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A 60-year-old woman who tried to get a young couple to mask up before getting in an elevator with her got pummeled ... and cops are on the hunt for her attackers.

The video is sickening ... the woman's about to get on a subway station elevator near the Barclays Center in Brooklyn when the maskless couple tries to follow her.

Cops say she asked them to put on masks before they all got in the elevator together -- but instead the guy knocked her over as he barged into the elevator. While she's down ... both the guy and the girl strike her -- looks like the guy punched her even after she was down on the ground.

According to police ... the couple -- both believed to be between 16-20 years old -- fled the scene and are still at large. The woman suffered bruising to her face and pain in her legs.

Matthew McConaughey is clearly flirting with running for Governor of Texas ... what's not clear is exactly when he'd do it.

The Oscar winner gave separate interviews this week in which he talked about mulling a run for office. On the "Hugh Hewitt Show" Tuesday, he said that "it would be up to the people more than it would me" ... when asked if he would consider a gubernatorial campaign.

MM also told Hugh, "Politics seems to be a broken business to me right now. And when politics redefines its purpose, I could be a hell of a lot more interested." Pretty open-ended response, right?

Well, Matthew didn't exactly clear things up Wednesday night on 'The Late Show.' When Stephen Colbert asked him about his political aspirations. Matthew laughed and said, "I have no plans to do that right now."

Keywords ... right now. It should be noted, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is up for re-election in 2022.

And, once again, the actor didn't quite shut the door on the idea, and simply repeated his politics being a "broken business" line. He's got his talking points, and he's sticking to 'em.

Sounds like a politician, right?

While he's noncommittal on politics, right now, Matthew still took a shot at unifying the country ... telling Hewitt, "No matter what side of the aisle you're on, or as I said earlier, denomination, we have broken those social contracts. I want to get behind personal values to rebind our social contracts with each other as Americans, as people again."

The only question remaining ... which side of the aisle? Well, he told Esquire, "The far left doesn't seem to want to ever be able to admit the evil that mankind can posses, and the far right doesn't want to think past tomorrow. I want to propose meeting in the middle as a dare. I dare you to meet in the middle, instead of like, 'Oh, that's a place of great compromise.'"

Lyft is dropping the hammer on this customer who went on a racist, profanity-laced rant against a driver ... and yes, face mask rage triggered this disgusting display.

The incident went down Tuesday night in Issaquah, Washington where the Lyft driver, David Kangogo, picked up a guy named Joe and his female companion -- but Joe allegedly refused to put on a face covering, which is Lyft policy.

The video -- recorded by David -- starts with the couple getting booted, and Joe asks David if he knows what a "sand n****r is." You also see Joe's companion tell him to shut his trap, because she is also recording the conflict on her phone.

The woman yelled, "We expected a Lyft ride home. That's what we expected" -- to which David replied, "Just put on your mask."

Joe still wasn't down for that, and instead threatened to urinate in David's car ... before hurling the racial slur again. David left Joe and his epithets on the curb and left without any physical violence.

Once Lyft saw the vid, the company reacted quickly by permanently banning Joe.

Jay-Z is getting into the fitness equipment game just like his wife ... he's investing in a startup that aims to rival Beyonce's partner, Peloton.

The entertainment mogul is pumping some of his billion-dollar fortune into CLMBR, which is about to launch its 2 flagship products ... a pair of vertical climbing machines.

Jay-Z's not the only celeb who sees an opportunity to make a buck with CLMBR ... Novak Djokovic, the top men's tennis player in the world, is also investing. Jay and Bey's longtime fitness consultant, Marco Borges, is on board too, plus YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.

CLMBR sounds a lot like Peloton, only instead of riding a bike it simulates vertical climbing. It's supposed to be good for the back, and CLMBR's machines are the first featuring touch displays and on-demand classes with instructors.

At-home fitness equipment is all the rage with most gyms and fitness centers across the globe shuttered due to the pandemic. Bey recently teamed up with Peloton ... which boosted its stock.

A Tyson Foods plant in Iowa had no regard for coronavirus safety, and managers even wagered on how many employees would get the virus ... according to a lawsuit filed by a deceased worker's son.

