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David Koechner might not be too different from the guys he plays in movies -- because the dude spent New Year's Eve in a cell for drinking and driving ... this according to cops.

The 'Anchorman' and 'Office' star was busted for suspected DUI and hit and run Friday in Simi Valley, CA -- where he got picked up by the local cops around 3 PM PT ... well before midnight. Koechner was booked into Ventura County Jail around 5 PM PT ... and his vehicle was towed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police got a call for an erratic driver, which a patrolling officer located -- only to find David behind the wheel. We're told he was given field sobriety tests, which he didn't do well on ... and got hauled in for drunk driving and allegedly hitting a street sign with his car.

Per online records, he was released early the next morning ... around 5 AM PT. He's got a court date in March to answer for this arrest.

There's no question it's Dave here. All his info lines up with what we know about him publicly ... same DOB, same height (6'2"), from Missouri, occupation as an actor, etc.

Of course, David is known for playing party animals ... especially when portraying Champ Kind, or even Todd Packer from "The Office," both of whom are known for boozy adventures.

DK hasn't had any other run-ins with the law that we're aware of -- this seems to be his first DUI, at least in Cali. We've reached out to David's camp ... so far, no word back.

Hilary Duff's daughter looked fairly insecure while rolling in the back of a car with her mom's old costar -- which is fueling a lot of anger over what many perceive as an unsafe ride.

Three-year-old Banks Bair was featured in a video posted by actress Molly Bernard, who once starred opposite HD in the show "Younger" a few years back ... and who apparently had Hilary's kid for the day for some sorta playdate.

Right off the bat, fans noticed an apparent problem -- Banks sitting in the back of a car, without any visible car seat or restraint on her. The 3-point harness is behind her in the video, but that, of course, is only intended for older kids and adults.

The law in California for car seats is pretty simple ... any child under 2 has to be in a car seat -- a rear-facing one at that -- until they're either 40 lbs. or more, or 40 inches or taller. Banks is 3, so the rear-facing part wouldn't apply here.

However, she's still under 8 and not tall enough yet -- so, Banks would have to be in a belt-positioning booster seat or car seat ... and there's no such restraint in the video. Hilary is catching flak as a result. Molly too -- but it's mostly folks mom-shaming Hilary for allowing such an unsafe practice with her own daughter.

The Netherlands is in a full lockdown again over COVID, and when people took to the streets in Amsterdam to voice their displeasure ... cops quite literally unleashed the hounds.

A major clash between Dutch riot police and protesters went down Sunday in Amsterdam, where thousands of people were dispersed by force ... and a lot of it at that. Officers, who were decked out with shields, helmets and batons, were given the green light to go town on folks -- as they were all violating local orders against forming large crowds.

It didn't take long before cops used dogs, you see one shot of a German Shepherd clamping down on a guy's arm ... which looks painful as hell.

A reported 30 or so people are said to have been arrested during all the mayhem. And of course, some left with some serious bruises, you see one dude walking away and getting his legs smacked by a cop using a baton.

Big Daddy Weave's Jason "Jay" Weaver is dead after suffering complications from COVID-19.

In a heartfelt message on Instagram his brother and fellow band member, Mike, shared the tragic news ... "I'm sorry to bring this news, but I am excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother Jay went to be with Jesus just a couple hours ago."

Jay was a bass player and vocalist for the Christian band and had a history of health complications. Back in 2016, he was rushed to the hospital and had to get both feet amputated to fight an infection in his body.

In his message, Mike thanked everyone for their prayers and support for his late brother throughout his battles with his health ... "you've seen him walk the uphill battle and you guys helped carry him through so much."

"Even though COVID took his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him," he said.

Big Daddy Weave started in 1998, dropping their first album in 2001 and touring with big hits in the Christian music scene ever since.

Mike talked about his brother's impact -- "The Lord used him in such a mighty way out on the road for many years."

He says their family will deal with the heartache "as it comes" but for now, they are turning to their faith to celebrate Jay ... "The prayers of healing can now turn into prayers of thanksgiving now that Jay is in God's presence."

Jay was 42.

A famous Argentinian DJ claims he's been receiving death threats and nasty insults this week ... after he says fans believe he was the reason Lionel Messi came down with COVID-19.

