Tennessee Anti-Drag Law Ruled as Unconstitutional As Pride Events Kick Off

A federal judge in Tennessee has found that the state's anti-drag law -- the first of its kind in the country -- is unconstitutional ... and the timing couldn't be better for supporters of Pride.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker handed down his ruling Friday, arguing the law is too vague and overly broad ... also saying it encouraged discriminatory enforcement. Parker says the law violates Americans' First Amendment right to free speech/freedom of expression.

Parker did make a distinction about obscenity -- which proponents of the law thought would help keep it intact -- but the judge struck that down, explaining ... "There is no question that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. But there is a difference between material that is ‘obscene’ in the vernacular, and material that is ‘obscene’ under the law."

He adds, "Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit -- but not obscene -- speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech."

In other words, it ain't illegal for adults to talk sex or dress in drag in front of kids ... which is exactly what this law was all about in the first place. As you'll recall, this law banned public drag/cabaret performances where children could see them, and that might've created problems with the Pride demonstrations going on throughout the state this weekend.

It's interesting ... the judge -- who's Trump-appointed, BTW -- brought up a hypothetical example of a woman dressing as/impersonating Elvis ... and said a situation like that could be prosecuted under this law. While Parker did say the State had an express and righteous interest to protect its minors, he said putting a law like this on the books isn't the way.

As you know ... local Pride organizers there in Tennessee have reported receiving threats from various hate groups in recent weeks as they were planning their parades and events.

Now that the courts have sided with their cause, you gotta imagine they'll be hitting the streets en masse and with some rejuvenated force too. Time will tell how the public reacts.

Taylor Swift My Show is 'Safe Space' for Pride ... Vote for LGBTQ Allies!!!

LOUD & PROUD

Taylor Swift isn't afraid to get a little political ... she's reassuring fans they can safely celebrate Pride at her concerts, but also reminding them to vote if they want to feel safe in America.

Taylor's latest Eras Tour stop is in Chicago, and on Friday night she took a moment to get serious about "harmful pieces of legislation" that she says put the LGBTQ community at risk.

As she looked into the audience, she shouted out the "brilliant crowds of people who are living their authentic lives" and told them ... "This is a safe space for you. This is a celebratory space for you. And one of the things that makes me feel so prideful is getting to be with you, and watching you interact with each other, and being so loving, and so thoughtful, and so caring."

Before she launched back into her set, she encouraged her fans to pay attention to elections, especially local ones ... do their research and vote for candidates who are advocates and allies.

In recent years, Taylor's used her tremendous influence to remind her army of Swiftees about important elections ... and has even endorsed candidates.

She's also remained a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community for years -- and famously performed a surprise show at NYC's Stonewall Inn to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

Wild Smackdown Angry Husband Slaps Doctor!!! Claims Doc Sexually Assaulted Wife

OUT FOR REVENGE

Video captures an enraged husband's mission of vengeance ... storming the stage during a medical conference to slap the hell out of the doctor he alleges committed sexual assault on his wife.

The dramatic scene played out right in the middle of the annual American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), last month in Baltimore -- and the furious man confronted the physician while he was standing at a podium delivering a speech.

The man grabbed the doctor by his shirt and smacked him across the face, yelling, "You know what you did!" You touched my wife 7 years ago in New York. Don't be an ass****, bitch!"

And it didn't stop there. The guy slapped the doctor again, and screamed, "You're lucky this is America, because if this was Brazil, I'd kill you!!!"

He then headed for the exit with his wife, but continued to scream and point at the doctor, who did not appear to be injured, but was totally in shock.

Onlookers were also stunned, and one woman called for security as the husband charged back toward the doctor, shouting profanities.

Police did respond, and while the doctor didn't want to press charges, he requested the cops remove the husband from the premises. The doctor was not named, but he's reportedly a gynecologic oncologist at a New York hospital.

Organizers of the ACOG conference issued a statement condemning the violence and apologizing to anyone traumatized by the incident.

Pete Davidson Stabs David Blaine with Ice Pick ... Gross, Baffling Magic Trick!!!

PICK TRICKS
TMZ.com

David Blaine got an assist from Pete Davidson for a magic trick Friday night at his Las Vegas show, and TMZ has obtained video of the most shocking moment.

Check it out for yourself ... David kicked things off at his Resorts World performance by escorting Pete and his friend from the packed crowd to the stage, where 4 cups were lined up across a table ... and Pete was asked to choose one of the cups ... which contained an object that would be used in the trick.

