YouTuber Andre Abram I Forgive Racist Who Called Me the N-Word

FORGIVEN
TMZ.com

Andre Abram -- the Black man who was told "This is a no n***er zone" by a man named Paul Ng -- says he's dealing with difficult mental aftershock from the incident going viral ... but he's not holding any grudges.

Abram tells TMZ ... last week's confrontation with Ng in Scottsdale was extremely upsetting for him, and he's having a tough time reliving it over and over as the media replays it.

Abram says he's using breathing and relaxation techniques to stay calm, but admits it's been emotionally taxing. He says he has a strong support system of friends and family ... and he won't hesitate to seek more help if needed.

CONFRONTING THE RACIST
Storyful

As for Ng ... Andre says he forgives the guy for his actions, but stresses that he needs to understand what he did was wrong and unacceptable.

As we first reported ... Ng was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for his interaction with Abram. He allegedly told cops he was looking out for his community and suspected Abram and his friend of casing the area. In actuality, they were recording an episode of Abram's podcast.

Ng also got fired from his job, and Abram tells us he believes the guy's been punished enough. He also says he'd be willing to meet 1-on-1 with Ng to discuss the incident as part of the healing process ... if Ng is interested.

Jack Nicklaus Endorses Donald Trump ... Look Past His Bad Tweets

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is officially endorsing Donald Trump -- saying he's "learned to look past" the President's flaws ... including bad tweets.

"I have had the privilege over the last 3-and-a-half years to get to know our current President a little more as his term progressed," the 80-year-old said in a statement Wednesday.

"I have been very disappointed at what he's had to put up with from many directions, but with that, I have seen a resolve and a determination to do the right thing for our country."

Nicklaus says Trump has "delivered on his promises. He's worked for the average person."

Then, Nicklaus addressed some of the controversial and offensive things Trump has said/tweeted over the years -- chalking it up as no big deal.

"You might not like the way our President says or tweets some things – and trust me, I have told him that! But, I have learned to look past that and focus on what he's tried to accomplish."

Jack says he's convinced Trump "has been more diverse than any President I have seen and has tried to help people from all walks of life -- equally."

"This is not a personality contest; it's about patriotism, policies and the people they impact," Nicklaus continued.

"His love for America and its citizens, and putting his country first, has come through loud and clear. How he has said it has not been important to me. What has been important are his actions. Now you have the opportunity to take action."

He concluded, "I strongly recommend you consider Donald J. Trump for another 4 years. I certainly have and have already cast my vote for him."

For his part, Trump liked the endorsement -- saying, "Jack, this is a great honor. Thank you!"

Lyft Offering Big Discounts to Voters ... In Some Cases Free Rides

With Election Day fast approaching, lots of folks will be looking for ways to get to their polling places, which is where Lyft comes in ... with a major assist for thousands of voters.

A rep for the rideshare co. tells TMZ ... their team has already helped mobilize nearly 30,000 people with a transportation plan on Nov. 3. They're also helping voters to make sure they're registered.

Might seem like small potatoes, but since every vote counts in this election -- it's actually a big deal. Lyft says they've achieved this via their Voting Access Hub, along with countless partnerships in a comprehensive push to get out the vote.

Lyft's also offering sweet deals on Election Day for folks who need a lift to the polling place.

It'll be cheaper than usual to use Lyft that day -- and it could be straight-up free, depending on your circumstance. Lyft says it's offering 50% off one ride with a $10 max discount, one way. The code to get the discount is 2020VOTE.

For folks in underserved communities, they'll have the opportunity to get a ride on the house.

Lyft is partnering with orgs like Nike, More Than a Vote, Vote.org, Black Women's Roundtable, Sony Music Group, Plus 1 Vote ... and even John Legend, who's focusing on getting transportation for formerly incarcerated people who are eligible to vote.

A Herculean effort, really ... but it's now or never, right?

Wild Video Semitruck Rocked by Crazy Winds ... Nearly Topples Over!!!

CLOSE CALL!!!!
TMZ.com

There IS something worse than a SoCal traffic jam -- try getting caught behind a semitruck as powerful wind tosses it like a rocking chair, nearly tipping it over right in front of you!!!

The incredible footage shows the big rig leaning and rocking in the wind, and as you can see, at one point the entire trailer was lifted up on one side as it came oh so close to falling over.

