Britney Spears Seems to Slam Selena Gomez ... Over 2016 AMAs Speech

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:11 AM PT -- Another blow for Selena Gomez ... she just revealed she's got COVID and will miss her appearance on Jimmy Fallon scheduled for tonight.

UPDATE

Britney Spears is trashing Selena Gomez for something she said 6 years ago -- even though signs point to them being pretty good friends today.

The singer delivered a bizarre message Tuesday that looks to be aimed in Selena's direction -- based on the caption anyway. BS cites a specific line Selena dropped at the 2016 American Music Awards, which references women showing their bodies on social media.

She writes, "Don't you just love the nerve of women who stand firmly getting awards and speak on their beliefs about not showing their bodies on Instagram ???!!!!! They say "This is NOT something I would do" yet those women are the very ones who get 4 million dollar budget videos made about sucking and licking on homemade ice cream!!!!"

Britney goes on to say she thinks it's hypocritical for someone engaging in a sexually suggestive music video to criticize others for showing off their curves for the Gram.

The clues she mentions all point to Selena. Like we said, SG's the only person in recent memory who touched on "bodies on Instagram" while also going on to star in a 2020 music video featuring ice cream cones. The song is "Ice Cream" by K-Pop girl band BLACKPINK.

The IG post is still live on Britney's page, but she's edited the caption to just show 3 roses.

Selena's loyal fans definitely see it as a diss, and they're telling Britney to back off. Frankly, her attack seems to be coming out of nowhere ... and the even stranger thing is Selena was one of a few celebs who attended Britney's wedding this year.

Of course, we know Britney's fully leaned into posting her nudes online ... despite controversy it's stirred, especially among her own family members.

As usual, it's hard to make sense of Britney's POV. There is a trend, though ... less and less people on her side as she posts some weird and unprovoked hot takes.

Selena, for her part, hasn't responded to this. Something tells us she won't.

Originally Published -- 7:04 AM PT

Warren Moon Gronk Could Save The Bucs ... If He'd Just Come Back!!!

Published | Updated
102422-warren-moon-on-brady-rodgers-kal
THE GRONK ADVANTAGE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could save their season ... if Rob Gronkowski unretired?!

Warren Moon fully believes that -- with the Hall of Famer telling TMZ Sports he thinks the 3-4 Bucs could turn everything around if Gronk came back this year.

Moon tells us he got the opinion based on everything he's seen out of Tom Brady on the field through seven games. He says he's witnessed the GOAT struggling in the pocket ... and missing an old reliable on important downs.

"He's been a security blanket for [Brady] for so long," Moon said of Gronkowski. "Whenever there's a key play that needs to be made, especially down in the redzone or whatever -- and they had a tough time scoring in the redzone last week -- that's the guy he would usually go to, Rob Gronkowski."

Brady's numbers haven't been horrible so far in 2022 -- he's got 8 passing TDs to just 1 interception -- but something does appear to be off. He only has one multi-TD game this year, and just two performances of over 300 passing yards.

Moon clearly believes Gronkowski could change all of that, and even help out the locker room with his "infectious personality" ... but there's just one problem -- he's not sure if the tight end is even considering coming out of retirement.

Gronk has said repeatedly over the last few months he's done, although his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has claimed it wouldn't surprise him to see a comeback.

Brady and the Bucs play Thursday night against the Ravens ... if they drop another game there -- maybe it's time to get Gronkowski on Line 1 ASAP???

Antonio Brown Issues Support For Kanye West ... Claims 'Selective Outrage' Over Comments

Published | Updated

Antonio Brown is standing firm in his support for Kanye West ... releasing a lengthy statement explaining his decision to remain as president of Donda Sports -- citing his "dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion."

The NFL receiver -- who joined the Donda staff earlier this year -- addressed the massive controversy surrounding Kanye following several antisemitic statements ... saying, "the world's reactionary and selective outrage at comments in the media made by my brother, Ye, have inflamed and sparked rampant conversation and reflection."

