'Queer Eye' Alum Tom Jackson Dead At 63 After Battle with Cancer
"Queer Eye" alum Tom Jackson, who appeared on the show's first season, has died of cancer ... and now fans are down a former hero.
According to his obituary, Tom died on March 3 at 11:49 PM ... after succumbing to stage 4 adenocarcinoma -- a glandular cancer, which doctors said had metastasized.
The show's official website shared the sad news Wednesday on Instagram, posting ... "It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson"
Fans will best remember Tom from season 1 of the Netflix reboot. He became a fan favorite after appearing in the premiere episode in 2018 alongside the Fab Five. He once dropped the iconic line, "You can't fix ugly."
Before his reality TV stardom he reportedly worked as a dump-truck driver in Georgia ... after he'd retired from FedEx.
it’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson pic.twitter.com/OiNpT3IneA
— Queer Eye (@QueerEye) March 9, 2023 @QueerEye
Tom is survived by his 2 grandsons, 2 sisters and his daughter, who also appeared on the series.
His family said in a statement, "We will never forget our beloved Tom. He brought joy, humor, persistence, and love to our family. He is special to us, and we look forward to seeing him again one day."
They're also suggesting fans watch his episode of "Queer Eye" in his honor.
Tom was 63.
RIP
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Tripped At D.C. Hotel, Rushed To Hospital ... Suffered Concussion
Mitch McConnell's spokesperson David Popp told CNBC he is being treated for a concussion and will remain in the hospital for a few more days of observation.
Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Wednesday night, this after he took a spill at a Washington D.C. hotel.
The Senate Minority leader was having a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria when he tripped. According to his rep, David Popp, McConnell fell ... and apparently fell hard.
Popp said the 81-year-old Republican "has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment.”
McConnell's condition was not disclosed, nor were specifics about the fall, but he was not admitted to the hospital for observation ... he was admitted for some sort of treatment.
The Kentucky lawmaker had a similar accident in 2019 when he tumbled to the ground at his Louisville home and fractured his shoulder.
McConnell is the nation's longest-serving Senate Republican leader. He was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021.
Originally Published -- 5:02 AM PT
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Country Star Clay Walker Berates Bus Driver In Leaked Audio
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Country singer Clay Walker is in hot water after getting caught on audio berating his bus driver ... but Clay tells us it went down a year ago, and it's all water under the bridge.
Clay starts by saying he could easily whup the driver's ass. The singer also claims the driver didn't show on time ... and Clay is PISSED.
It's pretty harsh ... and just when it sounds like all is said and done, Clay finds another reason to call him out.
While this is clearly an intense one-sided convo, Clay tells TMZ ... "This happened over a year ago, and it came at the end of a long, tough weekend. The bus driver and I reconciled immediately, and we are friends and stay in touch.”
FYI -- Clay's been in the country game since his debut record in the early '90s ... first topping the charts with his single, "What's It to You."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
He was spending the day with the Texas House of Reps. Wednesday -- thanking people for their support of his nonprofit org, Band Against MS ... committed to helping people with multiple sclerosis ... something he's battled since 1996.
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NFL's Calvin Ridley 'I F***ed Up'... Depression, Anxiety Led To Betting On Games
Calvin Ridley is opening up for the first time on his year-long suspension for gambling on NFL games, explaining he was battling depression and anxiety. Still, the Jaguars WR isn't making excuses, flat out saying he "f***ed up."
Jacksonville's new receiver wrote a piece for The Players Tribune on Wednesday ... titled "A Letter to the Game."
"I f***ed up," the 28-year-old said. "I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. In 2021, I made the worst mistake of my life by gambling on football."
Remember, CR was suspended indefinitely for wagering on NFL games -- a huge no-no -- and ultimately missed all of last season.
NFL Star Calvin Ridley Suspended Entire 2022 Season For Betting On Games
Ridley says the bets started when he stepped away from the Atlanta Falcons to focus on his mental health. He was battling depression and anxiety, which he says started when he suffered a foot injury. He says his wife was also dealing with trauma from their house being burglarized. So, it was a difficult time for his family.
"I was looking for anything to take my mind off of things and make the day go by faster," Ridley wrote. "One day, I saw a TV commercial for a betting app, and for whatever reason, I downloaded it on my phone."
He says he deposited $1,500 and started placing bets on NBA games, as well as the Falcons, which he says was just his way of rooting for his team.
"I didn’t have any inside information. I wasn’t even talking to anybody on the team at the time. I was totally off the grid," Ridley said adamantly.
Of course, the NFL ultimately found out and threw the book at Calvin ... a moment he calls "probably the worst day of my life." The trash-talking and trolling didn't help either.
