Jeff Bezos Mega Yacht Towed Away in Early AM ... Amid Dutch Bridge Outrage
Jeff Bezos has been battling the Netherlands to build a massive yacht in their backyard -- but it seems he's relenting, 'cause his baby was dragged away at the ass crack of dawn.
A huge vessel being created for JB near the city of Rotterdam -- a 417-ft long, three-mast beast called Y721 that costs around $500 mil -- got the tow treatment very early Tuesday morning from a Dutch shipbuilding yard, where it's been under construction for a while.
There's video too ... you can see a few different smaller ships leading Jeff's away, and according to reports, they were trying to be low-key about this -- with the timing (before sunrise) and the route -- to get it to another shipyard about 24 miles away.
The reason for the seemingly secret mission here -- there's been a lot of outrage there over an historic bridge potentially being taken down just so Jeff's mammoth superyacht can sail out to sea.
The bridge, which has landmark status, is known as De Hef ... and it's right near the site where JB's yacht has been getting pimped out by a company called Oceanco.
The problem ... De Hef isn't tall enough to accommodate Y721 passing through, and there was speculation Oceanco was going to ask the city to partially dismantle the bridge -- on Jeff's dime, of course -- but that majorly pissed off locals.
The backlash was so intense, Oceanco reportedly backed off the bridge ask ... and now, it seems they're going to continue the build at a site nowhere near De Hef.
Word is this might delay the boat's completion by several more months, so Jeff's maiden voyage will have to be postponed a bit, it seems. As frustrated pirates put it ... AARRGH!
related articles
Post Roe v. Wade Kansas Votes Overwhelmingly for Abortion Rights
Kansas shocked Republicans and Democrats alike Tuesday night ... as voters in the conservative, deep red state hit the ballot box to PROTECT a woman's right to an abortion.
You heard it right. Scores of Kansans voted overwhelmingly to nix a proposed amendment that could have erased reproductive rights in the state. In doing so, they delivered a HUGE victory to pro-choice advocates.
The amendment was the first opportunity for any voter in the country to weigh in on the issue since the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court back in June.
Tuesday's ballot question, dubbed the “Value Them Both Amendment,” required Kansas voters to decide if their Constitution should continue protecting abortion rights or just get rid of it.
Those who voted “yes” wanted to kill abortion rights and send the issue back to the state legislature. A “no” vote would keep abortion rights on the books in the state. Both sides spent millions blanketing local media with ads promoting their clashing viewpoints.
As a result, voter turnout was incredibly high. At last count, 534,134 people voted "no" to the amendment as opposed to 374,611, who voted "yes," with 95 percent of the ballots counted, according to the New York Times.
President Biden hailed the victory, saying it “makes clear what we know: the majority of Americans agree that women should have access to abortion and should have the right to make their own health care decisions.”
A recent Gallup poll showed 55% of Americans support abortion rights.
Score one big one for pro-choice.
related articles
Willow Smith Stops Show After Fan Faints in Crowd
Willow Smith stopped her performance after someone in the crowd fainted ... and it's all on video.
The incident just happened during Willow's set at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, where she's opening for Machine Gun Kelly on a tour together, and video shows Willow putting the brakes on her set to make sure the fan is safe.
As you can see (and hear) Willow talks to the crowd and provides some words of encouragement to the injured fan, wishing them a speedy recovery.
Folks who were there say the fan who fainted had to be taken away on a stretcher.
The crowd wasn't upset the show stopped either ... showing love to Willow and thanking her for being accommodating. Folks on social media are also applauding Willow's quick actions.
We're told Willow started her song over again after the fan was taken away.
related articles
Killer Mike ATL's Black Biz Owners in Danger ... I'm Taking a Stand!!!
-
Exclusive
- 95 shares
Killer Mike is sticking to his guns -- Atlanta is the best U.S. city for Black-owned clubs and small businesses, but warns that status is in jeopardy if the City Council gets its way with a pending bill.
