YG 'F*** the Police' Vid Dropping Friday ... BLM H'wood Rally Will Be Featured

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YG's about to release the music video you could call the fruit of his extensive labor ... pulling together that massive Black Lives Matter rally last weekend in Hollywood.

We're told his new "F**k the Police" vid will drop early Friday, and while the song -- for obvious, lyrical content, reasons -- won't get a lot of radio airplay, you know it'll be all over the Internet. The song itself already has several million plays on YouTube.

YG
"I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD"

As we reported, YG shot much of the music video during Sunday's Hollywood BLM rally, which he helped organize. With an estimated 50,000 people turning out, it was L.A.'s largest protest since George Floyd was killed -- and we're told parts of YG's speech, which kicked off the march, will be featured in the video.

As the Compton rapper said Sunday, "This s**t been going on for too long. I'm tired of waking up, looking at my phone, seeing another one of my people killed by the police."

He added, "I know if my brother Nipsey Hussle was here, he'd be right here with me."

YG's track is not a cover of N.W.A.'s 1988 classic ... it's a whole new version. In addition to the Hollywood BLM rally, we're told protests from all around the country will be in the music video.

DeSean Jackson Honors George Floyd W/ Cleats ... 'Taking A Stance'

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NFL receiver DeSean Jackson is paying tribute to George Floyd with his latest pair of custom cleats ... sporting a design to honor the man with a powerful message.

"I’m making my mark, Regardless of the feedback," the Philadelphia Eagles star says. "I’m taking a stance on justice & using my platform to stand for what’s right !!"

As we previously reported, Jackson has addressed police brutality dating back to 2016 ... and has featured other names like Rodney King and Nipsey Hussle as well.

D-Jax hit up his go-to guy, SolesBySir, for the job this time around ... with a design featuring Floyd's image, 8 minutes and 46 seconds (symbolizing the amount of time officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck) and the phrase "I Can't Breathe Again."

The inside of the cleats also features the message, "No Justice, No Peace."

It's unclear whether Jackson will wear these cleats during a game ... but given Jackson's history of making a statement with his kicks, it's not out of the question.

Phoenix 'Karen' Mental Illness No Excuse for Racism ... Says Woman Who Slapped Her

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Karina Rodriguez isn't ready to forgive the Phoenix "Karen" who made racist comments about her, because she says the woman has yet to take responsibility for her actions ... and Karina doesn't buy her excuse either.

Rodriguez tells TMZ ... she's not going to consider accepting an apology over the gas station incident in which she slapped back at "Karen" -- whose real name is Tamara Harrian -- until she hears the words "I'm sorry" out of Tamara's mouth.

So far Karina's only received a tearful apology from Tamara's husband Bob, who claims his wife acted the way she did because she's been battling mental illness after a break-in incident more than a year ago.

That doesn't cut if for Karina, though ... and she explains why.

Karen Slapped 6/6/20
SLAP SOME SENSE INTO YA

She tells us she doesn't believe being racist and being mentally ill have anything to do with each other, and she's willing to bet Tamara's racism dates back earlier than whatever she's been dealing with recently.

Karina advises "Karen" to immediately start working toward bettering herself if she wants a shot at redemption, but she's not holding her breath.

We broke the story ... Karina says she feared cops being called to the gas station because she thought they'd believe the white lady, not her.

George Floyd Protests Spark Statues Getting Toppled ... All Over the World

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George Floyd protesters are taking their anger and frustration out on historical statues deemed to undermine the movement ... and it's happening all over the world.

A statue of Belgian King Leopold II was defaced following an anti-racism protest in Brussels. You can see the BLM letters are tagged on the statue itself. Over in Bristol, England ... you can see a statue of Edward Colston being pushed into the river.

So, who's Colston? He was a slave trader in the late 17th century who played a major role in the development of the city of Bristol. In London ... a BLM placard was placed on the Winston Churchill statue at Parliament Square.

Check out the pics ... you can see the Christopher Columbus statue painted with red during recent protests. As we reported ... Columbus statues all over the US of A have also gotten their fair share of vandalism.

In Boston ... a Columbus statue at Waterfront Park was beheaded. It's now been scheduled to be removed by the city of Boston. As we've reported ... protesters have taken to the streets in South Africa, Poland and Italy, to name a few, to honor George Floyd.

