Jason Derulo I'll Smash The Rock ... In a Hot Dog Eating Contest!!!
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Jason Derulo is feeling accomplished -- and full -- after eating 20 burgers in 2 hours ... and now he's challenging The Rock to a hot dog eating showdown on the Fourth of July!!!
The "Cats" star and "Swalla" singer just set the stage for what could be the biggest celebrity culinary face-off of all time ... calling out The Rock and prematurely declaring victory if they go dog-for-dog on Independence Day.
Jason's fresh off a pretty impressive start ... he challenged himself to eat 22 burgers in 2 hours to celebrate reaching 22 million followers on TikTok -- yes, this is what goes down on the app.
While Jason came up a little short on his burger binge -- eating 20 burgers instead of the full plate of 22 -- he says it made him realize he could be a pretty darn good competitive eater.
Jason's got his work cut out for him -- The Rock is known for his epic cheat meals when he's not getting shredded in the gym -- but he says one of his hidden talents is his massive appetite. Gotta feed that anaconda!!!
Your move, Dwayne.
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George Floyd Man Wants Rights to His Name ... Big Plans For Hollywood?!?
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George Floyd's name could be worth a lot of money in the entertainment business ... and now one man is looking to lock up the rights to his name for movies and TV shows.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a man named Munemo Mushonga filed a trademark application to use the name George Floyd in the "production and distribution of television shows and movies."
It seems Mushonga is looking to capitalize on the Black Lives Matter movement that sprouted up in the wake of Floyd's killing, because he has no known connection to George's family and wouldn't tell us his grand plans.
Mushonga was mum when we asked him what he hoped to gain from the trademark, if approved, and refused to divulge why he filed the application or the inspiration behind it.
The guy could be facing an uphill battle in his quest to lock up the rights to George Floyd's name ... the United States Patent and Trademark Office generally doesn't allow trademarks for people's names unless certain conditions are met, such as getting the consent of the person, the name being very unique, or the name being part of a unique and widely recognized brand.
Stay tuned ...
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Matthew McConaughey Talks Racism w/ Emmanuel Acho ... I'm Learning About 'White Allergies'
Matthew McConaughey's mission to do more to defeat racial injustice led him to an interesting chat with Emmanuel Acho ... where they broke down something referred to as "white allergies."
Matthew told the former NFL linebacker he recently learned of the term ... which he describes as white people's inherent prejudices -- ones they likely don't even realize -- based on their upbringing or history.
The actor suggests these "white allergies" apply to all white people -- even someone like him, who grew up in a diverse setting and has had black friends his whole life. He gives a prime example of one of these allergies too ... and says it SHOULD have been obvious to him.
Matty's eye-opening chat went down on Emmanuel's Instagram talk show, "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man."
BTW, Emmanuel said he's personally been exposed to a lot of "white allergies" -- he listed them off, and explained why they're really racist microaggressions in disguise.
The full discussion is captivating and worth a listen ... so check it out.
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'Gone with the Wind' HBO Max Will Stream It After All But Taking Slavery, Racist Scenes to Task
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"Gone With the Wind" is gone no more ... HBO Max is bringing back the 1939 classic but it'll do so by adding historical context and denouncing its racist depictions.
The streaming platform made an about-face mere hours after announcing it would temporarily pull the film from its library. The move came after "12 Years a Slave" screenwriter John Ridley published an op-ed Tuesday in the Los Angeles Times calling for HBO Max to remove a film that puts slavery in a positive light, set in the pre-Civil War South.
HBO Max announced late Tuesday night the original film will be brought back "with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement" of the depictions of slavery.
HBO Max added, "'Gone With The Wind’ is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society." When the movie returns, it'll be "presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed."
It's unclear exactly how the streaming service will add "context."
In his op-ed, Ridley wrote the film "romanticizes the Confederacy in a way that continues to give legitimacy to the notion that the secessionist movement was something more, or better, or more noble than what it was — a bloody insurrection to maintain the 'right' to own, sell and buy human beings."
"Gone With the Wind" won 8 Oscars ... including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hattie McDaniel would become the first Black winner ... Best Supporting Actress for playing Scarlet's house servant, Mammy.
Even so, she was forced to sit separately from her costars at the Oscars ceremony -- in the back of the room -- due to segregation. So many levels of irony, it hurts.
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Daniel Radcliffe to J.K. Rowling Don't Erase Trans People, Jo!!! Rips Her Gender ID Tweets
Harry Potter himself is shutting down his own creator's views on gender identity and trans people, and his message about equality is pretty magical.