As companies like Adidas and Balenciaga cut ties with West, AB says the timing is not a coincidence.

"The people and brands that have relentlessly profited from Black ideas and Black culture chose to distance themselves at a very specific time: a time that demonstrated their prioritization of certain groups over others."

He added ... "None of us in this world are free of judgment, yet we live in a time where scrutiny and pessimism have driven our dialogues on cultural issues toward diatribes."

"Sensationalism and groupthink have forced people to not speak their minds and act out in fear rather than love. For these reasons, I stand by my dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion."

Brown says he decided to speak out because he is against discrimination of any kind ... but makes it clear he's standing by Kanye's side.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"I remain true to the mission of Donda and our amazing staff and community," he says ... adding he believes Kanye's comments were taken "out of proportion" by the media.

"I remain committed to bringing new ideas, experiences, and designs to our world I remain in support of the humanity that is Ye."

The statement comes on the heels of sports superstars Aaron Donald and Jaylen Brown voicing their issues with Ye's comments ... which led them to leave Donda Sports.

AB has found himself drowning in controversy as well recently ... and this certainly won't help.

Kanye West Free Ye From Candace Owens ... Says His Pal Consequence

Published | Updated

Kanye West’s empire is dwindling by the day, and although he still has Candace Owens on his side -- one of Ye’s closest advisors says that's not a good thing.

Ye’s longtime collaborator Consequence called out Candace Tuesday … labeling her association with the team “an experiment,” and posting a short clip of Ye greeting a crowd while wearing his infamous 'White Lives Matter' shirt.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Cons slammed the 'WLM' shirts, calling them a bad idea from the jump.

Fact is that tarnished Yeezy gear did begin the spiral that saw Ye on the outs with the likes of CAA, Vogue, Balenciaga and now Adidas ... which cost him his billionaire status, according to Forbes.

The German shoe giant kicked Ye to the curb Tuesday due to his repeated antisemitic remarks -- but Candace has unflinchingly defended him, demanding Adidas cash him out what he's owed.

If you remember, it was also Candace who helped Ye tout the 'WLM' tees earlier this month, much to the disbelief of many of his supporters.

Cons is the first from the old G.O.O.D Music camp to speak out against the disastrous trail blazed by Ye … but his thoughts do align with Kareem “Biggs” Burke, who helped manage Ye’s career during the early days with Roc-A-Fella Records.

Biggs recently told TMZ Hip Hop ... Ye’s 'WLM' movement was harming the Black community in spite of any beef with the actual Black Lives Matter organization.

Ye once rapped about not having enough "real friends" in his corner, but as brands, banks and corporations jump ship ... that seems like more than just a lyric.

Kanye West Adidas Ends Partnership

Published | Updated

Adidas said they did a "thorough review" of their Yeezy partnership and are expecting to lose $246 million in net income this year by ending the deal.

Kanye West's biggest corporate partnership is over -- Adidas says it's cutting off all business with him, due to his recent antisemitic and bigoted actions.

The German shoe company says, "Ye's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company's values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."

As result, Adidas says it "will terminate the partnership with Ye, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies."

101622-kanye-west-george-floyd-kal 10/15/22
CHAUVIN DIDN'T KILL FLOYD

The announcement comes amid worldwide pressure for Adidas to, at the very least, condemn Kanye for repeating antisemitic tropes every time a microphone's been in his face for the last few weeks. During this erratic and disturbing phase he's also unveiled "White Lives Matter" T-shirts at Paris Fashion Week, and claimed George Floyd didn't die from Derek Chauvin's knee, but from fentanyl.

The hashtag #boycottadidas had been trending on Twitter over the weekend, especially as the company announced the sale of new Yeezy shoes. While other companies, like Balenciaga and Vogue had already cut off their relationships with the billionaire rapper and designer ... Adidas had been silent, except to say their partnership was "under review."

