Future Bails on Pre-Grammys Party Performance That Ciara & Russell Attended

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Future bailed on a performance at Clive Davis' pre-Grammys party at the last minute -- maybe not coincidentally, considering Ciara and Russell Wilson were front and center at the event.

Eyewitnesses at Clive's Beverly Hilton bash Saturday night -- which was a who's who of Hollywood event ahead of Sunday's award show -- confirm Future was booked to perform, but hightailed it when his team realized his ex-fiancee and her new hubby were in the front row.

Our sources -- who were present during the exchange -- say someone in Future's camp accused the event organizers of being "messy" by having Ciara and Russ there, and said their guy wouldn't perform. We're told Future was briefed about it outside, and then dipped.

HollywoodLife first reported Future's departure. Now, there's another side to this story -- sources close to Future tell us he didn't bail because of Ciara or RW.

Our Future sources say the show was behind schedule by nearly an hour, and he and his team were instructed to shorten his performance significantly, which, we're told, Future wasn't down with. We're told he had no idea Ciara or Russ was there.

Believe who ya want ... but either way, it doesn't sound like Future and Ciara are gonna be sharing any oxygen anytime soon.

NFL's Terrance Williams Hit By Repo Man ... Snatches WR's Hellcat

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More car trouble for NFL wide receiver Terrance Williams -- this time, the repo man grabbed his flashy Dodge Hellcat ... and the pics are sad.

The Dallas Cowboys player bragged about his 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat years ago ... after he pimped it out with a custom purple and lime green, Joker-style paint job.

But, apparently, the 29-year-old had some issues when it came to making payments -- because the repo man came calling this week in Texas ... and hooked it up to a tow truck.

Interesting, considering Williams has reportedly made close to $13 MILLION during his 6-year NFL career.

We reached out to Terrance's camp for comment -- so far, no word back.

It's not the first time Williams has had drama with a flashy whip -- dude's bright blue $200k Lambo smashed into a light pole in Texas back in May 2018.

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TERRANCE FALLING OVER

Despite the fact cops found the key to the car in Williams' pocket -- he denied being behind the wheel at the time of the crash. He was arrested for public intoxication in that case (because cops saw him drunkenly biking to the crash scene) ... but, that charge was later dismissed.

Nicki Minaj Cancels BET Gig Over Twitter Diss ... BET Apologizes for Unauthorized Post

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2:20 PM PT -- BET is making it clear the tweet targeting Nicki was unauthorized. The network says, “BET loves Nicki Minaj. We have supported her from the very beginning of her career and will continue to do so moving forward. Nicki has paved the way for so many performers and has solidified her place as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry."

The statement continues ... "Unfortunately the respect we have for Nicki was violated by this post that should never have been written. The post does not reflect how we feel about Nicki. And further does not reflect our company values. We deeply apologize for the hurt, disappointment and confusion that this post has caused. We are committed to doing everything we can to address the situation."

BET also says, "We are also conducting an internal audit to assure these types of posts are not published again. We have apologized to Nicki and her team. The post has been removed and we have taken additional appropriate action. We understand Nicki’s position and look forward to continuing our dialogue with her. Finally, we apologize to all of her fans. This should have never happened.

BET's social media team thought it was a good idea to make fun of Nicki Minaj on Twitter when Cardi B won at the Grammys... and now Nicki's getting a little payback against the network.

The "QUEEN" rapper announced Monday that she and her label, Young Money, would not be part of the BET Experience later this summer -- which is a concert series she and Cardi were booked to co-headline just days before the BET Awards in June.

Sources connected to Nicki tell us she did, in fact, cancel the gig in direct response to BET's crass joke -- and she made that quite clear with her follow-up tweets.

People were putting BET on blast, saying they owed Nicki an apology since the comment was a low blow. Nicki seemed to agree, saying ... "Meanwhile, BET is being dragged by their lacefront," adding a laughing emoji for good measure.

It's unclear who, if anyone, at the network green lit the controversial tweet, but Nicki clearly doesn't care. If she and Young Money stick to the boycott ... it's a big loss, because it means Lil Wayne's also pulling out of the BET Experience concert.

