Nils Lofgren Springsteen Guitarist Yanks Music Off Spotify ... Protesting Joe Rogan Podcast

Neil Young has more company in his Spotify bailout campaign ... this time the likes of the guitarist for none other than The Boss himself.

Nils Lofgren is 86'ing his music from Spotify ... to protest the vaccine misinformation on Joe Rogan's podcast.

Nils said, "A few days ago, my wife Amy and I became aware of Neil and Daryl [Hannah] standing with hundreds of health care professionals, scientists, doctors and nurses in calling out Spotify for promoting lies and misinformation that are hurting and killing people."

He went on ... "When these heroic women and men, who’ve spent their lives healing and saving ours, cry out for help you don’t turn your back on them for money and power. You listen and stand with them."

101321_sanjay_gupta_joe_rogan_kal OCTOBER 2021
NO SHOT
The Joe Rogan Experience/Spotify

Nils is a major musician ... a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, longtime Crazy Horse and E Street Band member ... but he's not one of the younger musicians who might make this a horse race for Spotify.

As we reported, Neil Young gave his ultimatum before yanking his music off the platform, and Joni Mitchell followed.

Nils is now asking other musicians to follow his lead.

Rogan is by far the most popular podcaster on Spotify, bringing in a ton of subscribers for Spotify.

Meghan and Harry Jumpin' in Joe Rogan/Spotify COVID Controversy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have jumped into the Spotify/Joe Rogan fracas ... urging the platform to blunt "serious harms" over COVID misinformation.

As you know, the couple has a lucrative deal with Spotify -- $30 mil -- but they've come out swinging, with their rep saying, "Since the inception of Archewell, we have worked to address the real-time global misinformation crisis. Hundreds of millions of people are affected by the serious harms of rampant mis- and disinformation every day."

The rep went on ...  "Last April, our co-founders began expressing concerns to our partners at Spotify about the all-too-real consequences of COVID-19 misinformation on its platform. We have continued to express our concerns to Spotify to ensure changes to its platform are made to help address this public health crisis. We look to Spotify to meet this moment and are committed to continuing our work together as it does.”

As we reported, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and now Nils Lofgren have yanked their music off Spotify, in protest of Rogan. Meghan and Harry have not pulled the plug ... instead, they're just asking.

So far Spotify has not budged and is standing behind The Joe Rogan Experience ... it's the most popular podcast.

Rapper BIA I Want to Help with Lauren Smith-Fields Death Case

Rapper BIA is joining Cardi B in raising awareness about the death of Lauren Smith-Fields, and going a few steps further ... meeting with the family lawyer and hoping to sit down soon with the fam.

Smith-Fields' family attorney Darnell Crosland tells TMZ ... BIA is actively helping by using her platform to focus attention on the case.

BIA and her manager have met with Darnell in Connecticut, not long after Lauren's death, to talk about the case and offer support. We're told the case hits home for BIA and she feels celebs have an obligation to speak on social justice issues.

As you know ... 23-year-old Lauren died while on a December date with a man she met on a dating app. The medical examiner announced this week Lauren died from an accidental drug OD, which the family questioned. With public pressure mounting -- from BIA, Cardi B and others -- police finally opened a criminal investigation into her death.

Darnell says BIA also wants to meet with Lauren's mother and brothers. We're told she didn't meet with the family before because they were grieving and she wanted to give them space.

Lamar Odom Lakers Will Win NBA Championship ... Despite Struggles

012422_lamar_odom_lakers_kal
CHANNEL YOUR MAMBA MENTALITY
TMZSports.com

Lamar Odom is still holding out hope for this season's Lakers ... telling TMZ Sports despite their struggles, the Purple and Gold are still his pick to win the NBA title.

LeBron James and Co. have underperformed so far in 2021-22 -- they're far from the top of the Western Conference and can't seem to find a rhythm.

Odom -- who won 2 titles with the Lakers -- says he's not concerned about the Lake Show's lack of success so far ... and it's all thanks to the talent on the roster.

"I think they're good enough to win a championship," Odom tells us. "They're still my pick to win the championship. I don't know if that's Laker pride or me just being a Laker at heart. But they're still my pick."

"Anytime you have LeBron James on the court and a healthy Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony as your 6th man, I think they'll give you a really good shot."

