Tiffany Haddish Her Painting Will Hit Auction Block Benefiting Inner-City Arts Students!!!

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Tiffany Haddish has ZERO art experience but that's entirely the point of partnering up with an org that'll auction off her painting ... with proceeds going to a great cause.

The comedian's hooking up with Painting with the Stars ... which raises money to help gain awareness and support for nonprofits that provide underprivileged youth access to the arts.

Painting with the Stars delivers art kits to celebrities with no art experience and asks them to paint something of their choosing that'll hit the auction block. Tiffany may not have legit art experience ... but she showed her true colors as one hell of an artist ... with her flowery, piano keys submission.

When the auction goes down this summer ... the L.A.-based nonprofit Inner-City Arts will be one of the beneficiaries. Inner-City Arts offers a safe and supportive environment where students can engage in a studio setting with help from teaching professionals.

Tiffany's just one of the celebs who've signed up. "American Ninja Warrior" alum Maggi Thorne is also on board. Thorne suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2019 while competing on the course. She'd later need physical therapy to regain her balance and speech therapy for cognitive learning skills.

Talk about inspiration.

Megan Rapinoe Calls For Equal Pay During W.H. Speech ... 'So Much Real Work To Be Done'

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"I've been devalued, I've been disrespected and dismissed because I am a woman and I've been told that I don't deserve any more than less because I am a woman."

U.S. soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe gave a powerful speech demanding equal pay at the White House on Wednesday ... calling out the blatant discrimination women face every day.

Rapinoe's visit to D.C. comes on "Equal Pay Day" ... which is meant to bring awareness to the pay gap that exists between men and women throughout the country -- not just sports.

Rapinoe and fellow USWNT star Margaret Purce spoke alongside President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden minutes ago ... describing what it's like to reach ultimate success in their field, but still make a fraction of what men make.

"I've helped, along with all my teammates virtually here, one teammate literally here today, win 4 World Cup championships and 4 Olympic gold medals for the United States," Rapinoe said.

"Despite all the wins, I'm still paid less than men who do the same job that I do."

She continued ... "I know there are millions of people who are marginalized by gender in the world and experience the same thing in their jobs ... and I and my teammates are here for them."

"We on the U.S. Women's National Team today are here because of them. We also know what it means to not only have allies but to be allies. We know what it means when people kneel, to kneel with them."

POTUS echoed their statements ... calling the players heroes for speaking out against the pay gap and fighting for equality.

"It doesn't matter if you're an electrician, an accountant or part of the best damn soccer team in the world -- the pay gap is real," Biden said.

"This team is living proof that you can be the very best at what you do and still have to fight for equal pay."

Rapinoe and Purce were also able to have some fun at the nation's capital -- they got an awesome tour of 1600 Penn. -- and even snapped some vids in the Oval Office with the Bidens!!

Mike Tyson Fight W/ Evander Holyfield Is Off ... Can't Agree On Deal

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UPDATE

12:30 PM PT -- Tyson's rep tells TMZ Sports Mike misspoke when he declared the fight with Evander Holyfield was on for May 29 in Miami.

UPDATE

The rep says Tyson wasn't aware the 2 sides were far apart at the negotiating table ... and unless something drastic happens, Mike and Evander will NOT be fighting for a 3rd time.

Whoa!! That was fast!!

54-year-old Mike Tyson has announced he will be fighting 58-year-old Evander Holyfield on May 29 -- despite Holyfield's camp saying negotiations were dead just 24 hours ago!!

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THE FIGHT IS ON!!!

"I just want everybody to know the fight is on with me and Holyfield," Tyson said during an IG Live session with Haute Living.

"Holyfield's a humble man I know that and he's a man of God but I'm God's man. Listen, I'm going to be successful May 29."

We're reaching out to Holyfield's camp right now to confirm he's in ... so stay tuned on that.

Remember, it was just yesterday that Evander's manager issued a statement saying talks had "fallen apart" between the two sides.

"We were negotiating in good faith all along and it appears we just ended up wasting our time," Kris Lawrence said.

The two sides were honing in on a May 29 fight date at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The dispute came down to money -- Holyfield's camp says Team Tyson wanted a huge cut ... and even turned down a $25 million guarantee.

So, how did they get it all worked out? We're working on it.

Evander and Mike last fought in 1997 ... and it ended with Tyson biting a chunk out of Evander's ear. Holyfield's last pro fight was in 2011, when he earned a TKO victory over Brian Nielsen.

