TikTok Influencers Terrified of Potential Ban ... Looking for 'Real Jobs'

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TikTok influencers are dusting off their resumes because of President Trump -- they're terrified he's about to ban the app, and force them to find J-O-Bs outside social media.

With the Trump Administration considering a ban on the super-popular video creation app -- due to the escalating trade war with China -- TikTok influencers who make a killing on their posts tell us they fear the future.

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Sean, whose magic trick-themed page @seandoesmagic has 13.5 million followers, says the China-based app shutting down would be financially crushing because he makes $15,000 to $20,000 per sponsored post.

Yes, you read that right ... Sean is cleaning up as an influencer, but fears the only thing he'll be cleaning soon is the fry machine!

Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but Sean says he's in talks with McDonald's to do a promotional tour this fall, which would involve live magic gigs -- but he's worried that'll vanish if the app is banned.

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Drage Kamerman's comedy channel @dragekamerman has 2.1 million TikTok followers, and while he has a plan B, it won't offset immediate financial losses.

Drake says he makes $7,000 to $10,000 every few weeks on TikTok, but it took him a year and a half to build his followers and start making that kinda cheddar. If the app goes away, he'll jump to YouTube and Instagram. He just worries his international followers won't find him -- not at first, anyway -- and his sponsor money would go with them.

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Niko Valdes, whose family-centric page @babyfaceniko has 1.5 million followers, tells TMZ ... he's terrified he won't be able to make ends meet and put food on the table for his fam. His channel is all about his wife, his toddler and him -- and TikTok is their primary source of income ... $7k to $10k a month.

Without that cashflow, his wife would have to go back to her therapist gig, and he's not sure what he would do. Niko says he just inked a flurry of endorsement deals on TikTok after 4 fruitless years trying to make dough on YouTube and IG.

Of course, these high-paid influencers would be added to the more than 21 million people currently unemployed in America ... so, worst possible timing.

Sounds like TikTokers, much like Joe Exotic, really need an in with the Prez.

Robert Fuller Death Ruled Suicide by L.A. Sheriff's, Medical Examiner

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The L.A. County man who was found hanged on a tree died from suicide ... according to the Medical Examiner and the Sheriff's Department.

Investigators announced their findings Thursday in the Robert Fuller case. His death on June 10 in Palmdale, CA had sparked outrage ... given it came a week after another black man -- 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch -- had been found hanging from a tree in Victorville, from an apparent suicide.

The M.E.'s report confirmed the initial investigation into the 24-year-old man's death. While cops ruled it a suicide ... his family and friends demanded an investigation.

Fuller's death also came at the height of nationwide protests triggered by George Floyd's death.

Robert Fuller
"NO SIGNS OF A STRUGGLE"

Investigators say they found Robert suspended from a tree branch by his neck from a braided rope and a cloth fabric. They also said there were no defensive wounds observed on his body or any signs he attempted to remove the rope from his neck. They say they also observed several prominent linear scars on Fuller's left wrist consistent with suicidal intent.

Commander Chris Marks also mentioned there's a documented history of mental illness and self-harm ... adding Fuller had been admitted to hospitals in California, Arizona and Nevada after expressing he wanted to kill himself.

A passerby discovered Fuller hanging from a tree outside Palmdale City Hall at around 3:39 AM. Paramedics were called and Fuller was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fashion Retailer Shein Apologizes for Pimping Swastika Necklace ... Pulls It After Backlash

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The online fashion retail site Shein is apologizing for creating confusion over its attempt to sell a Buddhist swastika necklace, which triggered outrage and led to the retailer removing the item from the site.

A rep for Shein tells TMZ ... the online retailer was NOT selling a Nazi swastika pendant, but rather a Buddhist swastika necklace, "which has symbolized spirituality and good fortune for more than a thousand years." The rep goes on to explain, "The Nazi swastika has a different design; it is pointed clockwise and tilted at an angle. However, because we understand the two symbols can be confused, and one is highly offensive, we have removed the product from our site."

Shein took TONS of backlash on social media after hordes of people pointed out the swastika-like necklace ... selling for a whopping $2.50.

