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Bradley Cooper's caught some flak for revealing that he doesn't allow chairs on his movie sets -- but as it turns out, he ain't alone ... whether it's rules for sitting or other bans.

You might've heard about this ... BC did a one-on-one interview with the great Spike Lee for Variety's "Directors on Directors" series -- and right out the gate, Brad said he's not a big chair guy when he's shooting a film. It also sounds like he doesn't allow others to be either.

As he says himself, he hates chairs on set ... and feels like they suck the energy out of an actor and out of the room in general. So, he kicks 'em to the curb -- and presumably makes just about everyone stand for the most part ... that, or they're relegated to apple boxes.

He also said he doesn't believe in the video village model -- where a director is watching the action from monitors at a distance -- and apparently likes to watch performances up close.

Spike seemed a little taken aback by his approach -- as was the rest of X/Twitter -- but come to find out, he's far from the only filmmaker who enforces stringent guidelines on set ... and even for the chair issue, he's in good company with Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder.

Anne Hathaway and RDJ have claimed Chris doesn't do chairs, and Snyder himself says there are no chairs allowed on his sets. So, it's not as crazy as it sounds ... just a choice.

Quentin Tarantino, meanwhile, is notorious for ixnaying cell phones while cameras are rolling -- and Martin Scorsese is said not to allow wristwatches as a way to "heighten immersion."

The point here is ... a lot of directors have weird little quirks and must-haves (or have-nots). In Brad's case, it sounds like he's just following the footsteps of greats before him when it comes to popping a squat.

Kim Kardashian has her medulla oblongata at the forefront of her mind for the holidays -- and the reason is she got a wacky gift ... a life-sized replica of her noodle!

The reality star posted a couple videos over the weekend showing off this Christmas present she says she received from a company called Prenuvo -- which does full-body scans, and which actually hosted Kim and some other family members to do a diagnostic screening.

Looks like they used the imaging they got of her brain, and sent her a 3D model of it for the holidays ... and from what we can tell, Kim's impressed with the thoughtful gesture.

Kim actually worked with Prenuvo earlier in the year, and encouraged people to plunk down for the company's scan ... noting it could detect something you might not normally catch. The only problem, for some, is that it's pricey -- about $2,500 per scan.

Might not be something everyone can afford, but Kim sure sounds thankful she got it done.

Anita Baker's latest live performance is catching a little heat after she apparently got testy with the audience out in Texas -- parts of which were captured on video.

The legendary crooner was doing a show in Houston's Toyota Center Friday night and playing to a pretty solid-sized audience ... but at certain points during the gig, AB appears to have gotten into it a bit with some folks down in the front row.

There are 2 videos, in particular, that are circulating online right now -- one shows Anita telling some people right below her near the stage to stop recording ... in the middle of a song.

There's another moment where Anita could be seen/heard asking for security to boot folks.

Overall, this seems to have left a bad taste in people's mouths -- with some online complaining that Anita was more concerned with arguing with a select few ticket-buyers than doing the best job she could onstage. Others claimed she seemed to miss some lyrics ... and alleged her performance, overall, was relatively short-lived and somewhat sloppy.

Now, there's a good handful of people defending Anita ... saying the folks in the front row were, in fact, acting up and testing AB. Others said the performance, at large, was great.

Of course, the larger backdrop to this is the Babyface feud she was in earlier this year while on the road -- during which she got into it with both him and his fans in the Twitter-sphere.

Adele ditched Las Vegas to hang with her boyfriend Rich Paul -- and she had a good reason ... it's the dude's birthday, which means the whole Klutch Sports crew tagged along.

The singer was rolling deep with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and other Klutch clients for the super agent's 42nd born-day party Saturday night ... which went down at a WeHo venue -- where everybody filed out of one exit towards the end of the night, it seems.

As you can see, RP's biggest claim to fame King James was front and center, leading the huge pack of people outside ... suited and booted with his wife, Savannah, close behind.

AD was with his own wife too, and ditto for Kevin Hart ... who was in the mix as well.

As for Adele and Rich, they were shoulder-to-shoulder as they left the joint ... and both looked dressed to impress, albeit not looking nearly as cheerful as you'd think while walking out.

