighing on her hard now.

She makes a valid point -- namely, that if you're not into her music or persona or anything else about her artistry, just change the dial to something else ... instead, however, Lizzo says she's been noticing people going out of their way to belittle her, and she can't make sense of it.

This is nothing new for her -- Lizzo's dealt with this type of hate since splashing onto the scene, and she's usually pretty good about telling people to kick rocks. She ends doing that here as well, but this video is truly a peek at how hard all the trash-talking is hitting her armor ... and heartbreaking, to say the least. Even Cardi felt compelled to speak up.

She writes, "When you stand up for yourself they claim your problematic & sensitive. When you don’t they tear you apart until you crying like this. Whether you skinny,big,plastic, they going to always try to put their insecurities on you. Remember these are nerds looking at the popular table." Other celebs have come to her defense as well, including Chloe Bailey.

Lizzo says she's going to start focusing on the positive and ignore hate messages she might read about herself on social media and elsewhere -- TBH, that sounds like a great idea.

Originally Published -- 1:47 PM PT

Kabul, Afghanistan Images of Women Painted Over ... As Taliban Takes Over

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The Taliban are continuing to take hold of Afghanistan, and instant changes reflecting their ideology are already cropping up in the nation's capital ... especially as it relates to women.

The so-called religious "students" and their vast discipleship are on the brink of sacking Kabul right now -- with mass evacuations underway among citizens and leaders (like Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, who's said to have fled) but also ... U.S. diplomats and other allies who are stranded at the embassy there, which is basically under siege.

Aside from the utter chaos that's descended upon the area over the past week or so -- it's becoming quite clear that with the Taliban at the helm again, which looks more and more likely by the day, their world is going to look vastly different ... and almost overnight, too.

One example of this that's manifesting this weekend is the fact that posters, billboards and advertising-like images of women in and around Kabul are starting to get painted over completely, presumably at the Taliban's behest. Check out this photo showing exactly that.

The thinking here seems to be in line with what the Taliban subscribes to -- a strict interpretation of Islamic law, which often sees women of its faith being covered up and often relegated to whatever a man has to say. One glance at this, and it would appear the Taliban wants to get the status-quo back ASAP -- unraveling 20 years of a U.S. presence there.

Of course, it's become a political nightmare on our shores -- with Republicans pointing the finger at President Biden for evacuating our troops in recent months. But, his counterpoint was ... well, this is something Trump brokered while in office, and he just followed through.

In the meantime, footage that has surfaced of what's going on on the ground level is shocking. The streets of Kabul are jam-packed with people trying to hit the airport to get outta Dodge. But they're out of luck because commercial flights have reportedly been suspended.

Instead, it looks like only military aircrafts are being used at the moment ... and there's video of people trying to board what appears to be a cargo plane of some sort -- the type that opens up in the back, normally used for transporting massive gear and equipment.

This is just a taste of the scene there, and it's gut-wrenching. Big picture ... some U.S. officials have openly warned what letting the Taliban have its run of the place might mean for national security -- AKA, potential terrorism threats that could arise from this insurgence.

Granted, these aren't necessarily the guys who carried out 9/11, per se -- that was mostly Osama bin Laden/Al Qaeda -- but nonetheless ... the concerns are still there.

Usher 'Bucks' Make Sense Now Hot Pole Dancer Steals the Show!!!

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Usher took major heat earlier this year after being accused of throwing fake money at real strippers -- but when you see this ... his so-called "bucks" are A-OK in context.

Check out these videos taken from one of Usher's Vegas residency shows from this past weekend -- during which an exotic dancer took the stage (and the entire building) by storm after performing a pole routine during Mr. Raymond's "Bad Girl" ... with a club-like set in tow.

The woman's name is Isis (the Goddess) ... and she's half naked on the pole, doing all sorts of flips and tricks in the air, while also twerking and knocking her boots ON BEAT at the same time -- this while Usher and the rest of his fellow performers look on and throw some kinda green her way. Some have speculated that, yes, they might be Ush bucks.

It's all part of the performance for that track, it seems, with the stage design made to be part of a larger set piece highlighting the "Bad Girl" narrative Usher's singing about. So, in this setting -- where the dancing isn't "real," per se -- it's NBD to throw his phony cash. Right???

