Coronavirus

"I said it before you piece of sh*t, nobody will lose their job at UFC."

That's Dana White going scorched-earth over a false report about layoffs at the UFC -- with Dana making it crystal clear NO ONE who works for him will be let go during the coronavirus pandemic.

The video speaks for itself ... White is PISSED at a report in a major media publication Wednesday titled, "UFC Hit with Layoffs."

That report has since been taken down, but Dana is obviously upset that it ever went up in the first place.

The confusion, it seems, is that Endeavor -- which owns UFC and other businesses -- is reportedly letting around 250 people go as a result of the pandemic. But, Dana says ZERO of those employees are coming from his staff.

"First of all, it's not true," Dana says ... "I'm telling you guys again, most of what you read is not true."

And, he delivered a personal message to the reporter behind the story -- "You don't know anything about this f**king situation and you definitely don't know nothing about the sport you jerk off."

"And, for somebody who's supposed to be a reporter to be gloating about people losing their jobs?! I said it before, you piece of sh*t, nobody will lose their job at the UFC! Nobody's getting laid off, it's not gonna happen!"

"The other side of Endeavor laid some people off. I'm not laying anybody off. It's not gonna happen!"

On a related note, Dana has said he's working hard to put together future UFC events -- including Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.

If you live in India and the coronavirus doesn't kick your ass, the police might ... if you're caught venturing out of your home during a mandatory 21-day lockdown.

Video has emerged of cops in India violently attacking and punishing residents in the streets after Tuesday's declaration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that nobody is allowed to leave their homes ... not for any reason.

Naturally, many of the 1.3 BILLION folks in one of the world's largest countries panicked and flocked to stores to stock up on food and supplies, but in some cases ... they were met with extreme force by authorities ordering them back to their homes.

Officers wearing surgical masks can be seen beating people breaking the rules, while it appears others gathered up groups of violators and made them do pushups.

Either way, the behavior of the cops seems contradictory to social-distancing guidelines.

Though the violence was captured on video, a New Delhi police spokesman has denied any sort of police brutality.

On Wednesday, there were more than 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India, but the number is expected to rise.

L.A. County's decision to leave firearm stores open during the coronavirus is already leaving one business owner with more customers than he could ask for ... many of whom are newbies to the gun game.

Burbank Ammo & Guns owner David Schwartz tells TMZ ... he is one of a few gun shops in the area that has seen lines out the door and around the corner lately, as people flock in to pick up a piece for protection. Interestingly, he also says many are first-time buyers.

Novices or not, Schwartz says he is cleaning up big time on the panic buying going on right now ... telling us his sales per day are way up, as much as 750%. The guns selling the most ... 9mm pistols and shotguns.

Those aren't the only items folks are picking up though -- Schwartz says people are snatching up just about anything they can get their hands on, ammo included. The main rationale he says he's hearing from those walking in his door ... protecting their homes at all costs. It's fascinating ... seems like buyers anticipate massive chaos and eventual looting.

BTW, Schwartz is being responsible with the frenzy ... he says he encourages customers to social distance while in line, and only lets a limited number of people inside at a time.

In any case, Schwartz might have to thank some County bigwigs for the uninterrupted cash flow. Earlier this week, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he was going to be shutting down all local gun shops, as he believed they weren't essential businesses.

Pastor Joel Osteen is still firing on all cylinders, albeit remotely, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but he's not about to commit to opening up for business on Easter Sunday, unless the "authorities" say it's safe.

Osteen appeared on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and said the Lakewood Church in Houston is going through what the rest of the country is experiencing. Everything's been unrooted, and we're finding new ways to do old things.

For Joel's part, he's doing online services, and he's shattering records ... so many people want in. So, we essentially asked if this shakes peoples' belief system. His answer is interesting.

As for going back to normal, Joel says it's gonna take time and he'll listen to the authorities and won't let people back in until it's safe. As you know, Trump said his hope is to pack the pews for Easter Sunday.

Our money's on other authorities -- like doctors and scientists.

