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Wolfgang Puck loves seeing famous faces sitting down at tables in his restaurants, but he can't always put a face with a name ... Ariana Grande had him thinking she was in school.

The celeb chef joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday and we asked him about hosting tons of celebs at his famous restaurants in Los Angeles, usually for special occasions.

Wolfgang usually goes up to the table for a few kind words, but even he admits he doesn't always know who he's talking to off the bat -- as it played out, hilariously, with Ariana recently.

Ya gotta hear the way Wolfgang broke the ice with Ariana at Hotel Bel-Air, where she was dining with new hubby Dalton Gomez. It's a hilarious bit of mistaken identity, with a happy ending.

Wolfgang's getting a pass with Ariana ... and it sounds like there were no surprises when another famous couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, dined out at his spot at the Pendry Hotel in WeHo.

The restaurant mogul is the subject of a new documentary, appropriately called "Wolfgang," coming out Friday on Disney+ ... and he shared some details about his challenging upbringing in Austria, and those circumstances made him determined to make it in America.

Christina Anstead is officially back to Christina Haack (again) -- because her divorce from Ant Anstead is finalized ... TMZ has learned.

According to a legal filing, obtained by TMZ, the "Flip or Flop" star is single once more in the eyes of California. After filing for divorce in late 2020, a judge just signed off on the dissolution.

We're told she and Ant are going to be sharing custody -- both legal and physical -- of their 1-year-old son, Hudson. Christina has 2 other kids with her ex-husband, Tarek El Moussa.

Our sources say neither Christina nor Ant will have to give the other any dough going forward. It also seems they've privately hashed out who gets what assets and property.

Like we told you, Christina and Ant announced they were separating in September, before Christina formally pulled the trigger a couple months later with divorce papers. They first linked up in 2017 -- while she and Tarek were going through their own split at the time.

There wasn't anything scandalous that caused this break-up -- our sources had previously told us Christina and Ant had simply drifted apart ... so no harm, no foul, it seems.

Obviously, this is the bow tie on their relationship -- but things have been moving behind the scenes while this divorce got buttoned up with the courts. Remember, Christina already unloaded the Newport Beach home she and Ant were sharing during their marriage ... snagging a cool $5.3 mil for it after asking for about $6M at first.

Courtney Stodden thinks an Oprah interview with Chrissy Teigen on cyberbullying would be remiss to leave out one important piece to the story ... Courtney Stodden!!!

Courtney was on their way into their show Friday at the 1720 in downtown Los Angeles when a photog asked if Stodden would like to go on Oprah for a Megan Markle-type interview with Chrissy.

As you know ... Chrissy's reportedly in talks with Oprah for her first interview after her cyberbullying scandal, which involves Courtney and, more recently, Michael Costello. Courtney claims Chrissy once sent a DM telling Stodden to commit suicide, and CT has since apologized for the merciless online bullying.

Courtney, who is nonbinary, says Chrissy's potential sit down with Oprah would be really interesting ... and they want to come on and share their story too, as long as doing so would help folks dealing with cyberbullies.

Of course, the ball is very much in Oprah's court.

Paul Walker's supped-up Toyota Supra that he drove in "The Fast and the Furious" has gone to one super-charged fan ... who snagged the fast whip at an auction for $550k.

The 1994 car was auctioned off in Las Vegas this weekend ... and the winning bid came from a phone bidder for Brian O'Conner's original 10-second car. The Supra's auction had been one of the most anticipated ones in recent memory.

'F&F' fans know this car all too well -- it's the one he fixed up before smoking a Ferrari while racing down PCH in Malibu.

The car was also featured in the second installment ... 2003's "2 Fast 2 Furious." The new owner will get all the extensive documentation of the car's origin plus a certificate of authenticity. BTW, the car was built at The Shark Shop in El Segundo, CA.

Under the hood, the Supra's got what's billed as "perhaps the most renowned engine to ever come from Japan" -- the 2JZ-GTE. Remember ... Dominic Toretto's crew guy, Jesse, famously said in the first installment "2JZ engine ... this will decimate all."

As we reported ... the late actor's baby brother, Cody Walker, wouldn't even venture to guess what this car would go for at auction ... but he knew it would rake in some serious cash. And, he was right.

He also told us he thinks Paul would have thought the auction itself for a car like this is kind of hilarious.

