Wil Wheaton Torches Larry David's Elmo Attack Triggered Bad Memories!!!
Wil Wheaton says Larry David "attacking" Elmo on TV last week might've been funny to some -- but it was no laughing matter to him ... 'cause it triggered old, ugly memories.
The 'Star Trek' actor had a strong reaction to the 'Curb' star putting his hands on the "Sesame Street" puppet on the 'Today' show -- taking to Facebook to write a lengthy essay that slammed LD ... while in the same breath explaining why it rocked him to his core.
He writes, "What the f*** is wrong with that guy? Elmo is, like, the best friend to multiple generations of children. In the Sesame Street universe, ELMO IS A CHILD, who is currently putting mental health and caring for others in the spotlight."
WW adds ... "And Larry F***ing David ... did ... that? And thought it was going to be ... funny? What? What an ass****. What a stupid, self-centered, tone deaf ass****."
Wil goes on to say that his dad used to abuse him as a kid -- shaking him by the shoulders and screaming in his face, among other things, and he says seeing Larry do that to Elmo had his heart racing as it dredged up internal trauma in his mind. He's quite serious, too.
He finishes by saying what Elmo means to so many kids -- especially in that segment, where he promoted mental health awareness -- makes Larry's attack all that much more sickening.
Wil ends with ... "A man who would belittle and mock that isn't much of a man at all. Shame on you, Larry David." This tirade of his, BTW, ended up being some 900 words on FB.
FWIW, Larry did "apologize" to Elmo shortly after his outburst ... and clearly thought it was all in good fun. Apparently not, though, from Wil's POV -- dude is straight-up outraged and hurt.
Cue 'Frolic' ... and zoom in on Larry's confused face.
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Prince Harry Presents Award at NFL Honors ... Steelers Star Cameron Heyward Awestruck
Prince Harry flew back to the U.S. and made a surprise appearance at the 2024 NFL Honors -- after a short visit with his cancer-stricken father King Charles III in England.
The Duke of Sussex strolled out onstage at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas Thursday evening to present the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
Heyward seemed totally awestruck by Harry as the NFL star accepted his statue and stepped up to the mic to make a speech.
Check out the vid ... Heyward addressed the audience while motioning with his arm to Harry, saying, "That's freakin' Harry. Oh my god, I'm in shock. That's Prince Harry."
Harry smiled, taking it all in stride while shaking hands with Heyward on the stage and posing for photos with him after the event.
As you know ... Harry hopped a Tuesday flight to London from L.A. to visit King Charles after his recent cancer diagnosis. When he arrived in the UK capital, Harry went straight to the royal residence, where he reportedly stayed with Charles for about 45 minutes before taking off.
While his exit appeared abrupt, it's no secret Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been estranged from Charles and the rest of the Royal Family for quite some time. And the world has had a front-row seat to all their drama.
Hopefully, Harry and the others can work out their differences and become one big happy royal family again. We'll just have to see.
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Jonathan Majors & Megan Good Living Together in the Big Apple ... After Cross-Country Trip
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Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are still going strong after his assault trial conviction ... and they've even bonded further while living in NYC, and taking a cross-country road trip together.
Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... they're easy to spot around lower Manhattan's Greenwich Village, where they're constantly walking their dog.
Not only that, but our sources say the couple's been, basically, inseparable -- although we're told Meagan's going back to work on the TV show "Harlem" next week ... so, they'll probably be spending a bit more time apart.
MG and JM haven't been spotted out together in a while, BTW ... photogs last snapping them in public way back in December, but there seems to be a good reason for that -- they were recently out on the open road, driving coast-to-coast.
We're told the pair drove all the way from L.A. to NYC, with a quick pit stop in Dallas to see Majors' mother, Terri ... to whom Meagan got close during Jonathan's trial.
The couple just got back to New York within the last week.
It's not surprising they've kept a low profile over the past couple months ... all eyes were on Meagan and Jonathan during the trial which ended with the jury finding him guilty on one count of reckless assault in the third degree and one count of harassment. He was acquitted on 2 other charges.
As Majors himself told us, he's relying a lot on God and faith in the aftermath of his conviction and leading up to his sentencing in April.
Seems he's relying a lot on Meagan, too.
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Bobbi Althoff Drake Not Responsible for Divorce ... Rising Fame to Blame
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Bobbi Althoff getting divorced is now being picked apart by fans who think Drake might've had something to do with it -- but we got the real story ... and it's far from that at all.