Mike was on "TMZ Live" today ... still crunk from addressing the Council during a debate on whether to launch the so-called "nuisance" bill that could potentially cut into operation times for all sorts of establishments in ATL.
Mike tells us cities like NYC and L.A. don't have the cultural connection to the clubs like ATL does, and he openly challenges anyone to show him an equal amount of Black ownership like his hometown.
Mike was front and center at Monday's hearing -- where 2 Chainz introduced him -- and the Run The Jewels MC drove home his points with force!!!
He's said his piece, now it's the committee's turn to say theirs ... once they take a second swing at the bill's language -- a process in which Mike says he'll be participating. Stay tuned!
related articles
Future F1 Star Oscar Piastri I'm Not Joining Alpine In 2023 ... 'This Is Wrong'
-
Breaking News
- 20 shares
Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri is calling B.S. on his own team ... saying he will NOT be taking Fernando Alonso's seat next season -- just hours after the organization initially announced the move.
The 21-year-old Australian prodigy went to social media on Tuesday to address Alpine's statement ... saying it's not true and he did not sign off on it.
"I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year," Piastri said on Instagram.
"This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year."
The denial comes after Alonso's shocking exit from Alpine for Aston Martin next season ... and amid rumblings of McLaren's interest in bringing Piastri in.
Alpine's original statement read ... "BWT Alpine F1 Team confirms 21-year-old reserve driver Oscar Piastri as Esteban Ocon’s teammate starting from 2023."
"In line with the commitments made by the team to the young Australian, Oscar will be promoted to race driver and step in Fernando Alonso’s seat from next year onwards."
A Formula 3 and 2 champ, Piastri's F1 debut is highly anticipated to say the least ... but by the sounds of it, it won't be in the blue and pink BWT car.
related articles
Thomas Markle Tabloid Honcho Files for Restraining Order ... He's Gonna Kill Me!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.1K shares
3:33 PM PT -- Speaking on behalf of himself and his dad, Thomas Markle Jr. tells us, "First of all, Jeff Rayner being threatened by a 78-year-old man who had a heart attack and stroke recently and walks with a cane poses a threat to you -- that's ridiculous and pathetic and embarrassing on your behalf."
He continues, "And on another note, you should file one on me also because I feel the same way as my father feels toward you and your company Coleman-Rayner."
Thomas Markle is out for revenge -- vowing he'd kill a tabloid owner who he feels wronged him -- and now the man wants a court to step in and force protection.
Jeff Rayner -- co-owner of tabloid and news agency Coleman-Rayner -- says he's scared of what Markle might do ... this after Meghan's father allegedly threatened Rayner in a recent book.
According to the restraining order, obtained by TMZ, Markle is quoted as saying, "I got screwed by Rayner and I'm going to find a way to screw him over before I die. I want to tear him down. If they tell me I've got terminal cancer, then I'll kill him because I have nothing to lose."
The book in question is Tom Boyer's "Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between The Windsors."
In the docs, Rayner says, "Since he is 78 years old I anticipate he will use a gun or other weapon" to carry out a possible attack. The tabloid honcho says the thought of Markle getting revenge has caused him anxiety and stress during his daily life.
As for the beef between Rayner and Markle ... Thomas sued Coleman-Rayner last year, claiming an agreement the two parties made for staged photos ruined his relationship with his daughter Meghan and son-in-law Prince Harry.
related articles
Deshaun Watson Ban NFL In 'Really Tricky' Appeal Situation ... Andrew Brandt Says
-
Exclusive
- 59 shares
The NFL is in a damned-if-it-does, damned-if-it-doesn't situation regarding the appeal of Deshaun Watson's suspension ... so says Andrew Brandt, who said on "TMZ Live" on Tuesday the league is now in a "really tricky" spot.
