Uganda's Anti-Gay Law U.S. Considering Visa Restrictions Some Bipartisan Support

Uncle Sam isn't liking Uganda's new harsh anti-gay law -- which criminalizes "aggravated homosexuality" -- and we might just do something about it as a nation to condemn it.

President Biden's Sec. of State, Anthony Blinken, spoke out against the African nation's Anti-Homosexuality Act, which just got signed into law, and he says the U.S. will now consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials and others for what he calls a human rights abuse.

Blinken says he's instructed the State Dept. to update travel guidance as well for Americans who might want to travel to Uganda for business or pleasure -- so, perhaps restricting travel.

As for POTUS ... he's also slamming the law, and says he might even impose sanctions against Uganda over this -- adding he would review the ramifications of the law "on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda."

As for what is actually illegal now ... well, it's murky. Uganda says one can still identify as gay or as part of the LGBT community -- but that any promotion of homosexuality or any overt public acts of homosexuality, as it's vaguely described, is punishable by prison.

If you're thinking our politicians here would be divided on this, you'd be wrong -- at least as it pertains to Sen. Ted Cruz, anyway ... who publicly called out Uganda for overstepping.

He wrote, "This Uganda law is horrific & wrong. Any law criminalizing homosexuality or imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” is grotesque & an abomination.  ALL civilized nations should join together in condemning this human rights abuse."

The reactions are mixed -- some are calling him a hypocrite, GOPers are calling him a traitor.

Island Boys' Franky Venegas Ordered To Stay Away From Ex ... Following Domestic Battery Arrest

Franky Venegas, one of the twins from the viral Island Boys duo, has to make a clean break from his ex-girlfriend ... he can't contact her at all after getting busted for allegedly getting physical with her.

Franky was arrested for domestic battery earlier this month and released from jail, and now he's got a set of special conditions to follow as the case moves forward.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Franky can have zero contact with the alleged victim in his case, ex-GF Amina Sobhi. This is standard practice in DV cases.

Franky was busted for domestic battery earlier this month after Amina told cops they got into an argument by the pool of their Airbnb in Pompano Beach, FL. Amina claims Franky slapped and pushed her into the pool after she threatened to break up with him.

SAVING FACE
Instagram / @bhlasertattooremoval

Franky later posted a vid outside the jail, letting his fans know he was released from custody. As we first reported, Amina's now getting treatments to remove 3 tattoos she previously had inked in his honor.

In addition to steering clear of Amina, the docs also state Franky must stay away from alcohol and drugs, submit to random drug and alcohol testing, and possess no weapons.

Franky -- AKA Kodiyakredd -- found internet stardom back in 2021, after releasing his song "I'm An Island Boy" with his twin brother Flyysoulja.

Tom Brady Play For Raiders In 2023??? Troy Aikman 'Wouldn't Rule Anything Out!!!'

May 2023
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
TMZSports.com

Now under center for the Las Vegas Raiders ... Tom Brady?!?

Troy Aikman tells TMZ Sports he could imagine a scenario in 2023 where that situation is a very real thing ... saying he wouldn't put it past Brady to suit up for the team he's about to be a part owner of.

"I don't want speak for Tom," the Dallas Cowboys legend told Babcock, but "I wouldn't rule anything out."

Aikman's reasoning is simple ... he says because of the way Brady keeps himself in shape -- and his great relationship with head coach Josh McDaniels -- he could see it all happening.

Plus, Brady owning a piece of the team wouldn't hurt the chances, either.

"I would bet that just nothing is off the table," Aikman said, "as far as what may occur during the season or what Tom's role may be."

Of course, the Raiders already have Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a big contract ... and Aikman said he strongly believes Brady is "done playing."

"But," the Hall of Famer added, "you just never know."

Aikman also spoke with us about Aaron Rodgers' move to New York ... and he said he thinks the change of scenery from Green Bay could really impact the quarterback positively.

He also said he's stoked to be able to broadcast Rodgers' first-ever game as a Jet when NY takes on Buffalo during the NFL's season-opening "Monday Night Football" matchup in September.

TOP VALUE PLAYER
TMZSports.com

"Every network wanted that game, every network wanted Aaron Rodgers," he said. "We got him right out of the box."