Here's the deal ... Bobbi's now-estranged husband, Cory, cited July 4, '23 as the day he and BA separated -- and the reason folks are hyper-focusing on this is because it just so happens to be around the time she aired her viral interview with Drake, where they're both in bed.
Of course, the speculation has been peaking -- with many suggesting Bobbi and Drake were, perhaps, closer than we saw ... and that they maybe had something going on BTS.
Welp, sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Drake was actually NOT a big fan of Bobbi toward the end of summer last year -- and that they had a major falling out post-interview, although they were friendly in the immediate aftermath.
Long story short ... we're told Drake and Bobbi continued texting after they had their famous lay-down chat -- and our sources say Drizzy even invited Bobbi to his L.A. concert on Aug. 12 ... which she attended. Unfortunately for her, only general admission was offered.
Our sources tell us Bobbi was genuinely angry about this -- apparently feeling she deserved to be in the VIP area with Drake's other celeb friends -- and she made her indignation known in a since-deleted video where she's standing around on the arena floor pouting about.
Not long after that went up ... Bobbi took the clip down, and within the same weekend -- she also took down the original nearly hour-long interview ... no explanation for either.
At the time, people were trying to figure out if they'd had a falling out -- and as it turns out, they absolutely did. Our sources tell us that when Bobbi was at the show ... her little video was reflecting how she actually felt -- namely, furious she'd ended up in GA.
We're told Bobbi blew Drake up about it that same night -- while he was onstage -- and that she even tried going backstage at one point ... but got rebuffed by security.
Not long after this ... we're told Drake's camp hit her team to demand she take down both the clip and the interview ... which she then did. At that point, we're told their friendship fizzled.
Now, in terms of whether they've patched things up since -- something Bobbi herself recently implied on Keke Palmer's podcast ... we're told they haven't. Bobbi told Keke they'd spoken in recent weeks ... but our sources tell us they have not. We're told they don't talk anymore.
On the issue of why Cory actually filed to divorce Bobbi -- it's a very simple explanation ... our sources tell us her skyrocketing fame and his desire to remain a normie was the main catalyst, and that it had nothing to do with allegations of cheating. Although, we're sure he probably didn't appreciate how cozy she was acting with Champagne Papi on tape.
In any case, now you got the real tea ... sip with caution, 'cause this is pipin' hot!
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Too Short I'm MVP of the Stripper Bowl ... Money On the Floor!!!
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Too Short is living up to his lyrical billing by throwing dollar bills at Vegas exotic dancers, and covering the floor with greenbacks ... all while his strip club anthems are blaring.
The "Money On The Floor" rapper hit up Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas Wednesday night into Thursday morning, rolling up with a crew of 20 people, including fellow rappers Tech N9ne and X-Raided ... and if ya thought it was raining hard in L.A., ya gotta see what went down on The Strip.
Our strip club sources -- yep, we got those too -- tell us Short requested a table in the VIP section right next to the main stage and, naturally, he was immediately swarmed by more than 30 strippers. As they say, game recognize game!
His crew ordered 2 magnum bottles of Don Julio 1942 Tequila, nothing but top shelf, and they threw $15,000 in singles ... and as you can see, the club brought him the first $5k in singles in a lighted-briefcase as Short had 2 strippers on his lap.
Naturally, Too Short took the greenbacks up to the main stage and started throwing money everywhere ... spreading it over a dancer's back as she twerked in front of him. Textbook move.
The most baller part ... Too Short's "Money On The Floor" is playing while he drops fat stacks on, and above, the stage where a dancer's flashing her pole skills to his jam.
Crazy Horse 3 seems like the place to be leading up to Super Bowl LVIII, which will be played just across the street at Allegiant Stadium.
Tech N9ne was back Thursday night to host and rain $20K on the performers. While several NFL players were expected, too -- it's a safe bet they were NOT the centers of attention.
Viva Las Vegas!!!
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49ers' Ray-Ray McCloud No, I'm Not Trying To Meet Taylor At Sb ... 'This Is Football!!!'
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Even though 49ers wideout Ray-Ray McCloud has deep roots in the music industry, he won't try to rub elbows with Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl ... telling TMZ Sports, "This is football."