Slim Thug is imploring folks in Houston -- and young people everywhere -- to start taking coronavirus seriously, and he hopes his diagnosis is a wake-up call.

The H-town rapper joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and told us too many people in his hometown are taking the pandemic lightly, and it's time for everyone to open their eyes to the danger. In fact, Houston and surrounding Harris County have seen a surge in COVID-19 cases this week.

Slim said he was being super cautious weeks ago, wearing gloves and masks, but he still managed to contract the virus ... and his worst fears were confirmed with Tuesday's positive test.

He said he can tell people continue to bury their heads in the sand because some think he's getting paid to say he has the virus. Houston finally issued a "stay at home" order Wednesday, but Slim says he was shocked to see spring breakers earlier this month packing nightclubs.

Bottom line for Slim ... the fact he got infected despite actively trying to protect himself should make people think twice about refusing to stay at home.

Kylie Jenner just made a massive donation to help in the efforts to get the coronavirus under control ... giving $1 million.

Jenner's donation will be used to buy hundreds of thousands of face masks, face shields and other protective gear to be used by healthcare professionals working the frontlines.

Dr. Thais Aliabadi -- who delivered Stormi -- thanked Jenner for the generous gift Wednesday, saying, "I am speechless, my eyes are filled with tears of joy and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. I made a wish to the Universe to gather protective masks for our brave healthcare workers and today my dream came true."

She continues, "I have never felt more blessed to be a doctor, as helping our brave ER and ICU workers feels just as gratifying as helping my own patients. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU Kylie Jenner. You are my hero. This generous donation will help save many precious lives. Our world is a better place with you in it. I love you so much."

Kylie joins a growing list of celebs to make serious donations to the efforts ... Arnold Schwarzenegger also donated $1 million and companies like Apple and Yelp have pledged masks and money to the fight.

Kylie was also one of the first celebs to use their platform to urge fans to stay inside and quarantine. The Surgeon General made a plea to Kylie, Kevin Durant and others on TV as a way to reach a younger audience ... Kylie's got 167 million followers just on Instagram.

Tekashi 6ix9ine just got shut down ... a judge has denied his request to serve out the remainder of his prison sentence at home to avoid contracting the coronavirus, but it's not all bad news for him.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge says the court lacks the legal authority to grant the request ... so his hands are tied. But, get this ... even though the judge's hands are tied, he implies Tekashi might want to take his chances and file his request instead with the Bureau of Prisons.

Tekashi's attorney, Lance Lazzaro, may do just that cause he tells TMZ he believes the judge's decision "is a strong recommendation to the BOP to release him immediately."

The judge also explained had he known at the time of sentencing there would be a global pandemic and Tekashi's health history made him vulnerable ... the court would have directed the final four months to be served in home confinement.

TMZ broke the story ... Lazzaro wrote a letter to the judge saying there was a serious concern for Tekashi remaining behind bars because he suffers from asthma, which would make catching the coronavirus that much more serious.

LeBron James is so appreciative of the heroic efforts by the UCLA health staff amid the coronavirus pandemic ... he sent them a thank you video Wednesday -- and it's awesome.

"I just want to let you know that ya'll hard work and ya'll dedication does not go unnoticed," the LA Lakers superstar said. "The James Gang family here thanks you guys and hopefully we can get back on our feet and we can get back to our everyday lives very soon."

Los Angeles county reportedly has 670 confirmed cases of COVID-19 ... and many UCLA doctors, nurses and support staff have been tasked with not only treating those patients, but helping prevent the spread to others as well.

The team has put in hours and hours of overtime to deal with the pandemic ... and in his video this week, Bron couldn't have been more grateful.

"I just want to say thank you once again," James said. "Like I said, do not think for one second that you guys are not recognized, that you guys are going unnoticed."

James added, "The time and the commitment that you guys are putting in, it's truly commendable and remarkable at the same time. So, God bless you guys and can't wait to see you guys again. One love."

Other athletes across major sports are showing similar love to medical staff around the country ... NY Mets slugger Pete Alonso sent out personalized vids Wednesday as well.