The '25K Sunglasses Girl' Dana Wilkey On 'RHOBH' 'Memba Her?!

TV Personality Dana Wilkey was in her mid-30s when she became popular as one of the more bougie women of the Beverly Hills squad -- most known for showing off her $25,000 sunglasses -- on Bravo's season 2 of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" back in 2011.

Although she was not a primary cast member, her flashiness and over-the-top personality earned her some star-power points and contributed to the show's drama, standing alongside key players including Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump and Camille Grammer.

... And, can't forget about her $1 million lollipop holder!

Guess what she looks like now!

Singer Paloma Faith Pissed At New 'Little Mermaid' Over Ariel Giving Up Voice For Eric, 'WTF Is This S***?'

Something about the new live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" isn't sitting right with singer Paloma Faith ... who says the movie's plot is a really hard one to explain to her kiddos.

Paloma took to social media over the weekend, first congratulating Halle Bailey for her performance in the new Disney flick -- before dragging the story's main focus, saying "I don’t want my kids to think it’s ok to give up your entire voice and your powers to love a man."

She added, "Wtf is this s***?! Not what I want to be teaching next gen women at all.” Of course, she's referring to Ariel giving up her own voice to become a human to be with her love interest, Prince Eric.

For those unaware, it's the same trope that was used in the original 1989 version, so it seems Paloma might've forgotten the story before watching this new adaptation.

However, Halle told Edition earlier this year that her new version "definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy ... It’s way bigger than that. It’s about herself, her purpose, her freedom, her life and what she wants.”

Sounds like that claim either didn't make it to the big screen, or just went over Paloma's head.

Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sanchez Renting Out Kenny G's Malibu Home! While Bev Hills Home Gets Renovations

Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez have apparently plopped down on a massive rental while their Beverly Hills pad gets the multimillion-dollar treatment ... and the new home away from home is reportedly none other than Kenny G's humble abode.

The Amazon founder and his new bride-to-be have picked the world-famous sax player's Malibu compound as their rental -- according to The Dirt, the happy couple's been shacking up there since March while work is still underway on their 9-figure property.

This temporary space looks pretty sweet, sitting cliffside and overlooking the ocean with a gorgeous backyard and massive pool. Unclear how much the 2 are payin' for a place like this, but it's gotta be a drop in the bucket for the wealthy pair.

The spot -- picked up by Kenny in 1998 -- has been expanded upon over the years, even adding on the smaller mansion next door ... the 2.5-acre property reportedly comes with a screening room, massive recording studio, and a key to Little Dume Beach, AKA one of the most exclusive beaches in Malibu.

As we reported, Jeff and Lauren got engaged during their recent vacay on his brand new $500 mil yacht, dubbed the Koru ... and sources told us the bigwig popped the question somewhere in Spain.

Going from half a mil yachts to swanky cliffside compounds while your massive Bev Hills home gets a facelift -- what a life!

Brazil Beauty Pageant 2nd Place Winner's Hubby Goes Berserk ... Smashes Crown On Stage In Crazy Vid!

SMASHING SUPPORT

The husband of a recent beauty pageant contestant was in an all-out rage after his wife was named the runner-up ... rushing the stage and chucking the winner's crown on the floor!!!

Here's the deal -- Emannuelly Belini, representing Várzea Grande, was being crowned at Brazil's Miss Gay Mato Grosso 2023 on Saturday when the husband of 2nd place-winner Nathally Becker rushed on stage with some obvious qualms.

Check out the insane clip ... the husband grabs the crown just as it's being placed on Belini's head and slams it on the floor! As folks are in pure shock, he throws it down again before trying to walk off with his wife -- ultimately getting stopped by security.

The event put out a statement after the sore loser incident -- reiterating that Belini was indeed deemed the winner of this year's event, while also condemning the actions of Becker's hubby ... claiming the org's camp will be taking appropriate legal action after the ordeal.

Looks like someone took "#1 fan" a little too far.

Ralph Yarl Shows Up To Brain Injury Fundraiser ... Signs Of Progress After Last Month's Shooting

Ralph Yarl, the Black teen who was shot in the head after walking up to the wrong house last month, was at a charity event for a good cause ... helping others who have ended up in situations similar to his in one of his first outings since the near-death experience.

