Controversial S#!T

Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato have formed a holy alliance with their manager Scooter Braun.

Justin and Demi hit the pews Wednesday night at an L.A. church with Scooter, along with Justin's wife, Hailey.

It seems more than just a trek to a place of worship ... it's a showing of a united front with some of Scooter's most famous clients ... this in the wake of Taylor Swift's campaign against the manager and his Big Machine.

Remember ... when Taylor launched on Scooter at the Billboard Awards, he was in Florida with Ariana Grande ... another client.

There's been a lot of back and forth with Scooter and Taylor. She says neither he nor his team has reached out to her so she could have an opportunity to buy her masters from BM, and he has said on social media he wants to sit down with her but she hasn't accepted his olive branch.

Donald Trump is making history as far as Presidents go, but it's not the kind of history he probably envisioned when he took office ... because he's just been impeached.

As expected, a majority of the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to impeach the Prez for high crimes and misdemeanors. The vote marks only the 3rd time in U.S. history the House approved articles of impeachment against the President.

Trump now joins Bill Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson way back in 1868 as the only presidents to be impeached.

The impeachment vote, mostly along party lines, is the culmination of a long, three-month investigation from multiple committees in the House, which was faced with stiff opposition by the GOP.

The Jeffrey Epstein story just gets more and more suspicious, because now ... surveillance video from his failed suicide attempt has mysteriously vanished.

Prosecutors revealed in court Wednesday they could not locate the footage from outside of Epstein's cell on July 23 -- the day of his first reported suicide attempt at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in NYC. That was 2 weeks before he successfully killed himself ... according to the Medical Examiner's report.

The feds had no explanation for why the footage has gone missing -- they said they simply can't find it.

That could spell trouble for Epstein's cellmate at the time, ex-cop Nick Tartaglione ... who was reportedly accused of attacking Epstein that night. He formally requested the video be preserved 2 days after the suicide attempt ... in order to clear his name.

Now, it doesn't appear there's much evidence to prove one account over the other -- Epstein reportedly said Tartaglione attacked him, but he says he tried to save Epstein.

Of course, this all comes amid the highly-scrutinized eventual suicide -- which is now the subject of a criminal probe. Two prison guards on duty the night Epstein died have been accused of falsifying records -- making it seem like they'd made the required checks on Epstein's cell that night when they really hadn't.

Those guards have pled not guilty.

O.T. Genasis' hilariously off-key cover of Keyshia Cole's "Love" ballad is a viral sensation ... so he's determined to find out who got it yanked from YouTube ... and put 'em on blast.

We got O.T. at LAX Wednesday and asked why his pitchy new party anthem, "Never Knew," has vanished ... and he's nothing if not suspicious. Signs point to Keyshia as a likely suspect, but the singer's recently admitted she likes the cover and thinks O.T.'s take is funny.

So, whodunnit?? The rapper might not know for sure just yet ... but his savage side-eye in this clip speaks volumes.

His investigation seems to be all in good fun, though, and the rapper tells us he'd love to collab with Cole ... if it's true she's a fan of his comedic reboot. Still, he warns ... if Keyshia turns out to be the mystery hater, he'll let the world know.

Despite the YouTube deletion ... Genasis is free to perform "Never Knew" live ... as he did Tuesday night at Teyana Taylor's ugly sweater party.

Gotta say, we can see why it's a hit -- but don't sleep on the original.

Johnny Manziel -- '12 Heisman Trophy winner and former 1st-round NFL Draft pick -- is simply not good enough to play in the XFL ... so says XFL Commish Oliver Luck.

When the XFL's 2020 Draft went down earlier this year, a lot of people were surprised that Manziel's name wasn't called.

After all, the 27-year-old flashed some signs of that legendary talent during his brief run in the Canadian Football League in 2018 ... and some people thought the XFL would be a no-brainer for him.

