Adele I Was 'Devastated' After Canceling Vegas Residency ... But I Did the Right Thing

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Adele says she was gutted by the criticism surrounding the cancelation of her Vegas residency, but still ... she has no regrets.

Adele, you'll recall, announced back in January, just a day before her residency was supposed to open, that she was postponing it. At the time she seemed to say the problems were COVID and production-related, but stories surfaced that folks on the production team said she was impossible to please.

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WRECKED BY COVID

Adele has now addressed it, telling the BBC, "I definitely felt everyone's disappointment and I was devastated and I was frightened about letting them down." She went on ... "I was a shell of a person for a couple of months. I just had to wait it out and just grieve it, I guess, just grieve the shows and get over the guilt, but it was brutal."

But, then she held her ground, saying, "I thought I could pull it together and make it work and I couldn't, and I stand by that decision. I'm not going to just do a show because I have to or because people are going to be let down or because we're going to lose loads of money. I'm like, the show's not good enough.”

She said she's working on rescheduling, but it seems there have been more problems ... there were reports she tried a different venue but that apparently didn't materialize.

Residency aside, Adele killed in London over the weekend ... the first time she's done a live concert in 5 years, much to the delight of 65,000 fans. She stopped the show several times when a few fans had medical issues.

Nelson Piquet Used Homophobic Language Toward Lewis Hamilton ... 2021 Footage Shows

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Nelson Piquet not only used racist language toward Lewis Hamilton -- the 3-time Formula 1 champion also issued a homophobic phrase while discussing the Mercedes superstar in 2021 ... a newly resurfaced clip shows.

69-year-old Piquet was recently banned from the F1 paddock over his controversial comments about Hamilton in an interview with Motorsports Talk last year ... when he, according to a translation by CNN Brazil, referred to the 7-time champ as a "little n*****."

Piquet is now facing even more backlash for comments made in a separate interview from last November ... in which he used the same word to describe Lewis, while also dropping a homophobic phrase.

As we previously reported, Piquet -- whose daughter, Kelly, dates Max Verstappen -- clarified his initial controversial comment in a statement this week ... claiming the term is used in Brazilian Portuguese to say "guy" or "person" and he had no racist intent behind his words.

Max also backed Piquet ... admitting what he said was wrong, but claiming the racing legend is no racist.

The new clip will certainly cause a stir within the sport ... which has made a push in recent years to welcome fans and drivers from all different backgrounds.

In fact, Sebastian Vettel said in an interview earlier this month F1 would welcome its first openly gay driver ... and Mercedes debuted a rainbow "Pride Star" for the month of June to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.

Lewis has yet to respond -- the drivers are currently in the middle of practice for the British Grand Prix this weekend -- but he will certainly address it when the time comes.

Story developing ...

Howard Stern Leaks Marvel Role on Hot Mic ... 'I'm F***ing Miserable!!!'

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A big-time "oops" for Howard Stern -- or one of his staffers -- has Marvel fans buzzing, because he accidentally let it slip he's shooting a movie ... but he doesn't sound too hyped about it.

Howard spilled the tea during a break on his SiriusXM show, apparently not realizing his microphone was still hot, he chatted with his producer Gary Dell'Abate about possible guests for the show ... and noted they won't be able to talk much in the summer.

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THE DOCTOR IS IN

Co-host Robin Quivers asked if that meant he was working this summer, and Howard replied, "Well, I'm gonna do 'Doctor Doom.'" He admits he's less than thrilled, though, saying ... "But believe me, I'm f***ing miserable about it."

Howard says he's already hit up MCU-vet Robert Downey Jr. for some acting tips -- he even asks Gary to put him in touch with "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau for more help.

Marvel has yet to announce a 'Doctor Doom' project, and it's unclear if this will be a standalone film or a Disney+ series about the character. The MCU rumor mill suggests Howard won't be playing the role of the "Fantastic Four" villain, but instead a version of himself within the universe.

Draymond Green Sorry For Calling Perk A 'C**n' ... 'I Was Wrong'

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Draymond Green is sharing his regret over calling Kendrick Perkins a "c**n" ... admitting he should have used a different word to get his point across while beefing with the ex-NBA player/current analyst.

