Mariosays police can exercise restraint when they want to, but most cops just don't ... a lesson he's already learned first hand.
The singer joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and recounted his recent run-in with police in Miami, when guns were drawn and an intense standoff was diffused only when an officer realized he was a celeb.
Mario says he was caught off guard when police stopped the car he was riding in and held him and the driver at gunpoint ... he says he was very lucky one cop recognized him because things could have turned ugly in a hurry.
The incident left Mario shaken, and also taught him a hard lesson ... he says cops can practice restraint whenever they want, especially when another cop steps in, but for some reason most police just let their instincts take over.
Mario's also got a new single out, "Rewrite It," and he tells us the inspiration behind it, and how it ties into protests against police brutality.
It's a fascinating conversation ... and Mario has some interesting ideas on changing policing in America too.
The Kansas City cop who shot and killed Cameron Lamb is now charged with manslaughter, but Lamb's parents are expecting even more consequences after getting a face-to-face promise from President Trump.
Laurie and Aqil Bey were at the White House earlier this week with their attorney Lee Merritt, and had a chance to discuss Cameron's death with the President. They say he was polite and attentive during the meeting, and said he would put the feds on the case.
They say it was a heartening convo, and now they're hoping POTUS follows through. There are a lot of loose ends in the puzzling case.
Thursday evening, a grand jury indicted officer Eric DeValkenaere, charging him with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action for the reckless death of Cameron, a father to 3 young boys.
ICYMI ... Cameron was backing his truck into his garage last December when 2 plain-clothed officers burst onto his property without a warrant and without announcing themselves as cops.
DeValkenaere says he fired the fatal shots because he thought Cameron had a gun in his hand, but his partner has testified Cameron's hand was empty.
Merritt says the feds need to step in and investigate the entire KCPD, because the family has good reason to believe a gun was planted in the garage to make it look like Cameron was armed.
Bottom line: the family is happy charges were filed, but says they're still a long way from justice being done.
Bow Wow says he's going to use his platform to show people what's unfolding on the streets of Atlanta ... he says civil unrest will be a big part of his reality show.
The rapper and television producer joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and said his show, "Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta," will spend a great deal of air time discussing everything that's been going on in the ATL -- riots, protests, COVID-19 and the Rayshard Brooks killing.
Bow Wow says the beauty of reality TV is being able to tackle topics in the here and now, and he says it's only right to train cameras and attention on what's unfolding in a city rocked by social unrest.
One example, Bow Wow tells us, is a trip around town with Angela Simmons, where they come across storefronts boarded up to protect against looters.
Bow Wow says the show will also point out where some high-profile incidents went down in Atlanta ... and it sounds like he's talking about the Rayshard shooting in a Wendy's parking lot at the hands of police, and maybe even where 6 other Atlanta cops tased black students in their car during a protest.
The coronavirus pandemic has also changed the way Bow Wow produces the show, but he tells us why the tide may be turning, and how being in Atlanta makes it a little easier to keep the cameras rolling.
H.E.R. wants to send a powerful message with her new song honoring George Floyd -- one that captures the feelings and concerns millions of Americans have since he was killed.
The Grammy winner tells us why she had to write, "I Can't Breathe," after conversations with fellow artists, and herself, about Floyd's death and the country's emotional reaction to it.
H.E.R. says the track tackles one important question that's been ringing in the heads of so many people lately: Why is there so much hate???
The singer/songwriter believes all artists should use their platform to talk about the George Floyd tragedy, because music can be a powerful vehicle for change. Specifically, the change she wants to see is healing -- and she's confident her new track can do that.
We had a great convo with H.E.R. about why it's important for artists to speak from the heart now, and music bridging the racial divide in America. You can see all of that on Thursday's TMZ Live.
"I Can't Breathe" drops Friday, which is Juneteenth, and no ... it's not a coincidence she chose that day.
Da Brat's feeling like a new woman since deciding to come out of the closet and publicly celebrate her engagement, and says it's all because her fiancee's made her feel so loved.