Someone else tweeted, "I probably am (was) the most loyal @shein_official customer around, but now I"ll be taking my business to @zaful_official or really any other company that doesn't have such repulsive disregard for what that swastika represents to the millions of people killed by those who wore it."

A rep for Shein also tells TMZ, "As a multicultural and global brand, we want to apologize profusely to those who are offended, we are sensitive to those issues and want to be very clear that we in no way support or condone racial, cultural and religious prejudice or hostility.

"We are actively working through our internal structure and processes to resolve these issues, including a product review committee to ensure that we respect our diverse community."

Bald Eagle Rescue Man Saves Baby Bird from Drowning ... This is WILD Video!!!

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Talk about loving America ... try saving a bald eagle's life on Independence Day, and the dude who did is Canadian!!! Man, they're nice up there.
DARING RESCUE

Talk about loving America ... try saving a bald eagle's life on Independence Day, and the dude who did is Canadian!!! Man, they're nice up there.

Ya gotta see this video from Windermere Lake in British Columbia ... the hero, Brett Bacon, was in the middle of a relaxing family boat ride when he spotted the giant raptor struggling in the water and sprung into action.

Brett pulled the boat right up beside the drowning bird of prey, then leaned over the side of the vessel. Now, even though it's a baby, it's still a bald eagle and they're pretty huge with really sharp talons ... so what Brett pulled off here is pretty courageous.

He plucked the young eagle out of the lake, and it looked super anxious after its near-death experience ... trying to flap its massive wings. Brett calmly hugged the bird, trying to soothe the animal. He says it eventually dried its soaking-wet feathers, and he released the majestic creature back into the wild.

Brett's partner captured the rescue effort on video ... and you can even see his infant son in the boat watching his dad become a viral hero.

America owes ya one!!!

Horse Racing 'Fauci' Gets The Win!! ... COVID Be Damned!!!

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YOU JUST CAN'T STOP FAUCI!!!!

... the horse!!!

Yes, a 2-year-old colt named "Fauci" -- after Dr. Anthony Fauci -- got the WIN at Keeneland race track Thursday in Lexington, KY ... and you better believe it kept its distance from the competition!!

"Fauci" was named back in March to honor the COVID-19 expert's knowledge and contributions during the pandemic ... and he's been performing pretty damn well so far.

In fact, Fauci galloped to a 2nd place finish at Belmont Park in its debut race back in June!

And, just weeks later, the horse was a 5/2 favorite going into the race at Keeneland ... and again, performed like a champ!!

Hopefully, this becomes some sort of sign that things will get better with the coronavirus in the U.S. ... but then again, maybe it just means that's one fast thoroughbred.

Keep wearing your masks, people ... and enjoy the win, Fauci.

Teen Soccer Player Hit By Lightning Bolt On Field ... Insane Explosion Caught On Video

Published

A teenage soccer player had to fight for his life after being struck by a lightning bolt on a pitch in Moscow this month ... and the terrifying incident was all caught on video.

The footballer, ID'd as 16-year-old Ivan Zaborovsky, was warming up for a workout around the penalty box ... when suddenly, a crack of lightning shot down from the sky and exploded on him.

The clip is insane ... you can see the bolt hit him and release a fireball around him.

Zaborovsky immediately collapsed on the field ... and after trainers, teammates and coaches rushed to his aid -- he was transported to the hospital.

Multiple reports say Zaborovsky went into a coma after the strike and suffered serious burns ... but reports add signs for a recovery have been encouraging.

In fact, the club Zaborovsky plays for says it's been in contact with the boy's father and Zaborovsky's "eyes are reacting, he is answering commands, his return to the team is positive, he will play."

Scary incident ... get well soon!!

As we previously reported, a pro video gamer in the U.S. was struck by lightning while INSIDE her house earlier this month.

Despite some intense pain at first, she's basically recovered -- though her controller was melted in the process.

Karen Goes Off at Dentist Refuses to Wear Mask

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Karen Dentist
DENTAL DENIAL

Consider this a PSA for all "Karens" out there ... you most certainly CAN be legally refused service for not wearing a face mask inside a private business -- just like this woman.