DJ Fer Palacio -- who has over 1 million followers on Instagram -- posted a video message explaining the situation on Sunday ... saying soccer aficionados are blaming him for Messi's positive test after the two were spotted partying together late last week.

"I am a trend on Twitter because Messi tested positive for COVID-19," the DJ said.

"They relate this to me saying that I infected him. They have even called me 'murderer.' I have a lot of very bad private messages."

The 31-year-old, though, implored fans to stop ... saying it's just not possible for him to have given the soccer superstar the virus -- because he doesn't have it.

"Yesterday I got tested because I have to travel to Uruguay," he said showing a picture of a negative COVID test, "and I do not have COVID-19."

Messi, meanwhile, is isolating away from his Paris Saint-Germain team ... after the squad confirmed on Sunday he and three of his other teammates had the virus.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner appears to be in good spirits following the diagnosis ... sharing a few encouraging words at the beginning of the new year.

"I can only give thanks for everything that I had to live in this 2021," Messi said on social media. "Even more so when many people had a really bad time because of the s****y virus that never ends."

Chase Stokes is hopscotching around Florida having a grand old time as he enjoys the single life -- and his latest stop was Miami, where he rang in the New Year looking free and loose.

The "Outer Banks" star hit up the E11EVEN nightclub Saturday with a group of pals, where they ended up in the DJ booth overlooking the rest of the crowd below. Just like his stop in Orlando ... remember, Chase partied it up there as well. Anyway, he had a lot to fuel for his good time in the 305.

Apparently, CS had a good amount of grub nearby while he raged -- burgers and fries, it seems -- and even started tossing out burger patties to clubgoers, according to eyewitnesses.

He was also pretty popular with the ladies that night ... we're told a swarm of female fans were seen trying to get at the dude in his sectioned-off area, but it's unclear if any were as successful as that woman from last week.

You'll recall ... Chase looked to be sucking face at a lounge in Orlando, and actually left with the lucky lady by night's end.

This, of course, all comes on the heels of his split with 'OB' costar Madelyn Cline ... who's been seen out lately with DJ Zack Bia out here in L.A. -- apparently, after splitting up with Chase around Thanksgiving weekend.

We know critics of Bill Cosby's overturned conviction would love to see him back in prison, but surprisingly ... a bunch of his former cellmates feel the same way, though not for the reasons you'd think.

It's not a matter of jealousy, according to Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt ... who tells us Cosby's old buddies at SCI Phoenix reach out to him about 3 times a week. Instead, he says the prisoners are missing their guru, of sorts.

As you know ... Cosby was sprung from prison back in June ... something he obviously celebrated, but his fellow inmates might not have been thrilled.

Wyatt says Cosby had become the voice of reason within the prison walls -- solving disputes between inmates, dishing out advice and pushing education as a means to improve their lives.

He also claims Cosby encouraged them to show corrections officers and the warden they could be good citizens on the inside, and they were ready to do the same when released or paroled.

Ironically, the disgraced comedian who'd once been called, "America's Dad" ... now seems to hold that title with the inmates at the Pennsylvania State Prison.

Wyatt fields most of the calls from inmates, but says Cosby tries to get on the line as much as he can to say hello from time to time.

While Cosby's enjoying his newfound freedom, we're told his former fellow inmates want him to return to SCI Phoenix as a motivational speaker.

This is truly bizarre.

Antonio Brown just ripped off his jersey, ran shirtless on the field and headed for the locker room ... right in the middle of the Buccaneers' matchup against the New York Jets.

The incident happened just minutes ago ... with the 33-year-old wide receiver seemingly becoming upset on the sidelines in the third quarter as the Bucs trailed the Jets, 24-10.

Mike Evans appeared to try calming Brown down, but his efforts were unsuccessful ... as AB stripped down to just his pants and cleats and waved to the fans as he trotted through the end zone and off the field.

As it turns out, MetLife Stadium security reportedly thought AB was a streaker at first ... and initially tried to stop him before realizing he was a player.

AB had 3 catches for 26 yards before leaving the game.

Of course, Brown missed several games this season ... after the NFL said he faked his COVID-19 vaccination card.

No word from the Bucs on what happened Sunday ... but this will certainly be addressed after the game.