Many have wondered if the receiver would attempt to get in TayTay's ear at some point at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday ... because, after all, the guy's a musician who just recently became the CEO of entertainment agency Legend Tribe Entertainment.
But, he said out in Vegas this week there's no chance he fraternizes with Travis Kelce's girlfriend at the Big Game ... saying flat-out, "Hell nah!"
"I'm a big fan of greatness," he told us. "She's great at what she do. She big time. But, hey, this is football. We don't care about no album coming out. We don't care about none of that."
"Congrats to her on the Grammy thing she did, but we don't care about none of that, man."
Instead, Ray-Ray says he's locked in on the game ... although he did at least tell us he'd try to have some kind of ear on Usher's halftime show.
While the 27-year-old will absolutely not sneak out of the locker room to catch it -- "I'm trying to get a ring first," he said -- he told us he hoped the "Let It Burn" crooner would play "Superstar" and "Confessions" during the performance.
As for his quarterback, Brock Purdy, Ray-Ray had some big praise for the young signal-caller ... and he also told us what music will be in his headphones as he gets ready to face off against the Chiefs!!
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TMZ TV Recap Super Bowl LVIII's 'My Way' Tribute Britney & Ben, Baker's New Money
It's Friday, and as we head into the weekend ... TMZ is firing on all cylinders, especially on TV -- where we covered a helluva lot of juicy topics.
TMZ Live
On 'TMZ Live,' we broke a story about a special tribute that Super Bowl LVIII organizers are planning to launch during Sunday's broadcast ... which essentially amounts to a tip of the hat to Sin City itself.
There's a particular song that'll be played throughout -- and it'll get kicked off by the most famous rendition of the tune known to date ... sung by one Frank Sinatra, no less!
TMZ on TV
Over at 'TMZ on TV,' the gang talked about a new claim Britney Spears is floating -- namely, that she allegedly made out with Ben Affleck back in the day ... in the year 1999.
Brit doesn't even seem sure of the details herself -- but she posted a pic (and then quickly deleted it) ... which left Harvey and the staff less than convinced it actually happened.
TMZ Sports
Finally, on 'TMZ Sports' ... Babcock and Lucas talk Baker Mayfield and what sort of new contract he deserves in the wake of a pretty decent season with the Buccaneers.
Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!
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Guess Who This Super Bowl Kid Turned Into!
Before this handsome fella lookin' spiffy in his suit turned into a Super Bowl champion, he was just a little New Yorker -- who came from a family of athletes -- playing hockey, basketball, baseball and of course FOOTBALL!
Being one of the greatest tight-ends of all time helped lead his team to Super Bowl wins in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021. He may not have played for the Chiefs or the 49ers, but now being an NFL analyst ... he's had plenty to say about this year's Super Bowl.
Need on more clue ... just ask his quarterback BFF TB!
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Biden on Special Counsel Report My Memory Is So Bad I Let You Speak ... Feisty With WH Reporters
President Biden is showing serious signs of life and energy ... getting testy with reporters who tried grilling him on his memory loss and a damning special counsel report.
The highlight ... Biden telling Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, "My memory is so bad I let you speak."
Special counsel says President Biden's memory appears to have "significant limitations":
— BNO News (@BNONews) February 8, 2024 @BNONews
"He did not remember when he was vice president ... He did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died" pic.twitter.com/QOk76vSe59
Biden's zinger came as POTUS took the podium in the White House press room Thursday for some rare remarks, fielding questions from journalists in the wake of a special prosecutor calling out his "faulty memory."
Biden had the old noodle working on this occasion, firing off zingers aimed at the media ... and verbally sparring with reporters from multiple outlets.
When Doocy started asking questions about the special counsel report, Biden got testy ... and, if we're being honest, channeled a bit of Donald Trump.
Biden mocked the special counsel, who in his report said JB won't be charged for his handling of classified information while out of office because 46 is a "well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory."
The Prez jokingly agreed, adding ... "I know what the hell I'm doing. I'm President and I put this country back on it's feet."
Asked directly how bad his memory is and if he can continue as President, Biden shot back at Doocy with his "memory so bad I let you speak" one-liner ... which has some serious meme potential.
Another reporter followed up by asking Biden if his memory has gotten worse ... with POTUS saying his memory is "fine" before listing off his legislative accomplishments.
The commander-in-chief also wasn't happy with the special counsel saying Biden couldn't remember when his son Beau died.