Oscar Fernandez is suing the food giant and several high-ranking officials, claiming his dad, Isidro -- who died April 26 -- was infected with COVID-19 along with 1,000 other employees because the Waterloo facility did not take proper precautions.

Fernandez claims Tyson required employees to work long hours in cramped conditions despite a coronavirus outbreak, failed to provide sufficient PPE and did not implement proper social distancing measures.

Most shockingly, according to the suit ... the Waterloo plant manager organized a cash buy-in, winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to bet on how many employees would test positive for the virus.

Fernandez repeatedly claims high-ranking Tyson officials pressured workers to keep working no matter what -- and even lobbied government officials to help keep the plant open -- despite 2 dozen employees being admitted to the emergency room in April and the plant temporarily shutting down.

Tyson is being sued for fraudulent misrepresentations, gross negligence and wanton disregard for worker safety.

The company has denied many of the allegations, although their comments have not specifically addressed the alleged betting pool.

Tyson says ... "We're saddened by the loss of any Tyson team member and sympathize with their families. Our top priority is the health and safety of our workers and we've implemented a host of protective measures at Waterloo and our other facilities that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing Covid-19."

Kellyanne Conway's teenage daughter isn't gonna be getting any breaks on her 'American Idol' journey ... according to Ryan Seacrest, who says it's talent or bust.

We spoke to the 'AI' host Wednesday in NYC, and asked if Claudia Conway had gotten a free pass to be on the show (or a shot at it, at least) because of her family name and clout ... on TikTok and elsewhere.

Ryan tells us that's not the case -- or not to his knowledge, anyway. He does concede there was a lot to talk to her about because of her history and ties to Donald Trump ... but when we pressed, RS says however far she goes should be on merit.

With that said, he did kinda throw up his hands ... noting that he's just the host of the show and doesn't have a whole lot of say on her advancement. That'll ultimately be up to her, the judges, the audience ... and probably a lot of executive producers.

Another little tidbit he shared about his time with the kid ... her dad, George Conway, is apparently the one who was with her for this 'Idol' audition she went to recently. Ryan even says Claudia called her pops a great coach -- how 'bout that?!?

Claudia already put a spotlight on George during her trip, and he seemed more than game to get on one of her TikToks and play along with the lip-syncing and dancin'. So yeah, it's clear he supports her all the way -- no word if Kellyanne's on board.

Anywho ... when we tried opening the convo about what Claudia's 'Idol' audition might mean for her mom and Trump supporters, Ryan wisely bid us adieu 👋🏽.

GET THAT BUCKS HAT OUTTA HERE!!!

RJ Hampton was selected Wednesday as the 24th pick in the NBA Draft -- but it's his dad who's going viral for throwing a hat!

With the NBA Draft going down virtually due to the pandemic, ESPN had cameras in all of the player's homes to capture those life changing moments.

The Milwaukee Bucks had the 24th pick -- so, when RJ's name was called, one of the kids celebrating with Hampton grabbed a Bucks hat to give to the hoops star.

That's when RJ's dad swooped in, snatched the hat and fired it across the room ... begging the question, WHY?!!?!?

Here's the explanation ... the Bucks had traded the 24th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, who had then traded the pick to the Denver Nuggets.

So, even though Milwaukee INITIALLY had the 24th pick and technically selected Hampton, it was obvious he wasn't gonna end up there.

Dad clearly knew the backstory and tried to keep that Bucks hat off his son's head -- mission accomplished (with gusto!).

Don't worry, RJ ultimately found the right hat. Congrats!

Missy Elliott's helping dreams come true for a bride-to-be on a tight budget ... by covering the cost of the wedding dress she'd been eyeing.

Ireanna Bradshaw's getting married in March, but she and her fiance, Roderick Purdie, are also trying to move into their own place while planning the wedding, and long story short ... the costs were pilling up.

Ireanna shared that she found her dream dress -- a beautiful floral plus-size style from David's Bridal for $1,300 -- but didn't think she'd be able to afford it ... and that's when Missy stepped in.

The rapper congratulated Ireanna, but also followed up with a message saying "Your Dress is paid for now." Sure enough, Ireanna tells us she was in a restaurant with her mom when she saw Missy sent the money in full ... and broke down in tears.

