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Dana White isn't backing down on his decision to work with Bud Light again despite the blowback ... saying anyone proud to be an American should be drinking the UFC's official beer straight from the keg.

The UFC honcho addressed the recent sponsorship deal in an interview with Tucker Carlson this week ... and when the host suggested everyone should still be boycotting Anheuser-Busch over its Dylan Mulvaney partnership, White dug in his heels.

"If you consider yourself a patriot, you should be drinking gallons of Bud Light," White said with authority. "Gallons of Bud Light."

"You should have Bud Light drums stacked in your garage."

White explained he has an inside look on the beer biz ... and people should take him at his word when he said the common drinker is "way more aligned with Bud Light" than any other brand out there.

Of course, it echoes what White initially said shortly after the deal was announced ... when he revealed there were other options before he picked Bud Light after several years with Modelo, but he preferred AB for its values as a company.

Carlson also talked to Kid Rock about the Bud Light controversy recently ... and the singer said he is moving on from the boycott, as he feels the beer company got the message.

Even Oprah, the bonafide queen of TV, needs some comforting now and then ... she says she was totally down for Drew Barrymore's caressing, even if some fans were cringing.

We got O Tuesday morning as she headed into the Empire State Building, and she told us she enjoyed the personal touch she got on "The Drew Barrymore Show" ... saying it actually provided her some solace.

In fact, you could say Drew put the pressure on Stedman Graham -- Oprah told us she's now demanding the same arm-stroking treatment from her longtime partner!

Oprah adds she thought it was endearing, and loved Drew for always being herself.

While she didn't mind Drew being all over her ... it was too much to handle for some viewers who criticized the host for creepily invading Oprah's personal space by propping her hand under her chin and holding it there.

Kanye West continues to piss people off, this time over fashion ...  rocking a hood that bares a shocking resemblance to standard issue for the KKK.

Ye showed up with the headpiece at one point during his "Vultures" album listening event Monday night in Miami ... previewing his music at the late-night event during Art Basel.

Kanye's has displayed this imagery before ... back in 2013 for the music video of "Black Skinhead" -- which was seen as artsy/edgy back then, but is viewed in a different context now, obviously.

Anyway, as for the music ... people online seem to be loving it. Plus, he had huge stars show up in person to support -- including some folks with whom he collaborated on the new album -- namely, Ty Dolla $ign, Offset, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, Kodak Black, Freddie Gibbs and others.

The even bigger news -- his 10-year-old daughter, North, not only showed up for the party and performed ... she's on the album!

In addition to North, Ye's wife Bianca Censori, and kids Chicago and Saint were also there. It's unclear if Kim showed up ... but Bianca was seen carrying Chicago in her arms during one intimate moment.

As we reported, Ye did a surprise performance in Miami over the weekend during DJ Khaled's set at a nightclub ... and he also hosted an impromptu listening party at a Jamaican restaurant in the area for "Vultures."

It's interesting ... Kanye was blasted for his antisemitic remarks last year, but these days he's just part of a growing, angry crowd -- from Harvard on down.

An Italian man recently got chewed up by a shark in Australia, and while you'd expect him to be freaking out and trying to get to shore ... he was also preoccupied with filming the whole ordeal.

The guy's name is Matteo Mariotti, and he's a 20-year-old student from the city of Parma -- however, last week ... he found himself snorkeling off the coast of 1770 Beach on the eastern shore of the land down under.

While he was in the water, Mariotti was recording with a selfie stick of some sort -- which captured the moments right after the shark bit his leg. It's pretty shocking, considering you can see blood start to flow all around him.

Mariotti was eventually able to swim close enough to land for a pal to yank him in and attempt to help. Soon, though, he was transferred to a hospital -- but it was too late to save his leg. It was reportedly amputated from the knee down, but Matteo still sounds grateful.

He writes, "I played this video a few moments after the last bite, I wanted to say goodbye, I never thought I'd survive that monster. Lost so much blood and my leg, I don't know if they're going to cut it all off or if it's going to be left in half but it doesn't matter now."

MM adds, "You are my heroes, you give me strength to carry on with your texts and calls, my only dream is to see you again." Matteo shouted out his friend for saving his life, and apologized for not being able to respond to everyone right away.

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes aren't going to give up their reaction to their former spouses' new relationship ... saying it would be "toxic" for them to join all the chatter about it.

The former 'GMA3' anchors spoke out, only so slightly, about the news regarding their exes during the second episode of their podcast, "Amy and T.J." -- chatting about certain "headlines" that have been popping up recently -- referring to Marilee Fiebig and Andrew Shue now seeing each other.

