ISRAELI-AMERICAN RAPPER KOSHA DILLZ SPEAKS ON CONFLICT ... 'Show Empathy, You're Not Directly Affected!'
-
Exclusive
- 60 shares
Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz has urged those determined to take a public stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict to show empathy for those suffering -- namely, Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, and Muslims.
Kosha tells TMZ ... Susan Sarandon and "Scream" star Melissa Barrera losing Hollywood gigs as a consequence of speaking out about the turmoil is nothing compared to those directly affected by the war.
As we reported, Melissa joined Susan as the latest Hollywood casualty ... being 86'd from "Scream VII" after sharing controversial statements, including an IG Story where she seemingly alluded to a longstanding trope about Jews controlling the media.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
As per the celeb examples ... Kosha adds: "It goes to show some of the people saying things don't have any skin in the conflict ... because they feel the need to say something, but they're not directly involved."
However, Kosha notes that society has made it acceptable for people to praise the terrorist organization Hamas as "freedom fighters," ... adding he was shocked at the opinions of those he interviewed at both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine rallies.
He met someone who was actually from Gaza ... praising him as the "kindest person" he had encountered.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
"We need a voice for the voiceless ... but not all voices are for the voiceless," he says.
Kosha regularly uses his platform to highlight stories from the war ... denouncing antisemitism and calling for the return of hostages in his single, "Bring The Family Home" ... released days after the Hamas attacks on Israel.
related articles
Doobie In 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' 'Memba Him?!
American actor Larry Hankin was 49 years old when he was cast to play Doobie -- the creepy rock and roll Taxi driver who had a fully decked out cab in Wichita, Kansas -- in the comedy classic film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" back in 1987.
Hankin was part of a dynamic cast aiding to get the principal characters home in time for Thanksgiving including ... Steve Martin as the unfriendly and wealthy businessman, Neal Page and John Candy as the kind and sly salesman, Del Griffith.
Kevin Bacon, Matthew Lawrence and Ben Stein were also in the film!
Happy Thanksgiving!
related articles
Melissa Barrera 'Scream' Firing Response ... I Won't Be Silent On Israel-Hamas War!!!
Melissa Barrera says her firing from the 'Scream' franchise won't silence her ... and she says she's not antisemitic.
The actress responded to her "Scream 7" ouster with a statement on her Instagram story, explaining why she's been so vocal about the war in the Middle East.
Of course, it was Melissa's IG stories that got her booted from the movie in the first place ... after the production company behind "Scream 7" deemed her comments hate-inciting and antisemitic.
In response, Melissa says ... "Silence is not an option for me."
She starts out by condemning antisemitism and Islamaphobia ... and speaks out against hate and prejudice against all people.
Melissa says her Mexican heritage makes her feel a responsibility to use her platform to "raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need."
She adds ... "I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism."
Remember ... Melissa got fired from "Scream 7" for her posts about Israel and Palestine, including one where she seemingly alluded to a long-standing trope about Jewish people controlling the media. In another post, Melissa compared Gaza to a concentration camp.
Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind her firing, says it showed her the door because ... "We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."
Melissa says she wasn't being antisemitic ... and it sounds like she won't sit back and shut up now that she's lost a lucrative movie role over her views.
related articles
'Will & Grace' Star Eric McCormack Wife Files For Divorce
-
Exclusive
- 865 shares
Eric McCormack's wife is pulling the plug on their union after more than two decades together ... because she just filed for divorce.
Hollywood director Janet Holden beelined it to court Wednesday and filed to divorce the "Will & Grace" star after more than 26 years of marriage.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Janet is going with the boilerplate "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split ... and she does not list a date of separation.
Janet is seeking spousal support ... and she wants to end the court's ability to award Eric spousal support. They do not have any minor children together ... as their only son is 21 years old.
Eric and Janet first met in 1994 on the set of the "Lonesome Dove" TV show ... where he was an actor and she was the assistant director. They got hitched in August 1997.
We reached out to Eric's camp ... so far no word back.
related articles
MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE FLOATS AND BALLOONS READY ... Take A Look!
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is only hours away ... and we have some behind-the-scenes pics of several floats and balloons inflating our expectations for the main event.
Dragon Ball hero "Goku" clearly looks to be a showstopper when he takes to the streets of the Big Apple Thursday, and the dynamic "Dino" duo will undoubtedly work to roar its way into everyone's hearts.
There's also some Hollywood making its way into the parade, with the "Good Burger" mobile serving as the perfect appetizer to honor the movie sequel hitting Paramount streaming.
From the "Deliciously Detectable World of Wonka" to the "Igniting Memories" and the enchanting "Palace of Sweets" ... these floats are also set to turn NYC into a festive treat.