Odom -- who recently launched the Savvy Talent Management Group -- says the team needs to pick it up defensively ... and would like to see LeBron lead the team like Kobe Bryant did for 20 years.

"Of the teams that I played for that won championships, we had a tremendous leader in Bean Bryant," Odom adds. "A lot of his will, tenacity ... it kind of rubbed off on us. I would like to see LeBron James' will and tenacity and his will to win rub off on these Laker guys."

"I think once that happens, once they coincide that, they'll be all right."

As for Westbrook -- who's had a tough stretch in 2022 -- Odom has a message for people criticizing the former MVP.

Famous San Francisco Niners Fans ... Gold Rush!

The NFC Championship is finally here -- and these famous 49ers fans will be cheering when their team takes on the Los Angeles Rams at the SoFi Stadium!

Of course, rapper E-40 is gonna be reppin' the Bay Area -- he's been a hardcore 49ers fan since forever ...  and how can we forget the "Niner Gang" song?!

Speaking of forever -- let's take it back to Joe Montana days like "Workaholics" actor Blake Anderson and "Full House" actor Dave Coulier ... who keep it OG with their vintage 49ers fits.

Not all 49ers fans are from SF, though ... "The Vampires Diaries" actress Phoebe Tonkin (who's from Australia), Aaron Paul -- an Idaho native -- and NY actress Hayden Panettiere rock the red and gold on a regular.

Even Mr. Yeahhhh himself, Lil Jon -- who's from Atlanta -- has been spotted showing love for the Niners ... sorry, Falcons.

And, get this ... Miranda Cosgrove is from Los Angeles but the "iCarly" star is staying loyal to the 49ers. Granted, the Rams did just move to L.A. in 2016.

There's also the couples that cheer together -- actress Katharine McPhee and her hubby David Foster plus Sabina Gadecki Rich and Tyler Rich.

Let's see if the 49ers fans end up cheering for their team in Super Bowl LVI!

Las Vegas Strip Club Bitcoin for Lap Dances!!! Now Try Making That Rain

Here's the latest offering in Las Vegas and a sign of things to come ... one famous strip club is now accepting cryptocurrency for lap dances!!!

The good folks over at Crazy Horse III tell TMZ ... customers can now pay for their dances with Bitcoin, and they're one of the only strip clubs in the country where you can use digital currency for adult entertainment.

CH3 says the Bitcoin option will allow folks to get lap dances and tip entertainers with no paper trail at all ... which, of course, makes it totally COVID-safe with no paper money getting exchanged.

Here's how it works ... guests scan a QR code for an instant Bitcoin payment transaction through their crypto wallet, trading Bitcoin for "dance dollars" which are valid towards lap dances and tips.

The gentlemen's club started accepting Bitcoin for VIP bottle purchase packages back in July 2020, but high customer demand moved them to expand cryptocurrency's buying power.

One potential downside -- the customary, and some say controversial, act of "making it rain" on dancers won't be nearly as flashy. As Dylan put it ... times, they are a-changin'.

Jerry Rice Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Jerry Rice is scoring extra points with these good looks!

Here's the 24-year-old version of the San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver flashing his facial hair in uniform in The City by the Bay during his second professional year with the team back in 1987 (left). Over the 15 years on the team, he took home three Super Bowl wins.

And 35 years later ... the now 59-year-old NFL G.O.A.T. is still looking like a champ -- and still voicing support to his OG team with custom potato chips -- with a photo he shared to his Instagram followers just last week (right).

What a snack!

The question is ...

Jerry Rice ...

Report: Tom Brady Retiring After 22 Seasons Brady Sr. Disputes Report, Says Son 'Not Retiring'

UPDATE

1:55 PM PT -- More from Brady Sr., courtesy of NFL Network's Mike Giardi. "Checked in with Tom Brady Sr. who tells me, and I quote, 'This story Mike is total conjecture. Tommy has not made a final decision one way or the other and anybody else that says that he has is absolutely wrong.'

UPDATE

1:31 PM PT -- Tom Brady's dad, Tom Brady Sr. tells San Francisco news outlet KRON4 his son is "not retiring," disputing the report from ESPN's Schefter and Darlington.

UPDATE

According to the outlet, Brady Sr. says "an online publication started circulating an unsubstantiated rumor. However a number of NFL insiders are now reporting it."

