Billy Eichner Seems to Blame Homophobia ... For 'Bros' Box Office Bomb

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Billy Eichner's new romcom completely bombed at the box office -- and he appears to be chalking it up to homophobia across the country.

The comedian-turned-actor took to Twitter Sunday to acknowledge the low ticket sales -- the movie only raked in $4.8 million domestically, placing 4th this weekend -- and he's definitely bummed by the underwhelming turnout ... despite the fact the film is objectively solid.

He writes, "Last night I snuck in and sat in the back of a sold out theater playing BROS in LA. The audience howled with laughter start to finish, burst into applause at the end, and some were wiping away tears as they walked out. It was truly magical. Really. I am VERY proud of this movie."

BE also went on to claim that -- despite 'Bros' being hailed as one of the funniest comedies in recent memory -- a theater chain called Universal to say they were pulling the trailer because of the gay content. He says Universal was able to convince them to keep it.

Billy adds, "That’s just the world we live in, unfortunately. Even with glowing reviews, great Rotten Tomatoes scores, an A CinemaScore etc, straight people, especially in certain parts of the country, just didn’t show up for Bros. And that’s disappointing but it is what it is."

His final thought hits his point right on the head ... "Everyone who ISN’T a homophobic weirdo should go see BROS tonight! You will have a blast! And it *is* special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on a big screen, esp for queer folks who don’t get this opportunity often. I love this movie so much. GO BROS!!!"

Billy's right about one thing ... the movie was positively reviewed by critics and normies alike -- so by all accounts, it's pretty darn good. As for why it did so poorly, it's hard to say. It was marketed fairly heavily by the studio ... with the trailer getting a lot of play in theaters and billboards all around the L.A. area.

It's pretty clear though ... Billy sees it as lingering bigotry. 🤷🏽‍♂️

'Till' Star Jalyn Hall Playing Emmett Taught Me This ... Be Yourself, Be Aware

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A new movie about Emmett Till hits theaters next week, and the lead actor who's taking on the role says he learned some lessons -- both about himself and his surroundings.

Actor Jalyn Hall -- who plays Emmett in the forthcoming film, 'Till' -- attended the New York Film Festival premiere Saturday, and as he was signing autographs ... he answered some questions about the role and his takeaways about such an important historical figure.

First off, JH says there are certainly a lot of expectations when it comes to a performance like this -- but adds he wasn't really sweating it, and just did the best job he could ... noting it was an honor to be part of the production.

Now, when it comes to what he gleaned from this story -- one that undoubtedly changed the trajectory of America in terms of civil rights -- Jalyn gives a pretty poignant response.

He says it's never wrong to be yourself, and that one shouldn't ever refrain from doing so -- adding that ya gotta let your light shine. With that said, though, he also makes sure to note that there's evil out there in the world ... and a little situational awareness goes a long way.

Watch for yourself ... what Jalyn's saying actually kinda echoes what his onscreen mother -- played by Danielle Deadwyler, who's said to be fantastic -- tells Emmett in the movie ... namely, to "be small" while visiting his family in Mississippi.

Will Smith Shelved Apple Film Revived in D.C. ... Screened, Good Reaction

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Will Smith might be back in business sooner than later -- a key project of his that was paused seems on track to see the light of day after all ... this after a solid test screening.

The beleaguered actor -- who's still trying to repair his image after the Oscars slap -- was on hand Saturday at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st annual Legislative Conference, which was hosted by the NAACP ... with a ton of honchos there as well.

WS was standing next to director Antoine Fuqua, who was at the helm for their new flick, 'Emancipation,' while explaining to the audience why he'd been so averse to slave movies throughout his career ... but noting, he didn't really see this film in that lens, per se.

Will says this movie is, more so, about perseverance and determination -- and just the sheer will to survive and be free. He also talked about the character he'll be portraying, "Whipped Peter," whose photographs from the 1800s (showing scars on his back) went viral in its day.

