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The Church of Scientology is clapping back at former member Leah Remini, dragging her for a lawsuit against them -- something the Church claims is total BS.

In an intense statement issued to TMZ from the church Thursday, they call the actress an "anti-free speech bigot." The church says Leah's "a horrible person and toxic to so many who have the misfortune to come in contact with her."

The church even compares her to "an anti-Semite complaining about the Jewish Anti-Defamation League for exposing the anti-Semite's bigotry and propaganda."

It claims Leah's been making a fortune on her "obsession" to take Scientology down since publicly leaving the religion in 2013 ... pointing towards her recent lawsuit by adding, "If Remini can no longer get a job, she has nobody to blame but herself."

The church says it's "not intimidated by Remini's latest act of blatant harassment and attempt to prevent truthful free speech. If Remini does not believe in free speech, then she should consider emigrating to Russia."

Some of Angus Cloud's pals in Oakland came together to honor their late friend in a pretty spectacular way ... working with a local artist to create an awesome tribute.

The local artist is Darin Balaban. He and a group of Angus' friends collaborated and chose 3 photos of the "Euphoria" star as inspiration for a new mural. Darin mashed up the 3 pics to create the artwork, painted on a 9-foot high wall of a car wash in Oakland, Angus' hometown.

Darin knew Angus and says he was always "smiling and calm," and the artist wanted that reflected on the wall.

One of Angus's best friends -- Kalani -- is also an artist who helped Darin create the work. A bunch of other friends were there to help ... Kalani said it turned out to be good therapy as they all dealt with their loss. Another artist friend M27 helped paint the portrait.

It ended up being a community event, with pizza, beer and candles as they told stories about their good friend.

Darin's surprised the mural has become the central gathering place for people who wanted to pay their respects ... fans, friends and strangers. There were tears, laughter and lots of hugging.

The mural is located on Park and E. 19th St. not too far from where Angus lived.

As we reported, Angus died at his Oakland home on Monday ... his mom reported a possible overdose, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

So Johnny Manziel walked into a bar ... 'cause he owns the place!!!

The former Texas A&M football superstar is getting into the hospitality industry ... opening up his very own watering hole in his old stomping grounds of College Station.

The place is called Johnny Manziel's Money Bar ... which is a clear nod to the famous nickname he was given after getting suspended for selling his autograph.

Of course, the business move makes perfect sense -- Johnny hasn't been shy about his love for having a good time ... and recently revealed in his upcoming Netflix project he once went on a $5 million bender.

"I thought I played better the harder I partied," Manziel said in the 'Untold' documentary.

He also previously opened up on his NFL experience ... saying he felt bad for losing the respect of his teammates for his off-field lifestyle during his time in Cleveland.

Manziel -- who had a stint in rehab in 2015 -- is content with how his career played out ... and appears to be in good spirits post-football.

Angus Cloud's death was top of mind during his costar and friend Dominic Fike's concert -- and he delivered a moving moment, reminiscing with the audience about Angus.

The singer and 'Euphoria' star -- who acted alongside Angus during Season 2 -- addressed his costar's sudden passing during his show Tuesday night in Houston ... and shared some very personal feelings with the crowd.

Check it out ... Dominic says he just lost a friend, and then goes on to muse about the larger implications of that -- and how getting the news instantly made everything else so trivial.

You can tell he's getting pretty introspective here, openly wondering whether performing the concert was appropriate considering the tragedy -- but then he answers his own question, saying Angus would've wanted him to go on and do what he loves.

Dominic also had this to say about AC ... the guy operated on a certain wavelength and his energy was palpable, making him standout among a star-studded cast, including Zendaya.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus was found dead in Oakland Monday, and his mother called 911 to report her son didn't have a pulse. Cops discussed it as a possible overdose, and Angus' family has indicated he may have taken his own life in the wake of his father's death.

Angus Cloud may have been struggling ahead of his surprising death, but it didn't affect his mood while with his closest friends ... and he was actually offering them support before he passed.

The "Euphoria" star was outwardly celebratory and uplifting to his pals at the MacArthur Maze album release party 3 days before his death, according to group members D.Bledsoe and Champ Green.

As we reported, Angus seemed to be in great spirits at the event, and the rappers tell us he was congratulating everyone involved in the album. We're told Angus was getting a lot of attention from partygoers ... but he wasn't there for attention, he just wanted to show love.

