Gilbert Gottfried Cracks Jokes About 'Aladdin' Snub ... Robin Williams Approved?

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It's hard to tell if Gilbert Gottfried's truly bitter about not being asked to reprise his role in the "Aladdin" live-action film, because the comedian's response is classic Gilbert -- cracking crass jokes.

We got the voice of Jafar's sidekick parrot, Iago, from Disney's animated classic and asked if he'd be making a cameo in Guy Ritchie's live-action remake ... but no such luck. To add insult to injury, Gilbert tells us producers went out of their way to snub him ... yet managed to get Robin Williams in the film.

Yeah ... he went there.

Gottfried also predicts it'll prove to be a big mistake not including him ... but he's got a suggestion for how the filmmakers can make it right.

In case you missed it ... the first images of the new "Aladdin" cast -- including Will Smith as the Genie and Mena Massoud as the titular star -- were revealed Wednesday.

Many fans are up in arms about Smith not being blue and Aladdin wearing a shirt ... but some diehards are just pissed there's no Gilbert.

He feels your pain.

Forever 21 Apologizes for Blond White Model ... As Face of 'Black Panther' Ad

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2:47 PM PT -- A rep for Forever 21 tells us, "Forever 21 takes feedback on our products and marketing extremely seriously. We celebrate all superheroes with many different models of various ethnicities and apologize if the photo in question was offensive in any way."

The image of the model has also been swapped for one of just the sweater.

This is definitely a "You Might Wanna Rethink" moment for Forever 21. The retailer's using a white model to try and sell you its "Black Panther" merch for Christmas. Oh, boy ...

The images are live on its site right now for Forever 21's Wakanda Forever Fair Isle Sweater. It's a blond-haired, blue-eyed white dude rockin' its custom Christmas sweater, with a "Wakanda Forever" slogan and a Black Panther mask on the front.

It's definitely not an oversight either -- someone at F21 really thought this would be a good idea, as they have the model's stats on the same page ... he's 6'1" and sports a medium fit.

We're not saying there's anything wrong with white people supporting "Black Panther" or even wearing something like this -- on the contrary, more power to 'em.

But, to not feature a black model for this Christmas sweater campaign seems out of touch and just dumb, if you ask us. Sometimes common sense just ain't all that common, is it?

Originally Published -- 1:08 PM PT

Penny Marshall Dead at 75

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Penny Marshall, the amazing actress, comedian and director, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Marshall died Monday night at her Hollywood Hills home. We've learned the cause of death was complications from diabetes.

Penny's first recurring role was playing Myrna Turner on "The Odd Couple," which was directed by her brother. She also appeared on "Happy Days" with Cindy Williams, and they became famous from their spin-off sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley." It became a monster hit in 1976 and ran for 8 seasons. Her character's moniker -- the "L" for Laverne on her sweater -- became one of the most famous logos in television.

Penny's accomplishments were only beginning. She directed Tom Hanks in "Big" in 1988. She was the first woman in history to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million.

Penny also directed "A League of Their Own," and "Awakenings" starring Robin Williams.

Penny's family says, "Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall. Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family."

The family notes Penny gave Mark Wahlberg his first acting job in "Renaissance Man."

"As an actress, her work on 'Laverne & Shirley' broke ground featuring blue-collar women entertaining America in prime time."

"She was a comedic natural with a photographic memory and an instinct for slapstick," her family added.

"We hope her life continues to inspire other to spend time with family, work hard and make of their dreams come true."

Penny was once married to Rob Reiner and once dated Art Garfunkel. She had an amazing lineage ... her brother was famed director Garry Marshall. She directed her daughter, Tracy Reiner, who played Betty in "A League of Their Own."

One of Penny's closest friends was Carrie Fisher. They had joint birthdays and Penny was godmother to Carrie's daughter, Billie Lourd.

Penny was a massive basketball fan and was a staple at Lakers and Clippers games for years.

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LAST TIME SHE SPOKE TO US ...

Penny also famously directed the 1996 movie "The Preacher's Wife" starring Denzel Washington, and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1986 starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Her producer credits ain't too shabby either -- with movies like "Cinderella Man" and "Calendar Girl."

The family says a celebration of Penny's life will be held at a later date.

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ONE OF THE BEST

Henry Winkler tells TMZ he worked with Penny even before "Happy Days," and knew from the start she was a very funny woman and an incredible talent. He says her comedic partnership with Cindy was akin to Lucille Ball, but more modern.

Many more celebrity tributes have been pouring in, with Albert Brooks posting on social media -- "R.I.P. Penny Marshall. So talented and funny. A big loss."

Katie Couric added, "I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Penny Marshall. #RestInPeace."