As far as the actual movie itself ... the word is, it's incredible and quite powerful -- with a number of folks touting its importance for African-American culture, and America at large.

The jibes with all the buzz surrounding 'Emancipation' before Will hit Chris Rock on national TV -- there was a lot of talk of Oscars, and based on how people are responding ... it sounds like that might still be the case -- even though Will wouldn't be able to attend any ceremony.

As we all know ... the guy was banned from attending Academy Award shows for 10 years. Assuming Apple releases this thing in the next decade -- which they probably will -- and WS is actually in contention ... someone else would have to go up there for any would-be wins.

No word on when 'Emancipation' might hit streaming services, but if they're already screening it and getting solid feedback ... something tells us it might happen within the year.

Ana de Armas 'Blonde' Film Slammed Anti-Abortion Propaganda???

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Ana de Armas' new movie about Marilyn Monroe is being blasted as a pro-life advertisement -- with none other than Planned Parenthood coming out against some mommy-baby scenes.

Caren Spruch, a PP honcho, tells THR ... "As film and TV shapes many people’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health, it’s critical these depictions accurately portray women’s real decisions and experiences."

She's mostly talking about the director, Andrew Dominik, and his depiction of Marilyn's fetus(es) -- which look fully formed in the movie, and which actually talk at one point.

Spurch goes on to say ... "Planned Parenthood respects artistic license and freedom. However, false images only serve to reinforce misinformation and perpetuate stigma around sexual and reproductive health care. Every pregnancy outcome -- especially abortion -- should be portrayed sensitively, authentically and accurately in the media."

She finishes with this ... "It is a shame that the creators of Blonde chose to contribute to anti-abortion propaganda and stigmatize people’s health care decisions instead."

For those who haven't seen it yet -- Ana, playing Marilyn, is shown as being preggo three different times ... and two of those end in nightmare-like, horrific forced abortions against her will and the third ends in a miscarriage. MM is shown as wanting to be a mother throughout the film, but forces outside her control strong-arm her into losing the babies.

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Dominik, for his part, has defended his depictions of the baby stuff ... saying the feelings surrounding this are only heightened because of Roe v Wade, adding ... "no one would have given a s*** about that if I’d made the movie in 2008, and probably no one’s going to care about it in four years’ time. And the movie won’t have changed."

The movie has garnered a lot of controversy for a variety of reasons. But on this particular issue ... we should note, the whole thing is fiction -- including how Marilyn's pregnancies came to end, or how she may or may not have felt about any them. She is said to have miscarried in real life at least three times during her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller.

Take that for what it is, we suppose.

Sylvester Stallone Cozied Up to Wife Jennifer ... Weeks After Divorce Filing

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It appears Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin are back on track, at least if body language is any indicator, just weeks after she filed for divorce.

The married couple of 25 years were spotted Thursday in deep convo outside a grocery store in Calabasas. Notice Sly's hand on Jennifer's leg as they chat ... certainly not a gesture that would be made if the two were still super pissed at each other.

TMZ broke the story, sources close to the two told us there was not a prenup in place, and they were working out a divorce settlement after filing docs to put a pause on any public proceedings. At the time, we were told the divorce was still happening.

However, by the looks of things, the two are at least working on figuring things out -- and even possibly a total reconciliation.

Remember, it was last month when Jennifer filed divorce docs -- accusing Sly of moving marital assets -- a claim he's denied. There was also Sly's infamous new ink of his Rottweiler, Dwight, he got on his arm ... covering a portrait of Jennifer.

Sly told us the dog wasn't the reason he and Jennifer split, they'd simply grown apart.

Nonetheless, if these pics are any indicator, look for the divorce to be dismissed soon.

George & Amal Clooney Host First Ever Albie Awards ... A Night Full Of Stars

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George and Amal Clooney brought out some of their most famous friends in NYC to christen a new award show ... with guests including Michelle Obama, Drew Barrymore, Cindy Crawford and more.

