Bill Maher Hey Democrats ... Take a Lesson From Johnny Depp's Lawyer

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As if Johnny Depp's lawyer, Camille Vasquez, couldn't get any bigger ... Bill Maher is now telling the Democratic Party her skills are exactly what they need to win -- GOOD REPRESENTATION!!!

The "Real Time" host went in hard on the Dems, giving them what sounds like a simple instruction ... you, like Vasquez, are representatives -- advocates, like lawyers -- and you need to rep your constituents and not an idea that doesn't connect with them.

Camille was singularly focused to protect and preserve Johnny -- no one else and no greater cause, just Mr. Depp -- and as a result of her focus and good lawyering, she won.

The Dems, on the other hand, according to Bill, have become more focused on things other than their constituents, and that's why they're in big trouble.

He gives examples ... Asian American voters are flipping from Democrat to Republican -- Dems lost 16% of Asian Americans since 2020 -- in part because of the move to eliminate advanced programs in school to level the playing field. Bill says it may be noble, but not good politics.

Speaking of education, Maher references Biden's plan to partially eliminate college debt, to the tune of $321 BILLION. As he says, explain to folks who can't afford to go to college and who therefore generally get lower-paying jobs than college grads why they have to pick up the tab?

And, he goes further ... fearless Bill says even on the issue of abortion, Democrats are blowing it, with some now refusing to use the word "women" in the debate but rather "birthing  people." Bill says the average votes do not connect to this and many other things he raises.

Bill's last words ... the Democrats need to WIN, and the first order of business is making sure Donald Trump cannot run again. Although he didn't say it, the only want to ensure that is to prosecute and convict him for the election lies and conspiracy to foment an insurrection.

ROE V. WADE PROTESTS Capitol Police on High Alert

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With growing Roe v. Wade protests outside the Supreme Court and Capitol ... police there are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Sources within the Capitol Police tell TMZ ... cops were anticipating the landmark SCOTUS decision and they've been bracing for protests and preparing their response, beefing up security at the Capitol to address any civil unrest.

The Supreme Court does have its own police force, but we're told CPD is currently at the Court to bolster the ranks there, in addition to patrolling the Capitol.

All Capitol Police officers are now working extended duty -- we're told what is typically an 8-hour daily shift is being boosted to 12 to 16 hours on duty.

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SUPREME PROTESTS

Tensions are high after SCOTUS overturned the 50-year-old precedent that legalized abortion nationwide ... and we're told the protests forming outside the Capitol feature both pro-life supporters and pro-choice advocates.

The way Capitol Police sees it ... anytime there are crowds of people on opposing sides, it's a recipe for potential violence.

We're told officers are just monitoring the crowds for now ... but it's clear they are prepared for the worst, some are already suited up in riot gear.

In another sign of the times ... we're told in addition to a security fence around the Supreme Court, there are snipers positioned on the roof of the building.

The Supreme Court's own police force is small, which is why Capitol Police are sending over more manpower.

It goes without saying ... tours of the U.S. Capitol have also been suspended for the time being.

Roe v. Wade Overturned By Supreme Court

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Author and women's rights attorney Kathryn Kolbert joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday, and she's calling out the Supreme Court Justices for overturning Roe ... saying they've taken away a woman's decision and instead placed it in the hands of politicians.

UPDATE

She, as well as millions across the country, see this as erasing 50 years of progress -- and Kathryn's worried this could only be the beginning of serious backpedaling.

Justice Alito's written opinion says the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, making it unprotected in their eyes ... Kathryn believes that logic could trigger the removal of a laundry list of rights.

A huge crowd has gathered outside the Supreme Court. Several people in the crowd have signs protesting the decision.

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SUPREME PROTESTS

The U.S. Supreme Court has officially overturned Roe v. Wade ... reversing the 50-year-old precedent that legalized abortion nationwide.

Justice Samuel Alito -- the conservative justice who has sat on the Court since 2006 -- wrote the opinion and didn't mince words, writing, "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any Constitutional provision ... It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives."

Four justices signed on to Alito's opinion. Chief Justice Roberts wrote a separate, concurring opinion.

Alito added, "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start."