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Even More 'Bad' MOves

WRONG!!! Or so it seems, anyway, based on some Twitter users' reaction to the clip -- which has since gone viral -- who *seem* to actually be upset that this gal might've been getting funny money thrown at her instead of real bills ... even though she's in on the show.

Whether the so-called outrage over this is sincere or not -- we can easily weigh in and say, the idea of being mad that this dancer wasn't collecting real greenbacks during the show is utterly outrageous. Because, frankly, she's probably collecting way more for her role BTS.

Of course, it's quite possible people are simply giving Usher a hard time (in jest) because of the brief controversy from a few months ago, where a stripper who wasn't part of his show claimed he'd thrown Ush bucks her way instead of real dough ... which he refuted.

Anyway, the dude's residency continues to be a smashing success -- the place is looking packed just about every time he goes on, and celebs have been making a point to come by and catch this one in person. And, with show-stopping numbers like this ... you can see why!

Travis Barker Flies for First Time Since Deadly Crash

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Travis Barker had a momentous day ... flying for the first time since the deadly plane crash 13 years ago that killed 4 people and left him with third-degree burns on 65 percent of his body.

Travis and GF Kourtney Kardashian boarded a plane in L.A. Saturday ... and it had to be a terrifying moment for the Blink-182 drummer who had vowed never to fly again after the crash that took the life of 2 close friends, Charles "Che" Still and Chris Baker, along with the 2 pilots. DJ AM survived the crash but died a year later of an overdose.

Travis understandably seemed hesitant ... he and Kourtney, along with Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, were headed to Cabo, but Travis was an hour late. It's unclear if he was just delayed or had second thoughts, but it must have been gut-wrenching for him.

Years before the 2008 crash, Travis was terrified of flying, and just before getting on the ill-fated jet, he called his dad and said he had a bad feeling about the flight. Although he vowed never to fly again, he recently softened his position and said he might give it another try.

To understand the gravitas ... Travis had multiple surgeries and skin grafts and spent months in a burn unit in tremendous pain. So, getting on a plane again must have been unbelievably emotional and, frankly, scary.

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CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF

That he did, on Kylie's private jet, and the group left for a vacay in Mexico.

All was well, and they're now safely ensconced in Cabo.

Mike Dean I Haven't Left Ye's 'Donda' Album ... It's Fans Who're Toxic!!!

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Mike Dean had the whole music world thinking he might've abandoned ship on Kanye West's forever-delayed album -- but the guy says he seeing it through, despite some weird tweets.

The legendary producer and hitmaker was the subject of a lot of conjecture over the past 24 hours due to what people perceived as warnings signs that things were amiss between him and Ye ... and the whole creative process behind "Donda" -- which still isn't out yet.

Mike had tweeted things like "F*** IT" ... and later responded to a fan who suggested Kanye's entire rollout for this is unhealthy by saying, "Toxic. That's It." He was also posting photos of himself outside, and people took that to mean he'd finally escaped KW's bunker.

After rumors swirled that he peaced out and left "Donda" behind ... the dude finally cleared the air, telling followers that he hadn't quit anything -- and that work on the album continues.

As for all the "toxic" stuff ... Mike has also since clarified that he's mostly talking about incessant fans who are badgering him about the release date, suggesting they themselves are the toxic ones. With that said, he also seems to think the Mercedes-Benz Stadium air might be a little poisonous too, and is just happy to be stretching his legs a bit.

BTW, Mike hasn't been held hostage there by any means -- he's made a point to address that as well in recent weeks.

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WORKIN' THE CROWD

Still, it has been a long and arduous journey to get this record out -- and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight at this point as Kanye continues to hole up in the stadium and burn the midnight oil to tinker with the final product. This, of course, after TWO listening events.

During the latest offering this month, Kanye was seen talking to someone on the phone ... right in the middle of the performance. Dean said it was actually him Ye was talking to ... apparently, over some sort of mixing request, Kanye wanted addressed then and there.

So, yeah ... Mike's been right in the thick of the action for this one -- and considering Kanye's perfectionist attitude toward "Donda," understandable people jumped the gun in assuming MD was fed up. Turns out, though, he's not ... at least not with that part.

