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Before this posing pipsqueak was heating up the music charts with his charm and talent, he was just another cute kid growing up in Harlan, Kentucky.

This little lad is best known for being the lead singer of a hot boy band in the late '90s which launched his career and eventually led to a famous reality show that deep dove into the relationship with his now ex-wife.

Now, you can find this smiling sweetie as a beloved and humorous television personality hosting many shows such as Netflix's new dating program, "Love Is Blind."

Kanye West will not be playing Presidential spoiler in Wisconsin ... election officials just booted him off the ballot in that crucial swing state.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission gave Kanye the heave-ho Thursday, voting by a 5-to-1 margin to exclude him from the state's ballot because he did not file signatures and paperwork before the state's August 5 deadline for independent candidates.

We'd say it's another crushing blow for Kanye's campaign if he really had a shot at winning ... which he doesn't. However, Wisconsin, and its 10 electoral votes, is a crucial battleground state in the Presidential race.

TMZ broke the story ... Kanye accused the Wisconsin Democratic Party of spying on his presidential campaign after an official complaint was filed asking the Elections Commission to check his paperwork for fake signatures.

You'll recall, Badger State Democratic officials came right out and accused Trump operatives of supporting Ye's campaign in Wisconsin purely to draw votes from Joe Biden.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are about to become a family of 5 ... so they need a new and possibly bigger house to reflect that.

The famous couple just listed their Beverly Hills crib -- once featured in Architectural Digest, btw -- for a cool $23.95 million. The entrance to this house is stunning ... as you're immediately greeted by 33-foot ceilings and a sculptural staircase.

The 7 bedroom, 8 bathroom crib sits on an almost 38,000-square-foot lot size. It's got all the bells and whistles -- hey, it's freakin' John Legend and Chrissy Teigen -- that features a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen and incredible detail ... like the mandala-patterned ceilings from Thailand. There's a balcony and en-suite baths in all 7 bedrooms ... but there's only one "Glam Room," and that's in the master bedroom.

Once outside, there are sweeping canyon views, a pool, jacuzzi and a wood-burning oven and chef's grill. Wanna really get away for a quick minute? The Beverly Hills Hotel and Rodeo Drive are just minutes away.

As we reported ... John and Chrissy are expecting their third child, so maybe it's time for more crawling space.

The newest season of "Temptation Island" will test more than the strength of the couples' relationships ... it's going to test them for coronavirus, and frequently.

The risque reality show is making its way to Hawaii this weekend, as the cast and crew's preparing to film for the next 2 months at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in the midst of the pandemic. Maui's Mayor, Michael Victorino, made the announcement, but he's far from thrilled.

The mayor says he's not keen on about 100 people setting up shop on his island for a TV production, but it was approved by the State Filming Commission, and he's hopeful all the necessary COVID-19 protocols set by Gov. David Ige will be followed.

Victorino says the cast and crew will operate in a bubble-like atmosphere at the Andaz resort and be constantly monitored by medical professionals, but he's still not happy, and adds ... "If anything does go wrong, we will shut it down as quickly as possible."

The mayor says the only reason he's not pushing harder to put the kibosh on the show is because it's providing employment to the hotel workers who've been out of a job for 4 or 5 months.

This will be the 6th season of "Temptation Island" if it makes it through filming ... the third of the revamped version on USA Network.

Chi Chi DeVayne -- a fan favorite on "RuPaul's Drag Race" who competed on 'All-Stars' as well -- has died after recently being admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.

According to Chi Chi's family, the famed drag queen died Thursday morning at a hospital. Just days ago, Chi Chi shared a video from a hospital room saying they were "currently battling pneumonia" and asking for prayers.

DeVayne was also hospitalized in mid-July for apparent kidney failure related to scleroderma, an autoimmune disease the 'Drag Race' star was diagnosed with in 2018.

While undergoing dialysis treatment, Chi Chi wrote ... "I let it go too long without going to the doctor and these are the consequences."

Chi Chi, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, was a standout on season 8 of 'Drag Race' in 2016 and went on to finish in fourth place. Chi Chi later returned for the third season of RuPaul's 'All Stars' competition in early 2018 and placed eighth.

RuPaul says he's heartbroken over Chi Chi's passing, but "grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul." He adds ... "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all."

Chi Chi was 34.

Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman says he's "ashamed" that he used a homophobic slur on air ... and says he's now dedicating himself to working with the LGBTQ community to grow from this experience.

"As many of you know, I said something hateful on the air Wednesday night," Brennaman said in a long op-ed posted on Cincinnati.com ... "something no one should ever say."

Brennaman says he didn't realize the homophobic f-word was "so rooted in hate and violence" -- and says he vows to never use it again.

"I cannot erase what I have done," Thom said. "The only thing I can do is humbly apologize, accept the consequences of my actions and resolve to be better and behave differently from now on."

Brennaman directly addresses the LGBTQ+ community ... saying, "I am truly and deeply sorry. You should never be denigrated with crude and hateful language. I failed you, and I cannot say enough how sorry I am."

