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What seemed like a major troll job on President Trump is now picking up steam, which is why Larenz Tate says if NYers want Trump Tower to face President Obama Ave. ... then make it so.

The veteran actor, who's now playing an NYC Councilman on "Power," was outside Facebook Monday in the Big Apple when we brought up the petition demanding the name change for 5th Avenue.

The petition -- which only aims to change the block of 5th Ave where Trump Tower sits -- already has over 430,000 signatures.

Larenz told us the people in power shouldn't ignore the proposal ... especially if citizens continue to show strong support for it. In fact, he's down for the city to go above and beyond the petition's request. Watch.

Petition organizers are aiming to lock up another 20k or so signatures to bring the initiative to Mayor Bill de Blasio and city council.

Larenz knows a thing or two about the process, thanks to his "Power" character. He also knows his own limitations as far as who he can and CAN'T portray on camera, including Barry O.

The actress who paid for a billboard to catch Tyler Perry's attention can now say it was worth every penny ... because she scored a gig on his new TV project.

We broke the story ... Racquel Bailey told TMZ, despite receiving a light scolding from Perry for going the billboard route, the stunt landed her an audition. Of course, it was a happy coincidence that Tyler was already familiar with her work.

The story has an even happier ending now -- sources close to Racquel tell us she officially got cast 2 weeks ago in TP's new show for BET called "Sistas." We're told she shot with Perry last week in Atlanta and will appear in the finale of season 1, and possibly in season 2.

Our sources say Bailey plays a police officer who had a past relationship with one of the lead characters. Perry was on set directing the episode in which Bailey will appear ... a dream come true for her.

The success of the billboard doesn't stop there either. We're told after it went viral, Racquel was contacted by several casting directors and got about 20 auditions ... which led to booking 2 roles even before the "Sistas" gig.

She has more major auditions coming up with some big-time directors and we're told she's incredibly grateful to Perry for giving her a boost.

Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign's "Hot Girl Summer" got chilled down by LAPD who nearly torpedoed their music video -- but there's a happy ending. Ya like those, right?

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ, cops crashed Meg's attempt to shoot her video for 'HGS' last Friday, in the Mount Olympus neighborhood of L.A. -- right in the heart of the Hollywood Hills.

The reason? We're told she didn't have the proper permits.

Major drag too ... because our sources say Meg and her featured guests, Nicki and Ty, were all set to go at a house they'd booked as the main set for the shoot. Nicki and Meg were in costume, rocking matching neon striped outfits, which showed off all their good sides. As in, all of them!!!

The problem is ... someone snitched!!! Law enforcement sources tell us someone called the cops, and officers rolled up to find production didn't have the necessary paperwork. LAPD sent everyone packing, shutting down production.

Not to worry though, Stallionaires ... we're told Meg and co. improvised and were able to lock down another location about 50 miles East of L.A. in Chino Hills. It's just like the Hollywood Hills ... of Chino, anyway.

We're told the team was able to finish the scenes they needed without issues that same night, and the music video is scheduled to be released as planned.

Spoiler alert ... this thing appears to feature some wild animal cameos. Saddle up, folks!!!

The group of bikers who triggered massive panic in Times Square will NOT face criminal charges ... because cops decided there was no crime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... authorities reviewed surveillance footage from last week's chaotic scene. They determined the group of bikers obeyed all traffic laws and didn't intentionally try to make it sound like there was an active shooter ... so, no reckless endangerment charges for causing the mass panic.

We're told surveillance video showed the bikers riding on 42nd Street when the group stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, they throttled up, and that's when a couple bikes backfired.

We're told footage shows only a handful of people initially ran for cover, before full-on panic set in. Understandable, given the uneasiness following the recent mass shootings.

Brooke Houts says she's no animal abuser, but we found her history with the dog in question raises serious anger issues she has toward the pooch.

Houts -- who is currently under investigation by the LAPD for animal abuse -- appears to have gotten her Doberman, Sphinx, last November. It wasn't long before Houts began to post a series of angry tweets and videos, venting over the dog ... bitching about his bad behavior.