MTV's Darrell Taylor has been busted for public intoxication, after someone called cops complaining of a very drunk man lying in an apartment hallway ... TMZ has learned.

It all went down earlier this month in Burbank ... when someone in the apartment complex called cops about a man who was allegedly stumbling around and ringing doorbells.

When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Taylor – a multi-time winner of MTV’s "The Challenge" – flat on the ground in front of one of the units -- so drunk they had to take action to protect him.

Cops arrested Taylor, and he was later booked on a charge of public intoxication and later released.

Darrell tells us he was trying to get back to his hotel and got lost. He says he went down the wrong street and apparently ended up at the apartment complex by accident.

Here's how bad Antonio Brown's meltdown was on Sunday .... even O.J. Simpson is ripping the NFL star for his shirtless in-game antics.

Just minutes after AB threw off his jersey and pads and proceeded to quit on the Buccaneers in the middle of their game against the Jets ... O.J. took to Twitter to blast the wide receiver.

Simpson called Brown's actions "inexcusable," and then torched the 33-year-old for letting down Tom Brady.

"Playoffs are coming up," Simpson said. "And you pull this crap on a guy who really went out on a limb for you? It's total B.S. Inexcusable."

Bruce Arians clearly felt the same way ... the Tampa Bay head coach cut Brown immediately following the scene -- saying matter of factly, "He is no longer a Buc."

As for what kickstarted the on-field drama ... Arians told Peter King he wanted Brown to go into the game, but when the receiver refused -- the temper tantrum began.

Frank Gore says don't rule out seeing him back in the NFL -- 'cause the former RB told TMZ Sports he would be open to a return ... if the right Super Bowl contender called him.

"Ay, ay, I'm ready," Frank said. "Best shape I ever been," he continued. "I just weighed in at 209. Whatever team who pushing for that Super Bowl run, I'm ready to go in."

Of course, we haven't seen Gore in an NFL backfield in almost a year when he last played for the New York Jets ... but Frank made it clear that if the right team gave him a shot, he'd give it his all.

"Nah, I'm not done," Gore said. "If a Super Bowl-contending team call, I'm all in. I'm all in."

We also asked the legendary 49er his thoughts about Colts running back Jonathan Taylor -- who's been torching defenses all season -- and, well, let's just say Gore was incredibly fond of the kid's game.

"Aww man, that kid is the real deal," said Gore, "that kid is the real deal."

Frank acknowledges that quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have earned their spot in the MVP race ... but says if he had things his way, he knows who he'd vote for.

Lil Wayne's security guard has apparently had a change of heart, now wanting to file charges against the rapper for allegedly pulling a gun on him after previously deciding against it ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Weezy's guard is now pushing for prosecution against his former boss. Remember, he said the opposite when the alleged incident went down -- that he didn't want Wayne prosecuted -- even though he was the one who called cops.

Unclear what charges he's gunning for, but we do know this ... the guard claims LW hit him in the head and face, so presumably an assault charge of some kind -- if not more.

There's a big problem -- our sources say the case doesn't appear strong on its face and will probably go nowhere. Cops haven't even tried speaking with Wayne so far ... a sign it's not destined for prosecution.

We broke the story ... the guard alleges he and Wayne got into an argument at the rapper's Hidden Hills home after being accused of snapping/leaking pics. He says the argument got violent and Wayne brandished an AR-15. The guard says he skedaddled and called 5-0. Our sources say cops had issues with the guard's story from the get-go.

Los Angeles local Penelope Ann Miller has had an impressive stretch of almost 40 years in the entertainment biz but it was her cute (and crazy) role of the egg salad sammy making girlfriend Winnie -- who gets dumped for the Italian carny who's passing through town -- that stands out in the iconic 1988 Americana art film "Big Top Pee-wee."

Penelope Miller shared the big top screen with some other show-stopping talent including Valeria Golino as the Italian trapeze babe, Gina Piccolapupula, Benicio Del Toro as the adorable dog-faced boy, Duke ... and of course Paul Reubens as the hotdog farmer turned tightrope walker, Pee-wee Herman.

While Marvel is having a ball in movie land, there are grave concerns among the DC fanbase ... especially amid rumors that their fave heroes are going to be nixed from the franchise.