Rams vs. Chargers Insane Fight Breaks Out ... Blood Spilled in the Stands

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RAMS RAMPAGE

The Rams lost their game Saturday, and at least one of the fans lost a considerable amount of blood watching it happen ... after an insane brawl broke out in the stands.

Fans squared off during the Rams/Chargers game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood during a preseason game.

The game was close and tension in the stands was palpable during the second quarter. You see two fans square off ... first just jawboning and then the fists start flying, leaving the face of one of the dudes bloodied.

It's unclear what security was doing, but it took them a LONG TIME to mosey over and break up the fight.

The guy in the white shirt -- the one throwing the punches -- was escorted out and the game continued.

The Rams lost 13-6.

Naomi Osaka Donating Prize Money for Haitian Relief ... Following 7.2 Earthquake

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Tennis star Naomi Osaka has stepped up in a big way to help victims of the massive earthquake in Haiti ... she's opening her wallet to provide badly-needed assistance.

Naomi has pledged to donate whatever prize money she wins at next week's Western & Southern Open to the Haitian relief effort.

Naomi, whose dad is Haitian, said, "Really hurts to see all the devastation that's going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can't catch a break," adding, "I'm about to play a tournament this week and I'll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti.  I know our ancestor's blood is strong we'll keep rising."

The massive, 7.2-magnitude quake rocked Haiti Saturday. The casualty numbers are not final, but more than 300 people have died, hundreds have been injured and an untolled numb er have been displaced from their homes.

Naomi has been a fierce advocate of various causes, including mental health and social justice. She wore masks with the names of victims of police violence at last year's U.S. Open.

As for next week's tournament ... she's seeded second. As far as the possible prize money, the winner of the women’s singles tournament will receive $255,220, the runner-up will receive $188,945 and semifinalists will receive $100,250.

YNW Melly Produced New Album From Prison ... Calling Shots Over the Phone

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YNW Melly is facing a possible death penalty as he sits in prison awaiting trial for murder, but he's passing the time by producing an album behind bars.

Sources close to YNW Melly tell TMZ ... the rapper had been working on "Just a Matter of Slime" for the better part of the last 8 months. We're told he spent hours and hours on the phone ... securing collabs with other rappers like Young Thug, Future and Lil Uzi Vert. He's also spent lots of time talking to sound engineers.

Our sources say YNW recorded his verses long before he was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder over the shooting deaths of 2 friends.

YNW has been locked up since February 2019 ... and while he awaits trial in Broward County, Florida -- where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty -- the rapper's been grinding.

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We're told YNW has been listening to arrangements of his music and giving engineers direction on tweaking the vocals.

The rapper hopped on the phone Thursday and someone from his team recorded him from prison ... promoting his new album. We're not sure how well that's gonna go over with the warden.

As for the meaning behind the album title ... here's the story -- YNW had been unable to get a trial date for the murder case due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the courts.

But, with things slowly but surely opening up again, YNW feels it's "just a matter of [time]" until he sees his day in court.

Anti-Vaxx Violence Man Stabbed During L.A. Protest

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The political divide over vaccines just got bloody.

Someone was stabbed Saturday during a massive brawl in downtown L.A. ... in the middle of an anti-vaccine protest.

People on both sides squared off and it didn't take long for fists to fly. The person stabbed is hospitalized in serious condition.

The protesters called the demonstration a "Choose Freedom March." They say they are protesting the "medical tyranny" of mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports ... whatever that means.

As the Delta variant continues to wreak havoc in the U.S., more and more cities and businesses are either contemplating or implementing mandatory vaccination policies. There's a clear move to declare restaurants, concerts, sporting events and other gathering places off-limits to people who choose to turn thumbs down to the vaccine.

As for Saturday's confrontation, there were counter-protesters present, calling their mission "No Safe Space for Fascists" ... they are demonstrating against what they call "violent anti-vaxxers."

The L.A. City Council is considering a law requiring partial vaccination proof before people can enter restaurants, bars, gyms, concert venues, movie theaters and various businesses.

Korn Cancels Concert ... Someone Here Has COVID

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Korn pulled the plug on their concert Saturday night with a vague disclosure ... someone "within the Korn camp" tested positive for COVID.

