'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' BIG BUCKS FOR TEEN STAR MICAH ABBEY ... $5K Per Day? Cowabunga!!!
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Micah Abbey not only kicked butt in this year's animated reboot "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" ... but the 16-year-old also made big bucks doing so.
According to his minors contract, obtained by TMZ, the teen star was bringing in the dough ... earning $5,000 a day for each recording session to voice the role of Donatello, with a guaranteed payday of $50K!!!
According to the contract, Micah could've scored much more from bonuses, including another $225K if the movie had hit $300M at the domestic box office.
It ended up grossing around $118M domestically, so, no bonus round for Micah.
Despite not hitting the huge box office target, the movie -- which also starred John Cena, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne -- was largely received as a treat for most fans, who've given it a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
And, as for talented teen Micah ... the checks will continue rolling in as he's reprising his role for the "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series .. hitting Paramount+ next year.
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UFC's Gilbert Burns Cleared To Return Wants Colby Covington Next
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Gilbert Burns is back.
6 months after tearing multiple muscles in his left shoulder during his UFC 288 scrap with Belal Muhammad, Durinho tells TMZ Sports he's ready to climb back in the Octagon, and he knows who he wants to fight!
First, the injury.
"I'm clear. No pain. Shoulder is moving good. All range of motion is back. Strength," Gilbert says, "I'd say anything March or April, UFC 299 or UFC 300, I'll be ready to go."
As for who Gilbert wants in his return fight, he has an opp in mind ... though much could change with the upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 296.
"I would love to fight Colby [Covington]," Burns said of the number 3 ranked contender, who will face champ Leon Edwards on December 16.
"I think Leon Edwards is gonna get the win, but who knows when he's gonna come back. Or when either one of these guys is gonna come back. That would be my number one pick."
Whatever happens at 296, Gilbert will see it with his own two eyes ... 'cause he says he'll be at T-Mobile Arena.
"I think after that night I'm gonna see who I'm fighting next."
Of course, Burns lost by unanimous decision in May ... when he was injured early in the fight. Because of the circumstances, it's tough to say who would've won if GB didn't get hurt, unless you're Gilbert. He's totally confident he would've kicked Belal's ass.
"100% me healthy, I would destroy Belal Muhammad and I would get that win back. I don't know if it's gonna happen right now, but it's gonna happen," and Burns says that'll show everyone, "that I'm way better than him."
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Glenn In 'The Wedding Singer' 'Memba Him?!
American actor Matthew Glave was 35 years old when he was cast to play Glenn -- Julia's cocky, wealthy and deceitful fiancé who gets handsy with other women and goes head-to-head with a wedding singer -- in the romance/comedy film "The Wedding Singer" back in 1998.
Matthew hit the big screen with Hollywood legends like Adam Sandler as the wedding singer who helps Julia and (an absent) Glenn plan their wedding, Robbie, Drew Barrymore as the New Jersey waitress who wants to find love, Julia and Christine Taylor as Julia's cousin and bestie, Holly.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE TEEN DEAD AFTER BALCONY FALL
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Tragedy struck on the high seas as a passenger tragically died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
A passenger tells TMZ that a 16-year-old boy lost his life after falling from the balcony to the deck Saturday ... as the 'Allure of the Seas' vessel headed from Port Canaveral in Florida to Nassau, Bahamas, in the early hours. It’s unclear if the fall was accidental.
We're told extensive efforts were made to save his life ... with an announcement urging passengers to donate blood at the medical tent.
However, a source with knowledge tells us the boy passed away later at the hospital ... not on the ship.
Photos we obtained also show the aftermath of the devastating scene ... with caution tape on the balcony and a tent on the deck visible.
A rep from Royal Caribbean tells TMZ, "We are saddened to learn of the passing of a guest, and our hearts go out to the family. Out of respect for them, we won't provide any further comment."
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DON LEMON BACKS ELON MUSK'S ISRAEL VISIT ... 'PR Move Or Not, I Think It's Really Smart!'