With Sue L. Robinson suspending the Cleveland Browns star six games on Monday following allegations the 26-year-old QB was sexually inappropriate with multiple female massage therapists, the NFL now has roughly one and a half more days to decide if it wants to appeal that ban.
Deshaun Watson Reportedly Met With 66 Women For Massages Over 17-Month Span
Most think the league should -- six games, after all, feels awfully light when considering the nature, and number, of the accusations -- but Brandt told Harvey and Charles appealing to make sure Watson serves a longer punishment is no slam dunk.
As for why -- the famed business and legal analyst says the NFL might not want to undermine Robinson's decision ... seeing as the league will be working with the former judge on similar cases in the future.
Judge Sue L. Robinson found that Deshaun Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy on three counts. So why only a six-game suspension? From Robinson’s 16-page decision: pic.twitter.com/NEFr57abpL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2022 @TomPelissero
"That may be why -- along with changing the focus to back on the field -- to say, 'OK, we're going to take the six games and run,'" Brandt said. "Even though the public opinion on the other side is that this is way too light."
If the NFL does ultimately decide to appeal, Brandt said he expects Watson's suspension to significantly lengthen.
"It's going to be fascinating to see if they do [appeal] or not," he said.
The league has until Wednesday to make a decision.
related articles
Soccer Player Attacks Female Ref Over Yellow Card ... Arrested
Horrifying scene at a soccer game in Argentina this weekend -- when a male player absolutely lost it and attacked a female referee after being handed a yellow card.
It all went down during a third division match between Garmense and Independencia of the Tres Arroyos Regional League ... when player Cristian Tirone unleashed on official Dalma Cortadi while her back was turned.
In video of the incident, you can see several players try to stop the attack ... but to no avail.
Lamentable, indignante y repudiable lo ocurrido en un partido de tercera división en La Liga Regional de Tres Arroyos 🇦🇷 entre el Deportivo Independencia vs Garmense , Dalma Cortadi jueza principal recibe un brutal y cobarde golpe por detrás de Cristian Tirone.
— Showfutboleo (@showfutboleo) July 31, 2022 @showfutboleo
Via: @CLMerlo pic.twitter.com/MuSH7oP8hd
Cortadi fell to the ground after the hit ... but was eventually able to get back to her feet. She was later taken to a hospital, but luckily, she didn't suffer any serious injuries.
Tirone was immediately taken off the field and arrested .... and Cortadi says she has filed charges against the player.
Garmense released a statement on the awful incident ... saying, "Given the events that occurred this Sunday during the Third Division football match that was played in the city of Adolfo Gonzales Chaves between Garmense and Independencia, during which a player from Garmense physically attacked the woman who officiated as referee, the Club expresses its energetic repudiation of this action that is at odds with the spirit that is intended to instill with the practice of this sport."
Tirone has been permanently banned from the soccer league ... and Cortadi agrees with the decision.
"You have to kick him out forever," she told La Nacion. "He should never be in any club. He is a violent person. He must also be in his daily life. I saw it on the video: a normal person does not do what this man did. No person deserves this. We don’t go to the [matches] to be beaten."
"I hope he pays for what he did."
related articles
Wiz Khalifa DJ Disrespect Was Punchable Moment Says Legendary DJ Capri!!!
Wiz Khalifa is getting some blowback for a viral video inside a Los Angeles nightclub where he verbally destroyed a pair of DJs for not playing his new song.
If ya missed it, Wiz lost this cool over the weekend at Poppy ... calling the DJs "horrible," before offering to engage in an actual fight with them.
#wizkhalifa Goes off on DJ Mike Danger and MC Tron for being “horrible” at their jobs and offered up the fade to them at Poppy night club in LA pic.twitter.com/dqPVGil3ZG
— No Jumper (@nojumper) July 31, 2022 @nojumper
Legendary DJ Capri has emerged as the most established member in the disc jock community to speak out against Wiz’s rant — and he's certainly choosing violence!!!
