Donald Trump Jr. Grossly Downplays Rittenhouse Killings ... 'We All Do Stupid Things at 17'

Kyle Rittenhouse shooting and killing 2 protesters with a semi-automatic rifle is just one of those stupid things all teens do ... at least that's Donald Trump Jr.'s absolutely shocking theory.

President Trump's oldest son shared that offensive take during an "Extra" interview with ex-'Bachelorette' star Rachel Lindsay ... who asked why his father still hasn't condemned Rittenhouse's actions.

Don Jr. says they're waiting for due process and don't want to jump to any conclusions -- which is ironic considering his dad does that all the time. Yet, he clearly defended the 17-year-old charged with 2 homicides.

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SHOOTING PROTESTERS
@BGonthescene

Trump Jr. says if he puts himself in Rittenhouse's position ... "Maybe I shouldn't have been there. He's a young kid. I don't want 17-year-olds running around the street with AR-15s. Maybe I wouldn't have put myself in that situation, who knows. But, we all do stupid things at 17."

When Lindsay called him out for minimizing the incident, Don replied ... "Really stupid, fine."

The truth is ... Jr. and his daddy have no qualms whatsoever about condemning demonstrators against systemic racism and police brutality without getting all the facts straight. So, Don Jr.'s excuse for failing to condemn an alleged killer speaks volumes.

Rittenhouse has been charged with murdering 2 people and injuring another during the protests in Kenosha on August 25.

Tory Lanez Text to Megan After Alleged Shooting ... 'I Just Got Too Drunk'

Tory Lanez allegedly opened fire on Megan Thee Stallion because he was wasted -- that's what he claimed in a text sent to her shortly after the bloody incident ... as she was still in a hospital bed.

TMZ has seen the text Megan got on the evening of July 12 ... roughly 15 hours after she claims Tory shot her in her feet, and in it, he's begging for forgiveness. He wrote, "I know u prolly never gone talk to me again, but I genuinely want u to know I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart."

His only explanation for the violence ... "I was just too drunk."

In the text, Tory never references "shooting" or a gun, but it is clear he did something he regrets. In his words, "None the less s**t should have never happened and I can't change what did. I just feel horrible."

And, he repeats ... "Cuz I genuinely just got too drunk."

TMZ broke the story ... Tory, Megan and another friend had been party hopping in the Hollywood Hills early on July 12. Police responded to reports of shots fired from or around an SUV.

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EXITING THE VEHICLE
TMZ.com

When they pulled over Tory's chauffeur-driven ride ... they directed everyone inside to slowly exit the vehicle -- and it was obvious Megan was bleeding from her feet as she gingerly walked backward from the vehicle.

Tory was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon ... a handgun cops say they found under the front passenger seat where he'd been sitting.

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YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID

Since then Megan has publicly called out Tory ... alleging he is the one who pulled the trigger and shot her in her feet, and she even posted some gruesome pics of her injuries.

Tory has not been arrested or charged for the shooting, but as we first reported, the L.A. County D.A. is considering charging him with felony assault with a firearm.

As for Tory and Megan's contact since the shooting ... we're told she's never responded to his "sorry" text.

Masshole Knockout Trumper Clashes w/ BLM Protester ... Left Laid Out on Ground

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FLYING FISTS

More clashing between apparent Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters -- and, per usual, more of the former being left on their asses after taking a whooping.

This fistfight went down Friday at a demonstration in Pittsfield, MA -- where BLM protesters were facing off with what appear to be Trump supporters ... which led to these two fellas going at it. You see the one dude in red -- who seems to have stumbled out of the Trump crowd -- start to square up with the younger guy in a BLM-emblazoned shirt.

They throw a few punches, which mostly miss at first, but eventually ... the more spry of the two lands a hit that takes the Trump-er down, and hard. He hits the pavement and lays motionless on the ground as the other guy walks away. Looks like a clean knockout.

Pittsfield PD tells us they're investigating this further, adding an off-duty cop who was nearby arrived on the scene quickly. The man who took the punch was more or less okay.

We're told he was taken to a hospital with minor injures -- per reports, he was supposedly alert and conscious at the time. The police haven't yet made any arrests.

We've been seeing these scuffles all over the country lately, and it looks like they ain't slowing down anytime soon.

Snake vs. 'Snake' Python Bites Man's Penis ... While He Sat on Toilet!!!

An 18-year-old man in Thailand is going to think long and hard the next time he needs to sit on the can ... after a 4-foot long snake chomped onto his penis!!!

Siraphop Masukarat went through the ordeal Tuesday night in a town outside Bangkok, Thailand ... moments after he sat down on the toilet. He says he suddenly felt tremendous pain as the non-venomous python took a bite of his python.