But, Johnny didn't enter the XFL's 2020 Draft pool -- shocking some people -- and there didn't appear to be any real interest in getting the ex-Texas A&M star on a roster.

So, when the Tampa Bay Times asked Commissioner Luck about Manziel and fellow 1st-round NFL draft pick Trent Richardson not playing in the XFL this season, the Commish didn't pull his punches.

"I would argue that the players we have are better than those guys, to be honest with you," Luck said.

"Johnny has his own history, and we have coaches from the CFL who have seen him close up."

In other words ... Luck ain't convinced he can play anymore.

As for Richardson ... "I watched Trent when he was with the Colts, and I watched him when he was with the AAF. He was in the draft pool. Coaches and scouts looked at him and didn’t think he was going to help their team."

"I think the guys we have on our teams are the best 560 that aren’t playing in the National Football League."

So, what's next for Johnny Manziel? He seems to be out of pro football options. But, when we saw him in NYC for the Heisman Trophy ceremony this weekend, we asked if he was interested in a career in broadcasting.

Manziel was the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft -- but washed out of the NFL after just 2 seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

'Survivor' exile Dan Spilo is an amazing man with a good heart ... according to Noura Salman, one of the final 5 remaining tribe members on this controversial season.

Noura was outside the 'Island of the Idols' Season 39 finale party in WeHo Tuesday night when she got asked about Dan's ejection for inappropriate touching. She clearly doesn't feel any ill will toward Spilo -- she loves the guy ... and offers a bit of a defense for him too.

Noura says the issue comes down to people being different about touching -- some openly welcome it and feel comfortable, like her and Dan, while others are the opposite ... like fellow cast member Kellee Kim, and even Noura's own siblings.

She says she doesn't believe Dan meant to be disrespectful to Kellee with his unwanted touching, but suggests he probably didn't do a good job of communicating ... and gives an example from her yoga class of how to do it right.

Another contestant in the final 5, Janet Carbin, also got asked about Dan ... she simply said everything's "cool."

Seems Anthony Joshua is already regretting his public offer to spar Tyson Fury -- admitting, "When I look back at some of the s**t I say, I think, 'Why did I say that?'"

Joshua had appeared on Sky Sports and said he'd be down to help Fury prepare for his upcoming rematch with Deontay Wilder ... even offering to be his sparring partner in camp.

So, why?

AJ says he thinks if Fury wins the rematch, "He'd be more inclined to fight me next and quicker" than Wilder.

The funny thing ... Fury actually ACCEPTED Joshua's offer and wants to train with the guy.

When Joshua was asked about the awkward situation (sparring his next likely opponent), the heavyweight champ says he WILL follow through on his offer.

"Sparring Fury is only going to do me good, in my opinion. So, I'm never too big for my boots where I can't learn anymore," Joshua said to iFL TV.

"Fury is a world-class fighter and I'm a world-class fighter that is still trying to improve so I can become like an elite-level fighter when I'm fighting."

"So, that opportunity, for me to spar Fury, is for my own benefit as well."

Hollywood producers looking to accurately portray intelligence agencies in spy movies can find help in an unexpected place ... the freakin' CIA ... so says U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin.

We got the Congresswoman from Michigan on Capitol Hill Tuesday and asked the former CIA analyst about her favorite spy flick, and that's when she dropped a huge bombshell.

Slotkin tells us the CIA has an entire office dedicated to helping Hollywood understand and portray what really goes down between the Pentagon and American spies ... who knew?!?

Sounds like the partnership might have been in play for "Zero Dark Thirty" ... Slotkin says she really appreciated the film as a CIA and Pentagon alum because it at least attempted to be factually accurate -- unlike many movies which are not rooted in reality.

Orlando Jones says he and Gabrielle Union now find themselves in the same boat ... speaking out against workplace injustice, and unfair firings, at the hands of the same production company.

The former "American Gods" star came on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to fill us in on his convo with Gabrielle ... after they initially connected through social media posts about his firing from the Starz drama.

