Controversial S#!T

Patton Oswalt did some soul searching to kick off 2022 -- and the deep dive into reconciling friendships with differing POVs was spurred by none other than ... Dave Chappelle.

The comic was catching some backlash over the past couple days for a set of photos he posted on IG, which show him palling around with Dave in Seattle, where they were apparently both performing to end the year ... and where they actually shared stage time.

PO says when Dave asked him to come next door for a drop-in set, he thought, "Why not?" ... noting he was happy to say bye to 2021 alongside a longtime friend, while singing his praises.

Of course, Patton was quickly met with criticism from folks offended by Dave's comments in "The Closer," which caused him to post a second time where he explained himself.

The guy had a lot to say, but the bottom line from his remarks is this ... he isn't going to just discard Dave completely -- whom he says he's known for over 3 decades -- although he does make a point to say ... they're completely at odds over the transgender issue.

Patton writes, "[W]e also 100% disagree about transgender rights & representation. I support trans peoples' rights — ANYONE'S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves. For all the things he's helped ME evolve on, I'll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues."

He goes on to say he doesn't believe a "seeker" like Dave is done learning, however -- which is, in part, why he won't nix him from his own life ... especially after knowing someone that long. He goes on to ponder the ramifications of him cutting off other friends in recent years ... wondering if his hard stance pushed them deeper into what he calls ignorance.

A news anchor made a reference to her Asian heritage during a New Year's broadcast, which drew the ire of what sounds like a good old-fashioned Karen ... who called in to complain.

Reporter Michelle Li of NBC affiliate KSDK in St. Louis posted a video of herself listening to the disgruntled viewer at home, who seems to have phoned the station to criticize Li's mention of dumplings while she was talking about go-to New Year's Day grub.

Li was plugging food like cornbread, black-eyed peas, pork and other greens -- delving into the metaphysical significance of each ... kinda like an astrology reading of sorts.

Once she'd finished, she added a fun line ... "I ate dumpling soup. That's what a lot of Korean people do." She later wrote, "It's subtle but people do notice! Something small but representation matters... we are not all eating cornbread, my friends... though it is delicious."

Apparently, though, that quip pissed off one woman who dialed in and left a VM ... saying she didn't appreciate Li's explicit mention of her culture, calling it "very Asian" while adding ... "She can keep her Korean to herself."

The argument this woman was making ... a white anchor plugging food that they/white people liked to eat on NYD, specifically, would be considered offensive -- and this lady was speaking about a hypothetical double standard she preemptively perceived.

Twitter says it booted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for misinformation -- which may well be true -- but there's another scary topic she polished days before Jan. 6 ... civil war.

The Georgia congresswoman got permanently suspended from the bird app Sunday, with Twitter honchos saying she'd racked up 5 separate strikes regarding their COVID-19 misinformation policy ... the latest violation of which went down on Saturday, per the NYT.

The tweet that apparently pushed her over the edge was about reported deaths from vaccines -- and how, from her POV, they were taken way more seriously pre-COVID compared to now ... which she suggested was part of some big-government plot.

That was enough for Twitter to turn her account dark ... even though she still has her official Congress account. Still, some can't help but notice the timing and the other recent rhetoric she's been espousing of late -- especially with a terrible national anniversary drawing near.

Of course, we mean the day of the Capitol riots ... which happened almost a full 365 days ago starting Thursday -- and something MTG appears to have been inviting anew with tweets like the ones she posted a few days ago -- where she was talking about a national split.

In response to another tweet about Californians and New Yorkers fleeing their respective states during the pandemic and heading to places like Texas -- which the OG tweeter advocated for discriminating against those transplants -- Rep. Greene replied dubiously.

She wrote, "All possible in a National Divorce scenario," going on to bash the people leaving blue states ... while also supporting a moratorium on their voting rights once they move. There's a lot more tweets she's posted over the past year which seem to have stoked the flames of secession and a repeat of Jan. 6 -- but Twitter put its foot down just in time.

This is sure to kick up some dust among hip-hop heads -- just a year after learning of MF DOOM's death, it would seem the internet has decided that 50 Cent is ... well, greater.

You might've seen DOOM trending Saturday, and that's largely 'cause it's been 365 days since the world found out the enigmatic MC -- who was legendary in the underground scene throughout the 2000s -- tragically had passed away on Halloween 2020, this per his widow.

But that's not the only reason folks were talking about him -- some Twitter users appear to be fiercely debating who the better artist is between MFD and the one and only Fitty ... this after somebody held a rap G.O.A.T. tournament bracket -- and asked who'd beat who.

The OG poster of the bracket/poll says ... "First hot take of the year: In terms of greatness: 50 cent > MF Doom." They tweeted this in response to people being dumbfounded that 50 had overtaken DOOM in a head to head ... taking 70% of the vote out of about 100 people.