The 4-time champ and Perk had been chirping at each other for a while, but things took a serious turn earlier this week when Green referred to the ESPN talent as the racial term ... which prompted Perk to respond with a fiery video on Instagram that's since been deleted.

The Warriors star says he spoke with NBA commish Adam Silver and lifelong friend/Pistons legend Joe Dumars over his comments ... and he now has a better understanding of why he was in the wrong, even though he didn't have any racial intent behind it.

"I'm no idiot, I do understand the word c**n is used in a racial way," Green said on his podcast. "However, I also think growing up, culturally, things are different. We all grow up in different places, we all use words different, and so for me, when I use the word – like I said, I could have very well replaced it with clown – growing up where I grew up, you may say to one of your boys 'Yo, stop acting like a c**n.'"

"And for me, it's like, 'stop acting corny, you're on some weird-type stuff," he added. "'That's wack, you don't have to do that, that's wack.' So for me, in using the word, that's what I was implying."

Green says using the word is "a huge moment for growth and learning for me" as a member of the "new" media ... and understands he represents the league as a whole when he takes the mic.

"And, as someone who stands against racism, who you know has stood against it for years and is not afraid to get out in front of it, I can admit right here that I was wrong. And, regardless of how I may use the word with my friends or how that word may be perceived anywhere else in the world, it was wrong here."

Perk has yet to respond ... but we're sure it's just a matter of time.

Wildlife Trafficking 100+ Live Animals Found in Luggage!!! 2 Passengers in Custody

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Snakes on a plane would've been just the tip of the iceberg on this flight out of Thailand ... where 2 women are in custody for stashing more than 100 animals in their luggage!!!

Security at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok had to take a second look at the suspects' bags after the X-ray machine set off some red flags -- which is when they discovered 50 lizards, 35 turtles, an armadillo, some snakes and several other species in their luggage. Many of them were dehydrated, and 2 animals were dead.

Among the reptile stash were yellow-spotted river turtles, which are on the international vulnerable species list.

The women, who were planning to take the critters back to India, were charged with violating the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act ... and face up to 10 years in prison for that. They were also charged with violating Thailand’s Customs and public health laws.

Wildlife trafficking makes $150 billion globally each year -- more than 70,000 animals have been found at Indian airports in the past decade, and over a third of them were spotted at the Chennai International Airport ... which is where the women were heading.

Officials believe the recent spike in wildlife trafficking is due to a relaxing of COVID travel regulations.

NY Yankees Throw Chewed Gum On Field ... 'Gross' Dugout Game

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Several New York Yankees had a little too much time on their hands during their game Tuesday night ... 'cause they made a contest out of throwing dozens of pieces of chewed gum onto the field.

Seriously.

The sophomoric game all went down in the early innings of the Yanks' tilt with the Oakland A's ... when Nestor Cortes, Jordan Montgomery and Matt Carpenter all scooped up some bubble gum and hit the corner of the dugout to begin the weird event.

The players picked out a landmark on the field -- it appeared to be a sprinkler head -- then they popped a few pieces in their mouths, spit them out, and then got to throwing.

The side game lasted for about three innings ... and it went on for so long, both the game's home and away broadcasts caught it on camera.

Former Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin talked about the game on-air ... and had the perfect description for it -- "gross."

"It's like golf," Maybin said. "It's like frisbee golf. They find a little marker on the field and they toss the gum and they act as if they're playing frisbee golf."

Yankees play-by-play man Michael Kay noted what a headache it must be for the NY groundskeepers to eventually clean up.

Some fans on social media found it funny -- but others found it disrespectful, calling it littering and disgusting.

Either way, it didn't stop the Yankees from continuing to hammer the win column -- they went on to beat the A's 2-1 ... moving them to a staggering 55-20 this year.

Lewis Hamilton Rips Nelson Piquet For N-Word Use ... In 2021 Interview

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UPDATE

8:14 AM PT -- Verstappen's GF, Kelly, has apparently made her stance clear ... liking an Instagram post defending Nelson's use of the word.

UPDATE

Lewis Hamilton is demanding change after former champion Nelson Piquet called him the n-word in an interview last year ... saying racism of any kind has no place in Formula 1.

Piquet -- a Brazilian F1 legend who won titles in 1981, 1983 and 1987 -- made the comments while discussing an accident in the first lap of the 2021 Silverstone Grand Prix ... when Hamilton made contact with Max Verstappen, leading the Red Bull driver to lose control and crash into the wall.