Brennaman also says he has already spoken with MLB exec Billy Bean -- who's openly gay -- and Bean has agreed to work with him on how to "become a more informed person."

"I immediately plan to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training and have reached out to PFLAG for resources and guidance," Thom said.

Brennaman -- who's been suspended by the Reds and pulled from the "NFL on FOX" schedule -- says he doesn't know if he'll ever work in broadcasting again ... but says this incident has forced him to "reflect on who I am and how I am want to be seen and thought of."

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri says RACE was the main reason he was disrespected and assaulted by a cop at the 2019 NBA Finals -- stating, "It's because I am Black."

50-year-old Ujiri has finally broken his silence about that bombshell body cam video which shows him clearly being shoved TWICE by an aggressive white deputy in the final moments of Game 6, as the Raptors were winning the title.

The video clearly proves the deputy was LYING when he claimed Ujiri instigated the altercation that night. Ujiri was calmly trying to present his security badge to the deputy when the guy flipped out, cussed him out and shoved Masai twice in the chest.

"The video sadly demonstrates how horribly I was treated by a law enforcement officer last year in the midst of my team, the Toronto Raptors, winning its first world championship," Ujiri said in a statement.

Ujiri says the moment should gave been one of the greatest of his life -- a reward after years of grinding -- but it was spoiled by that horrible deputy.

"I was reminded in that moment that despite all of my hard work and success, there are some people, including those who are supposed to protect us, who will always and only see me as something that is unworthy of respectful engagement. And, there’s only one indisputable reason why that is the case - because I am Black."

Ujiiri says he understands that he was ultimately vindicated because he had the resources to take on law enforcement -- and he fears for those who don't.

"The only reason why I am getting the justice I deserve in this moment is because of my success. Because I’m the President of a NBA team, I had access to resources that ensured I could demand and fight for my justice. So many of my brothers and sisters haven’t had, don’t have, and won’t have the same access to resources that assured my justice. And that’s why Black Lives Matter."

Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey met up for what could be dubbed a Multi-Millionaire Man March ... but it looks more like a casual stroll.

The entertainment mogul and the Twitter co-founder were out for a walk together Thursday morning in the Hamptons with a few other dudes in tow. Based on their chill attire ... a passerby wouldn't know they're a couple of the most rich and powerful men in the world.

Jay was rocking some Puma athletic gear while Jack sported a St. Louis Cardinals cap to go with his shaggy beard. Like we said ... super cazh.

It's unclear why they're hanging out, but it might have something to do with Dorsey's $10 million donation, back in May, to the Reform Alliance ... which Jay co-founded with Meek Mill and Michael Rubin.

Of course, both guys have also been huge donors the past several months to 2 uber important causes -- battling the coronavirus and racism.

Luann de Lesseps admits staying sober is a challenge -- especially under pandemic lockdowns -- but she says it's put her in a better headspace to cope during trying times.

"The Real Housewives of New York City" star joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to chat about her ongoing sobriety and what she's been doing to help her along ... including yoga, meditation, and making "diva" music.

Luann understands why studies show alcohol use is way up since the pandemic began in March -- people turn to booze to ease pain -- but she says, for her, it only raised her anxiety level ... something no one needs more of these days.

In fact, the 'RHONY' star says sobriety has her feeling like she has control of her life again, and she's expressing that with a new song ... "Viva La Diva."

Luann shared a preview of her latest single which drops Friday -- which makes it clear she's proud to let her diva flag fly.

Karen is going Hollywood ... with an upcoming suspense thriller starring Taryn Manning!!!

The "Orange Is The New Black" star just signed on to play a "Karen" on the big screen ... in a story about a racist, entitled white woman in the South who terrorizes her new African-American neighbors. Sound familiar?

The movie, from writer and director Coke Daniels, seems like a mixture of all the "Karens" who have become Internet famous. Taryn's playing a Karen who believes people should stick to their own kind. Yeah, that's a Karen hallmark.

Taryn's character, Karen White, makes it her mission to oust the new kids on her block, a black family, by any means necessary. It's a very 2020 movie -- the neighbors are staunch Black Lives Matter supporters.

Taryn makes a lotta sense for the title character ... if you've seen her work in 'OITNB' you know she was Karen-ing way before it, unfortunately, became so prevalent in real life, it's a bonafide part of pop culture.

Cincinnati Reds announcer Thom Brennaman uttered an offensive, homophobic slur while calling the Reds game Wednesday ... apparently not realizing his microphone was on.

Brennaman -- who was announcing a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals -- was heard referring to a city as "one of the f** capitals of the world."

Seconds later he snapped back into announcer mode and read a promo for the Reds Live Pregame Show ... as if nothing had happened.

But, viewers were SHOCKED ... and the clip went viral on social media in a matter of minutes.

56-year-old Brennaman has been calling MLB games since the '90s and has been the featured play-by-play broadcaster for major events like the BCS National Championship Game, the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the 2008 Sugar Bowl ... even the 2011 Pro Bowl.

He's been working with the Reds since 2006.