In an Instagram PSA posted on Monday evening, Capri explained why he thought Wiz’s behavior was totally unacceptable … and even went as far to say he would’ve swung on the Taylor Gang rapper and dealt with the consequences as an afterthought.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Capri also pointed out the 2 DJs Wiz berated -- DJ Mike Danger and MC Tron -- were likely younger, nervous and less experienced than Wiz, and he should have exercised more patience.
For now, Wiz is choosing to exercise silence about the fiasco ... most likely hoping it doesn’t ruin the rollout of his new album, “Multiverse,” which is why he was at Poppy in the first place.
related articles
Airbnb Deletes Former Slave Quarters From Platform After Users Find Listing
A spot on Airbnb that was listed as former slave quarters has been taken down from the platform ... this after the Internet put the owners on blast for using the space for profit.
A spokesperson for Airbnb tells TMZ ... they've removed the Mississippi listing from their platform, adding "Properties that formerly housed the enslaved have no place on Airbnb."
For those unaware, a TikTok recently went viral after a user stumbled upon the "bed and breakfast" with a description that read, "This particular structure ... is an 1830s slave cabin."
The small building was also used as a "tenant sharecroppers cabin" and a "medical office for local farmers and their families," according to the listing.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
The comments went wild over the discovery -- many people finding it in poor taste, with one saying "How do you sleep there and not feel the pain in that room?"
Airbnb's spokesperson tells us they're removing listings that are known to have included former slave quarters on site in the U.S., and will be working with experts to develop new policies for properties that are associated with slavery.
The company is also apologizing for "any trauma or grief created by the presence of this listing, and others like it, and that we did not act sooner to address this issue."
related articles
Blueface Fights Chrisean Rock on Streets of Hollywood ... Caught on Video
-
Exclusive Details
- 3.6K shares
8/2/22
8:08 AM PT -- A source within LAPD tells us there's been a crime report started, and the incident is officially under investigation. We're told cops will look to interview both Blueface and Chrisean, as well as review additional surveillance video from the scene. Once the investigation is complete, it'll be sent to prosecutors for possible charges.
7:15 AM PT -- Despite the fight, Blueface and Chrisean went home together ... we know this because he just posted video of them in a bedroom, which reveals what might have started their confrontation.
In the video, he says he went through Chrisean's phone and claims he found out she was, at the very least, in touch with several other men. Blueface goes in on her pretty hard, accusing her of being a whore ... which she seems to be denying.
He also refers to her as Baby D and Rocky, and shows off a shiner under his eye. It's not a good situation.
Blueface got into a knockdown, drag-out fight with gf Chrisean Rock on the streets of Hollywood early Tuesday morning ... and it's all caught on video.
It appears Chrisean is the initial aggressor, following the rapper as he walks down the street and grabbing at his shirt, yanking him backward.
She pushes Blueface while still clutching his shirt, and then smacks him across the face.
Blueface then slugs Rock in the head, knocking her to the ground and ripping off the chain around her neck.
She then drags him by his shirt around the corner, where Blueface throws her against the wall and strikes her several times in the head and body.
It's a bizarre encounter ... at times seemingly in slow motion. Eventually, the fight just peters out, and they go their separate ways.
Cops were called but by the time they arrived both Blueface and Chrisean were nowhere in sight.
We've reached out to Blueface ... so far no word back.
Originally Published -- 6:25 AM PT
related articles
ANA DE ARMAS Cuban Accent in Marilyn Monroe Pic Defended ... By Marilyn's Estate
-
Exclusive
- 2.3K shares
Ana de Armas is getting trashed for her performance in an upcoming Netflix Marilyn Monroe movie because of her Cuban accent, but she's getting critical support from Marilyn's estate ... and they say she hit the mark.
Nick Woodhouse, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Authentic Brands Group, which owns MM's estate, tells TMZ ... "Ana has artfully captured the essence of Marilyn's voice. Marilyn was known for her breathiness, which was actually a tactic taught to her by a speech therapist during her childhood to help her overcome a stutter."