Originally published -- 3:12 PM PT

Evanston, IL Alderwoman City Reparations Not What They Seem ... We Have to Do Better!!!

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Evanston, Illinois just made history by becoming the first U.S. city to offer reparations to Black residents, but one member of its City Council doesn't want its plan to be the way of the future ... because she thinks it misses the mark.

Alderwoman Cicely Fleming was the lone vote against the Chicago suburb's proposed reparations program, but not because she's against reparations ... she doesn't believe this program qualifies to be called that.

If ya don't know, the City Council voted 8-1 to distribute $400,000 to 16 qualifying Black households. Each can get up to $25k, but it must be used for home repairs or home down payments.

Fleming was on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and said she considers it more of a housing plan -- and a good one -- but it falls way short of being a precedent-setting reparations system for others to emulate. Watch the clip ... the alderwoman explained why all the strings attached to the program will end up benefitting the very banks that have harmed Black citizens by discriminating against them.

To sum it up ... Alderwoman Fleming agrees a first step needs to be taken toward proper reparations, but this isn't it ... and she suggests her city's plan is meant to appease white folks more than black.

Drag Race Disaster Car Crashes Into Spectators ... Woman Badly Injured

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THE CRAZY ACCIDENT

Horror at the Wilkesboro Dragway in North Carolina over the weekend -- where a car lost control and crashed into spectators, leaving a woman with serious injuries.

22-year-old Amber Garner was at the track with her family on March 20 when a purple Mustang spun out and went careening into an area where fans were watching the action.

You can hear a woman scream, "Oh god!"

Amber was struck by the car -- and quite honestly, it's a miracle she's alive.

"As soon as it did hit me, I guess I fell on the ground -- I blacked out, so I don’t know exactly," Amber told FOX 8.

Medical personnel raced over to provide first aid -- including securing her neck in a stabilizing brace.

She was later rushed to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for treatment on her badly broken right arm.

"Her arm is broken in four places and broke her knuckle," Amber's sister explained on a GoFundMe page she started to help with medical costs.

Garner is expected to undergo at least 2 surgeries to repair the damage -- but again, it's amazing she wasn't more seriously hurt.

As for the driver of the Mustang, that person is reportedly fine -- suffering no injuries in the wreck.

Be careful out there, people.

Alex Trebek $500k Donation Launching Center To Combat Homeless Crisis

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Alex Trebek's name will grace a new complex that's dedicated to putting a dent in an issue that was near and dear to him ... L.A.'s homeless crisis.

The folks over at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission will honor the late "Jeopardy!" host by naming a brand new homeless shelter The Trebek Center. Alex and his wife Jean's $500k donation is the lead gift in Hope of the Valley's construction project, which is about to convert what used to be a 23,000 sq. ft San Fernando Valley roller rink.

The Trebek Center will break ground on May 15, and when the renovation is complete ... a 107-bed housing facility will serve as what's called "bridge housing" -- a bridge between the streets and permanent housing.

Hope of the Valley says the Trebeks' $500k was the cornerstone that helped them raise $2 million more from private donors like Beach Body and Shepherd Church. Plus, L.A. City Councilman John Lee spearheaded efforts to get another $6 mil from the city.

When it opens this December, Trebek Center residents will have access to a full array of onsite social services ... including mental health services, job training and placement and substance abuse counseling.

As we'd reported, Alex and Jean originally made the $500k donation for a facility dubbed Hope Center. That project still needs more funding, so Hope of the Valley got the Trebeks' permission, before Alex passed away, to redirect the half mil to the new shelter bearing his name.

Speaking of previous donations ... the Trebeks had also donated $100k to Hope of the Valley Rescue to build a bridge shelter in North Hollywood, which Alex and his family visited while it was under construction in June.

That 85-bed shelter is now complete, and no doubt it would have made Alex super proud.

Asian Hate Crimes Family of Attacked Grandma Donating Over $900k in GFM Cash

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The family of the Asian grandmother senselessly attacked in San Francisco aren't keeping a penny of the nearly $1 million they've raised online -- a move made at the behest of the victim herself.

Xiao Zhen Xie was one of two older women 39-year-old Steven Jenkins allegedly bum-rushed last week along Market Street. Cops arrested Jenkins on the scene, but not before he got his ass handed to him by Xie ... who reportedly fought back with a piece of wood.