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CARDI BEASTMODE

You'll recall, Nicki and Cardi have had a salty past, getting into it at a NYFW party last September -- but both women said they were squashing the beef. It sounds like Nicki's just pissed about the jab at her, not so much about the celebration of Cardi.

Originally Published -- 12:12 PM PST

Will Smith 'Aladdin' Fans Fuming ... Who's the Smurf?!?

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If Will Smith could grant wishes, there's a great chance "Aladdin" fans would wish to unsee his portrayal of the Genie ... 'cause Disney fans are PISSED.

The new trailer to the live action "Aladdin" movie dropped Sunday during the Grammys and fans finally got a chance to see what Will's gonna look like decked out as the blue Genie ... and it's safe to say practically nobody was impressed.

One fan tweeted, "It turns out that Will Smith's Aladdin Genie will haunt my nightmares." Another person said, "Will Smith genie is what appears in my room when I have sleep paralysis."

It gets worse ... "I just stepped outside and ... how are there not crashed cars? How are there not people walking around in a daze? Have they not seen the Will Smith genie yet? Dare I show them?"

Will's gotta feel like ... damned if I do, damned if I don't. Remember, back in December we got a glimpse of what Will's gonna look like as the Genie character but everyone dragged Disney for not making him blue. After the trailer dropped, Will posted a video and picture on Instagram and captioned it, "I told y'all I was gon' be Blue!! Y'all need to trust me more often!"

Some might argue he looked TOO blue. Safe to say everyone loves it when Will's bad ... but not this kinda bad.

Drake Cut Off During Grammys Speech

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON

2/11 -- A rep for Drake now says the rapper's speech wasn't cut off and interpreted a pause as the speech's conclusion. The rep added, "Producers did speak with Drake following his speech and did offer him to come back onstage to finish whatever his thoughts were." Drake declined ... saying "he was happy with what he said and had nothing else to add to it."

Drake had a lot to say after winning his latest Grammy -- but, apparently, he went a little too long ... 'cause the show cut him short before he was done with his remarks.

Drizzy accepted his award for Best Rap Song Sunday night -- taking the prize for "God's Plan" -- and toward the tail end of his acceptance speech ... it appeared he was cut off by the showrunners, who sent the telecast to a commercial break.

The timing was slightly awkward. Drake was downplaying the importance of awards, telling his fellow artists that as long as people were shelling out for their shows ... they were already winning, 'cause that's all that matters at the end of the day.

He seemed to be done with that train of thought and took a long pause, but then suddenly ... he tried launching into a new subject with a "but."

Unfortunately, the cameras had already started to zoom out -- signaling that the show was going to cut a break. Drake didn't get to finish his thoughts ... at least not on the air.

Also interesting ... Drake reportedly declined to perform at this year's award show, but was willing to show face to collect his hardware.

Originally Published -- 2/10/19 7:16 PM PT

Ariana Grande Tweets 'Trash' ... Upset Mac Miller Loses Grammy & Parents Were Flown in for Show

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Ariana Grande was quick to tweet and delete "Trash" after Mac Miller lost the Grammy for Rap Album of the Year ... what she felt was a sign of total disrespect from the award show to the late rapper and his family.

Miller -- who died in September -- received the first nomination of his career for Sunday's show for his album "Swimming." Mac was up against Travis Scott, Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T and Cardi.

Grande tweeted "Trash" after Cardi was announced the winner but clarified the shade wasn't at Cardi, saying, "Nothing to do w her. good for her. i promise. i'm sorry."

A source close to Ariana tells us she was upset because the Grammys flew Mac's parents out for the show -- a sign he was likely going to win -- and felt they disrespected him by giving it to someone else.

As we reported ... Ariana was supposed to perform at the show but later canceled the gig after a feud with Grammy honchos. She wanted was to perform "7 rings."

We're told the show's producer, Ken Ehrlich, told Ariana that song wouldn't connect with the audience, so he asked her to choose a different song. Ariana felt strongly "7 Rings" was what people wanted to hear, and when Ehrlich wouldn't budge, she said she'd take a pass.