The star-studded event went down Thursday at the New York Public Library. The Albie Awards, named after Justice Albie Sachs -- and hosted by George and Amal -- were about honoring folks who have taken a stand against injustice.

Of course, the power couple was front and center the whole night ... and they certainly looked the part. Amal wore a bedazzled Versace gown, while GC rocked a tux.

Unclear if she was at the show, but Michelle Obama was spotted entering The Albie Award's after-party at The Mark Hotel following the event.

Among the final celeb guestlist ... Clooney's co-star Julia Roberts, John Krasinski, Meryl Streep, Gayle King, Drew Barrymore, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.

Dua Lipa and Lori Harvey also pulled up to the event. Of course, Dua Lipa recently made headlines with the soon-to-be former host of "The Daily Show" Trevor Noah as the two were spotted hanging out in NYC.

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BRINGIN' OUT THE STARS

It doesn't appear Noah was in attendance Thursday night, but there was still plenty of star power in the room, nonetheless.

Sarah Jessica Parker Exits NYC Gala To Be With Dying Stepfather... In His Final Moments

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Sarah Jessica Parker had a lot of people concerned when she unexpectedly walked out of a gala in NYC ... and we've now learned she left to be by her dying stepfather's side in his final moments.

The Parker family tells TMZ ... Sarah's stepdad, Paul Giffin Forste, died unexpectedly Wednesday. We're told, he was surrounded by the love of his wife Barbara and his children, including SJP, who he's helped raise since she was young.

The "Sex and the City" star was in attendance at the beginning of Wednesday night's 10th Annual Fall Fashion Gala, but left without warning. Of course, her exit raised lots of eyebrows, but the family emergency was the reason why.

According to Page Six, those in the crowd were only told she had to leave because of a "devastating family situation."

The family's statement continues, "Paul will be remembered with the spirit of loving kindness which was his faith, his special delight in his 13 grandchildren, and his sustained belief in making the world a more charitable, tolerant, and beautiful place for all".

He was 76.

'Hocus Pocus' Sanderson Sisters Cottage Hits Airbnb ... Form a Calming Circle!!!

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The iconic cottage from "Hocus Pocus" is coming to life ... the Sanderson Sisters are opening up their home to two lucky guests, who can try to cast some ancient spells.

In celebration of the upcoming release of "Hocus Pocus 2," the witches are hosting a super rare overnight stay at their Salem, MA home, which has been frozen in time for 300 years.

The famous cottage from the OG Disney movie is being recreated into an Airbnb for one night only ... and 2 guests can relive their favorite moments from the Halloween classic for only $31!!!

If you're lucky enough to snag the spot, a night inside the "Hocus Pocus" home will have you feeling like Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.

The timeworn cottage is nestled in the woods and it will be pretty spooky ... the home's got creaky wooden floorboards and cupboards filled with ingredients primed for a witches' cauldron.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson promise not to swoop in on broomsticks and kidnap children ... but overnight guests can still try their hand at a few enchantments in the ancient spellbook.

Salem's famous for its witches ... and guests will also be able to visit the town's most haunted properties, before a special screening of "Hocus Pocus 2" back at the cottage.

Fans looking to recreate the music magic can request to book the cottage October 12 for the Oct. 20 stay. Airbnb will also make a donation to Salem's Boys & Girls Club to celebrate the rare event.

Kadeem Hardison Jack Harlow Might Bring Flair To 'WMCJ' Reboot ... Here's Who Should Play Me!!!

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Actor Kadeem Hardison is a little hesitant about the "White Men Can't Jump" reboot ... but speaking as one of the stars from the OG flick, he sees some potential -- and even has his eyes set on who could play him in this new-gen version.

We got Kadeem in NYC Tuesday ... and he's got a reason to be timid about the new 'WMCJ" -- it's missin' Ron Shelton, the original film's writer and director, who's arguably the reason the movie's still big today.

