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Beyoncé’s upcoming album has sprung a leak two days before it's supposed to drop around the world ... and her most loyal fans are pissed.

A French fan posted a pic of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album -- in CD format (yep, they still make those) on Wednesday -- alerting fans worldwide that the album wasn’t being confined to Friday anymore.

Songs titled "Alien Superstar," "Church Girl" and "Cuff It" began to make their rounds on social media, disrupting the natural order of the music world.

Of course, it is 2022 … meaning for the album to leak, the “fan” would have to first find a CD player, rip the tracks into MP3s and then spread them across the web.

As a method to fight the leaks, Bey's trusty Beyhive fan club sent out alerts threatening to swat down any possible leak links they see appear.

"Renaissance" marks Beyonce's first solo album in 6 years and is set to feature Jay-Z, Drake, Pharrell, Tems and more dream teamers behind the making of the music.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, have graced the cover of Vogue ... something many feel has crossed the line into vanity territory amid the ongoing war.

The presidential couple is featured in a digital edition of the mag that's all about Olena and her role in the conflict with Russia -- it's titled, "Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska" with photography by Annie Leibovitz. It's a full-blown profile of her ... as well as her husband, the Ukrainian Prez.

Of course, there are also a fair amount of photos of each of them throughout -- including single shots of Olena, and ones where they're together ... holding hands and/or posing throughout what seems to be the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv.

A lot of hard issues are addressed in the story, no doubt, and ya gotta figure the intention is to bring more awareness to the cause. All the same, the fact the Zelenskys signed up for this in the first place is getting backlash -- with folks saying this comes across as tone-deaf.

Also ... the fact that a famed celebrity photog shot them for Vogue here isn't lost on the masses either. AL has captured the most famous faces on camera, bar none.

From a basic optics stance, there's an argument this isn't a good look ... especially to Ukrainian soldiers in the field who are putting their lives on the line. Others are criticizing it for political reasons it seems ... in any case, it's getting a collective side-eye on Twitter.

Granted, this feeling of resentment for some of Zelensky's choices through this time has been bubbling for a while now. Not everyone was on board with him beaming into the Grammys earlier this year -- ditto for the circuit of international speeches he's been making lately.

Essentially, some see a lot of that as him turning this crisis into the Zelensky show -- while looking for press and pats on the back along the way -- that's the cynical view, anyway.

A rep for Taco Bell tells TMZ ... "Everyone deserves to feel safe in Taco Bell restaurants. We take this very seriously and are working with our local franchisee to investigate. Due to pending litigation, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the incident.”

A Taco Bell manager poured scalding water on two customers who complained that the restaurant got their order wrong, sending them to the hospital with serious burns, this according to a recently filed lawsuit.

In their $1 million suit, Plaintiffs Brittany Davis and her niece, a minor identified only as C.T., claim they pulled up to a drive-thru at a Taco Bell in Dallas and placed a $31 order, but they didn't get what they wanted.

So they circled through the drive-thru 2 more times to rectify the situation, but the employee was having none of it.

The pair then allegedly parked their vehicle and tried to walk inside the fast-food joint, but it was already closed. An employee unlocked the door, allowing them to enter.

After the two asked for their order to be corrected, one of the workers allegedly challenged C.T. to a fight before the manager appeared, holding a bucket of piping hot water.

The manager then doused C.T.'s face with the boiling water, which splashed the chests of both plaintiffs, according to the suit filed July 13 by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

Luckily, the two were able to escape before they could be attacked again by Taco Bell staff, who laughed and clapped as they drove away, the suit claims.

Davis says she suffered deep burns to her chest and stomach along with brain injuries, which have caused at least 10 seizures. C.T. says she sustained discoloring and scarring burns to her face, chest, legs, arms and stomach.

Dallas PD is investigating the incident, which occurred on June 17.

Crump tells TMZ ... "Not only did Brittany and C.T. Suffer physical trauma because of the burns but they will now live with the psychological trauma that comes with an attack like this. Corporations have a duty to employ quality and stable employees who hold safety as the highest priority.”

We reached out to Taco Bell ... so far no word back.

Chucky might be real after all — that is, if you take a passing glance at these photos … which certainly make it seem like he’s alive and on the move.

A 5-year-old boy named Jackson has been freaking people out in Pinson, Alabama this month … roaming the streets for a “neighborhood watch” that he apparently likes to do in costume — this according to his mom, who spoke to a local TV station.