The 17-year-old Missouri student was at the “Going the Distance for Brain Injury” run-walk event in Kansas City Monday -- the same city where he was shot 2 times -- including in the head -- just over a month before by 84-year-old Andrew Lester.

Ralph's mom, Cleo Nagbe, told local outlet KMBC she's extremely grateful for the outpouring of support she's been receiving for her son. In regards to the event, she says, "Socially it’s still hard for him. So, I’m glad he was able to overcome this. I pray that he will overcome most of his social hurdles after doing this."

You'll recall, Ralph was attempting to pick up his siblings when he mistakenly approached Lester's home, resulting in Lester shooting the teenager twice ... he's since been dealing with a serious brain injury but is luckily alive after the terrifying incident.

Lee Merritt, attorney for the Yarl family, told TMZ the part of Ralph's brain that deals with emotion and stress was damaged, so his doctor didn't give him the green light to return to school due to all the social interactions.

Ralph also got an invite from Ahmaud Arbery's mom, Wanda, to join her at a 5K race earlier this month, but his fam didn't think the time was right to be in a social setting, especially after the school denial.

Looks like Ralph's doing better on that road to recovery -- seemingly well enough to take to the Kansas City event.

Milt Larsen Magic Castle Founder Dead At 92

Milt Larsen, founder of the legendary Magic Castle, has died.

Family sources tell TMZ Milt passed away in his sleep Sunday night at his home in Hollywood with his close friends and family by his side.

Milt is known heavily in the world of magic -- forming the ever-popular Magic Castle ... a private club for magicians located in the heart of Hollywood, CA which is also home to the Academy of Magical Arts.

He and his brother Bill grew up together in a family of magicians, and worked together to promote the Castle and recruit members, opening the doors in 1963.

Milt also celebrated the 50th anniversary of his annual stage show, "It's Magic!" with a big bash at the then-Kodak Theater in 2006. He and Bill also were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Milt's family was named 1 of the 100 most influential magicians of the 20th century in 1999's "Magic" magazine.

Apart from magic, Milt also had a long writing career --  working with Richard M. Sherman of the Sherman Brothers for decades, writing several scores together for nightclub speakeasy revues, comedy albums, and musicals like "Pazzazz!"

He also was a writer for the Bob Barker TV show, "Truth or Consequences" ... as well as "Malibu U" and audience participation shows with the likes of Vin Scully and Jim Nabors.

Milt was 92.

RIP

Jennifer Garner Disney Bound With Her Daughter ... Jennifer Lopez's Kid, Too!!!

Looks like Jennifer Garner is mixin’ pretty well with her ex Ben Affleck and his new boo Jennifer Lopez -- because she took to the happiest place on Earth over the weekend with not only her daughter, but J-Lo’s kid, too.

The actress was in full chaperone mode at Disneyland Sunday, wrangling a group of teens at the beloved theme park ... having some fun with her youngest daughter, Seraphina, and some of her pals -- as well as Lopez's 15-year-old kid, Emme, whom the singer shares with Marc Anthony.

Seems to be no issues over here with the new family dynamic ... JG even got them all to snap some pics in front of the castle -- with Emme and Seraphina cheesing right next to each other!

As you know, Affleck and Garner pulled the plug on their decade-long marriage back in 2015, with Ben and J-Lo tying the knot last year.

Of course, Garner and Affleck have had seemingly no big issues in the co-parenting department, with this family affair being a great example ... mark that as a joint family outing!!!

Benedict Cumberbatch Family Shaken Up By Knife-Wielding Chef ... Breaks Onto Property, Shouting At Them

Benedict Cumberbatch's home was subject to a terrifying break-in ... as a man wielding a knife was destroying his property and shouting at the actor and his family while they all feared for their lives inside.

According to Daily Mail, 35-year-old chef Jack Bissell kicked his way through the front gate of Benedict's $3.5 mil North London property -- shouting "I know you've moved here, I hope it burns down" while the actor, his wife, and their 3 kids could hear him just outside their doors.

Bissell, who formerly worked at the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, reportedly yanked out one of their plants and threw it against the garden wall ... and also spit on their intercom before ripping it off the building.