Tulsa Cop We're Shooting Black Folks 'Less Than We Probably Ought To'

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Travis Yates
Straight from the horse's mouth

A top cop in the Tulsa Police Department brazenly says his boys in blue aren't firing on African-Americans as much as they should ... something he says he's basing on crime data.

Major Travis Yates made the shocking statement during a podcast he was on, discussing George Floyd police brutality protests. Leading up to his controversial statement, he was talking about how black people -- at least in his jurisdiction -- appear to commit more crimes, so their run-ins with law enforcement increase.

Yates' interpretation of those numbers is, "All of the research says we’re shooting African-Americans about 24 percent less than we probably ought to be, based on the crimes being committed."

Yes, he knew this was being recorded and aired.

During the Monday podcast, Yates also claimed studies from Harvard economist Roland Fryer and research from the National Academy of Sciences will back him up.

He went on to say that the protests and riots that have followed the death of George Floyd were not achieving the justice they claim to be after, saying ... "Justice at this point has been done. Well, then it turned into systematic racism, systematic police brutality."

Now, obviously the guy is getting tons of criticism for the remarks -- but he defended himself by saying the notion cops should be shooting black people more than they're already doing is outrageous and not at all what he meant. He claims his words are being taken out of context.

In any case, his words aren't sitting well with some people ... including Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, who blasted the guy -- "He does not speak for my administration, for the Tulsa Police Department, or the City of Tulsa. His comments are under review by the Chief’s Office. And if he didn’t mean to make the statement in the way it has been received, he owes Tulsans a clarification and an apology."

Christopher Columbus Statues of Him Beheaded, Toppled In Boston and Richmond, VA

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Statue
down with oppression

Controversial statues of historical figures with racist or oppressive pasts are going down -- and the latest target is Christopher Columbus.

Two statues of the infamous Italian explorer -- credited (though incorrectly) with discovering the Americas, and ruining the lives of indigenous people -- were vandalized beyond recognition (or sight) in Boston and Richmond, VA Tuesday evening ... and for now, they'll be MIA.

In Virginia, CC's monument was found toppled over and dunked in a lake at Byrd Park -- this after protesters there reportedly set it ablaze and demanded it be taken down. Some folks had signs decrying what Columbus represents to some -- genocide, thievery, etc.

Eventually, the thing was stripped down from its pedestal with ropes ... and then rolled over to the nearby water, where it stayed overnight. Officials removed it early Wednesday and took it to a secure location. Cops say no arrests were made over the vandalism.

That wasn't the only place that let ol' Chris have it -- out in Beantown, vandals there too did away with a statue of the man ... but did so in pieces, starting with his whole noggin.

Yes ... somebody beheaded the statue, and it's also been removed from where it stood in North End Park ... with discussions currently in place on whether to bring it back anytime soon. The head was left nearby on the ground, as police taped off the scene.

This, of course, comes on the heels of Brits rolling a statue of slave trader Edward Colston into the harbor there from across the pond ... and let's not forget King Louis XVI out in Kentucky.

Not only that ... but a statue of Robert E. Lee in Virginia, no less, has also become a flashpoint of controversy lately. The governor there vowed to have it removed amid the protests, but a judge just temporarily blocked that move, after someone sued to stop it.

REL's fate will have to be hashed out in court, but he'll be safe for the next 10 days due to the judge's order.

Phoenix 'Karen' Slapper Feared Call to Police ... They'd Side with White Lady!!!

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Karen Slapped 6/6/20
SLAP SOME SENSE INTO YA

The woman who slapped the crap outta Phoenix "Karen" was scared she'd get the short end of the stick if cops got involved, which made her reluctant to speak out ... until the video went viral.

Karina Rodriguez tells TMZ ... she considered contacting police after her weekend altercation with "Karen" at the gas station, but decided not to because she feared cops might racially profile her, and blame her for the run-in.

She says she didn't want it to be her story of what happened against the word of a white woman, so she decided to let it go.

Karina tells us she was also hesitant to go public after getting word that "Karen" -- real name Tamara Harrian -- has a lawyer husband. However, he's already said he's actually on Karina's side.