Ana de Armas' Accent Picked Apart in New Marilyn Monroe 'Blonde' Trailer
In other words, the estate thinks the accent is unimportant ... her style of speaking is what people remember and captures the true Marilyn.
As we reported ... lots of folks are griping about Ana's accent after seeing the preview, with some haters saying it's distracting and others wondering if Ana got anything out of 9 months of professional dialect.
Woodhouse goes on to say, "Marilyn has served as a muse and inspiration to fans of all genders, all ethnicities and all walks of life, and her influence will only continue. There are no rules when it comes to how an artist can pay homage to her legacy."
He adds, it's not one size fits all when it comes to interpretations of Marilyn ... Kim Kardashian and Michelle Williams put their own spin on MM, and now it's Anna's turn.
"Blonde" premieres Sept. 28 on Netflix, and accent aside ... there's no debating Ana is a dead ringer for Marilyn.
In the meantime, MM's estate says Marilyn fans should wait until they see the film before passing judgment ... reminding folks, "there is beauty in interpretation."
related articles
Chris Brown Defends Intimate Photos with Fans During Meet-and-Greets
Chris Brown has no problem getting cozy with fans -- female ones, especially -- during meet-and-greets ... even when they want some pretty suggestive pics.
chris brown is taking M&G pics to another level my man ain't payin 😩 pic.twitter.com/IXHdAyFois
— helo (@hwloiza) August 1, 2022 @hwloiza
The singer defended himself after a handful of photos went viral showing him in different poses with women who'd paid for a VIP package to get a little face time with their favorite singer. Some of the shots are a bit eye-opening, but CB says it's all kosher.
He writes, "PSA!!! When artist (everyone) do concerts, they all have something called a VIP package. I haven't done meet and greets in over 7 years..."
Chris adds, "I have the coolest fans on the planet... I appreciate the f*** outta them. These are memories that will last with them forever. Unlike most of the lame ass artist that won't make eye contact with the people who made it possible to even have a career. I only exist because these fans saw something in me I never thought was possible... So Ima go all out for my fans!!!"
It's unclear where and when these specific photos were taken, but Chris is currently on tour with Lil Baby ... promoting his new album, "Breezy," with stops all over the country.
One thing we'll say is ... the women look to be having a good time -- so ya gotta imagine all of this was done with their sign-off, and perhaps even at their request. Chris, it seems, doesn't have a problem using hands, or whatever else they want in the shots.
These VIP moments can reportedly cost upwards of a few thousand dollars for any given artist ... so folks are paying good money for the one-on-one experience.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
It's exactly for this reason that one concert insider, Shane Martin, says Chris actually stands out from the rest of his contemporaries ... because he'll spend 3-4 minutes with each fan, and clearly takes requests.
related articles
Tiger Woods Turned Down LIV Golf's $700-$800 Mil ... Greg Norman Says
Tiger Woods could have been nearly $1 BILLION richer if he had joined LIV Golf this year ... so says Greg Norman, who confirmed the new, Saudi-backed league offered the legend around $700-$800 million to defect from the PGA Tour.
Norman, who's LIV Golf's CEO, revealed the details of the staggering offer during an interview with Tucker Carlson that aired on Monday night -- saying the huge proposal came from the league even before he had officially taken the executive role with the org.
Greg Norman confirms #LIVGolf offered Tiger Woods in the $700-$800 million range to join the tour while on Tucker Carlson.
— LIV Golf Nation (@LIVGolfNation) August 2, 2022 @LIVGolfNation
"Tiger's a needle mover." pic.twitter.com/i1Tl0yUMoD
"That number was out there before I became CEO," Norman said. "So, that number's been out there, yes. And, look, Tiger's a needle mover, right?"
"So," he added, "yes, that number is somewhere in that neighborhood."