In one video, Houts talks about a time when Sphinx pulled her down the stairs. She also went on a long rant last month when Sphinx ate a pair of her leggings, saying, "-sigh- goodnight to everyone except my dog."

She also bitched about Sphinx peeing on her bed.

As we reported ... Houts accidentally uploaded a video earlier this week, showing her smack, spit on and shove Sphinx. The LAPD Animal Cruelty Task Force is now on the case, though she will keep custody of the dog, at least until authorities decide if the risk factor is too great.

Houts maintains she's never aggressive with Sphinx ... and that he needs some serious training. That's revealing, considering in one of the videos we uncovered, she says punishment training isn't the way to discipline a dog.

More than a dozen Times Square tourists are nursing injuries after fears an active shooter was opening fire caused mass chaos -- but it turns out, it was just a bunch of motorcycles backfiring.

The scene around 10 PM Tuesday was insane ... hundreds fleeing in all directions, stampeding over each other as they sought cover. Some ran into packed Broadway theaters which brought productions to a halt.

In the panic, several people suffered broken bones and lacerations -- multiple slammed their heads into signs and other displays as they fled. The scene clearly reflects the nation's uneasiness after last weekend's mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

NYPD says what really happened is a group of people on motorcycles rode through the Square with their engines backfiring as they went -- and that sound caused the mass panic.

Cops are now using surveillance cameras to try to identify the motorcyclists ... and we're told they could be charged with reckless endangerment.

If you looked up over the English Channel Sunday you might have seen what looked like a flying skateboard, and the dude who was riding it just broke a record!

French inventor Franky Zapata traveled nearly 22 miles, 60 feet in the air, to become the first person ever to use a flyboard to traverse the English Channel.

Zapata dissolved into tears after he landed, immodestly saying he didn't know how big a deal it was and whether it would go in the history books.

He failed last week to cross the Channel, but second time was a charm.

Kevin Spacey is returning to the arts -- a couple of 'em, actually -- with a pop-up performance at a Rome museum where he's reciting some poetry ... that apparently speaks to him.

The actor threw on a brown suit Friday and waltzed into Palazzo Massimo. He set up shop in front of the famous sculpture of the "Boxer at Rest" and read the Italian poem, "The Boxer."

A crowd gathered as Kevin recited the elegant words of Italian poet Gabriele Tinti -- in English, though -- and it seems like his Massachusetts criminal case, and other sexual misconduct allegations, might have influenced his poetry choice.

The poem's about a beaten and tired boxer who is determined not to give in or give up. One passage reads ... "The more you're wounded, the greater you are. And the more empty you are."

As we first reported ... Kevin scored a huge victory a couple weeks ago when prosecutors dropped the case where a then-18-year-old male accused Spacey of groping him in a Nantucket bar.

We've seen this kind of display from Spacey before ... when the groping accusations first surfaced on Christmas Eve, he posted a bizarre video urging people not to rush to judgment, hopping into character as his old "House of Cards" character, Frank Underwood, to deliver the message.

One of the stars of the HBO teen drama, "Euphoria," says art definitely does NOT imitate life when it comes to her character ... who's ramping up to become a full-blown dominatrix.

Barbie Ferreira -- who plays the the sexually reborn (and empowered) Kat Hernandez on the show -- was leaving LAX Sunday night, when our camera guy ran into her and had a bit of a fanboy moment. As he told her, if he wasn't working ... he'd be watching the new episode.

Speaking of that ... we asked the 22-year-old if she runs back her own work and takes it in as a regular viewer. Turns out, she does! But, there's a catch about how she has to watch.

Considering the extremely graphic nature of the series -- involving sex, drugs and LOTS of other stuff -- we don't blame her for turning down the volume based on her neighbors.

Now, here's something too. Our guy asks if her life has become anything like that of her character's -- with guys throwing themselves at her to solicit her, um, services. Doesn't sound like that's happening though ... if anything, Barbie says it's the opposite.