Fortunately for Rodriguez, video of the incident -- shot by Greg Conn, another customer -- has gone everywhere, and makes it clear who was in the wrong.

Greg tells us he and Karina spoke after the incident, and she messaged him on Facebook to thank him for posting the video. He says she told him the outpouring of support made her feel comfortable to speak out.

As for why Tamara didn't call the cops -- Greg says the attendant Tamara originally yelled at before arguing with Karina, followed her outside and calmed her down. Then, she just left.

As we reported ... Tamara's husband, Bob Harrian, told FOX10 his wife's battling mental illness. He also tearfully apologized to Karina, and reassured her they have no plans to sue.

Joe Exotic Prison Denies Hoarding Letters We Locked Down, Though

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Joe Exotic says the prison he's in is shutting him off from the outside world, but officials there say it was nothing personal -- the whole facility was on pause for a bit.

A rep for the Bureau of Prisons -- the federal agency overseeing Joe's new home in Fort Worth, TX -- tells TMZ ... all of their prison institutions went on a national lockdown last week in response to protests and riots breaking out.

While they were on lockdown, BOP says inmates temporarily had limited access to phones and email -- but as of Monday, lockdown's been lifted and everything's pretty much the same as it was before.

In regards to letters Joe claims he hasn't received -- implying prison guards are keeping them from him, including potential mail from his hubby, Dillon -- BOP flat-out denies that. We're told even during lockdown, snail mail was being delivered to inmates like usual.

As we reported ... Joe said Dillon had gone ice cold on him in terms of communication, but Dillon says he'd been sending letters, and is dismayed to hear Joe's not getting them.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Now, BOP refused to comment on Joe's specific living or medical conditions -- which he described as hellish -- for safety and privacy reasons.

Remember, Joe says he requires blood infusions every 4 weeks, but claims he hasn't had one since January. He also darkly predicted he'll be dead in 2-3 months.

'Gone with the Wind' HBO Max Will Stream It After All But Taking Slavery, Racist Scenes to Task

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"Gone With the Wind" is gone no more ... HBO Max is bringing back the 1939 classic but it'll do so by adding historical context and denouncing its racist depictions.

The streaming platform made an about-face mere hours after announcing it would temporarily pull the film from its library. The move came after "12 Years a Slave" screenwriter John Ridley published an op-ed Tuesday in the Los Angeles Times calling for HBO Max to remove a film that puts slavery in a positive light, set in the pre-Civil War South.

HBO Max announced late Tuesday night the original film will be brought back "with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement" of the depictions of slavery.

HBO Max added, "'Gone With The Wind’ is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society." When the movie returns, it'll be "presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed."

It's unclear exactly how the streaming service will add "context."

In his op-ed, Ridley wrote the film "romanticizes the Confederacy in a way that continues to give legitimacy to the notion that the secessionist movement was something more, or better, or more noble than what it was — a bloody insurrection to maintain the 'right' to own, sell and buy human beings."

"Gone With the Wind" won 8 Oscars ... including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hattie McDaniel would become the first Black winner ... Best Supporting Actress for playing Scarlet's house servant, Mammy.

Even so, she was forced to sit separately from her costars at the Oscars ceremony -- in the back of the room -- due to segregation. So many levels of irony, it hurts.

George Floyd FedEx Fires Kneeling Employee ... Mocked Floyd's Killing During NJ Protest

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COUNTER PROTEST
UPDATE

5:49 AM PT -- FedEx has now fired DeMarco, telling us, "FedEx holds its team members to a high standard of personal conduct, and we simply do not tolerate the kind of appalling and offensive behavior depicted in this video."

UPDATE

The statement continues, "The individual involved is no longer employed by FedEx. A diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of our business, and we stand with those who support justice and equality"

The white man who disgustingly imitated George Floyd's homicide in front of Black Lives Matter protesters is a FedEx employee, and the stunt could cost him his job.

Our sources tell us James DeMarco is one of the men seen in video mocking Floyd's death Monday as protesters marched past him in Franklin Township, NJ ... and he's been suspended from work pending a company investigation.

Honchos at FedEx tell TMZ ... "The behavior depicted in the video, which involved a FedEx employee, is appalling and offensive. The employee in question was immediately removed from all FedEx work duties while our investigation is concluded and all internal procedures are followed."