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Don Lemon is backing Elon Musk's trip to Israel ... after the tech mogul touched down in the Middle East Monday to survey the destruction left behind by Hamas.
The ex-CNN host landed at LAX Monday, telling us it's possible the billionaire's trip could be seen as damage control after he was accused of being antisemitic. However, Lemon believes Elon will still learn something worthwhile -- PR move or not.
In case you missed it, Elon wrote on X there was "truth" in a post that suggested Jews hate white people ... obviously getting a ton of heat in the process.
Don believes the more Elon sees during his trip, the better ... including the damage inflicted by Israel in Gaza -- only warning he should only visit if it's safe to do so.
While Elon is a divisive figure, Don notes his contributions to electric vehicles and space industries have made him influential in world history -- so naturally, it should be a good thing for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show him around his country.
Government officials joined Elon during a tour of the wreckage of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in one of the targeted villages that day.
EM's trip comes during a brief window of opportunity, with Israel and Hamas agreeing to a temporary ceasefire as they negotiate the release of hostages and the delivery of aid to Gaza.
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D.L. Hughley T.I. & Tiny's Son Insulted Them ... Only Roaches He Knew Were Paid Actors!!!
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D.L. Hughley's advising T.I. and Tiny's son, King, to listen to a voice of reason, and understand why his meltdown during an Atlanta Falcons game is "embarrassing" to his parents.
TMZ Hip Hop caught up with D.L. Monday at LAX, where he called King's outburst -- insisting he grew up half-poor -- absolutely "insulting" to Tip and Tiny's lifetime accomplishments.
The full video of Ti Son, King, speaking how he grew up in the hood and how he stood on business… Ti and his mom insists he grew up in a gated community and sucked his pacifier til 12 years old pic.twitter.com/CBl9KVjLwd
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) November 27, 2023 @Akademiks
ICYMI, King ended up in his father's headlock inside their luxury suite at Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- the end result of King claiming he knew about the trap life from growing up at his grandmother's house, and even experienced roaches crawling on his face.
D.L. says King grew up a reality star via VH1's "The Family Hustle," and says any roaches he encountered were actually paid actors!!!
As a father himself, D.L. thinks King's words cut even deeper than they seemed in the video. He says all decent parents take pride in their kids being fed and clean, and D.L. says King's childhood passes that test with flying colors.
D.L. tells us his own kids wouldn't dream of spewing any such disrespect -- he says they're older and know better.
King was still fuming on social media -- a day after squaring off with his parents -- but D.L. is certain he'll eventually come around and see how silly this all is.
He's rich, for crying out loud!!!
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Disneyland It's a Small (And Naked) World ... Guest Immediately Booted
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update
11/27 5:49 PM PT -- We've obtained video showing the 26-year-old streaker being swiftly carried away from the "It's A Small World" ride by police ... all while hog-tied and completely nude. They attempted to cover the man with a blanket as they carried him through the park ... to no avail.
11/27 10:34 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us the 26-year-old man was arrested for indecent exposure and being under the influence. He was then taken to a hospital to get checked out ... but was eventually booked for the two misdemeanors.
4:53 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... this wayward guest was immediately removed from Disneyland following the incident. In other words, he's long gone.
A streaker stripped down at Disneyland and started crawling all over the place during the 'It's a Small World' ride ... this while folks were stuck in their boats and staring in shock.
Check out these wild videos that are making the rounds online right now ... apparently, this happened within the past couple hours or so -- although it's a little unclear what exactly precipitated this. In any case, it left guests with their mouths open ... rightly so.
From what we can gather from reports/accounts, the attraction was shut down for a bit Sunday -- and, apparently, during that pause ... this fella hopped out of his boat, undressed and started monkeying around near the actual robots and all the elaborate set pieces.
In one video, you can hear somebody yelling at him to stop and get down ... warning him of the danger he was dabbling in. Of course, he didn't listen ... and kept on scurrying about.