"The Simpsons" producer Al Jean said, "Penny Marshall our first guest star and a great talent. You will be missed!"

Busy Philipps said, "Oh Penny Marshall. Rest In Peace and thank you for everything."

'Law & Order' star, Vincent D'Onofrio shared a memory -- "I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends."

Melissa Joan Hart -- "Heartbroken to learn that #PennyMarshall has passed away!! The Marshall family holds a special place in my heart for being so kind and creative and encouraging to other artists. But she was a special role model for female comedians like myself. #RIP #ThankYou."

Originally published -- 10:41 AM PST

'L&HH' Star K. Michelle Idris Elba Gives Great Oral Sex!!!

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TAKES HIS JOB SERIOUS

K. Michelle says she learned all sorts of business skills during her relationship with Idris Elba ... but the most important talents he showed her were in the bedroom.

The singer and 'Love & Hip Hop' star sat down with our Raquel Harper for Tuesday's episode of "Raq Rants" on BET, and the conversation suddenly turned to Idris' sexual prowess!

K. Michelle and Idris dated for 8 months back in 2014 before their relationship fizzled out, but it's clear his oral skills still have her head over heels. Sounds like Idris will always have a special place in Michelle's heart, and for good reason.

Watch K. Michelle, Master P, Romeo and Cedric the Entertainer on "Raq Rants," tonight at 11 PM on BET. On the West Coast, if you have Dish or DirecTV, it's on at 8 PM.

Quentin Tarantino Face-to-Face with Burglars at His Home

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Quentin Tarantino had a scary run-in after a pair of burglars broke into his crib in the middle of the night ... and he ended up right in their faces.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the famed director was home Sunday around midnight when he heard 2 men in his L.A. house. Our sources say they believe the suspects broke in through a back window.

We're told Quentin looked around, found the guys and "confronted them." Whatever Quentin did seemed to work, because the burglars hightailed it out of there. The bad news -- they made off with jewelry and other property.

The LAPD is on the hunt for surveillance video in the neighborhood that could help them ID the burglars.

Quentin's just the latest celeb to get hit. You'll recall Magic Johnson's daughter, Elisa, escaped a home invasion earlier this month after 2 armed men broke in and made off with a Rolex, jewelry and cash.

Jason Momoa Sliced Up After 'Aquaman' Premiere

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Even "Aquaman" takes a cheat day ...

Jason Momoa took a break from the superhero diet on Friday to eat delicious human food ... stopping through Joe's Pizza in WeHo to get his face in some pie.

We're told Momoa rolled in with 4 dudes and ordered up a buncha slices including the Grandma Slice ... marinara, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil and topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Question -- if "Aquaman" orders anchovies ... is that like quasi-cannibalism?

Easy to see why Jason was smiling ... pictured here with the owner, Joe.

Abs are overrated anyway ...

It was just last week when Momoa, joined by friends and family members, broke out the Haka dance at the red carpet premiere of "Aquaman."

Samuel L. Jackson Best. Birthday. Party. Ever. Celeb Friends EVERYWHERE!!!

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Samuel L. Jackson practically had all of Hollywood under the same roof to celebrate his birthday ... the star-studded guest list was truly incredible.

Samuel doesn't turn 70 until Friday but he kicked things off over the weekend with a bunch of famous friends. The shindig went down Sunday night at Cipriani in NYC ... and the place was flooded with tons of celebrities -- LL Cool J, Cedric the Entertainer, Magic Johnson, George Lucas, Judge Judy, Whoopi Goldberg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield are just some of the people who showed up to honor the legendary actor.

As if that list wasn't already impressive enough ... Stevie Wonder performed for the crowd and sang "Happy Birthday" to SLJ. Remember ... this was just the pre-birthday party. Imagine what Samuel's got in store this weekend.

Kel Mitchell Hey, Cardi B & Chance the Rapper ... Get Your 'Good Burger' Cameos!!!

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Kel Mitchell didn't skip a beat -- but he did skip over Kevin Hart -- when asked which current huge celebs he'd like to have cameos in the "Good Burger" reunion.

We got Kel outside A Simple Bar in L.A. and had to ask him about possible cameos if -- and we gotta believe WHEN -- the '90s comedy gets the green light. Remember ... Kel and Kenan Thompson are on board but execs at Nickelodeon have to iron things out.

In any event ... Kel ripped off a bunch of names including Chance the Rapper, Cardi B and several others. As for the Kev diss? We're guessing Kel just didn't hear us when we suggested him.

Probably.

