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Brad Pitt stepped in to find a resolution with New Orleans homeowners who sued his Make It Right foundation over defective homes, telling us he's "grateful" a $20.5 million settlement was reached.

Our sources tell us the "Bullet Train" star coordinated with Global Green, an environmental non-profit, convincing GG to pony up the cash to settle a lawsuit the org was not even named in.

Brad tells TMZ ... "I am incredibly grateful for Global Green’s willingness to step up and provide this important support for the Lower Ninth families. We collaborated in the early days post-Katrina and we are very fortunate to have Global Green's generous continuing commitment to help address the challenges around these homes and others in need.

Remember ... Brad formed the Make It Right housing foundation back in 2007 to help New Orleans residents in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina find new homes. He had stepped away from the org, but when the issues began, he got back involved to find a solution.

The charity built over 100 futuristic-looking homes in NOLA's Lower Ninth Ward, but the folks who moved in claimed the homes were poorly built and were plagued by a host of issues, including mold and structural damage ... and in 2018 they sued Make It Right and Brad.

Brad promised to follow up and address the issues with the homes that came up over the years ... and under the settlement reached Tuesday, the program's 107 homeowners will be eligible to get $25k as reimbursement for prior repairs.

A judge still needs to sign off on the settlement, and the remaining funds will be divided among the homeowners ... depending on the condition of their homes.

One of the biggest women's organizations in the country is furious over Deshaun Watson's 11-game suspension and fine ... telling TMZ Sports the new punishment simply isn't sufficient.

The National Organization For Women (N.O.W.) has been closely following the Watson case for weeks ... previously telling us the 6-game suspension former Judge Sue L. Robinson handed down was "insulting, and dangerous."

The NFL appealed Robinson's decision ... and on Thursday, the league reached a settlement with Watson -- an 11-game ban and $5 million fine (which will be combined with the league and Browns' contribution to women's charities) ... and requiring the QB to attend professional evaluations, and a treatment program.

Despite the longer punishment, N.O.W. president Christian Nunes says the suspension is still "nowhere near enough," ... nor is the fine, considering Watson's massive $230 million salary.

"That $5 million represents 2.1739% of Watson’s new $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns," Nunes tells us, "which was negotiated after more than two dozen women had accused the star athlete of sexual misconduct."

"What is the point of a $5 million fine to Deshaun Watson -- or to the NFL, which made an estimated $9.8 billion during the 2021 season, and more than $15 billion the season before?"

Nunes added ... "Women need more than empty words and half-measures. The culture of toxic masculinity within the NFL must change -- NOW. Deshaun Watson’s career and wealth won’t be damaged by this decision—unlike the dozens of women he has irreparably harmed."

"No, this isn’t good enough."

Young Thug sat in an Atlanta courtroom on Thursday only to be denied bond again in his ongoing YSL Rico case.

Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, informed the court the rapper was willing to comply with a 24-hour home confinement and argued the prosecution was creating a false narrative by using 2014 lyrics as evidence, but that still wasn't enough to sway the judge.

As for the prosecution, they referred to Thugger as the “General” of the entire YSL regime, and believe he should remain locked up.

This makes Thug’s third bond denial since he was arrested back in May, and at this rate, he will be behind bars until at least January.

Young Thug and Gunna have both been behind bars -- part of a 56-count indictment -- which included weapons and drugs charges. There were even allegations YT was tied to possible shootings and murders.

Chris Brown’s risqué meet and greets have allowed his fans to get seriously up close and personal with their favorite performer ... a trend he thinks can work to save the relationships between other artists and their fans.

Breezy took to Instagram Thursday to credit his own contributions to the culture by claiming his fan meetups during his tour with Lil Baby are, "Starting to inspire artists to actually give a f*** about their fans."

While there's not necessarily enough evidence to support his claims, yet, you can certainly see Chris' fans have enjoyed the photo shoots, lining up to pay $1k at his shows for a quick convo with Chris.

Nappy Roots rapper Fish Scales is lucky to be alive after he was shot, robbed and kidnapped outside an Atlanta brewery he co-owns.