I AM ON SMALL WORLD AND THERE WAS A STREAKER, I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING pic.twitter.com/AeP7fiuvwI
— Ashley Esqueda, Christmas Bauble (@AshleyEsqueda) November 26, 2023 @AshleyEsqueda
At some point, somebody snapped him outside of the ride ... and it looks like he went for the full birthday suit look out in the sunshine.
The jury's out on whether this man has been apprehended yet ... but ya gotta imagine it's only a matter of time. We've reached out to Disneyland for comment, so far no word back.
Shield your eyes, children ... there's naked weirdos roaming, and they're baring it all!
Originally Published -- 4:23 PM PT
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Derek Chauvin Family Still Clueless Over Prison Stabbing Details
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Derek Chauvin's loved ones remain in the dark over what exactly led to him getting stabbed in prison as well as his current condition -- and they're furious over it ... so says his lawyer.
Attorney Gregory M. Erickson -- who reps Chauvin -- tells TMZ the guy's immediate family still knows absolutely nothing about Chauvin's stabbing ... including how it happened and who did it.
Erickson says he spoke to one of Chauvin's relatives Monday ... and tells us a prison official contacted Chauvin's father to confirm he was in stable condition -- but no further details were provided whatsoever, which is frustrating the family.
Obviously, the media has been all over the story ... and the family has had to get their updates from news reports, which Erickson says is unjust and cruel.
He tells us he points the finger directly at the federal facility in Tucson, AZ -- where Chauvin is currently being held -- for being slow to the draw on updating his next of kin ... and for a lack of transparency in general.
Not just this ... but Erickson says the prison should've prevented this stabbing from happening in the first place -- noting Chauvin is the most high-profile person in custody since, arguably, O.J. Simpson ... and that any other inmate getting near him should've been kept at bay -- if not completely frisked to make sure weapons stayed far away.
Since the stabbing Friday ... Gregory adds he's attempted to contact prison officials 8 times, to no avail. As far as next steps -- Erickson says he and the family will weigh their legal options if they don't get more answers soon ... but it's unclear what those may be.
A Bureau of Prisons rep refused to discuss Chauvin's situation for privacy/safety/security reasons. But, they noted to us ... "we can inform you generally that the Federal Bureau of Prisons takes seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody, as well as maintain the safety of correctional employees and the community."
Chauvin is serving a lengthy sentence of more than 22 years behind bars after being convicted of murdering George Floyd.
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TIFFANY HADDISH VOWS TO GET HELP AFTER BH ARREST ... No More DUIs For Me
Tiffany Haddish is getting serious about her early morning DUI arrest on Friday -- a major shift in tone after briefly responding comically during a stand-up set less than a day later.
In a new interview, the actress admits she needs to "get help" to "learn balance and boundaries" in the aftermath of her second DUI -- the first coming in January 2022 -- vowing "this will never happen again."
11/23/23
The "Girls Trip" star told ET's Kevin Frazier about the events leading up to her arrest ... saying she dozed off in her Tesla after a long Thanksgiving day of feeding underprivileged people and performing at L.A.'s Laugh Factory -- not realizing her vehicle had blocked off a portion of the street after parking itself.
TMZ broke the story as part of Tiffany's arrest unfolded on camera ... with cops throwing her in handcuffs and escorting her to the back of a police car in Beverly Hills ... booking her on suspicion of DUI.
But, less than 24 hours after her stint in a jail cell, the star honored a scheduled gig in Long Beach ... freshening up her set by weaving in a joke inspired by her arrest.
But, despite leaning into comedy to address the bust, afterward, Tiffany steered clear of any more dramas ... opting for the passenger seat instead of driving home after the set.
We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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WWE Legend Tammy Sytch Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison ... For Fatal Car Crash
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WWE legend Tammy Sytch has been ordered to spend roughly the next decade and a half in prison for her role in a 2022 car crash that killed a 75-year-old man.
Sytch learned her fate inside of a Volusia County courtroom on Monday morning ... three months after she pled no contest to, among other charges, one felony count of DUI causing death.