As you can see, Xie was left with black eyes, a swollen face and severe trauma ... according to her family. Thankfully, her grandson, John Chen, says she's doing better now ... but in the immediate aftermath, the family started a GoFundMe that has since raised upwards of $907k, from more than 30,000 donors.

The GFM's stated intent was money for medical expenses, but Chen just announced they're not holding on to any of the cash -- instead, they're pouring it back into the AAPI community. He says Grandma Xie ordered it so.

Chen explained his grandmother insisted they use the money to help combat the racism and hate Asian-Americans are experiencing right now. He says she told him the issue was bigger than her, and she wanted the money to help others.

It's unclear where exactly they're going to donate the money -- but in any case, it's the epitome of paying it forward.

Ty Cobb Game-Used Bat Sells For $1.1 Million ... From 1928 MLB Season

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UPDATE

4:57 PM PT -- We spoke to the man who bought the bat -- who wants to remain anonymous -- and he told us Cobb used the bat for 7 seasons including his legendary 1922 season when he batted .401.

Ty Cobb's century-old, game-used baseball bat -- complete with cleat marks and tobacco juice stains -- just sold for over $1 MILLION!!

TMZ Sports has learned Cobb's 34.5 inch, 40.1-ounce ash Hillerich & Bradsby bat -- used by the baseball legend during the 1928 MLB season -- raked in $1.1 mil at a private sale.

The buyer and seller of the insanely special piece have chosen to remain anonymous.

Cobb was one of baseball's earliest stars ... and an absolute BEAST at the plate. He won the Triple Crown in 1909, the A.L. MVP in 1911, and was a 12x batting champion. He averaged .366 and had 4,191 hits over his 24 season career.

The lumber was authenticated and graded by PSA ... who gave the bat a perfect GU 10 score -- a super important figure for collectors.

In order to authenticate the bat, PSA says they examined cleat markings and tape on the bat (among other stuff) -- and all were consistent with other known Cobb bats. They also traced records back to the manufacturer.

The bat also came with a hand-written note from Ty ... who referenced using the bat during "the last year of my career in baseball" -- the 1928 season with the Philadelphia Athletics.

Joe Orlando -- CEO of PSA's parent company, Collectors Universe -- tells us Cobb's bat is one of the most special items to hit the market.

“In this case, when you consider the classic Ty Cobb characteristics this bat exhibits, along with its impeccable provenance, it’s no wonder this gamer became the first of its kind to crack the $1 million dollar barrier."

"From his signature taped handle, which is totally intact, to the tobacco juice-soaked barrel, the eye appeal of this baseball relic is elite.”

Cracking 7 figures is very rare ... but not totally unheard of. Back in 2019, the bat Babe Ruth used to slug his 500th home run sold for $1 million at auction.

Originally Published -- 3:50 PM PT

Mike Evans Donates $50,000 For Texas Storm Relief

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Mike Evans is fresh off winning a Super Bowl, but he’s not done making great plays -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star just donated $50k to help those affected by the winter storm tragedy in Texas.

27-year-old Evans is originally from Galveston, Texas ... an area that was heavily impacted by the storm. In fact, there were reportedly 3 storm-related deaths in the area ... and at least 25 others in nearby Harris County.

Evans says he was inspired to help the same community that shaped him into an NFL star ... which resulted in a $50,000 check from his foundation to the United Way of Galveston.

"The Galveston community has been so supportive of me throughout my career," Evans said Monday. "After I heard about the destruction the winter storm caused, I knew I had to do something to give that same support back.”

The money given to United Way of Galveston will be distributed in two parts ... $37,500 will be given to the families in need in the form of gift cards for food and other essential items Lindsey White, executive director of United Way of Galveston said.

The remaining money will be given to the Johnny Mitchell Boys & Girls Club of Galveston and St. Vincent’s House to help underserved children and families.

“We’re so thankful that the foundation entrusted us with these much-needed funds for Galveston families," White continued.

"Their decision to support our community as we’re reeling from the compounded effects of the pandemic and the winter storm will have a huge impact on those that call Galveston home.”

Great move by Evans!!

'The Office' Toby Flenderson's House for Sale ... At Over a Million Bucks!!!

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Toby Flenderson may still suck all these years later, but his house that Michael egged on "The Office" sure doesn't in real life -- if anything, it's ballin' ... and the price tag reflects it.

'Office' fans will recognize this crib instantly -- it's the home that appeared in season 7, for 'Michael's Last Dundies' ... the penultimate installment of Steve Carell's tenure. In the cold open, Mike and Deangelo deliver Dundie noms to the employees, and yolk to Toby's place.

