TV

Bill Maher thinks Elon Musk is worried about population collapse because it's a convenient excuse not to wear a condom ... it was a jk, but his point is ominous. Stay with us.

Bill is back on 'Real Time' after a month's hiatus, and he used the occasion to talk about the ridiculous push to add more people to planet Earth. We are now at 8 billion and counting ... the head honcho at the U.N. is celebrating and welcoming the diversity that comes with it, but B.M. couldn't be more scornful, and he's got a solid point.

Aside from climate change -- which is undeniably real, despite the climate deniers -- we are losing our resources, and the math is simple. More people = fewer resources, like food, trees, sand, you name it ... there'll be fewer of all of it, and eventually, it's gonna run out.

And, that brings him to Elon, who has worried out loud that we are in a world crisis because our population is tanking. Huh, Bill asks?

"Bridgerton" is once again a smash hit, but this time Netflix is pissed ... because it says two musicians ripped off their TV series, turned it into a stage production and turned a huge profit.

The streaming giant is going after the duo Barlow & Bear for  "The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert" -- a musical production they performed to a sold-out Kennedy Center earlier this week.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Netflix says the production's opening number, "Tis the Season" is nearly identical to the one they used to introduce the show's main characters and setting. Netflix says Barlow & Bear even ripped off "substantial dialogue verbatim" from the TV show.

According to Netflix, the musicians didn't just steal its intellectual property ... but they also lied about getting permission. In the suit, Netflix includes an advertisement that was posted for the stage production and it includes the text, "BRIDGERTON is a trademark of Netflix used with permission."

Nope. Not according to Netflix, which says it actually "vigorously objected" to Barlow & Bear's use of the show's name, characters and dialogue.

Netflix says the duo has plans to take the musical on the road with a performance in London's iconic Royal Albert Hall -- and they're also selling "Bridgerton" themed merch.

Besides ripping off its TV show, Netflix says Barlow & Bear's pirate operation is competing with its "Bridgerton Experience" ... a 6-city event where fans pay to enjoy an "immersive" night in a ballroom with actors and music inspired by their show.

Celebrities have been taking to the skies in their private jets for years, but a recent study is pointing the finger at some celebs most guilty of poisoning the planet.

According to research gathered by Yard, a marketing agency that focuses on "metrics that matter," celebs like Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather, and Blake Shelton have been polluting the air with tons of CO2e this year alone ... but no one has done it more than Taylor Swift.

According to Yard, T. Swift has flown private 170 times since January, with a time in the air of about 16 days. Her total flight emissions for the year come in at 8,293.54 tonnes -- that's 1,184.8 times more than the average person's total annual emissions!!!

To put it into perspective, they say the average person emits 7 tonnes -- annually.

Mayweather comes in 2nd place in the pollution race ... emitting 7,076 tonnes so far -- still over 1K shy of Taylor's mark.

Jay-Z, A-Rod, Steven Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey also made the list ... and Floyd's plane took the shortest flight of the year, at 10 minutes.

It's interesting ... the Internet started to buzz about celebs and their carbon footprints after Kylie Jenner posted about her and TS' private jets last week, but she didn't make the top ten list. Travis Scott took the #10 spot ... flying a total of 5.8 days so far.

Charles Barkley just gave LIV Golf the cold shoulder -- the NBA Hall of Famer says he will not be joining the controversial Saudi-backed organization as a commentator after all ... claiming he was never made an official offer.

Chuck previously showed interest in joining LIV over the past week ... saying he'd fulfill their broadcasting duties if they gave him a massive, $60 million contract.

But, Barkley made it clear he wasn't going to keep Turner and his "Inside The NBA" colleagues in limbo ... giving LIV until he stepped off the course at Thursday's pro-am to make him an offer, or he'd walk away for good.

As it turns out, Chuck is a man of his word ... 'cause he's officially ending all talks with the tour.

"I want to thank Greg Norman and LIV for their interest in me," Barkley said to the New York Post on Friday.

"I wish those guys great success and nothing but the best," he added. "But, in my best interest, and being fair to Turner -- because Turner and basketball have given me every single thing in my life -- it is best for me to move on and I'm staying with Turner for the rest of my TV career."

