Religion/ Spirituality

Chris Pratt is squarely disputing Ellen Page's claim Hillsong Church -- to which he belongs -- is anti-LGBTQ ... but emphasizing he doesn't speak for the Church.

The actor responded to Page's tweet last week calling Hillsong "anti LGBTQ" -- she doubled down over the weekend, saying there's no excuse for anyone patronizing an org that hates.

But, Chris says nothing could be further from the truth, adding that Hillsong opens its doors to "absolutely everyone." He says that although the Bible teaches divorce is wrong, Hillsong was there through his every step of the way ... never judging him.

Hillsong's Senior Pastor, Brian Houston, said in 2015 ... "We do not affirm a gay lifestyle and because of this we do not knowingly have actively gay people in positions of leadership, either paid or unpaid."

Chris didn't address Houston's comment, and seemed to couch his support, saying, "[N]o church defines me or my life, and I am not a spokesman for any church or any group of people."

Justin and Hailey Bieber are having a hard time finding the perfect day to celebrate their union, because we've learned the couple is postponing their second wedding ceremony ... AGAIN.

Sources familiar with the planning tell us some of the 300 guests who received JB and HB's "save the date" were notified Tuesday that their second round of nuptials is being rescheduled ... for the third time.

We're told the Biebers got some regrets back from certain loved ones who couldn't make it to Los Angeles for the weekend of Justin's birthday at the beginning of March, as was originally planned, so it's back to the drawing board.

We're told Justin and Hailey initially panicked and started to scramble for another date, but then it dawned on them -- THEY'RE ALREADY MARRIED, so there's no rush.

Our sources say the wedding will not be anytime soon ... they want to properly plan it this time with plenty of warning for guests. We're told they're now thinking they may want to do a destination wedding, knowing that would pare down the guest list considerably.

We know some of the guests Justin and Hailey had invited include Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, Chris Brown, Drake and Odell Beckham Jr.

4th time's a charm?

Chick-fil-A is punting on the opportunity to score LOTS of potential cash by refusing to open up one very important location for Super Bowl Sunday.

Sources connected to the fast-food chain tell us the Chick-fil-A stand inside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- where Super Bowl LIII will be played in a couple weeks -- will, in fact, remain closed on Feb. 3 ... just like every other Sunday before it.

We're told that although the MBS location won't be open, Chick-fil-A is still one of the corporate sponsors for the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee ... and our sources say CfA is happy to be there in spirit and through its donation to JFK Park.

Much to the chagrin of foodies everywhere, Chick-fil-A notoriously closes up shop on Sundays to give employees a much-needed day off to be with family or go to church.

That's why folks were thrown for a loop back in 2017 when a location sprung up inside MBS, where the Falcons play on Sundays. The operator has said there's tons of other events happening at MBS throughout the year -- enough so, apparently, to make it worth their while.

Just to give you a sense of how much of a cash cow Chick-fil-A is ignoring for this upcoming game -- it could be in the ballpark of half a mil, more or less. Probably more, though.

This guy says they've sold as many as 5,000 sandwiches in one night. Considering Super Bowl stadiums have hit 100,000-plus attendees in recent years ... that's a potential $409,000 Chick-fil-A is losing out on if everyone bought just one of their basic sandwiches.

Kanye West could soon be dropping some new music with a totally different vibe ... this according to 112 crooner Slim.

Slim came on "TMZ Live" Monday and strongly hinted at a Christian music collab between 112 and Yeezy ... telling us Kanye is in a good place spiritually and suggesting new tunes could be on the way from the "musical genius."

As you know, Kanye surprised Kim Kardashian Saturday night with a serenade from 112 ... and it sounds like the musicians did more than just rehash old hits.

Slim says he and Mike chopped it up with Kanye about religion, spirituality and music ... adding they were playing around with different songs to make them sound "Christian."

Justin and Hailey Bieber are tying the knot again -- but this time, they're doing it in the sunshine and inviting a bunch of their friends and family, including another very famous couple ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the planning tell us J.B. and H.B.'s wedding is taking place during the weekend of March 1 -- which also happens to be Justin's 25th birthday. This ain't no coincidence -- we're told Justin wanted to be a "married" man by his next bday.

Our sources say the 2nd round of nuptials are taking place somewhere in L.A. While the Biebers' families are primarily located in the East Coast and Canada -- where they initially wanted to have the wedding -- they ultimately changed their minds because the weather sucks.

So wedding #2 has moved out West, and it will be a religious affair since #1 was not performed in the eyes of God.

Two people who've already received a "Save the Date" email -- Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott.

FWIW, this is the third batch of "Save the Date" invites the Biebers have sent, but we're told, this time around, they're sticking to their guns.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are getting in touch with God ... by having a choir sing some of Kanye's songs and calling it a "Sunday Service."

KKW has been posting a ton of videos on her Instagram story throughout Sunday morning which shows Kanye leading a full choir in what appears to be a private studio, as they sing old and new tunes of his, like "Heard 'Em Say," "Father Stretch My Hands," "Lift Yourself," "Reborn" and others.

Interestingly enough ... we didn't hear "Jesus Walks" in any of her posts.