"I paid the price, believe me. I’ve seen all the jokes. I’ve seen all the hate," Ridley said.
Some Calvin Ridley highlights for #Jaguars fans. Legitimate dominating receiver. Fantastic route runner. Great hands. Fast.pic.twitter.com/ZRFjKqPr4A
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) November 1, 2022 @Demetrius82
"All I want is for people to understand that, when I made those bets, there was a hell of a lot more going on with me."
But, now the Florida native -- who was reinstated on Monday -- is ready to turn up with his new team in Jacksonville, and he feels stronger than ever, mentally and physically.
"It feels so good to be back home in Florida, where this dream started, with a clean slate," Ridley said.
"Football saved my life. It’s still my purpose. I still love it, maybe now more than ever."
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Cara Delevingne Opens Up About Substance Abuse ... Disturbing Pics Pushed Her to Get Help
Cara Delevingne is finally speaking out about her struggles with substance abuse ... something she claims she's battling with the help of a support group.
The actress is on the April cover of Vogue and in an interview with the magazine says her world practically came crumbling down in the midst of the pandemic and her 30th.
She says she'd even lock herself in her house before realizing she desperately needed some help.
Cara explains the true wake-up call was pictures taken last year, showing her looking really bent out of shape. She says, "Sometimes you need a reality check, so in a way, those pictures were something to be grateful for."
Cara says she reached out to some of her closest friends in September after that -- with them coming over, crying, and telling her "You deserve a chance to have joy."
As we reported, Margot Robbie was spotted visibly distraught while leaving Cara's home the same month, although it's unclear if this was the same meeting.
Soon after her group discussion, Cara says she entered rehab and the 12-step program ... adding "This process obviously has its ups and downs, but I've started realizing so much."
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Tom Sandoval Trip To The Therapist ... Lettin' Off Steam?
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"Vanderpump Rules" star Tom Sandoval has a lot on his plate while deep in a cheating scandal with his costar, Raquel Leviss ... and it appears he's talkin' it all out with a shrink.
Tom was spotted heading into a building in L.A. Tuesday -- one that's home to many therapy and psychotherapy offices, we're told.
A source with direct knowledge tells us he was with a therapist for about 2 hours, although this isn't a new thing ... he was in therapy long before this scandal.
As you're well aware, Tom was caught cheating on his longtime GF Ariana Madix with Raquel ... our sources told us Tom and Ariana have no plans to get back together, and 'VR' is diving deep into the messy breakup as part of the latest season.
Raquel's lawyers shot off a letter to several cast members Monday regarding an unsolicited recording of an intimate FaceTime session she had with Tom ... citing a CA revenge porn law, which makes it a crime to spread a video like that.
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NFL's K.J. Osborn Rescues Man From Burning Car ... 'Right Place Right Time'
Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn is a straight-up hero ... the football player -- along with three others -- helped save a man from a burning car after a fiery crash on Sunday.
The 25-year-old went into details about the terrifying incident on Adam Schefter's "The Adam Schefter Podcast" Monday, saying he was in an Uber on his way home from a workout in Austin, Texas ... when he saw a car that had crashed and caught fire.
Osborn said he, his driver, and two others nearby immediately pulled over to help ... and when they realized how serious it was, all four of them rushed to the car to pull the man out of the vehicle.
Vikings’ WR @KJ_Osborn, his Uber driver, and two bystanders helped saved a man’a life after a car accident Sunday night in Austin, Texas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2023 @AdamSchefter
🎧 https://t.co/3Oig7w0tTh pic.twitter.com/2RCb9qHYnx
"He was kind of in a daze," Osborn said. "I don't know if he was conscious but I think he felt the heat coming to his legs and obviously he just got into a big crash so he's kinda out of it."
"That's when we began to talk to him, try to get him out and he was able to a little bit, you know, muster something for himself before we were able to."
Osborn believes if he and the group didn't spring into action, the man -- who only suffered minor injuries -- would not be alive today.
"No, he doesn't live," Osborn said. "I think that car would've burned on fire. It would've been really tragic."
Osborn said he never thought in his wildest dreams that he would be a part of something like this ... but he's glad he and the other three heroes were on the scene -- calling it all, "Right Place Right Time."
"I believe God had me, us, at the right place at the exact right time," Osborn later said of the incident on his Twitter page.
Osborn's quarterback, Kirk Cousins wasn't surprised by his wideout's heroism ... saying on his social media page Tuesday, "This is totally on-brand for @KJ_Osborn. Just a tremendous person & teammate."