Put simply, a majority of the justices ruled there was no right under the U.S. Constitution for a woman to have an abortion ... so a Mississippi law that banned most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy was not unconstitutional.

The three liberal justices -- Breyer, Kagan and Sotomayor -- wrote a joint dissent, harshly criticizing the majority's reasoning and lamenting the public-health risks of overturning Roe for women across the country. The dissenters note the majority made no exceptions for rape, incest, the health of the mother or physical abnormalities of the fetus.

The reversal doesn't mean that abortion automatically becomes illegal in the country ... the issue will now be left to the states, but 13 states have trigger laws that outlaw abortions as soon as the Court overturned Roe. Nine other states have laws on the books that, if enforced, will severely restrict or outlaw the right to an abortion.

Many other states are expected to severely restrict abortion rights in response to the ruling. Abortion has been a hot-button issue for decades ... and it's very likely this decision will only stoke the flames.

The leaked draft opinion caused a huge stir at the time. It was an enormous breach of protocol for the nation's highest court and prompted an immediate investigation to determine the source of the leak. Chief Justice Roberts called it "absolutely appalling" but vowed that the leak would have no effect on the justices' decision process. The results of that investigation have not been released.

The Court issued the ruling along with a host of other opinions in advance of its summer recess … but it's clear that everyone is focused on Roe.

Originally Published -- 7:21 AM PT

Eric Trump What, Me Worried About Jan. 6th?!? ... Partying In Vegas

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Eric Trump must be feeling the vise tightening around his famous family as the Jan. 6th hearings roll on ... but on the surface, he seems unbothered, because he was livin' it up in Vegas.

Former President Trump's son -- along with his wife, Lara -- were in Sin City Wednesday night ...  Eric's entourage piled into a waiting SUV at The Venetian Hotel.

Eric and Lara are rolling deep ... a bunch of ladies got into the SUV before him. It seems they were being whisked away to check out a Luke Bryan concert at a nearby hotel, where they posed for pics with the country music star.

It's interesting to see Eric living it up in Vegas ... especially because the committee is now listening hard to some of his comments and those of other family members.

As we reported ... the House Committee just subpoenaed all of the footage from a Trump family documentary that was being filmed leading up to, during and after the insurrection ... outtakes that could produce a "Watergate moment" for Eric's dad.

ET wasn't keeping a particularly low profile on The Strip either ... his black SUV sported a vanity license plate -- "Trump 2."

Bottom line ... seems the only heat Eric is feeling is summer in Vegas ... at least on the outside.

NANCY PELOSI Husband Charged with DUI Causing Injury If Convicted He'll Do Jail Time

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Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul, will face criminal charges -- and possibly jail time -- for his recent DUI arrest, and TMZ has learned ... the arresting officer noted Pelosi handed him a special card showing he supports cops.

Paul Pelosi has been charged with 2 misdemeanors -- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury, and Driving with .08% Blood Alcohol Level or Higher Causing Injury.

We're told a blood sample was taken and it came back .082% BAC ... just over the legal limit.

TMZ broke the story ... Paul was involved in a car accident the night of May 28 near Napa, California, where police say Paul was behind the wheel of a 2021 Porsche when it was struck by a Jeep in a 2-vehicle crash.

The CHP officers who responded say Pelosi had "objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication" ... such as watery eyes, slurred speech and a "strong odor" of alcohol on his breath. They say he also showed signs of impairment after field sobriety testing.

Interestingly, they also note Pelosi handed officers his "11-99 Foundation" card when they asked him for ID. The foundation provides financial assistance and scholarships to CHP officers and their families.

The penalty includes up to 5 years probation, a minimum of 5 days in jail, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Paul, who was not with Nancy, took a solemn mug shot after his arrest.

Police also note the victim reported pain in his arm, shoulder and neck, had trouble lifting things ... and was seeking medical care from his doctor.

There were rumors the California Governor stepped in to help Paul, something that was shot down by a spokesperson for Napa County, who told TMZ ... "Governor Newsom has not contacted the D.A.'s office nor intervened to have all DUI charges against Paul Pelosi dropped."

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."

