Bill Maher Afghanistan Should Teach Us ... America is Virtuous
Bill Maher was true to form Friday night, accusing conservatives of "over-romanticizing" America while liberals do just the opposite ... and his words were blistering.
The "Real Time" host drew a contrast between immigrants who fled brutal conditions in their own country, only to come to the U.S. and hear our own citizens rail against our country ... "If you knew about the country I [immigrants] came from, you'd stop sh**ing on your own."
Maher made a compelling case that conservatives have a monopoly on "I love America no matter what." As he says, it's in their DNA. On the other hand, he says liberals think of America as irredeemable, racist, homophobic, oppressive. He says that's why we can't even find a host for the Oscars ... or "Jeopardy!"
Maher contrasted his experiences with others who make similar critical comments in other countries. He points out an Afghan comedian was tortured and murdered for his comments. By contrast, he notes he's been called out by 2 presidents -- W and Trump -- and the Trump dustup is hilarious. 45 sued Bill for his side-by-side pic of Trump and an orangutan!
And, he had a lot more to say ... that there's a reason an Afghan mother handed her baby to U.S. soldiers to get them out of the country.
Bill's overarching point -- America has big, big problems, but it's not the s***hole some make it out to be.
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Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue Sells Joe Exotic's Old Zoo Property ... Makes Sure it Won't Be a Zoo Again Anytime Soon!!!
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12:58 PM PT -- Joe, through his attorney, John M Phillips, tells TMZ, "Carole is obsessed with me. She has spent nearly 2 million dollars (as she testified under oath) in order to shut me down and sell my zoo for only $140,000."
Carole Baskin's closing the door on Joe Exotic's former zoo for good -- or at least for 100 years -- by selling the property with the stipulation it can't become a zoo again for a century ... and the owners can have nothing to do with 'Tiger King.'
A judge granted Carole's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary control over Joe's former Oklahoma exotic animal park in Wynnewood back in mid-2020 ... to satisfy the $1 million judgment she won against him in their notorious trademark lawsuit.
Carole previously vowed to sell the property on the condition the new owners would not use it as a zoo, and according to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... she did just that.
We got the paperwork showing Big Cat Rescue sold the property formerly known as Joe Exotic's G.W. Zoo for $140k in June to Francisco and Nelly Vazquez.
According to the deed, the Vazquez's are expressly barred from using the land to house exotic animals of any kind -- or as a zoo, wildlife park or menagerie -- for 100 years ... but there's more.
The new owners also can't name any new business on the property after anything related to its 'Tiger King' past ... including Joe Exotic, G.W. Zoo, anything with the word "tiger" or "big cat."
Our photog got Carole and her husband Howard out in Santa Monica where they were promoting a documentary, "The Conservation Game," and they confirmed the sale of the property and even had a suggestion of what it could be used for.
Originally Published -- 3:50 AM PT
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Stars and Scars You Be the Judge
Usain Bolt Tyreek Hill Can't Beat Me In A Race ... Willing To Bet Gold Medal
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Usain Bolt isn't mincing words, flat-out telling TMZ Sports that Tyreek Hill can NOT beat him in a race ... and he's fully willing to prove it on the track!!
And, he'll even risk one of his 8 Olympic gold medals.
We spoke to the 35-year-old track legend -- the fastest man EVER -- about his (good-natured) beef with the 27-year-old KC Chiefs superstar ... and straight-up asked Bolt how the race would go.
"For me I still think I would get him in 40 [yard dash]" ... adding, just to be safe, he'd like the race to be a bit longer -- something like 70 yards.
Somewhat surprisingly, Usain -- who retired in 2017 -- says he'd have to ramp up his training before racing Hill.
"I definitely gotta train. He's been working out. I work out too, but I would have to step up my training."
Bolt added ... "Remember, I retired for a while, so I still gotta get my legs going again, know what I mean? I still got speed, but I gotta get it going."
FYI, Hill -- aka Cheetah -- is considered by many to be the fastest player in the NFL.
