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The Oregon man who blurted out to President Biden, "Let's go Brandon," has tried to clarify his remark, saying he was joking, but he's clearly not apologizing.

Jared Schmeck was on a call with the Prez and First Lady on XMAS Eve, and it was super cordial ... even jokey. The 35-year-old, former Medford cop talked with J&J about Christmas presents for his kids and other non-controversial stuff. At the end of the call, Schmeck says with clear intent, "Let's go Brandon," code for "f*** Joe Biden."

Biden weirdly repeated the phrase and then at least made it appear the insult rolled off his back, as he continued to wish Schmeck a Merry Christmas.

As for regrets ... not even a few. Schmeck says he meant no disrespect, but telling the Oregonian, “At the end of the day, I have nothing against Mr. Biden, but I am frustrated because I think he can be doing a better job."

If there's any question as to whether Schmeck meant it ... well, he posted the vid on his YouTube page.

Schmeck says he stands "100% behind what I did and what I said." He told the Oregonian he's not a Trumper but thinks Biden's way off base when it comes to federal vaccine mandates. He's also pissed off over inflation.

There's been a long, raging debate over whether the 1980s classic action flick "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie ... and Bruce Willis' mother is picking sides.

The debate has the potential to blow families apart this holiday season ... and even the TMZ office is split down the middle on "Die Hard" as an Xmas classic ... so to get to the bottom of this we went to Bruce's mom ... because mothers are never wrong, right?!?

Bruce's mom, Marlene, tells TMZ ... "Die Hard" is NOT a Christmas movie.

Her reasoning ... "Die Hard" is a movie set at Christmas time, but that's not an essential element of the flick. Seems the apple didn't fall far from the tree, because Bruce does not believe it's a Christmas movie either.

Still not convinced?!?

Well, one high-ranking TMZ staffer lays it out like this ... if you take "Die Hard" and move the setting to another time in the year, say Easter or Mother's Day or heck, even Halloween, the movie still works just the same.

It's an interesting point, but we still gotta ask ...

One of the biggest names in L.A. real estate is back at it, but this time it's personal because Jason Oppenheim is selling his Hollywood Hills home for $7.9mil ... TMZ has learned.

The "Selling Sunset" star markets luxurious homes ... and this 4 bedroom, 5,000-sq-ft pad is consistent with his M.O.

The home has some pretty impressive features, including 13-ft ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows sliding glass doors, lots of space and a ton of natural light.

As you see in the photos, the yard is an entertainer's dream ... with a fireplace, pool with a set of floating steps smack in the middle, a massage room, a sauna, a built-in BBQ, and a TV viewing area.

Whoever's the next new kid on the block will enjoy not one, but 2 master suites.

The home sits high above the Sunset Strip ... looking down on Jason's now-famous offices.

As you know, Jason upgraded to another sick home late last year and it was a plot point on season 4 of the Netflix show.

A game-worn Tom Brady jersey that the quarterback wrote "G.O.A.T" on has just hit the auction block -- and TMZ Sports has learned it's so rare, it could fetch over $600,000.

Check out the uniform ... it's an all-black Buccaneers kit that Brady wore when he carved up the Atlanta Falcons on Jan. 3, 2021, just a few weeks before he won Super Bowl LV in Tampa.

Brady autographed it uniquely -- writing down his stats from the game (26/41 for 399 yards and 4 TDs) and also jotting down "SB LV MVP."

But, he also added another inscription at the bottom of the #2 -- putting the letters "G.O.A.T."

The guys at Goldin -- which is handling the auction -- tell us it's believed to be the only game-worn jersey in Brady history that he's written "G.O.A.T." on.

We're told it's such a one-of-a-kind piece, getting over half a million dollars for it should be no problem.

While some take the holiday season to stay at home with loved ones ... others love to take the opportunity to do some globe trotting for the Christmas season.

Stars like Naomi Osaka, Tinashe, Ben Higgins and a bunch more hopped on the first flight to nowhere to make their Xmas merry and bright ... Check out which celebs strapped into their sleighs and got out of dodge in December!

