Sean Penn Men in Skirts??? Sounds Like 'Cowardly Genes'

Sean Penn says men in America are becoming "quite feminized" ... and he has a not-so woke or PC idea of why it's happening.

The Oscar-winning actor just doubled down on comments he made to British publication The Independent about men wearing what's traditionally been women's clothing. ICYMI ... Sean said, "There are a lot of, I think, cowardly genes that lead to people surrendering their jeans and putting on a skirt."

Sean tried to clarify those remarks while talking to another UK outlet, and you can decide for yourself how that worked out. According to The i, he said ... "I am in the club that believes that men in American culture have become wildly feminized. I don't think that being a brute or having insensitivity or disrespect for women is anything to do with masculinity, or ever did. But, I don’t think that [in order] to be fair to women, we should become them."

SP added that the women in his life -- including his daughter, Dylan, who he directed in the new movie, "Flag Day" -- don't see masculinity as being inherently oppressive.

Harry Styles and Kid Cudi famously wore skirts during performances and/or photo shoots last year, but Sean did not call out anyone by name during the interviews. 🤔

Tisha Campbell Warns Alleged Traffickers, 'I Ain't Gina, Bitch!!!' Says She Was Almost Taken

012822-tisha-campbell-kal 1/28/22
CLOSE CALL
@tishacampbellmartin / Instagram
UPDATE

8:51 AM PT -- 1/31 -- A rep for Tisha now tells us it was not in Brownsville, TX where the incident happened, instead, it was a Marriott in South Padre Island, TX.

Tisha Campbell is pissed off about a scary run-in with men she believes were sex traffickers, and she's got a warning for any others in the town where she's currently working.

A source close to Tisha tells TMZ the incident went down in Brownsville, Texas, about 10 minutes from the Mexican border ... where Tisha is working on an independent film.

We're told someone from a hotel she was staying at gave her a number to call for a taxi -- as Tisha explains, there weren't any Ubers available in the area. But, when the taxi pulled up, Tisha alleges a man hopped out of the backseat, and barked at her to get in the vehicle ... and that's when she knew things were very sketchy.

The "Martin" star explains she told the guy "no", but he and the driver kept demanding she get in their ride. She never did.

Our sources say Tisha's been working a project with sex and human trafficking expert Toni Rivera on trafficking ... so she was hyper vigilant for just such a situation. Tisha says she eventually told both guys to "f***off!" before going back to the front desk.

Apparently, the lady working there had no idea why Tisha was given that number to call a cab -- she tried asking who the driver was, but that's still unclear.

Tisha didn't contact cops, as we're told the employees at the hotel made sure she got out of there safely.

We still don't know who gave her the number or if they believed she was being set up ... but Tisha is sure about one thing. As for the alleged traffickers, she says ... "They got me f***ed up. I ain't Gina bitch!!!"

Originally Published -- 1/28 12:42 PM PT

Off-Duty Cop Stops Armed Robbery with Bare Hands!!! Rescues Store Employee

012822_off_duty_officer_kal
SPRINGING INTO ACTION

If someone in Spain's looking to reboot "Lethal Weapon," they just found their lead actor ... this off-duty cop who whupped a would-be robber's ass!!!

The hero officer walked into a grocery store in Mataró, Spain, and as surveillance video shows ... stumbled into the armed robbery in progress. Cameras caught the suspect walking an employee to the cash register at knifepoint.

Just as the suspect was cleaning out the register ... the cop walked into frame, sized up the situation and quickly sprung into action.

He casually put down his shopping bag and then subdued the suspect with some wrestling moves, taking him down to the ground.

While holding the guy in a chokehold, you see the cop rip the knife away from the suspect ... who he detained until backup arrived.

Not all heroes wear capes -- some just carry reusable shopping bags!

'Tiger King' Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years In Prison

UPDATE

11:33 AM PT -- Joe's attorney, J. Blake Patton, tells TMZ, "I think it's fair to say that there was some disappointment in our discussion with Joe, this show is not over ... Joe is hopeful that he will find justice in post-conviction relief ... Joe is looking forward to next steps."