That review actually had nothing to do with Ye's recent rants -- for months, he'd publicly accused the company of ripping off his designs for non-Yeezy branded merchandise, so the relationship was already on ice.

102222_kanye_west_kal 10/22/22
Jews trying to mute me!!!

Ye knew his incredibly profitable deal with Adidas was hanging in the balance -- he said so on Friday night ... even as he railed that any backlash against him was only proving his initial antisemitic remark that the Jews were controlling Hollywood and the banks.

Adidas was especially under pressure to react -- not only as Ye's biggest partner, but due to its founder supporting the Nazi party.

Adidas and Kanye started their partnership in 2013, and his Yeezy brand is widely credited with reinvigorating Adidas in the shoe game. While the company has some huge athletes as brand ambassadors -- James Harden, Lionel Messi and Damian Lillard to name just a few -- Ye's designs were key to the company's recent success, and Adidas' backing allowed him to expand Yeezy well beyond sneakers.

charles brad adidas 10/25/22
PUTTING THEIR FOOT DOWN

Adidas was the distributor and manufacturer of Yeezy shoes and athletic gear ... so, Kanye currently has no outlet for his creations.

Originally Published -- 4:45 AM PT

NFL Refs Ask For Mike Evans' Autograph ... League Launches Investigation

Published

Two referees appeared to ask for Mike Evans' autograph following the Buccaneers game on Sunday ... and the optics of it were so bad, the NFL is now investigating it all.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday that the league launched its review into the incident shortly after the two men were seen on camera asking the Tampa Bay star for his signature.

Footage shot from inside a tunnel at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte shows the two refs -- ID'ed as side judge Jeff Lamberth and line judge Tripp Sutter -- running up to Evans with a piece of paper and a pen.

They both had the receiver sign the paper -- before the trio hastily headed deeper into the stadium.

According to Pelissero, the NFL-NFLRA CBA says officials are prohibited from asking "players, coaches or any other team personnel for autographs or memorabilia."

It's unclear what punishment -- if any -- the duo is facing over it all.

By the way, if you're wondering, Evans and the Bucs didn't receive many favorable calls in the game -- they were blown out, 21-3.

Fyre Fest's Billy McFarland I've Got Somethin' In The Works ... New Festival Coming!?!

Published | Updated

Billy McFarland, the man behind the infamous Fyre Festival, has a new project on the horizon ... and it might be similar to what got him in so much trouble in the first place.

Billy posted a teaser clip to TikTok Monday ... fessing up to his wrongs at the last festival -- before hinting at what's next.

He says he's got something new coming -- showing a treasure map ... as well as a brief look at a phone number. We checked it out, and once contacting the number, you're asked for contact info and given a video clue as to what's coming from Billy.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ he's creating another festival, among other things in the near future.

As we reported, Billy was released from prison early back in March, spending 4 of his 6-year sentence behind bars. He was transferred to community confinement and was expected to stay in confinement through the end of August.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Of course, the infamous Fyre Festival was organized by Billy back in 2017 and was set to go down in the Bahamas -- before quickly turning into a disaster. He ended up pleading guilty to 2 counts of wire fraud over the disastrous failed event.

Not sure who's ready to jump back on board for an event like this, so party at your own risk!

Adidas On Blast Amid Ye's Antisemitism ... Nazi History Resurfaces

Published | Updated

Adidas has stayed silent amid Kanye West's continued antisemitic rants -- and now, folks are calling on a boycott if they don't cut ties, especially with their own Nazi history in mind.

While there've been reports their relationship with Ye is "under review," that's not good enough for Twitter anymore -- considering KW's comments have gone from controversial to hate-filled, particularly pertaining to Jewish people ... and many are demanding action now.

There's also a clip from the 'Drink Champs' interview that's resurfaced and is making the rounds anew -- it's Kanye spelling it out clear as day, saying he can literally say antisemitic stuff and Adidas won't do diddly squat about it. He almost seems proud about this!

