Killer Mike on Clemency Released Drug Offenders ... Deserve to Sell Again, Legally!!!

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PIONEERS OF THE INDUSTRY
TMZ.com

Killer Mike says giving scores of nonviolent drug offenders clemency is a great first step -- but suggests what we should do next is ... let them sling again, on the up and up.

The entrepreneur and MC gave us a radical idea when we asked him what he thought about the Biden administration cutting loose 75 convicts -- all of whom were serving lengthy sentences for drug offenses, be it possession, intent to sell or just straight up peddling.

Mike tells us ... yeah, that's great -- but we can (and should) do better to pay these people back for crimes they probably shouldn't have been in the joint for in the first place.

As for how, KM says those who were put away for selling drugs that are now legal -- aka, marijuana -- should actually be plopped at the front of the line for dispensary licenses ... meaning, we the people should let them hop back into the drug trade immediately.

That might sound a little backwards, but check out his rationale ... Mike's actually making sense here, especially since our laws and views on this type of stuff have evolved.

BTW, he's got a lot of creative ideas like this documented on different TV series of his, including one on Netflix called 'Trigger Warning' and another one called 'Tumbleweeds.'

Betty White L.A. House Up For Sale

Betty White's L.A. home is on the market, and her estate could be millions richer for it.

Betty's 3,029 square foot home in Brentwood, CA is listed for $10.575M. It has some great views of the famed Getty Museum ... with a massive backyard outfitted with the obligatory SoCal swimming pool.

Betty spent many years here -- she moved there in 1968. She lived there with husband Allen Ludden because it was central to a bunch of studios on the Westside of L.A. Betty stayed put after Allen died in 1981 ... in fact, she lived there until she died in the home last New Year's Eve.

There's also a guest house, where Betty and Allen enjoyed playing charades with friends like Jimmy and Gloria Stewart, Dinah Shore and Burt Reynolds.

If you're a lookie-loo, don't bother ... the only people who can tour the home are prequalified buyers and will be given no interior access to the home.

As we reported, a buyer has already laid claim to Betty's home in Carmel, CA, where Betty also spent lots of time. That house is incredible, with views of the famed Monterey Peninsula. It was listed at $7.9 mil, and a bidding war hiked the final price to $10.7 mil.

Betty wanted to live out her final days in the Carmel home, but had to live in the L.A. house for medical reasons.

Marlene Okulick of Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Palisades Brokerage -- has the listing on the Brentwood property.

Khloe Kardashian Thought Rob & Chyna's Toxic Behavior Would Hurt Family's Brand

Khloe Kardashian just had her time on the stand, revealing she thought Blac Chyna's potentially dangerous behavior could damage the family's brand ... and even made her reconsider continuing to film "Keeping Up with The Kardashians."

Both Khloe and Kim Kardashian testified Tuesday in L.A. During Khloe's testimony, she said wanted to protect her brother from the “outrageous/chaotic/violent behavior" stemming from his relationship with Chyna, adding ... "we were all considering not being a part of such toxicity."

Alleged emails Khloe had sent were also presented, one read, “We are even considering not moving forward with our show if theirs continues, that’s how strongly we feel this is damaging to our family" another email to E!, Khloe mentioned the Rob and Chyna's relationship was potentially hurting the family brand.

BTW, Khloe didn't deny sending the emails, but insisted she was referring to Rob and Chyna's relationship and NOT their show.

Kim's testimony wasn't as exciting, as she said she couldn't remember a lot of the details that were brought up ... but one alleged message she had sent read, "Chyna can never be on her show." Kim clarified that message on the stand, saying her texts are often voice-dictated, and she meant to say "OUR show" ... meaning 'KUWTK.'

Rob has still not taken the stand ... but it's expected he'll testify before all is said and done.

Aaron Rodgers & Shailene Woodley Couple Breaks Up ... For Good This Time??

Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley might be done for real this time, 'cause after rekindling their romance a few months back, the A-list couple has reportedly broken up once again.

Remember, the couple briefly split in February -- after about two years of dating and an engagement -- but it didn't last long 'cause they were spotted out together shortly after ending the relationship.

38-year-old Rodgers took 30-year-old Woodley to teammate David Bakhtiari's California wedding at the beginning of March. The NFL MVP also shared a mushy Instagram post with the actress, thanking Shailene for showing him "what unconditional love looks like."