The shipping giant adds ... "A diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of our business, and we stand with those who support justice and equality."

As you can see, the peaceful protesters were flanked by police as they marched past a group of men mocking Floyd's death in front of Trump flags, American flags, a "Thin Blue Line" flag and an "All Lives Matter" sign. The group, which included one man kneeling on another's neck, shouted at protesters.

The footage drew tons of heat on social media and a rebuke from the town's mayor and police chief, who said they were "appalled and saddened by the revolting actions of certain individuals."

One of DeMarco's pals, also in the video, was identified as a South Jersey corrections officer, and the NJ Department of Corrections says he's been benched pending an investigation.

Originally Published -- 6/9 6:48 PM PT

LAPD Officer Charged with Assault ... After Beatdown Video

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051220_lapd_violent_arrest_kal_v2 April 2020
FLYING OFF THE HANDLE

An LAPD cop who was caught on video giving a man a beating earlier this year is now going to court ... he's been charged with assault by the District Attorney.

Los Angeles County D.A. Jackie Lacey announced the charge Tuesday against Officer Frank Hernandez -- who video shows pummeled a man with his fists this past April out in Boyle Heights.  As we reported, the officer was responding to a call for trespass. Hernandez now faces one count of felony assault under color of authority.

At the time, Hernandez and his partner encountered the guy after seeing him on a lot he allegedly wasn't supposed to be on -- but after refusing to leave the area entirely on the officers' orders, things got heated ... and eventually, they came to blows.

According to the D.A., Hernandez is accused of repeatedly punching the man over a dozen times over the head, neck and body. The D.A. calls it "a disturbing case of the illegal use of force at the hands of a police officer. In this case, we believe the force was neither legally necessary nor reasonable."

If convicted, Hernandez faces up to three years behind bars.

George Floyd Joe Biden Speaks at Houston Funeral ... Final Farewell

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Joe Biden  at George Floyd memorial.
THE TURNING POINT

George's family just paid their final respects, remembering their uncle, brother, son, cousin and nephew ... and it was super emotional.

UPDATE
George Floyd Family
DEMANDING JUSTICE

His aunt, Kathleen McGee, spoke about the George the world doesn't know. His niece, Brooke Williams, called for justice and change. His brothers, Terrence and Philonise, said he was their Superman and talked about his final words, "I can't breathe."

Joe Biden’s pre-recorded message was just played at the funeral, and he addressed George’s killing -- and all the similar tragedies that have befallen black families -- by offering hope that Floyd’s death can be a turning point … one that finally helps America achieve true equality.

UPDATE

As we reported … Biden met with George’s grieving family privately for over an hour Monday and listened to them express their pain. The family lawyer, Ben Crump, said the gesture “meant the world” to them, and added …  “Listening to one another is what will begin to heal America.”

George Floyd's loved ones will pay their final respects in Houston Tuesday ... which has officially been declared George Floyd Day in the area.

Floyd's hometown funeral is the last of four services held for him over the past few days. The ceremony will be held at Fountain of Praise Church -- just like Monday's public viewing -- and then he'll be buried in a grave beside his mother's.

TMZ will be live streaming the event at 11 AM CT. Among those in attendance will be Ahmaud Arbery's mother. As we reported ... Ahmaud's father spoke during Monday's public memorial, along with parents of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

George's family also spoke and delivered a powerful message, saying they believe if he had known he needed to sacrifice his life to bring the world together ... he would have done it.

Floyd was honored last week in Minneapolis, and then again in his birth state of North Carolina over the weekend.

Of course, George's death has touched millions of people around the world, sparked international protests and demonstrations in his name ... and could lead to an overhaul of policing across the U.S., as evidenced by what's happening with the Minneapolis PD.

The cops involved in his killing have been criminally charged. Derek Chauvin is facing second-degree murder for having his knee on George's neck for nearly 9 minutes. The other 3 officers -- Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao -- have also been charged with felonies, aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

George was killed on May 25. He was 46.

RIP

Originally Published -- 8:30 AM PT

Kimberly Jones Black People 'Exceptionally Forgiving' ... Now We're Fighting for Our Rights!!!