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HOOPIN' HARLOW

But, there might still be hope ... the actor's been hearing good things about Jack Harlow, who's playing Billy Hoyle -- Woody Harrelson's role from 1992.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

Kadeem puts it plainly -- the "First Class" rapper could be bringin' some serious flair to the new project.

He also knows who should be playing his role for the reboot -- RJ Cyler, or as Kadeem calls him, the "lightning with the blam blams" dude from Netflix's "The Harder They Fall."

Kadeem's got some words for RJ if he gets the call to fill his shoes -- just keep running ya mouth!!!

'Don't Worry Darling' Crew Refutes 'Screaming Match' ... 40 of 'Em Sign Letter!!!

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Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh did NOT get into a war of words on the set of "Don't Worry Darling" -- despite a report claiming so -- according to dozens of crew members.

40 people who worked on the film have signed a letter, obtained by People, completely refuting the characterization put out by Vulture -- namely, that FP was angry with OW for allegedly being absent from the set and actually getting into a "screaming match" with her.

The letter reads, in part ... "As a crew, we’ve avoided addressing the absurd gossip surrounding the movie we’re so proud of, but feel the need to correct the anonymous ‘sources’ quoted in a recent article. There was never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast."

They went on to heap praise on Olivia, saying ... "We are happy to put our names on this, as real people who worked on the film, and who have witnessed and benefited from the collaborative and safe space Olivia creates as a director and leader. We're also thrilled that the movie is in theaters this weekend. We can't wait for you to see it on the big screen."

A producer for 'DWD' doubled down in a separate statement for good measure, saying any reports/rumors of a feud or screaming match between Olivia and Florence are unfounded.

BTW, the 40 crew members who signed this are big shots in the production ... everyone from the DP to the lead production designer and just about every key job in between -- including EPs and screenplay writers -- have attached their name to this. There are even a good amount of folks in smaller roles, like APs and gaffers, who've signed on as well.

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While it's certainly noteworthy that this amount of people would publicly shoot down any notion of friction on set -- the fact is, 40 crew members don't account for even half of the people that worked on that flick. There's well over 100 people credited on IMDb.

Point being ... this doesn't really invalidate Vulture's story. It's possible these folks simply weren't aware of anything going on themselves -- that, or they're running cover for WB.

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At any rate, the saga is over ... the movie did well at the box office this weekend -- raking in a little more than $19 million, higher than expected -- and everyone seems to be moving on.

Believe what ya wanna believe, we suppose ... 'cause this book is finally slamming shut.

Tyler Perry Addresses Spike Lee Criticism ... Over 'Madea' Stereotypes

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STORIES FOR MY PEOPLE

Tyler Perry has long been dogged over his signature character, Madea, and stereotypes some feel she upholds -- but he's defending himself ... especially against Spike Lee.

The movie studio mogul sat for an interview with Chris Wallace as part of his new program on HBO Max -- "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace" -- which was scrapped from CNN+ ... and repurposed on their main streaming app.

Chris asks Tyler about a criticism that Lee once lobbed against him in describing his Madea movies -- in which he called the character and/or those movies "coonery buffoonery" in '09.

From Spike's POV ... Madea is a caricature of Black people, women in particular, and he thinks it's a cheap, over-the-top impersonation that Tyler has monetized with a lot of success. There are at least 10 movies of his in which the character appears.

While TP was once quoted as saying Spike can "go to hell," he's a bit more nuanced in explaining why he loves the character and the thinking behind her makeup. He says Madea represents women he grew up around, whose stories he wanted to convey in a humorous way ... with truth sprinkled in. In other words, he seems to see it as an homage.

Tyler also invokes Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance to reinforce his point ... noting this convo has been happening way before Spike's salvo.