Kim tweeted about the gathering, saying, "Our new Sunday Service is starting. Check out the rehearsals on my Instagram stories." She didn't add much context to what the "Sunday Service" entails or when exactly it's starting ... but it seems they're ramping up for a church venture of some sort.

BTW ... Kid Cudi's in the studio too, as is baby Chicago -- who's big enough now to get her groove on.

Ya can't praise Jesus on one hand while popping steroids and cocaine with the other ... so says UFC fighter Corey Anderson, who says he's sick of Jon Jones pretending to be a man of God.

Anderson -- a religious man himself -- is the #6 ranked light heavyweight and angling for a title shot. He tells TMZ Sports it's not just about the belt, he wants to teach a lesson.

"He puts things, 'Oh, God this and God that,' but then goes out and does drugs. Ya popping steroids and ya failing your tests. You're hitting pregnant women and running from the scene. Ya can't sit there and mix God and still live that life."

Long story short ... Anderson thinks Jon is a phony who's been putting on an act to win over the public for years -- and says it's offensive that he would tattoo a bible verse on his chest while living an ungodly life.

"There's a lot about him that's just fake to me. The fact that he keep quoting these bible verses," Anderson says ... "I'm the type of person, I wake up in the morning and read my bible. I'm a God-fearing man."

Anderson and Jones have been trading insults on social media -- but Corey says he's not just about that talk ... he wants that action in a big way.

"Hey Jon, if you watching, let's go. All the smoke baby. You said, do I want the smoke? I want it all. Chain smoke. Cigar smoke. Weed smoke. Crack smoke. Whatever you smokin', blow it in my face. Let's get it."

Anderson fought on the undercard at UFC 232 and beat Ilir Latifi before Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson in the main event.

As we previously reported, Anthony Smith is also gunning for a shot at Jones and says he's already negotiating with UFC.

Ilhan Omar -- one of two Muslim women ever elected to Congress -- made history Thursday when she wore her hijab on the House floor.

The Congresswoman from Minnesota was all smiles as she was sworn in on Capitol Hill ... where she was surrounded by a throng of supporters, many of whom were also wearing hijabs. Omar's no stranger to politics -- she served in the state legislature before making her historic run for Congress.

Omar -- the first Somali-American in Congress -- has also never shied away from her religion in public. In fact, during her victory speech on Election night, she dropped the Arabic phrase, "alhamdulillah" ... which means "all praise to God."

The 37-year-old -- who came from a refugee camp in Kenya some 23 years ago -- ran on very progressive platforms ... such as hiking the minimum wage, universal healthcare and free college tuition.

12/25 -- 21 Savage has also apologized ... saying, "the Jewish people I know are very wise with [their] money so that's why I said we been gettin Jewish money. I never thought anyone would take offense. I'm sorry if I offended everybody. Never my intention. I love all people."

LeBron James busted out a big "Sleecha" to Jewish people on Sunday -- after posting a photo on Instagram with the caption, "Getting that Jewish money."

Long story short, LeBron says he thought it was a "compliment" to Jews.

James was actually quoting a lyric from the 21 Savage rap song "ASMR" -- but there was a backlash online from people who felt someone as famous and powerful as LeBron shouldn't be pushing old Anti-Semitic stereotypes.

"Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone," James told ESPN ... "That's not why I chose to share that lyric. I always [post lyrics]. That's what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the byproduct of it."

"So, I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn't through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody."

Despite LeBron's intent, there have been hundreds of books and articles written over the years about why the "Jews and Money" stereotype is a dangerous one.

Quite simply, it's been used a rallying cry to fuel anti-Semitism for hundreds of years.

Casey Kasem's children can have some peace of mind after cops confirmed they had nothing to do with his death, but his widow ... maybe not so much.

As we reported ... police in Washington opened an investigation into Kasem's death last month at the request of his widow, Jean Kasem, who alleged members of the Church of Scientology and Casey's kids conspired to kill the radio icon for his money.

But, Gig Harbor Police concluded the standard of care Casey received from medical personnel at the behest of his children was appropriate, adding ... "There was no evidence of collusion between parties that would construe any part of this incident to be considered a homicide."

Casey's daughter, Julie, tells TMZ the family's grateful to the police for confirming what they already knew ... "That Jean Kasem’s ridiculous allegations are completely unsupported by reality or fact."

Julie adds ... "Jean has once again instigated a baseless investigation, then went on a media blitz to detract from the mountains of evidence we have compiled against her.”

As you know ... Julie and her siblings filed a wrongful death suit against Jean in 2015. They claim she removed their dad from an assisted living facility in California and took him on a 7-day journey, but when they returned, Casey had a massive bedsore that was deeply infected. The kids allege Jean's neglect led to a staph infection, UTI, and sepsis ... all of which killed their father.

Drake is highly offended by a music publishing company for allegedly using his image without his permission, but also for playing off a Jewish stereotype. The company's name is Hebrew Hustle.

Drake's been in legal battles with the publisher/management co. for years. Hebrew Hustle first sued him over a sample in his song, "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2." Now, he's suing the co., claiming it used his name and image on its website ... leading the public to think they're working with him.