Biden's response ... "How in the hell dare he raise that. Frankly, when I was asked the question I thought to myself it wasn't any of their damn business."
Biden groused further ... "I don't need anyone to remind me when he passed away."
The special counsel says there's evidence Biden mishandled classified docs, but the prosecutor decided against charging Biden because he wasn't confident in a guilty verdict due to Biden's faulty memory and ability to make jurors sympathetic.
Seems he woke something up in JB.
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CAITLYN JENNER Not Suing Disney W/ ELON'S BACKING ... Despite Joke-y Tweet Reply
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Caitlyn Jenner seemed to plead for Elon Musk's legal backing to fight Disney after being dropped from "The Kardashians" -- but she's not actually pursuing it ... TMZ has learned.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us Caitlyn has zero plans to sue the Mouse House and was simply shining a light on her experience with the studio by commenting under the EM's original post ... where he explicitly said he would provide legal support (namely, funding) to those who felt they'd been discriminated against by Disney or its subsidiaries.
Hulu (Disney subsidiary) never put me on my family’s show - I had been on since day 1- when it switched from E!
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) February 7, 2024 @Caitlyn_Jenner
Caitlyn's comment under Elon's post read ... "Hulu (Disney subsidiary) never put me on my family's show - I had been on since day 1- when it switched from E!" On its face, it certainly sounded like she was serious ... especially since Elon seemed to be seriously baiting.
Now, while our sources tell us CJ has no plans to take Elon up on his offer to sue right now, if any bombshell information surfaces from the Kardashians' reality show on Hulu that pushes the envelope against Caitlyn ... we're told she would possibly revisit the idea.
You'll recall ... Caitlyn starred in almost all 20 seasons of E! 's "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" alongside her ex-wife Kris Jenner, her stepkids Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé, and biological daughters Kendall and Kylie. Caitlyn never appeared in the revamped series though, "The Kardashians," when it moved over to Hulu in 2022.
Last month, CJ expressed similar frustration over the Disney non-invite when replying to an X post from political consultant Richard Grenell, who blasted the network for its "partisan" stance.
The reality star commented at the time ... "I wonder if that's why they fired me from my family's reality show when it switched over to Hulu (@Disney), from E!. I must not be woke enough."
. @Disney is allowing @GStephanopoulos to be a fake journalist on their network.
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) January 7, 2024 @RichardGrenell
Disney is partisan.
Act accordingly.
Cailyn added -- "Too bad… I remember when Bob Iger was a young, hard working, valet, carrying my bags, for me right after I won the Olympics."
ICYMI ... Elon is funding former "Mandalorian" actress Gina Carano's lawsuit ... where she claims Disney+ and LucasFilm wrongfully terminated her from her job after she posted her political views on social media.
That's why this Caitlyn convo is even happening -- because Elon is legitimately putting his money where his mouth is on this issue against Disney.
Back to Caitlyn ... things may not have worked out with "The Kardashians" -- but she's gone from reality TV to FOX, working for the network as a Fox News contributor, which she's really enjoying.
So, she's got that going for her ... and there's no future court date against Disney, at least not right now.
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Kobe Bryant Statue Unveiled At Crypto.com Arena ... Two More in Works
Kobe Bryant's presence will be felt outside Crypto.com Arena forever -- the late Lakers legend's statue was officially revealed at the venue at an incredibly emotional ceremony ... where it was announced two more tributes will go up at a later date.
The new bronze figure shows Kobe pointing to the sky following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 ... a pose Kobe personally chose.
It also includes a nod to the triangle offense and the five championships he won during his Hall of Fame career.
The Black Mamba's wife and kids, former Purple and Gold players, staffers, front office execs and more were present for the unveiling ... which happened to take place on a special day -- 02/08/24 -- to symbolize Kobe's two jersey numbers with L.A., as well as the digit his daughter, Gigi, sported during her young, promising basketball career.
Vanessa Bryant, Phil Jackson, Stu Lantz, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss took the stage ... and each gave a touching speech as the statue was revealed for the first time.
Vanessa revealed there will be three different statues of Bryant -- one each of Kobe's two different jersey numbers ... and a third featuring Gigi.
2/8/24
Vanessa also playfully said "tough s***" to anyone who didn't like the statue, considering it's exactly what Kobe wanted.