Ireanna says Missy's been an inspiration for a long time -- one who helped her love herself and be open to love ... which brought her to Roderick.

She says without the financial gift she would have had to settle for a simple white dress or something much cheaper. Ireanna tells us Missy "literally made it possible for me to have my dream dress and be confident on the most precious day in my life."

Cori Bush got elected to represent Missouri's 1st congressional district ... but she's also reppin' working-class folks who can't afford a designer business wardrobe.

We got the Congresswoman-elect out in D.C. Tuesday and asked about the response she's received since revealing she's hitting up thrift shops to get the professional clothes needed for her new job.

Bush tells us her situation has resonated with people who come from regular means like her and helped them feel heard ... and she's happy it's also made them feel like thriftiness is nothing to be ashamed of.

The incoming Missouri Representative isn't the only bargain hunter on Capitol Hill either. All 4 members of "The Squad" have shared tips for dressing on a budget, with AOC suggesting ... "Thrifting, renting, and patience as you get your closet together sis."

More celebrity firepower is being added for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. fight -- with Ne-Yo being tapped to perform the National Anthem before the main event, TMZ Sports has learned.

We told you at the beginning ... the people behind the event were laser-focused on bringing in top-level talent to up the entertainment value surrounding the fight, and they're delivering -- with Lil Wayne, French Montana, DaBaby, YG, Wiz Khalifa and more set to perform during the November 28 fight at Staples Center in L.A. (available on PPV via cable and satellite, and PPV streaming at Triller).

Now, Ne-Yo has signed on to perform the Anthem -- a lifelong dream for the performer who's been a hardcore Mike Tyson fan since he was a kid.

“Opening for a fight of this magnitude is an honor and I can’t wait to witness one of the most noteworthy nights of the decade," Ne-Yo says.

"I may be performing, but I am a fan at the end of the day and I look forward to witnessing this once in a lifetime lineup.”

In fact, Ne-Yo told ESPN back in 2012 Tyson was his favorite athlete growing up.

"The guy was unstoppable when he was on top of his game," Ne-Yo said in 2012 ... "Nobody could touch him."

Ne-Yo has also said he's a massive boxing fan ... and had long hoped to be apart of a major boxing super fight -- so, mission accomplished!!

There's more ... we're told legendary ring announcer, Michael Buffer -- the "Let's Get Ready To Rumble" guy -- has signed on to work the event, as well.

As for 54-year-old Mike and 51-year-old Roy ... they're both in incredible shape -- and have vowed to try and knock each other out when the bell rings.

Los Angeles native Karyn Parsons shot to stardom when she was only 26 years old after she landed the role of the ditsy cousin Hilary Banks -- whose shopping addictions and overindulged upbringing were the root of her comical character -- on all six seasons of the classic '90s family sitcom "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Karyn Parsons shared the screen with an epic cast including Alfonso Ribeiro as the preppy brother, Carton Banks, Tatyana Ali as the little sis, Ashley Banks ... and obviously Will Smith as the Fresh Prince.

Parsons can also be spotted in the movies "Major Payne" and "Class Act."

A guy who wanted to chow down at an IHOP without a face covering wouldn't take "no mask, no service" for an answer -- because cops say he went to town on the staff with a knife.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... this wild incident went down Tuesday in Queens where surveillance video captured the horrifying scene. At first, you see the customer in the waiting area with another guy -- although, we're told there were at least 3 men who rolled in together.

Looks like a staffer's telling him to mask up, which seems to piss him off. He gets up to argue, and appears to leave the building -- but when the whole crew comes back, he's way more agitated.

The video shows the guy who allegedly refused to put on a mask storm back into the IHOP and charge past a table and other waiting customers ... apparently trying to get at someone off-camera.

While trying to get a hold of that person, the guy reaches over and grabs something from his friend -- cops say it was a knife -- and then chases some workers through the restaurant. Toward the end of the video, he actually swings at someone before booking it.

According to our sources, the man swung at a 40-year-old female employee and cut her arm, which required stitches.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says his fist bump seen 'round the world -- with VP-elect Kamala Harris -- oughta prove he won't treat the incoming administration as enemies ... with one huge caveat.