'Gods' and 'AGT' are both produced by Fremantle Media, and Orlando says he and Gabby are in very similar situations -- they spoke up at work, and suddenly they were both shown the door. In his case, he says the trouble started with a dispute over his writing credit on 'Gods' ... as a member of the Writers Guild.

As we reported ... Gabrielle said she had no qualms risking her job in the name of fighting against misogyny and racism. She's urged others in her situation to NOT "be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo."

Pro hockey player Akim Aliu says he's spoken with the Colorado Eagles equipment manager who wore blackface to a team Halloween party ... and has accepted the staffer's apology.

As we previously reported, Aliu says Tony Deynzer dressed up as him for the minor league hockey team's 2011 Halloween party ... with a custom jersey and blackface.

Aliu says he took photos with Deynzer at the time because he didn't want to create a scene -- but told TMZ Sports he was FURIOUS.

Now, Aliu and the Colorado Eagles have issued a joint statement saying they not only talked things out -- but Aliu requested the team to NOT fire the guy.

"Mr. Aliu also spoke with Tony Deynzer who had requested to speak with him about the incident," the statement said.

"The content of that conversation will remain private, suffice to say that Mr. Deynzer offered a heartfelt and emotional apology directly to Mr. Aliu which Mr. Aliu accepted."

Aliu added his own statement saying, "I accepted the apology by the Eagles and by Mr. Deynzer. I believe that we must confront racism head on."

"I believe the time for big positive change in the sport has arrived and that this moment can be used to promote diversity, inclusiveness, and safety in the sport and our community"

Eagles owner Martin Lind says the team has issued a formal apology as well -- noting, "Listening to Akim was both emotional and inspirational and a very moving moment in my career."

"I let him know how sorry we were as an organization and how it in no way reflects our values. I was appreciative that Akim was willing to take my call and listen to what we had to say."

Offset is calling for Fortnite to lift the ban on his teammate FaZe Jarvis -- telling TMZ Sports a lifetime punishment sends the WRONG message to the kids.

As we previously reported, 16-year-old Jarvis -- one of the top Fortnite players in the world -- was banned for life from all Fortnite events after admitting to using illegal software to get an advantage during non-tournament play.

Jarvis claims he was just using the software to goof around while streaming -- and would never do anything to break the rules during competitive play.

Epic Games -- the company behind Fortnite -- has refused to budge ... but now Offset, who recently joined the FaZe Clan is speaking out in hopes of getting Jarvis back in the game.

"Fortnite says the game is for the youth. The youth makes mistakes a lot of times. Let the kids play, that what they love to do," the Migos rapper told us.

"Give him a ban. Like, ban him for 30 days. Give him probation terms or something like that and then if he keeps doing the same violations then you do that [suspend him for life]."

"But, a couple times messing up?! They kids ... know what I mean?"

By the way, Offset's not just involved in the gaming side of FaZe Clan -- he just dropped a new fashion collab and debuted the merch Monday night at the FaZe Arcade on Melrose.

Getting a Peloton for Christmas in that controversial ad is the best thing that ever happened to the spot's long-suffering wife, who's turning the negative buzz into soap opera gold!

Sources familiar with the deal tell TMZ ... actress Monica Ruiz was recently offered a guest spot on a forthcoming installment of "The Bold & the Beautiful," which we're told she immediately accepted.

Our sources say Monica's getting paid a flat fee of $2,000 to star in the future episode, which we're told will air sometime in late January. Sounds like it's not gonna be too demanding because sources tell us everything for her shoot is being done in one day ... including rehearsals.

Monica's shooting on Tuesday, and although it's written as a one-off ... we're told if things go well and audiences love her, she could be brought back. There's always a way in soaps!

Snatching up viral stars is just kinda what 'B&B' does -- the Fiji Water girl also landed a guest role after her noteworthy appearance at the 2019 Golden Globes.