T.J. says they anticipated that the dating rumors would come up, which seems to back up the report even more ... but he says they won't be diving deeper into the subject. He added, "We are not going to get into that back-and-forth game because gossip is toxic."

The big news came last week ... T.J. and Amy's exes have reportedly been together for about 6 months, bonding over their divorces in the wake of the TV hosts' hooking up.

Amy and T.J. maintain there was no cheating when they started dating.

Marilee and Andrew even snapped a photo together in 2016, which recently surfaced ... with Marilee writing a caption on Instagram about how great it was to catch up with Andrew and Amy.

The couples were friends and hung out together from time to time. It seems unlikely they'll still be doing that after the swap.

Nanny Faye -- the viral great-grandmother who captured hearts on TikTok -- has died ... this according to her family.

The beloved senior's grandson broke the sad news on her favorite social media platform -- letting her nearly 240k followers (and everyone else) know she had passed peacefully in October from what sounds like natural causes.

Nanny had recently been battling some health issues, including cancer, and her grandson had been documenting her journey on TikTok ... noting a few months ago that she'd undergone 2 major surgeries and a minor procedure as well, and that was on the road to recovery.

However, in the wake of her operations ... Nanny came down with pneumonia, and it sounds like that might've been one of the ailments she was battling at the end. As her family member notes, though, NF was not afraid of the great beyond ... and seemed ready.

The reason that's notable, of course, is because she'd gone viral on TikTok earlier this year for sage, calm advice she'd given to a concerned TikTok user who was fretting about death.

In her own unique way, Nanny communicated ... there was nothing to fear, and from what her grandson says -- she maintained that same optimistic attitude right up to the end of her life.

Nanny Faye built a strong following for several tidbits of wisdom she dropped ... touching on faith, family and even grander philosophical topics. Obviously, she had a wealth of experience to relay to the new generation, and just about everybody loved hearing from her regularly.

Her grandson says she had personal writings that he plans to share with everyone in the near future, so there'll be a reason to continue following her for new content. She was 98.

Mama June is taking over mama duties for one of her late daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's kids ... TMZ has learned.

Family sources tell TMZ ... Mama June is currently in custody of Anna's 11-year-old daughter Kaitlyn.

Anna, who died Saturday after a difficult battle with cancer, had 2 daughters with 2 different men ... and our sources say the younger child, 8-year-old Kylee, is now living with her biological father, Michael.

We're told the family had a plan in place for Kylee to move in with her dad should something happen to Anna, who was diagnosed, back in January, with stage 4 cancer.

Our sources say Kaitlyn and Mama June have a very close bond -- she's June's first grandchild -- so, everyone in the family agrees, moving her to Grandma's house is the best situation for her. We're also told June plans to become Kaitlyn's legal guardian.

As we first told you, Anna secretly married her partner, Eldridge Toney, back in March after learning she had cancer.

We're told Eldridge has a very close relationship with both Kaitlyn and Kylee -- though he's not their biological father -- and he will continue to be involved in both their lives as well.

Bianca Censori's looking like a whole new woman -- it just takes a lap dance to finally see her grinning, relaxing and thoroughly enjoying an afternoon outing with Kanye West in Miami.

Of course, Bianca's been her husband's muse ... serving as a blank and expressionless canvas for his artistic creativity -- no matter how bizarre -- which is why this video of her cutting loose Sunday is so interesting.

With Ye distracted by others, the Aussie model focused her attention on DJ Sky High Baby ... who got to work twerking in Bianca's lap -- and as you can see, she was totally diggin' it.

The stone-cold Bianca we're used to seeing was long gone, as she encouraged her friend's erotic moves. Good thing Mrs. West was dressed for the occasion, in an eye-popping sheer get-up.

She's also vibed along to the music blasting at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen -- the same spot where Kanye played some of his new music from his upcoming album with Ty Dolla $ign.

It's a rare light-hearted, carefree sighting of Bianca ... who's trekked around the world with Kanye this year -- although, his critics think he's treated her more like an accessory during their travels.

Case in point, the couple drew the gaze of onlookers while hitting up Art Basel the same day ... with Bianca in her skintight, sheer outfit and teddy-in-hand.

Ja Morant had a busy day in court Monday ... testifying that he punched a teen during an altercation at his home last year in self-defense -- while also demonstrating to an attorney how to check a ball in a pickup basketball game.

The Memphis Grizzlies superstar did it all before a judge in Tennessee ... as part of Joshua Holloway's civil case against him.