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Kimberly Jones says her powerful, eye-opening speech about the plight of black people in America came from feeling broken and hopeless -- but says it's exactly what everyone needs to hear.

The activist joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday to discuss her now-viral video, in which she passionately explains the history of black oppression in America in a way she believes many before her had been afraid to say out loud. Frankly, that fact alone is a symptom of the oppression.

If you haven't seen it yet ... do yourself a favor.

As her message continues to spread -- LeBron James, Janelle Monae and Trevor Noah have reposted it -- Kimberly tells us it's important to keep in mind why she said what she said. She says black people have been "exceptionally forgiving of the atrocities we face in this country," but the time has come to fight for TRUE equality.

Kimberly's also an author, and her new novel, "I'm Not Dying with You Tonight" focuses on race relations in America. As for why things finally seem to be shifting in real life -- she says we're in the perfect storm of national crises.

Watch her explanation ... people around the world are listening to Kimberly, and with good reason.

NYPD Cop Who Shoved Lady ... Arrested on Assault Charges & More

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GETTING OUT OF HAND

The NYPD police officer who shoved a female protester to the ground -- on camera -- has now been arrested and charged with assault ... among other crimes.

Officer Vincent D'Andraia surrendered to authorities at the Downtown Brooklyn precinct Tuesday morning. He was booked for assault, criminal mischief, harassment, and menacing. He appeared for his arraignment by a video feed, due to coronavirus concerns. He was released on his own recognizance.

D'Andraia has been ID'd by city officials as the officer seen in a video pushing a woman to the ground in late May near the Barclays Center ... where she was participating in a George Floyd protest. She says she suffered a concussion and a seizure.

The cop was suspended without pay shortly thereafter, and his supervisor was reportedly transferred to another precinct. The case is already being reviewed by Internal Affairs.

Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez says of the case, "I fully support the long-held American tradition of non-violent protest. As District Attorney I cannot tolerate the use of excessive force against anyone exercising this Constitutionally guaranteed right."

He adds, "This is especially true of those who are sworn to protect us and uphold the law. I am deeply troubled by this unnecessary assault. We will now seek to hold this defendant accountable."

Phoenix 'Karen' Husband Apologizes for Gas Station Incident ... Blames Her Mental Illness

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The husband of the Phoenix "Karen" -- who went viral for making a racist comment to a woman, and getting a slap in return -- is explaining his wife's behavior and offering a tearful apology.

Bob Harrian appealed directly to Karina Rodriguez -- the woman who slapped his wife, Tamara, in the gas station altercation -- during an interview with FOX10, saying, "I'm just so sorry that this happened. You never walked into that store thinking something like this was going to happen. I understand, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what she said."

Karen Slapped 6/6/20
SLAP SOME SENSE INTO YA

Bob didn't excuse Tamara's racist rant, but explained ... "I just have to tell you this -- it's her mental illness. A year ago she would never have done, never have even thought of that."

He claims his wife's actions are the result of a break-in at their home last year, and says she's developed paranoia and signs of fabrication. He hopes the slap video will be enough to convince Tamara to finally seek treatment for her issues.

Interestingly, Bob is also a lawyer, but says he has no plans to sue Karina for slapping "Karen."

LAPD Pig Head on a Spike Left in Front of Station

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A disgusting, bloody pig head on a spike was left in front of an L.A. police station ... now cops are trying to find out who left it.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the swine skull was discovered outside the LAPD's infamous Rampart station Saturday afternoon, and though the message is hardly subtle ... it's unclear if the gesture was intended as a serious threat.

We're told the department's looking into it further and reviewing surveillance footage in the area. Cops are also being advised to maintain a low profile right now while off-duty ... in order to avoid confrontations with a public that's heated about police practices. Cops are well aware that's why hundreds of thousands, in L.A. alone, have been marching.

As you know ... there have been several incidents of violence involving cops the past 2 weeks during the unrest over George Floyd's death, systemic racism and police brutality in the U.S.

Some of the more alarming incidents include a Chicago cop charging and punching a guy, cops in Buffalo pushing an elderly man to the ground and a vehicle running over an NYPD officer.

It's worth noting ... LAPD's Rampart Division made national headlines for a massive police corruption scandal in the late '90s with officers implicated in police brutality, drug deals and even bank robberies.