The fact Adidas hasn't dropped the guy like so many other companies have done -- let alone issue a statement of condemnation over all this -- is speaking volumes in the minds of many ... and now #boycottadidas is trending, with a lot of folks claiming the shoe company is putting profits over ethics ... as their Yeezy line is still raking in big time cash.

BTW, it's full steam ahead on the Yeezy front -- Adidas just dropped a new shoe from the line Saturday, and there are future dates scheduled that sneaker heads are keeping an eye on. These shoes are going for $200-$300, who knows how much more on the resale market.

Eagle-eyed Twitter users have even noticed a new job posting that Adidas is advertising -- they're hiring for a new brand director for Yeezy based out of L.A. ... which is also telling.

Of course, the bigger backdrop of all this is the fact that the founders of the company -- a German-based family named the Dasslers -- have Nazi ties dating back to the '30s. The brothers joined the party, and they even supplied athletic footwear to Nazis in those days.

Even with this incredibly ugly history, Adidas continues to keep their mouths closed -- and things are coming to a head ... especially as rallies in Kanye's name are cropping up.

Clock's ticking here.

Brad Pitt Snubs F1 Journo Martin Brundle Racing Community Pissed

Published | Updated

Brad Pitt might be making a movie about Formula 1 racing, but he sure doesn't respect the sport in real life -- at least that's what F1 Twitter's saying after snubbing one of their heroes.

The A-lister was on the ground these past few days down in Austin -- where the U.S. Grand Prix's been taking place all weekend -- but on Sunday ... the guy skirted out of an interview with Sky Sports' Martin Brundle ... a famed former race car driver turned pundit/journalist.

Brundle -- who's well-known these days for his grid walks, where he interviews celebs (sometimes awkwardly) impromptu -- got a bit of a cold shoulder from BP in person.

Now, in Brad's defense ... he didn't totally not respond to Brundle's questions -- ones about the movie, which he says can't answer since it's top secret -- but clearly didn't wanna chat. It would seem like a no harm, no foul sitch ... but some online are offended on MB's behalf.

Brundle himself seemed perturbed -- saying to the camera, "They're known at 'pit stops'" if they don't want you talking to Brad Pitt. Bird app users are mostly agreeing, arguing he should respect the culture and talk to Brundle, whose interviews are par for the course on the grid and who's an F1 staple. In other words, play ball when you're on our turf, Brad!

It's not the first time a celeb has brushed off Brundle -- Megan Thee Stallion famously did it last year -- but in this case, some are suggesting that since Brad is literally making a film about F1 ... he should be aware of the major players, Brundle included, and show reverence.

Outside of this salty interaction ... Brad has mostly been receiving the rock star treatment during his time in Texas, at one point posing for a pic with the Williams Racing team. He's still a golden boy in Hollywood -- and this won't change that.

Haters, take your mark.

Cardi B Goes Nuclear on Madonna ... For 'Pave the Way' Note

Published | Updated
UPDATE

11:21 AM PT -- Cardi B has changed her tune in a matter of hours, saying she's spoken to Madge and that all is well. She's also deleted a lot of her anti-Madonna tweets.

Madonna apparently wanted credit for "paving the way" for a ton of modern-day artists to embrace their sexuality -- but the way she said left a very bad taste in Cardi B's mouth.

Madge pissed off Cardi this weekend with a passive-aggressive note she posted on her IG Stories -- one in which she celebrates the 30-year anniversary of her infamous "S.E.X." book, but in the same breath ... seems to take some shots at a select few ladies by name.

She describes the boundaries she pushed back then and how influential her book turned out to be in pop culture despite the backlash she endured, going on to say ... "Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP, Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her naked ass and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball," adding, "You're welcome bitches 🤡"

That last part is what's pissing off CB -- 'cause she's on Twitter right now absolutely s****ing on Madonna for it. In one tweet, she says ... "These icons really become disappointments once u make it in the industry that’s why I keep to myself."