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Now, it should be noted ... this old beef, while still discussed today, seems to be long and buried. Back in 2019, when Tyler opened his movie studio lot in Georgia, Spike was actually among the many famous guests who came to check it out. And TP even named one of the soundstages after him ... telling us at the time that his legacy was bigger than their feud.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

'Smile' Creepy Actors Infiltrate MLB ... To Plug New Horror Flick

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A new horror movie is coming out next week, and the studio found a creative way to let people know about ... sending background actors to live baseball games, front and center.

We're talking about Paramount's latest offering, "Smile," which drops next Friday ... and amid a lot of "Don't Worry Darling" chatter, it seems the mountain execs were trying to find a way to break through the noise and stand out ... and they chose MLB broadcasts to do it.

Several marquee matchups aired on big-time TV stations Friday -- including Dodgers vs. Cardinals, Mets vs. A's and Yankees vs. Sox. In all of them, there was at least one person prominently positioned behind home plate that held a super creepy smile the entire time.

It was perhaps most notable during the Mets game, where a woman in a highlight green shirt (with the word SMILE written across) was standing and smiling awkwardly ... that is, until a security guard told her to park it.

Another guy in green was also spotted at the Dodgers game, sitting in silence and holding a creepy smile for much of the game. Some of them stood up at times, but mostly sat still and just held the pose ... completely committed to the gag.

Another man, this time in blue, was seen at the Yankees game ... and he got up occasionally -- with viewers at home certainly taking notice and noting it was freaking them out.

Unclear if there were more actors at other games, but these are the ones that people paid close attention to. Of course, this is good old-fashioned viral marketing ... and it would appear it worked, 'cause the stunt is getting some media coverage.

"Smile" is going up against Billy Eichner's rom-com, "Bros," next week ... not to mention any spillover from 'DWD' and other recent horror releases like "Barbarian" and "Pearl." Plus, "Avatar" is back in theaters, and it already seems to be doing well -- so tough competition.

Paramount's smiling through it all though, especially at the ballpark!

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

'Don't Worry Darling' On Track for Box Office Boom ... Despite Rumored Drama

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There's been more said about the off-set shenanigans on "Don't Worry Darling" than the actual movie -- and it looks like that'll actually help it at the box office ... go figure!

The early numbers are in, and all the whispers have apparently attracted the public's attention ... based on estimations thus far -- 'DWD' is on track to rake in about $21 million this weekend, a huge W for WB, seeing how the movie only cost around $35 mil to make.

On Thursday alone, the movie pulled an impressive $3.1 million in previews (with limited screenings). When it opened wide on Friday, however ... it cashed in another $6.3 mil.

As of now, the movie's made about $9.4M total ... and at this rate, it'll have beat projections -- which had this thing fluctuating in the mid-to-high-10s, considering all the negative publicity surrounding the project ... particularly between Florence Pugh and Olivia Wilde.

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Speaking of FP ... she actually went out of her way to post some behind the scenes shots from her days on set, and her collection make it seem like everything was super chill.

There's a photo of her and Olivia in there as well ... but it should be noted, it's a still frame from a scene in the movie -- as opposed to a true BTS shot, of which she has several with other castmates. At any rate, it seems Florence is trying to put out the fire here too.

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She shouted out some crew members from the film -- not Olivia though -- and went on to say, "This film was such an epic story on such a large scale to shoot, all while during peak Covid times. For that I will always be grateful. To all of you who helped make this, your dedication and love was seen daily - thank you."

The timing of her post is interesting, because a bombshell report from Vulture on Friday alleged that all the rumored drama between Florence and Olivia was, in fact, real ... and it did, indeed, have to do with Olivia supposedly being absent a lot, going missing with none other than Harry Styles. Per Vulture, FP and OW got into a "screaming match" on set.

The report says it left Florence fuming ... and she had to go into negotiations with Warner to make sure she'd promote the movie at the absolute bare minimum -- which she has.

That -- coupled with #SpitGate and suggestions that Harry and Olivia have split (which don't seem to be true) -- is the ultimate cherry on this messy sundae. And yet, it's cleaning up!