In new docs filed in that suit, Drake's lawyers call out the company over its name, saying, "The very name of Hebrew Hustle is offensive, as it perpetuates stereotypes regarding persons of Jewish heritage, such as [Drake]."

Drizzy's legal team says he would never have allowed the company to use his image due to its offensive name. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Drake wants damages for the "mental distress" and "humiliation" suffered from any perceived connection to Hebrew Hustle -- plus any money the company made from using his likeness.

Casey Kasem's daughter says his widow is throwing out bogus claims to try to discredit her family ... and thwart their efforts to get justice for his 2014 death.

Julie Kasem tells TMZ ... Jean Kasem's recent allegations -- that members of the Church of Scientology and Casey's kids conspired to kill the radio legend for his money -- are blatant lies she's using to take the heat off herself.

Julie admits her sister, Kerri, is a Scientologist, but says it doesn't matter ... because Scientology has absolutely nothing to do with the case. She then doubles down on her belief that Jean's elder abuse contributed to her dad's death.

She also insists no money she or her siblings have received from their father went to Scientology, as Jean has also claimed.

If you don't know ... police in Washington opened an investigation into Kasem's death last month at the request of Jean. As we reported ... they already filed a wrongful death suit against Jean in 2015.

Casey's children claim Jean removed him from an assisted living facility in California and took him on a 7-day journey all over the Western U.S. ... but when they returned, he had a massive bedsore that was deeply infected. The suit alleges Casey died as the result of a staph infection, UTI, and sepsis ... all brought on by Jean's neglect.

Jean's adamantly denied doing anything to harm her husband before he died. We got her outside the courthouse Wednesday, and she doubled down on her claims against the kids, and her ongoing legal battle for the estate. She's asking to be the executor of Casey's will ... but no decision has been made on that yet.

What do you get a 99-year-old nun as a thank-you present for being the best good luck charm ever??

Diamonds, baby!!!

Loyola-Chicago rewarded Sister Jean -- the superstar team chaplain who was with the Ramblers for every step of their epic NCAA Tournament run last season -- with a Final Four ring Tuesday.

America's favorite nun was courtside for the Loyola's game against Nevada -- when she was handed a dope diamond ring as a present for being the squad's biggest supporter last year.

Sister Jean reportedly had no clue the gift was on its way ... and she smiled huge as team staffers put the band on her hand.

Bad news for Loyola ... they lost the game, 79-65.

10:19 AM PT -- TMZ's obtained a photo from inside the funeral, before Diddy arrived. Kim's golden casket's front and center topped with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, along with a black and white photo of her. We're told a band and church choir are providing music.

11:30 AM PT -- Several speakers delivered eulogies for Kim during the service, including Mary J. Blige, Dallas Austin, Bishop Noel Jones, her son Quincy Brown and Diddy. We're told Quincy's dad, Al B. Sure!, joined him and Diddy on stage when Quincy broke down while speaking.

We're told Yolanda Adams performed "Just a Prayer Away", and Faith Evans sang "His Eye is On the Sparrow."

The hearse carrying the body of Kim Porter arriving at Cascades Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 AM ET. We're told Diddy hopes to deliver a eulogy, however, it's possible he will bow out at the last minute because of what we're told is a fragile emotional state.

Kim will be buried next to her mother, Sarah Lee Porter, who died in 2014.

The Combs and Porter families are there in force for the service, which is expected to be large ... an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 mourners are expected to attend.

Porter's two sons and Diddy were seen leaving her wake in Georgia on Friday night. Quincy Brown and Christian Casey Combs attended the private service at Charles E Huff International Funeral Home, in Columbus, alongside friends and family, including Kimora Lee Simmons and her husband Tim Leissner.

The last LFO member Brad Fischetti delivered an emotional tribute to Devin Lima, tearfully saying he believes his comrade in arms is in a better place.

Brad is now the lone survivor of the group ... this after Devin died Wednesday after a yearlong battle with cancer. The group originally was a trio, but the third member, Rich Cronin, died after a long fight with leukemia.

In the video description on YouTube, Brad wrote that a few days before Devin passed away he told him, "Bro, when it's over, just tell them I disappeared."

TMZ broke the story ... Devin died after battling stage 4 cancer.

The group was super popular in the '90s. Their biggest hit, "Summer Girls," which was released in '99, peaked at #3 on Billboard Hot 100. They also scored with "Girl on TV" and "Every Other Time."

LMO released the song "Perfect 10" last year. They were supposed to go on tour in the spring of 2018, but it was canceled after Devin was diagnosed.

Laura Avila, the Dallas realtor who ended up in a coma after a botched nose job procedure in Mexico, has been moved to hospice care ... TMZ has learned.

Laura's attorney, Larry Friedman, tells TMZ ... Laura's family made the difficult decision Saturday to move her into hospice, and the family believes her life is now in God's hands.

We're told the family decided hospice was Laura's best option after deep deliberations with her medical team.

As we reported ... Laura slipped into a coma after surgeons in Ciudad Juarez botched her nose job by incorrectly administering anesthesia.