The reactions ... very mixed, and very polarized. On the one hand -- some simply won't accept that 50 Cent is the better rapper between the two ... noting DOOM is by far the superior lyricist, rhymer, beat selector and all-around creative if you look at 'em bar for bar.

On the other hand -- it seems even more people say he actually is ... on account that 50's got waaaay more mainstream hits than DOOM -- and has more name recognition. Not to mention his skills ... he, too, is solid on the mic.

While hardcore fans choose sides ... there's another take that's perhaps more nuanced. Fact is ... these 2 guys are totally different stylistically, and comparing them is ... weird. They're both great in their own right, especially depending on what you might wanna listen to!

FWIW ... 50 didn't seem to respond to the news about DOOM's passing last year (RIP, BTW), but he did respond to Eminem's homage to fallen legends (including MF) just earlier this year ... and seemed to dig the fact he'd gotten name dropped in the tribute.

Plus, they're both New York cats ... so ya gotta figure 50 knows about DOOM. After all, the guy's earned the title of your favorite rapper's favorite rapper -- he's that iconic/influential.

With all that said -- we gotta pose the question for those who know both of these fellas' music well and might have something to say ... does 50 Cent actually have MF DOOM's number in a would-be Verzuz???

Harry Potter and co. got together again for a trip down memory lane -- and even though J.K. Rowling doesn't sit for an interview herself ... she still magically appears (kinda).

The author and creator of the wizarding franchise was notably absent for HBO Max's 20th Anniversary 'Return to Hogwarts' reunion special, which hit the airwaves Saturday ... just in time for the new year.

While JKR did not appear in person to mingle with the rest of the cast and crew -- including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint -- she was there in spirit ... but more specifically, there in old archival footage from a couple years ago, this according to reports.

Word is, clips of J.K. from 2019 are sprinkled into the nearly 2-hour show ... where she talks about casting and the early process of turning her books into a blockbuster film. Apparently, some of the cast also talks about her, but they do it sparingly ... and mostly gloss over her.

If you're wondering what gives ... it's no secret J.K. has become persona non grata in Hollywood of late, due to comments she's made over the past year that many perceive as transphobic, remarks she' since tried clarifying time and again. Still, Radcliffe disavowed her sentiments ... drawing a firm line in the sand on where he stands on the trans community.

Now, with that in mind ... it's perhaps no surprise Rowling isn't in the HBO special, but weirdly enough -- there are slightly differing takes on why she wasn't involved ... including a report claiming she herself turned the opportunity down.

EW cites sources saying J.K. was extended an invite by HBO brass, but that she and her team felt the old footage of her would be adequate. Even more puzzling, these same sources say her transgender controversy played no part in the decision to pass on joining.

HBO Max, meanwhile, confirms they reached out to Rowling, but wound up agreeing that her old clips would suffice. It's unclear, on their end, if she turned 'em down for a new interview, or if they actually shot something with her and then ultimately scrapped it.

Gene Simmons is defending David Foster for praising his wife Katharine McPhee's post-baby figure ... and he's got a strong message for anyone hating on the couple.

We got Gene at Beverly Glen Deli on New Year's Eve and asked him about the firestorm David ignited when he took to social media to applaud his wife for losing the baby weight.

Gene says David absolutely should be saying wonderful things about his wife ... and ditto for anyone in a loving relationship.

As we reported ... David recently posted a pic of Katharine in a bikini with the caption, "what baby!" He's referencing Katharine giving birth back in February and since looking fit and toned ... but lots of folks pounced, claiming he was out of touch.

Gene thinks it's mostly women attacking David and Katharine ... he's got some reasons why he thinks men aren't behind the hateful comments ... and says women need to be kinder to other women, if for no other reason than karma.

For her part, Katharine says the online trolls are being "overly sensitive" and says folks need to "get a life" ... and Gene echoes some of those sentiments.

Katharine McPhee is not taking criticism of her husband David Foster lying down ... she's upright on the sand, looking great, and in no way, shape or form is she apologizing for losing the baby weight.

Katharine posted these pics that were taken in Hawaii, where she and David are spending the XMAS holiday.

The 37-year-old gave birth less than a year ago, and that inspired David to post a pic of his wife a few days back, with the caption, "what baby!"

Of course, David got dragged on social media by people who somehow thought complimenting his wife on losing the weight is somehow a slight on other women who did not ... or for being superficial.

Katherine pounced on David's critics with another pic of her ... firing back, "I'm sorry but we are not sorry," adding, "For all of you who can't deal with it, maybe this helps. I've struggled with weight my whole 20s and 30. I've gone up and down 10 times over. Does that make you feel better? There is nothing wrong with that — most people do."