Elton John's trading his usual sold-out arena shows for something much simpler -- playing maestro for a series of living room concerts ... to help fight the coronavirus.

Sir Elton will be hosting iHeart Radio's 'Living Room Concert for America' next week. It's an hour-long FOX TV and online benefit concert to support heroic healthcare workers and first responders on the frontline of the pandemic.

The living room performers include Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Tim McGraw, Billie Joe Armstrong, Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey and more.

The artists will each perform a set from their own homes -- recorded on their personal phones -- in order to continue practicing the "stay at home" and social distancing guidelines.

Viewers will be encouraged to donate to 2 charitable groups helping both COVID-19 victims and workers as part of the musical pledge drive. Those groups are Feeding America and First Responders Children's Foundation.

Jussie Smollett wants to move on from his alleged "attack" -- despite a pending trial -- and he's singing about it while on coronavirus lockdown.

Jussie just broke his social media silence Wednesday by singing and playing the piano. It's the ex-"Empire" star's first time posting anything in over 9 months, so this is a rarity.

Jussie sang Stevie Wonder's song, "A Place in The Sun." It's about moving on and finding a place in the sun where there's hope for everyone. Guess this is what's been on the top of Jussie's mind.

Seems Jussie considers his quarantine as dating way back to the alleged racist and homophobic "attack" ... because he says he's on day 421. We checked, and that marks the number of days since Jan. 29, 2019 ... when he made the allegation he was jumped in Chicago by 2 white men who yelled, "This MAGA country!"

Jussie also says ... "Hope y'all are staying safe. Spread love and kindness... not Rona."

Moving on won't be as easy as singing a tune ... remember, Jussie is gearing up for his new trial, and weeks ago he said "truth" will be his defense.

As we reported ... Jussie got re-charged for allegedly lying to police about the alleged hate crime -- after the State Attorney's Office dropped the original 16 charges against him.

Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz has died because of the coronavirus ... this after checking into a hospital and succumbing to an infection, according to his family.

The "Top Chef Masters" star's death was confirmed to Indian media outlet, Scroll.in, with members of his family saying Floyd died Wednesday at a facility in New Jersey -- where he'd been getting treated upon returning from an international trip to Mumbai earlier this month.

He admitted himself after feeling feverish, and then later ... testing positive for coronavirus in New York, per Hunger Inc. -- the parent company that ran his restaurants abroad. Floyd also addressed his hospitalization on Instagram ... just a few short days ago.

Cardoz had been featured as a contestant on 'TCM' for several episodes in 2011. He also starred on "Iron Chef America," "After Hours with Daniel Boulud," "Reservations Required," "Worst Cooks in America," "Big Morning Buzz Live," as well as appearances on talk shows like 'Rachel Ray.'

Some of his fellow 'Top Chefs' paid tribute to him after hearing the news, such as Padma Lakshmi who wrote of her contemporary ... "@floydcardoz made us all so proud. Nobody who lived in NY in the early aughts could forget how delicious and packed Tabla always was. He had an impish smile, an innate need to make those around him happy, and a delicious touch. This is a huge loss..."

He was known for his Mumbai restaurants, the Bombay Canteen and O Pedro. Floyd also had restaurants in NYC.

Floyd was 59.

The coronavirus pandemic is taking lives worldwide ... and it apparently contributed to an Italian nurse taking her own life over the "heavy stress" of testing positive and possibly spreading it to others.

Daniela Trezzi -- a 34-year-old nurse who'd been treating patients at the San Gerardo Hospital in Monza in the very hard-hit region of Lombardy -- reportedly took her own life after spending a couple weeks at home sick.

She was presumably in quarantine after being diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this month, but according to reports ... she had been working in the ICU of the hospital for days before Italy went on lockdown.

Trezzi was reportedly distraught over the notion she had spread the virus to other patients she worked on before she knew she had coronavirus herself.

Her hospital's general manager said she'd been home since March 10, but was not under surveillance. Her death is under investigation.