Sean Penn Front and Center at House Committee's Jan. 6th Hearing

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Sean Penn's political side is in full swing ... the guy's front and center at the Capitol for the latest session of the January 6th hearings.

Sean grabbed a coveted seat Thursday in D.C. as the January 6th hearings roll on ...  right next to Officer Michael Fanone, one of the officers who was seriously injured during the insurrection.

It's unsurprising to see him on Capitol Hill as the House panel hears more evidence about Donald Trump's involvement. Sean is truly a political animal ... he was recently on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Sean was in Kyiv back in February, filming a documentary the Ukrainians say will tell the world the truth about the Russian invasion.

The January 6th House Committee has been working hard to prove Former President Donald Trump was at the center of the attack. Today's hearings involve Trump's intrusion into the Justice Dept. in an attempt to get them to discredit the election.

Hours of footage were recently subpoenaed by the committee -- footage by Filmmaker Alex Holder, who had access to Donald Trump and his family from September 2020 right through January 6th for an upcoming Discovery+ documentary. Holder just said the Trump family had no editorial control over his project.

Dave Chappelle Buys Ohio Land to Block Developer ... Follows Up on Town Hall Rant

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Dave Chappelle is the new owner of a hefty piece of property ... a purchase he's made to block a land developer from moving into the quiet Ohio village that's been his home.

Dave's reps confirm he recently bought up several acres of Yellow Springs, OH land previously owned by Oberer Land Developers, Ltd. -- a company that had announced plans for a huge subdivision that would have chewed up 52 acres of the village.

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"YOU LOOK LIKE CLOWNS"

As you know, Dave came in guns blazing back in February when the Yellow Springs town council held a public meeting.

Chappelle made it very clear he was opposed to Oberer moving forward with the project, and threatened to pull his own business venture for the area -- a planned restaurant/comedy club called the Firehouse Eatery.

The council ended up approving the development, but it now appears Dave has blocked -- or at least curtailed -- the subdivision plan by snapping up some of Oberer's property.

According to a local report, Dave bought at least 19 acres. We're trying to confirm that, because the big question is whether the comedian's still at war with the developer after his latest real estate chess move.

January 6th New Trump Documentary ... Former President Opens Up About January 6th

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There could be a "Watergate moment" in the January 6th hearings ... because there are HOURS of footage not just before the insurrection, but on that very day and after ... and the House Committee has now subpoenaed all of it.

Filmmaker Alex Holder had incredible access to Donald Trump and his family from September 2020 right through January 6th.

Somehow this all flew under the radar until this week ... and it could provide the Committee with not only video showing Trump's state of mind after he lost the election -- something critical for the Justice Dept. in deciding whether to prosecute him -- but it could show what Trump was doing while rioters stormed the Capitol.

Discovery just released a trailer for the doc, and it's apparent Trump opens up about January 6th. This is incredibly significant because if the interviews were done shortly after the insurrection, Trump would have been oblivious to how this all eventually played out with Congress and the public. In other words, he may have expressed his true feelings.

We don't know if Holder was filming in the Oval Office on January 6th ... if he was, it would show Trump glued to the TV and, even more important, what he was saying as various officials and family members begged him to put a halt to the attack on the Capitol.

As for why this could be a "Watergate moment" ... back in '73, no one knew about the secret Nixon tapes in the Oval office until mid-hearings, and that's what brought Nixon down.

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For Holder's part, he said ... "When we began this project in September 2020, we could have never predicted that our work would one day be subpoenaed by Congress," he said. "As a British filmmaker, I had no agenda coming into this. We simply wanted to better understand who the Trumps were and what motivated them to hold onto power so desperately. We have dutifully handed over all the materials the Committee has asked for and we are fully cooperating."

The doc will run on Discovery+ sometime this summer in 3 parts.

Stay tuned ...

Juul E-Cigarettes To Be Banned In the U.S. ... After 2 Year Review

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Juul e-cigarettes will soon be off the shelves, at least according to a report, that states the FDA is planning to ban the product from being sold in the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal reports the Food and Drug Administration is gearing up to order Juul to remove its products from the market following a two-year investigation. The report states Juul had asked to keep the company's nicotine products in rotation.