D.Bledose says Angus had to soothe his lips with lip balm mid-conversation that night at the party, and Angus laughed and apologized for making things awkward. It was a funny interaction, and one D is remembering fondly today.

A few weeks ago, Angus gave the rap group a big endorsement by sharing one of their music videos on his IG page. We're told Angus slid into the group's DMs and offered to shoot a music video for them -- alongside MacArthur Maze's videographer, who was close friends with Angus.

Of course, everyone involved with the group is now just in complete shock about his death.

Nearly two months after Treat Williams died in a motorcycle crash, the investigation has taken a surprising turn, as police charged the other driver with negligence.

Ryan Koss surrendered to Vermont State Police Tuesday night and was issued a citation, charging him with grossly negligent operation with death for swerving into the path of the beloved actor.

Koss also posed for a mug shot and was given a September court date for his arraignment before the judge. If convicted, Koss faces up to 15 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.

What's more ... the New York medical examiner revealed Treat's cause of death, which was severe trauma and blood loss.

As we reported in June, Treat was riding his chopper in Dorset, Vermont, and made a left turn into a parking lot, colliding with a Honda Element driven by Koss.

The impact sent Treat flying off his motorcycle, causing him to suffer critical injuries, even though he was wearing his helmet.

Treat was airlifted to New York's Albany Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Method Man won't be walking anyone's runway anytime soon, but his "Power Book II: Ghost" castmate LaToya Tonodeo thinks the rap legend should embrace his newfound status as a Hollywood heartthrob!!!

TMZ Hip Hop linked with LaToya at LAX on Tuesday who told us she's happy Meth is getting looked at in a different light, but understands as a woman what it's like to be treated like a piece of meat and wanting to shy away from being propped up in the public eye.

The Wu-Tang Clan rapper was recently profiled for "Men's Health" magazine and he totally railed against being called a sex symbol. His reasons were pretty simple: he doesn't think he's doing anything special to provoke such a title ... save for working out 500-lb dumbbells on occasion.

He also shared how his nutrition routines, something LaToya credits him for sharing with her on the 'Power' set ... educating her about proper dieting and protein shakes in her own fitness journey.

LaToya says as long as fans and admirers respect Meth's boundaries, all should end well.

Zendaya is finally speaking out on the death of her costar, Angus Cloud ... and it sounds like she's just as heartbroken as the rest of the "Euphoria" family.

The actress posted a photo of Angus, writing ... "Words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus (Conor). I'm so grateful I got the chance to know him in this life, to call him a brother, to see his warm kind eyes and bright smile, or hear his infectious cackle of a laugh (I'm smiling now just thinking of it)."

She adds, "I know people use this expression often when talking about folks they love…"they could light up any room they entered" but boy let me tell you, he was the best at it. I'd like to remember him that way. For all of the boundless light, love and joy he always managed to give us. I'll cherish every moment."

Finally, Zendaya ends with this ... "My heart is with his mother and family at this time and please be kind and patient as grief looks different for everyone."

As you may know, Angus memorably played Fez on the show ... who was Zendaya's character's drug dealer and, at times, guardian angel. They spent a lot of time on camera together and shared a lot of memorable scenes -- several of which were quite poignant.

In fact, you could argue some of the scenes they did probably helped her snag a few of the accolades she has from "Euphoria" -- including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Interestingly, growing up both Zendaya and Angus attended the same performing arts high school in California, Oakland School for the Arts.

Other "Euphoria" cast and crew have paid tribute to Angus, including the series creator and director Sam Levinson, who said Angus was "too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon."

Sydney Sweeney also penned a heartfelt tribute on IG saying, "This is the hardest thing ive ever had to post, and im struggling to find all the words. You will be missed more than you know, but I'm so blessed to have known you in this lifetime, and I'm sure everyone who has ever met you feels the same."

Several stars from the show sent their condolences as well.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus was found unresponsive at his Oakland home Monday, where first responders characterized the call as a possible overdose -- only to proclaim him DOA.

His family has suggested he may have taken his own life. Angus was only 25 years old.

RIP

Stephen Amell is explaining why he supports his union, SAG-AFTRA, but doesn't support leadership's decision to strike ... he believes that's not the only way to hammer out a good deal.