Daniel Radcliffe responded to J.K. Rowling's controversial thoughts about the subject through an essay on The Trevor Project -- an org that advocates for suicide prevention in the LGBTQ community -- and begged J.K. (he calls her Jo) to have a change of heart.
He wrote, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I."
He went on to cite alarming stats about discrimination against trans youth and non-binary people, writing, "It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm."
ICYMI ... J.K. caught a ton of flak this weekend for nitpicking the phrase "people who menstruate" which she came across in a NYT headline. Her feeling is ... only women menstruate, so when talking about that -- we supposedly oughta just refer to them.
The Internet fired back at her, pointing out trans men and others who don't identify with traditional gender identities ... can also menstruate. J.K. doubled and tripled down, refusing to cede ground and pissing off many Potter fans in the process.
Daniel even apologizes in his open letter to those same fans, writing ... "To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you."
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Michael B. Jordan & Kendrick Sampson F*** Trump, Police & Hollywood ... Vocal Leaders at BLM March
Michael B. Jordan and Kendrick Sampson are demanding huge changes in policing, in Presidential politics and also in Hollywood ... and they're shouting it for everyone to hear.
The actors and activists led a long BLM march Saturday through parts of L.A. and also Bev Hills. "Insecure" star Kendrick was the most vocal, leading chants like "F**k Donald Trump" and "Black lives they matter here" as they went.
They led the crowd right to the doorstep of Bev Hills PD, and that's when Kendrick made a fiery speech that centered on two things: defunding police departments and getting President Trump out of office ... even before the election.
Actor Michael B Jordan speaks to protestors
— NICK HAMILTON (@NickHamiltonLA) June 6, 2020 @NickHamiltonLA
“Where is the challenge to commit to Black hiring? Black content lead by Black executives, Black consultants.”
(🎥 @producerTommy / @blacklovedoc) #BlackLivesMatter #BlackMediaMatters pic.twitter.com/0yCKwwSGOg
Michael also addressed the protesters but was much less political ... instead, he shouted down the Hollywood establishment. MBJ demanded studios and agents give black culture more of a voice and more power.
This wasn't their first time on the frontlines of the movement and, in fact, Kendrick was still scarred from an L.A. protest last weekend.
You’ll see Kendrick Sampson in Black, on the front lines being hit repeatedly by a cop with a baton pic.twitter.com/Iq8SbB6v76
— TEE FRANKLIN HAS FAILED THIS COUNTRY! (@MizTeeFranklin) May 30, 2020 @MizTeeFranklin
He says he was hit several times by rubber bullets and there's video of a cop beating him back with a baton.
Kendrick said on Saturday, "I have skin still hanging from my leg" -- and insisted police brutality issues aren't about a few bad apples, it's about the whole system.
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Tom Hanks Dad Advice to Fan ... 'Down Low, Too Slow' Requires Trust & Time
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Tom Hanks is not only a beloved actor, he's a trusted fatherly figure, so a fan asked for his advice on a very important aspect of raising a child ... and Hanks delivered.
Zack Teperman is the president of a public relations firm and has a daughter, Chloe, who is 2 and a half. He tells TMZ he decided to send Hanks a handwritten letter in early May to get his thoughts on the classic "high-five, down low, too slow" trick.
Zack says he asked at what age it's appropriate to pull his hand away from his daughter, and included a photo of him and his girl mid-high-five.
A couple weeks later, he got a letter back from Tom -- a typed response to his question ... and it's just wonderful.
Hanks says in order to properly establish the tradition, you must first lock down the "High Five! Down Low!" combo with a kid to gain trust. As he puts it ... "A relationship is born.
Then, years later when the child has matured a bit and learned to poke fun at their father -- Tom estimates around the age of 7 or 8 -- the time has come to "answer that child in affectionate kind."
This is when it's appropriate to withdraw your hand on the "Down Low!" and hit 'em with the "Too slow" ... and then, Hanks says, the kid grows up.
Tom adds that he has 4 grown kids, so he's experienced of course, but his 3 granddaughters have yet to get the "too slow" treatment. Only a matter of time, though, because as he concludes ... "This stuff works."
Hope this helps, Zack.
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'Grown-ish' Helping 'Twilight' Actor's Daughter ... Paying For Her College
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The "Grown-ish" family is looking after one of their own ... setting up a college fund for the daughter of late "Twilight" actor Gregory Tyree Boyce.