Bernard Hopkins I Want To Train Michael B. Jordan ... To Whoop Roy Jones Jr.'s Ass

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I'LL SHOW HIM A THING OR TWO

Bernard Hopkins doesn't seem to care that Michael B. Jordan and Roy Jones Jr. squashed their beef ... 'cause the legendary boxer says he wants to train the actor to whoop Roy's ass!!

ICYMI ... Michael B. previously told us his boxing skills were so good after filming "Creed II," he wanted a scrap with Roy -- and then the 49-year-old boxer told him to set it up!!

But, when we got Roy out at LAX last week ... he said the beef has been squashed -- and it doesn't look like a fight will go down.

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KEEPIN' IT IN THE RING

Enter B-Hop ... who says not only should the fight still happen -- he wants to train MBJ to beat that ass!!!

"I'd love to be his trainer. I'd love to be Michael B.'s trainer. ... Michael cannot beat Roy Jones unless he has B-Hop's assistance!"

Of course, Bernard and Roy have history ... the two fought in 1993 and in 2010 -- and Bernard says that most recent bout (the one Hopkins actually won) is the key for MBJ.

"You know what the first lesson I would show him? I wouldn't show him the first fight, I would show him the second one when I won!!"

Soooo, fight back on?? Stay tuned ...

Regina King I'd be Honored to Play Michelle Obama ... But Not Yet, Right?

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Regina King's landed her next big movie role ... well, if our cameraman has any say in the matter.

We got the freshly Golden Globe-nominated actress leaving The Sea Fire Grill in NYC Friday night, and with Michelle Obama currently promoting her new book, "Becoming" ... we asked King if she'd be down to play the former First Lady in her inevitable biopic.

Regina thinks we might be jumping the gun, but this is Hollywood ... so when it happens she's not about to say no.

The "If Beale Street Could Talk" and "Seven Seconds" star already has a history of playing real-life women in critically-acclaimed films -- she's Margie Hendrix in the 2004 biopic "Ray" -- so this just makes sense.

Regina might need to work on Michelle's dance moves, though.

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ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Harvey Weinstein Lawsuit Claims He Bragged About Sleeping with J. Law ... Both Deny Sexual Relationship

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8:07 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Weinstein tells us, "This lawsuit was filed and updated strategically with no notice given or any attempt to reach out to Mr. Weinstein's attorneys for one reason; It was meant to embarrass Mr. Weinstein and garner unchecked media attention. There is absolutely no truth to the malicious claims made in this lawsuit, and we are reviewing our options with an eye on filing for an immediate dismissal."

The statement continues, "Mr. Weinstein is embarrased for Ms. Lawrence with whom he has only had a professional and respectful relationship, who has sadly been dragged into this ugly attempt at defamation. This filing further proves that anyone can say whatever they want in a lawsuit for maximum shock value, to defame and debase, without having to offer any facts or reality."

4:45 PM PT -- Jennifer Lawrence tells us ... “My heart breaks for all the women who were victimized by Harvey Weinstein. I have never had anything but a professional relationship with him. This is yet another example of the predatory tactics and lies that he engaged in to lure countless women.”

Harvey Weinstein shocked a woman at the Sundance Film Festival by walking in on her in a bathroom and masturbating ... according to a new lawsuit ... and she claims that was just the start of years of sexual abuse.

The woman filed suit in L.A. County as a Jane Doe ... and says she first met Weinstein at the famed festival in 2013. She says they had a business meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in Park City, and she got up to go to the restroom. In docs, obtained by TMZ, she says Weinstein walked in while she was sitting on the toilet with her tights around her ankles.

She initially thought it was an accident, but in the suit she says she was terrified when she saw him drop his pants. According to the suit, Weinstein exposed his penis and said "My d**k is nice and hard for you" -- and then asked, "Do you like my d**k?"

Doe says she rejected his advance, but Weinstein still moved closer while masturbating. She claims he continued until ejaculating on her skirt. At the end, Weinstein promised her everything would be okay, as long as they remained friends ... according to the suit.

Doe, an aspiring actress, says Weinstein offered a few scripts to look at, and promised follow-up meetings and possible roles.

She says they met again during the festival, and claims he forced her hand onto his erect penis after a screening.

Later that year, she claims they met in NYC to discuss a film called, "Vampire Academy." They had a dinner meeting and afterward they went to his office, and Doe claims he kneeled in front of her and forcibly performed oral sex on her. In the suit, she says she was sobbing ... and Weinstein responded by saying, "I slept with Jennifer Lawrence and look where she is; she has just won an Oscar."

She goes on to allege there were similar incidents of sexual battery in March 2013, January 2014 and February 2015 ... all in NYC.

She also alleges there was a December 2015 incident at a Beverly Hills hotel -- where Weinstein touched himself sexually while saying he just wanted to look at her. When she tried to leave, he allegedly shoved her into the bathroom and said "Shut the f**k up and be quiet. You don't want to f**k this up."