As humble (and perhaps crappy) as Toby's house may have looked in that quick shot ... the actual home is now hitting the market for a whopping $1.098 million -- and a closer look makes ya realize that Mr. Flenderson might've had a great salary at Dunder Mifflin Scranton.

The 3-bed, 2-bath pad isn't actually in PA ... it's in the L.A.'s Sherman Oaks neighborhood ... and from the inside out, it's a real beaut compared to what we saw on the small screen.

The house features a fully loaded upgraded kitchen and a huge backyard. It's also protected with its own gate, so you don't have to worry about other Michael Scotts running up on ya.

When it comes to how the house came to be featured on the show in the first place ... we're told production simply came up, knocked and asked -- and the owners said yes. How 'bout that?!? Oh, and BTW, Toby might've been divorced and lonely ... but the place ain't built for that. Check it out yourself.

Farah Levi and Jessica Michalov of The Agency have the listing.

Easter 2021 Bunny Costume Sales Hopping... Preps for 'Normal' Holiday, Too Soon?

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The Easter Bunny's making a comeback of sorts, and this time it doesn't just mean Spring is sprung, it's a sign Americans are getting ready to celebrate Easter like it's 2019 ... for better or worse.

The bellwether in this case -- bunny costume sales, and they're super hot with Easter less than 2 weeks away. A rep at HalloweenCostumes.com, the world's largest costume retailer, tells TMZ ... its Easter category sales are up over 75% year-to-year.

For instance, this time last year -- as the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns were beginning -- the retailer had sold just 49 bunny costumes. This year, with COVID cases flat or dropping in most places, they've sold 171 ... and expect to sell out before Easter, which is April 4.

The easy explanation for biz boomin' is two-fold -- the decrease in cases and the increase in availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Not to mention the loosening of restrictions in many states, and total lack of them in others.

What's more ... the CDC also recently said vaccinated people can visit indoors with unvaccinated people of a single household without masks or social distancing if unvaccinated people are in the low-risk category. Great news for grandma and grandpa heading into the holiday!

Important to note, though, that if no one in your family's been vaccinated, the CDC is still recommending keeping celebrations within your household, and gathering virtually with others. And, of course, outdoor gatherings, if weather permits, are most ideal.

The good news for those of you ordering those hot-selling Easter bunny costumes is ... built-in face-covering! Yes, the CDC and President Biden are still urging you to wear those.

Barack Obama Signed 2012 Bracket Hits Auction ... Starting Bid $10k!!!

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Bracket busted and need a new one?? President Barack Obama's autographed entry from the 2012 NCAA men's tournament is hitting the auction block ... and it's got a $10,000 starting bid!!

Of course, Obama is a huge fan of hoops ... and loves to share his March Madness picks for all to see -- for better or worse.

This particular bracket is from when #44 teamed up with ESPN's Adam Katz to fill out his "office pool" entry back in 2012 ... and the whole thing was recorded for a segment called "BARACK-ETOLOGY."

Barack shared his picks live on the network ... channeling his inner Dick Vitale and explaining why he thought he had the perfect bracket.

Obama's bracket was filled out on a 63 by 36-inch whiteboard (which has since been framed) -- and after he made his picks, Barack signed it with a pen.

FYI, Obama's bracket was anything but perfect -- he picked North Carolina to win it all. Instead, Anthony Davis and the Kentucky Wildcats took home the title that season.

While BO's autographed bracket was busted, it's clearly a collector's item -- and will now go to the highest bidder courtesy of Goldin Auctions ... with bids starting at $10,000.

But, let's get real ... Obama memorabilia is always in high demand and with the sports collectibles market exploding in recent months, this thing could easily hit the 6-figure mark.

Bidding starts Tuesday ... good luck!!

Kylie Jenner Responds to GoFundMe Backlash ... I'm Just Trying to Help!!!

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Kylie Jenner is clearing the air on her GoFundMe controversy ... she says she was just trying to help an old friend pay medical bills and his family's glad she did.

The billionaire broke her silence Monday after catching tons of heat over the weekend for promoting a GoFundMe for celeb makeup artist Samuel Rauda. Lots of folks dragged her for only donating $5,000, while pushing others to make their own contributions.

Kylie confirms what we first reported ... Sam worked with her back in the day, and he's friends with her current MUA, Ariel.