Police say two suspects first robbed a customer in the parking lot before entering Atlantucky Brewery and forcing Scales into his car at gunpoint. The robbers then drove Scales up the road to his home in a neighboring suburb where he was able to escape, but not before being shot in the leg during a struggle.

Scales, who is one-fourth of the Grammy-nominated rap group, is now resting in the hospital -- Nappy Roots put out a statement saying, "We are so thankful our brother is safe and on the road to recovery."

Police were able to recover Scales' vehicle ... but as of now, no arrests have been made.

Recently-leaked videos show Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin having the time of her life ... and now politicians are calling on her to take a drug test, claiming her wild behavior is a major red flag.

The clips show the 36-year-old PM partying with Finnish musicians, TV stars, and fellow politicians -- it was found on an unknown, private Instagram account.

Finnish Member of Parliament Mikko Kärnä went after her when the video leaked ... calling on her to take a drug test -- and to put the results on display for all to see.

The Prime Minister addressed the blowup Thursday during a press conference, saying she was drinking, but never took drugs ... she's got no problem taking a test, but adds "I also think it's quite special that something like this is required."

She claims she knew she was being filmed, but had hoped the clips would remain private -- admitting it "feels bad" that it's out there now.

Marin, who's been called "the coolest Prime Minister in the world" by Bild, a publication company in Germany, has been in hot water before for having a good time.

Lamar Odom's got another reason to smile -- the ex-NBA star just underwent a 4-hour veneer procedure to give his teeth a makeover ... which cost a pretty penny!!

Lamar's decision to get the work done is a huge deal -- the 2-time NBA champ is famously terrified of going to the dentist ... something that was well-documented on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" back in the day, when he admitted not getting his teeth checked out for 7 years.

Despite his fear, we're told this is something Odom has wanted to do for a long time ... and earlier this month, he got the courage to visit Dr. Victoria Veytsman in Beverly Hills, CA to change his appearance.

The 42-year-old had work done on 22 teeth ... a nearly $80,000 procedure.

The before and after pics show the transformation -- and LO thinks it was worth it, saying, "I now have the million dollar smile."

The procedure took roughly 4 hours to complete -- and we're told the hooper was able to contain his anxiety throughout the visit.

Kanye West is defending what many have deemed a "trash bag" clothing display as his Yeezy Gap line hit stores around the country.

Ye popped up on FOX News Thursday in a quick interview from the Gap location in Times Square. When asked if he understood why some have criticized the clothing displays as insensitive to the homeless, Kanye says, "I'm an innovator, and I'm not here to sit up and apologize for my ideas. That's exactly what the media tries to do: make us apologize for any idea that doesn't fall under exactly the way they want us to think."

If you haven't seen them, the clothing is displayed in large bags for customers to sift through and find their sizes, many have compared the bags to trash bags.

During the interview, Ye pointed out the bags weren't trash bags, they were large construction bags.

He states, "This is not a joke, this is not a game, this is not just a celebrity collaboration … this is my life. I’m fighting for a position to be able to change clothing and bring the best design to the people.”

Deshaun Watson has learned his fate -- the controversial quarterback has been suspended 11 games this season after reaching a settlement with the NFL.

The league just announced the new punishment for the Cleveland Browns star -- saying in addition to the lengthier ban, Watson also agreed to a $5 million fine. The 26-year-old will also "promptly undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program," according to the NFL.

NFL commish Roger Goodell addressed the settlement, saying, "Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL."

"This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension."

He added ... "We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion."

Watson -- who was acquired by the Browns in the offseason -- initially received a six-game suspension from retired Judge Sue Robinson, who spent several days investigating the claims made against him from 2020-21.

The NFL was unaccepting of Robinson's ruling and appealed Watson's 6-game ban ... believing there was enough evidence to lobby for a stricter suspension.

As we previously reported, Goodell ripped Watson to reporters last week ... calling Deshaun's behavior "egregious" and "predatory."

"There were multiple violations here, and they were egregious, and it was predatory behavior," Goodell previously said. "Those are things that we always felt were important for us to address in a way that's responsible."

The NFL Players Association wasn't initially on board with the NFL appealing Judge Robinson's ruling ... but Goodell argued that the league is allowed to do so, thanks to the collective bargaining agreement.