Barkley signing with LIV could have meant bad news for his endorsements -- he said Thursday he heard from several companies regarding his interest in signing with the tour.

Jeff Ross isn't surprised -- isn't surprised at all -- at Jon Stewart's overflowing emotion after the Senate turned thumbs down on a critical bill to help our veterans ... because he says comedians feel pain more than most.

We got Jeff Thursday in Bev Hills at Judi's Deli ... and he could not have been more supportive of his fellow comedian. Part of Jeff's admiration seems to be rooted in Jon's character, but there's also the DNA of comedians ... to feel and project not just their own pain but the pain of others.

Jeff says he's totally down with Jon running for President in 2024 -- something that's kinda become a thing online and elsewhere ... despite Jon flatly rejecting the idea.

Nonetheless, it seems that Jeff thinks lobbying Jon to run wouldn't be a bad idea.

Candace Cameron Bure's daughter is not letting go of her famous mother's beef with JoJo Siwa ... she's defending mom and clapping back at JoJo, essentially telling her to stop acting like a child.

In a since-deleted Instagram Story posted on her account Thursday, Natasha Bure ripped JoJo, saying ... "Respectfully, someone saying 'no' to taking a photo with you is not a 'rough experience.' This generation is so sensitive and has no backbone."

Natasha didn't stop there, telling JoJo ... "There are bigger issues in this world than this. Grow up."

The Candace and JoJo beef started earlier this month when Siwa put the "Fuller House" actress on blast, calling her the "rudest celebrity" she's ever met ...  a grudge brewing for several years over a photo snub.

JoJo later explained she was 11 years old when she asked Candace for a photo at a "Fuller House" premiere and got denied, only to watch CCB take pics with others.  JoJo called the snub a "bad experience."

Candace tried to ease tensions with JoJo this week, claiming the two hashed out the incident and put it behind them, framing it as a learning experience for all.

But now, Candace's daughter is reviving the feud.

WWE legend Ric Flair isn't mincing his words when it comes to his feelings on the retirement of Vince McMahon ... outright saying he hates it!

76-year-old McMahon retired last week after decades as Chairman and CEO of WWE ... so when Nature Boy joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airing weeknights on FS1) this week, we asked him if his former boss should've stayed on the job.

"Yes, I think he's one of a kind and I've said this," Flair tells us, adding Vince has made a lot of careers thanks to his genius.

"He's made so many people rich and he's literally has made chicken salad out of a lot of chicken s**t. Mojo knows what I'm talking about. He's made a lot of people rich."

Flair went on to say he doesn't condone the allegations against McMahon (Vince is being investigated by a law firm hired by WWE for allegedly paying off several former female employees with whom he allegedly had relationships).

"I mean they're just trying to murder him now and who knows and all. I'm certainly not defending anything that's negative and I'm not taking a side on the issue that apparently has been brought up but I know as a person and what he did for me, there's nobody like him."

As for the future of the world's top wrestling organization (McMahon bought the company from his dad in 1982), Flair says the company is in great hands with Vince's daughter and current WWE executive, Stephanie McMahon.

"I think Stephanie's a genius!"

As for Ric, it's a huge week for the 2x WWE Hall of Famer ... on Sunday, Flair will enter the squared circle as a competitor for the last time in his incredible career.

Well this sucks ... the world's funniest vacation is over, but good pals Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Sean Hayes are all looking like they had a blast on their island getaway.

The A-list group returned to L.A. Wednesday from the Bahamas ... everyone got in their goodbye hugs after getting off their private jet, but Jason's wide brim straw hat screams someone who's still in vacay mode.

The close-knit crew -- they've taken trips together before -- mostly went radio silent during their trip, outside of a beach-themed post or 2, and simply enjoyed some time to relax and chill.

Tichina Arnold is back on the market, legally speaking ... TMZ has learned her long and bitter divorce process is over.

According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... a judge signed off on Tichina's divorce from longtime basketball coach DaRico Hines on July 15.

It's certainly been a long time coming. As we've reported, the "Martin" star made the announcement she'd be divorcing Rico way back in 2016 ... after she claimed there was a sex tape of him with another woman.