In fact, Tyreek reportedly ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day ... and has allegedly clocked a super-impressive 10.19 in the 100m.
With that said ... Bolt holds the world record in the 100m -- having run a blazing fast 9.58 seconds in 2009.
As for having some skin in the game ... Usain says he doesn't believe Hill would have the you-know-whats to put his Super Bowl LIV ring on the line.
"I don't think he would [risk his SB ring]. He has one. He's probably scared."
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Doug Ellin I'm Ready To Reboot 'Entourage' ... But I Need Wahlberg!!!
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"Entourage" creator Doug Ellin says it's about time his famous show got the reboot treatment ... and he's got the main cast on board for another go around ... but it's Mark Wahlberg who Doug needs to make it happen.
We got Doug leaving his "Hollywood Wayz" podcast Friday in Los Angeles and asked if "Entourage" is going to get a second life like a lot of shows from the same era.
Doug says he's gotten word Adrien Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara are all down to reboot the HBO series ... and he's written lots of new material.
It sounds like the ball is in HBO's court right now ... Doug says there haven't been any formal meetings but he's ready to pitch HBO honchos and just needs Mark Wahlberg to make a call to HBO to get the ball rolling.
Doug's happy to point out "Entourage" was well-received by lots of folks, including Barack Obama, during its first run ... and he thinks a reboot will do just as well.
It's been 10 years since "Entourage" dropped the curtain ... and Doug tells us what would be different about the show, and what would stay the same in a potential reboot.
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'Instant Hotel' Star Jannine Barossa Dead at 61
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Jannine Barossa -- one of the stars of the hit Netflix show "Instant Hotel" -- has died.
Jannine passed away peacefully ... surrounded by family, including her husband, Mark, and daughter, Hollie. The cause of death is currently not known, but it appears she was suffering from some sort of ailment because her death notice ended with "free from pain and suffering." She died June 21.
The bed and breakfast she and Mark ran paid tribute to her on Facebook and said she'll "be forever missed by her loving husband Mark, daughter Hollie, Family, Friends, B&B Guests and fans of 'Instant Hotel' worldwide." The tribute also included a poem.
Jannine and Mark were fan favorites on the Australian-based show, where homeowners compete for the title, best "Instant Hotel," by staying overnight in one another's rentals and rating their experiences.
The couple ran what the show described as a "Unique Retro Home." The hotel slept 8 people with 2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 2 bathrooms that ran around $800 per night.
Though the couple was beloved ... they were eliminated in episode 2 of season 1.
Jannine was 61. RIP.
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What's The Big Frigin' Difference?
Don't let these two almost identical images of Bella Hadid have you feeling confused! Take a real close look at the photos here and see if you can spot any of the sneaky switches that have been made to trick ya!
The model was seen out and about while running errands in London, England earlier this week ... and we have made a few changes to the original pic! Use your detective skills and see if you have what it takes to find the differences between these two super similar snaps!
**HINT -- There are THREE differences in the above photographs!**
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Celebrity Yearbook Photos ... Guess Who!
It's clear that before these kiddos were making a name for themselves, they were just a couple of kids focused on their studies!
And, with school in session again, it seems like the perfect time for a throw-back to school moment ... So we're taking a trip down memory lane to see what these famous faces looked like when class was in session!
Flip through these celebrity yearbook photos and put your celeb skills to the test by seeing if you can guess which one of your favorite stars shared the school snap!
A+!
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Erika Jayne Sued for $25 Million In Estranged Husband's Bankruptcy Case
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Erika Jayne's estranged husband's legal problems are now an even bigger problem for her -- she's been sued for $25 million by the trustee handling Tom Girardi's law firm's bankruptcy case.
According to the suit ... "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star's accused of knowingly allowing Girardi's firm to pay for her expenses for 12 years, so the trustee now wants her to pay it all back.