There are other tweets where Cardi expresses her anger over the fact Madonna felt the need to both ask for a pat on the back while also hurling what Cardi perceives as an insult.

It seems Cardi's catching a little bit of heat for being so vocal about her criticism of Madonna ... with some folks telling her to chillax -- but she's doing the exact opposite, digging her heels in and insisting on defending herself against anyone ... icon status or not.

For Cardi, it comes down to tone and she simply feels Madonna could've made her point without being rude. And as most people know, CB's not afraid to square up (digitally) against anyone these days. She's in constant feuds on Twitter, and now Madonna's on the list too.

Madonna versus Cardi B ... what a world!

Originally Published -- 10:23 AM PT

Christian Pulisic Ya Gotta Embrace 'Capt. America' Nickname!!! ... Says Alexi Lalas

Published | Updated
101522_alexi_lalas_kal
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Team USA legend Alexi Lalas says Christian Pulisic shouldn't fight the "Captain America" nickname ... telling TMZ Sports it's only going to make people call him it even more!!

CP has publicly stated in the past he's not a fan of the superhero-esque moniker ... saying he's "not too fond" of it -- especially when his own teammates use it.

We spoke with Lalas about the whole ordeal ... and he says Christian is only making matters worse by making the gripe.

"Christian Pulisic not liking Captain America is gonna make a lot of people call him Captain America more," Lalas joked.

"He needs to read the room. You don't get to pick your nickname. People get to pick your nickname. It's a really good nickname."

Lalas says the nickname is a good thing ... and thinks there are MUCH worse things Pulisic could be called -- so he should feel lucky.

Lalas also thinks it is a money-making opportunity for Pulisic ... saying he could cash in by marketing and branding the nickname.

We also spoke with Lalas about Team USA heading into the World Cup ... and he gives us some guys who could become household names throughout the tournament.

As for the Red, White and Blue's chances of making a run ... Lalas gives his completely unbiased take.

Meghan Markle No 'Deals' Here in Montecito ... Luxury Shopping Time!!!

Published | Updated

Meghan Markle might've thought her "Deal or No Deal" days were chock-full of misogyny -- but she was pretty into the deals she found in Montecito Friday ... or a lack thereof, rather.

The Duchess was shopping at a swanky luxury boutique in her backyard with a friend and security guard/driver in tow. She was looking pretty chic, but apparently wanted some new threads from a place she was happy to advertise on the way out ... bag-flashing for days.

The store she went to is quite high-end -- so much so, you can't even view their catalog on the web for a price point. All they seem to offer in their "Shop Online" category are gift cards, ranging from $100 to $1000 ... so that gives you an idea of how uppity it is.

In other words ... she probably didn't get much of a deal here, not like her briefcase days -- when she says she felt objectified over her looks and made out to be a "bimbo."

Anyhoo -- check out how Meghan handled herself when she was getting out of there ... she tries to open the door for herself, but her driver insists on getting it, which she lets him do.

It's interesting ... this is apparently one of the things that the Royals and/or their staff had a major problem with while she was working for them -- namely, that she broke a ton of little protocols ... including taking the lead or getting her own door, stupid stuff like that.

Old habits die hard, we suppose. Also, peep the Skinny Pop in her ride! Guilt-free snack fare right there.

Jeffrey Dahmer Pizza Finger and Eyeball Toppings!?! TX Spot Dishing Controversy

Published | Updated

Blame Halloween or Netflix, or both ... but a Texas pizzeria is cutting off a slice of the ghoulish Jeffrey Dahmer fascination -- which is pissing off some people and drawing others into the joint.

Capital Pizza in Lubbock is now proudly displaying an almost literal hot mess -- it's called the "Jeffrey Dahmer Special." Yes, that's a finger and eyeball surrounded by what looks like blood and guts.

It's not real, of course, but the imagery alone is making some people lose their appetite. The restaurant's manager tells TMZ ... one of his servers came up with the concept in honor of Halloween, and the immensely popular Netflix series.