The ATL rap icon joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and explained her decision to come out after more than 20 years, and gushed over her relationship with Jesseca Dupart.
Da Brat says she no longer feels like she's imprisoned and is finally free to share her truth, in part because she's established her career after 2 decades, but mainly because Jesseca is such a great woman.
It's easy to see she's head over heels for Jesseca, the CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products ... telling us why they click and how they push each other to be better.
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As you know ... Da Brat revealed her sexual orientation back in March with a super sweet Instagram post thanking Jesseca for an early birthday gift -- a white Bentley wrapped with a huge red bow -- and is on the cover of Variety mag's Pride Issue.
Da Brat says her strong feelings for Jesseca made her want to tell the world ... because no one has ever made her feel so deeply in love and happy, and she calls it a true blessing.
Ed Gordon's all for reparations, and thinks any reasonable person who acknowledges America's history of racial injustice toward black people should be too ... so he's calling on Joe Biden to take a stance.
The journalist, author of "Conversations in Black: On Power, Politics, and Leadership" and BET staple hosted a virtual NAACP town hall with the presidential candidate Wednesday night, and when asked about reparations ... Joe seemed open to the idea but had some stipulations.
Ed joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" to share his take on the issue of reparations, and also told us whether Biden's missing the mark.
The Presidential hopeful revealed he wanted Native Americans to be part of any reparations program, but Ed told us why he doesn't think that's necessary.
He says the reality is black people have received unfair treatment since the days of slavery up to the present ... and it's way past due to stop denying it.
Not only that, but he believes the onus of rectifying the centuries or racism simply can't fall on the oppressed -- white people need to work on it too.
Watch the clip ... sounds like Ed thinks Joe can take a big step forward in the race for the White House, if he figures out a firm position quickly.
Rev. Al Sharpton says his eulogy for George Floyd was intended to underscore the suffering black families have endured for centuries ... and to demand those responsible finally be held accountable.
The civil rights activist joined "TMZ Live" Wednesday to expand on the powerful message he delivered Tuesday in Houston. Al says he wanted to remind everyone that George's killing is not an isolated incident ... and that's the root of the protests and the growing movement for justice and equality.
Sharpton says with family members for Eric Garner and Ahmaud Arbery in attendance ... it was appropriate to discuss, not only their pain, but the fact they've yet to get justice.
The Rev. told us it's way past time to stop ignoring this and change the law enforcement system that continues to allow it to happen. He suggested one fix that could greatly aid in the prosecution of bad cops.
He acknowledged it won't be easy to change -- but Sharpton believes George's death can be the tipping point America needs to make it happen. As he put it, slavery and Jim Crow went on for a long time too.
Cynthia Bailey and fiancé, Mike Hill, are getting a taste of married life before walking down the aisle ... and it's all thanks to quarantine.
The 'RHOA' star and FOX Sports host joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and told us life together in isolation can be draining and also rewarding. Sounds a lot like marriage, and keep in mind, this is their first time really living under one roof ... normally, he's in L.A. while she's in ATL.
Cynthia and Mike agree ... the endless days cooped up together do wear on them, like most couples -- but don't get it twisted. Mike says he's happy Cynthia is his cellmate for quarantine prison, and adds ... the conjugal visits are a major plus!!!
Cynthia says they're still on track to get married in October, and they've got their fingers crossed a second wave of COVID-19 doesn't force them to postpone. As she explains, the wedding date is pretty significant.
There could be more bumps in the road though ... Cynthia tells us why there are still some questions with wedding logistics.
Like Mike says, hopefully they read the fine print.
Mike Tyson says he's seriously considering a rematch withEvander Holyfield -- but only because it would raise MILLIONS for people in need.
"That would be awesome for charity," Tyson said on "TMZ Live" ... "Can you imagine me and him going in the ring together?"
Of course, 53-year-old Tyson has been training like a maniac recently and looks absolutely terrifying -- something he credits to the stem cell treatments he's been receiving.