Jane Doe - who is being repped by Genie Harrison - is suing Weinstein and The Weinstein Company. We've reached out to Weinstein's legal team ... no word back yet.

Originally Published 3:24 PM PT

Dolph Lundgren Forget Wilder's 'Creed III' Role ... I've Got A Better Idea

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Sorry, Deontay Wilder ... Clubber Lang's son should not be the star of the next 'Creed' movie ... so says Dolph Lundgren, who tells TMZ Sports he's got a WAY better idea.

"What if Drago has a daughter?!"

Of course, all this Rocky talk kicked off last week when Deontay told us straight-up he wants a piece of the next 'Creed III' film as Lang's kid.

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PASSIONATE ACTOR

Dolph tells us he doesn't think the boxer's idea is the worst one ever ... he just doesn't seem ready to give up the Drago bloodline yet.

But, bad news for Dolph ... we got Sylvester Stallone out in Los Angeles just a couple days ago -- and he already seems all in on Wilder's vision for Adonnis' next foe.

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ADDING SOME BRONZER

It all begs the question ... why can't the next movie have both Drago's daughter AND Lang's boy???

MAKE IT HAPPEN, SLY!!

Tyrese to Kanye & Drake Take it From Me ... Beefing on Social Media's Not Smart!!!

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Tyrese is weighing in on Kanye West and Drake's beef and wants to know -- how you gonna act like that? And on social media, no less!!!

We got the singer leaving Avra Friday in Bev Hills and he says there's no reason for Kanye and Drake to be feuding on Twitter when "they live literally 2 blocks from each other." If anyone knows about beefing with someone on social media and how bad of a look that is, it's Tyrese.

Remember ... Tyrese went after The Rock for being selfish. When the dust settled ... Tyrese was the first one to publicly say beefing was straight-up unprofessional.

As for Ye and Drake ... what started as a simple demand for an apology morphed into a standoff and allegations of threats. Tyrese says the rappers gotta put male ego aside.

NFL Legend James Harrison I'm The Next Dwayne Johnson ... I'm Acting Now

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READY FOR SHOWBIZ

Hollywood sets are about to get a lot scarier ... because the most intimidating man in the history of the NFL is taking his terror to Tinseltown ... James Harrison says he wants to ACT.

We talked to the 2x Super Bowl champ, and he told us the plan has always been to get in front of the screen when football was over, and he knows the type of actor he wants to be.

"I kinda see myself as an action type of actor more along the lines of, you might have heard of him, some dude named Dwayne Johnson."

If you think it's ALL about the action, you're wrong. Harrison says he's got tons of range ... kinda like another dude you might be familiar with.

"I feel like I got the range of someone else you might have heard of ... Denzel."

Before you think he's just goofing, Harrison -- who's in L.A. filming an episode of CBS's hit show S.W.A.T. -- says he's been taking acting classes for a while, and is taking meetings with directors, writers, and a huge company by the name of Marvel.

He wouldn't be the first guy to make the switch ... former NFL running back Thomas Jones is making a REAL splash now, having been in big movies and the "Luke Cage" TV show, so James can do it too.

Plus, do you REALLY think any casting directors would have the balls to tell James no? We thought not.

Miss Shields in 'A Christmas Story' 'Memba Her?!

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Tedde Moore is best known for playing the theme-assigning Miss Shields -- who finds Flick's tongue frozen to the pole -- in the best holiday movie ever made, "A Christmas Story." Guess what she looks like now!

Cris Cyborg Halle Berry Will Be My VIP Guest ... At Amanda Nunes Fight

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TRAINING HER UP

Cris Cyborg says she and Halle Berry have become so close, the Hollywood star will be her guest of honor at her big fight with Amanda Nunes in two weeks at UFC 232.

Halle's directing and starring in the upcoming MMA movie "Bruised" -- and she's been training for the role at Cyborg's Fitness MMA Gym in Huntington Beach, CA.

In fact, Cyborg says she's super confident Halle's movie will inspire more women to get involved in Mixed Martial Arts.

Now, with Cyborg getting ready for her megafight with Nunes on Dec. 29, the UFC champ says she'd like Halle to walk her into the Octagon if the UFC approves.

Guessing Dana White will greenlight that in a SECOND!

Cyborg is the reigning UFC women's featherweight champion -- and Nunes is the bantamweight champ.

This fight will be for the featherweight belt -- and it's being hailed as one of the biggest fights in the history of the women's division.

Cyborg gave us a little preview of her fight skills at her gym on Wednesday -- and yeah, she looks dangerous.

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BOOM