Take a little vacation of your own by tripping out with these touring famous people and live that rich life right along with them!

Iain Armitage is doing quite well for himself outside of his usual revenue stream as the child star of "Young Sheldon" -- he earned another fat payday on his latest animated film.

According to Iain's minor's contract -- filed in L.A. Superior Court and obtained by TMZ -- the 13-year-old actor made at least $100,000 for his work on "PAW Patrol: The Movie" ... but he could have taken home even more than that.

The contract says Iain was paid $10,000 for each recording session he did for the movie ... and the deal says he was guaranteed at least 10 sessions, so there's $100k off the jump.

Iain, who is the voice of Chase in the animated movie, also had contractual bonuses depending on how well the film did at box offices in the U.S. and Canada after being released back in August ... but unfortunately for him, it didn't pan out.

The docs say Iain would have earned a $175,000 bonus if the film reached at least $150 million at the domestic box office ... and there are escalators that could see his total bonus haul reach $1.675 million, again, depending on how many kids drag their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to movie theaters.

However, the flick came up a little short with $130 million at the box office -- so he settled for the six-figure payday. Still a pretty sweet check at 13, or any age, for that matter!!!

Hidden within this toothy photo is a fabulous actress and singer known for her iconic roles on Disney Channel.

This peppy personality is breaking free from her signature pink color and replaced it with some bright red lipstick for the holidays in this warped-out pic. You may recognize her for her hilarious performances in classic Disney Channel television shows and movies ... one in particular where she is a musical fanatic and the ultimate diva of her high school.

Now, this Hollywood icon is a mental health activist and sharing her best self-care tips through social media.

Wanda Young -- one of the few remaining members of The Marvelettes -- has died.

The legendary singer's daughter, Meta Ventress, confirmed the news to the New York Times Saturday -- saying her mother had passed almost two weeks ago, on Dec. 15, in Garden City, MI as a result of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Young came aboard the Marvelettes just in time for them to sign their first record deal with Motown ... and actually went on to be the Marveletttes' lead singer in their later years, after the departure of some members. Long story short, she was there from the beginning.

Of course, she contributed to their 1961 hit, "Pleases Mr. Postman" -- which became a no. 1 chart-topper for Berry Gordy big picture ... not to mention the first smash hit recorded by an all female group. In other words, WY and co. helped put Motown on the map.

'Please Mr. Postman' went on to be covered by countless bands and acts, most famously by The Beatles ... who made it a hit anew during their heyday in the '60s. BTW, the B-side to that record by the Marvelettes was 'So Long, Baby,' with Young on lead vocals.

While singing co-lead through their peak, Young helped crank out famous tunes like "Locking Up My Heart" and "Too Many Fish in the Sea" ... and, eventually, she led the way with hits like "I'll Keep Holding On" "Don't Mess with Bill," "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game," "When You're Young and In Love" and "My Baby Must Be a Magician" ... among others.

Young finally left the Marvelettes in 1969, and tried her hand at a solo career with varying success through the early '70s. Eventually, she left music altogether ... and lived a relatively private life.

She's survived by her three children, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild, plus brothers and sisters. She was 78.

P.T. Anderson's newest movie, "Licorice Pizza," is getting unleashed to the masses this weekend -- and with it, so are uncomfortable themes of racism and would-be pedophilia.

The esteemed director's latest offering got a wide release Saturday -- this after a multi-week run in very select theaters throughout L.A. and elsewhere -- and now that folks are able to catch it for Christmas ... some are walking away saying what early viewers also echoed.

One of the big takeaways, it seems ... the movie is problematic, not just for its premise about a 25-year-old woman in a cat-and-mouse love dance with a 15-year-old boy, but just as cringe-worthy -- the fact there's overt mocking of Asian culture, depicted at length twice.

First ... the weird relationship. The flick's about this teen, Gary, who falls head over heels in love with a gal 10 years his senior, Alana, who then go back and forth pursuing each other amid a ton of misadventures ... all with the backdrop of the San Fernando Valley in the '70s.

