Controversial S#!T

Katy Perry has defended her decision to involve Dr. Luke in her upcoming album ... noting the music producer was one of many to help bring the new project to life.

The singer was asked to address the controversy on Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast after fans called her out for working with him again ... after his lengthy legal battle with Kesha -- who infamously accused DL of rape and abuse years ago.

For the record, Dr. Luke has vehemently denied the allegations and even sued Kesha for defamation. Luke and Kesha agreed on a settlement last year.

Donald Trump's sharing some cyber regrets ... admitting he sometimes wishes he didn't post a few of the more brutal "truths" to social media -- but, it ain't very often.

The Republican nominee for president sat down for an interview on Lex Fridman's podcast Tuesday ... and, Lex asked him if he ever thinks twice about firing off some of his raw thoughts on Truth Social.

DJT replies he does have some regrets ... but, only every once in a while. So, don't think for a sec 45's rethinking every controversial tweet -- or Truths, as posts on Truth Social (the site he owns) are called.

Justin Theroux just got engaged to his actress girlfriend but he's still talking about his much more famous ex-wife Jennifer Aniston ... admitting he still feels "protective" of her.

The "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" star sat down for a new interview with the Times and said Jen's recent beef with Donald Trump's running mate J.D. Vance had him in his feelings over his ex.

Justin told the Times of Jennifer ... "She is still very dear to me so, of course, yeah, I feel protective."

He was responding to questions about Jennifer's public spat with J.D. over Vance's controversial childless cat lady remarks.

Justin added ... "But she batted back criticism, as well she should."

Unclear how the interview is going to go over with Justin's new fiancée Nicole Brydon Bloom ... they just got engaged last month in Italy during his promotional run for his new movie.

Vanna White had some fair fears going into her new partnership with Ryan Seacrest for "Wheel of Fortune" ... saying she worried the two wouldn't click.

The longtime television host discussed working with Seacrest during an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings ... explaining that even though she's known Ryan about 20 years, she didn't know if they'd be compatible onstage.

When asked if she worried about their chemistry, Vanna admits she didn't know what to expect because she'd partnered with Pat Sajak for so long ... and, she wondered if they'd have the same natural rapport.

Ed Sheeran's giving his fans with poor hearing some grief ... telling one of them she's probably on a watchlist 'cause she misheard an iconic line in a song.

Here's the deal ... in the song "Thinking Out Loud" Sheeran croons he will love an unnamed person "until we're 70" -- a line meant to convey a long-lasting love.

However, fans have been giving the pop star guff ... 'cause what happens to the love when a person in the couple turns 71, they ask. This has sparked a viral trend of people jokingly flipping off the camera -- POV of what happens when ya age out by Ed's standards.

Nicki Minaj's husband's in hot water online ... with many blasting him -- and Nicki, by extension -- after he used a gay slur in a TikTok live.

Kenneth Petty appeared alongside Nicki in a music studio when they went live Friday night ... and, while Nicki told her fans not to let people steal their joy, KP added his own controversial two cents.

Kenneth says, "That’s right, especially little f****** or f*** boys," using a derogatory term for gay people used prevalently in the rap world.

Kamala Harris didn't take the bait when asked about Donald Trump's comments about her race during her CNN sit-down Thursday night ... giving a brief response before quickly moving on.

The Vice President gave her first interview since she was nominated the Democratic presidential candidate to CNN host Dana Bash – and, at one point, their convo turned to Trump – Harris' Republican rival in the 2024 election.

Bash set it up by saying many people would be surprised to learn Kamala has never met Trump face-to-face.

Brooke Schofield says she's teaming back up with Tana Mongeau for their podcast ... after taking a hiatus following outrage over resurfaced racist social media posts.

We got Brooke at the Montage in Beverly Hills on Thursday and she told our photog she was getting ready to film the 'Cancelled' podcast with Tana.

It's a pretty shocking return ... just a few weeks ago Tana ditched Brooke and went solo after her podcast partner's old racist posts reared their ugly head.