Cody was in middle school when the OG 'F&F' film came out ... and he said folks stop him all the time to tell him his bro is what got them into loving fast cars. There's a legion of 'F&F' fans that have grown exponentially thanks to the enormous success of the franchise.

President Trump allegedly had a radical idea about how to deal with Americans in Asia who had contracted the coronavirus in the early pandemic days -- don't bring them home, send them to Guantanamo Bay.

That's what the ex-Prez is accused of in a new book written by a pair of Washington Post journalists based on interviews with more than 180 people with knowledge of Trump's response to COVID-19 ... including senior White House staff and health leaders.

According to the book ... as Trump's team debated bringing infected Americans home to receive care, he instead suggested the infamous U.S. military prison in Cuba.

Trump reportedly asked those in the Situation Room in Feb. 2020, "Don't we have an island that we own? What about Guantanamo?" The book alleges Trump then made a comment about how America imports goods -- not viruses -- and claims he didn't want to increase COVID numbers on U.S. soil.

The President's aides shot down the idea after Trump suggested it a second time, citing concern for how it would look for American tourists to be quarantined at the same place where the country holds terrorism suspects ... according to the book.

Kendall Jenner wants to kill the "Kardashian Curse" narrative once and for all ... saying their exes need to own up to their problems and stop letting the KarJenner family take all the blame.

As legend has it ... anyone who dates a Kardashian/Jenner is overcome with bad luck after getting tangled up in their spotlight -- no matter if it's an athlete or a musician.

Kenny unleashed on the notion Sunday night during a Q&A on the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" Reunion on E! ... saying the whole idea is bogus.

"What I don't like about this narrative is that the blame is on us," Jenner told Andy Cohen. "I think the men need to take that responsibility."

"I think that we're all extremely giving and caring and loving women. And, when there is a man in our lives we like, give everything to them and as a family, we all love them so much."

"It's almost offensive, personally."

The KarJenners have dated an all-star roster of athletes over the years -- from guys like Reggie Bush to Kris Humphries to Lamar Odom to Tristan Thompson to James Harden to Ben Simmons to Jenner's current boo, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.

Kris Jenner defended their family name -- pointing out there's a Super Bowl champ (Bush) and two NBA champions (Lamar and TT) on that list ... and Kanye West and Travis Scott ain't doing too bad for themselves right now, either.

On top of that, Booker is 3 wins from making the NBA Finals this year ... so, yeah, doesn't seem too cursed to us (knock on wood).

"Of course, factually, it doesn't add up," Kendall added.

Speaking of, Jenner finally spoke publicly about her boyfriend for the first time, saying keeping their relationship private is what's best for them ... and she certainly seems happy!!!

And, if that's not enough Kardashian sports news for the day, Kendall also revealed what she would be doing with her life if it weren't for being a massively successful supermodel ... and she believes she would be an Olympic horseback rider!!!

You didn't think Robert Kraft was gonna let that thing sit in the garage, did you?!

Check out the New England Patriots owner rolling through The Hamptons with his girlfriend Dana Blumberg in his brand new drop-top Bentley ... his birthday gift from Jay-Z, Meek Mill and Michael Rubin!

Remember, Kraft lost his mind when Rubin presented the ride to him earlier this month -- with Robert wondering how the hell the guys managed to get it!

"How the fudge did you get it?" Kraft said at the time.

Kraft apparently had been eyeing the Bentley -- but despite his immense power and fortune, the billionaire couldn't get it on his own.

But Jay, Meek and Michael -- who founded the REFORM Alliance with Kraft in 2019 -- clearly have some pull in the rare car world and made it happen!

Fast forward a few weeks ... and Kraft was seen driving it around his exclusive neighborhood with a big 'ol smile on his face!

Haven't seen Kraft this happy since he won the Super Bowl ... for the 6th time!

Scott Disick's apparent inclination to date women much younger than him is pure coincidence and not even his doing -- so says the guy himself, who's got a helluva explanation.

The Lord gave a little insight into what seems to have been a trend these past few years with his famed SOs -- the last two of whom have been about 20 years his junior, give or take. Of course, we're talking about Sofia Richie and his current boo, Amelia Hamlin.

The former is 22 now, but started seeing Scott when she was around 19 ... which is exactly how old SD's new GF, Amelia, was just a few short weeks ago, before hitting the big 2-0. Of course, during the 'Keeping Up' reunion Sunday ... host Andy Cohen had to ask about it.