BE HONEST -- would you try to get your ball back if a giant alligator tried to steal it off a golf course?!!?

HELL NO, RIGHT!?

That's the question some golfers in Louisiana had to ask themselves after a 'gator tried to join their foursome this week ... and the whole thing was caught on video.

Lane Rodrigue tells us he was playing with friends at the Idlewild Golf Course in Patterson, Louisiana on Monday when  the monster walked right on to the course and snatched up his ball.

The guys were shocked -- and jokingly debated "playing it where it lies" ... but ultimately decided to let the gator keep it as a souvenir. No one got hurt. The gator is fine.

The whole thing harkens back to "Happy Gilmore's" mentor Chubbs Peterson who famously griped that a "damned alligator BIT my hand off" ... "cut me down in my prime!"

RIP Chubbs.

The Susan B. Anthony Museum's telling President Trump to kick rocks when it comes to pardoning the activist ... essentially saying it's unwanted, much less needed.

The museum's president and CEO, Deborah Hughes, said Tuesday, in no uncertain terms, "Objection! Mr. President, Susan B. Anthony must decline your offer of a pardon." She explained ... "Anthony wrote in her diary in 1873 that her trial for voting was 'The greatest outrage History ever witnessed.' She was not allowed to speak as a witness in her own defense, because she was a woman."

Hughes continued in her blog, "At the conclusion of arguments, Judge Hunt dismissed the jury and pronounced [Susan] guilty. She was outraged to be denied a trial by jury. She proclaimed, 'I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty.' To pay would have been to validate the proceedings. To pardon Susan B. Anthony does the same."

As we reported ... Trump on Tuesday pardoned the women's rights activist for illegally casting her ballot in 1872. Remember ... it was illegal for women to vote back then.

The odd choice to pardon Susan came on the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment ... so to many, it came off like pandering.

Hughes says there's a better way the President can honor Susan ... "Enforcement and expansion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would be celebrated, we must assure that states respect the 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments to the United States Constitution. Support for the Equal Rights Amendment would be well received."

There's a rebellion brewing over coronavirus restrictions and people are ready to take up arms against fellow citizens ... at least according to this angry veteran who's openly threatening civil war.

California's Shasta County Board of Supervisors community hearing got super heated recently, when Carlos Zapata took the mic and ripped into officials over what he sees as crippling COVID-19 restraints.

Zapata warns of an uprising and says there are millions more like him willing to do whatever it takes to re-open Shasta county and the country, even if it means violence against fellow Americans.

He angrily said it's not gonna be pretty if restrictions aren't lifted. The reason for his rage? Zapata says he's had 6 friends, all vets, commit suicide during the pandemic because they lost their jobs.

He went on to rail against face coverings, and said he's surprised Shasta County -- a Republican stronghold in Northern California -- is perpetuating the 'hoax' of COVID-19.

Jake Paul is making lemonade outta the FBI's lemons ... namely that raid at his mansion, which is his inspiration for a music video shoot ... one that has some folks up in arms.

The YouTube star is casting for a new music vid "reenacting his recent run-in with the law," which is a very downplayed description of a fully armed, military-style FBI raid.

Jake's looking for a couple men to play the roles of FBI agent and paparazzi, and naturally, he's also putting out a call for tons of hot chicks. It's still a music video, and he's gotta have eye candy.

In addition to pretty women ... Jake also recruited hypercar suppliers Obi Okeke -- aka Doctor Bugatti -- and Donny Gath from iLusso OC to snag him a $300K Maybach S650 Cabriolet for the shoot.

The music video shoot appears to be happening Saturday in Calabasas, presumably at the same house that was raided, and folks are already mad at Jake and questioning him on coronavirus safety precautions.

The questions are warranted ... as we reported, Jake's Calabasas crib hosted a super sloppy boxing match last week that looked like a COVID-19 nightmare. There were tons of people crowding together, few face coverings and sweaty boxers fighting for air.

For Jake's part, he wore a mask around the neighborhood with his ex, Tana Mongeau, but some people are worried the video shoot will be a repeat of his boxing bash -- short on safety measures.

Late night, drunken drive-thru vids are usually pure comedy, but this time a Karen is adding a huge dose of racism ... against a black man who had the nerve to have white friends.

This hate-filled incident went down at a drive-thru somewhere in Arizona ... when a white woman -- who definitely sounded loopy -- got out of her vehicle to harass a truck full of friends waiting behind her. She immediately targeted the black guy in the group, spewing ... "You f***ing black bitch. You're black hanging out with white kids and that's your problem."

Then she went after his friends -- "You ignorant white f***s videotaping my ass?" To their credit, everyone in the truck seemed to take it in stride, and mostly laughed off her vitriol. However, you gotta see what happened when the black guy got out of the truck for a face-to-face with her.

We'll just say he definitely kept his sense of humor throughout her rant, because he did a spot-on impression of Steve Irwin checking out a bizarre species ... of racist. "Crikey!!!

He did get serious when he calmly asked her to get in her car, saying ... "If the cops come, we're all f***ed." Far as we know, cops were NOT called.