2 Live Crew founder Uncle Luke's half-joke about sexualized female rappers such as Sexyy Red, Ice Spice and Megan Thee Stallion owing him royalties is actually no laughing matter, according to Ed Lover.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Ed in NYC on Thursday and the veteran host remembers the doors Luke kicked down for hip hop during his "Yo! MTV Raps" heyday ... and agrees the girls need to open their Birkins and pay homage -- and money to the Miami legend!!!

Luke called out Sexyy, Ice and Meg by name ... but also extended his rant to any female rappers out there shaking their ass for cash. Ed Lover says that even includes p-power pioneers Lil Kim and Foxy Brown -- he says they got their sauce from 2LC!!!

Tom Brady is set to make his NFL broadcasting debut a week from Sunday, though there's a good chance he'll have to deal with a bunch of rules designed just for TB12 ... all thanks to his bid to own the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brady, who struck a deal to buy a minority share of the Raiders in May 2023, would be forced to abide by several stringent restrictions in his role as a FOX broadcaster ... if his ownership bid is ultimately approved by the NFL.

For starters, Tom would not be allowed to witness practice (as announcers often do), nor would he be allowed in a team's facility.

Paris Hilton's parenting skills are under fire again ... with fans coming at her online over boat safety for kids -- and, she's sticking to her guns this time.

The reality TV star and mother-of-2 shared a video on TikTok Wednesday, featuring son Phoenix meandering all over a catamaran ... walking across mesh netting above the seawater before exploring the cabin and other areas of the ship.

A seemingly innocuous video ... but some parents took issue with the absence of life vest -- warning PH accidents happen, and she should make sure he's always buoyed by the flotation device.

Nicole Eggert isn't losing sleep over Jeremy Jackson confessing he's gotten up-close and personal with the scent of her privates ... instead, she's applauding her "Baywatch" costar for his frankness.

We caught up with the actress after Jeremy went viral for admitting he would sneak into "Baywatch" trailers and sniff the crotches of the iconic red swimsuits his female castmates wore.

While Nicole admitted she didn't know about Jeremy's naughty on-set antics when they were going down, she made it clear she's unbothered by the foul truth.

The Davenport Police Department released body cam video of the Iowa police officer fatally shooting a dog in front of 2 kids, saying the cop's actions were lawful, but the pooch's owner has a very different take.

The PD released the footage Wednesday along with the shooting officer's report, which states the salivating dog aggressively confronted him, baring its teeth and repeatedly snapping at him. The video clearly shows the canine lunging toward the frightened officer, identified by Our Quad City News as Ethan Bock.

However, the dog's owner, Don Hesseltine, tells TMZ ... Bock should be criminally charged and tossed in jail for killing his beloved Myst.

Hulk Hogan's beer tour has basically turned into a full-fledged Donald Trump campaign at this point ... 'cause days after the wrestling legend made controversial comments about Kamala Harris, he was back to rallying for his good friend.

The Hulkster hit up Moonshine Alley in Providence, Rhode Island on Tuesday to continue promoting his "Real American Beer" ... but at one point in the night, he shifted his focus from booze to politics.

TMZ Sports has obtained a clip of Hulk's time on the mic ... and while it wasn't nearly as polarizing as his go-round in Ohio, it was still very much pro-Trump.

Bhad Bhabie and her child's father Le Vaughn are making a statement that their bond runs skin deep ... with matching tattoos of each other's faces!!!

So much for a phone screensaver being used to seal your affection!!!

On Tuesday, the OnlyFans mega-earner suddenly remembered she had been neglecting her Snapchat account, and posted an exclusive reason to follow her on Wednesday.

Gisele Bundchen is floating past Tom Brady, Mark Zuckerberg is speaking out against the feds and a flag football star is putting on a show ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Babcock break down Gisele and Joaquim Valente's latest adventure ... a water biking ride past TB12's house.