Tiger, of course, did not accept the offer ... and when he spoke about the new golf org. while at The Open in Scotland last month -- he ripped some of golf's biggest stars for taking the money and bolting from the PGA Tour.
"I think that what they've done is they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position," Woods said of the LIV golfers -- which includes huge names like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson.
Woods also called out Norman for his role with LIV at the July event -- saying he didn't believe the former golf star was doing things that were "in the best interest of our game."
"What these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practice?" Woods added. "What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt? You’re just getting paid a lot of money upfront and playing a few events and playing 54 holes. They’re playing blaring music and have all these atmospheres that are different."
LIV Golf officially kicked off with an event in London in June -- and during the tournament, the PGA Tour announced indefinite suspensions for anyone competing in it.
related articles
Chuck E. Cheese Mom Accuses Mouse of Racial Discrimination For Ignoring Kid's High Five
A mother in New Jersey has some major beef with Chuck E. Cheese, accusing the popular kid's mascot of racial discrimination for seemingly ignoring a high five attempt.
The woman, who goes by Umm Safa on Twitter, posted a video she says she shot on July 30 at the CEC location in Wayne, NJ showing her daughter excitedly jumping up and down before reaching her hand out. You can see the mouse high five white kids on the stage before seemingly ignoring the little black girl.
What's not clear is whether or not the person inside the costume could actually see the little girl, but that doesn't matter to Safa.
Safa writes, "My 2yo was racially discriminated against. As you can see, he gives all of the yt kids hi-5s & PURPOSELY ignored my black baby. When confronted, he ignored me as well. The manager made excuses for him."
Safa says the manager tried to explain that the person in the costume couldn't see the little girl, and she's "sorry I feel that way" ... but Safa exclaims, "This is getting out of hand!!!"
JULY 2022
As we reported, video from Sesame Place in Philadelphia recently went viral, showing Rosita ignoring two little black girls who wanted to interact. Both the park and parents of the little girls have had private discussions on how best to settle the interaction.
related articles
Deshaun Watson Women Org. Rips 6 Game Suspension ... 'Insulting & Dangerous!'
-
Exclusive
- 245 shares
"It is unacceptable, insulting, and dangerous!"
That's the National Organization of Women (NOW) responding to Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension for sexual misconduct ... telling TMZ Sports it clearly shows "money talks, and women are unheard."
Watson's six-game suspension was announced Monday after disciplinary officer, former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson ruled the Browns QB violated the NFL's personal conduct policy, sidelining Watson for roughly a third of the season.
NOW -- the nation's leading organization for women's rights -- says the ruling is "unacceptable, insulting, and dangerous" ... but not surprising, 'cause the league and its players have been in similar situations before.
"The NFL has had a violence against women problem for years -- and everyone knows it," NOW said.
3/25/22
It's worth noting the NFL didn't hand down the suspension ... that was the former judge's call. In fact, the NFL reportedly wanted Watson to receive a significantly stronger suspension.
The league can appeal the decision, if they choose.
National Organization of Women also called out the Browns organization for giving Watson a $230M contract despite the accusations, 20+ lawsuits, and a pending suspension.
"They re-structured his contract to make the majority of his $46 million first-year payout a “signing bonus,” not tied to him playing actual games," NOW said.
"Shame on the Cleveland Browns for rewarding Deshaun Watson and shame on the NFL for perpetuating a system where money talks, and women aren’t heard."
In fact, NOW believes the 26-year-old shouldn't see a dime from the contract, on top of demanding the NFL change its policies.
Our joint statement with Deshaun Watson on the impending arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/9ObLnHiX6J
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2022 @NFLPA
"Deshaun Watson must not be allowed to profit from his horrific behavior," NOW said, "and the NFL must change its business model that allows, enables, and hides sexual misconduct into one that respects women and holds abusers accountable."
Watson -- who was never criminally charged -- settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits (as of Sunday). Barring an appeal that's upheld, Watson will be available to play QB against the Ravens Week 7.