Pete picked the right cup and David uncovered the scary object -- which was a large ice pick. Pete and his buddy confirmed its sharpness by touching the spike, and told David ... "Yup, you're nuts."

Then, while Pete duct taped David's eyes closed ... Pete's friend arranged 3 of the cups on the table and placed the needle sticking upward under one of them. The now-blindfolded Blaine then put his hands over 2 of the cups, and crushed them -- and while the audience shrieked in horror ... David escaped injury.

Of course, the ice pick was in the 3rd cup ... otherwise, this would be a much different story.

The danger wasn't over, though ... David asked Pete to stab him with the ice pick, and he did -- pushing the needle through David's arm until it came out the other side. The crowd was grossed out, but also impressed ... and, no doubt, confused.

David didn't seem bothered by the ice pick dangling from his arm-- and even brought a boy on stage to have him pull the needle out of his bicep.

Fun times!!

BLM Co-Founder's Cousin Died of Cocaine and Heart Issues ... Coroner Reports on LAPD Taser Incident

Keenan Anderson, cousin of BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, died because of cocaine and an enlarged heart ... according to the coroner's office, which was investigating his death following a controversial LAPD arrest.

Body cam footage of Anderson's arrest sparked protests in L.A. earlier this year -- LAPD officers had used a taser on him for 42 seconds, according to Cullors. However, the L.A. County Coroner's autopsy report, released Friday, says Anderson's cause of death might have been the effects of cocaine use on his enlarged heart.

The report notes that a manner of death has not yet been determined.

The police video showed officers tasering Anderson -- who had been a high school English teach -- at least 6 times while he was on his stomach.

In response to Anderson's death, LAPD Chief Michael Moore said the department would be taking a closer look at taser deployment.

THE DANGERS OF TASERS
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Patrisse told us, on "TMZ Live," she was deeply concerned about taser use, and said there's some alarming data about the effects of such high voltage on the human body.

Danny Masterson Kept Out of Gen Pop in Jail ... Same Pod Where O.J., Suge Once Stayed

Danny Masterson won't be like all the regular folk behind bars while he awaits sentencing ... we've learned he'll be in the same area where some high-profile inmates stayed in the past.

Law enforcement tells TMZ ... the "That '70s Show" actor is not in lockup with the general population at the L.A. County Men's Central Jail, as he waits to be sentenced for his rape conviction. Instead, we're told he's being kept in "administrative segregation" for his safety.

Our sources say he's in the same unit where some very famous inmates once stayed ... including Suge Knight and O.J. Simpson.

As we reported, DM was found guilty on two rape counts he was facing ... the jury was deadlocked on the third count. The verdict was reached this week in Los Angeles ... after his first trial ended in a mistrial.

There's no TV in his cell, but he'll have books from the jail's library, and will be allowed out of his cell for 2 hours each day, at which time he can go to the day room and have access to a phone and TV.

He'll get time for recreation 3 hours a week. He's able to shower every other day ... unless he's going to court, and then he can shower daily.

He is due back in court on August 4.

Bam Margera On Video Smiling and Arm Wrestling Day After Drug, Suicide Threats

ALL SMILES
TMZ.com

Here's Bam Margera without a care in the world the day after threatening to smoke crack until he dies ... laughing and arm wrestling while out at lunch.

TMZ obtained this video of Bam having an absolute blast Friday at Teca Restaurant in West Chester, PA. He's also sporting a bunch of new tattoos on his neck, face and legs.

Bam's pretty energetic in the footage ... laughing, smiling, joking and trying like hell to win an arm wrestling match -- using two hands against his opponent's one.

Folks who were there say the former "Jackass" star was super chatty, and told people he was getting lunch before hopping on a private jet to fly back to California and start rehab.

Bam was accompanied by a friend and a giant stuffed lion, for some reason.

6/1/23
LET ME SEE HIM

His behavior here stands in stark contrast to the day before ... when he posted an emotional rant on social media threatening to smoke crack until he's dead unless he could see his son, Phoenix.

Remember ... Bam is desperate for a relationship with his kid, but his camp says Bam's estranged wife Nikki won't let him see their boy.

While he was at the restaurant, we're told Bam also talked about his son, Nikki, his current girlfriend and mixed in stories about going out the night before to a strip club. In other words, Bam was all over the place.

As for his claim about going to rehab -- we know lots of people in his life hope it's true.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Al Pacino having another baby surprised everyone, including him, and the military has made it clear ... drag shows are off base. So we gotta ask ...

83-Year-Old Al Pacino Havin' A Baby ...