Jeremy Lin says he's hit rock bottom in NBA free agency -- and also feels like the league has given up on him.

The veteran point guard made an appearance at a Taiwan event over the weekend, where he opened up and spoke candidly about his off-season woes. Lin was onstage coming to tears as he explained that free agency was getting harder and harder for him.

He also said his personal bottom in professional basketball keeps getting lower and lower.

Through a translator, Lin said that each year he gives more of himself to God -- but despite that each year gets harder. He also makes reference to an American saying -- when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up -- but sadly said that wasn't the case for him.

He admits that this latest round of free agency has been tough on him, and in some ways ... he feels like the NBA has abandoned him. It's an incredibly vulnerable moment.

Ya hate to hear about Lin's struggles, 'cause he's a good dude, and he started out promisingly with the Knicks way back in 2012 ... when "Linsanity" was a thing for a sec. Since then, he's been relegated to a role player, and has become a journeyman in the league.

He's also been plagued by injuries, possibly career changing ones at that.

This past year, he was coming off the bench with the Toronto Raptors, but hardly saw any playing time in the playoffs, let alone the Finals. Still, the dude's got a ring ... even though he's openly questioned whether he deserves it or not. Hey, a ring's a ring.

Anyway, Lin remains a free agent on the market for now, but it doesn't sound like anyone's giving him a call. Time will tell if a team shows interest as camps start to get going later this summer, but as of now ... he's drifitng. There are rumors teams in Europe want him there, and he's even entertained the idea of playing in Asia, alongside his brother.

Wherever he goes ... hopefully he finds success. Best of luck, man.

BEST VIDEO EVER!!!!

14-year-old Tim -- who was born without arms -- was nervous about trying to hit a 20" box jump at the NubAbility Camp ... you can see it in his face.

But what you also see ... SHEER DETERMINATION!!!

Check out this incredible footage of Tim and his team of trainers and spotters encouraging the kid even after he stumbles on the first two tries.

Did Tim give up?! HELL NO!!! He pushed and pushed and pushed and HIT THE JUMP!!!

Good luck trying not to get emotional ... this might be the most inspirational thing you'll see all day.

Brad Vineyard posted the footage and said, "My favorite moment from Nubability Camp. Tim overcoming his fears and self-doubt and landing a 20” box jump. If you have not heard of Nubability Athletics and its founder, Sam Kuhnert, check them out."

We're told Tim has been coming to the camp for years and has usually participated in a variety of sports -- including playing volleyball with his feet.

But in 2018, Tim took an interest in strength training ... and he's been focusing his time in the  gym ever since. We're told the program brings in accomplished adults with similar conditions as the kids so they can learn from someone who's been in their shoes.

We spoke with NubAbility founder Sam Kuhnert who tells us he's extremely proud of Tim -- and explained that the word "can't" isn't allowed at their camp!

By the way, if you recognize Tim, it might be because he was featured in a Shriners Hospital commercial back in the day!

'Spider-Man' star Tony Revolori channeled his movie character at Comic-Con, becoming the life of the party by climbing a tree with flash to spare ... and then getting booted right after.

Tony was at Entertainment Weekly's Comic-Con bash Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel rooftop bar, Float, in San Diego -- this following an epic day of Marvel revelations, including casting announcements for "The Eternals," "Blade" and other projects. Big superhero day.

Eyewitnesses tell us he was hanging out with some actors from Amazon's new web series "The Boys" ... when a little game of truth-or-dare got underway.

We're told somebody dared Tony to climb a tree that was nearby, and without hesitation ... he hopped right up there and made his way across some branches. Classic Flash Thompson, right?

In video of the climb, obtained by TMZ, you can see a security guard rush over and tell him to get down. He wasn't very high up, but the guy looked kinda pissy about it.

Tony made his way down as more guards showed up -- and he got quite the ovation from onlookers, who told him the stunt was worth it. Tony seemed to agree.