We got the South Carolina Senator Wednesday on Capitol Hill, and he dished on that viral moment captured between Harris and him on the Senate floor Tuesday ... her first day back after her successful campaigning with President-elect Joe Biden.

While many found their brief, quasi Covid-safe exchange shocking ... Graham tells us the American public's got it all wrong. He says the notion he wouldn't work with a Biden-Harris administration just because they're Dems is nonsense.

He added he actually likes Kamala a lot ... and told us why. However, he also dropped a big IF on us as far as reaching across the aisle.

Sounds like Sen. Graham and co. are holding out hope President Trump can still overturn the election results ... even though Trump's string of failed lawsuits make it all but a done deal.

With that said, LG seems to be signaling he'll have an open mind once the drama comes to a final conclusion.

Travis Scott wants to make sure he not only gives back to his community, but helps to put kids on a track for future success -- and he plans to do both through his own nonprofit.

Trav just launched The Cactus Jack Foundation ... and its first order of business is rolling out the Waymon Webster Scholarship, named after his grandad -- who's an HBCU alum.

In light of that, this scholarship is going to be exclusively available to students currently enrolled in a handful of HBCUs -- namely, Morehouse College, Howard University, Texas Southern University, Grambling State University (where his mom went) and Prairie View A&M University ... that's his grandfather's old stomping grounds.

The scholarship will cover tuition costs for students who are facing financial hardship and who are affected by the pandemic -- Travis will handpick the recipients.

Travis tells TMZ ... "My grandfather wanted me to take it all the way through college, I feel there is a power in education so to be able to give someone the opportunity to fulfill that dream as my papa thought for me is amazing."

He's also partnered with The Parson's School of Design to bring a Cactus Jack program to the city of Houston and will offer an online certification program to students around the county through scholarships.

The rapper dropped out of the University of Texas at San Antonio as a sophomore to pursue his music career, but he clearly still sees the value in higher education.

Ryan Dorsey has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Naya Rivera's son ... claiming the boat Naya was in before she drowned was unsafe.

Naya's ex-husband filed the docs Tuesday on behalf of his 5-year-old son Josey Hollis Dorsey, claiming Ventura County is responsible for her death because the boat Naya and Josey were on in Lake Piru did NOT comply with safety standards.

In the docs, filed by Ryan's attorney Amjad Khan and obtained by TMZ, Ryan claims the boat was “not equipped with a safely accessible ladder, adequate rope, an anchor, a radio or any security mechanisms to prevent swimmers from being separated from their boats, nor any flotation or lifesaving devices" in violation of California law.

Ryan's claiming the boat drifted away from Naya and Josey when they jumped into the lake for a swim ... and proper safety equipment could have prevented that. The suit claims the boat was "rocking back and forth forcefully in the current and wind."

Ryan also claims in the suit there were no signs warning of the dangerous conditions of the lake -- and the person who rented the boat to Naya didn't warn her to wear the life vest that came with the boat.

As you know ... Naya and her son were reported missing on July 8. Her body was found in the lake on July 13. Josey was able to get back in the boat, and when authorities arrived for a check, he told them he and his mom were swimming and he didn't know what happened to her. She had disappeared below the surface.

According to the suit ... at least 26 other people, from children to fit adults to elders, some wearing life jackets and others not, have drowned in Lake Piru since its recreational facilities opened.

Lots of folks are about to be giving thanks to Ibotta ... the shopping rewards app is hooking up free Thanksgiving dinners, and they're pretty easy to snag.

Here's the deal ... Ibotta's teamed up with a bunch of brands to offer cash-back rebates for Thanksgiving meal staples like turkey breast, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, crispy fried onions and cream of mushroom soup ... as long as they shop at Walmart.

Hungry folks can wash it all down with a free Coke, just like the Pilgrims did.

All ya gotta do is select from a fixed menu of 9 products from Butterball, Campbell's, Coca-Cola, French's, Great Value, Idahoan and McCormick at your local Walmart or online ... and then head over to Ibotta to get the refund for the meal.

To get the dough, ya gotta scan your Walmart receipt with the Ibotta app and boom ... turkey dinner, winner winner!!!

There is a limited selection, but with so many hurting economically during the pandemic ... this is pretty clutch.

Free Thanksgiving dinner beats the hell outta super spread meals. Every time.