The National Federation of Nurses in Italy expressed "pain and dismay" over Trezzi's death, saying ... "Each of us has chosen this profession for good and, unfortunately, also for bad: we are nurses."

The federation added a similar instance of a nurse suicide occurred last week in Venice due to the "stress to which our professionals are subjected."

As coronavirus wreaks havoc, celebs and companies with deep pockets are chipping in to help combat the pandemic ... and the philanthropy seems to be contagious.

Ryan Reynolds got things going by committing 30 percent of all proceeds on sales of his Aviation gin through May 1 to go to bartenders who are out of work. Shortly afterward, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul followed suit with their Dos Hombres mezcal.

Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola are donating over $1 million each to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain -- while Roger Federer chipped in a mil to help the most vulnerable families in Switzerland.

Michael Jackson's estate is getting in on the action too ... donating $300k to help 3 communities that have been impacted by the virus -- $100k each to Broadway Cares, MusiCares and Three Square Food Bank in Nevada.

Gwyneth Paltrow also added $100k to Schwarzenegger's donation to the Frontline Responders Fund, and WWE star Rusev is shelling out $20k to WWE production and security staff.

On top of all this, Vice Prez Mike Pence announced huge corporations are doing their part -- like Apple donating 9 million masks -- and Yelp announced it's matching up to $1 million in donations to local businesses.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Taylor jump-started donations on Tuesday ... dropping million-dollar donations to 2 separate organizations.

Baseball might be on hiatus ... but the greatness of Mike Trout sure as hell ain't -- he just hit a ridiculous golf trick shot while in isolation -- and the video is insane!!

The L.A. Angels superstar has been following the rules and staying away from people amid the coronavirus outbreak ... and clearly that's given him some time to become amazing with his wedge.

Check out the clip ... the 28-year-old outfielder went upstairs and hit a ping-pong ball straight into a tiny Solo cup!!

You can see by Trout's reaction ... there was no editing there, 'cause the guy went absolutely NUTS after it splashed home!!!

"#TIGERVISION," Trout wrote of the shot.

It could be a few more weeks until players get back on the diamond -- the league has suspended play indefinitely -- but stars across the MLB sure are providing us great content in the meantime.

Check out how Boston Red Sox slugger Michael Chavis is spending his time in quarantine ... dude went YARD off his girlfriend in a Wiffle ball game!!

NBA star-turned-marijuana mogul Al Harrington says his Viola company's sales are through the roof since the coronavirus scare took over the U.S. ... and now he's scrambling to meet the demand.

Of course, Harrington has turned into a highly successful weed advocate and entrepreneur in his post-playing days ... sharing the medical benefits for athletes, as well as, the average folk.

We spoke with Harrington about the insane demand for cannabis products right now -- after all, EVERYBODY is stressing out over COVID-19 -- and he says his sales have DOUBLED.

"The challenge is gonna be making sure that we can keep up with the demand at this point," Harrington tells TMZ Sports.

"Everybody is stocking up on their favorite brands. I feel like the 'canna-curious' is really steppin' up right now, especially when you're stuck in the house with your kids 24 hours a day."

Harrington says the weed industry is booming just like toilet paper ... with people stocking up and worrying about when they'll be able to get more.

Harrington says his employees are following all the restrictions and taking extra steps to make sure they're safe during the pandemic ... but hopes the government continues to allow them to stay open as an "essential" business.

The man who would be king has the virus ... and the Palace issued a scary warning to lots of people.

Prince Charles is displaying mild symptoms ... this according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.

The Prince is 71, so he's in the high-risk group. His wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, has taken the Covid-19 test and is presumably negative, because the Palace said she does not have the virus.

Both Charles and Camilla are self-quarantining at their home in Scotland, but there are still issues.

The Queen last came in contact with Charles was on March 12, so it's still problematic. The Palace didn't reveal the Queen's status ... only to say she "remains in good health."

Now, the scary part ... the Palace said, "It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks." Translation ... Charles interacted with lots of people.