It's unclear when this incident went down or where but the video was posted on TikTok Wednesday showing a Karen going ballistic on a poor dental worker after being denied for a teeth cleaning appointment. She was told the policy is no mask, no cleaning ... and she was pissed.

Check out the video ... Karen's heard saying, "you're gonna work on my teeth, not my nose." She then tried covering her face with her hand, but that got her nowhere ... and her rage just got worse.

And, when they brought up taking her temperature before she could enter, she claimed that's illegal because dentists aren't MDs. Well, neither is your average restaurant owner, Karen, and they're taking temps too.

Anyway, the woman went on to make threats about talking to her lawyer and suing the dentist ... blah, blah, blah. Reality is ... she's out of touch with reality.

Obviously, private businesses in general have the right to refuse service to customers who violate their mask-wearing policy.

Businesses are also protected, especially if local or state governments have issued the mandate, like in New York where Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order that would allow businesses to refuse service to patrons who do NOT wear a mask.

Get it together, Karens.

Seattle Protest Driver Who Killed Protester Charged With Vehicular Homicide

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Seattle Freeway
DEVASTATING IMPACT

The driver who plowed into protesters on a Seattle freeway, killing one and seriously injuring another, was just charged with vehicular homicide.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed new charges Wednesday against Dawit Kelete for the fatal crash, which happened in the early hours of July 4 on a stretch of the I-5 that was closed to traffic.

Kelete is charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and reckless driving. He is in jail after prosecutors asked a judge to hold him on $1.2 million bail.

Prosecutors say Kelete, who was initially arrested and charged with 2 counts of vehicular assault, could be hit with additional charges pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the State Patrol and FBI. His initial charges were upgraded Wednesday because one of the protesters died after the incident.

24-year old Summer Taylor is the protester who died later that night in the hospital. The other protester who was injured, Diaz Love, remains in the ICU in serious condition.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe in Summer's memory has raised over $74,000 and counting.

Black NYPD Officer Mocks Cautious Policing Tactics ... D.L. Hughley Goes Off

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070820-shawn-cohen-kal
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE

A Black NYPD cop recorded himself making fun of societal calls for police to be more cautious during arrests -- and while he and his buddies thought it was hilarious ... D.L. Hughley says this guy's part of the problem.

The officer, whose video's been reposted on social media, does an impersonation of how he thinks cops are expected to act and carry themselves post-George Floyd.

Long story short ... he's basically doing the most to make it seem like cops have no power or authority anymore, and that they have to be totally soft on criminals they encounter.

The officer improv'd an entire skit for friends, presumably cops, who you can hear laughing in the background. He acts out making an arrest while taking extra care not to offend the suspect or handle them roughly.

D.L. found the video and reposted it himself, condemning the officer as delusional for his take.

He writes, "I guess he forgot that w/out that uniform he’s a #BLACKMAN in #America." D.L. continues ... "The delusion that, that uniform affords you the same privileges as your white counterparts, will probably catch up to your goofy ass one day. Ignorance is bliss and in cases like this, IT’S ALSO DANGEROUS!! YOU, OFFICER, ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!!"

We've reached out to the NYPD for comment ... so far, no word back.

George Floyd Told Cops He'd Been Shot Before ... Body Cam Reveals

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George Floyd was startled by cops when they first arrived on the scene that led to his death ... because he claimed he'd been shot before.

Thomas Lane -- one of the former officers charged in Floyd's death -- is seeking to have his charges dismissed ... and included transcripts from bodycam footage as evidence.

The transcripts are from 2 body-worn cameras -- Lane's and his codefendant, J. Alexander Kueng -- and they show Floyd seemingly unsettled as Lane approached, briefly drew his weapon and told Floyd to show his hands.

According to the transcript, Floyd said ... "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. God dang man. Man, I got shot. I got shot the same way, Mr. Officer, before."

Lane then asked a woman who was in the car with Floyd why he was "getting all squirrelly" and not showing his hands right away, and "just being all weird like that?" ... to which the woman suggested maybe "because he's been shot before."