Check it out for yourself ... Scott denies he goes after young women specifically, but notes there IS some sort of pursuit happening. Although, apparently, it's the other way around ... and the reason he offers is hilarious.

While we're on the topic of our Lord and Savior -- there were other juicy moments from the fan-driven Q&A that are also worth seeing ... including lingering questions people had about Scott and Kourtney's relationship, and the huge "what if" folks have wondered about for years now.

After DMX gave it to us for the better part of 3 decades, the late rapper's label returned the favor and covered his funeral expenses.

According to X's probate docs, obtained by TMZ, Def Jam Recordings paid the bill Brooks Memorial Home Inc. in Yonkers, NY sent to the family. The receipt, dated May 5, 2021, covered the services of Earl Simmons ... X's full government name.

According to the document, those costs included the transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming ... plus the hearse and flowers.

There's no specific mention of the awesome monster truck that carried DMX's casket to Barclays Center celebration of life in Brooklyn.

Speaking of which, that customized red casket went for $7,450, according to the docs. The total tab Def Jam paid came to $35,228.13.

As we reported ... DMX died at the age of 50, following an overdose back in April.

His kids and famous friends like Nas, Eve and the original Ruff Ryders delivered powerful words at his service.

Kendrick Lamar's humble home east of L.A. has hit the market, and unlike the properties of most celebs ... it can be yours for way less than a million bucks!!!

The rapper's owned the modest -- in hip-hop star terms -- 4-bed, 2.5-bath property in the Inland Empire city of Eastvale for several years ... as it's been a family home where his parents and siblings have resided.

As we told you, though -- Kendrick bought a $2.65 million crib in Calabasas a few years ago as an investment property, and his family got to move into that one ... leaving the Eastvale pad empty.

Though it's not as glamorous as might be expected, the home is a spacious 3,500-sq.-ft. that comes with a 3-car garage and a nice yard with a BBQ station.

It was built in 2006 so it's still very modern ... and it also boasts a swimming pool and spa.

Kendrick's listed the house at $800,000, so he's set to make a nice chunk of change when it sells because he paid $523,400 for the place in 2014.

The unveiling of the already-controversial Marilyn Monroe statue in Palm Springs drew tons of protesters ... who see it as a misogynistic eyesore.

City officials held a ceremony Sunday night to unveil the 26-foot tall stainless steel monument dubbed "Forever Marilyn" -- an art piece the city hopes will draw scores of tourists this summer to boost local revenue.

However, several dozen detractors were there chanting "Hey hey! Ho ho! Misogyny has to go!" ... and "Exploitation! Exploitation!"

Their main beef is that Marilyn's underwear can be seen when standing behind the statue.

Emiliana Guereca, executive director of Women's March Foundation, told the Desert Sun, "When you exit the museum, the statue is designed to look at her crotch and look at her buttocks and take photos. And that is no longer acceptable."

She added, "It may have been acceptable in the 1950s, but we are in 2021 fighting the same thing and women are saying enough is enough."

Remember, while the statue is based on a scene from Marilyn's movie, "The Seven Year Itch" ... there was a Change.org petition floating around demanding the statue's removal because folks claimed it encouraged upskirting and, by extension, predatory behavior.

Other protesters took issue with the statue's location ... saying that it should have been installed at one of the downtown parks and NOT in front of the museum that forced the closure of a street that led up to the museum.

As we reported ... the Palm Springs Art Museum also took issue with the installation and worried people would think the statue is part of the museum's collection. It's not, and it's more than 100 yards away from the museum's exit.

"If he was in my locker room, I would have knocked his ass out."

WOW.

That's Shaquille O'Neal pulling no punches on his disdain for Ben Simmons on Sunday night after the 76ers got bounced from the playoffs.

... and Shaq was so disgusted with the way Ben played -- and then explained his terrible performance -- he talked about how HE would've dealt with Ben if Simmons was his teammate.

Shaq's comment drew shock and even some laughs from his "Inside the NBA" co-hosts ... but Shaq replied, "I ain't laughing."

24-year-old Simmons -- the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft -- did not play well during the series against the Atlanta Hawks ... especially during that crucial Game 7.

In fact, Ben only scored 5 points -- including 1 point in the 4th quarter -- in a 103 to 96 loss to ATL.

After the game, Simmons told ESPN, "I ain't shoot well from the line this series ... Offensively, I wasn't there. I didn't do enough for my teammates. ... There's a lot of things that I need to work on."