Now, with 57-year-old Holyfield also training for a comeback -- we asked if there's truth to the rumors they're planning on running it back for a 3rd time.
"Anything is possible," Tyson said ... noting that he's "having fun, looking good, showing off my new bod and stuff."
Tyson says he's committed to living a life of charity and gratitude -- but he knows a fight with The Real Deal could make a serious difference in a lot of people's lives.
"Hey, listen, there are a lot of people out there that need help and something like that could help a lot of people, that's in need for help."
Tyson also revealed he's focusing on meditation -- and feels he's on the path to enlightenment.
In fact, Tyson will be participating in a massive World Meditation Day event Thursday at 11 AM PT ... along with Deepak Chopra and Tony Robinson.
Tyson says the goal of the event -- which will be streamed live on Facebook -- is to get 1 BILLION people from all over the world to unite for synchronized meditation and prayer.
Daymond John says TV networks airing sporting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic have a chance to really enhance their broadcasts, but using fake fans won't get it done.
The "Shark Tank" star touched on the topic of virtual, or CGI, crowds potentially being used during pro sports ... and let's just say, if the plan was pitched on his show it would be a big time pass for him.
Daymond told us Friday on "TMZ Live" ... he believes having no fans at the games actually provides a huge opportunity for the networks to do something interesting and interactive.
He said last weekend's UFC 249 was a great start, but he'd go even further ... showing real fans watching the games and cheering along at home.
So, are you buyin' what Daymond's selling?
His plan's not only feasible, there's already a blueprint with the recent NFL Draft ... which showed fans on Zoom as their team was set to make a pick.
Daymond also thinks his idea could add a fun celebrity element or a choose-your-own-adventure option to watching games ... and help TV make a major comeback.
Daymond John hates to be the bearer of bad news, but he thinks all signs point to our economic recovery being kinda like watching paint dry -- slow and painful.
The "Shark Tank" star was on "TMZ Live" Friday to talk about the unique economic challenges facing the nation amid the coronavirus crisis. Daymond doesn't mince words, and with record unemployment, he thinks there could be a real estate collapse in our future.
Check out the vid ... Daymond says what makes this economic crisis different than the Great Recession of 2008 is back then we weren't dealing with a virus that's claimed more than 75,000 American lives. He adds, it took a good 4 to 5 years to bounce back from '08.
Daymond recently told us the crisis could change the retail business in permanent ways -- many of them good -- and he says there's still some positive news. Watch the clip, he says it all pivoting ... with technology.
Babyfaceis ready to reminisce about some of his greatest hits ... triumphantly returning to IG live to reveal stories from "Waiting to Exhale" especially for Mother's Day.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic film, and the singer and mega-producer is gonna celebrate the hit-filled soundtrack ... which he produced. It was a huge female empowerment film, which is why Babyface is honoring it on Sunday. Shout out to Moms!!!
The 11-time Grammy Award winner joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" to talk about his return appearance on Instagram Live. As you know, his Verzuz battle with Teddy Riley damn near broke IG, and Face told us that's when fans started clamoring for an 'Exhale' party.
The Sunday show starts at 8 PM Eastern, and aside from a few special guests from the movie -- Babyface will also drop his first song in 5 years, "When I Get To Heaven," an ode to his late mother.
Babyface has been thinking about life and death recently ... telling us he got super scared during his bout with COVID-19, and even contemplated writing a will.
As we reported ... Babyface tested positive last month, and he says the road to recovery was difficult and frightening.
Dr. Elvis Francois has gone from orthopedic surgeon to chart-topping recording artist during the pandemic, and while he knows which gig is more important ... he'd love to keep doing both.
The singing surgeon -- accompanied by Dr. William Robinson, his musical partner on piano -- has become famous for his inspirational solos covering songs like John Lennon's "Imagine" and Bill Withers' "Lean on Me."
This led to the duo releasing a 4-track EP, titled "Music is Medicine," with a Nashville record label ... and it's made it to Billboard's Emerging Artists chart, and it's topping some of the iTunes charts.