The sitcom has launched a GoFundMe for Gregory's 10-year-old daughter, Alaya, and the proceeds will be saved for her future college tuition.
Gregory's father, Deon Boyce, is an assistant director on the show, and Greg -- who often worked behind the scenes -- was super close with 'Grown-ish' star Trevor Jackson.
As we reported ... Gregory and his girlfriend, Natalie Adepoju, died last month in Las Vegas. The Clark County coroner says the former couple died from fentanyl and cocaine intoxication, and ruled the deaths accidental.
The "Grown-ish" family says the fundraiser honors Deon, their "beloved friend, co-worker, and all-around amazing human being ... who lost his son and best friend, Greg, a few weeks ago."
The cast says they figured the college fund would be the best way to show Deon how deeply they care about him and his granddaughter.
So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $16,000 and counting.
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Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Pay Respects to Breonna Taylor ... On Her 27th Birthday
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are remembering Breonna Taylor on what would have been her birthday ... had she not been fatally shot by cops in Kentucky.
The famous pals got together Friday afternoon and headed into downtown L.A. to honor Breonna, who should be celebrating her 27th today. They left rose bouquets in front of the Hall of Justice ... then walked over to join a protest.
Ben brought his kids Violet, Seraphina and Samuel -- and some of their friends, apparently. The whole gang wore face coverings.
As you know ... Breonna was shot dead by police in Louisville back on March 13th, when cops stormed her home as part of a drug investigation.
Breonna's death, along with George Floyd's and Ahmaud Arbery's ... have sparked protests across the country with demonstrators marching against police brutality and racism.
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Actor Fred Willard Cause of Death ... Cardiac Arrest
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Fred Willard died from a heart attack ... according to his death certificate.
According to the doc, obtained by TMZ, the veteran comedic actor's immediate cause of death is a cardiac arrest. The underlying causes are listed as myelodysplastic syndrome and coronary artery disease.
We broke the story ... Fred died May 15, and his daughter Hope told us her father passed away peacefully and made his family "happy until the very end." The doc says he died at his home at 6:45 PM.
The death certificate also notes Fred was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and had 60 years in the entertainment biz, and it says he was laid to rest at the famous Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
As we reported, at the time of his death, Fred's family said ... "He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much. We will miss him forever."
Fred was famous for his role as Ron Burgundy's news director in the 'Anchorman' movies and he starred in countless cult comedies throughout his career, including ... "American Wedding," "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," "How High," "The Wedding Planner," "WALL-E," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and on and on.
He was 86.
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Spanish on 'Old School' 'Memba Him?!
Brooklyn based actor Rick Gonzalez was in his early twenties when he landed the role of the rushing fraternity brother, Spanish -- who helps his greek brothers keep their newly formed frat house while enduring hilarious hazing -- in the iconic 2003 party comedy, "Old School."
Rick Gonzalez shared the big screen with an epic cast of characters including Vince Vaughn as the ear-muffing stereo salesman, Bernard "Beanie" Campbell, Luke Wilson as the newly single responsible one, Mitch "The Godfather" Martin ... and of course, Will Ferrell as the beer-chugging dart-shooting streaker, Frank "The Tank" Ricard.
Gonzalez can more recently be spotted on the CW show, "Arrow," as Wild Dog.
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Stephen Jackson Emotional Speech At Floyd Rally Fighting For A Conviction
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Stephen Jackson is at the forefront of the fight for justice in the killing of his friend George Floyd ... saying he's going to do whatever it takes to make sure the officers are convicted.
The ex-NBA star revealed this week that he's known Floyd for more than 20 years ... saying they even called each other "twin."
Jackson -- alongside Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, rappers Bun B and Trae The Truth, and actor Jamie Foxx -- gave an emotional speech at a news conference in Minneapolis on Friday.
Stephen Jackson with just about the most powerful words I’ve ever heard pic.twitter.com/7guc6O4T6W
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 29, 2020 @JonKrawczynski
"I'm here because they're not gonna demean the character of George Floyd, my twin," Jackson said.
"You can't tell me when that man had a knee on my brother's neck, taking his life away with his hand in his pocket that that smirk on his face didn't say, 'I'm protected.'"
"You can't tell me that he didn't feel that it was his duty to murder my brother and then he was gonna get away with it."
The officer -- Derek Chauvin -- has been arrested and charged with 3rd-degree murder and manslaughter ... and Jackson says he will fight to make sure all officers involved get proper punishment.