Of course, there's also the return of classic crowd favorites with "Mutant Mayhem" and the beloved "Sesame Street" ... proving that some traditions just don't let go.
related articles
Jim Irsay On 2014 Arrest ... Cops Targeted Me 'Because I'm A Rich, White Billionaire'
Jim Irsay says he was targeted by police during his 2014 arrest ... emphatically believing cops were prejudiced against him because he's "a rich, white billionaire."
The Indianapolis Colts owner made the eyebrow-raising statements to Andrea Kremer during an interview with HBO Sports that aired earlier this week.
In their chat, Kremer asked Irsay if his DUI arrest in Carmel, Ind. some nine years ago was a "low point" for him ... and a few seconds later, he sounded off.
Here is the video of #Colts owner Jim Irsay discussing his DUI in 2014 on @RealSportsHBO. There’s footage of a field sobriety test, which he did not perform well.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 22, 2023 @RomeovilleKid
“The arrest was wrong. I had just had hip surgery. … And what? They asked me to walk the line. Are you kidding me?” https://t.co/JPJUVSTBAk pic.twitter.com/yQwdwojcKw
"I am prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire," Irsay told her. "If I'm just the average guy down the block, they're not pulling me in, of course not."
Carmel police had said at the time of the arrest they stopped Irsay for, among other things, driving too slowly as well as failing to use his turn signal. They eventually put him in cuffs after they claimed he failed their sobriety tests.
Dashcam footage from the scene appeared to show Irsay having trouble walking while talking with cops outside of his car. Cops say toxicology results, meanwhile, showed he had multiple painkillers in his system, including oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Irsay, however, still told Kremer, "The arrest was wrong."
"I had just had hip surgery, and had been in the car for 45 minutes," he said. "And what -- they asked me to walk the line? Are you kidding me? I can barely walk at all."
Irsay eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated ... and was sentenced to 1 year probation. He told Kremer he only cut the deal with prosecutors because he wanted to get the case "over with."
For the Carmel Police Department's part, it said in a statement to The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday regarding Irsay's allegations, "We are very sorry to hear that comment about our officers and our department."
"We have a very professional agency consisting of officers that strive to protect our community with integrity and professionalism."
related articles
Ludacris Manager Chaka Zulu Prosecutors Drop Murder Charges
-
Breaking News
- 139 shares
Chaka Zulu won't be charged for the fatal shooting in June 2022 that left one man dead outside an Atlanta restaurant -- prosecutors are dropping the case after Chaka insisted he fired in self-defense.
On Wednesday, Fulton County prosecutors released a statement to WSB-TV outlining their decision not to indict Chaka, who is Ludacris' manager, over the incident.
"The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial ... Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required. Because the defendant is now involved in a pre-indictment diversion program, we will not comment further about the matter at this time.”
TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... surveillance video we obtained showed Chaka and a group of several men, including the slain Artez Benton get into a skirmish outside Chaka's Apt4B restaurant and not too long after, fists were thrown and shots were fired.
Chaka's lawyer Gabe Banks also sent a statement to the local pub ... thanking D.A. Fani Will and her team for their thorough investigation and saying the music industry vet would be focusing on the "nurturing of his family" while also expressing sadness for the loss of life.
In addition to the murder charge, Chaka was facing potential charges of aggravated assault, simple battery and possession of a firearm -- but that's all off the table now.
related articles
Brenda Lee Sings 'RATCT' on Plane Intercom Nice Change of Holiday Pace
We've seen a lot of downright insanity on airplanes lately -- with fights, threats of urination and demonic possession -- so it's super refreshing to see Brenda Lee singing her hit holiday song and bringing some joy to the skies.
The 78-year-old singer was recently the star of her flight when she hopped on the cabin intercom to sing 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' -- her most famous song, and one of the most beloved Christmas-time tracks of all time, with December right around the corner.
The other passengers certainly enjoyed the performance ... and honestly, it was super cute.
Now, in stark contrast to that are other in-flight episodes that have been making news lately -- including one woman wailing and fighting to get back to her seat ... as well as another brouhaha where a woman threatened to take a leak right there in the aisle.
In both of those ugly moments ... you could say there was a major lack of holiday cheer.
Fortunately for the folks on this particular plane, they had Brenda there to help make the flight delightful and nightmare-free.
Here's to more happiness in the skies!!!
related articles
Lil Eazy-E Dad's Street Sign Was Overdue ... Dre & Cube Come Visit Sometime!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.2K shares
Lil Eazy-E thinks his father, Eazy-E's street sign in Compton probably should've come a little bit sooner ... but the day is finally here and everybody's celebratin'!!!
TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Lil Eazy on Wednesday as "Eazy Street" became the newest official order in Hub City. LE revealed he's got big plans for the estate in the future ... including some collab with AI.