Anyway, they're clearly still going strong ... this after a lengthy residency for Adele, who was in Sin City for a majority of this year -- and who's actually scheduled to head back in 2024.

You'll recall, she constantly referred to herself as Rich's "wife" out in the desert ... but it's unclear if they're actually hitched, or if it was just a slip of the tongue/term of endearment.

Colin Jost was strong-armed into making his wife, Scarlett Johansson, the butt of a joke he was forced to deliver on 'SNL' ... and he has his good pal Michael Che to thank for it.

Last night was the sketch comedy series' last show of the year, and every Christmas -- the two "Weekend Update" hosts have a tradition of writing jokes for one another that the other hasn't seen ... but has to read in front of the audience as if it's coming straight from them.

It's one of the better segments on the show these days, and 2023's iteration didn't disappoint -- especially for one crack Che made Colin read ... at the expense of his A-lister spouse.

The premise was highlighting a new NY law that now allows movie theaters to serve booze -- which Colin then said would serve as the only way he can get through ScarJo's "little art movies" ... with a flash to an OTS graphic of her in "Black Widow."

It was a pretty sick burn (from Che) and the audience definitely seemed to notice ... cackling and dropping the collective "OOOOOHHHHHHH" to signify how wild it was that her hubby was saying that.

Of course, it's all in good fun ... and Colin rolled with it, including reading the tail end of Che's edgy joke for him -- in which he said, "I'm kidding, honey. I love all of your movies. And if you ask me, you're an even better Black widow than Coretta Scott King."

The funniest part about all of Colin's jokes -- which were written to be pretty racist against Black people -- is that Che brought out a (fake) civil rights activist to sit next to him while he delivered all of these ... and Che ribbed him about it each and every time.

Taylor Swift is in Tom Brady country this weekend — once again dropping in to catch Travis Kelce run and catch … hoping for better luck this time around.

The pop star was up and at ‘em early Sunday to catch the Chiefs’ game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough … where she swung by Gillette Stadium for all the action, proving to be a loyal NFL fan after attending games the last few weeks.

Of course, she’s obviously there for her boyfriend — but the fact TayTay keeps on coming out (even on the road) is impressive.

Anyway, there’ve been sightings of her all morning … she arrived in a pack of SUVs and was whisked away inside through a private entrance. Looks like she had on some Chiefs gear for this latest outing.

She’ll be in her private suite like she usually is, and cameras will pan to her like always. And yes, we’ll eventually get pics of her cheering on Travis and co. — so stay tuned.

This might actually be the first time T-Swift is seeing Travis since her birthday festivities late last week in NYC — which he missed cause of work. Ya gotta figure they wanna make up for lost time … and also, ya gotta wonder if her good luck charm vibes have run out.

The Chiefs suffered a brutal blow last week against the Bills — but lucky for them, they’re playing the sad sap Pats today … who are fledgling in these final weeks under Bill Belichick. Should be an easy W.

Then again ... you never really know how these things will go, especially if refs screw it up.

Anyhoo, it's almost game time -- and Taylor's all ready to wave the pom-poms.

Cam'ron slid into Nia Long's DMs over a year ago trying to holler, and it looks like he finally got his shot this weekend -- 'cause they linked up at a big shindig ... and took pics!

The rapper-turned-podcaster/TV host has been documenting this saga for a while -- way back in October 2022, he posted screenshots of some messages he sent Nia on IG ... this not too long after her messy split with Ime Udoka and that whole Celtics drama.

Anyway, it was a lengthy shot across the bow, where he's singing her praises ... and eventually just comes out with it and says he thinks they'd make a great couple together.

Apparently, NL never responded to that DM -- something Cam'ron made sure to tell his followers a couple weeks ago -- but now, some 14 months after the fact ... they finally got a chance to meet at Rich Paul's birthday party in L.A., where they hugged, talked and posed.

Here's the thing ... Nia actually posted this photo of the two of them cheesing first, but then took it down from her page -- but Cam'ron most certainly kept his version up, and added some extra ones to boot ... probably just to prove to everyone he had, in fact, seen her.