Dr. Elvis told us Thursday on TMZ Live ... it all "feels like a dream" and it's a win-win. Not only are people loving his music, but proceeds from the EP go toward the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 Response Fund.
However, his newfound fame doesn't mean Dr. Elvis is ready to leave the building ... as in, his operating room. The good doc says helping people as a surgeon is still his top priority, and singing's more like his favorite pastime.
Dr. Elvis tells us he plans to keep helping people in both capacities as much as possible, though. Talk about a talented multi-tasker.
BTW -- the doctor duo's cover of "Imagine" has gone over way better than the Gal Gadot-driven celebrity version last month ... which was widely criticized and led to Joe Rogan calling her a "f***ing idiot."
Every good squirrel tale needs a plot twist, so Willamina -- the injured squirrel fostered by a Louisiana woman in quarantine -- is getting hers, and we're hoping it's a happy ending.
The headline here is Willamina is taking a big step toward going wild -- a step that was forced by the state after we posted a story last week about Willa and her foster mom, Emily.
Emily joined us on TMZ Live Friday with a big update ... she's handing over Willa to a licensed rehab and release facility after the state's Wildlife and Fisheries Dept. contacted her and said Willa had to go.
As we told you ... Emily took in the baby squirrel just as Louisiana's state lockdown began last month -- she was just a couple weeks old with a badly infected eye. Emily raised her, fed her and got her proper veterinary care.
Pretty heartwarming story, especially amid a global pandemic.
Problem is ... our post, and Emily's social media, got a lot of eyeballs on them, and that's when the state got involved. You can tell Emily's heartbroken she has to be separated from her furry friend -- they've really bonded over the last 6 weeks.
However, she told us it's gonna be a great move for Willamina, 'cause she's about to get hooked up with another squirrel!!!
As Emily says ... squirrels tend to thrive in pairs, and she's hoping this move puts Willa on a better path to eventually getting released into the wild.
Check out TMZ Live later today, because Emily gave us more details about Willamina's new home and companion.
Keisha Lance Bottoms says she's "dumbfounded" by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's decision to reopen the state's economy despite red flags everywhere ... so she's using her voice to try to keep people safe during the pandemic instead.
The Mayor of Atlanta tells us she understands people are going stir-crazy and want to get out, but she believes everyone still needs to be responsible and stay home for now ... otherwise coronavirus problems are only going to get worse.
Bottoms points out the businesses set to reopen this week -- hair & nail salons, barbershops, massage parlors -- practically make it impossible to social distance and pose a huge problem in ATL's black community ... which has already been hit hard by COVID-19.
So, the mayor's encouraging Georgians to listen to reason coming from health experts and hospital workers bearing the brunt of the crisis ... instead of what Gov. Kemp and President Trump are pushing. We know some celeb hair & makeup stylists in Atlanta have her back.
Bottoms knows it's a challenge, though, because she's dealing with it in her own house -- especially with her 18-year-old son. Listen to what Bottoms tells us about how that's playing out ... it's clear who's boss!
BTW ... remember this clip, because the Mayor's gonna be a national star. Just our opinion.
Leslie Jordan is fast becoming a social media darling, but it's what he's NOT doing with his sudden IG fame that sets him apart ... especially in Hollywood.
The viral sensation joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and we asked Leslie how he's been able to skyrocket from about 80,000 Insta followers to a whopping 3.5 million in only a matter of weeks.
Leslie says the recipe for success is pretty simple ... he's not looking to monetize his videos, he's just being himself -- a silly, funny, goofy, happy-go-lucky senior citizen. You can tell he's genuine, just listen to him talk about learning new IG terminology.
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If you aren't among the millions of folks to recently discover Leslie's page in quarantine, you're missing out on his hilarious videos ... like his back scratch workout, which he breaks down for us in his own special way.
Prior to sheltering in place, Leslie was best known for his work on "Will and Grace" and "American Horror Story" ... but he tells us why he's not watching scripted shows or movies while he's in quarantine.
Besides, who needs scripted content when you've got hundreds of Leslie videos for free!!!