The "Arrow" star joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live," and shared his thought process behind opposing the strikes in Hollywood, and admitted he's walking a fine line between supporting his union and wanting to work.

Stephen says SAG-AFTRA absolutely should fight for a better contract for its members ... but instead of marching in picket lines outside studios, he recommends getting back to the table to negotiate with the studios.

While Stephen's been one of the only actors to speak out against the strike, he tells us dozens of his colleagues are privately reaching out to him ... and he says his fellow actors agree with his strike outlook, even if the outside noise is against him.

Stephen's also caught the attention of SAG leadership ... and he said he's meeting with them later on Tuesday. He told us his goal for the meeting is to show union leaders he supports them while also offering up alternatives to striking.

It's becoming more clear why Angus Cloud's family says he was struggling so much with the loss of his dad ... because his father's life was cut short after a very quick battle with cancer.

65-year-old Conor Hickey, Angus' dad, passed away on May 18 -- a social media post reshared by the "Euphoria" star's mom, Lisa, said he died "after a brief fight with cancer."

Lisa shared her own thoughts in June after his memorial service -- saying, "His cancer moved quickly which was devastating to all who loved him, but there is comfort in the fact that his pain wasn't prolonged."

TMZ broke the story, Angus died at his family home Monday, with Oakland PD and Fire Dept. responding to a 911 call from Lisa about a "possible overdose," claiming her son didn't have a pulse.

Angus' family told us he's been struggling with the loss of Conor, whom they say was his "best friend," adding Conor was buried just 1 week before. Angus posted about his dad a couple of weeks ago, letting him know he's missed.

A source close to the family told us Angus had been struggling with severe suicidal thoughts after getting back from the burial in Ireland ... and he was staying with his family to try and work through the grief.

Angus' cause of death has yet to be determined.

Jennifer Hudson is sending some love Common's way ... saying he's quite the looker and, at least, strongly hinting all the speculation about them being an item is true.

We got Jennifer leaving Il Pastaio in Bev Hills Monday, and when we let her know the 2 of them make a damn cute couple, she didn't deny the love connection.

Here's the thing ... sources tell TMZ they've been together for months, but when we ask her to confirm, she's mostly mum about their relationship -- but check out the glowing compliment she gives the guy.

As we reported, Jennifer and Common first sparked dating rumors in February when they went to Nobu in Malibu together ... and they were spotted hanging out here and there in the months before.

We also got pics of them taking a stroll in a Chicago suburb in May -- total relationship vibes.

You'll recall, Common was dating Tiffany Haddish before Jennifer, but they split in 2021. While Common called the breakup "a mutual thing," Tiffany says that's BS -- saying he was drifting away before it ended.

Logan Paul says he was terrified his brother, Jake, would end his life over the incessant hate he got on the internet early in his career ... admitting he and his father were "both legitimately concerned" he was going to die by suicide.

The older Paul bro detailed his fear in the new Netflix doc, "Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child" ... where he explained the backlash Jake faced after a multitude of controversies had him at an all-time low.

"I mean, both my dad and I felt worried for my brother's life," Logan said. "Jake's always been pretty emotionally unpredictable, and volatile."

"There was a point where we were both legitimately concerned that Jake was going to kill himself."

Jake was low-hanging fruit for internet trolls during the start of his YouTube fame ... getting backlash for wild pranks and outrageous stunts that led to pissed off neighbors and losing his role on Disney's "Bizaardvark," as well as lucrative endorsement deals.

"It was easy to rip me apart," Jake said. "It became a thing to hate Jake Paul."

"It's not easy to be hated by the whole entire world and it creates a very dark mental place."

But Jake found a new purpose through boxing ... which has led to increased popularity and respect from legends in the sport like Mike Tyson.

Jake has since racked up wins over former UFC stars like Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva ... and will enter the ring against Nate Diaz this weekend, where he looks to bounce back from the first loss of his career.

Method Man is perfectly comfortable hanging up his microphone in exchange for acting these days, and loves the newfound attention he's getting from the ladies for his work on-screen.

What the Wu-Tang Clan legend doesn't love, however, is being referred to as a sex symbol ... as the inner MC in him says the words just don't make a bit of sense!!!