That getup, as it turns out, is his Halloween costume from last year — Chucky the Killer Doll, from the “Child’s Play” franchise … and it might be a little too lifelike, ‘cause it’s been scaring the crap out of some residents!

These photos of Jackson walking around as Chucky were posted on Facebook — with someone asking the parent(s) of this kid to come and wrangle him in … because he’s startling the neighbors.

It’s all in good fun, of course — and now that everyone knows who it is, the family is supposedly a little famous … with some party appearance requests even coming in for Chucky/Jackson.

Chess is supposed to be a non-contact game, but a boy in Russia find out differently when a competing robot crushed his finger during a tournament.

The boy was matched up against a bionic arm in the Moscow Chess Open when he moved one of his pieces, but didn't wait for the robot to respond. As he tried to make another move, the contraption simultaneously reacted and grabbed the boy's finger, squeezing it until the bone shattered.

Surveillance video captured the scary moment as people rushed to the boy's aid, managing to release him from the machine's grip and escorting him away.

Moscow Chess Federation President Sergey Lazarev told Tass media the boy's finger was broken and put in a cast, but he got back in the game the next day!

Lazarev added, “The robot was rented by us, it has been exhibited in many places by specialists for a long time. Apparently, the operators overlooked some flaws."

Keke Palmer is getting the side-by-side treatment with Zendaya on Twitter after her starring role in Jordan Peele's new movie -- sparking a conversation about colorism in Hollywood.

Here's the deal ... Keke made a splash this weekend in "Nope" opposite Daniel Kaluuya, with some arguing this is her breakout moment in the mainstream. Yes, she's worked in TONS of movies/shows for years -- but prior to this, she wasn't really a known household name, generally ... JP's flick has put on her on the map like she's never been before.

That's where Zendaya enters the chat (metaphorically) ... someone on the bird app said Keke deserves the same hype and adulation Zendaya typically enjoys these days. And from there ... folks started talking about why one might perhaps have ascended earlier than the other.

Before we write this off as pitting two women of color against each other, let's just entertain the subject matter and substance of the argument ... because, frankly, it's an interesting one.

Someone floated the theory that colorism was why Zendaya has experienced more mainstream success than Keke has at this point in their careers -- even though they're around the same age, both have a Disney background ... and despite one having way more acting credits than the other (Keke>Zen), Zendaya's the name/face we know more in 2022.

Of course, there's backlash to the fact this is being discussed at all ... with Zendaya fans coming to her defense in what they say feels like a personal attack against their idol, but others say they're missing the point entirely -- and that this isn't about Zendaya, per se.

You can hop into the "Keke" or "Zendaya" trends and see for yourself how this discussion is taking shape -- but long story short, there seems to be a good majority who feel like Zendaya, through no fault of her own, has greatly benefited from her mixed-race heritage.

We should note ... Zendaya herself has acknowledged this on multiple occasions, saying she wants to help her community, the Black community, get on the same level in showbiz.

There's no easy answers here -- and we're sure this debate will continue. As for Keke, we'll say this ... she has indeed been killing it since forever, but "Nope" truly is something else. Star-making roles come about every so often, and this is certainly one of them. 🛸

We're sure we'll see a lot more of Keke very soon.

Saweetie called out one of her fans in the middle of a show -- but it wasn't to reprimand him or anything ... it was to point out that she thought the dude was right up her alley!

The rapper was performing at Rolling Loud in Miami Friday, and at one point during her set ... Saweetie took a breather and looked out into the crowd. Before long, she locked eyes with a handsome fella down toward the front row -- and actually started talking to him.

Check it out ... Saweetie addresses a young buck in a white tank top, plucking him out of the audience and asking him to step forward so she can get his name. It's Will, BTW.

They go back and forth for a little bit, and it sounds like either Saweetie or her DJ/hype man says he's just her type. She asks Will if he heard her verse on Mozzy's "In My Face," but it's unclear what she was trying to communicate ... although it seems provocative.

Eventually, the guy's friends start chanting his name at Saweetie's request -- and Will here was loving it. Later, Saweetie posted an interesting IG ... feet out the window, asking "Wya?"

A NYT piece has Twitter buzzing about a question regarding cannibalism, and why it's so trendy now ... ominously reminding people of an old movie touching on just this topic.

