Controversial S#!T

A conservative Texas-based bishop got the boot by Catholicism's top dog after constantly criticizing him as too liberal ... and after refusing to resign when asked.

Pope Francis announced Saturday that Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, TX had been relieved of his pastoral governance over his area -- which effectively means he's fired. For now, PF is appointing a bishop from Austin to oversee Tyler's diocese until they find a permanent replacement.

The ousting comes a few months after Pope Francis sent some holy types to investigate Bishop Strickland and see how he was running things out there deep in the heart of Texas ... this after accusations of him teaching "doctrinally unorthodox claims" in his sermons.

Of course, the real impetus of this probably lies in the fact that Strickland has been bashing Frank for a long time now -- very vocally accusing him of twisting up the Catholic faith with his fairly progressive views on a number of social issues ... LGBTQ+ inclusion, abortion, etc.

In fact, just the other day ... Pope Francis said he was cool with transgender people getting baptized into the Catholic faith, and even signed off on them serving as godparents to Catholic kids, assuming it wouldn't lead to any "scandal" as he put it in his remarks.

Un conservador obispo de Texas acaba de ser despedido por el mandamás del catolicismo después de criticarlo constantemente como demasiado liberal y de negarse a renunciar cuando se le pidió.

El Papa Francisco anunció el sábado que el obispo Joseph Strickland de Tyler, de Texas, fue relevado de su gobierno pastoral, lo que significa que fue despedido. Por ahora, el Papa está nombrando a un obispo de Austin para supervisar la diócesis de Tyler hasta que encuentren un reemplazo permanente.

La destitución se produce unos meses después de que el Papa Francisco enviara a algunas autoridades eclesiásticas a investigar al obispo Strickland y ver cómo estaba llevando las cosas en lo profundo del corazón de Texas. Esto después de las acusaciones de que el obispo estaba enseñando "afirmaciones doctrinalmente poco ortodoxas" en sus sermones.

Por supuesto, el verdadero ímpetu de esto probablemente radica en el hecho de que Strickland ha estado atacando a Francis desde hace mucho tiempo, acusándolo muy apasionadamente de tergiversar la fe católica con sus puntos de vista, a su juicio, bastante progresistas sobre una serie de cuestiones sociales, como el aborto, la inclusión y las personas LGBTQ.

De hecho, justo el otro día, el Papa dijo que estaba de acuerdo con que las personas transgéneros fueran bautizadas en la fe católica, e incluso firmó para que sirvieran como padrinos de niños católicos, suponiendo que no daría lugar a ningún "escándalo", como lo dijo en sus comentarios.

Bill Maher launched on public schools Friday night, and it's hard to argue with the premise ... public schools are failing -- failing students AND teachers -- and maybe the "old" way of running schools should be revisited.

The 'Real Time' host laid out the problem with some pretty graphic video ... and it's hard to argue that the inmates are not running the asylum. Video after video shows teachers being beaten, kicked and attacked in various other ways. One in 7 teachers has been the victim of some form of physical violence at the hands of their students.

BM blames a lot of that on parents, who used to have teachers' backs ... now their kids can do no wrong.

On a hilarious note, Bill notes 20 years ago kids looked like Britney Spears in that famous music video. Today, they look more like Brit dancing with knives.

And speaking of celebs, Maher is incredulous people like LeBron, George Clooney, Kanye and others have opened their own schools ... as in why does that make the school attractive to parents?

Selena Gomez has been branded a "coward" by a Jewish organization ... after embroiling herself in controversy over the Israel-Hamas war.

Speaking to TMZ, Mitchell Bard for the Jewish organization American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE) lambasted Selena for falling victim to the intense pressure put on celebs to boycott and demonize Israel.

He tells us instead of speaking on the massacre of 1,400 Israelis and the taking of 240 hostages, including the elderly, disabled, women and children as young as 9 months ... Selena's priority lies with her business, which was threatened after the Rare Beauty's CEO followed pro-Israel accounts.