This is what the band said just hours before the concert was supposed to start ... "Unfortunately, there has been a confirmed COVID-19 case within the Korn camp. The safety of our artists, crew, venue staff, and fans are our top priority, so we must postpone the show tonight."

The concert was supposed to go down at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA.

Korn wants to make good on the concert, saying, "We're deeply sorry for this unfortunate last minute news, but please hold on to your tickets while we work to get your rescheduled date sorted ASAP with Live Nation and the Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe out there. We'll be back soon."

This is now the way of the world ... people get tested and plans abruptly change.

Flea Dances, Performs at Native American Wedding

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NATIVE MOVES

Flea had the time, and the honor, of his life at a Native American wedding ... celebrating the nuptials of 2 close friends.

We're told the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist hit up the Earth Lodge on Thursday night at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, North Dakota ... where Jocy and Trae Little Sky tied the knot.

Our sources say Flea's wife, Melody Ehsani, is good friends with the couple, and this video we obtained shows Flea having a blast during the intimate ceremony ... dancing his face off to a traditional drum beat. He also picked up a bass and performed with another guest who was singing and playing guitar.

Flea posted on Instagram a picture of the couple at the altar and captioned it, "Humbled by the infinite sacred beauty of it all! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @jocy.bird." He also posted several pics and videos proclaiming his love for North Dakota.

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Pretty cool moment when Jocy and Trea were accompanied by their 7-year-old daughter, Ataya, and 5-year-old son, Tokala, as they all walked down the aisle.

BTW, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation -- consisting of 988,000 acres -- is home to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation ... also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes. It boasts nearly 17,000 members ... and historians date its history back around 1000 A.D.

Jake Paul Training With Floyd ... 'Disadvantage' For Tyron Woodley

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Jake Paul says Tyron Woodley training with "The Best Ever" could be the worst thing ever for the UFC star ... telling TMZ Sports it'll be a HUGE "disadvantage" for their fight this month.

Paul and Woodley are set to face-off in the ring in Cleveland on Aug 29 ... and "The Chosen One" has been in the gym with Floyd leading up to the bout -- something Paul believes he'll regret.

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"I think it's a disadvantage for him, actually," Paul says. "Him like hopping around with different coaches, trying to learn different styles. That's not how you progress in this sport."

"Floyd didn't even have a strategy to go in and beat my brother. So, how is he going to tell Tyron what to do?!?"

Paul says the only reason Mayweather's even training TW is because he still feels some type of way about the "gotcha hat" incident ... as well as his jealousy over the YouTube superstar's rising success in boxing.

"He sees what I'm doing in the sport and he wants to put an end to it."

"He's a very greedy guy. He doesn't want anyone to be more popular or more claim than him."

Paul added, "I think he wants to see me lose. He wants to see this whole train get stopped."

But, the 24-year-old says that ain't gonna happen with this fight -- telling us he's gonna give Woodley the Nate Robinson treatment.

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"Tyron don't let your kids this man, you're gonna be in the unconscious on the canvas bleeding out!!!"

"I said the same thing to Nate Robinson and I'm gonna say the same thing to you!"

FYI, fans are actually betting on Woodley to lose ... and you gotta hear why Paul's "not surprised" he's the favorite against a UFC fighter.

Ben Affleck Good Genes or Good Docs?!

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Ben Affleck's good looks are major Deja Vu.

Here's a 30-year-old version of the movie icon making an appearance at his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez's restaurant opening in Pasadena back in 2002 (left). This was the same year the Hollywood power couple worked together to create the classic 2003 rom-com "Gigli."

And, almost 20 years later the father of three ... who is celebrating his 49th birthday today ... has rekindled the twosomes courting status and was photographed earlier this week smiling for very obvious reasons (right).

Ben's been making the most of his birthday month alongside J-Lo with shopping sprees in Capri, Beverly Hills date nights, 85 million dollar house hunting, fine dining with fam at Craig's and even hanging out on set.

The Jen-efits of true love.

The question is ...

'FBoy Island' Star Garrett Morosky Apology Is Coming For Sarah ... A Date is in the Works!!!

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THE DOOR IS OPEN

"FBoy Island" star, or more accurately villain, Garrett Morosky says he's working on an apology for Sarah Emig ... and they're even talking about going on a date to hash things out.