Anyway, it seems like the fallout from Peloton has been more positive for Monica than anything. You'll recall, she starred in another ad right afterward for Ryan Reynolds' gin company -- now she's got a shot at a full-blown series.

Monica should frame that saying about all publicity being good publicity. Her Peleton hubby probably disagrees, though.

Gabrielle Union's speaking out publicly after her controversial firing from "America's Got Talent" ... urging others to risk it all, as she has, to fight misogyny and racism.

The actress spoke on a panel Monday morning, and urged the crowd to NOT "be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo." She never called out NBC or 'AGT' by name, but fans there for the panel -- Power of Inclusivity and the Women Leading the Charge -- knew exactly what she was referencing

Gabrielle added, "It's terrifying. There's a solid chance you'll lose your job ... I speak from experience." As we've reported ... Gabrielle feels she was fired because she complained to NBC and 'AGT' producers about racially insensitive situations on set -- including producers giving her excessive notes about her hair, wardrobe and physical appearance.

According to Variety, Gabrielle told the panel it's incumbent on her to speak up and do the right thing ... never mind the company writing those checks. She said, "How many checks do I need? This financial freedom, they're shackles, masquerading as zeros in my bank account."

The Hallmark Channel is walking back its decision to pull TV ads featuring a same-sex couple kissing on their wedding day ... saying it messed up and is "truly sorry."

The channel recently removed the ads from Zola, a major online wedding registry and planning site, after receiving complaints from the conservative group, One Million Moms. The backlash included a petition signed by more than 30,000 people criticizing Hallmark.

However, that decision was met with considerably more backlash from the public -- including another petition signed by 70,000 people blasting Hallmark for "shamefully caving to pressure from an anti-LGBTQ group."

Ellen DeGeneres and Pete Buttigieg also weighed in, with the presidential candidate responding to One Million Moms' gripe that the ads weren't "family friendly."

Hallmark listened, and its CEO, Mike Perry, says it will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish their partnership and "reinstate the commercials."

What's interesting ... Perry essentially lays the blame on Hallmark's parent company, Crown Media Family Networks and its CEO, Bill Abbott, which he says made the call to pull the ads featuring 2 brides kissing at the altar.

An Army cadet and a Navy midshipmen flashed a hand gesture symbolizing white power during a Live TV shot at the Army vs. Navy football game this weekend ... and now officials from both camps are investigating.

The symbol is a version of the A-okay hand gesture -- which, over the years, has been co-opted by white supremacists, according to the Anti-Defamation League and other groups.

Fast forward to Saturday ... when ESPN's Rece Davis was doing a live shot in front of uniformed Army cadets and Navy midshipmen, when TWO men appeared to intentionally throw up the hand sign -- one from each side.

Now, both Army and Navy say they're investigating.

On the Army side, West Point spokesperson Lt. Col. Chris Ophardt told the Wall Street Journal, "We’re looking into it."

On the Navy side, US Naval Academy spokesperson Cmdr. Alana Garas said, "We are aware and will be looking into it."

Here's Tom Brady being a G.O.A.T. teammate ... claiming the newly released Spygate II video didn't help the New England Patriots at all!!

... Sure, Tom. Sure.

As we previously reported, the Pats are in hot water once again after one of their scouts was caught filming the Cincinnati Bengals' sideline just days before their game last week.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer released a portion of the footage ... and it sure as hell looks like the Pats were spying.

But, in an interview on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" ... Brady backed his team by claiming the video didn't help the Patriots one bit!!

"I don't think any player gave it one second of thought," TB12 said. "It's not something that registered."

Brady added, "You just move on, man. There's a lot of distractions out there."

Of course, as much as Brady downplays it ... the vid really is a rough look for New England -- which had previously been heavily punished for spying on opponents back in 2007.

In the new footage, you can hear a Bengals staffer giving the Patriots scout the business over filming their sideline ... saying, "C'mon, guys! I don't see the advanced scout in this footage!"