According to CNN Brazil, 69-year-old Piquet referred to Hamilton as a "little n*****" while speaking with Motorsports Talk ... adding, "The little black guy put the car in and left because there was no way to pass two cars on that corner."

"He made a joke," Piquet continued. "Lucky for him, only the other one [Verstappen] got f***** up."

FYI -- Piquet's daughter, Kelly, is in a relationship with Verstappen.

While the comment was made last year, it is just now gaining attention ... which led the Mercedes superstar to condemn the racist comment.

"It's more than language," Lewis tweeted minutes ago. "These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I've been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life."

"There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action."

Hamilton, 37, also tweeted a response in Portuguese ... saying, "Vamos focar em mudar a mentalidade" ... which translates to "Let's focus on changing the mindset."

The F1 world is now showing support for Hamilton ... with the sport's governing body releasing a statement Tuesday morning.

"The FIA strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory language and behavior, which have no place in sport or wider society."

"We express our solidarity with Lewis Hamilton and fully support his commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in motorsport."

F1 also addressed the comment ... saying, "Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no part in society."

"Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and something we are committed to at F1."

Hamilton -- the only black driver to compete in F1 -- has been at the forefront of change in the sport ... and led the organization's anti-racism campaign following George Floyd's death in 2020.

Originally Published -- 6:56 AM PT

MLB Suspends 12 Players, Coaches ... For Wild Brawl In Mariners Vs. Angels Game

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A whopping 12 players and coaches have been suspended for their roles in the massive brawl at the Angels vs. Mariners game on Sunday ... with L.A.'s manager, Phil Nevin, getting a staggering 10-game ban.

The MLB announced the punishments late Monday evening ... just over 24 hours after the two teams fought each other on the diamond following what appeared to be an intentional hit by a pitch in L.A. on Sunday.

Angels pitcher Andrew Wantz was banned for three games for throwing at Jesse Winker. Winker, meanwhile, was hit with a 7-game suspension for his role in igniting the skirmish after wearing the fastball.

L.A. third baseman Anthony Rendon, who's out for the season after having wrist surgery, received a 5-game ban for leaving the team's bench while on the injured list and taking a swipe at Winker.

Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford got five games for throwing punches, while Angels closer Raisel Iglesias was hit with a two-game ban for throwing sunflower seeds and more onto the field.

Others punished, according to the MLB, included Angels assistant pitching coach Dom Chiti, Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez, Angels pitcher Ryan Tepera, Angels bench coach Ray Montgomery, Angels' interpreter Manny Del Campo and Angels catching coach Bill Haselman.

The punishments were slated to begin Monday night, though most of the players have chosen to appeal.

In the Mariners game Monday, just a few minutes after the suspensions were announced, Winker actually received a standing ovation from Seattle fans.

AEW Fan, Security Guard Exchange Punches ... Wild Scene At Wrestling Event

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There was action both inside the ring and outside of it at Sunday night's AEW event in Chicago ... as a fan and a security guard got into a wild fistfight in the stands.

The scene went down at some point during the AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door Pay-per-view at the United Center, when multiple guards tried to pull a fan from his seat.

It's unclear exactly what the man allegedly did to get the boot from arena staffers ... but you can see in video, he was not willing to go quietly.

It took multiple security guards to rip him from his chair ... but even as they got him up the stairs -- he pulled away from the guards' grasp, and started throwing punches!

The stadium official on the receiving end of the blows didn't take the haymakers kindly -- and returned fire with several fists of his own.

Eventually, staffers appeared to corral the man and take him from the scene.

It does not appear anyone was arrested over the altercation ... cops tell TMZ Sports there weren't any "arrests or reports filed."

Oliver Tree Beats Up Fan On Video ... Don't Rush My Stage!!!

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OLIVER TAKEDOWN

Oliver Tree kicked the crap out of a fan who climbed on stage and got way too close for comfort ... and it's all on video!!!

The singer was performing at the Forgotten Runes NFT convention in New York City when someone from the crowd made it on stage and tried to put their hat on Oliver's head ... then got their ass whooped.

As you see, Oliver doesn't skip a beat as he body slams the fan to the ground and starts throwing punches. After a pretty good pummeling, security drags the fan off stage as Oliver tells the crowd, "Get this f****** prick outta here!!!"