Holloway claims in the lawsuit that Morant assaulted him while the two were hoopin' at the NBA player's Shelby County residence in July 2022 ... though Morant and his attorneys say the suit should be dismissed, claiming Ja was simply attempting to protect himself during the incident.

At one point during Monday's proceedings, Morant told Holloway's attorney he was physically "hurt" when the teenager threw a ball at his face during a check situation.

Morant said in the courtroom that he asked Holloway, "What you on?" after the teen heaved the ball -- and then he claimed Holloway pulled up his shorts.

"Him pulling up his shorts," Morant testified, "where I'm from, that's a fighting stance."

Morant claimed Holloway then took a step at him -- and that's when the NBA player fired off a punch.

"I hit him first," Morant said, "to protect myself."

Morant was also seen in the courtroom showing a lawyer how a normal check-ball situation is supposed to go down.

Morant's dad, Tee, spoke as well from the stand during the hearing -- and it's anticipated he'll continue testimony Tuesday.

The proceedings, meanwhile, are slated to go through at least Wednesday -- and if it's ultimately deemed Morant was, indeed, acting in self-defense, the case could be dismissed. However, if it's not, a trial could be slated to begin in April.

Drew Barrymore got a little too touchy-feely with Oprah ... leaving fans cringing at invading the talk show queen's personal space.

Watch in the clip as Drew grabs Oprah's hand on "The Drew Barrymore Show" ... and doesn't let go for dear life ... propping it awkwardly under her chin as they chat.

She also later uses her arm to caress her arm slowly ... her actions leaving fans mortified, with one commenting online: "Drew, everyone doesn't want their hands held boo."

Another highlighted Oprah's discomfort, writing: "Oprah's body language was so clear she wanted her hand back" -- another adds: "Oprah's body language says it all. Drew is holding on too much. Oprah is trying to release her hand from Drew's grip. Drew is just too creepy and needy."

The handsy display came as Drew responded to Oprah praising her for starting her show without a live studio audience during the pandemic.

However, Oprah said she felt crowd interaction was necessary ... as Drew noted she'd observed Oprah spending time with her audience outside of her talk show -- thus leading to her success.

North West stole the show at Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign's "Vultures" listening party by making her rapping debut, and the moment was serious bonding time for Ye's family!!!

Monday night in Miami, Kanye and his Rap Avengers assembled to preview the album and North had the crowd going crazy with her bars ... "It's your bestie, Ms. Miss Westy!!!"

Outside the event, Bianca carried Chicago as Saint trailed close by -- Ye and Bianca have been married about a year now, and the kids have clearly warmed up to her!

Kanye kept on his hooded garb while his 10-year-old had the audience inside Wynwood Marketplace in the palm of her hands.

The listening event was also a sanctuary for a couple of other embattled rap stars -- Offset, fresh from his split with Cardi B and Kodak Black, who was just released from jail, were also there soaking up vibes.

The lore of Tommy DeVito grew tenfold on Monday night ... 'cause not only did he pull off an improbable win over the Packers -- he did it while rockin' a furry, fuchsia jacket to the stadium!!

The rookie New York quarterback -- who began the year as the No. 3 signal-caller for the G-Men -- lit it up against Green Bay despite being a 5.5-point underdog at home ... helping lead his team to a last-second, 24-22 victory.

And, both before and after the contest, he turned heads with his outfit choice -- sportin' a loud fuzzy 'fit that he wore proudly!!!

Of course, the undrafted free agent -- who's gained fame for the way he leans heavily into his Italian-American heritage -- wasn't the only person in the DeVito clan drawing attention at MetLife ... his agent, Sean Stellato, got plenty of social media love for his threads choice too.

The DeVito rep was seen sportin' an all-black, pinstriped suit topped off with a fedora ... that many online said made him look like a character out of "The Sopranos."

DeVito's family, meanwhile, had a blast while watching the 25-year-old knife through Green Bay's defense during the primetime game ... they had a huge, Italian-themed meal in the parking lot before the contest started -- and then cameras showed them kissin' on each other in the stands after big DeVito plays.

Following the exciting night, DeVito -- who's gained the nickname "Tommy Cutlets" after starting four games following injuries to Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor -- was cool as a cucumber talking about his game-winning drive at the postgame podium ... telling reporters, "I enjoy being on the field any play, no matter what play it is."

Claudine Gay, Harvard's president, gets to keep her job after waffling on the issue of antisemitism and Jewish genocide on Capitol Hill -- with the head honchos saying unequivocally ... they back her.

The Harvard Corporation issued a statement signaling her future, writing ... "As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University."

They add, "Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing." If it wasn't clear, the university's own newspaper is reporting ... she's sticking around.