Erik, the guy who shot the video, tells us he was driving onto the 210 Freeway Monday in Fontana, CA -- an hour east of L.A. -- when he noticed the semi struggling to cut through the strong Santa Ana winds, which gusted up to 96 MPH that day.

Erik says he started filming the semi, thinking it was only a matter of time before it blew on its side. He was dangerously close to being right.

The worst part for Erik was there was already bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeway due to multiple other semis flipping in the wind.

No such thing as a boring commute 'round these parts.

Guess Who This Is Hollywood's Hottest Costumes Ever

Hollywood's Halloween costume parties will be looking like a ghost town this year ... so instead, let's take a stroll down memory lane and try to guess who's behind these sexy costumes!!!

Here's a few hints ... the babe in the Miley Cyrus costume is a hotel heiress. The hottie dressed as Poison Ivy loves to rap about sex. Oh, and the bombshells dressed as Karl Lagerfeld and a Victoria's Secret angel are sisters in a super famous fam.

Check out the gallery for some of the hottest costumes from Halloweens past ... and good luck making your best guesses.

#TBT

Guess Who This Ketchup Kid Turned Into!

Before this Halloween-ready runt was famous for his comedy on a popular Netflix show, he was just another playful kid acting out a gory horror scene in Le Mars, Iowa.

This ketchup covered kid became famous after starring alongside Hayden Panettiere in a romantic comedy film named after her captivating character. Looking for love became a common trend in his work after he scored a role exploring the trials and tribulations of his relationship with his girlfriend, played by Gillian Jacobs.

Even though he is a hilarious comedian on-screen, this funny fella is also known for his career as a writer.

Can you guess who he is?

Dodgers Plane Heading Back To Los Angeles Here Come The Champs!!!

The World Series Champs are headin' to the City of Angels ... with the Dodgers currently on a flight back to Los Angeles.

And, oh yeah, they got the Commissioner's Trophy with 'em!

The travel plans back home were up in the air after star Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19 during the game ... but most players and family members were able to catch the flight back on Wednesday.

Unclear who all is on the plane -- we're assuming Turner isn't on board -- but players like Alex Wood and Austin Barnes have been documenting some of the trip.

TIME FOR CELEBRATION

As we previously reported, the league said both the Dodgers' and Rays' travel parties would receive nasal swabs multiple times prior to heading home as a safety precaution.

BTW -- Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson has already touched down in L.A. on a separate plane.

As for the team plane ... it is decked out in Dodger Blue, newspaper clippings from articles covering the huge win ... and all the Chick-fil-A they can eat!!!

The plan is set to land within the hour ... let the (safe) party begin!!!

Oregon Health Official COVID Deaths Not Funny ... But Yes, I'm Dressed as a Clown

CLOWNIN' AROUND
Oregon Health Authority/Facebook

No one's laughing about the rising COVID death toll, which is why this is a total WTF moment -- a senior health official announcing grim numbers ... while rocking a clown costume.

Try not to be distracted by the full clown makeup, red tie, polka dot shirt and yellow pants the official was wearing as she somberly rattled off the tally for COVID cases and deaths in Oregon.

The answer to your question -- who's this clown? She's reportedly Claire Poche from the Oregon Health Authority. We know it's Halloween and all, but Claire never addresses her attire in the video.

Officials are reportedly dismissing it as just a costume, but that doesn't square with the fact the video was recorded Oct. 14, making it 2 weeks old now and pretty early for a Halloween. Plus, the sign language interpreter isn't in a costume ... so, Claire really stands out.

Put it on the board -- our first Halloween faux pas of 2020.

George Floyd Courage Award for Teen Who Recorded His Death

Darnella Frazier -- the teenager who captured George Floyd's final minutes and started a worldwide movement -- is getting an award from a prestigious nonprofit.

PEN America announced Tuesday they were honoring 17-year-old Darnella with its annual PEN/Benenson Courage Award. The org's CEO, Suzanne Nossel, says, "With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police."

5/25/20
EXCESSIVE FORCE
Facebook/ Darnella Frazier

Nossel adds, "Without Darnella’s presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd’s murder. We are proud to recognize her exceptional courage with this award."

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump -- who reps George's family now -- praised Darnella as well on Twitter, saying she showed tremendous courage and the award was well-deserved.