Juul first came under fire nearly 4 years ago, for marketing to young users with its sleek design and flavors ... ultimately leading to a spike in vaping in underage folks.

The company has been hit with thousands of lawsuits in the U.S. and tried to turn things around, by banning the fruit-flavored products. But clearly, that's not enough for the FDA which is reportedly taking things to the next level.

We should note ... many folks have reportedly been hospitalized and died around the country from different lung-related medical issues since various vaping products have hit the market -- and officials believe the various companies behind the devices are to blame.

The report from The Wall Street Journal says the announcement to ban Juul could come as early as Wednesday.

Stephen Colbert My Staff IS Guilty ... Of Puppetry in D.C., Not Insurrection!!!

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Stephen Colbert totally gets why his staffers, including Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, now have rap sheets with Capitol Police ... but he's really amused they're being compared to the Jan. 6th insurrectionists.

Colbert dove into the big story around his office during Monday night's episode of 'The Late Show' ... explaining everything that led up to the big bust in Washington. As we reported, cops busted 9 of his staffers -- including Robert Smigel, who typically has his hand up Triumph's ass -- while they were recording bits Thursday evening in the hallways of Congressional offices.

Doesn't sound like SC holds any grudges ... as he put it, the CPD officers were just doing their jobs, and so were my staff -- and he even acknowledged the fact Capitol Police have to be a bit more on edge since Jan. 6, 2021.

But, he says the whole story went haywire for him when he started seeing headlines about Triumph pulling off a Capitol insurrection 2.0!

While laughing, but also genuinely shocked, he points out ... "An insurrection involves interrupting the lawful action of Congress and howling for the blood of elected leaders, all to prevent the peaceful transfer of power."

He added all Triumph and co. were doing was "First-degree puppetry!!! This was hijinks with intent to goof." Hilariously, he admits cops should ring them up on charges for "Misappropriation of an old Conan [O'Brien] bit."

The 'Late Show' staff had been shooting outside the offices of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Lauren Boebert -- and cops say they didn't have proper ID to be there on their own.

Colbert hasn't revealed the footage yet -- maybe it's in police custody -- but you can bet he's gonna have a field day with it when the time's right.

Prince William Celebrates 40th Bday!!! Dad Leads Online Tributes

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It's a special day for Prince William, and his father -- first in line to the throne -- is leading the charge to honor his oldest son, and future King of England, on hitting the ol' 4-0.

Prince Charles did that typical parent thing ... busting out old pics of himself with Will, from his birth, his adolescence and right up to current day -- and he wrote, "Wishing The Duke of Cambridge a very happy 40th birthday!"

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Of course, the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth, also had some words and pics for her grandson ... but it might be the most royally royal birthday message ever.

The pics posted to Her Majesty's Family account are accompanied by said caption ... "Prince William Arthur Philip Louis is the elder son of The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He was born at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London."

Ya gotta read it with a British accent.

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The IG post included more infant pics and moments the Queen and William have shared together.

Worth noting ... William's bro, Prince Harry, hasn't posted any birthday wishes yet. It's still early on the West Coast, but it'll be interesting to see if he does mention the milestone amid their rift.

Apparently, Prince William and Kate Middleton will reportedly celebrate "in style" with a joint 40th Bday party at Windsor Castle.

Her birthday was back in January but the celebrations were reportedly nixed due to COVID-19.

Interestingly, the Duke's birthday will not be marked this year by the flying of the Union Jack over government buildings. That honor is now reserved for the Queen and Prince Charles' birthdays.

"Succession." What are ya gonna do? Happy birthday anyway, William.

President Biden Leaves Bike at Home For Stroll on The Beach

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President Biden is back on his feet -- and on top of softer terrain -- just a couple days after wiping out on his bike in a clip that's now gone viral.

The Prez hit Rehoboth Beach in Delaware Monday -- sporting a big grin, ballcap and aviator sunglasses. 46 didn't hit the water, just a walk along the shore, but he stopped to chat and take pics with several other beachgoers along his stroll.

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DOWN GOES POTUS

As we reported, JB was biking with Dr. Jill Biden on Saturday while on a weekend getaway in his home city when his shoe got caught in the pedal strap, causing him to fall.