The chef fled the scene before things could escalate further ... and luckily, police found his DNA on the intercom, leading to his eventual arrest. He was slapped with a fine and a 3-year restraining order from the Cumberbatch family.

During this month's trial, prosecutors said Bissell bought 2 packs of pita bread at a nearby store before the incident, telling the shopkeeper he was going to break into Benedict's home and burn it down.

Bissell pled guilty and was sentenced on May 10, although specifics surrounding the date the incident occurred haven't been revealed. According to DailyMail, details of the case could not be reported until they "successfully challenged blanket reporting restrictions this week."

It's unclear what the connection is between Bissell and Cumberbatch.

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This wasn't Bissell's first arrest, BTW -- he was cuffed back in his underwear back in 2015 during a protest regarding military intervention in Syria.

Tom Sandoval Yacking It Up with Raquel ... It's as Plane as Day!!!

Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss may still be a thing -- despite the buzz they've broken up -- and the evidence is literally up in the air!

Tom was on a flight to Pittsburgh Sunday night for a gig, when a fellow passenger snapped a pic of his phone. The screenshot clearly shows there's still a connection between the "Vanderpump Rules" cheatin' duo ... Tom's talking to Raquel.

The passenger who took the shot said it was innocent enough ... Tom had his phone out -- presumably when the plane was on the ground -- so the passenger took the photo, not realizing the person on the other end of the line was Raquel.

The traveler said Tom was trying to speak quietly, but his voice was "highly recognizable." The only thing the passenger heard him say was that he was going to "f***ing Pittsburgh."

There's another side to this ... as we reported, Raquel had been in a mental health facility recently, but typically such facilities restrict the use of phones. The screenshot is evidence she may be out by now.

There have been numerous reports Tom and Raquel are history ... something which Ariana Madix has called BS. Looks like she's right on the mark.

Tom's band is playing at Jergel's Rhythm Grille Monday night.

Stay tuned.

Johnny Depp Postpones Upcoming U.S. Shows w/ Vampires ... Due to Fractured Ankle

Johnny Depp's American fans are going to have to wait a little longer to see him live, 'cause the guy's got a bum ankle right now ... and it's temporarily put him out of commission.

Sources close to the actor tell TMZ ... Johnny's upcoming U.S. shows with his band, The Hollywood Vampires, are getting postponed on doctor's orders ... as a result of a nagging lower-body injury.

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We're told JD recently tweaked his ankle during his Cannes press run, and he stressed it further while trying to power through some recent music gigs ... when he was doing back-to-back Jeff Beck tribute shows. You'll recall ... he was front and center for those in the U.K.

Now, our sources tell us Depp's ankle is fractured and his medical team has instructed him not to fly for the foreseeable future -- which means the first 3 HV gigs are off the table.

5/23/23
REMEMBERING JEFF BECK
SplashNews.com

Those initial shows were on the East Coast -- Manchester, NH, Boston and Bethel, NY. We're told Johnny and co. are trying to find a way to reschedule them toward the end of their tour -- which will begin to wrap up around late July ... when they'll be in Europe.

Our source tells us Johnny's disappointed over this, explaining ... "Johnny went from two full days of press appearances in Cannes, straight to London for rehearsals and then played two tribute shows in honor of his dear friend, the late great Jeff Beck."

They add, "His ankle was already bothering him at Cannes, and it got progressively worse, but he wanted to honor his commitments for 'Jeanne du Barry' and for Jeff. He’s devastated to postpone the shows, but his doctor believes flying could make the situation much worse. He plans to rest up so the European dates go off without a hitch." Those will start in June.

As we reported ... Johnny's been taking his health much more seriously amid his comeback -- with a lot of rest and clean eating -- and this move is just further evidence of that.

The last time he was in the U.S. was way back in November -- when he did a concert with Jeff Beck here in L.A. Since then, the guy's mostly been across the pond ... this after his W in his defamation case against Amber Heard.

Funny enough, she's been over in Europe too.

Insane Bus Shootout Driver, Passenger Exchange Gunfire ... Caught On Video

SHOOTING AND DRIVING

A North Carolina bus driver got into a shootout with a passenger while traveling along a designated route ... and the violent encounter was caught on video.