The org also details its disappointment over her choosing to "pacify bullies" hoping to boycott Rare Beauty by "taking the popular position that Palestinians who have been sacrificed by Hamas are the victims" ... with a pro-Palestine-leaning statement shared to RB's IG.

In stark contrast ... the very same IG post delights Alia Malak, a founding member of the Palestinian organization, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), who tells TMZ, "Selena Gomez is one of many thousands of artists and cultural figures worldwide calling for ceasefire, justice and accountability, joining Hollywood figures, leading Black scholars and artists, Jewish writers and artists, prominent authors, visual artists, and many others."

They add, "When UN experts and others are warning of an Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, these artists are on the right side of history. Palestinians call on artists and arts organizations to speak out loudly for a ceasefire, and for an end to oppression, as many had done against apartheid South Africa, to contribute to freedom, justice, and equality."

This comes after Rare Beauty's statement on IG acknowledged the slaughter of 1,400 Israelis ... saying that attacks on civilians are wrong ... but alluding their main concern was "protecting Palestine civilians."

Jiri Prochazka admits Alex Pereira is a good freakin' fighter, but is he the most dangerous man he's ever faced? Prochazka doesn't think so.

TMZ Sports talked to the 31-year-old, #1 light heavyweight contender ... and we asked Jiri if Alex presented the biggest challenge to him over his 10+ year pro-MMA career.

"I will see that when I face him. I will feel that who is he. But what I've saw with his style, I think I've fought with more dangerous guys."

Surprising ... until you look at the opponents he's shared an Octagon with over the years, including Glover Teixeira (submission win, 2022), Volkan Oezdemir (KO win, 2020), and Dominick Reyes (KO win, 2021).

But, as good as those fighters are, none possess the crushing knockout power of Poatan (8-2, 6 KO) ... especially when it comes to his vicious left hook. Alex has put many men to sleep with that shot over the years.

We asked Jiri, a dynamic striker in his own right, if he believed he could win a stand-up battle against Alex, assuming things don't go to the ground where Prochazka would seemingly have the advantage.

"Yes, yes. 100 percent yes," Prochazka said without any hesitation.

Of course, the guys are fighting for the belt held by Jamahal Hill ... who ruptured his Achilles a few months ago.

We asked Jiri what it'd mean to him to once again have the UFC championship belt wrapped around his waist ... and he was at a loss for words.

"I can't talk about it. You will see that in Madison Square Garden, and I believe in that."

As for Pereira, we talked to him, too ... and let's say he sees things going a bit differently.

7:55 PM PT -- Michigan and Jim Harbaugh aren't going down without a fight ... U of M has asked a court in Washtenaw County to grant a temporary restraining order that would block the Big Ten's suspension of the head coach.

The TRO would put Harbaugh's three-game regular season ban on hold until the matter could go before a judge.

While the restraining order hasn't yet been granted, the man who will ultimately decide what happens with Harbaugh -- whether he coaches in Saturday's pivotal football game against Penn State -- is a judge who happened to graduate from the University of Michigan in the 90s.

1:36 PM PT -- Univ. of Michigan officials just ripped the conference's ruling in a scathing statement ... writing, in part, "We are dismayed at the Commissioner's rush to judgment when there is an ongoing NCAA investigation -- one of in which we are fully cooperating."

"By taking this action at this hour," they added, "the Commissioner is personally inserting himself onto the sidelines and altering the level playing field that he is claiming to preserve. And, doing so on Veteran's Day -- a court holiday -- to try to thwart the University from seeking immediate judicial relief is hardly a profile in impartiality. To ensure fairness in the process, we intend to seek a court order, together with Coach Harbaugh, preventing this disciplinary action from taking effect."

The Big Ten has just suspended Jim Harbaugh for the rest of the regular season ... after it says the Michigan football team was involved in an intricate sign-stealing scheme that violated rules.