Joe Exotic, will get out of prison earlier than expected -- but not as early as he had hoped -- the court just knocked one year off of his 22-year sentence.

A judge this past summer ruled the sentence for the murder-for-hire conviction was erroneous, because the trial court miscalculated the 2 charges on which Joe was convicted.

There was a chance the 22-year sentence would be reduced to 17 years, but that didn't happen. Rather, a federal appeals court just shaved a year off the 22-year sentence ... clearly not what Joe was hoping for.

071421-joe-exotic-john-phillips-kal 7/14/21
SO THANKFUL
Law Offices of Phillips & Hunt

Joe's serving time for allegedly trying to hire two men to kill his nemesis Carole Baskin, as well as crimes against animals. Baskin and her husband attended the hearing Friday as well.

Back in November, TMZ broke the news that Joe had been transferred from his prison in Texas to a facility in North Carolina … as he battled aggressive cancer and needed more medical attention. He originally requested to be let out of prison for treatment, but we don't yet know the decision on that.

Joe's team has yet to respond to the news.

Originally Published -- 10:45 AM PT

Kanye West Allegedly Spreading Rumor Pete Has AIDS ... Confused Pals Calling Pete

Kanye West's bizarre behavior might be at a new low -- he's allegedly telling friends Pete Davidson's suffering with AIDS, and while the false rumor's gotten back to Pete ... people close to Ye are denying it.

Sources close to Davidson confirm what DJ Akademiks claimed earlier this week, "Kanye's been telling everybody within earshot" that Pete has AIDS. We're told Kanye's claim has made for a few awkward phone calls between Pete and mutual friends he has with Kanye -- who are confused and disturbed by the childish behavior.

012722_akademiks_kal
LETTING RUMORS FLY
Youtube/King Akademiks

Our sources say Kanye's brutal diss track, where he raps, "God saved me from the crash, just so I can beat Pete Davidson's ass" ... diss didn't come as much of a surprise to friends of either man, as he's been known to take shots in song.

But, those close to Pete are disturbed by the fact Kanye would allegedly use such a serious health issue to try and lash out at Pete.

However, one source close to Ye tells us the allegation he's spreading the rumor is "nonsense."

Yes, Kanye's made no secret of the fact he wanted to get back with Kim ... as recently as December he said as much during his concert at the L.A. Coliseum.

So, while everyone knows he's not thrilled about Pete dating his estranged wife ... the AIDS rumor would be taking this to a new level -- one that has folks close to Pete very concerned.

Britney Spears Jamie Wants Her to Sit for Deposition

Britney Spears will sit for a wide-ranging deposition ... that is, if her father gets his way because Jamie Spears' lawyer has fired off an email to Britney's attorney asking to set a date for a depo.

Jamie Spears' lawyer, Alex Weingarten, sent the email Wednesday to Britney's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart. In the email, obtained by TMZ, Weingarten writes, "We write to advise that we intend to depose your client and would like to discuss a mutually agreeable date to conduct the deposition."

The email goes on, "Of course, we will also discuss scheduling Mr. Spears' deposition with you and work with you to find a mutually agreeable date for that to proceed as well."

The email says Weingarten would agree to have Jamie deposed first, followed immediately with Britney's depo -- either the next day or the same week.

Weingarten says he'd like the depos to go down in early March.

Sources with knowledge tell TMZ, the proposed deposition of Britney Spears would be wide-ranging. As you know, Britney leveled numerous allegations against Jamie during the court hearing in June ... claiming her dad refused to let her get married and have a baby. She also said she was held against her will in a treatment facility. We're told those issues will be part of the depo.

Our sources also say they want to ask Britney about "child safety and [possible] drug use," among other issues.

As we reported, Rosengart has made it clear ... he wants to question Jamie Spears on numerous issues related to allegedly mismanaging the conservatorship and using it for personal gain.

The email proposes a "meet and confer" to set the dates and the ground rules for the deposition, but it ends with this ... "If we have not heard from you regarding these matters by the close of business on Friday, February 4, 2022, we will proceed unilaterally." This almost certainly means Rosengart will get a subpoena.

