Movies

Oscar-winning songwriter Paul Williams would rather hear Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear belt out Christmas songs than Bing Crosby ... because he wrote the tunes for the famous puppets!

Paul's career is legendary. He's penned tracks for everyone from the Carpenters to Barbra Streisand to Daft Punk ... even the Kermit the Frog banger "Rainbow Connection." He also scored "The Muppets Christmas Carol."

When we asked him what his favorite Xmas song this week at LAX ... Paul wasn't afraid to plug his own catalog, but more for nostalgic reasons that involve Muppets creator Jim Henson.

We also asked him if he'd ever work with Bieber, and Williams certainly didn't rule it out since they already have something in common.

Harvey Weinstein will likely not be charged with a crime in L.A. ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the multiple Weinstein investigations tell TMZ, detectives from LAPD's Sexual Assault Section of the Robbery-Homicide Division are trying hard to gather evidence in the various cases, but they are coming up short on all of them.

We're told there are numerous problems with the cases. As one source put it, "It's all one-on-one. The woman says she was sexually assaulted or raped and he denies it. Even if the woman told others after the fact, it's just not enough."

Our sources say the fact that most of the cases are extremely old makes it an almost insurmountable uphill climb. They say there doesn't have to be a smoking gun. As one source said, "If there was video of a woman leaving Weinstein's hotel room crying, that would be powerful, but most of the hotels back then didn't have video and if they did, it was erased a long time ago."

They also say, so far they don't have medical evidence -- such as vaginal tearing -- in a medical report that could help prosecutors prove their case.

The Sexual Assault Section is working closely with the L.A. County D.A. and we're told the D.A. has repeatedly said they didn't have enough evidence and needed more, but so far cops are coming up short.

What's more ... our law enforcement sources say it's looking to them like the D.A. will reject these cases outright, meaning they won't make it to the L.A. City Attorney for misdemeanor prosecution. We broke the story, the City Attorney desperately wants a case to prosecute to make a point.

Mind you ... other police departments, including Beverly Hills, New York City and London are also investigating Weinstein and we do not know the likelihood of prosecution in those cases.

And we're told ... most of the other cases the Sexual Assault Section is investigating have the same problems as the Weinstein cases. The one exception -- if the victims are minors. Our sources say in those cases, even if it's just the minor's word against the alleged perpetrator, they would go forward if the minor is credible.

Robert De Niro had to get a leg up -- or a shoe up, more like -- standing next to Al Pacino in the new Martin Scorsese movie ... thank God for close-ups.

Bob and Al star in Scorsese's new mobster flick, "The Irishman," in which they filmed a scene this week where they were strolling side by side in the Bronx.

As you can see, De Niro really got into character by wearing high platform shoes -- the guy he's playing stands at 6'4" ... and in real life, the actor's only 5'10".

Hollywood and their tall tales ... gotta love it.

Christian Bale was barely recognizable wheeling his luggage at LAX after putting on more than several pounds for his role as Dick Cheney.

Bale is a master at transformations. He went to the other extreme for his role in the 2004 flick, "The Machinist," dropping 60 lbs. He's definitely put the same effort into his lead role as the former VP, although tipping the other side of the scale.

Our photog was hilarious ... clearly confusing art for life as he barked tax reform questions at the actor.

BTW ... the flick's called "Backseat" and comes out next year.

A Sylvester Stallone accuser has reported an alleged act of sexual misconduct to police, and the case will be investigated ... despite the statute of limitations having long since expired.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the woman filed her report recently with Santa Monica police --and alleges the incident went down in the early '90s. TMZ broke the story ... Stallone's camp was aware of the allegation and say they've been told she's alleging rape during a 1990 meeting at Stallone's office. He denies the claim.

We're told police will investigate, and present it to the D.A.'s Office to decide whether there's enough to prosecute. The statute of limitations for sexual assault or battery in California is 10 years -- but in the current environment ... our sources say police are looking into all allegations of sexual misconduct.

As we first reported ... Stallone says he intends to file a complaint, accusing the woman of filing a false police report. However, police tell us their first order of business will be investigating her claims ... and it won't be easy.

Meryl Streep's face is plastered all over Hollywood in a campaign to shame her for allegedly keeping silent about Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct -- and the posters are hitting close to home.

At least 2 "She knew" posters sprung up Tuesday across the street from the L.A. headquarters for SAG-AFTRA ... the union that reps Meryl and all actors.

The poster campaign seems to be in direct response to Rose McGowan's criticism of Streep and other actresses planning to wear black to the Golden Globe awards. McGowan tweeted (and later deleted) -- "Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for The Pig Monster, are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest. YOUR SILENCE is THE problem."

Sen. Ted Cruz is channeling his inner Yoda to force Luke Skywalker to hear him out in one of the most awesome celeb beefs in the galaxy.

Cruz was on Capitol Hill Tuesday when he went off on Mark Hamill. The Jedi and the Texas guy have been feuding on Twitter about net neutrality. If ya missed the fireworks, Hamill slammed the FCC Chairman last week after net neutrality was repealed, but Cruz came to his defense and "smarm-splained" the situation ... which didn't sit well with Mr. Skywalker.

Ted clapped back, and tells us he simply countered the Jedi's insults with the full force ... of facts.

Who's got more turtleneck-and-chain swag -- vintage The Rock or NBA star Devin Booker?