Not shockingly, Siraphop jumped up and ran for his life with his pants around his ankles -- and luckily, the snake let go, but it left a seriously bloody mess.

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DANGER DOWN THE DRAIN
Newsflare

The young man said as soon as the snake let go, blood sprayed everywhere. His mom tried to calm him until paramedics arrived, and took him to a hospital. He needed 3 stitches on the tip of his ... dear God ... you get the picture.

Back at the house, animal handlers were called in to retrieve the snake, which was still in the toilet. It was captured and released ... sorta like poor Siraphop.

So, remember ... don't sleep outside to avoid snakes climbing down your throat and always check the toilet bowl to avoid this poor Thai man's fate. Unless you're the "Snakes on a Plane" guy and throw all caution to the wind.

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean 'DWTS' is Totally Different Dancing ... Gotta Reprogram My Brain!!!

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EQUAL PLAYING FIELD
TMZ.com

A couple of new "Dancing with the Stars" contestants insist they have no advantage, despite having dance-ish backgrounds, so who do you believe less -- AJ McLean or Johnny Weir???

First up, the Backstreet Boys star, who we got outside the 'DWTS' rehearsal studio in L.A. and asked if his boy band choreography skills give him an immediate edge over the competition. He thinks it might be the exact opposite.

AJ tells us he's been trained to dance one way for 30 years, but now ... it's a whole new ballgame, so he's gotta reprogram. On top of that, the singer says he's been focused on his health and diet to prepare for the challenge ahead ... and so far he's "kicking ass."

As for what music he'll be dancing to on the show, he says some BB hits can definitely be expected ... but rules one of them out.

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LACK OF ADVANTAGE
TMZ.com

We also got figure skater Johnny Weir ... who agrees with AJ, telling us 'DWTS' requires a completely different skill set than any of his spinning and twirling on the ice could have prepared him for ... so he's on an even playing field.

Of course, along with skating, costume design is sort of Johnny's thing ... so he might have a leg up on his fellow contestants there. That he can't deny.

Jelly Belly Founder Starts Wonka-Like Treasure Hunt ... Co. Clarifies Affiliation

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THE CANDY MAN CAN
TMZ.com
UPDATE

10:08 AM PT -- 9/9 -- Jelly Belly is officially drawing a line in the sand between themselves and David Klein, who's offering up a candy factory as the grand prize for a Wonka-like contest.

UPDATE

The company says, "Due to confusion in the marketplace, Jelly Belly Candy Company would like to take this opportunity to clear up the misconception that it is involved with a contest that purportedly offers a candy factory as its grand prize."

UPDATE

JB goes on to say that the business is family owned and operated, and that Klein simply came up with the name "Jelly Belly" years ago, among other marketing ideas. He hasn't been involved with the company since at least the '80s. Take note, treasure hunters.

The guy who helped invent Jelly Belly jelly beans is going full Gene Wilder in these dark times -- promising to give one lucky person their own candy factory if they play his game.

David Klein has kicked off a Willy Wonka-esque treasure hunt that's open to anyone in these 50 states, and he's got the ultimate grand prize ... a professional shop to churn out treats.

Klein explained some of the parameters of the contest Tuesday on "TMZ Live" where he also said that whoever wins the whole enchilada -- one of his actual operating candy factories -- will also get candy-making lessons in a university setting ... plus, his own expertise in running the biz.

There's one catch ... in order to play, ya gotta pay $50 and you're automatically entered into the ultimate factory lottery. As for the hunt itself, yes, there is a "gold ticket" component involved, and if you find it in your state ... you'll win $5,000 guaranteed.

The details are probably best explained by DK himself from the site he launched just for this new venture.

As for why he's doing it, Dave says it's his way of helping people get their minds off all the turmoil in the country.

Sure, we'll take a little sugar high for now. Why not?!

Originally Published -- 9/8/20 11:37 AM PT

'Golden Girls' All-Star Black Cast Reboot Table Read ... With BEST Theme Remix, Ever!!!

It's one thing to bring back "The Golden Girls" for a reboot with superstars Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sanaa Lathan and Alfre Woodard -- but the table read event went over the top with its version of "Thank You for Being a Friend."

The first episode of "Zoom Where it Happens" aired last night and featured the award-winning cast doing a live table read of the 'GG' episode entitled "Flu" -- and the women got an awesome intro from Aaron Scott.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The viral video sensation added some serious soul to the show's classic theme song that you really gotta see and hear.

Aaron's gospel-tinged remix went viral back in 2016, and it was popularized again recently by TikTok. It obviously struck a note with the producers of the 'Golden Girls' reboot.

The new event was presented to "raise awareness, intention, and activation around voting rights." Mission accomplished, we're guessing, because fans raved about the show ... and are already clamoring for another episode.