The transcript from Kueng's camera reveals he then helped escort Floyd from his vehicle across the street to sit down, at which time Floyd thanked him and gave his ID info then said ... "I got shot last time, same thing, man."

Kueng then informed Floyd he was being detained on suspicion of passing a fake bill, which led to a struggle by Kueng and Lane to get him into the back of a squad car ... which eventually led to him going to the ground and Derek Chauvin's involvement, as seen in the notorious video.

According to the transcript, while Floyd was on the ground, one of the officers said ... "Man, you going to die of a heart attack. Just get in the car."

As they continued to restrain Floyd on the ground, Lane asked, "Should we get his legs up?" ... but was shut down by Chauvin and Kueng. As the officers continued to debate whether Floyd was high on something, Floyd continued to plead that he couldn't breathe, saying ... "I can't breathe. Please, your knee on my neck. I can't breathe, sh*t."

According to the Kueng transcript, Floyd's final words were "I can't breathe," followed by "Please sir, please" and a final "Please." At this point, Lane asked if they should move him on his side but was again told no by Chauvin, who added ... "That's why we got the ambulance coming." Lane responded, "Okay, I suppose," but later expressed concern Floyd was about to pass out.

Lane filed a motion Wednesday to dismiss the charges against him -- aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Wednesday -- arguing he "did not intentionally aid, advise, hire, counsel, or conspire with [Derek] Chauvin or otherwise procure Chauvin to commit second-degree murder."

Missouri Assault Attacker Turns Himself In ... Dancer Recovering with People's Generosity

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Sucker Punch 7/3/20
ZERO HUMANITY
UPDATE

2:48 PM PT -- The attacker, Cedric Charles Moore Jr., turned himself in Wednesday to the Scott County Sheriff's Office in Benton, Missouri. As we've reported ... he was already charged with felony assault in the second degree and felony child endangerment in the first degree due to the age of the victim and the violence of the act. His bond's been set at $50k cash only.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Sergeant Joey Hann with the Cape Girardeau PD said he "hopes that this arrest offers a sense of peace and security to the young victim and his family. Our department would also like to thank the large volume of information we received from the public on Cedric Moore. Your concern for decency and your tips on his whereabouts left this violent suspect with nowhere else to hide and helped to lead to his peaceful surrender."

It's impossible to make sense of the brutal, random act of violence against a 12-year-old dancing in the street, but humanity's shining through to help out the victim.

The tough kid's name is Ethan, and his mother, Stephanie Hagler, tells TMZ ... more than 400 people -- family, friends and strangers alike -- have raised more than $14,000 so far to cover his medical bills and more.

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Ethan's mom says the remainder of the money raised will go toward his tuition at the Fingerprint Urban Dance Studio, in Cape Girardeau, MO for the next several years. The studio will get some improvements too -- like a new security system -- and Ethan wants to put some cash toward its annual festival.

As for his health, Stephanie tells us her son's still shaken up over the assault, and fearful to perform. She says he's afraid someone out there may try to hurt him again, and the disturbing ordeal is requiring daily therapy sessions.

Ethan's also dealing with the effects of a concussion -- dizziness and headaches -- but his mom says the "overwhelming support from friends and community members has been making Ethan feel better." We're told folks have been bringing him gifts, as well ... including a painting by one of his friend's parents.

As we reported ... Ethan was with his dance instructor, Micheal Curry, Friday night when he was sucker punched by a man police ID'd as Cedric Charles Moore Jr. -- who's been charged with felony assault and felony child endangerment for the attack. Cops are still searching for him.

Curry, who recorded the video of the assault and is the owner of Fingerprint, tells us his group of dance kids is hitting pause on all street performances for now.

However, Curry says he and Ethan are scheduled to perform a DJ set at a local joint in August ... and he hopes it will help Ethan regain his confidence, while giving the community an opportunity to show support.

He says he's worked with Ethan for 4 years, and he's thankful for the support they've already gotten -- but his main focus is helping his kids regain their trust in humanity.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

Kanye West Planned Parenthood Remarks ... Get Blistering Response from Org

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Kanye West likened Planned Parenthood to a Satanic baby-killing cult put in place by racist forces, but the org is calling BS ... saying the real threat is talk like his.