Elon Musk Calls Prez Biden 'Damp Sock Puppet' After New Auto Summit Diss

The tension between Elon Musk and President Joe Biden is on the rise again ... with the billionaire hurling new, and colorful, insults over a perceived White House diss.

Elon was once again not invited to a summit meeting on Thursday, where top leaders – including Ford and GM's CEOs – are working together to promote Biden's "Build Back Better" bill.

The Prez gave them high marks for producing electric vehicles ... which Elon, Mr. Tesla himself, clearly took as a direct shot.

Musk lashed out on Twitter, saying ... "Biden is treating the American public like fools" -- and, for good measure, he called the President "a damp [sock] puppet in human form."

No response from the White House. Ditto for Lamb Chop.

This also happened last year after an electric vehicle White House summit in August. If you're wondering why Elon's being shut out ... WH Press Secretary Jen Psaki said back then, "The 3 largest employers of the United Auto Workers" had been invited. Yeah, it's because Tesla's factories are not unionized.

121521_elizabeth_warren_kal 12/15/21
DO YOUR PART!!!
TMZ.com

Elon's racking up opponents in DC -- you'll recall he's also been in a war of words with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who's railed on him for not paying enough income tax ... in her eyes.

Elon fired back, "You remind me of when I was a kid and my friend's angry Mom would just randomly yell at everyone for no reason."

At least he didn't call her a sock puppet. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Octomom Happy Birthday My Sweet 13-Year-Olds!!! ... And You Thought I Couldn't Do it!!!

Octomom has stunned everyone ... when she gave birth to 8 kids it seemed she could never handle it, but 13 years later she's proved everyone wrong.

Nadya Suleman wished her brood happy birthday this way ... "You are all growing into some of the most kind, humble, grateful and loving human beings I have ever known."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

She went on ... "I do not know what I could possibly have done to deserve being blessed so bountifully. I love you ❤️."

Rewind to 2009, when Nadya -- already the mother of 6 -- was artificially inseminated and boy, did it take! Even her doctor suggested it was too much for her to handle, but Nadya was insistent she was up to the task.

It wasn't easy, for sure. Videos surfaced along the way that looked like a home out of control.  And, there were money issues as well.

012822_octomom_kal 7/9/11
AIRPORT CHAOS
TMZ.com

But, it seems Octo's shut down all naysayers, 'cause they seem to be one BIG happy family in a 3-bedroom home in the O.C.

HBD Nariyah, Isaiah, Maliyah, Jeremiah, Noah, Josiah, Jonah, and Makai!!!

Adele Vegas Residency Could Happen Mid-Year But ... Conflicts Could Torpedo It

Adele's Las Vegas residency is on life support but it's not dead yet ... Caesars Palace and Live Nation want the show to go on, but they're trying to figure out how to work with Adele so they can come together and save the show.

Well-placed sources connected to Caesars tell TMZ ... the company is sitting on $150 million for the run of the residency -- that's the astonishing amount the show would generate. As a result, Caesars and Live Nation want to figure out a path where the concert can go on. We're told they need to figure it out -- one way or the other -- in the next month.

Our Caesars sources say they're not sure if they can reach an agreement with Adele, because there was significant conflict over numerous issues connected with the show over the last 2 months, including the sound system, the choir, a special effects pool, and on and on.

Our sources say Adele was unhappy with the outdated Meyer sound system that was in place at Caesars' Colosseum, so the casino installed an entirely new state-of-the-art sound system ... and Adele was happy with the upgrade. But we're told there are a bunch of other open issues which are still a source of conflict.

But, that obviously wasn't enough to save the show from going on as scheduled ... and now we're told even Adele's boyfriend, sports mega-agent Rich Paul, is involved.

012022-adele-kal-v2 1/20/22
WRECKED BY COVID
@adele / Twitter

Caesars initially hoped they could work something out so Adele would do at least a few concerts in February, but that's not going to happen. They're now shooting for mid-year, assuming they can reach an agreement fairly quickly.

012222_adele_kal 1/22/22
FACETIMING FANS
@adelettes/Instagram

Short story ... Caesars and Live Nation want it to happen, but they're not sure it can be pulled off.