The Michigan native was selected by the Vikings in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In the past two seasons, he's logged in 1,305 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
He's also currently working on his master's degree in criminal justice at the University of Miami ... with his eyes on joining the FBI or Secret Service after his NFL career ends.
Heroes don't always wear capes.
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Pete Davidson, Chase Sui Wonders Teen Home Alone When Car Crashed into Home ... Holy Crap, Was that an Earthquake?!!?
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Pete Davidson and Chase Sui Wonders scared the crap out of a 16-year-old girl, who was home alone when Pete's car came careening into her home.
The girl was reading a book when Pete lost control of the Mercedes and slammed into the house. The sound was so intense the girl thought she was in the middle of an earthquake ... this according to her dad.
The homeowner tells TMZ the car struck the house just outside the living room, and it penetrated the exterior wall. The crash was so intense a window came out of it's frame. We do not know where the girl was reading, but it had to be jolting and scary.
She was not injured, and her dad says she was "a bit" traumatized. Pete and Chase may have cushioned the blow somewhat by apologizing to her. It's a helluva way to meet famous people!
Unclear how much repairs will cost ... a contractor will eyeball the damage and the owners are waiting on the full police report before turning things over to their insurance company. Obviously, the insurance company will go after Pete to cover the repair costs.
The girl's dad says he harbors no ill will toward Pete. He's not going to sue and is just glad everyone's ok.
Sorry accident lawyers ... no business here!
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Ari Emanuel Security Guard Shoots Himself in Leg, Cops Called
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Ari Emanuel will likely be on the hunt for some new security, at least temporarily, as a member of his security team shot himself in the leg while patrolling Ari's home.
Law enforcement sources tell us they got a call to Emanuel's Beverly Hills pad around 11 PM Sunday night for the shooting. We're told the security guard was either getting dressed in his vehicle for a shift, or adjusting his weapon holster when the gun went off ... striking him somewhere in the leg.
We're told the shooting itself did not happen on Ari's property.
Our sources say the security guard was transported to the hospital, though we don't know his condition. Cops believe the whole thing was totally accidental.
Worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Emanuel is the CEO of Endeavor, the entertainment and media agency that owns UFC.
Emanuel is one of the biggest names in entertainment business, earning him several tributes through the industry -- including Jeremy Piven's character, Ari Gold, on "Entourage."
We reached out to Emanuel for comment ... so far, no word back.
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Red Sox Star Justin Turner Drilled In Face By Pitch ... Needs 16 Stitches
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3:49 PM PT -- Justin Turner's wife said in an Instagram post late Monday afternoon the Boston star needed 16 stitches to close the wounds suffered in the hit by pitch ... but, thankfully, he's doing well now.
"He's resting," she said, before adding, "(okay - maybe listening to the replay of the game). 16 stitches and a lot of swelling but we are thanking God for no fractures & clear scans!"
12:18 PM PT -- The Red Sox announced Justin Turner has been taken to the hospital and is being evaluated for a concussion.
"Justin is stable, alert, and in good spirits given the circumstances," the team said.
Red Sox star Justin Turner just got drilled in the face by a pitch during a spring training game ... and the blow was so violent, it left him oozing blood at home plate.
The scary incident happened during Boston's exhibition tilt with the Tigers ... when Turner came up to bat with two runners on base in the bottom of the second inning.
Graphic warning: Justin Turner got drilled in the face and bled a lot. Really really scary stuff. Praying for JT 🙏🙏
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) March 6, 2023 @BOSSportsGordo
pic.twitter.com/zb4CkdhqNm
Detroit right-hander Matt Manning threw a ball up and in ... and Turner couldn't get out of the way -- and it caught him flush in his face.
The former L.A. Dodgers third baseman immediately dropped to the ground in pain ... and video from the game's broadcast showed he was bleeding profusely from his face.
Red Sox trainers raced out to tend to him, covering his mouth with a towel before ushering him into the locker room.
Justin Turner walks off after being hit in the face by a pitch pic.twitter.com/UvecNR7YYc
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 6, 2023 @TalkinBaseball_
The Sox -- who acquired Turner last December in free agency -- have yet to announce an update on the 38-year-old's status.
Originally Published -- 11:25 AM PT
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Ja Morant Under Police Investigation ... Over Gun Video
Cops are now investigating Ja Morant after the NBA superstar was seen on video over the weekend brandishing a firearm ... TMZ Sports has learned.
A spokesperson for the Glendale Police Department in Colorado tells us they launched the probe into the matter shortly after Morant went on Instagram Live from what appeared to be a strip club with a gun in his hand.
According to the spokesperson, cops "have confirmed the incident took place at a bar in Glendale" -- adding, "We are investigating the matter."