"As you know, it's part of the CBA that two parties had the right. Either party could certainly challenge and appeal that, and that was something we thought was our right to do, as well as the NFLPA," Goodell said.

Former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey was hired to hear the appeal ... but after the settlement Thursday, it's clear he will no longer be needed.

As settlement talks were being held, Watson was allowed to take the field for the Browns' Week 1 preseason game against the Jaguars ... and the QB was met with boos from the Jacksonville crowd.

Deshaun will be eligible to return Week 13 against his former team -- the Houston Texans.

This is AWESOME, baby!!!

Legendary college hoops announcer Dick Vitale is officially cancer free again, he announced Wednesday.

Vitale said in a series of tweets that he got the great news from his doctor following a myriad of tests this week.

"Dick u have gone from being in remission to being CANCER FREE,'" Vitale said of what his doctor told him. "Thank u to ALL of YOU that have sent me 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽"

Vitale previously beat cancer last year, but he was diagnosed with lymphoma a few months later. The 83-year-old was forced to step away from doing what he loves the most -- calling college basketball games -- while he fought it.

To complicate matters further, Vitale developed a throat condition that affected his vocal cords ... and the Hall of Famer required surgery to fix the issue.

But, Vitale made it clear Thursday the medical battles appear to now all be behind him -- and he's stoked.

"I only wish & pray that EVERYONE in the fight vs that vicious disease can receive the message I received last night from my oncologist DR Rick Brown who is the Director of Oncology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital," Vitale said.

"I will continue to follow the advice of Dr Brown & keep having a positive mental attitude with a strong faith & belief that good things will happen."

Mariah Carey's bid to trademark the moniker, "Queen of Christmas" has been opposed by some pretty famous singers, including legend Darlene Love, but there's precedent on Mariah's side ... with the likes of Michael Jackson, no less.

Mariah has filed legal docs with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to own the title, "Queen of Christmas." There have been objections ... singer Elizabeth Chan filed an opposition to Mariah's petition, claiming no one can "monopolize" the word "Christmas."

Darlene Love, whose XMAS song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is inarguably one of the best, posted on Facebook, "Is it true that Mariah Carey trademarked 'Queen of Christmas?'" She noted David Letterman bestowed the title on her 29 years ago so it's not available to Mariah.

No one, other than Mariah, has petitioned for the title, but that doesn't mean she'll get it. Michael Jackson never tried to register "King of Pop" during his lifetime, but others tried and failed, because it was so identified with MJ it would cause confusion in the marketplace. BTW, the Jackson Estate did register the title after MJ's death and blunted efforts by others to use the same title.

As for Elizabeth Chan's opposition that no one can monopolize the word "Christmas," that doesn't seem to be the case. We found trademarks where someone was allowed to register "Thanksgiving" for a line of wine, "Happy Valentine's Day" for fruit juices, and there's even "Christmas Spirit" -- yeah, it's booze! So, the path may be clear for Mariah.

Mariah, truth be told, has one of the most if not the most popular XMAS song ever -- "All I Want For Christmas Is You" -- but she has not been identified as "Queen of Christmas" like MJ was with "King of Pop." So, it would seem she needs the trademark to secure the title.

There's a lot on the line for Mariah ... she wants to use the title for fragrances, lotions, nail polish, jewelry, cups, mugs, chocolate milk, coconut water, ornaments, toys, dog clothing, masks for protection against viral infection, lingerie and sweatshirts.

BTW ... Mariah's also trying to register "Princess Christmas" and "Christmas Princess."

Linda Evangelista says the mental anguish she's suffered since a botched medical procedure is far greater than what she expected ... and at times feels that she hates herself.

Remember, the supermodel recently filed a lawsuit against a company called Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc. after she claimed she underwent a fat-reduction procedure called CoolSculpting which allegedly left her permanently deformed.

Linda says she was able to reach a settlement in the case, but it hasn't fixed her mental trauma, telling British Vogue, "If I had known side effects may include losing your livelihood and you'll end up so depressed that you hate yourself ... I wouldn't have taken that risk."

Linda also says the incident has affected her ability to work, "You're not going to see me in a swimsuit, that's for sure. It's going to be difficult to find jobs with things protruding from me; without retouching, or squeezing into things, or taping things or compressing or tricking."