President Biden Willow is in the (White) House!!! First Family's Got a Cat

There are 4 new legs wandering the West Wing -- the Biden family's welcoming a new cat into the White House ... and let's hope this feline likes dogs.

Willow is a 2-year-old tabby, and Dr. Jill Biden's office says she's got some history with the Prez and First Lady dating back to before they were even in the White House.

The First Lady's Press Secretary Michael LaRosa says Willow jumped on a stage with then-candidate Joe Biden during a 2020 campaign stop at a farm -- and the farm owners said they saw an "immediate bond" between them.

The cat's name is an homage to Jill's hometown: Willow Grove, PA.

LaRosa says Willow's been fostered with friends and acquaintances of the Bidens since then ... just waiting for the right moment to make her White House debut.

Remember, it's already been ruff-going at 1600 Pennsylvania with the Biden's dogs.

As we reported back in June, Champ, the Biden family dog, died at the age of 13 ... then Major had to be re-homed because he'd had multiple biting incidents ... but he was immediately replaced by a new German shepherd puppy, Commander.

So, now that the dust has settled ... the White House is officially a one dog, one cat home -- and, of course, there are still plenty of rats.

Get to work, Willow!!!

Pittsburgh Bridge Collapse Surreal Scene as Cars Plummet to Ground

A bridge completely collapsed in Pittsburgh Friday, sending cars plummeting to the earth below ... and it happened hours before President Biden was set to travel to that city to talk infrastructure.

It's unclear what caused the bridge to buckle, but it was snowing heavily. The entire span of the bridge collapsed -- a major artery linking various parts of the city.

The scene is surreal ... a bus landed into a ravine below -- fortunately, there were only 2 passengers and a driver on board, and none were seriously injured.

The Lt. Governor says there appear to be no fatalities, but at least 10 people were injured.  A slew of ambulances showed up and 3 people were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The collapse caused a natural gas leak and as a precaution, people in nearby homes were evacuated. They were able to contain the leak.

So, by some miracle, everyone survived the collapse, but Biden's infrastructure pitch will be interesting.

Carmelo Anthony Altercation With Fans In Philly ... After He Says He Was Called 'Boy'

Carmelo Anthony needed to be restrained from going after fans in Philadelphia on Thursday night ... and it's all because he says some of them called him "boy."

As the L.A. Lakers were down big to the 76ers in the fourth quarter of their game in Philly ... Melo stopped playing and began walking toward a group of Sixers fans that appeared to be talking trash.

At one point, it looked like Anthony was going to enter the crowd and get face-to-face with the men ... but, fortunately, referees grabbed him before he could get to the fans.

Arena security ended up booting the men from the area before it could escalate further ... and when Melo was asked about the incident following the game, he told the L.A. Times that he was called "boy" by the men.

Melo added in his postgame interview that he believed all of the smack talk crossed lines.

"Some things were said -- unacceptable," Anthony said. "I'm cool with fans heckling, fans talking trash, cheering for their team, booing the other team, I'm all for that."

"But when you cross certain lines, as a man, you just, that's what you're going to see. That's what you're going to get, as you saw there."

Anthony continued, "There's just certain things you don't bring to any type of sporting event. There's just certain things you don't say to anybody. If I was outside and I bumped into you and you said those things to me, then it would be a totally different story."

It's unclear if the fans will face further discipline from the 76ers.

Of course, this is far from the first time this season that players have gotten into it with fans ... even Carmelo's own teammate, LeBron James, had hecklers kicked out of their seats earlier this season.

As for the game, Melo's Lakers were ultimately blown out by the 76ers, 105-87.

Kobe Bryant Permanent Statue At Crash Site Not Happening ... Officials Say

Despite the construction of a temporary Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue this week at the site of their tragic helicopter crash ... TMZ Sports has learned a permanent sculpture will not be installed.

City of Calabasas officials told us this week they have "no plans for any sort of memorial at the crash site."

A spokesperson for the Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority, which oversees the site of the tragic crash, added that there is to be "no permanent memorial on the site."