UPDATE

1:17 PM PT -- This is bizarre. In the wake of reports Brady was retiring after 22 seasons, there are now some questioning the veracity of the news. According to Michael Silver, TB contacted Bucs GM Jason Licht, telling the front office exec he had NOT yet made a final decision.

UPDATE

Tom's TB12sports Twitter account also deleted a tweet congratulating Brady for his career achievements.

UPDATE

Don Yee, Brady's longtime agent, also issued a statement addressing the news.

UPDATE

"I understand the advance speculation about Tom's future. Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what's being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon."

Tom Brady -- the most successful quarterback in NFL history -- is walking away from the game of football after 22 historic seasons.

The 44-year-old 7-time champ is retiring as the league's all-time leader in wins at quarterback, passing attempts, completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns, according to a report from Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington

Brady was the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft ... after playing at Michigan from 1996-1999.

Brady played for New England from 2001-19 ... winning 6 Super Bowls with the Patriots. He went on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won his 7th championship in 2021.

021021_brady_boat_parade_toss_kal 2/10/21
DROPPIN' DIMES
@bitiboy11

The Bucs went 13-4 this season and ran away with the NFC South title ... but were defeated by the Rams in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Brady married supermodel Gisele Bundchen in 2009 ... and just this week, he hinted at the possibility of hanging it up for his wife and children's sake.

0129-tom-brady-audio-art-desktop-01 1/24/22
FAMILY COMES FIRST
Let's Go! With Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jim Gray

He previously spoke about how he hoped to play until he was 45 years old, but was open about his struggles with being away from family during the football season.

"It pains [Gisele] to see me get hit out there, and she deserves what she needs from me as a husband and my kids deserve what they need from me as a dad," Brady said this week on his "Let's Go" podcast.

Brady threw for 84,520 yards and 624 TDs over his 22-season career.

Brady's ex-teammate, Julian Edelman, congratulated the quarterback ... saying, "Thanks for the memories, babe."

Chris Godwin -- who won a ring with Brady last season -- added, "The best ever. Congratulations bro @TomBrady grateful to have gotten to share the field with you! Much love fam."

Congrats on retirement, G.O.A.T.

Originally Published -- 11:52 AM PT

Dr. Oz Rushes To Help Unconscious Man ... Who Fell at Caucus Meeting

Dr. Oz drew on his medical background for a medical emergency at a political meeting ... jumping in to help a man who fell unconscious.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Oz was next in line to speak at Saturday morning's Pennsylvania Republican Caucus Meeting outside Pittsburgh when suddenly a state committee member collapsed.

We're told Dr. Oz rushed over and quickly lowered the man to the ground ... tending to him while he appeared to suffer a seizure and lost consciousness.

Our sources say Oz also helped move the man to a flat surface outside the meeting room, where another seizure-like episode occurred.

We're told EMS eventually arrived and transported the man to a local hospital, and the guy was conscious and conversing with Oz as EMS took him away.

Our sources say Dr. Oz went on stage for his scheduled remarks after the incident ... and following the caucus, he got in touch with the man and learned he's in stable condition at a hospital.

113021_dr_oz_kal
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST

As you know ... Dr. Oz is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, switching gears to politics after a successful career as a TV doctor.

Dr. Oz tells TMZ ... "I am a doctor first and always will be, so I responded immediately to a call for help when a nearby man collapsed. Following the lessons learned from a life in medicine, I did my job until EMS arrived to transport him to a nearby hospital."

030221_dr_oz_kal 3/2/21
DR. OZ TO THE RESCUE
TMZ.com

It's not the first time Oz has been in the right place at the right time for a medical emergency ... as we first told you, he saved a man's life at an airport in March using CPR and a defibrillator.

NFL's Damon Arnette Arrested For Assault W/ Deadly Weapon ... Allegedly Threatened Valet W/ Gun

UPDATE

10:41 AM PT -- 1/30 -- Arnette has been charged with FIVE felonies -- 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of marijuana or cannabis and one count of carrying or concealing a gun without a permit, according to court records. Arnette was released from the Clark County Detention Center after posting a bond.