Christina Milian No Charges For Alleged Bar Brawl

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Christina Milian's in for a stern talking-to over her role in an alleged scuffle with a bar bouncer, but she's off the hook for criminal charges ... TMZ has learned.

The L.A. City Attorney's Office tells us ... it reviewed the case and decided not to bring charges against the actress, who allegedly got caught up in an altercation in October at the Figueroa Hotel downtown.

Instead, the City Attorney has scheduled an informal meeting with Milian to discuss the incident and ways she can avoid similar issues in the future. Call it a verbal slap on the wrist.

We broke the story ... a fight broke out at the hotel bar after a bouncer blocked Christina from getting in, and one witness claimed she threw a drink. Her camp denied she threw anything and said the bouncer actually got physical with one of her friends.

All water under the bridge now ... as long as Christina's down with learning a lesson.

Marcedes Lewis Warns Jaguars ... Don't Trade Fournette!!

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HE'S THE KEY

Jaguars legend Marcedes Lewis says it'd be a mistake for his ex-team to trade Leonard Fournette ... telling TMZ Sports, "They should keep him."

Leonard caused some huge headaches in Jacksonville this season ... the superstar RB was often injured ... he was suspended for fighting ... and he sat on the bench, ignoring his teammates in the final game of the year.

In fact, things got SO sour with the star RB -- team exec Tom Coughlin publicly ripped the guy and reportedly voided all the guaranteed money remaining on his rookie deal.

All of it has led to wild trade speculation ... but Marcedes says his former team should NOT make the deal despite all the drama -- saying Leonard's just too good.

"The way they're structured, and the way they do their things, it's always about running the ball first and I think Fournette is an amazing running back."

As for Blake Bortles ... Marcedes thinks a change of scenery might be good for that guy -- telling us, "That's a different situation."

There's more ... Marcedes also tells us where he thinks Antonio Brown will play football next year -- and gives us an update on who he hopes to close out his career with.

Kenny Smith Lakers Will Make Playoffs ... Despite LaVar Ball

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LAKERS ON THE REBOUND

Chill out Lakers fans ... no matter what came out of LaVar Ball's mouth, he ain't wreckin' your season ... so says Kenny Smith.

Remember ... LaVar said Luke Walton was the worst coach Zo's ever had ... and that their relationship was beyond repair.

So, what's that mean for the Lake show? Absolutely nothing, according to The Jet.

"It's not about dads and uncles and cousins in the NBA. It's not like high school," Smith told us ... "The relationship is only your agent and player. As long as the agent and the player doesn't say anything, you're fine."

In other words, LaVar can say whatever the hell he wants in the media ... and it won't mean a damn thing for the Lakers on the court.

In fact, Kenny's guaranteeing they make the playoffs.

There's more ... Smith also says he hasn't given up on coaching in the NBA -- and actually says he could see himself as an NBA General Manager.

Spike Lee I'm Done with Prada & Gucci!!! Rips 'em for 'Coonery and Buffoonery'

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3:17 PM PT -- T.I. just weighed in on the controversy, saying he's going to stop buying Gucci and also calling on people to boycott the brand. The rapper says he's been spending seven figures on Gucci for several years, but that ends now.

T.I. went on a long rant, saying he's not accepting Gucci's apology and accusing the company of purposefully being disrespectful and racist. He ended his rant by saying, "I Don't Give a F*** if I gotta wear Target brand s***."

Spike Lee's had it with Prada and Gucci's racist blackface blunders ... so he's boycotting the luxury brands until they hire some black designers to keep them in check.

The "BlacKkKlansman" director announced he's no longer going to wear either Prada or Gucci Friday in wake of yet another blackface controversy from the Italian Fashion houses. If you missed it, Gucci got dragged this week over an $890 blackface sweater.

Spike says he's done with both brands "Until They Hire Some Black Designers 'To Be In Da Room When It Happens.''' He added ... "It's Obvious To Da Peoples That They Don't Have A Clue When It Comes To Racist, Blackface Hateful Imagery. WAKE UP."