The story published by the paper Saturday is titled, "A Taste for Cannibalism?" ... and the Times' tweet promoting it reads ... 'Cannibalism has a time and a place. Some recent books, films and shows suggest that the time is now. Can you stomach it?"

The whole premise explores why eating people has appeared so prevalently in our pop culture these past few years -- whether it's in newer movies like "Raw" or "Fresh," shows like "Santa Clarita Diet" and "Yellowjackets" ... or even novels of late that delve into the subject.

It's an interesting read -- different theories are mulled, like cannibalism being embraced anew in fiction as a response to angst over the pandemic, climate change, food shortages, capitalism, eating disorders, politics or just old-fashioned thrills from societal taboos.

But as the Times also notes, cannibalism in media is nothing new ... with depictions of it dating back to olden times -- but more recently in films like 'Silence of the Lambs,' or perhaps more prominently in 1973's 'Soylent Green' ... which is trending right now over this.

Naturally, the memes are flying ... with some jokingly pointing out 'SG' actually takes place in the year 2022, and that all this cannibal content might be a forecast of what's to come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Jill Biden is taking hate aimed at her hubby in stride -- absorbing a heckler's harsh words and redirecting them right back at 'em with a little reverse psychology.

The First Lady showed grace this week while out in New Haven, CT -- one of 3 states she's set to be visiting as part of a new tour to promote summer learning -- where some dude standing on the sidewalk about 30 yards from her let Mrs. Biden how he felt about Joe.

Check it out ... while Jill was heading into a building -- reportedly for an ice cream break amid the day's event -- the man shouts from a distance ... saying JB's the "worst president we ever had," and adding that she (and Joe maybe?) owe the American people gas money.

Nothing too crazy, but what's wild is Jill heard it loud and clear ... and responded. Rather than just ignore the jab, which she could've done, she spun it around -- and gave thanks!

DJB says she appreciates this fella's support and keeps it moving ... looks like the back-and-forth actually gave some of her Secret Service members a chuckle -- 'cause, yeah, it's funny.

Social media has made it possible for a new center of attention to emerge during sometimes serious events and broadcasts ... Thursday night was the man dubbed "Clark Kent's look-alike" at the Jan. 6 hearing, but he's not the first person in the background to steal the show.

Remember "Left Shark?" The costumed character, who we were first introduced to during Katy Perry's Super Bowl Halftime show in 2015, was trending on Twitter and has become a pop culture staple over the years.

There was also "Fiji Water Girl," who was simply tasked with holding the bottles for celebs at The Golden Globes back in 2019, but became something more by appearing in more red carpet shots than previously thought possible.

Before "Clark Kent" there was "Hot Debate Guy" who stole the spotlight during the Republican debates in 2015. Turns out he was Gregory Caruso, the 24-year-old son of now L.A. Mayoral hopeful, Rick Caruso.

Not even the Royal Family can escape background scene-stealers, Prince William and Kate Middleton's flower girl in 2011, Grace van Cutsem, showed the world her true feelings when the two kissed.

It's not just the waves crashing in SoCal's famed Surf City -- a plane slammed into the Pacific, just a few dozen yards from the beach ... and the miracle here is the pilot's condition.

The small plane went down Friday in Huntington Beach around 1:30 PM, and was so dangerously close to shore, a guy chilling in the sand captured crystal clear video of the crash.

The guy's reaction as the plane crashed into the surf might be the most SoCal reaction ever -- he yelled out, "Oh, dude!!! I have it on video!"

The fact the pilot went down so close to shore might have played a factor in his survival -- you can see lifeguards immediately sprung into action. Huntington Beach city officials tell TMZ ... those lifeguards were able to pull the pilot from the plane and quickly get him on land. He was not seriously injured, but went to a hospital to get checked out.

Interestingly, there was a junior lifeguard competition on that section of the beach, but they were not involved in the rescue. Can't beat that kinda on-the-job training, though.

Terrifying scene out on the open waters near Florida on Sunday ... a shark bit off a fisherman's finger -- and, WARNING, video of the incident is graphic.

The attack went down in the Content Keys -- just a few miles south of Miami -- when Brett Reeder was attempting to corral a 6-foot lemon shark that he had just hooked.

As Reeder went down to grab the beast and get his tool out of the fish's gills -- it suddenly turned and chomped down on his hand.