It does not mean one couldn't ultimately end up being placed there at some point down the road ... but the rep for the MRCA told us definitively there's nothing currently in the works for now or the future.

It's a bummer for those who wanted to see a statue erected ... especially after a 160-pound one was placed on the scene by sculptor Dan Medina on the anniversary of the crash on Wednesday.

Fans loved the mini-monument, which featured a depiction of Kobe and Gigi together, and Medina had told us he'd be willing to donate a life-sized version of it to the city for free.

012622_dan_medina_kal
HONORING THEIR LEGACY
TMZSports.com

Medina said regardless of the city's plans going forward ... he still has hopes of making a trip to the crash site every year with the sculpture to honor the NBA legend and the other victims.

Taylor Swift Fanatic Crashes Car into Her NYC Home

UPDATE

5:05 AM PT -- 1/28 -- The NYPD has identified the suspect as 31-year-old Morgan Mank, who was booked for driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired. Police observed a moderate odor of alcohol on his breath.

UPDATE

9:57 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us the man told cops he was not going to leave the area until he met with Taylor.

Taylor Swift's properties are a magnet for strange incidents ... the latest ending with a man arrested early Thursday morning after cops say he crashed his car into her NYC building.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a man was busted after driving the wrong way down Taylor's street ... then reversing and striking the building and a fire hydrant.

We're told the guy got out of the car and went to the intercom, trying to rip it out of the wall ... mumbling about Taylor. As you see, the intercom wires are sticking out every which way.

Our sources say someone called 911 and when NYPD arrived officers took the man into custody and took him to a nearby hospital ... presumably for psychiatric evaluation. We're told he's facing potential charges for DWI and criminal mischief. Cops say he was drunk.

It's unclear if Taylor was home at the time.

012722_taylor_swift_nyc_kal2 1/27/22
RIPPED APART
TMZ.com

As we reported ... there's been several men arrested at Taylor's homes all over the country ... from Rhode Island to New York to Bev Hills.

Originally Published -- 9:30 AM PT

Guess Who This Cheesin' Child Turned Into!

Before this cheesing child was one of the top athletes of his time, he was just another cute kid smiling wide for the camera in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

This adorable all-star is best known for not only scoring touchdowns, but scoring multi-million dollar deals in the NFL. Even though this MVP baller has played for multiple teams over the course of his successful career, he recently signed with one of the final four contenders heading into playoffs this upcoming weekend.

With his skills, fans may be rooting for him on their home turf this Super Bowl!

Can you guess who he is?

Patrick Mahomes' Fiancée Making 'Team Brittany' Shirts ... For Charity After Celebration Backlash

012722-brittany-matthews-kal 1/28/22
LIFTING UP THE CITY
@brittanylynne / Instagram

Patrick's Mahomes' fiancée is parlaying all the hate from her champagne celebration and putting it to good use -- by creating "Team Brittany" shirts for an anti-bullying charity.

Remember, Brittany Matthews was ripped on social media for spraying bubbly on fans at Arrowhead Stadium after the Chiefs' overtime thriller victory over the Bills last weekend.

BM initially returned fire, saying she was tired of routinely being "attacked" ... but switched it up after she spoke with Charlie Hustle, a local t-shirt designer and seller, about making "Team Brittany" shirts.

012422_brittany_matthews_kal_1 1/23/22
CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATION
@brittanylynne / Instagram

"Me and my team have decided to try to turn this buzz into something and something good for the Kansas City community," Matthews said Thursday via IG.

"We have decided that part of the proceeds from the sales of this shirt are gonna go to Red Card KC which is a local charity here in Kansas City that works to prevent bullying."

The 26-year-old says she gets bullied all the time on the net ... so it means a lot that she's able to help.

"I do receive a lot of hate on a daily basis on social media and I know so so so many other people do as well," Matthews said.

"That's why I'm just proud to partner with this company and get behind this cause and hopefully push everything into the right direction and start spreading some more positivity on all of these platforms."

The future Mrs. Mahomes may get another shot at a post-game celebration this Sunday ... if the Chiefs beat the Bengals in the AFC Championship.

#StopBullying