David Fullard was behind the wheel of a Charlotte Area Transit System bus when Omarri Tobias approached and asked to be let off between stops. The two began to argue after Fullard said Tobias would have to wait until the next stop, prompting each to whip out guns.

Check out surveillance footage from inside the bus, which shows the men aiming their firearms at one another and squeezing off shots at close range.

Tobias was hit in the stomach, but he managed to crawl to the back of the bus. Fullard, who was struck in the arm, stopped the bus and continued to fire at Tobias. But, Tobias was able to slither out the side door to safety.

Both men were treated for their injuries and expected to make a full recovery. Two other passengers aboard the bus were unharmed.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police arrested Tobias and charged him with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats and carrying a concealed firearm.

Fullard has not been criminally charged ... but he was fired by RATP Dev, which employs transit system bus drivers in the region.

The Charlotte Area Transit System said Fullard failed to follow proper procedure, explaining he should have de-escalated the situation by allowing Tobias to exit the bus before arriving at the next stop.

Fullard's attorney said his client was a dedicated, 19-year employee and called for enhanced security measures for all bus drivers following the May 18 shootout.

'The Little Mermaid' Makeup Artist Calls BS on LGBTQ Criticism ... A Good Makeup Artist is a Good Makeup Artist

The makeup artist who gave Ursula her look in "The Little Mermaid" says the blowback he's gotten from members of the LGBTQ community is ridiculous ... that only someone from that community should have been tapped for the job.

Peter King, a seasoned makeup artist, has been under fire from some LGBTQ members, who groused Melissa McCarthy's sea witch character -- inspired by drag queen Divine -- should not have been done up at the hands of anyone outside the community.

King went on the offensive, saying, "I find that very offensive. Why can't I do as good a job as a queer makeup artist?"

Mr. King is seasoned at his craft, doing makeup for "The Lord of the Rings," "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi, and "Spider-Man." He said, "I personally don't get it. Yes, I'm very old now, so that's fine, I get that too, but you know, a makeup artist or makeup designer could design makeup, they don't have to have an attachment to the nature of what they're doing."

Under the sea & undercover

Meanwhile, the #1 film this weekend -- expected to top $120M -- had a famous guest in one of the theaters ... Halle Bailey, who posted video of herself in disguise taking in the action.

BIG MERMAID MELTDOWN
Twitter / @babygravy9

And, speaking of action, a fight broke out at one theater ... unsure what it was about, but fists were flying -- adult fists -- which is crazy, right?

A sign of the times.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Blue Ivy I Got the Moves!!! Performs w/ Bey in Paris

PROUD SISTER
UPDATE

8:24 AM PT -- Beyoncé is one proud mama. She just posted some pics and video from Blue Ivy's performance, saying ... "My beautiful first born 🙏🏾 I’m so proud and thankful to be your mama. You bring us so much joy, my sweet angel."

UPDATE

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Beyoncé's youngest daughter Rumi Carter, was in the stands cheering during a show in Paris over the weekend, but the cheers were for one of her siblings.

5-year-old Rumi was loving it when Blue Ivy took the stage in the middle of the show. She showed off her moves during Beyonce's "My Power" from "The Lion King," following up with some dance moves during "Black Parade."

Rumi and her twin bro, Sir, were sitting with a group of friends and fam -- including proud papa Jay-Z -- as they gave props to their 11-year-old sister. They held up a sign -- "We Love You Blue!"

After the performance, Blue Ivy went back to her seat to the delight of her brother and sister.

BLUE IVY BUMPIN'

Bey's mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson, was also on hand, and gave her granddaughter mad props ... "Last night I saw my beautiful grandbaby (11) dance in the front of almost 70 thousand people! She killed it and was as cool as a cucumber! Blue Ivy Carter ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ No Fear❤️❤️."

Beyoncé kicked off her Renaissance World Tour at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, earlier this month, marking her first solo concert outing in seven years.

The event's set list features various songs from her seventh studio album "Renaissance," such as "Alien Superstar," "Cuff It," "Pure/Honey" and "Plastic Off the Sofa."

Just a night out with the family!

Originally Published -- 6:43 AM PT

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