You can see in video of the bite -- which, again, is VERY graphic -- blood spilled everywhere ... 'causing Reeder to yell out, "F***! I lost my goddamn pinky! F***!"

Brett, according to a follow-up video posted by his wife, Mandy, had to drive the boat all the way back to shore following the bite -- while bleeding profusely.

Brett eventually made it back to land, and was immediately airlifted to the hospital. He underwent surgery upon arrival.

It's unclear if docs were able to save Brett's pinky in the operation -- the fisherman said in Thursday's follow-up video they'll find out the official results of the surgery later this week.

The Black family whose children were snubbed by a Sesame Place character says new footage pokes holes in the theme park's initial explanation for the humiliating incident.

Remember, in response to the initial viral video ... Sesame Place put out a statement saying its Rosita character "confirmed that the 'no' hand gesture seen several times in the video was not directed to any specific person, rather it was a response to multiple requests from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo which is not permitted."

The potential problem for Sesame Place is this new, wider angle -- from the other side of the parade route -- doesn't support that ... at least according to attorney B'Ivory LaMarr.

LaMarr is representing the family of Jodi Brown -- her daughter and niece are the girls who tried to interact with Rosita -- and he believes the new video obtained by his law firm undermines the park's claim.

He doesn't see anyone offering up a child for Rosita to hold ... not anywhere near the girls, anyway. In fairness to Sesame Place, the video is shot from across the street, so you can't hear any potential conversation between parents and whoever's in the Rosita costume.

Additionally, LaMarr thinks the new video shows Rosita's rejection gesture was made solely to the Black girls.

If true, that would be important because Sesame Place claimed, "The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding."

As we've reported ... more videos have surfaced of similar incidents at the park, and Sesame Place is promising to tighten things up with bias training and a thorough review of how park workers engage with guests.

LaMarr says he's been flooded with calls from other folks who were at the same Sesame Place parade as Jodi and the girls.

LaMarr says community activists, such as Tamika Mallory, are organizing events to galvanize people outraged by the viral video.

As for the Brown family, he says their end goals are getting whoever was in the Rosita costume fired, and getting a sincere apology from Sesame Place ... something they feel hasn't happened yet.

Sesame Place tells TMZ ... they are in contact with LaMarr, and have offered to meet with him and the family to personally deliver an apology and acknowledgment that they hold themselves accountable for what happened. It also says, "We want to listen to them to understand how the experience impacted their family and to understand what we can do better for them and all guests who visit our parks."

Historic moment on "Jeopardy!" ... as all 3 contestants are LOSERS, at least in the eyes of Taylor Swift's legion of fans, who are destroying the competitors for missing a clue about the singer.

Yes, Taylor became the star of Wednesday night's episode when returning champ Matt Mierswa selected a $400 clue in the category, "Title That Completes the Rhyme."

The clue itself was pretty entertaining as Ken Jennings stiffly read, "And I'm just like oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh, you need to just stop, like can you just not, step on my gown?"

Matt and the other 2 contestants were dumbfounded ... no one buzzed in, and you could almost hear the Swifties screaming at their televisions!!!

DUH!!! Obvi the answer is: What is "You Need To Calm Down?"

Welp the outrage was, pardon the pun, swift as Swifties lost their collective minds on social media ... ripping into the contestants for the "triple stumper." One even demanded they "shut the whole show down."

Matt, as reigning champ, took most of the heat and, no, Swifties didn't care that he eventually took the W again.

Kim Burrell, the gospel singer who came under fire for insensitive comments made in church, will NOT step down -- she'll be ministering again after deep introspection and counsel from her pastor.

Kim and Pastor Dr. Mike Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Maryland, tell TMZ ... the backlash won't silence her, because she believes speaking to the congregation is her calling from God.

Rest assured, though, Kim knows she crossed a line last weekend ... and says Pastor Freeman, and others, will make sure she doesn't have a repeat performance.

ICYMI, Kim went viral for last weekend's sermon where she referred to people as "broke" and "ugly," among other tasteless labels. Kim says the remarks were made in "jest," but most folks on social media didn't buy that -- even after she put out a written apology.

Pastor Freeman explained why he's standing by Kim, telling us ... "We don't shoot the soldier we nurse them."

He insists church members want to surround the singer with love, instead of knocking her while she's down.

Since her gaffe in the pulpit, Kim has posted a remorseful video, saying she just wants folks to see her heart.