For the answer, we asked Devin's Suns teammate, Jared Dudley ... and he told us Booker takes out The People's Champ, "EASY."

"Look at that chain, man -- young money," Jared told TMZ Sports outside Poppy in Hollywood.

Pretty hilarious ... 'cause Rock feels the same way!

Harvey Weinstein might dodge prosecution on sex crimes, but he could still get nailed for financial crimes tied to settlement money he's paid alleged victims over the years.

Law enforcement sources confirm the Manhattan D.A. is actively probing dozens of payments Weinstein has made to settle sexual misconduct cases out of court. We're told the D.A.'s Office is looking into the source of that settlement dough.

If it was misappropriated from The Weinstein Company ... Harvey could potentially be charged with embezzlement. Think Al Capone getting taken down for tax evasion.

We're told more than 20 grand jury subpoenas have been issued to people at The Weinstein Co. and several employees have already been interviewed for the financial investigation ... as well as the alleged rape cases.

TMZ broke the story ... authorities have issues with Paz de la Huerta's alleged rape case against Weinstein, and feel it might be impossible to prosecute him on that one.

We're told the embezzlement probe is plan B at this point.

Rob Lowe took matters into his own hands as a wildfire crept toward his Santa Barbara home -- by helping firefighters battle the flames, and then fueling them up.

Rob's home was spared even though it looked like the blaze was knocking at his front door early Sunday morning. The Thomas Fire's been raging for 2 weeks now and has made its way to Santa Barbara where Rob, Oprah, Ellen and Katy Perry's folks have had to evacuate their homes.

To show his gratitude for saving his community, Rob later invited the fire crew over for dinner to the home they saved, where they recharged on spaghetti and burgers.

No stopping for these guys as the fire's only 45 percent contained. So far, Rob's been spared, but 18,000 structures are still in danger.

It's a good thing to look like Amy Adams -- but if you're 15-year-old Sophia Lillis it's even better --because those looks come with a hefty paycheck.

Lillis, who plays Beverly Marsh in "It" just signed on to play the young version of Adams' character, Camille Preaker, on HBO's upcoming series, "Sharp Objects."

According to her contract, obtained by TMZ, Sophia's set to haul in at least $50k for the gig.

It's unclear just how many episodes Lillis will appear in, but the money can only go up from here.

Christopher Plummer has ice water in his veins when it comes to nailing a role -- which is why he says stepping in for Kevin Spacey in "All the Money in the World" was simple ... for him.

The acting legend was leaving Mr. Chow Friday night when we asked him how he pulled off shooting more than 20 scenes in 9 days ... with very little advance notice. His answer was basically -- ain't nothing but a thang. Except way more British and classy.

You'll recall, director Ridley Scott made the 11th hour decision to scrub Spacey after rape accusations surfaced, and he tapped CP for the role.

Macaulay Culkin made a bigger mistake than "Richie Rich" when he messed with wrestling star Swoggle this week -- and now the ex-WWE superstar is hell bent on REVENGE!!!!

Remember, it was Swoggle who was targeted by Culkin at a Bar Wrestling event in L.A. on Thursday -- with Mac hitting him with a flying splash from the rope!

But now, Swoggle tells TMZ Sports ... Culkin is GONNA PAY for his transgressions.

"Macaulay Culkin ... this is pro wrestling. This is my world. This ain't Hollywood, bitch!"

"I will f**king gut you! I will make you bleed. Pain. Pain. A lot of pain."

That's Tim Kennedy -- UFC and U.S. Army Special Forces vet -- telling all the internet trolls what he's gonna do to them for spoiling "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

Tim's a HUGE Sci-Fi guy ... but says he still hasn't seen the movie 'cause he's too busy being a badass in the desert.

Kennedy tells TMZ Sports he's pissed 'cause he can't touch social media -- "there's a bunch of a**holes out there trying to ruin it for people like me!"

So, if you spoil the party -- like UFC contender Colby Covington did on Thursday -- Tim says he's literally gonna cut you open and let you bleed out.

Yeah ... the force is strong in this one.

Nobody from the new "Gotti" flick is gonna be sleeping with the fishes, in real life at least, according to the film's director, Kevin Connolly.

There was a rumor going around that the mob put a hit on the production, which stars John Travolta as powerful Gambino crime family boss John Gotti. Remember, Lionsgate sold the movie back to the production company ... just days before its release date.

When we got Connolly leaving Cleo in WeHo Thursday night, he laughed it off and was quick to point out his flick was more about show business than family business, and only had good news about its new release date ... and its star.

You guys give up or ya thirsty for more?!!?!

Macaulay Culkin channeled his inner-Randy Savage -- and dominated a pro wrestling match in L.A. on Thursday, culminating in a move where the actor FLEW OFF THE TOP ROPE!

Culkin was ringside at Bar Wrestling ... during a match between Joey Ryan, Candace Larae and Dick Justice VS. Peter Avalon, Ray Rosas and Swoggle.

In footage captured by ProWrestlingSheet, you can see Culkin -- in a Rowdy Roddy Piper shirt -- interfere with the match by using a trick from "Home Alone" ... rolling marbles into the ring!!

He then zeroes in on Swoggle and hits him with a splash from the top rope while the crowd chants, "Home Alone!"

It's awesome!

Soooo ... bring on the Wet Bandits?!?