The conference announced Harbaugh will still be allowed to coach his team during weekdays while serving his suspension ... but on the Wolverines' three remaining gamedays this year, he must not be present.

Of course, it's a big deal for UM, considering two of those three contests are against No. 10 Penn State and No. 1 Ohio State.

Michigan, however, is reportedly expected to seek legal action now that could allow Harbaugh to still be able to coach his team during Saturday's game against the Nittany Lions.

The scandal surrounding Harbaugh and the Wolverines all began after team staffer Connor Stalions was accused of purchasing tickets to Big Ten games over the past three years with the intent of trying to decipher Michigan opponents' sideline signals.

In announcing its punishment for Harbaugh on Friday ... the Big Ten said it found at least some level of validity to the claims -- writing that Michigan gained "an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition" over it all.

This is not the first time Harbaugh has been in hot water this season ... he was also banned from the team's first three games over alleged transgressions during the COVID dead period.

Michigan is currently 9-0 despite all of the drama ... and ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Jim Jones got highly emotional responding to Dee-1's recent criticisms about his music ... even hinting he'd take things to the ring if needed.

The Byrd Gang leader appeared on Sway's Universe Friday -- the same platform Dee used to voice his gripes over the murderous themes in the music of Jim, Rick Ross and Meek Mill.

Similar to Rozay's response, Jim opted to focus on his years of philanthropy and his fellow posse vouched for his efforts.

He also defended the content of his music ... declaring it to be rough because of the environment he was raised in but maintained his music always contains spiritual elements ... his first album was named "On My Way To Church" y'know.

Jim said he was really peeved over Dee using his name for fame and the New Orleans rapper should've contacted him offline if he really wanted to have a conversation ... but that window passed.

He denied promoting violence ... but warned Dee should keep his hand down when he sees him because he's seen shirts get wrinkled for less!!!

Sway assured Jim that Dee isn't on a clout-chasing mission but the Harlem boss wasn't convinced and said he was done talking about Dee, so that's that.

Revered producer 9th Wonder eventually entered the chat to defend Dee-1 on all his stances -- when it comes to children.

Chris Brown will get the chance for competitive revenge against Robert Glasper -- the Recording Academy announced noms for the 66th annual Grammy Awards, and both artists are up for Best R&B Performance!

Last year's winner Muni Long did the honors Friday morning ... revealing Chris' "Summer Too Hot" and Robert's "Back To Love" (feat. SiR and Alex Isley) would be facing off for Grammy gold.

If you recall, CB totally blew his top in February when Robert beat him out for Best R&B Album ... basically writing him off as a nobody before actually doing his homework on RG's legacy.

Rob told TMZ Hip Hop that Breezy's disses were no sweat off his brow, and he would still be down to collaborate with him, despite the poor sportsmanship.

Chris just dropped his new album "11:11" on Friday with a robust 22 tracks, including the nominated one, "Summer Too Hot." So, it appears the game is still on!!!

Music released between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 15, 2023 was considered -- and neither Chris nor Rob is automatic to win the category.

Victoria Monet's ballad "How Does It Make You Feel," Coco Jones' breakout smash "ICU" and clear favorite SZA's "Kill Bill" are also up for the award.

Kmart Australia stepped on a bag of s**t, after touting a bag used to keep Christmas ham fresh in the fridge -- a bag with the inscription, "Merry Ham-Mas."

Pretty obvious ... after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the colorful bag which once was just a trapping of XMAS now has another meaning ... one that has enraged some Jewish groups.

The Australian Jewish Association made its feelings clear, posting a pic of the bag with the caption, "K-MART STUFF-UP! Check out the special Christmas bag currently available via K-Mart online. Yes, it's real!!  Although this is potentially funny (the AJA committee has tossed around some non-PC jokes) it's really not a good look.  We suspect some product manager may cause the company some embarrassment.  So we've politely written to Wesfarmers corporate suggesting the product be pulled."