The AI idea is just one of the visions Eazy says he's floating to honor his famous father's legacy ... AI tools could prove useful in completing some of the unreleased tracks.
Big Eazy died in 1995 but many of his friends and family were still around to support the street sign ... Alonzo Williams the DJ/club owner who helped launch everyone's career, several of his children -- even his mother pulled up to see her son's tribute.
Also present was original N.W.A. member DJ Yella but the other surviving members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and MC Ren were noticeably absent but Lil Eazy says he's not surprised.
Lil Eazy says Yella was the only one who showed up to the "Boyz-N-The-Hood" rapper's funeral back in the day so he doesn't expect much change-up ... but does say they need to pay a visit to Momma Eazy for holding them down during the early days.
Next up, Lil Eazy says he plans on making a movie about his dad, which he'll direct ... but it sounds like he's coming for that Walk Of Fame spot first -- which he also says is long overdue.
related articles
Celeb Chef Michael Chiarello DIED FROM ALLERGIC REACTION ... Says Coroner
-
Exclusive Details
- 903 shares
Michael Chiarello, a celebrity chef, died from an allergic reaction that set off a fatal chain of events ... this according to the coroner.
The former "Food Network" star's official cause of death is an allergic reaction resulting in anaphylactic shock, leading to a heart attack ... the coroner in Napa County tells TMZ.
We're told Michael's allergic reaction sent him to a hospital, where he was brought back to life only to later die of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy -- a brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow.
The coroner also tells us recent cocaine use was another "significant condition" noted in the final findings on Chiarello's death ... but we're told although cocaine was in his system, he did NOT die from a drug overdose.
As we reported ... Michael died Oct. 7 at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where he was hospitalized due to an allergic reaction.
It's still unclear if Michael's fatal allergic reaction was food-related, or what it stemmed from.
Michael had a long run on TV, with his show "Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello" airing for 10 seasons on Food Network.
The star chef was also featured on hit series like "Chopped," "The Next Iron Chef" and "Top Chef."
He was 61.
related articles
U.S.-Canada Border Video Shows Car Explosion Huge Wall of Flames
-
Breaking News
- 589 shares
update
12:54 PM PT -- It's being reported the 2 people inside the vehicle died.
12:11 PM PT -- Video has now surfaced allegedly showing the moment the vehicle slammed into the border checkpoint, immediately bursting into flames. One witness told a local outlet the vehicle was traveling at a very high rate of speed. Injuries are still unknown.
A car inexplicably blew up at the U.S.-Canadian border near Niagara Falls -- and now, all points of entry are closed as law enforcement swarms the scene to investigate.
The explosion happened Wednesday as a vehicle was crossing into America from up North, and happened at a key checkpoint linking the two countries -- The Rainbow Bridge ... where it went up in flames.
Of course, there was a shockwave too ... and people filmed the aftermath in utter disbelief. Local and federal officials -- including the FBI, are currently on scene. It's unclear who might've been in the car and what sort of injuries were sustained, but the damage to the vehicle involved is significant.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement in the immediate aftermath, saying ... "At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York. I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available."
The nearby Buffalo Niagara International Airport is also beefing up its security protocols out of an abundance of caution.
Originally Published -- 11:31 AM PT
related articles
Mystery Dog Illness Renowned Vet Explains Symptoms And How to Steer Clear
-
Exclusive
- 3.1K shares
There's a mystery illness going around affecting dogs all over the country -- and it can turn deadly if owners aren't careful -- which is why one vet has a lot of good advice to offer.
Dr. Lindsey Ganzer -- a longtime vet and the CEO of North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado -- explained what people can do for their pooches as this inexplicable disease circulates throughout the U.S. and puts doggos under the weather.
The symptoms for this mystery affliction are similar to what humans might consider a common cold -- but in this case ... they tend to linger a lot longer, and in some rare cases -- have even led to doggy death.
Dr. Ganzer has a good explanation for what this new illness is and what it isn't -- notably, she says while it starts out by resembling kennel cough ... it can end up taking a slightly more sinister turn by plaguing canines with pneumonia, if it goes untreated.
Those extreme instances aren't that common ... but it's certainly something to be mindful of. Dr. Ganzer says the scientific community is trying to pinpoint exactly what this is, and whether it's bacterial or not. But, in any case, she has some tips on how to keep dogs healthy.
related articles
Axl Rose Denies Sexual Assault Claim ... No Recollection of Ever Meeting Accuser
-
Exclusive
- 58 shares
Axl Rose is denying a claim of sexual assault that a woman just levied against him in court -- saying it's complete fiction ... and he's never heard a peep about the incident until now.
The rocker's attorney, Alan Gutman of Gutman Law, tells TMZ ... "Simply put, this incident never happened. Notably, these fictional claims were filed the day before the New York State filing deadline expires."