Never mind the terrible reviews ... and the so-so plot/performances from everyone except Florence. Box office is still king in this town, and Warner probably loves to see it. 😮‍💨

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' Nurse Ratched Actress Dead at 88

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Oscar-winning actress Louise Fletcher, who played the iconic villain Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest," died from natural causes Friday in France, this according to her family.

Her son, Andrew Bick, tells TMZ ... Louise passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Montdurausee -- a commune in Southern France -- after she had overcome breast cancer several years ago.

Louise snagged the 1976 Best Actress Academy Award for her bone-chilling performance as Nurse Ratched in 'Cuckoo’s Nest.' The film, which swept all 5 Oscars in each of the major categories, centered around the tense relationship between Ratched and Randall McMurphy, a psych ward patient played by Jack Nicholson.

McMurphy was an anti-authority-free spirit who was a threat to Ratched's strict rules to keep the other patients in line. In the end, McMurphy won over the hearts and minds of the patients ... only to have a vengeful Ratched order him to be turned into a lobotomized vegetable.

The Nurse Ratched character was hand-picked as the fifth-greatest villain in movie history by the American Film Institute -- and she was runner-up to the Wicked Witch of the West as the greatest villainess.

After the success of 'Cuckoo's Nest,' Fletcher landed roles in other popular films and TV shows, such as "ER," "Picket Fences," "A Perfect Man," "Shameless" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." She was nominated for an Emmy for "Fences."

Louise was 88.

RIP

Allen Maldonado Puerto Rico Needs Aid, Urgently!!! I've Seen the Devastation

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"Black-ish" actor Allen Maldonado says his people in Puerto Rico are suffering after a catastrophic 1-2 punch from mother nature ... so, he's urging folks to do whatever they can to help.

We got the Afro-Puerto Rican actor at LAX, where he told us about his visit to the Caribbean island earlier this year -- and he says he what he saw makes him even more concerned about Hurricane Fiona's recent path of destruction, which left millions without power.

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CREATIVE FOR A CAUSE

Allen says folks in P.R. were still recovering from the previous hurricane before this one hit, and he's stressing just how desperate the situation is down there.

The 'Last O.G.' star says a recent string of disasters -- natural and otherwise -- are reminding him how important it is to spread love around the world, and that's why he's calling on everyone to donate anything they can to help families -- but not just in Puerto Rico.

Allen made a point to shout out the citizens of Jackson, Mississippi ... who are still dealing with the water crisis there.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS

He's doing his part by selling his artwork for charity, with funds going to relief efforts in P.R. and Mississippi. He says not only does he get to help others through art, but it helps him ... calling it a form of therapy.

Pete Davidson Hits 'Meet Cute' Premiere with Kaley ... And Kim's in NYC Too

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Pete Davidson's back in the Big Apple with a new woman on his arm -- yes, she's his costar, Kaley Cuoco -- but interestingly enough, his ex, Kim Kardashian, was also in town.

The 'SNL' alum was all smiles Tuesday night in Manhattan as he and Kaley attended the premiere of "Meet Cute" -- a rom-com they shot for Peacock. Pete went with his usual "just rolled outta bed" look -- white hoodie, green sweatpants and orange shades ... while Kaley rocked something more glittery and formal.

They looked pretty comfortable in front of cameras, with Pete wrapping his arm around KC and flashing a smile from time to time.

It's one of the bigger public events we've seen Pete attend since he and Kim split back in August. He's maintained a relatively low profile since ... so it's good to see him out and about and doing well.

PD had his mom and sis with him as well.

Kim was also in NYC Tuesday for an appearance on "Good Morning America" to plug the new season of her Hulu show, "The Kardashians." She was rolling solo while cruising around the city, and also rocked some goofy sunglasses.

It doesn't look like she and Pete reunited while in the same zip code -- which just further confirms ... they're definitely done. Fun while it lasted, though!