It's a day Laker fans have been anticipating ever since the devastating Jan. 2020 helicopter crash that killed Kobe, Gigi and seven others ... and there will no doubt be tributes left near the bronze figure as its made available to the public over the next few days.
Kobe's statue joins fellow all-time greats outside the building ... like Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal and more.
Kobe is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever wear a Laker jersey ... winning five NBA championships, two scoring titles, two Finals MVPs, a regular season MVP and earning 15 All-NBA nods.
He averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists over 20 seasons.
Kardashians, Gisele Bündchen Not 'Snubbed' by British Vogue ... Despite Missing Farewell
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British Vogue editor Edward Enninful put 40 models on his final cover, and while there's no KarJenner or Gisele Bündchen featured ... it's not some big snub, as some have speculated.
Here's the deal ... Edward is stepping down at British Vogue after 40 years as magazine editor, and the March issue is a farewell of sorts ... with 40 fashion icons joining forces for a photo shoot. It's a big deal -- he's been heading up British Vogue for years now.
The cover page just dropped and folks on social media seem shocked at the lack of Kardashians and Jenners ... there's no Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kris, Kylie or Kendall -- and while some were gleefully rejoicing, many were genuinely curious about their absence.
Ditto for Gisele -- people were scratching their heads over her not being among the 40 models ... especially considering how she's the highest-paid supermodel of all time.
So the obvious question ... what gives? And more importantly ... is this a snub/slight????
TMZ did some digging and as it turns out, none of the Kardashians or Jenners have ever appeared on the cover of British Vogue ... hence them not being among the "Vogue icons" in this sweet farewell to Ed.
Ya can't really be snubbed from something if you were never involved in the first place -- so that answers that. Yes, the KarJenners have graced multiple Vogue covers over the years -- from many different counties -- but none have ever been on British Vogue specifically.
Of course, Gisele is the more glaring hole ... you see, she's huge in the modeling world, period, and appeared in the 2022 edition of British Vogue. So she does have history.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Jodie Comer, Gemma Chan, Simone Ashley, Cynthia Erivo, Cara Delevingne, Dua Lipa and Jane Fonda are among the 40 stars that came together to cover Edward Enninful’s final edition of British Vogue. pic.twitter.com/ARWduA4d6d
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 8, 2024 @FilmUpdates
We have an answer for that as well -- sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Gisele was actually invited to take part in this photoshoot, but she wasn't available on the day the shoot happened. In other words ... no snub for Gisele either -- just scheduling conflicts.
Pitchforks down, folks ... all things have explanations, and not everything is drama.
Tell that to those in the comments ... 'cause they're the ones who seem to need to hear it!
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Don Rickles' Daughter Wants 'Toy Story 5' to Use Dad's Voice ... But Keep AI Away!!!
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Don Rickles can't record new lines for "Toy Story 5" -- but his daughter's hoping Disney has more archived audio to use, 'cause she wants her dad in the flick ... TMZ has learned.
ICYMI ... the fifth installment of the beloved animated franchise got a 2026 release date, announced Wednesday. We don't have cast details yet, but Rickles -- who played Mr. Potato Head in the first four installments of the franchise -- passed away in 2017.
We spoke to Mindy Rickles -- the daughter of the late great actor and comedian -- and she tells us ... Disney or Pixar has not yet reached out about a plan to use Don's voice, which is interesting considering Potato Head is a huge character in the franchise.
In fact -- MR was so in the dark, she says, that she didn't even know "Toy Story 5" was announced ... and doesn't have a clue if they plan on using his voice, or recasting MPH.
With that said ... Mindy tells us she's giving the franchise two thumbs up to use her dad's vocals via footage they might have left over and stashed away in the vault over the years -- but it's gotta really be him ... because she says AI's a no-go for her.
This isn't a new concept ... "Toy Story 4" came out in 2019 -- about two years after Don passed away and he hadn't recorded a single line of dialogue for the movie at the time.
The 'TS4' team got creative and cherry-picked unused lines he recorded for the first three movies, theme parks, associated video games, and even the 'Disney On Ice: Toy Story' show to piece together his part. That's exactly what Mindy tells us she wants to happen now.
It's unclear exactly how much more dialogue Disney might have from Don ... but with Mrs. Potato Head actress Estelle Harris' death in 2022, the creatives behind 'Toy Story' might just say the couple's moved on to another family -- like Wheezy the singing penguin and Bo Peep between the second and third movies. Of course, they could just get new voice actors too.