Well, Kmart heard them loud and clear, because an hour later Kmart yanked the item from its site.

Tucker Carlson is open to playing GOP candidate wrangler for a debate, but the Republicans would have to be down with the parameters he'd demand ... TMZ has learned.

In case you missed this week's debate, Vivek Ramaswamy gave a full-throated endorsement for Tucker to moderate a future Republican debate, predicting it would spark a major ratings boost.

Well, sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Vivek has personally verbalized this wish to Tucker himself, and while the former Fox News firebrand likes the idea of doing it -- he's not keen about doing it on a traditional TV network.

We're told Tucker actually spoke to GOP officials about the role back in the summer, after Fox News let him go ... but he didn't want to fall back in with corporate media, which he thinks is all buddy-buddy with the RNC.

So, the only way Vivek's dream will come true is if the party approves the debate airing exclusively on X. Obviously, Elon Musk would love that, but our source adds the real benefit for the RNC could be finally landing Donald Trump ... who's been absent from previous debates.

The feeling is Tucker's involvement might prompt Trump to participate.

Tucker's potential involvement came about after GOP candidate Vivek took aim at NBC's Lester Holt, Hugh Hewitt, and Kristen Welker during Wednesday night's third battle of Republican candidates.

As it turns out, the journalists got off easy ... relative to Ramaswamy's attack on Nikki Haley, who he called "Dick Cheney in 3-inch heels."

Tucker Carlson está abierto a ser moderador de un debate, pero el republicano tiene algunas exigencias, TMZ ha indagado.

En caso de que te hayas perdido el debate de esta semana, Vivek Ramaswamy le dio un respaldo a toda voz a Tucker para moderar un futuro debate republicano, prediciendo que provocaría un aumento de audiencia importante.

Fuentes directas nos dicen que Vivek ha verbalizado personalmente el deseo de Tucker a sí mismo, y mientras que al ex incombustible de Fox News le gusta la idea de hacerlo, dice que no está dispuesto a hacerlo en una cadena de televisión tradicional.

Nos dicen que Tucker habló con funcionarios del Partido Republicano sobre su papel en el verano, luego de que Fox News lo dejara ir, pero él no quería volver a caer en los medios de comunicación corporativos.

Por lo tanto, la única manera de que el sueño de Vivek se haga realidad es si el partido aprueba que el debate se emita exclusivamente por X. Obviamente, a Elon Musk le encantaría, pero nuestra fuente añade que el beneficio real para el RNC podría ser finalmente conseguir a Donald Trump, que ha estado ausente en los debates anteriores.

La sensación es que la participación de Tucker podría incitar a Trump a participar.

La posible participación de Tucker se produjo después de que el candidato del Partido Republicano Vivek apuntara a Lester Holt, Hugh Hewitt y Kristen Welker de la NBC durante la tercera batalla de candidatos republicanos del miércoles por la noche.

Resulta que salieron bien parados en relación al ataque de Ramaswamy a Nikki Haley, a quien llamó "Dick Cheney en tacones de 3 pulgadas".

Singer Carly Waddell -- more known for her TV dating conquests -- opened for Nick Carter Thursday wearing a t-shirt with Lady Gaga sitting at a piano. Interesting, since she had a huge issue with the star doing just that during their time together at college.

In fact ... Carly said she would be driven crazy by the singer showing off her vocals on the piano when while they were in an NYU cafeteria -- a statement that caused widespread fury among Gaga's Little Monsters.

But, the musician took the backlash in stride with her choice of stage attire for the Akron, Ohio stop on Nick's "Who I Am" tour.

Remember ... just days earlier, Carly explained on fellow "Bachelor" alum Jason Tartick's podcast that she was "not a fan" of Gaga when they were students at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

She cited Gaga's main offense as her singing "Wicked" at the piano at the top of her lungs during break every single day, which forced her to eat her meals in the hallway away from the commotion.