Folks who were there say cops weren't called and the fan had some sage advice as he was being escorted out of the event, saying ... "Don't go on stage or you will get beat up by Oliver Tree."

Logan Paul was at the show too ... no word if he's trying to get Oliver into boxing.

Bill Bellamy Family Feud Over Father's Memorial Service ... He Won't Be Able to Attend

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UPDATE

2:58 PM PT -- 6/29 -- Karen Bellamy has a much different version of how this family dispute got started. She tells TMZ ... "Bill and his wife Kristen demanded that the entire family and loved ones grieve on their schedules. The memorial was never on the same date. The only service that took place is for [their father] William Bellamy, Sr. on June 24, 2022."

UPDATE

She adds, "Bill and his wife made a personal choice to not attend. Kristen’s service for her dad is on June 30, 2022. New Jersey Superior Court denied their request to stop the service."

UPDATE

We contacted Bill's reps and they tell us Bill stands by his original remarks, and won't be commenting further.

Bill Bellamy says he's being forced to make an impossible choice after the deaths of his father and father-in-law -- due to an "unauthorized" memorial service planned by his sister.

The comedian and actor's going through an incredibly painful period ... with his father-in-law dying May 17, and then his own dad passing on June 8.

That would be gut-wrenching enough, but TMZ has learned things got even worse. While Bill was out of the country ... we're told his sister, Karen, made plans to lay their father, William, to rest today, June 24 -- the same weekend Bill and his wife had already planned his father-in-law's service in a different state.

According to documents filed in New Jersey, Bill actually attempted to get a restraining order which would force Karen to change the date, but he was denied -- there really is no legal standing for a judge to get involved in this sort of family dispute.

The obvious rift with his sister has left Bill in an unenviable position. He tells TMZ ... "In the span of less than a month I lost both my father William Bellamy Senior and my father-in-law Bernard Baker Junior. These two wonderful men that have impacted my life and my family's lives in ways that are beyond words."

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He continues, "My effort to stop an unauthorized memorial service for my father, which was planned without my knowledge, was not successful. I am devastated my family has to choose to miss one service for another, no one should ever have to be in this position. My father-in-law's memorial service was confirmed back in May when he passed.

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There are no words to express how disappointed I am to not be a part of laying my father to rest but I look forward to celebrating my father's life and legacy with my wife, his grandchildren and our close friends in our own time.

Please pray for our families and give us the time to grieve and process these painful losses in private."

J.K. Rowling Wait ... You're Not Zelensky? Trolled By Russian Pranksters

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J.K. Rowling fell victim to a Russian-made prank while talking to who she thought was Ukrainian President Zelensky ... but ended up being one big troll.

The author jumped on a zoom call with -- not the president -- but Russian-based comedy duo Vovan and Lexus ... the two have been known for prank-calling high-profile names, like VP Kamala Harris and Prince Harry.

The person on the other end of the Zoom call obviously kept their camera off for the interview -- major red flag. She was planning on talking to Zelensky about her charity work for Ukraine, but the guys had other plans.

In the video, the impersonator tells J.K. they've been writing "Avada Kedavra" on their missiles -- referring to the most deadly spell in her wizarding world, often called the "killing curse." She tells them it's a brilliant idea.

They also ask about Dumbledore's sexual preference, someone she's previously said was gay. "Zelensky" says they're hoping Dumbledore hasn't slept with a transgender -- poking at Rowling's strong beliefs on trans people.

After learning she wasted her time talking to Russian trolls, her spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, "The video, which has been edited, is a distorted representation of the conversation," saying the entire thing was extremely "distasteful."

Boosie Badazz ‘I Will Beat Yo Azz!!!' Claims Man Dissed Female Hotel Employee

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NOT ON MY WATCH

Boosie Badazz isn't one to hold his tongue, and proved it again when he loudly stepped to a guy he claims was giving a woman a hard time ... to the point it totally pissed off the rapper.

The video was apparently shot outside a hotel, though we don't know the location yet, but what's clear is Boosie overheard the man speaking to a uniformed woman in a not-so-pleasant tone. Right from the jump, he was in g-check mode, telling the guy "You ain't gonna talk to her like that. I will beat your azz!!! You ain't gonna talk to no woman like that."