ICYMI ... Kanye tackled the issue of abortion during his Forbes interview, saying ... "Planned Parenthoods have been placed inside cities by white supremacists to do the Devil’s work."

Welp, PP's response comes from Nia Martin-Robinson ... the Director of Black Leadership and Engagement at PP's national HQ. She tells TMZ, "Black women are free to make our own decisions about our bodies and pregnancies, and want and deserve to have access to the best medical care available."

Martin-Robinson adds, "Any insinuation that abortion is Black genocide is offensive and infantilizing. The real threat to Black communities' safety, health, and lives stems from lack of access to quality, affordable health care, police violence and the criminalization of reproductive health care by anti-abortion opposition."

Kanye West, Big Boy
REFORM THE CULTURE

Of course, Ye's expressed similar sentiments before ... in regards to the so-called Plan B pill.

What's interesting here is how at odds he appears to be with his wife, Kim Kardashian, who's publicly supported Planned Parenthood in the past -- notably, in 2017.

So far, she hasn't said anything publicly about Kanye's stance on PP ... or about anything else he told Forbes. Ya gotta imagine there are some interesting convos going on today in their household.

NoHo Church Members Threaten to Call Cops on Black Woman ... For Sitting on Church Lawn

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North Hollywood Church
SIMPLY SITTING

A group of Christian church members went to extreme lengths to remove a black woman peacefully sitting on "their" grass ... and it all played out on video.

The woman's name is Alex Marshall-Brown -- a stunt woman and voice actor here in L.A. -- and on Tuesday, she documented her North Hollywood encounter with the churchgoers ... who seemed to grossly overreact to her chilling out on church grounds.

She was working on her laptop, sitting under a tree and minding her business ... when a couple guys who apparently work for the church came out with a "No Trespassing" sign just for her. Alex questions why they're booting her, but they don't seem to have a good reason.

The men say they don't want strangers on their property, period -- insisting that them telling her to scram isn't anything personal ... that they're just doing their jobs and protecting the church.

But then it took a disturbing turn ... one of the guys dropped the ol' "All Lives Matter" on her.

Alex continued to point out she's not threatening anyone, and that escalating the situation by calling police -- which the men say was already happening -- wasn't necessary.

She noted she was asked by some bike cops to leave at first, or else she'd have a run-in with "Cop cops" -- but our law enforcement sources tell us no one in LAPD was even made aware of this. Instead, it sounds like Alex just had to deal with the church staffers.

She went on to say it's ironic a church, of all places, was being so unwelcoming.

Now, head honchos from this parish -- St. Paul's First Lutheran Church -- have already weighed in, and they say their workers on the ground got this one wrong. The church says they strive to spread the love of God, and they're saddened by the way this went down.

SPFLC also makes a point to say ... they're gonna train their staff better going forward.

Netflix's 'Unsolved Mysteries' Hot New Tips Flooding In ... Alonzo Brooks Case Could Crack 1st

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Netflix's revival of "Unsolved Mysteries" might need to change its name to "Case Closed" -- because the team's getting inundated with new leads that may very well crack some of these cases.

The show's original creator, Terry Dunn Meurer, is once again heading up the rebooted series ... and she tells TMZ that skyrocketing popularity and renewed interest has yielded some actual tips she and her team believe could lead to more clues -- or, in some cases, arrests.

Terry says 'Unsolved' has received upwards of 1,500 tips over their 6 new episodes up on the streaming service -- and of those ... she tells us about 50 were flagged as possibly legit and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

And, get this ... she says the one that is most likely to get buttoned up first is the case of Alonzo Brooks ... who disappeared from a Kansas party in the early 2000s.

If you're unfamiliar ... 22-year-old Alonzo and a group of friends went to a party in rural Kansas, where he ended up being the only black guy there among what's described as a bunch of rednecks and cowboy types ... with one of whom he almost fought.

His pals eventually dispersed -- and Alonzo never made it home. A month later, his body was found in a creek. He'd been murdered.

The killing was considered a hate crime, but investigators could never link it to anyone -- the case went unsolved for years. Terry, however, says that could change soon -- as her crew has forwarded names to the FBI ... which recently reopened his case.