No word on whether this might lead to anything romantic, or if it's just a friendly hi-bye.

We actually got Nia out somewhat recently and asked her about this whole thing, and all she had to say to us (and to Cam, we suppose) was ... oh, hi there! Sounds like he got his in-person hello too.

Lord knows she's one of the most eligible bachelorettes in town these days -- aging like fine wine -- and has been one of Hollywood's most-coveted dames for a good long while.

Jeezy seemed to have his moment a month ago ... maybe now it's Cam's time to shine.

Demi Lovato is finally tying the knot ... announcing her engagement to her songwriter beau Jordan Lutes.

Lutes, better known by his stage name Jutes, and Lovato are engaged after just over a year of dating, a rep for the "Heart Attack" singer told People.

JL presented DL (who uses she/they pronouns) with a HUGE, pear-shaped diamond ring in a "personal, intimate proposal" before hitting one of her favorite restaurants in L.A. to celebrate with family.

The happy couple first met in January 2022 when they collaborated on Demi's song "Substance." They stayed just friends for several months before they started dating.

Lutes worked extensively on Lovato's album "Holy Fvck," and they celebrated its release in grand style ... by going IG official!

Matthew Perry had enough ketamine in his system that he could have been rendered incapacitated or unconscious, causing him to drown ... based on autopsy findings.

According to the L.A. County Medical Examiner, Perry's ketamine levels were 3,540 ng/ml. When surgery patients are given anesthesia, ketamine levels are in the 1,000 - 6,000 range, so Perry was in the higher range.

In other words, the amount of ketamine in his system was equivalent to the anesthesia some patients get before surgery. Perry could have just become disoriented enough that he drowned.

TMZ broke the story, Perry was found dead in his hot tub back in October.

According to the M.E., Perry had been prescribed ketamine for depression and anxiety, although it is also used as a recreational drug. He was taking it every other day, but 6 months ago a new doctor tried to ween him off that regiment because he had showed signs of improvement.

The last prescribed dose was a week and a half before his death, and the effects generally only last around 6 hours. So it appears the 54-year-old actor may have taken the ketamine shortly before getting in the hot tub.

The tragedy here ... had he not been in the hot tub, he could well be alive today.

Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis had the most memorable fight of the year at UFC 296 ... thing is, it wasn't in the octagon.

Sean was cage-side for the eventing when Du Plessis, who was sitting behind Sean a few rows, started smack-talking him.

Sean then got out of his seat and pointed his finger at Du Plessis, as if he were firing a shot. Du Plessis was clearly up for some action, telling Sean with his hands to bring it on.

Sean then goes ham, and asks the son of UFC fighter Gilbert Burns to move, which then cleared the path for Sean to jump over a couple rows and start attacking Du Plessis.

This is all the lead-up to what will probably be an epic fight between the 2 guys next month at UFC 297.

They were also at the UFC press conference Friday, where they had to be separated.

Kim Zolciak is vehemently denying she cheated on Kroy Biermann, but in the process she may have helped them lift themselves a little out of their financial hole.

TMZ broke the story, Kroy went nuts last month after one of their kids called 911 to report a domestic disturbance between their parents. Among other things, Kroy was screaming at cops, complaining they had no money, no house and Kim was cheating on him.

She spoke with Celebuzz, where she said, 'The comments made in the body cam footage from Kroy who is obviously enraged are untrue," adding, "I vehemently deny any allegations that I have been unfaithful to Kroy at any point in our 12-year marriage. Any claim to the contrary is downright false, baseless and slanderous."

She accused Kroy of character assassination and suggested she might even take legal action.

Now the money part ... she urged fans to go to her Insta bio to read her statement, and that page is filled with ads, which means money in her/their pocket.

Donald Trump showed up to watch one of the most violent knockouts ever in the UFC, but his attention got diverted by a bikini-clad ring girl.

Trump was there to support one of his die-hard fans, UFC fighter Colby Covington, who ended up losing by decision in the main event to Leon Edwards.