Happening Now: former WWE star & Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch is in court for sentencing. She pleaded no contest for a 2022 fatal crash where police say she was driving drunk. She faces up to 25 years in prison. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/lat4ZuSUZ8
— Molly Reed (@Mollyreednews) November 27, 2023 @Mollyreednews
Sytch -- wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles on her wrists -- addressed the courtroom for a few minutes during the hearing, which lasted several hours and featured testimonies from people affiliated with the case, including a medical expert who evaluated the former wrestling personality in the spring.
Sytch broke down in tears during her speech and apologized for her actions. At one point, the 50-year-old also turned to the victim's family and said, "I know my words are not enough but please know that I think about you every day."
When the judge ultimately sentenced her to 17 years in prison, Sytch appeared stoic -- before she was taken out of the courtroom by officials.
Sytch -- also known as "Sunny" in the ring -- has been locked behind bars since May 2022 ... after prosecutors claimed she drunkenly slammed her car into Julian Lasseter's, killing him during a horrific March 2022 crash in Florida.
According to authorities, Sytch barreled into Lasseter while he was stopped at a traffic light. They alleged that at the time of the wreck, she had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
Sytch was hit with eight total charges over the incident ... and, at first, she pled not guilty to all of the charges, though she changed her pleas in August after reaching an agreement with prosecutors.
Following the plea deal, she had been facing a prison sentence of up to 25 years.
The judge also said during Tuesday's proceedings that Sytch will be required to serve 8 years of probation following her prison sentence ... and her driver's license has been permanently revoked.
The case was not the first time Sytch -- who was elected into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 -- had been accused of drinking and driving ... she had previously been arrested at least six times prior for impaired driving.
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Sports Illustrated Writers 'Horrified' By AI Accusations ... Demand Answers
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3:25 PM -- The Arena Group just released a statement on the matter ... insisting allegations that it published AI-generated articles on the Sports Illustrated platform are simply "not accurate."
"The articles in question were product reviews and were licensed content from an external, third-party company, AdVon Commerce," The Arena Group said. "A number of AdVon’s e-commerce articles ran on certain Arena websites. We continually monitor our partners and were in the midst of a review when these allegations were raised."
"AdVon has assured us that all of the articles in question were written and edited by humans. According to AdVon, their writers, editors, and researchers create and curate content and follow a policy that involves using both counter-plagiarism and counter-AI software on all content."
"However," the statement continued, "we have learned that AdVon had writers use a pen or pseudo name in certain articles to protect author privacy -- actions we strongly condemn -- and we are removing the content while our internal investigation continues and have since ended the partnership."
The human writers at Sports Illustrated say they're appalled by allegations that their upper management has posted AI-generated articles on their platform ... and now, they're demanding answers.
Futurism dropped a bombshell report on Monday alleging SI, for months, has been using AI to create fake authors as well as content.
The outlet reported Sports Illustrated would use images from a site that produces AI-generated headshots for fake author pages, and then would attribute stories to them. At times, according to the report, the stories would be AI-written too.
In a scathing statement released later Monday afternoon by SI's writers -- who call themselves the SI Union -- they said they were "horrified" by the report ... and they now want action from their parent company, The Arena Group, ASAP if it's all found to be true.
"We demand answers and transparency from Arena Group management about what exactly has been published under the SI name," the SI Union wrote. "We demand the company commit to adhering to basic journalistic standards, including not publishing computer-written stories by fake people."
The Union also said in the statement they "deplore being associated with something so disrespectful to our readers."
Our response to today’s story from @futurism reporting that The Arena Group has published AI-written stories by fake people under the Sports Illustrated name: pic.twitter.com/QcR4iGOi5w
— Sports Illustrated Union (@si_union) November 27, 2023 @si_union
"For nearly 70 years, SI staff members have held themselves to the highest possible ethical standards," they continued. "As members of the SI Union, we are proud to be part of that legacy and work every day to protect it. We expect management to do the same."