As we reported ... Darnella went through a lot of backlash in the immediate aftermath of her video being posted, with many questioning why she didn't do more than record it. Her family told us they were seeking therapy to help Darnella cope with the emotional trauma.

Darnella will share the award with Marie Yovanovitch ... the ex-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who helped expose President Trump's efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.

Chris Harrison Gave Dodgers Pre-WS Screening Of 'Bachelorette' Debut!!!

THE KEY TO VICTORY
TMZ.com

Chris Harrison may have just earned himself a World Series ring from the Dodgers ... after coming in clutch for the players and their wives and girlfriends!!!

The 'Bachelorette' host joined "TMZ Live" on Wednesday and revealed he sent the team an advance copy of Clare Crawley's 'Bachelorette' premiere. Why? Well, turns out the premiere was going up against Game 1 of the World Series.

Check out the clip ... Chris says the ladies -- and some of the players too, we're sure -- didn't want to miss last week's premiere, so he took it upon himself to hook up the Boys in Blue. The players, along with their families, were quarantined in a "bubble" in Dallas since the League Championship series and through the World Series.

Sure, Dodgers star shortstop Corey Seager earned NLCS and World Series MVP hardware ... but maybe Chris should be right up there with Corey?

Chris also talks about Clare's awkward one-on-one date with Zach J., and how it'll all come full circle with next week's episode. As 'Bach' nation knows ... Clare felt uncomfortable after Zach grabbed the nape of her neck after a cringe-worthy kiss attempt.

No surprise who she sent home.

Lizzo I'm 100% That Voter

IT'S TIME TO V-O-T-E

Lizzo has voted ... and she REALLY made it count.

The singer submitted her ballot for the 2020 election in West Hollywood, and she made her presence felt ... by strutting her way to the dropbox in an American flag tank top, white booty shorts and glittery golden boots.

It looks like the modern Miss Liberty carries a Maison Margiela foldover patent-leather clutch, too. Naturally.

Lizzo's scored her voting vid with a little ditty about it being "time to vote" ... something several celebrities have been promoting lately.

Unlike Chris Rock, Chelsea Handler, Mark Ruffalo, Sarah Silverman and Lil Dicky, Lizzo didn't get naked for her voting reminder ... but she still made it sexy with some celebratory twerking.

She says this is the third time she's voted in her life, and she believes "this is the beginning of making voting ACCESSIBLE and FAIR so that this country reflects its people."

Lizzo also thanks all the activists out there working hard to make sure people are able to exercise their right to vote, "so we can get back to the good fight for true liberty and justice for ALL."

MLB Rips Justin Turner 'Refused to Comply' with COVID Protocol ... Put Everyone At Risk

MLB is throwing Justin Turner under the bus -- placing ALL of the blame on the Dodgers star for not following COVID protocol after testing positive during the World Series.

Turner was pulled during the 7th inning of Game 6 on Tuesday and told to isolate -- but MLB says he "emphatically refused to comply" and returned to the field to celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.

Turner was seen hugging and interacting with several players, staffers and family members ... at one point he sat down next to Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts (a cancer survivor) without a mask on his face.

MLB is now going hard at Turner for his conduct -- and announcing a full investigation.

"Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night’s game," MLB says.

"Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others."

"While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk.  When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."

MLB says the Commissioner’s Office is beginning a "full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual."

MLB says players from the Rays and Dodgers were tested directly after the game on Tuesday and again Wednesday.

Travel plans for the teams to return home will be contingent on the results of those tests.

"Travel back to their home cities will be determined after being approved by the appropriate authorities.”

Story developing ...

Applebee's Disputes Woman's High Chairs Account ... It Was a Fire Hazard!!!

Two babies, one high chair
Shannel G. Malcom / Facebook
UPDATE

2:19 PM PT -- A rep for Applebee's has doubled down on what was told to cops about a fire hazard, telling TMZ ... they simply couldn't put 2 high chairs where Malcolm wanted, because it would've been dangerous. They even attached photos to show where her booth was, and you can see ... it's right near a set of stairs that appear to lead to an exit. Pretty tight space.

UPDATE
UPDATE

They add, "We made attempts to reseat the party at a different table that would safely accommodate children in the two high chairs. While we understand the guests may have been disappointed to not be seated at the booth of their choice, we must adhere to local guidelines to maintain a safe dining experience for all our guests."