Linda was seen bundled up in NYC back in February, shortly after she revealed she was ready to come out of hiding. She says she's grateful for the outpour of support from her family and friends, but her life will just never be the same.

Michael Bublé admits his new baby is ready to pop any day now ... and -- MAJOR COINCIDENCE -- he dropped a big hint about the kid's name because of our photog!!!

We got the singer in NYC Wednesday -- he's got a show at Madison Square Garden Thursday, but his night won't be over.

MB's jumping on a plane to Canada after the curtain closes to be with his wife Luisana Lopilato ... as she's set to give birth to baby #4 STAT.

Now here's the twist ... Our photog, Seleah, asked Michael about the baby's name, and he tried to turn the tables by asking her name. When she revealed it, Michael was stunned -- STUNNED -- watch the video and find out why.

Dog the Bounty Hunter is getting a slew of tips on the disappearance of 16-year-old Kiely Rodni -- the girl who vanished near the Lake Tahoe area earlier this month -- but he's reluctant to do anything right now because of the blowback he got in the Gabby Petito murder investigation.

Dog's rep tells TMZ, some of the tipsters offer vague clues -- something he's used over the years to eventually develop solid leads -- and he's also been getting a slew of emails from people who just want him to jump in because of his track record in finding missing persons.

Here's the problem. When cops were setting their sights on Brian Laundrie, the man who murdered Gabby, Dog was honeymooning near the Florida home where Brian's sister lived, and he decided to jump in and help. The video of Dog knocking at the sister's door made the rounds and was heavily criticized ... some claiming he was meddling in a police investigation.

It's kind of a case, Dog thinks, of no good deed going unpunished. His rep says the way he operates ... he will not get involved in a missing person's investigation unless one of 2 things happen -- either he's invited by a family member or law enforcement to get involved, or 21 days have passed since the person was declared missing.

The reason for 21 days ... Dog says that's when missing persons cases typically go cold.

So, Dog is now waiting ... waiting for an invite or for 3 weeks to pass. He's also waiting for solid clues on where Kiely might be.

Tragic news ... Luke Knox, a Florida International University linebacker and brother of Bills star Dawson Knox, has died suddenly at the age of 22.

FIU officials and Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott just confirmed the passing ... though a cause of death was not revealed.

"Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time," McDermott just told reporters at Bills training camp. "We're right there with him and supporting him and his family. Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning."

Luke initially began his college career at Ole Miss in 2018 -- playing both linebacker and tight end. He transferred to FIU this offseason -- and had been expected to compete for a starting LB spot this year.

FIU's head coach Mike MacIntyre, who coached Luke at both Ole Miss and FIU, said in a statement Wednesday he was heartbroken over the football player's death.

"Luke’s family is special to me and they will continually be in my heart and my prayers during this difficult time," MacIntyre said. "On behalf of the entire FIU football family, I extend sincere condolences to Luke's family and all who love him."

Dawson was very close with Luke -- the two played together for a season at Ole Miss in 2018 -- and the guys actually shared a very funny moment when Dawson was drafted by Buffalo in 2019.

Luke, celebrating the pick, accidentally punched Dawson in the face -- causing him to bleed on his big night.

"So dang proud of you bro," Luke said in a post to Dawson on the draft night. "Time to go get what's yours!! Love you"

Dawson has yet to publicly comment on the tragedy.

RIP.

Lil Durk is back on the move, following a scary moment during his Lollapalooza set last month where a stage prop exploded in his face.

The Chicago drill rapper recently joined DJ Khaled on his tour bus, where Durk was all smiles and bandage-free as the "We The Best" hitmaker spouted off inspirational quotes to promote his new album.

Durk announced he was taking a mental health break a couple of weeks ago following the eye injury.

No word yet if the hiatus is officially over or if it'll affect his tour -- slated for mid-October -- but judging from his energy with Khaled, Smurkio appears to be back.

DJ Khaled has been corralling all the top rappers in the game for his upcoming album "God Did" ... Drake, Lil Baby, Future and Jay-Z are just some of the names that have buzzed around the release.

Meanwhile, Durk's placement on the project also aligns him with stars thanks to a song with Roddy Ricch and 21 Savage.