Covington, in true Trump fashion, railed on the results, saying it was reminiscent of the "rigged" 2020 election. He then just got political, saying, "You can delay us but you can’t deny us. He’s going to make America great again. We need these borders secure, we need inflation down and we need America first again. Donald Trump is the only one that’s going to do that again — Trump 2024!”

A bunch of celebs were on hand, including Mark Wahlberg, Jared Leto, Mario Lopez, Theo Von, Jack Black, Kyle Gass, and Zac Brown.

They all watched as Josh Emmett destroyed Bryce Mitchell with a punch that sounded like someone got hit with a baseball bat.

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are becoming closer than ever as a result of his assault trial ... and she's a big reason why he's able to push forward through a tough time.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... the trial hasn't only been a tough time for Jonathan, it's also been incredibly challenging for Meagan.

She was sitting in court for testimony from accuser Grace Jabbari and arguments from the prosecution ... listening to all the negative things they had to say about Jonathan.

We're told Meagan feels Jabbari and the prosecution are peddling BS because it all flies in the face of what she knows about JM.

Our sources say Meagan is particularly upset about the text exchanges between Jonathan and Jabbari prosecutors keep bringing up in court. In one message, Jonathan tells Jabbari, "It's just fake," and goes on to tell her she's got a rep for exaggerating, lying and seeking attention.

We're told Meagan now feels Jabbari was manipulative and controlling during her relationship with Jonathan.

By contrast, we're told Meagan is the one keeping Jonathan grounded and centered during the trial.

Our sources say all the challenges brought on by the trial are only serving to strengthen the bond between Jonathan and Meagan, making their love even more resilient.

Another factor ... we're told Jonathan and Meagan's deep faith in God is playing a huge role in helping them navigate the trial.

Travis Scott's custom Cactus Jack Air Jordan sneakers are up for sale ... he wore the kicks at Rolling Loud, gave them to a fan and now they're being auctioned off.

The stage-worn shoes feature blacked-out Nike Swoosh logos and the rapper's famous Cactus Jack logo, plus branding for Air Jordan and Travis' recent "Utopia" album.

Travis wore the shoes for his set at the 2023 Rolling Loud Festival in Munich, Germany, where he brought a fan onstage and gifted him the custom Jordans.

The kicks are up for sale through Goldin Auctions' December Pop Culture Auction ... and the bidding runs through Dec. 20 ... so they could make for a cool Christmas gift. The auction house estimates that they could go for around $10k.

If Chad Johnson had an NFL MVP vote, he says it'd go to Tyreek Hill ... telling TMZ Sports the injury the wideout suffered this past Monday night showed there's just no one more valuable than him in the league.

The Cheetah was hindered in the first half of Miami's "MNF" game against Tennessee after he was dragged down by an opponent -- and while his leg was being tended to by trainers ... the Dolphins' normally explosive offense suddenly looked stale.

Tua Tagovailoa took a bunch of sacks -- and the long gains that the team had grown used to seeing evaporated out of nowhere.

Johnson tells us none of that is a coincidence ... saying it all showed Tyreek is the one who makes this year's Dolphins team.

"This is why he belongs in the MVP conversation," Johnson said. "I know the MVP is a quarterback award, but what you saw [Monday] night, for two quarters with the absence of Tyreek, is how important he is to that team."

While Hill -- who now has 97 catches for 1,542 yards and 12 TDs this season -- ultimately returned in the second half, the Dolphins fell to the Titans, 28-27.

Johnson said he anticipates Hill's injury will be fine moving forward -- although Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said Friday the receiver will be questionable for this weekend's game against the Jets as he continues to recover.

Timothée Chalamet's looks over the years are as sweet as Wonka's creations!

Here is an 18-year-old version of the animated star with an ecstatic grin on his face during the "Nymphomaniac: Volume 1" screening at The Museum of Modern Art back in 2014 (left). This was 3 years before his breakout role in "Call Be By Your Name."

And, nearly a decade later ... the now 27-year-old chocolate-maker has been lookin' like a snack in his newest starring role, playing Wonka (right)!

We know Kylie Jenner has gotten her fix of Timmy's tasty treats ... but the question is ...