The 52-year-old railed against the term in his "Men's Health" cover story, where he declared, "I’m not a sex symbol. That’s the whole f**king point, man. Put the words together. Sex and symbol. What’s the symbol? I’m not doing anything. So what’s the symbol?"

Meth has been going viral on social media for his role as Davis MacLean on 50 Cent's "Power II" TV series.

M-E-T-H-O-D Man joined 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, Common, Ludacris, and Busta Rhymes on the health mag's special edition cover to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th anniversary ... a vital turning point as Meth says he's no longer in the business of selling records.

Angus Cloud was nothing but smiles a few days before he died -- which is unsettling considering he appears to have died from an overdose.

The "Euphoria" actor attended a local album release party for rap group MacArthur Maze there in the Bay Area Friday -- and he was photographed and filmed at the shindig having a good time and seemingly enjoying himself with a bunch of other people.

You never hear Angus talk in these clips ... but there's no doubt the guy was in good spirits, or at least that's how he appeared from the outside looking in any way.

The Sun reports that eyewitnesses at the party say AC was there for a few hours, and that he didn't outwardly show signs of angst or discomfort. One pal is quoted as saying Angus was happy to be home, as he'd just been in Ireland for his father's funeral.

The friend says Angus had told him he was sad. No more than 72 hours later, he was found unresponsive at his family's home in Oakland.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus died, and police had reason to believe it may have been a result of a possible overdose.

His family also hinted at him maybe taking his own life, telling us he'd been struggling to cope with his dad's passing.

We'd also been told by close family sources that he was, in fact, having suicidal thoughts prior to his passing. Angus was a rising star in Hollywood thanks to his breakout role in "Euphoria."

He was only 25.

Stephen Amell's clarifying some of his comments, telling us some of what he said was taken out of context. Stephen says he absolutely supports his union, but doesn't like the act of striking.

He continues, "What I said: "I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating." Telling us, "In full context: I’m an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. I emote, but I certainly don’t think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job, and I am grateful for all that they do. Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I’m not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved."

He was not plugging his "Heelz" show this weekend, despite online reports.

Stephen Amell is a bit of a walking contradiction -- on the one hand, he says he backs his union amid the ongoing strike, but on the other ... he doesn't approve of them actually striking.

The "Arrow" star made the controversial comments during a recent promotional appearance in North Carolina, where he was plugging a new season of his Starz show 'Heels' ... and breaking with SAG-AFTRA's strike protocol in doing so.

Actors aren't supposed to be promoting projects during the strike, but there was Stephen plugging away, and not holding back his opinion on the work stoppage ... calling it unproductive and unnecessary.

Take a listen for yourself ... his disdain for how SAG is handling things is clear, although he does say he supports them as an org. What he doesn't condone is its decision to shut down the industry to get what they want.

He calls it a "reductive negotiating tactic" ... but doesn't really elaborate much more beyond that. Amell also said he found the entire ordeal incredibly frustrating and myopic.

Of course, his remarks here are not sitting well with other actors in the biz ... and Amell is getting dragged on social media right now as a would-be traitor and scab. A lot of folks are pointing out his sentiment doesn't actually make sense -- arguing it's all or nothing.

Amell appears to have responded ... taking to IG to shout out everyone who came to see him, and promising to keep going during a workout. Seems he's telegraphing something.

Angus Cloud -- famous from "Euphoria" -- has died at his family's home in Oakland ... TMZ has learned.

The actor's family tells us ... "It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways."

They continue, "Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence."

And finally, AC's family says this ... "We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss."

The family isn't saying anything yet about the exact nature of his death, they seem to be suggesting it had something to do with his struggle to cope with his father's passing.

Angus was a rising star in Hollywood, and will perhaps best be remembered for his breakout role in the hit HBO series -- from 2019 to 2022 he starred as Fezco, the sometimes drug dealer/guardian angel for Zendaya's character, Rue Bennett.

His other credits include roles in movies like "The Line," "North Hollywood" ... to mention appearances and cameos in music videos from artists like Becky G, Karol G and Juice WRLD. He's got 2 projects that are due to come out.

The last time we talked to Angus was in March 2022, when he was staunchly defending his show against accusations that it glorified drug use. In his view, he felt like "Euphoria" only showed the brutal reality that teens and young adults are dealing with in modern-day America.

Angus was just 25.

RIP

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