No further details surrounding the probe were given.
As we reported, Morant filmed himself at the Colorado establishment late Friday night/early Saturday morning -- hours after the Grizzlies had lost to the Nuggets in Denver.
In the footage, the 23-year-old can be seen and heard rapping along to an NBA YoungBoy song ... all while flashing a gun.
Shortly after the video was posted, the Grizzlies announced Morant would be stepping away from the team for at least the next two games.
Morant, meanwhile, took responsibility for his actions and apologized to his team and his fans. In his statement, Ja also vowed to "take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant’s IG Live video and the lack of clarity on when he’ll return and what he needs to do to rejoin the team pic.twitter.com/tmIIgpY8zU
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 6, 2023 @MarkG_Medina
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said there is currently no timetable for Morant to return to the court.
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Ja Morant No Timetable For Return After Gun Video ... Says Grizzlies Coach
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins says Ja Morant could miss more than two games as a result of his gun-flashing Instagram Live video over the weekend ... telling reporters there's no set timetable for his return.
Jenkins briefly talked about his superstar guard's controversial clip prior to Memphis' matchup with the Clippers on Sunday ... saying it's a "very tough moment, for sure."
Morant -- who apologized for the vid on Saturday -- said he was going to "take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."
Jenkins said he will not disclose details of private conversations held with Morant and the front office following the incident ... but voiced his support for the guard as he seeks help.
"We love him. We want what's best for him. We support him. It's going to be a difficult process, but we got a great group to get through this."
Coach added the focus is on getting Morant in a better place on and off the court ... and he hopes the All-Star can take accountability and understand the expectations the team has for him.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant’s IG Live video and the lack of clarity on when he’ll return and what he needs to do to rejoin the team pic.twitter.com/tmIIgpY8zU
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 6, 2023 @MarkG_Medina
As for how long Morant will be away from the team, Jenkins said there is "not a definitive timeline."
"We're taking it one day at a time. This is going to be an ongoing healing process, so I can't comment in terms of what the exact timetable's going to be because it's really not a timetable situation."
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Kodak Black On Sober Path for Rolling Loud ... Teamwork Kept Him Clean
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Kodak Black lit up the stage at Rolling Loud California ... but we've learned it took a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure he stayed sober leading up to his performance.
Kodak's performance at the 3-day music festival was his last hoorah before he enters in-patient rehab next week. His lawyer, Bradford Cohen, tells TMZ Hip Hop ... the artist was in L.A. with a full team of folks making sure they steered him clear of any bad influences.
We're told that team included a physician to look after his eating habits, and another person was designated to be by his side at all times and ensure he stayed on the straight and narrow.
Cohen says the "Super Gremlin" rapper doesn't usually do the after-party scene, so that was one less thing to worry about while he was in La-La Land.
ICYMI, a Florida judge ordered KB to 30 days of inpatient rehab after authorities claimed he violated his bail conditions by testing positive for fentanyl.
You'll recall, Kodak was busted in Ft. Lauderdale back in July for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and drug trafficking ... after cops say they found upwards of 31 oxycodone pills in his car.
With a successful Rolling Loud appearance behind him, we're told he's now focused on getting treatment in rehab.
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Activist Erin Brockovich East Palestine's a Mess, People Pissed ... IDK If Biden Should Go
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Erin Brockovich -- the famous paralegal turned activist who helped a massive PG&E scandal in the '90s -- has seen the aftermath in East Palestine ... and according to her, it's grim.
We got Erin at LAX Friday, where she'd just arrived from a visit in Ohio ... meeting and helping folks while surveying the damage and assessing the needs of the community. As she put it to us flatly, the situation is dire there ... and residents are without clear answers.
Based on what EB's seen, she says the area -- including groundwater and residential wells -- is very much contaminated ... despite government agencies and other politicians trying to tell the folks living there otherwise. Erin says there's contradictory information flying all over.
She even describes some symptoms of sickness she says she felt just by being in East Palestine for an extended period of time -- and it sounds very hazardous and dangerous.
So, on the question of next steps ... Erin says a lot of people living in the town have already lawyered up, which is her specialty. Apparently, there are massive class action lawsuits in the works, and it sounds like Norfolk Southern -- the company whose train derailed -- might have to pay out the nose for damages these people are alleging ... assuming they settle.
Now, when it comes to President Biden -- who has yet to visit in person, and has shown no signs of wanting to go -- Erin tells us he might be better off staying away. The people of Ohio are angry, and he may have already missed his chance to show face and sympathy.