Here's an odd one -- a woman was arrested at an Ohio Applebee's after getting ticked off the restaurant refused to give her 2 high chairs for 2 babies ... and she streamed the encounter live.

Shannel Malcolm hit record when she and her family -- consisting of 5 people total -- allegedly got a hard time Sunday evening from the staff ... all because, she says, she wanted 2 high chairs for her twin 1-year-olds. Seems like a simple request, right?

Well, the Marion County Sheriff's Department tells TMZ ... Applebee's told responding deputies they denied Shannel the high chairs because she wanted them at a booth, which the restaurant told her would cause a fire hazard.

So, cops say the staff told them they offered to seat her at another table that could safely accommodate the 2 high chairs ... but it doesn't sound like that went over well.

The Sheriff's Department says they tried calming down Shannel, who they say was acting unruly and wasn't cooperating. There's no evidence in the video she posted ... in fact, she was complimentary to the cops. However, they ended up arresting her after cops first tried to resolve it by just giving her a court summons.

She was booked for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice, and released later that evening.

One last thing about this ... in her disbelief at the situation, Shannel -- who is Black -- does make mention of 2020 being "real," and her eyes being "open" in light of this. Unclear if she was insinuating racism was in play here .... but if so, she never explicitly says so.

Now there's a movement growing to boycott the Applebee's over the episode. We've also reached out to the restaurant for more clarification ... so far, no word back

Originally Published -- 1:23 PM PT

Breonna Taylor's Mom Wants Grand Jury to Hear New Case ... Step Aside, AG Cameron!!!

Breonna Taylor's mother says the case KY Attorney General Daniel Cameron presented to the grand jury was flawed and biased ... and she's pushing for a do-over.

Tamika Palmer's filed legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- seeking to have an independent prosecutor appointed to her daughter's case in order to give a brand new grand jury an "unbiased" presentation of the evidence.

Ironically, Cameron had taken over the case back in May, as a special prosecutor, to avoid the appearance of impropriety arising from the local Jefferson County D.A. investigating Louisville cops.

Palmer's asking the Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council to begin the process to "restore the confidence in the grand jury process" in the state ... according to her lawyers.

The request comes on the heels of multiple grand jurors speaking out against AG Cameron, claiming he neglected to present a case for possible homicide charges against the police officers who shot Breonna.

According to the jurors, they were never given the option to even consider homicide charges because Cameron told them they wouldn't hold up in court. The jurors say they felt otherwise.

L.A. Dodgers Postponing Championship Parade ... Due To Pandemic

No parade will come with the L.A. Dodgers' World Series ring -- at least not yet -- the team says it's postponing the celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Dodgers made the announcement Wednesday ... saying it's just not safe enough to have fans pack Los Angeles streets for a party.

"While the wait for a World Championship is finally over," team officials said, "a celebration worthy of our great fans and the City of Los Angeles will unfortunately have to wait until it is safe to do so."

No makeup date has been scheduled for now ... but the team added, "We can’t wait to celebrate together!”

Of course, the decision to delay World Series celebrations comes just a few weeks after the L.A. Lakers announced they're postponing NBA Championship parade plans as well.

But, there still might be hope for at least SOME kind of joint-title festivities ...

After LeBron James BEGGED city officials for a parade Tuesday night ... L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti said he's open to figuring out something.

"Let's talk," Garcetti told the Lakers superstar. "I'm down for anything safe."

Music to L.A.'s ears!

Now go celebrate SAFELY for now.

Activist To KC Police Commissioners 'Stop Using Black Children as Photo Opportunities'

CALLED OUT

This young activist is going viral for roasting a bunch of police commissioners, and ya gotta see the video ... she's not holding anything back!!!

Keiajah Brooks went OFF at a recent meeting with members of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, dragging them for using Black kids as photo ops ... at least that's how she sees it.

With the election drawing near, Keiajah is sick and tired of seeing politicians and city officials using folks in her community to try to look woke for cameras.

Keiajah starts out swinging, telling the commissioners she's done being nice and respectable and, "y'all can't and won't be both my savior and my oppressor."

She added the kids cops pose with today will be seen as suspects by the same officers 10 years from now.

Watch ... Keiajah also rails against police reform, oppression and the cops' bloated budget.

Old news is old news!
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