At one point, she flashes her breasts at him ... and by the end, it's implied they get together as a couple. Folks online are saying the age gap is grossly inappropriate -- and that if the shoe was on the other foot (adult male and female teen), it probably wouldn't fly in 2021.

Perhaps just as bad is the fact that a white restaurateur in the movie -- played by John Michael Higgins -- introduces two different wives of his, who are Japanese and look similar. In both scenes, he speaks to them in a caricatured Japanese accent ... which a lot of people also found offensive and unnecessary for the story. Indeed, it reeks of blatant racism.

The latter criticism has become quite loud, especially among those who belong to MANAA -- the Media Action Network for Asian Americans. They penned an open letter to the Academy and other governing bodies during this award season, asking that 'LP' be snubbed.

There's a new Grinch among us this holiday season -- it's Neil deGrasse Tyson, whose party-pooping amounts to debunking the existence of Santa Claus ... with cold, hard physics.

The famed astrophysicist went on a tear in the days leading up to Christmas this year, tweeting out fact after fact after fact ... all of which were intended to clear up the reality -- namely, that there's no way in hell Old Saint Nick could deliver presents on Christmas Eve.

First, NDT tackled the North Pole and what every little kid imagines his workshop/village might look like based on storybooks. According to Neil, that's all rubbish ... due to basic geography.

He writes, "Since the Northern Arctic is just ocean, Santa’s North Pole workshop has only ever existed on a floating sheet of ice. Images that portray Santa’s workshop with pine trees and snow-capped hills on the horizon are geographically underinformed."

Here's another not-so-fun fact for all the boy and girls who were waiting on Papa Noel this year -- the guy apparently wouldn't be able to deliver gifts to all of them in one night, because he'd be going so damn fast ... he'd literally burn up and die. Reindeer, too.

As Neil delicately puts it, "For Santa to deliver gifts to all world's Christians in one night requires hypersonic speeds through Earth’s lower atmosphere, vaporizing his reindeer & sleigh. Just sayin’.

And, one more for the all-inclusive crowd ... which has to do with gender, and the assumed sexes of Santa's flying motors. It would seem that whoever came up with the Christmas mythology way back when didn't take into account the differences between male and female reindeer.

Neil explains, "Santa doesn’t know Zoology:  Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas." He adds, "So Santa’s reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered."

As you might imagine, his harsh read on the holiday got a ton of pushback online ... with folks telling him to kick rocks and that he deserved a lump of coal for keeping it too real.

The Pope has died while discussing Covid-19 -- at least that's what one broadcaster almost had her viewers thinking ... when she mistakenly said the guy had croaked.

Francis' Christmas day remarks were being recapped Saturday by ITV broadcaster Kylie Pentelow, who was plugging along nicely ... until a little slip at the end when she said, "His death was announced ..."

Pentelow caught herself before she said anything more, and then apologized briefly before doing a hard pause and moving on to the next story.

There didn't seem to be any explanation as to why she said that -- but the obvious answer seems to be that she was reading off of a teleprompter, which must've said something to that effect. Indeed, a true Ron Burgundy moment in real-time.

Of course, the Pope isn't dead -- he's alive and kicking. And as for what he had to say about 'rona during his speech at the Vatican ... it was all about praying the pandemic away, and lamenting those who've suffered through the era of Covid.

President Biden heard what his haters have been saying in code for months now -- a "f*** you" jab that one guy had the gall to say right to POTUS' face, on Christmas Eve no less.

JB and the First Lady were making calls to military families and their kids Friday from all over the country ... talking Christmas, presents, wish lists and of course, Santa Claus. In fact, 46 and the missus were using the trusty NORAD Santa tracker to help in their discussions.

During one of the calls ... a father hopped on, and wished the Bidens a Merry Christmas. All seemed fine until his last words before hanging up ... as he clearly said, "Let's go Brandon."

Joe and Dr. Biden didn't seem to understand what it really meant, especially Joe -- who actually repeated it word for word himself and added, "I agree." Both even chuckled upon hearing it, which doesn't make sense on its face ... y'know, since it's super derogatory.