Stephen Jackson says he will do everything in his power for charges and convictions for the police officers involved in #GeorgeFloyd ‘s death @kare11 @DaTrillStak5 pic.twitter.com/6s48GyxRRE
— Sharon Yoo (@SharonKARE11) May 29, 2020 @SharonKARE11
"I'mma use everything I have to get a conviction, to get all these motherf**kers in jail. Excuse my French, I'm angry. I'm a proud black man."
Earlier this week, Jackson said he had hoped prosecutors would seek the death penalty -- but it does not seem that is on the table for a 3rd-degree murder charge.
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Julia Roberts Hail to the Chief Face Mask Sorry, Trump ... It's Obama
Julia Roberts is making a political statement with her face mask -- one that's sure to irk President Trump ... on so many levels.
The actress stepped out Thursday wearing a face covering with former President Barack Obama's face on it. Julia was strolling around the Malibu Country Mart as she did her part to mitigate the spreading of the coronavirus.
Let's face it, she was also further politicizing face coverings -- something the current POTUS started by refusing to wear one ... even though his own administration's guidelines say everyone should in public. Arguably, Trump's adamant stance is why we've seen clashes around the country over face masks.
Of course, 45 trashes 44 every chance he gets ... so the Oscar winner's pandemic fashion statement would no doubt get a thumbs down from the White House.
We're confident in saying ... Julia wouldn't give a crap.
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Steve Harvey Buys Tyler Perry's Former Mansion ... For $15 Million!!!
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Steve Harvey is moving into Madea's old house ... we've learned the legendary comedian/host and his wife just scooped up Tyler Perry's former Atlanta digs.
The Buckhead mansion once owned by Tyler just sold for a cool $15 million ... and we've learned the buyers are Steve and his wife, Marjorie.
A source connected to Tyler tells TMZ ... "Tyler has a lot of great memories from the house and is happy his friends Steve and Marjorie will be calling it home."
The gated estate rests on 17 acres and is nearly 35,000 square feet. The 7-bedroom mansion is decked out with an underground ballroom, a massive infinity pool with a bar, lighted tennis court, gym, spa, theater, indoor resistance pool, wine cellar and a guest house.
Oh, and get this ... the place even comes with a runway for remote control airplanes!!!
Tyler bought the sprawling property way back in 2007 for $9 million and poured in millions to completely renovate the estate, eventually selling it to evangelist and entrepreneur David Turner in 2016 for $17.5 mil.
Perry's places are a hot commodity among celebs ... Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are staying at Tyler's L.A. mansion while they search for a place of their own.
As for Tyler ... he's doing something kind of awesome. His massive studio in ATL is back in business. He's shooting several of his shows on the property, and cast and crew get tested before coming on, and they're quarantined at the facility for 2 1/2 weeks while they shoot the season's episodes.
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'Juwanna Mann' 'Memba Them?!
New York City actor and writer Miguel A. Nunez Jr. is best known for his role as the out of work basketball player Jamal Jeffries -- who dons drag and takes on a female alter ego to infiltrate the women's WUBA professional basketball league -- in the gender-bending 2002 sports film "Juwanna Mann."
Miguel A. Nunez Jr. was cast alongside a strong cast of power female actors including Kim Wayans, Vivica A. Fox and Lil Kim.
Nunez can also be spotted in the 1985 horror-ish movie "The Return Of The Living Dead" as Spider ... and as Marcus Taylor in the late '80s television show "Tour Of Duty."
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Miami Dolphins Converting Stadium Into Drive-In Theater ... Social Distancing!!!
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This looks AWESOME!!
The Miami Dolphins have announced they're converting Hard Rock Stadium into a drive-in, outdoor theater ... so you can watch live events, movies, etc. from your CAR!!
And, the mock-up photos look pretty cool!
"[Hard Rock Stadium] will now feature both an open-air and drive-in theater that will showcase select Miami Dolphins matchups from the team’s 54-year history, classic motion picture films, host commencement ceremonies and other events," the team said in a statement.
"The family friendly experiences will provide a unique environment while staying in accordance with social distance policies."
The drive-in event space can hold up to 230 cars -- while the open-air theater "can host small groups for an intimate viewing experience on the complex’s south plaza."
Unclear when the drive-in theater is set to open -- but it seems like it's a priority, since it could be a long time until we get live fans back at NFL games.
Question is ... how much would you pay to drive-in to watch a football game or a movie?
Earlier today, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he expects the 2020 NFL season to go on as planned -- so, in theory ... you might be able to drive-in to the stadium to watch the Dolphins play an away game if you're craving that stadium experience.