UPDATE

8:58 AM PT -- The Chiefs have released Damon Arnette, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

More troubling news for NFL player Damon Arnette ... the former 1st round draft pick was arrested Friday night in Las Vegas after he allegedly threatened a valet with a gun, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 25-year-old cornerback was busted for assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a controlled substance after a dispute allegedly occurred at the Park MGM on Las Vegas Boulevard.

It's unclear what drug Arnette allegedly had on him.

A witness tells us Damon attempted to retrieve a car without a valet ticket ... leading to a dispute. We're told Arnette pulled a gun, and the police were eventually called.

This is just the latest issue with the former Ohio State star. Arnette was cut by the Raiders in November after a video surfaced appearing to show Damon threatening someone with a gun.

Arnette is also being sued by a woman who claims he hit her car, injuring her, and left the scene of the accident after an October 2020 crash.

After a standout season at Ohio State where Arnette earned 2nd Team All-Big Ten honors, he was the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

In 2 seasons with the Raiders, Arnette played in 13 games, racking up 29 tackles. After Vegas cut him, he signed as a practice squad player with the Miami Dolphins.

Damon was recently signed by the Kansas City Chiefs to a reserves/futures contract ... meaning he isn't on the active roster right now, but the team has his rights for next season.

Originally Published -- 1/29 8:40 AM PT

Brock Lesnar Bodyslams Jackass Star Wee Man Through Restaurant Table!!

012822-brock-lesnar-kal
SUPER SLAM
UPDATE

10:15 AM PT -- 1/29 Wee Man was all smiles after getting body slammed through the dinner table ... laughing and roughhousing with Johnny Knoxville.

UPDATE

We obtained more video showing the aftermath of Brock's wrestling move on Wee Man ... and it's clear everyone thought it was hilarious, even Wee Man.

UPDATE
012922_lesnar_aftermath_kal
THE HILARIOUS AFTERMATH
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

Knoxville daps up Brock and then hilariously explains the incident to a couple of nearby guests ... and it sounds like he was the mastermind of it all.

File this under warming up for Bobby Lashley ... 'cause on the eve of the Royal Rumble, WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar just BODY SLAMMED Wee Man through a table -- at dinner!!

TMZ Sports obtained video from Lesnar's dinner table at a restaurant in St. Louis when the 6'3", 285-ish lb. behemoth picked up the Jackass star -- as Johnny Knoxville (who's in the RR) watched -- and sent him crashing through the wood table, breaking glass (and possibly Wee Man's back?).

The clip's great ... the future WWE HOF'er casually picks him up, holds him, and then ... boom!

Of course, Brock -- the WWE Champion -- is in Missouri for the Royal Rumble ... where he's taking on the challenger, Lashley, Saturday night at The Dome at America's Center.

Lesnar and Lashley isn't the only big time matchup. Roman Reigns is wrestling Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop is also going down ... and there's a bunch of other Superstars scheduled to be in the house.

As far as Wee Man -- aka Jason Acuna -- the good news is we're told he's okay! Maybe just a bit sore ... 😬😬😬

Originally Published -- 1/28 8:01 PM PT

Pete Davidson No, Kanye Didn't Kick My Ass!!!

012922_pete_davidson_kal
HANGIN' WITH UNCLE PETE

Pete Davidson's a chip off the ol' block ... the question -- did Kanye West knock his block off?

The answer is no, but we'll explain why it's a fair question in a minute.

Yeah, Pete's tooth looks chipped, but it's not.  Our Pete sources tell TMZ ... he's shooting a movie that requires a chipped tooth, so it's fake.  We don't know which movie, but we know he does not have a chipped tooth.

Oh, the baby ... it's Malcolm, the newborn of Olivia Munn and John Mulaney, whom they now call "Uncle Pete." Pete's reaction ... "Babies are all head." You hear Olivia and John cracking up in the background.

As for the Kanye thing ... remember, he recently said in a song he would kick Pete's ass.

Kanye has allegedly been spreading false rumors that Pete has AIDS. Our Kanye sources say that's "nonsense," but others have said Kanye's been spreading the false rumor and people have been calling Pete with concerns.

Britney Spears Sarcastically Congratulates Sister on Best Seller ... 'You Are Scum' Jamie Lynn

Britney Spears is outraged at her sister for hawking her book on TV ... a book she says became a best-seller off her back.