The members also note ... Gay has apologized for how she handled the high-profile hearing in front of Congress last week -- and has committed to redoubling Harvard's effort to fight antisemitism.

Keep in mind, Gay is very new in her post ... she just got appointed earlier this summer, and considering how contentious her testimony was -- it wasn't clear she'd be allowed to stay.

Of course, the other Ivy League Prez who got mixed up in this -- UPenn's Liz Magill -- ended up resigning over the controversy ... but the third university president, MIT's Sally Kornbluth, appears to be staying put as well.

There's been a lot of indignation and outcry over how all 3 women answered Rep. Elise Stefanik's repeated question -- namely, is calling for the genocide of Jews on campus a violation of all of the universities' rules and code of conduct.

Travis Kelce may have lost to the Buffalo Bills Sunday ... but he's still a big winner in the eyes of his superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift, who planted a passionate kiss on his cheek at the game!!!

Check out this photo ... Taylor closes her eyes as she holds Travis' head with both hands and delivers some major lip service to the side of his grinning face. Travis is one lucky guy, indeed!!!

The happy couple was snapped at a festive Christmas-themed bar for a postgame party after the K.C. Chiefs battled the Bills at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday.

Celeb stylist Patrick Regan uploaded the snap to his Instagram page Monday, along with a bunch of other pics from the Bills 20-17 victory over the Chiefs.

As you know, Taylor showed up again to the stadium to cheer on Travis as the hunky tight end recorded 6 catches for 83 yards. Not too shabby!

In fact, it was the sixth time the pop star popped up on gameday for Travis -- and, for those who are keeping count, the Chiefs have a 4-2 winning record with Taylor watching from the crowd.

Elon Musk's decision to welcome conspiracy theorist Alex Jones back on X is especially upsetting to the parent of a Sandy Hook school shooting victim, who now has some strong words for the billionaire.

David Wheeler, whose son, Benjamin, was one of the first graders murdered at the elementary school in 2012, tells TMZ ... Elon's call to let Alex back on the social media app is further proof the guy is a "sociopath."

As you'd expect, he feels the same way about Jones -- who's heinously repeated his theory the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax -- so, David thinks Musk and Jones deserve each other.

For that reason, he says he's not at all shocked Elon reinstated Jones on the social media platform.

David says he stopped using X/Twitter when Elon took the reins ... and goes on to say Elon and Alex don't care about him, and that's just how they operate in the world.

As we reported, Elon put up a poll on his platform, asking folks whether or not Jones' account should be restored ... and about 70 percent voted in favor of bringing him back.

Jones was given the boot in 2018 while neck-deep in defamation lawsuits from families of the Sandy Hook victims -- which he lost and owes nearly $1 billion to the plaintiffs. At the time, Twitter cited abusive behavior on his account as the reason it was 86'ing him.

Interestingly, about a year ago, Musk -- after buying Twitter -- vowed he would not reinstate Jones because, having lost a child himself, he had "no mercy for anyone who would use the deaths of children for gain, politics or fame."

David tells us the fact Elon reversed field on Jones' X status "based on the opinions of users and not his own convictions, tells me that he has no convictions."

If Chiefs fans are looking to blame anyone for the offensive offsides penalty that foiled their comeback attempt Sunday, it should be the Philadelphia Eagles ... so says Dean Blandino, who tells TMZ Sports their "Tush Push" play might have actually impacted the call during the Bills game.

The former NFL Vice President of Officiating said he believes refs are calling line of scrimmage fouls much more closely this year due to the nature of the Birds' "Brotherly Shove" play -- and that's leading to more calls like the one against Kadarius Toney at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday evening.

"You think about 2015 to 2022," Blandino said, "there were only 14 offensive offsides called in the entire league. This year already, with the Toney call, there's 13. So, it's definitely a point of emphasis this year."

That all being said, however, Blandino made it clear the flag against Toney was the right call.

"This was clearly a foul," he said. "The officials have to call it."

Of course, Patrick Mahomes vehemently disagreed -- he absolutely melted down after the flag was thrown ... calling it "f***ing terrible," while later explaining he wished the refs had just let it go.

Blandino said as a fan of the game, he understands the sentiment -- though he said that if refs call things differently based on the game's situation, it could have even more drastic implications.

"You say, 'Let the players decide the game,'" Blandino said. "The problem with that is you tell the officials that and then the officials say, 'K, we're not going to call anything in the last two minutes.'"

"The players, the coaches will understand that and say, 'Hey, we're going to get away with -- we're going to play more aggressive, we're going to push the envelope.' And then the game, it's going to be decided unfairly for a different reason."