When, and if they do, we know who'll be doing the theme.

Drake It's Adonis' 1st Day of School ... Make Me Proud, Kid!!!

Drake just hit another milestone of parenthood by sending his son to his first day of school, and it looks like papa made sure his own flesh and blood was fresh and ready for it.

Drizzy posted a photo Wednesday of 2-year-old Adonis about to hop into a waiting SUV, which was going to take him to class. You can tell his pops was pretty proud of the moment, as he captioned the pic ... "First Day Of School...The World Is Yours kid 🌍"

As for Adonis, he's laced up from head to toe ... rocking freshly braided cornrows, a black hoodie, matching pants and what might be some black Air Force 1s (don't quote us on that). Point is ... AG is ready to take preschool by the reins decked out in a sweet fit.

Here's another interesting aspect -- it looks like Adonis might be with dad over here in North America, possibly in Toronto.

In any case, Drake's son got mad love on the Gram ... most notably from 21 Savage, who said Adonis was on his way to being a great. He commented, "Already got a chauffeur 🐐."

That he does, that he does.

Travis Scott Can't Get Enough McDonald's

Travis Scott's latest food delivery can be summed up with one simple phrase -- he's lovin' it.

The rapper's still riding a McDonald's high after the launch of his very own meal at the fast-food chain, making him the first celeb to have one of those since a guy named Michael Jordan back in 1992.

Travis had bags of the grub and sodas delivered to his West Hollywood office Tuesday, and ya gotta think there's more than one Travis Scott Meal in there ... a $6 deal that comes with a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles, ketchup and mustard, medium fries with BBQ sauce and a Sprite.

Scott was also sporting his own Cactus Jack-themed Mickey D's shirt as he hopped in his red, $3 million LaFerrari sports car and took off.

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McMOBBED

As we reported ... the rapper got mobbed by fans at a McDonald's in Downey, CA Tuesday when he showed up to show them some love for waiting in line to try his new meal.

Like his revised McDonald's slogan says ... it's definitely lit in Trav's world.

Beyonce & Jay-Z The Carters Take Croatia ... On Massive Superyacht!!!

Beyonce and Jay-Z are sailing the high seas of Europe right now -- aboard one of those baller mega yachts, and this one might be more gorgeous on the inside than out.

Paps recently snapped shots of B&J stepping off their luxury vacay vessel with a couple of their kids in tow in Croatia. Aside from the spectacle of seeing the Carters anywhere in the world, their floating home away from home is also turning heads.

Their ride is called LANA, which is exclusively for charter with Imperial Yachts. This one's brand, spanking new in their line of mega ships, and it's top of the line as far as luxury is concerned. Take a look for yourself.

LANA is longer than a football field, and it's jam-packed with amenities, accessories and plenty of room to spread out and relax. It fits up to 12 guests -- not counting the 34 crew members it also accommodates -- in 8 en-suite staterooms, 7 VIP rooms and a master suite.

There's more ... the superyacht comes with its own pool on the deck, a theater, a spa with professional masseuses, foldable terraces ... plus, a crap ton of "toys," including a jet ski, wakeboards, SEABOBs, water skies, inflatable paddleboards, fishing equipment, etc.

We could go on, but honestly ... we're already blushing, and we haven't even mentioned the price -- about $2 mil a week. Even for Beyonce and Jay-Z ... damn.

Joe Exotic Underwear Line Flying Off Shelves ... Baskin Briefs Huge Hit!!!

Joe Exotic says he's having a rough go in prison, but his fashion line is doing much better ... his underwear collection is selling like hotcakes, thanks in part to his nemesis, Carole Baskin.

The 'Tiger King' star had another successful fashion drop for his "REVENGE" collection with Odaingerous ... Joe's custom boxer briefs went on sale Labor Day and sold out within hours, raking in $50,000 in online sales!!!

The top seller, we're told, is the limited edition "Casket Baskin" boxer brief ... which depicts blood-red ice cream in a cone reminiscent of Baskin-Robbins.

While the first wave of underwear was cleaned out in a nanosecond, Odaingerous is updating its online store and restocking due to the extra traffic, as folks clamor for all things Exotic.

Joe's boxers are going international too -- the "REVENGE" collection just put up 3 billboards in Mexico, as 'Tiger King' continues to gain popularity beyond President Trump's favorite "wall."

Speaking of Trump, Joe's legal team is trekking back to D.C. to try to get him a Presidential pardon. Joe's laying out myriad reasons why Trump should pardon his 22-year murder-for-hire sentence ... including a claim he was sexually assaulted behind bars -- something the Federal Bureau of Prisons denies.

No word if Team JE's gonna throw in some Exotic underwear swag with its formal pardon request. Couldn't hurt!