You probably know by now ... the phrase "Let's go Brandon" has become a joke in conservative circles. It actually means "F*** Joe Biden" ... and got flipped into 'LGB' because of a reporter's attempt to cover up what a NASCAR crowd was chanting during a live shot.

Even though the guy who unintentionally spurred the meme, Brandon Brown, has said he's not a fan of it at all ... that hasn't stopped lots of people from adopting it and using it in several different settings ... like on the intercom of an airplane, for example.

Some have called this a slur, and highly disrespectful -- but in light of Donald Trump receiving similar treatment from his own opposition throughout his presidency, others say it's fair game.

Two more BTS members have now tested positive for Covid-19 -- bringing the total to 3 out of 7.

Rapper RM and singer Jin also contracted the virus of late ... this according to their management company, Big Hit Music. The diagnoses came down after the group's return to South Korea after touring the United States.

As far as the contraction timeline ... Reuters reports RM and Jin both received negative tests in early December after touching down in their home country -- but still had to quarantine anyway per S. Korea's Covid rules.

It wasn't long after that RM tested positive ... just as he was about to exit the local 'rona protocols. Jin, meanwhile, tested negative twice upon leaving quarantine ... but soon, he too felt symptoms and was deemed to be positive. They're considered breakthrough cases.

Like we told you ... Suga, another BTS member, tested positive as well. Big Hit Music makes sure to note that none of them have been in contact with their other bandmates ... the remaining 4 who are negative for now.

The NYPD rookie who was caught on video giving a lap dance to a married lieutenant at a holiday party is super emotional, apologizing to the lieutenant's wife and also saying if she were a man who did something similar it wouldn't be nearly as big a deal.

Vera Mekuli tells TMZ ... she hasn't spoken to the lieutenant since the party and hasn't been comfortable showing up at her precinct. She says her fellow officers at the station have been pretty understanding, allowing her to work from home. She wants to eventually return to the station house and then go back to duty on the streets.

The dance went down last week in a bar in Yonkers. The 26-year-old had only had worked at the 44th Precinct for 4 months before the incident. She says she had no idea the lieutenant was hitched and even apologized to him for the position he's now in.

Vera says she's often the life of the party and believes she can be 2 different people -- buttoned up at work and loads of fun off duty. She says she did the lap dance as a dare as the party was winding down.

She tells us she's so embarrassed she hasn't left her house since the video surfaced. Really sad, because she's really shaken to her core over this ... and for her, it was just a fun moment at a Christmas party.

Scary Xmas over at Windsor Castle ... an armed dude somehow penetrated the grounds before getting nabbed by cops.

The intruder is 19, carrying what British authorities call an "offensive weapon." That, folks, is British to the core.

Here's the thing ... it's scary because the Queen was at Windsor with Charles and Camilla.  Edward, Sophie and their 2 kids were also on hand to celebrate.

The armed trespasser did not make it inside any of the buildings, but still, getting on the grounds is crazy!

Queen Elizabeth skipped Xmas service ... staying indoors -- presumably because of COVID.

The suspect was busted on suspicion of trespass of a protected site, and possession of an offensive weapon. He's still in custody.  Police said, "We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings. Members of the Royal Family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public."

Pete Davidson is venturing out to parts of L.A. where a Rolls-Royce has rarely traveled -- 7-Eleven!!!

Pete was tooling around again Friday in GF Kim Kardashian's tank of a car, breezing into the store that never closes for a pack of smokes.

And, this is interesting ... he's not spending Xmas in Staten Island, which he has called home since birth. He's ensconced in L.A. with Kim, although we're told he's staying at a hotel.

He was also not at the Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Eve soiree ... a scaled-back affair because of COVID.

Kim and Pete are definitely a thing ... they've been bouncing back and forth between coasts to see each other, although it seems Pete's traveling west more than Kim's going east.

They've certainly made the rounds ... grabbing grub at the Bev Hills Hotel after both returned from NYC. They had a very public date on Staten Island last weekend ... where Kim and Pete rented out a private theater just for them ... but they were busted by a bunch of moviegoers who went crazy with their cell phones.