Something about Boosie's involvement shifted everybody's demeanor, though ... the guy was extremely quiet, and the woman -- who the guy allegedly targeted -- shifted into mediation, trying to calm down Boosie.

Funny thing is, there was a guy standing nearby stretching out his arm -- almost like he was prepping for the royal rumble.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, but once the video popped up online ... Boosie felt the need to explain himself.

He claims the man kept pressing the woman, even after she'd apologized to him ... and that's when Boosie stepped up.

Not all heroes wear capes ... some have flat tops.

'Black Ink Crew' Ceaser Emanuel Fired!!! Due to Dog Abuse Video

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UPDATE

1:53 PM PT -- Ceaser's lawyer Walter Mosley tells TMZ ... "There is no police involvement. The video is old. It was shot at his residence in Atlanta during COVID."

VH1's "Black Ink Crew" star Ceaser Emanuel has been fired from the show after a video surfaced allegedly showing him abusing dogs ... TMZ has learned.

A spokesperson for VH1 tells TMZ, "We have made the decision to cut ties with Ceaser Emanuel from Black Ink Crew New York. Since next season was close to finishing production, this decision will not impact the upcoming season."

Sources familiar with the situation tell us they are wrapping production, but keeping it open in order to properly address the situation in the show. We're told producers also found the viral video appalling.

A video surfaced Wednesday that allegedly shows Ceaser beating and abusing dogs -- the clip made many fans sick to their stomachs, instantly.

Ceaser's co-star Donna Lombardi reposted the clip online and said "I don't even get into the life of this man, but this video made me so upset."

She called on the network to cancel him completely ... adding "I pray the people see you, @ceaserblackink, as the monster you are."

The show is currently in production for its 10th season, and Ceaser's been a part of the series since its 2013 premiere.

The show follows the daily operations of his shop, Black Ink tattoo, in Harlem ... the guy also owns studios in Brooklyn, ATL, Orlando and Houston.

Originally Published -- 12:50 PM PT

Pete Davidson He Doesn't Know Zip!!!

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Pete Davidson is famous for a lot -- for appearing on 'SNL,' for dating Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, among others ... and his BDE status is legendary, at least according to Ariana, so an otherwise innocuous wardrobe gaffe suddenly becomes a big deal!

Pete was in Cairns, Australia when he stepped out but forgot to zip up. He could be clowning, but more likely -- he just didn't realize his fly was open.

Pete gave the paps a peace sign as he posed for pics with fans outside his hotel.

Pete's in the land down under to shoot a flick, "Wizards!," with Orlando Bloom, Naomi Scott, Franz Rogowski and Sean Harris. The production company is Brad Pitt's -- Plan B.

In case you're wondering, the movie's about 2 potheads who run a beach bar and get into hot water after finding a pile of money that they should have left be.

Pete fly-ing solo -- Kim's in L.A. with the kids. He's treading on dangerous ground making a fashion faux pas with a girlfriend who we're guessing NEVER goes out without giving herself the once over!

F2 Driver Juri Vips Suspended By Red Bull Racing ... After Using N-Word During Live Stream

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Red Bull Racing has suspended junior driver Juri Vips after the 21-year-old used the n-word this week while playing "Call of Duty" on a live stream.

The driver -- who's racing in Formula 2 this year -- was gaming on Twitch with another driver when microphones caught him abruptly using the racial slur.

On Tuesday, Red Bull Racing announced its suspended Vips "from all team duties" over the language ... saying an investigation is ongoing.

"As an organization, we condemn abuse of any kind," the Red Bull Racing team said in a statement, "and have a zero-tolerance policy to racist language or behaviors within our organization.”

Vips released an apology on his Instagram page shortly after the suspension was announced -- saying what he did was "unacceptable."

"I wish to unreservedly apologize for the offensive language used during a live gaming stream earlier today," Vips said.

"This language is entirely unacceptable and does not portray the values and principles that I hold. I deeply regret my actions and this is not the example I wish to set."

The Estonian driver -- who won the 2017 ADAC Formula championship -- had been sitting 7th in the Formula 2 standings this season.

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THINGS GET RACY

Of course, Vips is sadly not the first driver to mutter offensive language while streaming ... NASCAR star Kyle Larson infamously used the n-word during an iRacing event back in 2020 and was fired from his racing team over it all.