La cantante Carly Waddell, más conocida por sus citas con estrellas de televisión, abrió para Nick Carter el jueves con una camiseta de Lady Gaga sentada en el piano. Algo bastante interesante, ya que hace pocos días tenía un gran problema con la estrella, haciendo precisamente eso que aparece en la foto durante su tiempo juntas en la universidad.

De hecho, Carly dijo que la volvía loca que la estrella pop se pusiera a cantar en el piano mientras estaban en una cafetería de NYU, una declaración que causó furia generalizada entre los Little Monsters de Gaga.

Pero la artista tomó la mala sangre en redes con calma al momento de elegir su atuendo para su presentación en Akron, Ohio en el contexto de la gira "Who I Am" de Nick.

Recuerden, hace solo unos días, Carly explicó en el podcast de su compañero de universidad, Jason Tartick que ella no era "fan" de Gaga cuando eran estudiantes en NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Citó como principal ofensa que cantara "Wicked" al piano a pleno pulmón durante el recreo todos los días, lo que la obligaba a comer en el pasillo lejos del alboroto.

Donald Trump no se olvida de uno de sus primeros partidarios, Lil Pump, quien estuvo presente en el mitin de Florida del ex comandante el miércoles por la noche, y el rapero "Gucci Gang" recibió algunos elogios públicos.

Trump lo señaló entre una multitud de unos 5.200 asistentes, quienes llegaron hasta el suburbio de Hialeah en Miami, según los informes. Tras el reconocimiento, Pump se puso de pie, recogió sus flores y mostró su orgullo de pies a cabeza!!!

Vuelvan sus calendarios tres años atrás, en 2020, cuando Pump fue extremadamente apasionado en su intento por conseguir que Trump fuera reelegido. Esto, a pesar de no ser un votante registrado.

Para Pump, la influencia es lo que cuenta en el largo plazo. Él es un fan de la persona rebelde de #45, al igual que Kodak Black y Waka Flocka.

Donald Trump doesn't forget his day 1 supporters -- Lil Pump was in attendance at the former commander-in-chief's Florida rally Wednesday night, and the "Gucci Gang" rapper got some public praise.

Trump singled him out in the crowd of 5,200 reportedly in attendance in the Miami suburb of Hialeah ... prompting Pump to stand up, collect his flowers and show off his fit ... head-to-toe MAGA!!!

Flip the calendars back 3 years to 2020 and Pump was extremely vocal in attempting to get Trump reelected ... despite not being a registered voter himself.

For Pump, it's the influence that counts in the long run. He's a fan of #45's rebellious persona -- as are Kodak Black and Waka Flocka.

El asesinato de JFK hace casi 60 años no fue tan sencillo ni exacto como dice el gobierno, esto según Rob Reiner y Soledad O'Brien, y están dispuestos a desenterrar el supuesto misterio.

Rob y Soledad se unieron a nosotros en "TMZ Live" el jueves para hablar de su nuevo podcast, "¿Quién mató a JFK?", que debutó el miércoles. Nos comentaron que no tienen ninguna duda de que la muerte de JFK no fue a manos de Lee Harvey Oswald con una sola bala.

La estrella y superproductor de "All in the Family" ha estado obsesionado con el asesinato desde que tenía 16 años, cuando Kennedy fue tiroteado, y ha estado investigando a fondo desde entonces. Rob nos adelantó sus teorías, sugiriendo claramente que hubo funcionarios del gobierno deshonestos que conspiraron para acabar con JFK.

Soledad y Rob estuvieron de acuerdo, gran parte de la desconfianza que los estadounidenses sienten hacia su gobierno emanó del asesinato de Kennedy.

La CIA está supuestamente involucrada con el complot para matar a Kennedy e incluso el presidente Lyndon Johnson —que sucedió a Kennedy— tuvo un papel importante en el encubrimiento.

La fascinación por el asesinato apenas ha disminuido, incluso se está celebrando una subasta para vender una parte de la infame valla detrás del montículo de hierba.