The "XXPEN$IVE" singer's company, EJ Global, allegedly used her estranged husband's firm to cover her American Express bill, pay assistants and have a glam squad ... all totaling up to the whopping $25 mil.
The trustee suing Jayne says that even if she claims to have not been aware of Girardi's financial issues, "it would be a miscarriage of justice if [she] was allowed to simply walk completely free of owing over $25,000,000 to the Estate."
The trustee's asking the court to order her to pay it all back to the estate, plus interest ... according to Page Six
As we reported ... Girardi's moved into a senior living facility amid his legal issues, health issues, divorce, being disbarred and being forced to auction off a lot of stuff from his law offices to cover his debts
Meanwhile, on a recent 'RHOBH' episode, Erika tearfully denied that she filed for divorce as a "sham" way to hide assets, something she was already sued for as well.
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Chrissy Teigen I Was Ready To Break Down My Wall To Save My Pet Hamster!!!
Chrissy Teigen admits everything she does is a little extra, and that's why she was ready and willing to break down a wall in her home to rescue her pet hamster, Peanut Butter.
We got Chrissy leaving Brighton Medical in Los Angeles on Friday and asked her about her pet rescue mission, which saw her save the family hamster after it went missing.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Chrissy says she has the best hearing on the planet, and her senses led her to a wall in her Beverly Hills home where Peanut Butter was trapped.
She busted open part of the wall to free her pet, and Chrissy tells us she was ready to do even more home damage with her hammer.
Chrissy's able to laugh about what she calls a "debacle" now ... because the wall's repaired and Peanut Butter is out of harm's way.
While her pet got out from a dark place, Chrissy is still in the "cancel club" ... and she tells us why it's a journey and sheds light on what it's going to take to get her out.
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Kanye West Just 13 People Vaxxed at Chicago 'Donda' Event
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Kanye West may have put on a buzz-worthy show in Chicago for his third "Donda" listening event, but the showing for vaccinations wasn't great ... only 13 attendees got the shot.
A spokesperson from the Illinois Department of Public Health tells TMZ ... 13 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to guests at Soldier Field Thursday Night.
A rep for the venue previously told us 1,500 doses would be available ... so a very low percentage went into arms.
On the bright side -- at least for those who are not anti-vaxxers -- 13 is an increase from the 4 vaccinations at Kanye's last listening party in Atlanta, which had 40,000 people in attendance.
As for the Chicago show ... attendance was 38k, but attendees were not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter. So, considering the percentage of Illinois' population who have had at least one dose is just above 65 percent ... ya gotta think there were way more unvaccinated people there than 13.
Oh, and look at these lines ... not a lot of social distancing going on.
Kanye's "Donda" event 3.0 had a lot of interesting moments though ... from DaBaby and Marilyn Manson being his controversial guest performers, to Kim Kardashian showing up in a wedding dress.
AUGUST 2021
Never a dull moment.
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Kendall Jenner Next Stop on PDA Yacht Trip ... Amalfi Coast With Devin!!!
Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are full steam ahead as they try to make out on every stretch of sea in Italy ... and this time the PDA is going down off the Amalfi Coast.
The supermodel and the NBA star took their yacht to Positano to kick off the weekend, with Kendall showing off her curves in a skimpy black bikini to work on her tan.
Kendall made sure to avoid tan lines on her back, going topless as Devin kept a close eye on her as she lay face down. Naturally, they made out.
The vino was flowing as the couple enjoyed a nice spread on the deck and took a soak in the hot tub. Devin even hopped off the top level of the yacht, splashing down and probably giving his NBA bosses a heart attack.
As you know ... Kendall and Devin have been trekking through Italy on the yacht, with their latest PDA pit stop taking them to Sardinia. They've been inseparable since Devin's gold medal at the Tokyo Games, starting with a lake boating trip and a boozy lunch in the States.
Check out the gallery ... what's yacht to love?!?
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SIRHAN SIRHAN RFK ASSASSIN GRANTED PAROLE
Sirhan Sirhan, the man who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy, is one very large step closer to getting out of prison ... because he's just been granted parole.