During the post-game show, Shaq was critical of Simmons.

"If I played Game 1 and 2 and I know I’m not helping my teammates, what do you think I’m going to do in Game 3? It don’t take you seven games to realize that, I don’t wanna hear that man."

"It don’t take seven games for you to know that you’re not playing right ... Get right!"

Shaq continued, "He's not getting double-teamed, just be aggressive, that’s all I want. I don’t want to hear all that, stop that, cut it out."

"Gorilla Glue Girl" is looking to become the Kylie Jenner of hair care now that she's got her own line on products ... and she wants to rip a page from Oprah's book too.

Tessica Brown tells TMZ ... the recent launch of her "Forever Hair" products has been a rousing success with over $25,000 in sales and the early returns have her determined to become a billionaire just like Kylie did with makeup.

As we first told you, Tessica is hawking hairspray, sleek edge control, and hair growth drops -- and says her initial line of products were inspired by her infamous substitution of Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive for her normal hair spray.

Tessica's already got big plans for her first $25k ... she says she's gonna buy a house in Louisiana, and once she rakes in more it'll be time for her Oprah moment.

For the very first time, a transgender athlete will compete in the summer Olympics ... and shocker, there's already controversy.

43-year-old Laurel Hubbard -- who transitioned from male to female in 2013 -- has been selected to the New Zealand women's weightlifting team to compete in the women's 87-kilogram division.

The issue?? Hubbard competed in men's weightlifting competitions before she transitioned -- and some critics are already blasting the situation as unfair to other athletes.

But, the International Olympic Committee has specific guidelines for transgender athletes to compete -- testosterone levels must be below a certain level -- and Hubbard has met the criteria since 2015.

In other words, she's good to go!!

The CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Kereyn Smith, issued a statement Monday supporting Hubbard.

"We acknowledge that gender identity in sport is a highly sensitive and complex issue requiring a balance between human rights and fairness on the field of play," Smith said.

"As the New Zealand Team, we have a strong culture of manaaki and inclusion and respect for all. We are committed to supporting all eligible New Zealand athletes and ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing, along with their high-performance needs, while preparing for and competing at the Olympic Games are met.”

Not everyone feels that way ... back in May, Belgian weightlifter Anna Vanbellinghen reportedly called Hubbard's qualifying situation "unfair" and a "bad joke."

Hubbard, though, wasn't letting the disapproval get in the way of her feat Monday ... saying, "I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders."

"The last 18 months has shown us all that there is strength in kinship, in community, and in working together towards a common purpose. The mana of the silver fern comes from all of you and I will wear it with pride.”

Added Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand President Richie Patterson, "Laurel is an astute student of the sport and technically very good with the lifts. We look forward to supporting her in her final preparations towards Tokyo."

Kat Graham just sucked the air out of the room for 'Vampire Diaries' fans ... 'cause she's NOT down to bring it back, despite an off-screen reunion with BFF, Nina Dobrev.

We got the 'Vampire Diaries' star at LAX, and had to ask if her recent meetup with Nina rekindled any old costar feelings -- ya know, possibly a reboot? That's certainly what fans of the hit WB drama were thinking when they saw Kat and Nina chilling.

Welp, despite the fact she and Nina posted some touching words about their friendship -- inadvertently fueling the reboot frenzy among fans -- Kat shot down the idea pretty hard and fast.

Check out the vid ... Kat says Nina would probably agree with her that they're not looking to go back to that well. When we told her the answer's going to break tons of hearts, she scoffed and explained ... true 'TVD' fans should know by now the cast remains tight years after the finale.

Not only are Kat and Nina -- who played BFFs Elena and Bonnie -- still tight, so are the show's on-screen brothers, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. Case in point, earlier this year they launched their own liquor brand, Brother’s Bond Bourbon.

Chicago native Michael Gross shot to stardom in the '80s after he landed the life-changing role as the easygoing hippie father Steven Keaton -- who looks after his four children and wife -- on the classic NBC family sitcom "Family Ties."

Gross shared the small screen with some iconic child actors including Justine Bateman as the shopaholic daughter, Mallory Keaton, Tina Yothers as the sporty middle child, Jennifer Keaton, Brian Bonsall as the super cute late addition to the family, Andy Keaton ... and of course Michael J. Fox as the oldest son, Alex P. Keaton.