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Prince Harry Diagnosed with ADD, PTSD, Etc ... In Sit-Down with Dr. Maté
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Prince Harry has broken open the cookie jar of his life -- even more so than he already had -- and let a doctor dig in deep during an hour-plus sit-down ... who even diagnosed him.
The Duke of Sussex had a long convo with Dr. Gabor Maté Saturday, where they dove into his book, "Spare," and the benefits of Harry living his true, authentic life ... while breaking away from the Royal Family, which he says was holding him back from this for years.
During the chat, they talked at length about trauma, vulnerability, healing and why Harry was opening up as much as he is. For that last bit, PH actually calls all this (the book/press run) a service to others ... because he genuinely believes it'll help folks better themselves.
There were a lot of standout moments -- including the fact Harry insists he's not a victim, nor is he seeking sympathy here -- but one that truly flashed was when Dr. Maté diagnosed him right on the spot ... handing down disorders that he says he perceived from reading about Harry and talking to him too. Among them ... ADD, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Much of it, DGM explained, stems from his childhood -- with the death of his mother being a main factor, of course. Harry seemed to accept Dr. Mate's diagnoses at face value ... even acknowledging that he'd been diagnosed with PTSD by his own personal therapist.
Another interesting tidbit ... Harry talking about his past substance use. He distanced himself from cocaine -- saying he felt no benefit from it -- but he did praise marijuana and psychedelics ... explaining that he felt both of those had helped him become more clear.
Join us on Saturday, March 4th for a virtual live conversation between Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned speaker and author of THE MYTH OF NORMAL: TRAUMA, ILLNESS, AND HEALING IN A TOXIC CULTURE. pic.twitter.com/F06gT630Bz
— Dr. Gabor Maté (@DrGaborMate) February 25, 2023 @DrGaborMate
At one point, Harry also addressed the flak he continues to catch from the media and others for speaking up about his private life/woes -- in his mind, he actually thinks the criticism hurts more than it helps, because he says it discourages normies from opening up.
Harry also talked about his wife, Meghan Markle, and his kids. In terms of MM, he praised her as saving his life and helping him break free from what he essentially calls shackles of the Royal institution ... and when it comes to his kids, he says he's trying to heap on as much love and affection as he can, to compensate for what he says he lacked as a child.
Frankly, much of the conversation focused on mental health ... not so much on Harry's father or brother or any other particular Royal. But, there was a noteworthy revelation PH dropped -- he says when he was first getting into therapy, he actually encouraged his "family" to do the same ... presumably, that means he approached Will/Charles with the prospect. It doesn't sound like they took him up on it, though, and Harry says he believes it actually widened the divide between them. As he put it, therapy was both a blessing and a hindrance.
Toward the end, Harry fielded Qs from people who were watching ... none of them were all that profound or pointed -- most simply asked how/why Harry thought it was important to seek help ... and some of the most effective ways he thought folks could do that.
The takeaway ... Harry very much believes in his work to bring mental health awareness to the forefront -- and one of the vehicles he's using to do that is to put his own life and story on the dissection table for all to see. Not everyone may love it, but he thinks it's ultimately a good thing to lay it all out there ... even at the risk of further pissing off the Royals.
A few things that were NOT discussed here ... Harry and Meghan getting evicted from Frogmore Cottage (which they confirmed was happening this past week), King Charles' coronation, South Park making fun of them ... or next steps with the Royals at large.
Dr. Maté did somewhat allude to a controversy surrounding himself -- where he was accused of being antisemitic by some for his defense of Palestine -- and the guy made clear ... he comes from Jewish heritage and had family that lived through Nazi-occupied Europe. Without directly saying it, he seemed to suggest he wasn't antisemitic ... far from it, in fact.
All in all, it was insightful. And it's obvious Harry might keep on talking from here on out.
For more royal drama, tune into our podcast "Spilling Royal Tea," dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.
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President Biden Cancerous Lesion Removed ... Ahead of Re-Election Bid
President Biden's fully recovered from a brush with cancer he had last month ... according to doctors who are giving him the all-clear.
The White House announced Friday a lesion was found on Biden's chest last month during his annual physical, and after a biopsy, doctors determined it was malignant. White House Dr. Kevin O'Connor said it was basal cell carcinoma, but they were able to remove all the cancerous tissue.
Perhaps most importantly, O'Connor also said, "No further treatment is required."
That's key for the 80-year-old commander-in-chief as he inches closer to officially announcing his bid for re-election in 2024. Biden's critics have already tried to make his age and health an issue.
GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley's suggested mandatory competency testing for all politicians over 75.
BTW, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden also had 2 cancerous lesions removed in January. She's already publicly stated she's down for another White House run ... and the President's expected to make it official any day now.