Target, Bud Light Protests ...

Air Force Drag Show Canceled ...

Armie Hammer Won't Face Criminal Charges

Bezos/Sanchez Renting $600K/Month Home ...

Blue Ivy Performing at Beyoncé Concert ...

Too Much Hate Against Tom Sandoval ...

Feud Between The Rock and Vin Diesel ...

Biden Running For Reelection ...

The Game, Dom Kennedy Helping Start Summer Hoops League ... Benefitting College Players

College hoopers looking for a place to showcase their skills this summer just got some great news ... The Game, Dom Kennedy and a host of other hip hop stars are helping to start a new basketball league in L.A.!!

The program is called the Real Run College Basketball Summer League -- and it's all slated to begin on June 17 ... and run until August 13.

It'll feature both women's and men's basketball players ... and ex-NBA player Pooh Jeter, who's partnering up with Real Run founder Deanthony Langston, tells TMZ Sports he's hoping it'll change countless lives.

RAPPERS & HOOPERS
TMZSports.com

Jeter explained ... the league will not only offer high-level games for college players, but rappers like Game, Dom Kennedy, BlueBucks Clan and G PERICO will all be in charge of teams -- and will help provide athletes a bridge from sports to musical culture in addition to on-court competition.

"A lot of the rappers was like, 'This is something amazing,'" said Jeter, an L.A. native who played for the Sacramento Kings in 2010. "'This is something we can change the game with.'"

Jeter says college basketball stars like Boogie Ellis and JuJu Watkins have already planned to play ... and he's hoping it will all eventually inspire other musicians to join in too.

"I would love for Diddy and Snoop or whoever!" Jeter said. "If you from L.A., show up, and let's do something amazing for our community."

A WHOLE PACKAGE
TMZSports.com

In addition to it all, Jeter -- who also owns an L.A. sneaker store called Laced -- said participants in the league can also take part in a nine-week virtual learning program with NBA execs and others that will help them learn about mental health, finance, media, fashion, music, real estate, marketing and more.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

Ms. Sweeney is in the building and she's come correct and ready to knock your socks off with some switch-ups in these two images! Head on in with the "Euphoria" star, and see if you can track down the diffs ... you may want to grab your badge upon entry.

Making the press rounds for her new movie, "Reality" ... Sydney was recently snapped by the cameras before sitting down with Hoda on "Today." The actress paired her mint-green suit with a friendly wave, which is a good sign for you!

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Sydney Sweeney photos!**

Kroy Biermann Hey Kim, I'm a Good Parent Too!!! Near Perfect Score On Test

Kroy Biermann aced a good parenting test in the midst of his nasty divorce with Kim Zolciak ... and turns out he completed the course before she finished a similar one.

The former NFL star completed a mandatory course in Georgia -- "Parent Education For Separating/Divorcing Families" -- last month and he scored 99% on the quizzes and final exam.

Kroy filed a certificate of completion with the court, obtained by TMZ, and he got his work done before his estranged wife did.

As we reported ... Kim completed a seminar on "Navigating Family Change" on May 25 ... but Kroy's certificate shows he finished his online course May 17, a full week before Kim. BTW ... the course is mandatory for couples with kids seeking a divorce.

Remember, Kroy is asking for sole custody of the estranged couple's four kids ... Kim's asking for primary physical custody, so this is a full-on dogfight.

The course focuses on helping parents make divorce easier on children ... and it sounds like they need to apply the skills they learned.

The divorce has been exceedingly nasty ... with Kroy ripping Kim for what he says is a gambling addiction, while she claimed he's a pothead who needs to take a drug test.

Kim, Kroy and their kids are all still living under the same roof as the divorce chugs along ... putting the kids right in the middle of everything.

Kaley Cuoco Sellin' LA Home for $7 Mil

Kaley Cuoco is lookin' to unload her gorgeous Los Angeles-area home a little over a year after picking it up ... and it comes with a pretty steep price tag.

The 'Big Bang Theory' actress has put her Agoura Hills pad on the market for a whopping $7 mil. She bought the place from Taylor Lautner last April for $5.25M -- and is now lookin' to score a profit.

Kaley's 5,647-square-foot house that sits on nearly 9 acres is tucked away in a gated community and was built back in 2020. Aside from some stellar, panoramic views, the place comes with a floating staircase, a speakeasy-style lounge, a 45-foot-long infinity pool, spa, and a bocce ball court!

Kaley did some renovations -- adding things like a wine wall, a wet bar, and some other cool exterior features.

Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX co-holds the listing alongside Kaley's dad, Gary -- a true family affair!

Celebs Vacaying In Italy ... Ciao Bella!

Celebs have put a jump start to their summer travels and by the looks of it, they're fleeing Hollywood and hightailing it to Italy. Whether sippin' on Tuscany's tastiest wine or hitting a private yacht along the coast, the stars are livin' the lavish life and bringing you along for the ride!

Makeup artist Jeffree Star took a glam shot along the Amalfi Coast, Ruby Rose threw on a pair of specs and hit the historic Colosseum in Rome, and "Bachelor" stars Amanda Stanton, Hannah Sluss and Tayshia Adams kept it classy in Capri and enjoyed some gelato.

Check out our gallery of all the celebs who are vacaying in Italy ... buon viaggio!

Adele Guts Home She Bought From Sly ... Rocky Statue Makes Cut!!!

Adele is completely gutting the home she purchased from Sylvester Stallone ... and while she's starting over at the lavish Beverly Hills estate, one famous feature remains.

As you can see, the pricy renovations are in full swing, and the main house is getting a total transformation -- she's sheared off the whole 2nd story of the place!

Adele seems to be leaving the pool in place ... and notice the iconic Rocky statue rising up over the edge of the water, just like Sly had it when he lived there. However, she did away with the statue at the other end of the pool.

TMZ broke the story ... Adele bought the home from Sylvester last year, and she got it for a steal because it was originally listed at $110 million and then slashed to $80 million before Adele shelled out $58 mil for the estate.

That's right ... a $58 million teardown. Gotta love L.A.!

The property is one of the largest in Beverly Park, with 3.6 acres and sweeping views of the city. The gated community is riddled with celebs, and Adele is carving out her own slice of paradise.

Whenever Adele is finished putting her fingerprint on the place, ya gotta imagine it's going to be spectacular.

'Drag Race' Star Gia Gunn I'm Anxious About Pride This Year ... But Threats Can't Stop Us From Celebrating!!!

BE VISIBLE, BE SAFE
TMZ.com

"RuPaul's Drag Race" star Gia Gunn says she has a lot more anxiety surrounding this year's Pride festivities after a swarm of threats toward LGBTQ+ organizations, but she doesn't think that should stop folks from celebrating.

We got Gia at Dialog Cafe Friday in WeHo, where she admitted she's been more cautious this year about going to Pride events -- walking us through her many emotions she's been feeling recently as a transgender woman.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Gia gave us her thoughts about the recent threats surrounding the Mid-South Pride Festival Saturday in Memphis, which, as we reported, is being protested by the Aryan Nations -- but despite the potential risks, she tells us why it's important to still show up.

You'll recall, the Tennessee bash has beefed up security after several threats were made against the org, the performers, and even Festival Director Vanessa Rodley -- who told us she's been working with law enforcement to make sure everyone's safe.

Gia thinks putting a plan in place is key to supporting the LGBTQ+ community at any of the celebrations going down throughout June.

Trey Songz Sued For Sexual Assault ... After Exposing Woman's Breast At Pool Party

UPDATE

3:34 PM PT -- Trey's attorney, Michael Freedman, tells TMZ, "This is yet another example of decade-old allegations being repurposed into a federal case to take advantage of California’s constitutionally questionable new look back window. We look forward to vindicating Trey on the merits in court."

Trey Songz has been sued for sexual assault ... this after exposing a woman's breast at a pool party outside a Connecticut casino.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the woman -- who's suing anonymously as a Jane Doe -- is coming after Trey, his production company, record exec Kevin Liles, and Atlantic Records over the 2013 incident.

AUGUST 2013
TOUCHY TREY
TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story -- the woman fired off a demand letter to Trey last year, claiming the rapper pulled her breast out of her bikini top without consent, exposing her to the crowd at his "Foxwoods Liquid Sundays with Trey Songz" event ... providing video of the ordeal.

The docs say the multiple defendants should have known about his "sexual proclivities" and are therefore responsible for failing to keep Trey under control during the event.

The woman's attorneys claim she was humiliated and left with long-lasting emotional distress ... adding their client could not stop thinking about it and eventually left her promising career a few months later due to the embarrassment.

In last year's letter, her lawyers claimed his 2021 Vegas sexual assault case -- which was dropped weeks before the demand letter was sent -- triggered Megan to seek justice.

She gave Trey and co. weeks to respond before moving forward with legal action ... and now she's seeking least $10 mil in damages.

We reached out to Trey's rep ... so far, no word back.

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