It appears he was escorted off the property, because we're told Tony wasn't seen at the event afterward. Cops weren't called, so no harm, no foul. Flash left without incident.

Something tells us Peter Parker would be overjoyed about this.

Jadakiss says there's logic behind his pizza crust ordering practices ... when there's cheese on the pie, they have to give him plenty of dairy-air.

The "Why" rapper raised eyebrows this week when a Brooklyn pizza shop posted an image on social media showing his custom order ... a cheese pizza with the center cut out, leaving behind nothing but a ring of crust.

Jadakiss tells us the crust has been his favorite part of pizza since he was a kid ... and now that he's 44, he cuts right to the chase and skips everything except the crust because he's on a health kick, and dairy is not part of his diet.

Jadakiss says that's been his drill for years -- cheese pizza, hold the cheese.

Kiss says the viral image is actually from a year ago, and his good friend, the owner of Cuts and Slices pizza shop in Brooklyn, re-posted it after another pizza parlor announced it was now offering a pie made only of crust.

Jadakiss' odd order sent the Internet into a tizzy ... but he's not dishing back the hate he's received. He says pizza lovers should order their pies however they want, and he's got nothing against peeps who pile on cheese. It just ain't for him.

Josh Norman finally faced the question everyone wanted to ask when they saw the video of him  jumping that bull in Spain -- WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!

And, his answer is very "Braveheart"-esque.

"For me, though, it’s literally like, would you rather live and die ... or would you rather die and never lived?”

In other words, HE NEEDED THE RUSH!!!

The Washington Redskins star defensive back sat down with Rich Eisen and said he was basically hailed as a HERO in Pamplona for his antics at the 2019 Running of the Bulls.

Norman says the locals even gave him a nickname, "El Saltador" -- which means, "The Jumper!"

The 31-year-old says he weighed the risks before making the leap -- but ultimately felt he was athletic enough to hang with the animals ... and knew he wouldn't get hurt.

"You go out there to run out there with the bulls, you're gonna get the horns if you're not athletic enough to move out the way."

Eisen asked if the Redskins had reached out to Josh to express their concerns after watching the jump -- and he scoffed.

Norman explained that the Redskins know his personality -- that he's a bit of a wild man -- but he'd never do anything to put the team in jeopardy.

Norman says he's got a YOLO mentality when it comes to life -- and he wants to push himself to the limits. In fact, he feels people who play it safe are missing out.

So, what was going through Josh's mind right before he jumped?!

"It came straight directly at me so I charged back at it ... I was like who's gonna win big fella!"

"I knew I was gonna clear it."

Congressman Ted Lieu's at risk of being labeled a buzzkill, but he says that's nothing compared to the security risks involved with using the popular new app that makes you an instant senior citizen.

The California Rep is very leery of FaceApp, the free app -- reportedly owned by a Russian company -- that transforms faces with various filters like "old age." The Russian connection is making some users nervous and, when we asked Lieu about it Wednesday on Capitol Hill, he said we ALL should be.

Ted points out he has a background in cybersecurity, and FaceApp raises major concerns because when you download it ... you agree to let it access all your photos and, potentially, a bunch of private info.

If you're cool with that, so be it ... but the Congressman is urging consumers to think twice since you could be added to a facial recognition database, or have your pics sold or altered.

Leo Durocher, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!!

A 6-year-old "coach" for a college summer league baseball team got his ass EJECTED on Saturday after kicking dirt on the umpire ... and the video is AMAZING!!

The kid is Coach Drake of the Kalamazoo Growlers -- which competes in the Northwoods League -- and when the umpire blew an obvious call, Drake WENT HAM ON THE BUM! 

He stomped around. He wagged his finger. He kicked dirt and he got all up in the ump's grill -- so he got tossed. 

But, that's just the beginning ... 

Coach Drake stormed back into his dugout and started throwing bats onto the field. 

The best part is when he grabs a 5 gallon bucket of balls and tries to spill 'em onto the diamond ... and the struggle with the bucket is epic.