He says the pie is just ramen noodles, pepperoncini garnish ... along with the prop body parts and a whole lot of fake blood. Even though it's not on the menu -- it's just a prop in the pizzeria's window -- many customers have complained it's in poor taste.

The manager says they've had it out there for about 3 weeks, and while they've had complaints, lots of other customers love it -- coming in to have their kids take photos with the display. It's spooky season, after all.

However, the marketing move comes amid lots of controversy over Dahmer being celebrated as some sort of folk hero -- instead of a mass murdering monster -- spurred by Netflix telling his story in what many deem a very sympathetic light.

The manager says he plans to remove the Dahmer special after Halloween, and says it was just intended to be good fun.

'House Of The Dragon' Season Finale Leaks Early Online!!! ... HBO Calls Out Distribution Partner

Published | Updated

The season finale for HBO's "House of the Dragon" has leaked online ahead of Sunday's airing ... and the streaming giant is pointing fingers at its distribution partner as the reason.

The final episode for the "Game of Thrones" prequel popped up illegally on torrent sites Friday, giving patiently-waiting fans a chance to see how the climactic season ends before the official air date.

HBO thinks it pin-pointed the problem, though -- in addition to yanking the episode from the web, a spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, "It appears to have originated from a distribution partner in the EMEA region,” which is located in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company adds, “HBO is aggressively monitoring and pulling these copies from the internet" ... noting how disappointing it is for the show to leak early.

HBO also points out a major downside to watching the finale early ... urging people to wait to watch it on Sunday on HBO Max, "where it will stream exclusively in 4K.”

Tank If Babyface Is Still Rocking I Have No Excuse to Quit Music!!!

Published
102122-tank-kal
MAN'S A LEGEND

R&B mainstay Tank recently said he was retiring his recording career, but after soaking up Babyface’s star-studded album release party ... he’s beginning to rethink that decision!!!

TMZ Hip Hop pressed Tank about throwing in the towel during 'Face’s “Girls Night Out” shindig, and he sheepishly admitted seeing the legend pull off a new album didn’t make him feel legit.

In fact, Tank credits BF’s ‘89 album “Tender Lover” for giving him his formal introduction to the world of song … especially since being a church kid made it impossible for him to consume secular music at the time.

Tank says he was in awe of the room -- highlighted by the presence of Chris Tucker, Jordin Sparks and Kim Kardashian -- and gained a newfound inspiration from the night alone.

His 10th album “R&B Money” dropped back in August, and while he claimed it would be his last ... Tank's fans will likely lean into what he told us.

Basically, he's saying there's a chance it ain't over yet! Good job, Tank -- nobody likes a quitter.

Deshaun Watson Busted For Speeding After Browns Trade ... 97 MPH in a 70

Published | Updated

Deshaun Watson found himself in trouble in Ohio just months after he was traded to the Browns ... TMZ Sports has learned he was busted for going 97 MPH in a 70 MPH zone in June.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says it caught the star quarterback speeding in his G-Wagon in Sandusky -- less than three months after the Houston Texans dealt him to the Browns in a blockbuster trade.

Police body cam footage shows an officer pulled over the 27-year-old on June 11 ... and asked him if he had any clue how fast he was going.

"Like, 97?" said Watson, who also told the cop he had just been traded to the Browns.

"Yeah," the officer responded, "I got you at 97."

Watson said during the stop that he had been traveling into town from Detroit ... and the entire interaction with the cop was cordial. After a few minutes, the QB was issued a citation and allowed to leave.

Court records show the case was closed out on July 6 -- when Watson paid a $185 fine.

081822_deshaun_watson_kal 8/18/22
MAINTAINING INNOCENCE

Deshaun is currently serving an 11-game suspension after he allegedly was sexually inappropriate with female masseuses during multiple massage therapy sessions during his time on the Texans.

The quarterback, who has denied wrongdoing in all of the cases, is allowed to return to the field for the Browns starting in Week 13.