Gutman continues ... "Though he doesn’t deny the possibility of a fan photo taken in passing, Mr. Rose has no recollection of ever meeting or speaking to the Plaintiff, and has never heard about these again fictional allegations prior to today."
Finally, he finishes with this ... "Mr. Rose is confident this case will be resolved in his favor."
In other words, Axl's writing off Sheila Kennedy's allegations as totally made up -- and more importantly, he's suggesting this is only being filed right now to be able to capitalize on a key window regarding the statute of limitations pertaining to alleged sex abuse victims in NY.
TMZ broke the story ... Kennedy detailed an alleged incident she claims went down in 1989, when she says she was partying with Axl ... which she claims turned violent when AR allegedly tied her up and sexually penetrated her anally without her consent.
From Axl's POV ... she's full of it and looking to make accusations on a tight deadline.
related articles
Frontier Airlines Woman Threatens to Pee in Aisle!!! Pulls Down Pants & Squats
A woman on a Frontier Airlines flight threatened to pee in the aisle when a flight attendant blocked her from using the restroom, going so far as to pop a butt-naked squat next to horrified passengers.
Video of the wild incident is, no shocker, going viral ... as it shows the woman telling a plane full of people she didn't "give a f***" about mooning kids and emptying her bladder for all onboard to see.
The woman's trying to make her way to the lavatory but when her path is blocked by a flight attendant, she puts her jacket down on an empty seat, and starts taking off her pants and squats down as if to pee.
For what it's worth, she does say, "Sorry, everybody" ... but then states she's "ready to pee over here" and shocked passengers scream as she starts stripping.
Peepee Patty then stands up and demands to be let into the restroom, as concerned travelers berate her for showing her naked butt in front of kids, sparking a heated argument.
Folks who were there say it all went down on a flight from somewhere in Florida to Philadelphia ... and one passenger is accusing the woman of threatening to kill another person onboard.
It's the second bizarre episode on a Frontier Airlines flight this week ... as we reported, another woman on a flight from Houston to Denver had an epic meltdown with some serious 'Exorcist' vibes.
Holiday travel never fails to entertain!!!
For more viral news, tune in to the TMZ Verified Podcast. Dropping every Thursday on all podcast platforms.
related articles
Ne-Yo Who's Hungry, ATL?!? Serves T'Giving Love To Single Mothers
-
Exclusive
- 1.3K shares
Ne-Yo is no stranger to giving back and this holiday season he's undeniably in his element ... helping out some of the community's most vulnerable citizens.
Ne-Yo was serving food to roughly 150 to 200 people Wednesday at City of Refuge Atlanta ... helping those who came for a Thanksgiving meal and a glimpse of the superstar singer in the flesh.
City of Refuge Atlanta provides shelter to the homeless, victims of sex trafficking, even single mothers with kids getting back on their feet, and provides gym amenities in addition to other wellness programs and employment services.
We're told Ne-Yo also donated a bunch of desserts to sweeten the pot for Thanksgiving -- and 4 of his children helped pass them out.
As we reported in the summer, Ne-Yo and his exes go to great lengths to shield their kids from any of their bickering, making for smooth co-parenting and family outings, in this case ... Teach Your Kids Philanthropy Day!!!
related articles
Tyga Money, Strippers, Stars 🤩 You Only Turn 34 Once ... So I Threw 2 Parties!!!
-
Exclusive Details
- 1.5K shares
Tyga set out to make his 34th birthday legendary and based on this evidence, he succeeded ... twice, with parties in Vegas and Los Angeles this week surrounded by plenty of his celebrity pals!!!
Tyga's first string of celebrations kicked off inside Vegas' Spearmint Rhino strip club immediately after the F1 racing events, in the early hours of Nov. 19 ... and we're told everybody and their momma showed up.
YG, Saweetie, Swae Lee, Future, French Montana, Coi Leray, Odell Beckham Jr., Nav and Russell Westbrook were all Last Kings and Queens that evening!!!
Tyga's longtime bud Lil Wayne didn't want him to shoulder the load alone having to dole out stacks of cash to the strippers in the venue, and made a very supportive appearance ... his and Fat Joe's classic "Make It Rain" anthem clearly still lives up to that title!!!
Sunday was T-Raww's actual birthday and he enlisted the WTB Agency to morph a private West Hollywood residence into a makeshift club "Studio 34" ... disco ball and all!!!
The 2nd shindig was highlighted by cameos from Leo DiCaprio, Chris Brown, Kaytranada, and Bryson Tiller ... and Saweetie, DDG and 310Babii all grabbed the mic for live performances!!!
Looks like an exhausting blast ... but Tyga's gotta go for the 3-peat party to ring in 35 next year.