We got Garrett and his fellow so-called "FBoy" Casey Johnson at Alfred Coffee on Melrose and asked Garrett if he's talked to Sarah since the dating reality show's shocking finale. If you're just starting to watch the HBO Max hit, this is where we scream ... SPOILER ALERT!!!

But, if you've seen it already, you know Garrett showed his stripes during the climax when he revealed he preferred a $100k prize over a relationship with Sarah.

Surprisingly, Garrett says the lines of communication between Sarah and him are very much open -- and they even crossed paths this week at a party in Los Angeles.

Garrett hints at a forthcoming apology, and seems to think he still has a shot at getting Sarah out on a date ... telling us he wants to get some alone time with her so he can explain himself. Translation: Once an f-boy, always an f-boy!

If you watched the show you know, the guys just looking to bang chicks were mixed in with genuine nice guys ... and the women had the unenviable task of figuring out who was who.

Garrett shocked Sarah by choosing the money, but producers got the last laugh by telling him the cash would go to a charity of Sarah's choosing.

He says it ended up benefitting an anti-human trafficking org -- and he also revealed being outed as a "FBoy" is NOT doing wonders for his dating life.

Some might call all that a win win.

Yet, somehow, Garrett's still got a chance to get the girl ... or, at least, that's what he wants us to believe.

Stay tuned ...

Valter Silva Rips Into Pool In Portugal!

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This week's Summer Hot Shots come from a poolside paradise in Lisbon where male model Valter Silva stripped off his shirt and revealed his award-worthy abs while sunbathing at the Hotel Selina Secret Garden in Portugal.

When this 28-year-old hunk isn't spreading his good looks during his world travels and sharing the adventures on his Instagram ... Valter Silva spends his days surfing, playing guitar and expanding his career as a new business developer and strategic consultant.

Victor-ious!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2021 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!

Be sure to check back every Sunday this summer to see who's over-heating your computer modem.

'Shang-Chi' Star Simu Liu 'Experiment' Gripe Sparks Debate ... Over 'BP' Comparisons

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The star of Marvel's new superhero movie took offense to Disney calling it an "experiment" -- and now, his anger has roped in "Black Panther" comparisons ... and a larger convo on race.

Actor Simu Liu fired off a scorching tweet Saturday AM that seemed to be in direct response to what CEO, Bob Chapek, had said a few days earlier about the release of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" during an earnings call with investors.

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"AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT"

Chapek was commenting on the fact 'Shang-Chi' -- unlike other Disney theatrical releases this year -- would get an exclusive 45-day window in theaters, as opposed to being released to Disney+ at the same time like other 2021 offerings ... which he said would make for an interesting "experiment" to see how it shakes out at the box office amid the pandemic.

Nothing derogatory about that on its face, it would seem, but Liu didn't take too kindly to the word choice ... 'cause he insists he and others who worked on the film -- other Asian actors, specifically, it appears -- are not part of whatever test Chapek and co. wanna run.

Liu writes, "We are not an experiment. We are the underdog; the underestimated. We are the ceiling-breakers. We are the celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year. We are the surprise." He adds, "I'm fired the f*** up to make history on September 3rd; JOIN US."

Sounds like Liu might've misconstrued what Chapek was getting at ... but his interpretation of the remark might also speak to what fans have perceived about the marketing efforts and enthusiasm over the flick ... or a lack thereof, as some alleged in the days ahead of this blowup.

Some fans who are stoked about getting a first-ever Asian-led Marvel superhero film are sour over the lack of attention in the lead-up to its release, and/or possible box office numbers this movie may or may not generate ... with "Black Panther" juxtapositions springing up as a result. That, in turn, has led to debates over what that thinking actually means.

Others suggest that bringing up 'BP' to gripe about a lack of hype around 'Shang Chi' is actually counterintuitive to inclusivity as a whole ... and some have gone as far as to call it anti-Black. Kinda like bringing something else down just to bring yourself up type of a vibe.

There's a lot of layers to this one, but the point many are making is ... why can't we all eat without taking food out of another's mouth? Also, movie releases in 2021 can't really be compared to big ticket blockbusters of years past. It's a weird year with its own scorecard.

In any case, 'Shang-Chi' is out Sept. 3 ... check it out if you're up for it, looks like a good one.