Here's another thing -- one uber-popular installment in the new 'Unsolved' series chronicles the supposed suicide of Rey Rivera ... whom many fans speculate might have planned and carried out his own death after the '90s flick, "The Game," and its famous rooftop jump scene.

Rey mentioned the movie in a goodbye letter, which is why sleuths have been running wild with the theory. Terry says neither she nor Rey's wife, Allison, believe there's any truth to that. They maintain he was murdered and it was made to seem like he killed himself.

Trump Supporters Charged with Hate Crime ... Painted Over 'BLM' Mural

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The Trump supporters who tried using black paint to cover up a Black Lives Matter street mural in the Bay Area have just been charged with a hate crime.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged Nichole Anderson and David Nelson with misdemeanor counts Tuesday for their alleged actions on July 4, when Anderson was caught on camera covering up a yellow 'BLM' mural with black paint.

The D.A. says Nelson directly aided in the alleged criminal conduct ... and the Martinez, CA couple are both being charged with a violation of civil rights, vandalism under $400 and possession of tools to commit vandalism or graffiti.

Prosecutors are classifying it as a hate crime because under California penal code ... the alleged civil rights violation was motivated by the race of the victim.

As we reported ... the MAGA couple painted over a 'BLM' mural on a street outside their local courthouse, a mural that had been approved by city officials.

Video showed Anderson using a paint roller to spread black paint over the large yellow letters, while Nelson got into shouting matches with bystanders.

The mural was repainted and our law enforcement sources say police tracked down the couple, who were not arrested, and turned the case over the Contra Costa D.A.

Prosecutors say the couple is facing up to a year in county jail, if convicted on all charges.

Tech CEO Spews Racist Rant ... Asian Family, Workers Get Outpouring Support

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Restaurant, Racist Man
HARSH LANGUAGE
UPDATE

3:07 PM PT -- TMZ's learned phones have been ringing off the hook at Lucia, the restaurant at Bernardus Lodge & Spa where Lofthouse spewed his racist rant. We're told since the July 4 video went viral over the last 24 hours, customers have been calling to show support to both the Asian family and the waitstaff for how they handled the situation.

UPDATE

For instance ... we're told longtime customers and others have called asking how they can get upwards of $1,000 to the waitstaff and offering to cover the family's meal. And, get this ... some have also sent floral arrangements to the hotel with notes commending the staff. Others who called expressed outrage over what they saw.

UPDATE

As for Lofthouse, we're told the Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident as well after a call from the targeted family.

A man unleashed a viciously racist verbal attack against a family that was doing nothing but minding their business -- and it turns out ... the guy's the head of a major IT company.

The guy here has been identified as Michael Lofthouse -- CEO of cloud-computing startup Solid8 out in Silicon Valley ... and he was caught on camera this past weekend in Monterey, CA going off on a group of people who were of Asian descent. Lofthouse himself is from the U.K.

Anyway, the video starts after he'd apparently said something pretty vile from his table at a restaurant ... but when the people he attacked started recording him, he clammed up. Only briefly though, because Lofthouse eventually cut loose again, calling the person recording him an "Asian piece of s***."

He went on to invoke President Trump's name ... saying POTUS was gonna screw 'em in November. An employee demanded Lofthouse get the hell out.

The woman who recorded this says the guy's attack was completely unprovoked. She went on to post info about him, including a back and forth in a comment section which appears to show him threatening to kill a guy who called him out for his behavior.

Lofthouse has since gotten rid of his social media accounts. Solid8 hasn't spoken on it yet.

Now, here's a little more context. According to Stop AAPI Hate (an org that documents incidents of discrimination against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders) ... 832 people in their community have self-reported experiences of harassment in the last three months.

Karen in Torrance 6/10/20
WE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE!!!

That jibes with what we've seen on the streets, especially in L.A. ... with folks like SoCal Karen spewing hate.

The reason for this uptick? Well, the Prez has been blaming China for coronavirus for months now. Still think his "kung flu" jokes are harmless?

Originally published -- 7:36 AM PT