Sirhan got the news Friday, finally getting the green light in his 16th parole hearing. This was the first time Sirhan faced no opposition from prosecutors. Two of RFK's kids, Robert Kennedy Jr. and Douglas Kennedy, supported parole.
While he's been granted parole, it's going to be a while longer before 77-year-old Sirhan walks free ... there's still a few hurdles, including a 150-day review period and the possibility the Governor overrules the parole board's decision.
As you know ... RFK was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in L.A. the night he won the California Presidential Primary in 1968. Sirhan shot Kennedy in a kitchen pantry, moments after RFK declared victory.
Sirhan was subdued and disarmed by Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, former pro football player Rosey Grier, along with authors Jimmy Breslin, Pete Hamill and George Plimpton.
Sirhan was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, but 3 years later his sentence was commuted to life in prison after the California death penalty was ruled unconstitutional.
If he gets out, Sirhan says he'll live with his brother in L.A.
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Travis Barker Flies To Italy With Kourtney ... For Romantic Vacay
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Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian are becoming quite the jet-setting couple ... now halfway around the world for a romantic getaway in Italy.
Trav and Kourt spent their Friday lounging on a beach in San Fruttuoso. The small town in Genoa is off the beaten path ... and that's where Travis and Kourtney took a small boat to shore ... likely a tender which is attached to a yacht.
They took a dip before getting in some cuddling time on a lounge chair. The two have made a point to bring their kids along on several trips, but this one appears to just be for the lovebirds.
The Italian getaway is the second international trip for Travis and Kourtney in as many weeks ... as we first told you, they jetted down to Los Cabos from Los Angeles earlier this month, marking it the first time Travis boarded a jet in 13 years since the fatal jet crash.
Travis and Kourtney have known each other for years and they were super close, and judging from these and other recent pics, their relationship has taken a serious turn.
Arrivederci.
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Rev. Jesse Jackson COVID Symptoms Improving ... But Parkinson's is Worse
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Rev. Jesse Jackson's COVID-19 symptoms are abating while his battle with Parkinson's is becoming more of a challenge ... this according to his family.
Jackson's son, Jonathan, just provided a health update on his parents, also revealing his mother, Jacqueline, is still in the ICU fighting COVID. Thankfully, she's breathing on her own but she's still receiving oxygen.
Jonathan says Rev. Jackson's Parkinson's has gotten worse, so he's been transferred to Chicago's Shirley Ryan Ability Lab where he'll immediately begin intensive occupational and physical therapy. Jacqueline will remain at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
According to Jonathan ... both of his parents are receiving excellent medical care, but he's asking for prayers as they deal with the deadly virus and other issues. He's also pleading with everyone to get vaccinated.
As we reported ... Rev. Jackson revealed he has Parkinson's disease in late 2017, and the 79-year-old civil rights activist has had other medical issues recently.
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Dog the Bounty Hunter Files for Marriage License ... Family Drama Can't Stop Wedding Bells
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Dog the Bounty Hunter's moving forward with his wedding to Francie Frane despite the rift with his daughters ... because TMZ's learned he just filed for a marriage license.
According to a filing with the recorder's office ... the reality TV star filed for the license Friday in Colorado.
Dog and his fiancee are scheduled to wed September 2, but the upcoming nuptials have not been without controversy. We broke the story ... 2 of Dog's daughters -- Bonnie and Cecily Chapman -- have not been invited to the wedding, and the back-and-forth between Dog and the women has gotten ugly.
Bonnie -- Dog's biological daughter with his late wife, Beth Chapman -- claims it's because of her support for racial equality and BLM, along with her continued work with UnleashedTV -- the network that canned her dad this year.
Dog fired back ... Bonnie and Cecily have been brainwashed and this is all a misguided attempt to derail the wedding.
As for Dog getting remarried after losing Beth to cancer in 2019 ... he says it's a decision that's weighed heavily on him, but the Bible approves.