Here's the deal ... there are a handful of movie insiders claiming to have seen a cut of the new 'Flash' film starring Ezra Miller, which just wrapped filming back in October. According to some of these folks ... Warner is going in a whole new direction with the DCEU.

One reporter, Grace Randolph, spilled the alleged beans ... saying that not only is this movie going to be the final Batfleck movie (meaning no more Ben Affleck as Batman) but it's apparently also going to feature Henry Cavill's Superman sparingly ... and then, never more.

Perhaps even more jarring ... the claim that an entirely new Justice League is formed by the end -- and that the new Batman, as it were, is actually going to be Batgirl (eventually), and Supergirl is the new Superman. She also says Michael Keaton comes back as his OG Batman -- because of reported universe jumping, a la 'Spider-Man' -- but he's old now (obvs).

She adds, "This is new DC, let’s be open minded & give it a fair shot." Another account that's deep in the DC weeds puts it even more succinctly, writing ... "the movie (The Flash) will erase every movie Snyder has done. Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Justice League never happened now. Erased from continuity. Affleck and Cavill are both gone."

Now, Ezra himself appears to have spoken out on these rumors -- somebody captured a DM that's been linked to his account, and in it ... he says Zack Snyder's work isn't undone.

The DM purported to be from Ezra reads, "No power or force in any known megaverse would or could ever erase Zack Snyder's might (work). You can take that quote."

Of course, that doesn't really address the theory of WB pivoting away from Cavill, Affleck and the rest of the OG DC heroes that have already been established in Snyder's world ... which, if true, is a huge bummer -- at least that's what fans online are saying.

You can hop onto the Twitter-verse yourself and read up on how folks are reacting to this would-be news ... and you'll quickly see, they think Warner is sticking its head in the sand on what the people really want.

The Omicron/Omarion jokes have reached the source -- and the man (not the variant) is here to set the record straight about the difference between himself ... and a new strain of COVID.

The B2K singer/dancer took to TikTok for the start of 2022 with a PSA of sorts -- three of them actually -- for New Year's Rockin' Eve, which are all about how he is NOT the Omicron variant ... despite his name often getting confused for it, and some apparent bad reactions from fans.

Omarion starts his first video by simply saying ... he's Omarion, an artist, and not Omicron ... which means if you run into him on the street, you don't have isolate afterward -- nor do you need a negative test to dance to his music. 😂

His second vid is pretty similar -- but this time, he notes ... yeah, you probably shouldn't touch or get too close to him in general ... but that that rule has nothing to do with him being able to give anyone COVID.

And finally ... Omarion gets (kinda) serious, by reading a letter he says his lawyers wanted him to spell out as a result of "confusion" on the internet. He again says he's Omarion -- the singer and entertainer -- and NOT the variant ... so keep the DMs chill and respectful.

Patton Oswalt did some soul searching to kick off 2022 -- and the deep dive into reconciling friendships with differing POVs was spurred by none other than ... Dave Chappelle.

The comic was catching some backlash over the past couple days for a set of photos he posted on IG, which show him palling around with Dave in Seattle, where they were apparently both performing to end the year ... and where they actually shared stage time.

PO says when Dave asked him to come next door for a drop-in set, he thought, "Why not?" ... noting he was happy to say bye to 2021 alongside a longtime friend, while singing his praises.

Of course, Patton was quickly met with criticism from folks offended by Dave's comments in "The Closer," which caused him to post a second time where he explained himself.

The guy had a lot to say, but the bottom line from his remarks is this ... he isn't going to just discard Dave completely -- whom he says he's known for over 3 decades -- although he does make a point to say ... they're completely at odds over the transgender issue.

Patton writes, "[W]e also 100% disagree about transgender rights & representation. I support trans peoples' rights — ANYONE'S rights — to live safely in the world as their fullest selves. For all the things he's helped ME evolve on, I'll always disagree with where he stands NOW on transgender issues."

He goes on to say he doesn't believe a "seeker" like Dave is done learning, however -- which is, in part, why he won't nix him from his own life ... especially after knowing someone that long. He goes on to ponder the ramifications of him cutting off other friends in recent years ... wondering if his hard stance pushed them deeper into what he calls ignorance.