We'll see what route Pixar takes, but Mindy's making it clear ... the company will always have a friend in the Rickles fam, and she's hoping the feeling's the same.
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Mo'Nique If Ya Thought 'Shay Shay' Was Wild ... Catch Me On Tour with Katt!!!
Mo'Nique has a new ally after trashing Hollywood elites on "Club Shay Shay," one who might inspire her to spill more tea -- she's hitting the road with Katt Williams for his "Dark Matter" tour!!!
She and her husband/manager Sidney Hicks casually squeezed in the announcement Thursday during an Instagram Live that primarily focused on applying more pressure on D.L. Hughley ... amid their current mud slingin'.
Mo'Nique revealed she'll be joining Katt's band of comics as early as tomorrow ... Mark Curry and Torrei Hart are also attached to the tour, so now they've got 4 chests with a lot of stress to unload! What's interesting is most of them are aiming at the same targets!
We recently spoke to Mark, who sarcastically laughed off Steve Harvey stealing his jokes in the past -- something Katt raised with Shannon Sharpe -- but added he's got plenty of new zingers for Katt's tour.
Torrei also told us she's out to prove she can stand on her own outside the shadow of her ex-husband Kevin Hart.
The tour's rolling through May -- so, Steve, Oprah and Tyler Perry's ears are gonna be burning for a while.
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SURGICAL ROBOT BURNED FATAL HOLE IN FLORIDA WOMAN ... According to Lawsuit
A surgical robot burned a hole in a Florida woman's small intestine during surgery, injuring her and eventually causing her death -- this according new lawsuit filed by her husband.
According to the legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Boca Raton native Sandra Sultzer passed away at the age of 78 in 2022 following a procedure to treat her colon cancer ... which was performed using a 'da Vinci' robot -- a 4-armed machine activated by a doctor operating a camera and a surgeon steering the robot's arms using a joystick and foot pedals.
Sultzer's husband claims the robot is designed to cut incisions as small as the size of a dime ... and the precise movements are supposed to minimize blood loss and trauma to the body from larger cuts made during traditional surgical procedures.
The suit alleges some of the rubber sleeves around the arms had cracks which allowed electrical currents to escape ... and the stray energy essentially burned Sandra's body tissues during her September 2021 procedure.
Her husband claims the burning of her internal organs happened without the surgical team even fully knowing what was happening at the time.
The lawsuit alleges that Intuitive Surgical Inc. -- the company that makes the da Vinci robot -- failed to adequately warn of these risks ... claiming it should have known of the risks from "thousands of injury and defect reports" about the device.
He also claims the product was not designed in a safe way or tested enough to avoid the burn risks.
Sultzer's husband is seeking unspecified damages, including punitives.
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PUPPY BOWL Rescue Puppies Big and Small ... New Ref Goes 'Ruff Ruff'
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It's almost time for the big game, but we're not talking about the Super Bowl ... the most puppies ever will face off in the 20th annual Puppy Bowl, right before they get new homes.
Dan Schachner -- the 13-year Puppy Bowl "Ruff-eree" -- joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and gave us all the details on the pooches, from big to small, playing in the game. Plus, we had some visitors in our office to highlight the real intent of the event ... getting shelter dogs adopted from Angel City Pit Bull in Los Angeles.
This year, Puppy Bowl is going bigger than ever in several ways -- Dan says there are 131 puppies playing, representing 73 animal shelters across 36 states, the most ever.
Levi the Great Dane is going to check into the game when the bigger dogs get to run in the 4th quarter -- and he's already a whopping 70 pounds at just 3 months old!
On the opposite end of the scale, Dan says the Puppy Bowl's smallest pooch ever will take the field ... Sweatpea is playing the first quarter at a mere 1.7 pounds. Yeah, she can fit in the palm of your hand!
Also new this year is Dan's assistant "Ruff-eree" ... his poodle mix rescue, Whistle.
In addition to Dan getting officiating help, he says you can also expect to see pups in several new off-the-field jobs -- like cheerleading squad and working cameras.
The best part ... Dan says the Puppy Bowl has a 100% adoption rate and helps animal shelters it partners with find new homes for their rescues, thanks to awareness raised on the upcoming TV broadcast.
Puppy Bowl XX airs February 11 on Animal Planet and Discovery+. Cuteness overload!!!