A rep for Hines, who currently works for the Toronto Raptors, declined to comment specifically on the allegations but acknowledged the couple was dealing with a "private and deeply personal matter" during that time.

But, it wasn't until August of last year that she finally went forward with filing the paperwork -- yeah, more than 5 years later. On the docs, she noted the usual irreconcilable differences, but did list the date of separation as January 12, 2016 ... about 3-and-a-half years after they tied the knot.

"Love and Marriage: Huntsville" star Melody Shari doesn't think her ex-husband's had enough time to become a better guy before jumping to his new boo, Sheree Whitfield -- and says the proof is online for all to see.

Melody told us, in her opinion, Martell Holt's really gotta work on himself, but she fears he's still the same untrustworthy guy she married back in 2008.

As we reported, a shirtless Martell and 'RHOA' star Sheree were spotted taking selfies together, and sources in the know tell us they've been dating for a few months.

Melody says she found out about their relationship the same way everyone else did ... the Internet, and that's also how she found out her kids already met Sheree.

She's not shocked, though, as she reminded us about how her kids were slyly introduced to a child Martell previously had with another woman.

Martell has been very vocal about boundaries with their kids after they split last year -- but Melody says it's the same old, same old with him and adds, she'd handle this totally differently ... especially with her kids involved.

Melody's been working on herself since the split, learning she's OK healing alone while focusing on her kids and businesses.

Meanwhile, we got Sheree in Sandy Springs, GA and she told us she met Martell through mutual friends, and is already introducing him to some of her pals and family members.

Tony Dow, known for his role as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It To Beaver," has died ... a day after a premature death announcement was made from the actor's management team.

A new statement made on Tony's Facebook page Wednesday from his management reads, "We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey."

As we reported, a statement was posted on Tony's official Facebook account Tuesday announcing the death of the actor -- the statement taken down hours later after his management team learned the actor was, in fact, still alive.

As for the cause of confusion, Tony's manager tells us Tony's wife, Lauren, who was very distraught at the time, believed her husband -- who had been in hospice -- was dead.

Tony's son Christopher posted Tuesday, "Dad is at home, under hospice care, and in his last hours. My wife and I are by his side along with many friends that have visited. He has a fighting heart."

TMZ broke the story, Tony was diagnosed with liver cancer in May. An update on his cancer battle last week said it was, "... a rollercoaster of ups and downs as Tony continues his fight with cancer. Tony has been in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments."

Born in Hollywood, California -- Tony found massive fame as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It To Beaver" which ran from 1957 to 1963. He was also on "Never Too Young" and "My Three Sons" before taking a break to serve in The National Guard from 1965 to 1968. He later reprised his role as Wally from 1983 to 1989 on "The New Leave It To Beaver."

Tony continued acting into the 2000's when he appeared in "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star."

Tony was 77.

Norman Lear is beaming with positivity after hitting a monumental milestone in his life ... sharing what life really means to him, as well as one of his favorite songs.

The TV producer and writer took to Instagram to ring in his 100th birthday, with the help of his daughter, Kate -- opening with a snippet of Dean Martin's "That's Amore" before unloading his gratitude.

Norman says it's a miracle to be living in the times we're in now, with everything that's become available to us, and believes living in the here and now is one of the most important things we can do.

Forget the past, forget the future -- being in the moment is something Norman has treasured for years, and wants everyone to do the same.

Norman's decades in TV have been nothing short of brilliant ... working on the "Colgate Comedy Hour" with legends back in the day before moving to classics like "Sanford and Son," "All in the Family," and "The Jeffersons."

Everything he touched turned to gold -- he's even picked up 6 Emmys for his work over the years as he pushed the boundaries of TV, incorporating controversial topics like abortion, mental health, and sexuality into his shows.

Tony Dow, the producer, director and actor most famous for his role as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It To Beaver" has died after a battle with liver cancer.

A statement from Tony's team reveals he died Tuesday morning, "Tony was a beautiful soul - kind, compassionate, funny and humble. It was truly a joy to just be around him. His gentle voice and unpretentious manner was immediately comforting and you could not help but love him. The world has lost an amazing human being, but we are all richer for the memories that he has left us."