She wasn't done ... "Seriously get a life. Stop being so offended by what people post who have zero impact on your life and move on. Maybe you should have more of an attitude of like, let's say, 'Oh that's nice he thinks his wife is hot.' I cannot with this overly sensitive society right now. But, as Taylor Swift said haters gonna hate. Byyeeee."

Erin Foster added to the chorus ... "If I can accept my stepmom looking like this, you certainly should be able to."

Jeff Lewis may be rethinking his comments about his holiday party, because a remark he made about COVID may have gotten his daughter rejected from private school.

Jeff said his 5-year-old daughter, Monroe, was just given the thumb's down from a private school, and he insinuated it's because he posted that he had a holiday party at the home of Lea Black. Jeff insisted they took precautions and made sure everyone was vaccinated, but he says in the days that followed, he, along with co-host Megan Weaver, his assistant Shane Douglas, "Shahs of Sunset" star Mercedes Javid Feight, actress Monika Casey and boyfriend Scott Anderson all tested positive for COVID.

And, then Jeff said, "That was an epic party. It was so worth almost dying for."

Jeff said Tuesday on his radio show that he was "exaggerating" when he said the party was "worth almost dying for."

He went on ... "If someone said to me, 'You're going to go to this crazy party, you're going to get wasted, s***faced, you're going to have crazy, drunken sex, whatever. You're going to go, but you're gonna get COVID. It's going to be light symptoms. It's going to be runny nose, achy, you're going to stay home for five days …' — I would still go to that party, yes."

And then he said, "But if someone said, 'Look, you're going to get COVID, and you're going to have these chills for 24 hours, you're not going to get warm, you're going to have a 104-degree fever, you're going to be delusional, whatever …' — no, I'm not going to go to that party. So, that's what I meant."

But still, he made light of his prognosis ... "There were a few days I thought were my last, so I did open up a few nice bottles of wine."

Jeff now says he and Gage Edward, his ex and also the father of Monroe, believe 4 or 5 other private schools may reject their daughter because of the post.

As for the first rejection, Jeff said, "... they got back to us right away. They said, 'We know who you are. We know who Monroe is and... we are not interested in Monroe.' That's what they said."

He blasted the school, saying, "She's a f***ing angel," why would you deny her? She has so much to offer to that school."

Monroe was actually kicked out of the Montessori preschool back in 2019, after parents started complaining that Jeff dragged the school on his radio show.

"Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis' wife wants the world to know the former couple's daughters are A-OK despite recent claims from Joe they'd been kidnapped and missed celebrating Christmas with him.

Abbey Wilson posted a pic smiling with Athena and Alexandria Thursday with the caption, "Buenos Dias." While the pic might seem innocent on it's face ... there's clearly a message Abbey wants to convey, the girl's are just fine.

TMZ broke the story ... legal docs claimed Abbey had ignored court orders to let Joe see his daughters, and had seemingly disappeared -- ignoring attempts to make contact.

In legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Joe says he was supposed to have the kids for Christmas and accused Abbey of family violence.

As we reported, police in Naples, Florida shot and killed a Malayan tiger named Eko Wednesday night, after a custodian allegedly went into an unauthorized area and, according to cops, either tried petting or feeding the animal. Eko clamped onto the guy's hand, and you hear him wailing in pain as cops approached.

This video is hard to watch, but it shows the consequences when someone goes rogue and gets way too close to a wild animal.

Police are unable to free the custodian, and then they shoot the tiger in the head at point-blank range, killing him.

It's a terrible tragedy that has been repeated many times before ... where someone put himself/herself and the animal in danger by getting way too close.

Buckingham Palace nearly put the kibosh on one of Elton John's most legendary performances to honor his friend Princess Diana ... only allegedly giving him the go-ahead in hopes the display would help turn public opinion in favor of the Royal Family.

According to newly released documents, obtained by SkyNews, the Palace believed lyrics to Elton's "Candle In The Wind" were "too sentimental" to be played at Diana's service in 1997.

The report states it was only after a letter from the Dean of Westminster, who believed giving Elton the chance to sing would be "imaginative and generous" to the public (who was pissed at the Royal Family) that the song got the green-light.

Of course, at the time of her death, Diana had been divorced from Prince Charles for a year ... and many felt the Palace -- including the Queen -- hadn't done enough to mourn her.

Diana had bashed Charles for cheating, saying there were, "Three of us in this marriage," referring to Charles' mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles, who he went on to marry. Many thought the Royal Family's lack of empathy when she died was tied to her public bashing of the Prince.

A NASCAR driver has just taken a deep dive into politics, branding his car with an anti-Biden slogan.