President Biden seemed to be OK following the spill, telling bystanders, "I'm good!" ... and Monday's journey to the beach apparently proves all is well.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger Posts Letter Calling for His Execution ... After Saying Trump Should Be Criminally Prosecuted

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Rep. Adam Kinzinger is not cowering from crazies who are so angry at his feelings toward Donald Trump they threaten to kill him.

Kinzinger, a member of the Jan. 6th House Committee, posted a letter he says was sent to his home, and here it is ... "You are one stupid c***. That pimp you married not only broke his oath, he sold his soul. Yours, and Christian's too! Adam's activities have not only hurt this country, but countless patriotic and God-fearing families. Therefore, although it might take time, he will be executed."

Then the writer goes on to attack Adam's wife and son ... "But don't worry! You and Christian will be joining Adam in hell too! We find it blasphemous that you name the son of the devil Christian!"

Kinzinger, who is not running for re-election, appeared on ABC's "This Week" Sunday and said he believed Trump's involvement in the insurrection rose to a level of criminality.

In posting the letter, Kinzinger blamed the tone of the GOP for people like this letter-writer going nuts ... "The Darkness is spreading courtesy of cowardly leaders fearful of truth. Is the what you want @GOP? Pastors?"

BTW ... along the same lines, a GOP candidate named Eric Greitens, who's running for the U.S. Senate in Missouri, appears in a campaign ad with gun in hand, saying he's going after RINO's ... Republicans In Name Only.

Scary times.

Jen Psaki Good Burn & All ... But These Parody Accts. Aren't Me!!!

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Jen Psaki has been spreading proverbial burns all over Twitter lately -- that is, if you're dumb enough to believe it's actually her ... which the real McCoy is here to clear up.

President Biden's ex-Press Sec. -- who recently stepped away from the role -- made some apparently needed clarifications over a string of tweets that have popped over the past couple weeks ... with snarky messages aimed at the GOP, and trying to pass them as hers.

The tweets are being peddled by an account called Follow Plz? Faith Back Rub, which notes it's made for satire. At any rate, it seems to have been spreading these phony Psaki bombs.

One in particular that's made the rounds this weekend is about Biden falling off his bike and the need for kneepads ... invoking Donald Trump and Putin. After going viral with people apparently giving her kudos for the diss, the actual Jen Psaki set the record straight.

She writes, "Hate to disappoint, but…This is not my account. This is not approved by me on any level. (And there have been a number of these in the last few weeks)."

JP adds, "Anything with 'Parody..' in it means it is someone tweeting with an image and twitter account that looks like me and is not." You'd think that wouldn't need saying, seeing how most of the tweets have "Parody" written in -- but fake news never sleeps.

Some on Twitter claim to have personal insight into Psaki's psyche, suggesting while this isn't her -- she's probably thinking this privately. Others have noted she's too classy for all that ... but the truth is ... none of these people actually know her or what she thinks.

All the same, good on Jen for distancing herself from these ... they're cringe anyway.

Roe vs. Wade Protests at Amy Coney Barrett's Home Blood and Dolls Symbols of What's to Come

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As the decision over the fate of Roe vs. Wade looms, pro-choice activists descended on the home of conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett Saturday ... dressed in blood-soaked clothing and holding dolls.

The group -- members of Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights -- traveled to the Justice's home in Falls Church, Virginia. The blood on the crotch area of their clothing symbolizes forced births if Roe is overturned.

There have been other demonstrations at the homes of other conservative justices, and it may well ramp up because the decision is expected any time now. Unless there is a radical shift, it seems the Court is poised to overturn the 50-year-old precedent, which gives women a Constitutionally-protected right to an abortion with certain ground rules.

One protest became ominous recently, when Nicholas Roske was arrested for attempted murder ... this after cops found him carrying a gun, ammo, a crowbar and pepper spray near the home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

As you know, a draft opinion leaked last month, with 5 justices -- a majority -- signing off to squarely overturn Roe. There's talk Chief Justice John Roberts will try to temper the decision so Roe is not squarely overturned, but that seems more like a pipe dream given the strong language used in the draft opinion.