Gucci apologized for its ridiculously offensive balaclava jumper and says it's been pulled from all stores. It also vowed to increase diversity across the company ... but Spike's clearly taking a wait and see approach.

As for Prada, you might recall its high-end Manhattan shop put a purse in its window in December with this "Sambo" figurine attached. It was also quickly pulled after cries of racism.

Still, both incidents beg the question ... who the hell's watching the shop???

Spike thinks he knows the answer, and says more black staffers have to be on board to help end the "coonery and buffoonery."

We reached out to both brands -- Prada has no comment and Gucci has yet to reply.

Originally Published -- 1:13 PM PT

Sportscaster Warner Wolf Arrested For Defacing 'Plantation' Sign 'Let's Go to the Videotape!'

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Sports broadcasting legend Warner Wolf -- who coined the phrase, "Let's go to the videotape" -- was arrested in Florida after officials say he ripped the word, "Plantation," off a sign at a private community.

Long story short ... Wolf lives in a gated community called "Classics Plantation Estates" in Naples, Florida (about 60 miles from Miami) ... but he thinks the word, "plantation," is offensive and wanted it removed.

According to the police report, Wolf had lobbied the homeowners association to drop it for months -- but on Nov. 30, the 81-year-old finally took matters into his own hands.

Cops say Warner drove to the main community sign -- located in a fancy fountain -- and used a tool to remove the word himself.

Officials say they have video showing Wolf defacing the sign -- and after a lengthy investigation, he finally surrendered to police on Feb. 7.

Also, cops say Warner returned the letters from the sign to the community security guard.

Wolf was booked for causing criminal mischief that resulted in more than $1,000 in damage -- a felony. He was released on $5,000 bond.

So far, no comment from Warner.

Wolf is a sports broadcasting legend -- he worked for ABC Sports and called Monday Night Baseball, football and the Olympics. He also had a cameo in "Rocky IV."

Sherri Shepherd Has Advice for Liam Neeson and Michelle Rodriguez ... Shut Your Traps!!!

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Sherri Shepherd says Liam Neeson should have NEVER let his "black bastard" revenge story outta Pandora's box ... and Michelle Rodriguez making excuses for Liam is just pathetic.

We got Sherri out in NYC Thursday afternoon and wanted to get her take on Liam's bombshell revelation that he -- after learning his friend had been raped by a black man -- walked the streets for days with a baton looking to kill a black man to avenge the crime.

Liam tried his hand at damage control by saying he's learned a lot about racism and insisting he's not racist. He called his behavior horrible ... but, the damage was done.

Not helping Liam's cause? Michelle telling Vanity Fair there's no way Liam's racist because he made out with Viola Davis in "Widows." Michelle said, "His tongue was so far down [her] throat. You can't call him a racist ever. Racists don't make out with the race that they hate."

Sherri's response ... child, please. #WheresAnEyeRollEmojiWhenYouNeedOne?

Kurtis Blow VA Atty General Is Ugly, Disgraceful For Wearing Blackface

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Rap icon Kurtis Blow is outraged Virginia's Attorney General chose to "honor" him by wearing blackface.

Kurtis was on "TMZ Live" when he called out Mark Herring for being disrespectful, ugly and degrading when he wore blackface in 1980 as a 19-year-old college student at the University of Virginia. Herring admitted to dressing up as the rapper -- complete with "wigs and brown makeup" -- when he performed Blow's songs.

Virginia's leadership has come under fire after Governor Ralph Northam admitted earlier this week to wearing blackface when he dressed as Michael Jackson during a 1980 costume and dance competition. Herring called for Northam's resignation, but now Herring is dealing with his very own controversy.

Check it out ... Kurtis says even though Herring was a fan, what he did by wearing blackface was a disgrace. Kurtis then gives Jimmy Fallon props for getting it right on 'The Tonight Show.'

Ariana Grande The Grammys Producer is Lying She's Not Performing Because of His Ego

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Ariana Grande says the guy who runs the Grammys is a liar for claiming she was just too frazzled to pull it together and perform on Sunday night's show ... she says it all fell apart because he utterly disrespected her.