Brandon Brown, a NASCAR driver whose name inspired the slogan, "Let's Go Brandon" -- code for f*** Joe Biden, is sponsoring a cryptocurrency company, LGBcoin.io, whose first 3 letters are emblazoned on Brown's car. The company was coined LGB as a direct reference to the phrase, "Let's Go Brandon."

Brown posted a video of him walking into the garage and seeing the car, showing his approval.

In case you don't know, the way this whole thing started was back in October in Alabama, when Brandon was being interviewed and the crowd was chanting, "F*** Joe Biden." An NBC reporter either tried covering the obscenity or simply misheard the crowd, and said "You can hear the chants from the crowd, 'Let's Go Brandon.'"

Brown initially was upset over the phrase that connected him to the chant, grousing he couldn't get a sponsorship for his car. Enter LGBcoin.io, and Brown now seems to have had a change of heart.

Jack Harlow is gunning for a cop who put his hands on the neck of a woman who wanted to see Jack's show.

Video of the woman surfaced, in which she was confronted by cops who were not letting her inside the venue in Atlanta on Tuesday night.  You see one of the officers put his hands on the woman's neck.

Jack saw the video and was outraged, saying, "... I was disgusted by that cop and all I wanted to do was make something good happen for this girl immediately…I told the world to help me identify her so I could find a way to give her a hug and give her as many tickets to as many shows as she wants."

Jack went on ... "But that's not enough and its not a solution to a systemic issue that people who don't look like me have to face. The next step is identifying this police officer and getting him unemployed as fast as we can. Assaulting a young woman and putting his hands on her neck is sickening."

The cop is a member of the Cobb County PD.  We reached out for comment ... so far, no word back.

Jack wanted to send a message ... "I look out in the crowd every night and see black women in my front row…screaming my lyrics, traveling to see me, supporting me, riding for me. I want this woman, and every black woman that supports me to know - I am so sorry. I want you to be protected and I want this guy to lose his job so f***ing fast. I love you. Let's find this officer."

Jack's in the middle of his Crème de la Crème Tour.

A tiger was shot and killed Wednesday at the Naples Zoo after a zoo cleaner violated the rules by entering an area near the tiger he should never have been.

The man appeared to either be petting or feeding the tiger ... sticking his hand through the fence. The tiger grabbed the man's arm and attempted to pull him into the enclosure.

According to the Collier County Sheriff's Dept., deputies tried kicking the enclosure in an effort to get the tiger to release the man's arm ... but it didn't work.

A deputy then shot and killed the animal ... a Malayan tiger named Eko.

The man was a member of a cleaning crew at the zoo -- the crew was a third party, not an employee of the zoo -- and he was supposed to be cleaning restrooms and the gift shop, but decided to pet or feed the tiger instead.

The beef between Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Vin Diesel is far from squelched ... because "The Rock" just blasted his former 'Fast & Furious' co-star, calling him manipulative.

TMZ reported back in 2016, when they were filming the 8th installment of the franchise -- "The Fate of the Furious" -- the 2 men were at each other's throats. "The Rock" made it clear he was done with the franchise, but Vin wasn't done himself, posting this last month ...

"My little brother Dwayne... the time has come. The world awaits the finale of Fast 10. As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don't send well wishes... but the time has come. Legacy awaits. I told you years ago that I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10! I say this out of love... but you must show up, do not leave the franchise idle you have a very important role to play. Hobbs can't be played by no other. I hope that you rise to the occasion and fulfill your destiny.",

Well, Dwayne just called out Vin on CNN, saying his post was "an example of manipulation," adding, "This past June, when Vin and I actually connected not over social media, I told him directly — and privately — that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return."

He went on  ... "I didn't like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker's death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding. My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible 'Fast & Furious' franchise with gratitude and grace."

The 2 actors had a rotten time together in F&F8, with The Rock making it clear by process of elimination ... "There's no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one. My female costars are always amazing and I love 'em. My male costars, however, are a different story," he wrote, adding, "Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don't."

Joe Rogan is sticking to his guns, canceling an upcoming show in Canada ... and it's all over the country's vaccine mandates.

Joe was scheduled to perform in Vancouver on April 20th -- yes, April 20th -- but British Columbia requires proof of vaccination in various situations and venues. The show, which is sold out, was supposed to go down at the Rogers Arena, and that's one of the venues requiring proof of vaccination.

Joe said on his podcast, "I should probably say this because I haven't yet. My 4/20 show that's sold out in Vancouver, I don't think that's happening." He went on ... "I don't think I can even get into the country. I'm not vaccinated. I'm not gonna get vaccinated. I have antibodies. It doesn't make any sense."

Joe plans on rescheduling the show, though it's unclear when.  It's unlikely the show will go on as long as the mandates are in place.