KJ says she doesn't have a personal relationship with Sam anymore and called Ariel to find out what happened to him. Kylie says when she learned of Sam's accident, she went to his GFM and saw it was at $6,000 so she kicked in $5k to send it over the original benchmark.

Kylie says she posted the link to the GFM on her IG stories to make more people aware of it. It was all a good thing, and she doesn't know why people took it the wrong way.

She says Sam's family reached out to her through Ariel and they're "very appreciative of all the donations, prayers and love towards Sam."

Kylie's encouraging folks to stay positive and keep Sam and his fam in their thoughts and prayers.

BTW ... the GFM is about to crack $100,000 ... likely because of the attention Kylie's bringing to the page.

Krispy Kreme Free Donuts When You're Vaccinated!!!

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Krispy Kreme is offering a sweet reward for folks who get vaccinated against COVID-19 ... free donuts!!!

The nationwide donut chain says folks with valid COVID vaccination cards can snag a free Original Glazed donut just by showing proof of the shots ... and the offer's good every day for the rest of the year.

Think about it, a free donut every time you step into a Krispy Kreme with your vaccination card ... this may be a more effective way to get people vaccinated than celebrity endorsements.

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THIS IS OUR SHOT

Remember, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter joined forces to encourage Americans to get COVID-19 vaccines ASAP ... but they weren't offering free donuts!

Krispy Kreme says the freebies are good at all of their 369 shops across 41 states with no purchase necessary ... ya just gotta visit the store in person or drive-thru.

Oh, and the vaccines are free too. Sweet!!!

Evander Holyfield's Camp Mike Tyson Fight Not Happening ... 'Deal Fell Apart'

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Welp, sounds like Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield is dead ... Evander's camp says negotiations for a 3rd fight between the boxing legends have fallen apart.

"We thought this was a done deal but it quickly fell apart when Tyson’s people declined all offers,” Kris Lawrence said.

"We were negotiating in good faith all along and it appears we just ended up wasting our time."

As we previously reported, 54-year-old Tyson announced on his podcast last week that he'll be returning to the ring on May 29 in a massive event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Tyson didn't name his opponent -- but all signs pointed to his old nemesis, 58-year-old Evander Holyfield.

Now, Evander's camp confirms the two sides were in serious talks -- "intense negotiations for several months" -- but the deal ultimately went south.

"Team Holyfield sincerely believed a deal was imminent, especially after the Hard Rock threw its support behind the project, and there were multiple other offers conveyed to Team Tyson," Holyfield's camp said in a statement.

"However, Team Tyson’s demands recently became untenable, and not what Mike Tyson had originally agreed on in direct conversations with Holyfield."

Our sources tell us ... Evander claims he personally spoke with Mike on the phone early on in negotiations and they agreed to a 50/50 split on profit.

But, things changed ... with Evander's camp claiming Team Tyson simply wanted a bigger cut.

Holyfield's team says they tried to make a deal in which Tyson would get a guaranteed $25 mil for the fight -- but Mike turned it down.

Now, it seems both sides are at loggerheads -- and willing to walk away from the deal.

Our sources on the Holyfield side tell us Evander still wants to fight -- if Mike's people will come back to the table with a better offer.

So, there's still hope ... but right now, it's not looking good.

Evander and Mike last fought in 1997 ... and it ended with Tyson biting a chunk out of Evander's ear. Holyfield's last pro fight was in 2011, when he earned a TKO victory over Brian Nielsen.

Vin Diesel's Son Chip Off the Old Block ... Joins 'F&F' Franchise for #9!!!

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When the "Fast & Furious" franchise revs up its engines again for the 9th installment, you might notice a familiar, but much younger-looking face ... because it's Vin Diesel's kid!!!

Vin's 10-year-old son, Vincent Sinclair, will be making his big-screen debut this summer in 'F&F9' ... as the younger version of Vin's character, Dominic Toretto.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ ... lil Vin's playing the role of Younger Dom and actually filmed his scenes way back in late 2019 when he was a budding 9-year-old Thespian.

It's unclear how much screen time Vin's boy will get, but his minor's contract says he got paid a daily rate of $1,005. Not bad take-home for a kid who, let's be honest, probably woulda done it for a pack of gum.

BTW -- there was a flashback to a younger Dominic already in 'Furious 7,' but the character was played by an actor named Alex McGee.

When 'F&F9' is released on June 25 ... the art will actually imitate life.