According to Futurism, The Arena Group did not respond to questions about the alleged fabrications ... though the outlet claims "all the AI-generated authors disappeared from Sports Illustrated's site without explanation" after it reached out.
Originally Published -- 2:52 PM PT
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Elon Musk Surveys Hamas Fallout in Israel ... Amid Antisemitism Claims
Elon Musk is in Israel right now and seeing the destruction left behind by Hamas with his own two eyes -- and it seems like he's doing this to combat accusations of antisemitism.
The techie billionaire touched down in the Middle East Monday, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government officials as they toured the wreckage of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in one of the targeted villages that day.
Musk was taken to a specific home in this village -- known as a kibbutz there in Israel -- and it's said to be where a 4-year-old American-Israeli girl was taken hostage by Hamas.
As EM was being shown the aftermath -- burned homes and destroyed buildings/roads -- a baby's crib was displayed with bullet shell casings inside ... which his translator/guide says came from weapons used to fend off the attackers and to protect the Israeli citizens.
Elon took it all in and listened attentively -- even snapping some photos as they passed all the wreckage throughout this particular kibbutz. While it was most certainly a somber and serious moment ... some couldn't help but notice something peculiar about his appearance.
Of course, we're referring to the fact that Elon was wearing a bulletproof vest -- as was everyone else in the group ... but his looked rather small on him, almost humorously so.
It goes without saying ... this visit is no laughing matter, especially for Elon -- who's under fire for what was a recent embrace of an antisemitic tweet ... not to mention a report alleging pro-Nazi content was appearing alongside mainstream advertisements on X.
Elon has pushed back on that latter claim -- and even went to court over it -- but in general ... he's fending off accusations of antisemitism on his platform, and it appears he's trying to quell all that by showing face in Israel. As he wrote, "Actions speak louder than words."
This window for something like this is brief ... as Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary ceasefire as they negotiate the release of hostages and the delivery of aid to Gaza.
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Chris Brown Don't Mistake Me For Being Antisemitic … I'm A Piru!!!
Chris Brown is taking some heat, with some labeling him antisemitic, after he was spotted in Dubai with Kanye West, listening to Ye's new song about screwing a "Jewish b****."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
On Sunday, Chris Brown took to Instagram to set the critics straight about exactly who he was in a fiery message reaffirming his gang affiliations. "Let me make this perfectly clear before y'all try to use me as a pawn ... Ima a Piru, I aint Muslim or Jewish so don't start no s*** wont be no s***!!!" Breezy wrote.
"Im trying to be peaceful but please do not wake up the demon in me! ... Go on about your f****** day."
In another message, the R&B megastar turned down the aggression but still highlighted his point that he wasn't a hateful person.
"I'm pro life and I [make] music for the entire world!!!!!! So please do not get tricked into thinking I spread hate or am kool with it! This is for the million of young kids that look up to me and may be confused"
Akon believes Chris Brown could’ve been the next Michael Jackson but explains why it didn’t happen pic.twitter.com/vrtRbadHkK
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 17, 2022 @ShannonSharpe
If you remember, Akon recently told Shannon Sharpe he feels Chris could've succeeded Michael Jackson's musical legacy but let his ties to the street hold him back ... and don't forget the attack on Rihanna.
It will be interesting to see if Chris serves as a lesson moving forward to other artists who might find themselves in the same vicinity as Kanye.
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Kanye West Wants to Buy Out Lil Durk's Contract After Dubai Show Together
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11/27/23
Kanye West and Lil Durk may be working together a lot more in the future if all goes according to Ye's plan ... which is to free Durk of his current label situation.
Sources close to Kanye's camp tell TMZ Hip Hop that Ye is currently in talks to buy Durk out of his contract with Alamo Records in the aftermath of their new "Vultures" collaboration. That's the one where Ye claims he can't be antisemitic because, "I just f***** a Jewish bitch."