FaZe Banks Praises Bronny's Gaming Skills 'He Was Built For This Sh*t!!!'

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WELCOME TO THE TEAM
TMZSports.com

Bronny James could be the LeBron James of gaming ... so says FaZe Clan superstar FaZe Banks -- who tells TMZ Sports the King's son is straight-up born for Esports stardom!!!

"Listen," Banks said, "look at him. He was built for this sh*t! Look at him and his dad. He's a competitor, you know?!"

Of course, Bronny just agreed last week to join up with FaZe Clan -- the most famous Esports team on the planet -- and when we got Banks outside of BOA in L.A., he told us he couldn't be happier to have LeBron's kid on the squad.

In fact, Banks is adamant Bronny's addition ain't a publicity stunt ... telling us the 15-year-old can seriously ball on the sticks!!

"He's really good at Fortnite," Banks said. "He plays [Call of Duty] too!"

Banks tells us he sees MASSIVE potential for Bronny in the video game world ... saying Esports are "the f**king future!"

But, don't worry NBA fans ... Banks is still advising Bronny to put most of his focus on the hardwood for now.

Music to LeBron's ears, we're sure!

The White House New Lawn Post-RNC Costs $80k ... Fixing Muddy Aftermath

President Trump not only broke political precedent by holding the Republican National Convention at The White House ... he also ran up a fat landscaping bill by damaging the grounds.

The South Lawn and iconic Rose Garden were getting a makeover Tuesday, almost 2 weeks after the RNC wrapped up there, reportedly leaving the grounds a muddy mess. And, the new landscaping's gonna cost a cool $79,675 ... TMZ has learned.

According to the federal docs we obtained ... the National Park Service hired a lawn servicing company to do the resodding, and they have until the end of the month to get the job done. According to the Washington Post ... the Trump Campaign is picking up the bill.

Makes sense ... Trump became the first president to accept his party's nomination at the WH, and gave his acceptance speech last Thursday night right on the South Lawn in front of about 1,500 supporters.

At the time, the mostly mask-free crowd raised concerns about COVID-19.

Turns out the more tangible damage being done was under the feet off the President's GOP faithful.

You'll recall, the RNC was originally scheduled to go down in Charlotte, before the pandemic forced the GOP to attempt it in Jacksonville. When that fell through, Trump decided to do it in D.C. ... with the White House as his backdrop.

The $80k lawn tab is just the price of doing convention biz in the beltway.

Guess Who This Brunette Boy Turned Into!

Before this brunette boy became one of Hollywood's favorite superheroes, he was just another cute kid growing up in Boston, Massachusetts.

This fantastic fella has shown off his super talent in the Marvel universe since 2005 and even dabbled in voice acting when he was cast in an animated 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' series. This A-list actor is best known for his spot among an ensemble cast that has broken box office records.

When he isn't acting to avenge the villains who've crossed him, he can also be found in a popular mystery film or an adventure sci-fi directed by Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho.

Can you guess who he is?

Jillian Michaels I Had COVID-19 ... Be Wary of Public Gyms

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DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN
FOX

Jillian Michaels says letting her guard down for one hour was all it took for her to catch the coronavirus ... and she's warning folks about going back inside public gyms.

The fitness guru just went public for the first time with her coronavirus diagnosis, telling Fox Business host Liz Claman she contracted COVID-19 several weeks ago.

Jillian says her mistake was thinking she'd be fine because she was around a close friend who was asymptomatic, but had the virus. Jillian says she herself didn't know she had COVID for 6 days.

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OVERCOMIN' COVID-19

Her warning sounds similar to what The Rock said when he recently revealed he and his entire family tested positive for the virus. Again, they were with close family friends.

Jillian knows she was fortunate to quickly recover, saying she was really healthy when she contracted the virus, but knows many people aren't in the same boat.

With New York City preparing to re-open public gyms, Jillian says people afraid of catching COVID shouldn't go there to work out because she sees it as an environment ripe for spreading the bug.

Kim Kardashian We're Ending 'Keeping Up' Forever Final Season in 2021

You won't be 'Keeping Up' much longer -- the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their TV show next year.

Kim Kardashian made the announcement Tuesday, posting ... "To our amazing fans -- It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

She adds, "After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way."

Kim goes on to thank EP Ryan Seacrest, E! and countless others.

KKW also says their final season will air in 2021 -- but she doesn't explain why the "First Family" of reality TV is saying farewell to their hit show.

What she does finish with is a lot of gratitude for what the series has brought her entire family. Kim writes, "Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years. This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever."

'KUWTK' has had an incredible run -- 20 seasons is a milestone few TV shows ever hit -- plus it became a pop culture fixture over that time.