Britney said this of Jamie Lynn Spears ... "You are scum" -- posting video of conversations surrounding her sister's new book "Things I Should Have Said" on "The Talk" and "The Real."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Britney posted clips from the shows, where several hosts challenged Jamie Lynn for writing a book rather than talking it out with Britney privately. Britney wrote, "What these women are saying here is pretty clear!!! I'm just kinda shocked that more people like these real soul sisters aren't telling it like it is."

Britney went on ... "The nerve of you to sell a book now and talk s*** but your f***ing lying just like you lied about Alexa Nikolas !!!!"

And, Jamie Lynn's older sis challenged her to take a polygraph test.

Britney has called Jamie Lynn "scum" before, but it looked like the ice may have thawed a little a week or so ago. That's clearly not the case.

Kanye and Julia Steamy Paris Kiss ... But is He Really Over Kim???

Kanye West and Julia Fox posed for a scorching shot, presumably showing they're a full-on couple ... this in the wake of a slew of stories suggesting he's still obsessed with soon-to-be-ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Kanye and Julia struck the pose for photographer Danielle Levitt. It's a full-on kiss with lots of touching.

It's classic Ye. She's wearing a Jetsons-like getup. Kanye settled for a black jacket and hoodie.

Apparently, the pics were snapped during a dinner in Paris with Mos Def and Pusha T.  They're in town for Paris Fashion Week, which seems to go down every other week.

012722_akademiks_kal
LETTING RUMORS FLY
Youtube/King Akademiks

The pics were posted on the heels of terrible allegations that Kanye has been spreading false rumors Pete has AIDS. Kanye's team calls it "nonsense," but sources tell TMZ they've heard the same thing DJ Akademiks claimed ... "Kanye's been telling everybody within earshot."

Kanye's also threatened in song to kick Pete's ass.

012222_kanye_jula_fox_kal
RESUMED REUNION
MEGA

What it's made everyone wonder ... how can Kanye have a new relationship when he seems obsessed with his old one?

NFL's Austin Seferian-Jenkins Arrested For Misd. Assault, Felony Harassment ... In County Jail

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, former NFL tight end, was arrested for misdemeanor assault (domestic violence) and felony harassment on Friday in Washington State, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 29-year-old former 2nd round draft pick was booked into a county jail around 9 PM. He is still in custody, and bail has not yet been set.

The details surrounding the arrest are currently unclear.

According to court records, ASJ was officially booked for "misdemeanor assault/domestic violence" and "felony harassment threats/domestic violence or death threats."

It's not the first time Seferian-Jenkins has been in trouble with the law. He was busted at least 3 times for DUI. In 2020, he cut a deal with officials to defer prosecution on his latest driving under the influence charge ... on the condition he kept his nose clean.

Now, those charges could be pursued once again ... in addition to the new domestic violence charges.

Jenkins was the 38th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft -- going to the Bucs -- after a standout career at the University of Washington. After 2+ seasons in Tampa, Seferian-Jenkins signed with the NY Jets in 2016. In 2018, he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Patriots signed ASJ in 2019 .. but released him before the season started. That's the last time he played professional football.

Seferian-Jenkins had a solid career ... catching 116 balls for 1,160 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

If ultimately convicted, Austin could face years in prison, in addition to a large fine.

Story developing ...

Cher Thank You For Being a Friend, Betty!!!

This is pretty awesome ... Cher is part of the upcoming tribute to Betty White, delivering a fantastic version of "Thank You for Being a Friend."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Cher shared a clip of the "Golden Girls" theme song, which she recorded on the same sound stage where the show was shot.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

She'll be part of the tribute, which will air Monday, and the list of celebs who will appear is stunning ... President Biden, Drew Barrymore, Valerie Bertinelli, Bryan Cranston, Ted Danson, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Goldie Hawn, Vicki Lawrence, Jane Leeves, Jay Leno, Anthony Mackie, Wendie Malick, Joel McHale, Tracy Morgan, Jean Smart, Mary Steenburgen and that's not even a complete list!

TMZ broke the story ... Betty died just days before what would have been her 100th birthday. As we reported, she had a stroke 6 days before, which lead to her death.

BTW ... the show sounds awesome. There'll be video of Betty we've never seen, in addition to a cavalcade of tributes.