TMZ broke the story, Tony was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022. An update on his cancer battle last week said it was, "... a rollercoaster of ups and downs as Tony continues his fight with cancer. Tony has been in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments."

The statement continues, "From the warm reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to those of us fortunate enough to know him personally - thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all. We will miss you."

Born in Hollywood, California -- Tony found massive fame as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It To Beaver" which ran from 1957 to 1963.

Dow continued his acting career on shows like "Never Too Late" and "My Three Sons" before taking a break to serve in The National Guard from 1965 to 1968. He later reprised his role as Wally from 1983-1989 on "The New Leave It To Beaver."

Tony continued acting into the 2000's when he appeared in "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star."

Tony was 77.

RIP

Congratulations are in order for Bre Tiesi -- the model and Nick Cannon just welcomed their baby son to the world!!

Tiesi -- Johnny Manziel's ex-wife -- announced the news on Monday ... saying it was an at-home, unmedicated birth.

"This was the most humbling / limit pushing yet awakening and completely empowering experience," Tiesi said on Instagram.

"This experience has changed me forever and I couldn’t of asked for a more amazing and supportive partner. Daddy showed the f up for us ... I couldn’t of (sic) done it without you. 💙 I can’t believe he’s here 🤗."

This is Cannon's eighth child and Tiesi's first.

NC addressed the news in Tiesi's comments ... saying, "You never cease to amaze me!! Full of passion, drive, focus, brilliance and most importantly love!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️."

"Honored and privileged to experience this beautiful miracle with you! Thank you for the greatest gift any human can give to another. For this my love is forever indebted."

We broke the story ... Nick and Bre went public with the pregnancy back in January, announcing at a baby shower they were having a baby boy.

Manziel -- who was married to Tiesi from 2018-2021 -- has yet to speak out on the baby's birth ... but his sister, Meri, liked Bri's post, so we're assuming he's heard the news.

Bill Maher misses the days of old -- especially when it comes to James Bond ... whom he says has gone soft and mushy in the Daniel Craig era, going so far as to call him "woke."

The 'Real Time' host dished his thoughts on the fictional spy character during the most recent episode of his podcast, "Club Random with Bill Maher," where he was chatting with YouTuber Hannah Stocking about how he feels Bond has changed ... for the worse.

Watch ... Bill says they've turned 007 into a watered-down stud, who's deeply in love and in a committed relationship in this last installment, "No Time to Die" -- which BM says is so unlike Bond and counterintuitive to the spirit of the OG character by author Ian Fleming.

To make his point, he recalls when Denise Richards starred in "The World Is Not Enough" -- Pierce Brosnan's 2nd-to-last go-around -- and killed it by playing a hottie scientist/the love interest.

It's unclear if Bill's suggesting that actress Lea Seydoux, who's Craig's GF in the last two flicks, *isn't* hot -- because that's just wrong, she totally is -- or if his beef is more so with the dynamic in these newer Bond movies ... aka, lovey-dovey. In any case, he doesn't dig it.

Bill even says Bond bringing his gal (and their kid) along for the climactic mission at the end is super weird -- joking the MI6 agent might as well have stopped off for tampons.

Of course, not everyone agrees with Bill's take -- there are a lot of folks who actually like how Bond has progressed over these past several years ... with some saying he's perhaps more fleshed-out, complex and interesting than any other iteration before this.

Storm Reid is all about dorm life on the West Coast as she continues her acting career ... and it's a balance she thinks is crucial to being a well-rounded person.

We got the "Euphoria" star at LAX ... and she tells us school's always been important to her -- she's gunning for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, studying film production and African American studies.

She thinks it's important for people to get an education, no matter their situation. Now the dorm thing. Yes, she lives in a dorm at USC, but it's not the garden-variety dorm you see on most campuses. It's way bigger, kitchen and all!

In case you missed it, Storm did a collab with Amazon recently, giving an "MTV Cribs"-style tour of her 450-square foot dorm room ... clearly showing off baby blue as her favorite color.

Storm tells us she's got a great friend group in her dorm. She's even joined some social clubs on campus, to make sure she gets the full experience.