Our sources tell us 300 Records co-founder and current Alamo Records CEO Todd Moscowitz refused to clear Durk for another song he worked on for Kanye's upcoming album ... and now the paperwork battle is upon us.
Kanye was joined by Durk and the song's other featured artists, Ty Dolla $ign and Chicago rap legend Bump J at Blu Dubai nightclub over the weekend where they performed "Vultures" live for the first time ever.
The "Dark Twisted Fantasy" rapper's Dubai trip has been an eventful one so far ... he and his former personal trainer had a tense interaction inside a hotel lobby last week.
Chris Brown has also been taking heat after he was filmed dancing with Ye and crew along to the "Vultures" song -- no different, though, from everyone else inside the club during the performance.
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Shakira Pays An Extra $7 Mil in New Tax Probe ... Alleged 2018 Fraud: Report
Shakira isn't out of the woods on the tax front -- Spain is coming after her again in a separate probe, and she's had to pay millions as prosecutors keep digging ... this per a new report.
We know Shakira settled her criminal case with the Spanish government last week -- having shelled out around $27 million to receive a lighter sentence after copping to tax fraud charges between 2012 and 2014 ... with an in-court acknowledgment she made before a judge.
However, according to a recent story from Spanish newspaper El Periodico -- she ain't done just yet ... 'cause now, prosecutors are drilling down on alleged tax fraud from 2018, which is a completely different case than what was dealt with just 6 days ago.
The outlet says Shakira has "deposited" an extra $7.2 million in this new investigation -- although it's unclear if this is just a bond, of sorts, she's forking over to stay out of trouble ... or if it's a straight-up new settlement amount she's paying to make the charges go away.
El Periodico, which is citing anonymous court sources here, makes it seem like this latest cash payment is a gesture from Shakira to receive further leniency when the case eventually wraps up ... which is a little strange and quite different than how we do things here in the States. The outlet notes, though, that her paying this isn't exactly an admission of guilt.
If this is true, and she ends up losing this $7.2 million down the line ... that would mean, all told, she's paid about $34 million or so to clear up her tax problems -- which have been dogging her for years.
Pretty shocking, to be honest ... but hey, we suppose this sorta thing can happen when you're as rich as she is. She's got an estimated net worth of about $300 million.
We've reached out to Shakira's rep for comment ... so far, no word back.
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Kyle Kuzma Donates $60K In Clothing To Female Inmates ... Refurbishing Housing Conditions, Too!
'Tis the season of giving and Kyle Kuzma is off to an amazing start ... the NBA star donated $60k worth of clothes to female inmates preparing for release from county jail in his hometown of Flint, Michigan!
The Washington Wizards forward also launched an initiative to refurbish housing conditions for the women who are locked up.
The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation partnered with I.G.N.I.T.E. and R.I.S.E., two jail reform organizations that support incarcerated women as they prepare to re-enter society.
Kuzma revealed the collaboration at the 23rd I.G.N.I.T.E. graduation ceremony at the county jail on Sunday ... by surprising the female inmates, and announcing the big $60k donation.
The 6'9" baller also handed out presents to kids who were there to visit their moms.
That's not all Kyle's doing ... the 28-year-old also launched "Kuz's Corner," which will help refurbish living conditions at the Genesee County Jail.
"Kuz’s Corner provides incarcerated female inmates something to reach towards, and prove to themselves, and others of their worth and value," the foundation said in a press release.
"The females chosen to reside in Kuz’s Corner have set themselves apart as role models in their behavior, mentorship, and strive to return to the community as a better neighbor."
Kuzma -- who's averaging nearly 23 points a game this season -- cares deeply about his foundation which helps single mothers and children in Michigan, the DMV (D.C. Metro area), and Los Angeles ... a cause that hits close to home.
"When I was growing up, she worked two jobs and that hard work and dedication, just to make ends meet, put food on the table," Kuzma said about his mom Karri on GMA.
"That’s been my inspiration my entire life."
Kuzma -- who launched his foundation in 2019 -- is the first NBA player to lock in a jail reform program.