Ariana has been promoted everywhere as one of the highlights of the show -- on TV commercials, a billboard on Hollywood Blvd., buses, and on and on. Yet, sources connected to the Grammys show tell us, Ariana never made a deal to show up or perform.

The deal she wanted was to perform her massive, #1 hit, "7 rings." We're told the show's producer, Ken Ehrlich, told Ariana that song wouldn't connect with the audience, so he asked her to choose a different song. Ariana felt strongly "7 Rings" was what people wanted to hear, and when Ehrlich wouldn't budge, she said she'd take a pass.

Fast-forward to Thursday, when Ehrlich gave an interview to AP, saying Ariana backed out because she "felt it was too late for her to pull something together."

We're told Ariana is enraged, because she actually continued to talk to the Grammys and offered to perform a song Ehrlich wanted, as long as she could sing "7 Rings," but he still wouldn't budge. She then said sayonara and, days later, Ehrlich came back and said fine, do a medley that includes "7 Rings" ... but by then, Ariana was done with him. In other words, we're told she feels like Ehrlich is lying because he knows he made a mistake and is looking for cover.

As for why she thinks he made a mistake ... "thank u, next" the album drops Friday, and it's expected to be the best-selling album so far this year, and for Ariana not to appear on the TV show will look ridiculous.

LaVar Ball Lakers Will NEVER Win Championship ... If They Trade Lonzo

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LaVar Ball just issued a stern warning to Magic Johnson and the Lakers' brass ... saying if they trade Lonzo -- they will NEVER win another championship.

And he clarified ... LeBron James NEEDS Lonzo if he wants another ring. Period.

It all went down on FS1's 'Undisputed' just moments ago ... when the Big Baller guaranteed L.A. will never have another title parade if Zo is shipped off.

"I told the Lakers a long time ago, 'If you trade my son, it'll be the worst thing you ever did.' And I guarantee, if they trade my son, they will NEVER get a championship."

Lonzo, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac are all reportedly part of a trade package the Lakers have offered the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.

LaVar says the trade package is a mistake -- saying, the Lakers are trying to become a "one hitter quitter" to try to get a ring and it's a total mistake.

Ball warned the Lakers and LeBron James ... if you ship out Lonzo, you lose your best chance at a title.

In fact, the BBB honcho was so pissed about hearing the latest reports -- he went on an Arizona radio show this week and RIPPED Luke Walton, calling him, "the worst coach ever for Lonzo."

For his part ... LaVar says he hasn't heard anything tangible regarding a trade with his son -- but added, if Zo is sent to New Orleans ... he'll sit out in protest.

Blac Chyna's Mom Dream Should Stay with Rob ... Until BC Gets Her S**t Together!!!

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Blac Chyna's personal life is a mess right now and, until she gets it together, Dream should stay with Rob Kardashian ... and that's coming from Chyna's own mother.

Chyna's mom, Tokyo, tells TMZ ... her daughter's on a downward spiral, following recent incidents involving cops at her home and, of course, her short-lived relationship with rapper Kid Buu -- who allegedly got violent with BC. Mom's also concerned about his rap sheet.

Tokyo didn't mince words -- "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see something is terribly wrong."

As TMZ first reported ... an anonymous person called cops last month, saying Chyna was intoxicated and neglecting Dream. Cops later determined everything was fine ... besides BC having a falling out with her makeup artist.

There was also Chyna's fight with 'Love & Hip Hop' star Alexis Skyy over Rob -- and the cherry on top for Tokyo ... BC's fling with Kid Buu.

You'll recall, she jetted off to Hawaii with her new BF. Our Rob sources said he had no idea, and couldn't reach his baby mama when it came time to hand off Dream. Chyna disputes that.

Of course, Chyna's vacay went to hell when she and Buu got into a fight. Cops were called, but neither was arrested. As we told you, Chyna's now ex-BF has faced allegations of physically abusing a woman before.

All the drama makes Tokyo think BC's judgment is clouded, and it's in Dream's best interest to be with dear ol' Dad.

However, like any mama bear ... Tokyo's still defending Chyna against Kid Buu and has a stern warning for him. Watch.