But, it seems it ultimately wasn't meant to be ... the couple has recently split, according to multiple reports.

Shailene reportedly wanted to make the relationship work, but soon realized after getting back together that everything had to be on Aaron's terms ... and that didn't work for her.

The couple started dating shortly after the Packers QB and Danica Patrick broke up in 2020. Aaron shocked his fans at the beginning of 2021 when he announced he'd popped the question to Woodley.

Bottom line for Aaron and Shailene  ... they're just two different people in two different spots and parting ways was best for the famous couple.

Earth, Wind & Fire Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk ... Dead at 71

Andrew Woolfolk -- the longtime saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire, and one of the OG members through their historic run -- has sadly died.

The veteran musician, who joined EW&F in 1972, passed away Sunday after battling a long illness he'd been afflicted with for at least six years ... this according to the band's lead (falsetto) singer, Philip Bailey.

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PB writes, "I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today."

He goes on to say Woolfolk had transitioned to the 'forever' from the land of the living, reflecting on their great memories and his great talent. Phil adds, "Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski…  I’ll see you on the other side, my friend."

Woolfolk was with Earth, Wind & Fire through their most formative and influential years in music -- having contributed to some of their biggest hits, including "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "Reasons," "Let's Groove," "That's the Way of the World," "Sing a Song," "Fantasy," "Shining Star," "After the Love Has Gone," "Devotion" and many more.

He took a break from the band in the late '80s and early '90s -- going on to collab with other artists like Deniece Williams, Phil Collins, Stanley Turrentine and others -- but reunited with the boys thereafter to perform and tour into the 21st century.

He was part of the group that was received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and of course ... was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The guy's sax is, no doubt, a huge part of Earth, Wind & Fire's iconic sound ... and considering he was one of just a couple saxophonists in the group -- alongside the iconic work of The Phenix Horns -- he certainly made his presence known in their tunes.

Woolfolk was 71. RIP

Blac Chyna I Want a Redo on the Stand Revenge Porn Pics Triggered Me!!!

Blac Chyna wants another shot to go under oath in her case against the Kardashians -- claiming the revenge porn pics shown to her during her time on the stand screwed up her testimony.

The model and influencer's legal team just filed court docs asking the judge to grant her another opportunity to take the stand to testify about her damages claim, and they want all the testimony after she was shown the photos to be stricken from the record.

The reason ... her attorneys argue that the Kardashians' lawyer presenting her nudes to her -- while they were questioning her about the TRO she took out against Rob -- was triggering.

They claim it caused BC to panic and cry on the witness stand, completely derailing the rest of her testimony ... with BC apparently not able to answer basic questions that they say she would've otherwise been able to address without issue. The photos, they claim, left her incredibly emotional ... and she was unable to regain her composure even after a break.

Chyna's team also alleges that introducing the photos at all violated a previous order of the court to prevent just this kind of thing from happening during the trial. With all that in mind, her attorneys say her testimony for that part should be stricken, and that she should get a partial redo to testify about damages.

Now, as for what the Kardashians are saying about this ... their team is calling BS.

Attorneys for the family filed a response to Chyna's request, and they say to allow her to get on the stand again is absolutely ridiculous -- and clearly, a desperate ploy to fix what they say was a "disastrous" day for her, as she apparently floundered under pressure during cross-examination.

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HEADING HOME
TMZ.com

They say that the 11 hours she spent on the stand is longer than the total amount of time she was on camera for "Rob & Chyna," which the Kardashians find rich ... since that's what she's suing them over.

Their attorneys also say it's no coincidence Chyna's asking for this after they've filed for a directed verdict on the damages issue, which would bypass the jury and leave that up to the judge.

Kim Kardashian My Belly Button Didn't Go Anywhere ... 'This Is So Dumb!!!'

Kim Kardashian is calling out her haters after they claimed she photoshopped her belly button out of her latest pic ... finding the entire thing absurd.

Kim reposted a couple of articles on her Instagram Tuesday that talk about an apparently doctored pic -- calling it a "photoshop fail" -- Kim made one thing very clear, her belly button is very much still there, just underneath her SKIMS pants.

She wrote, "Come on guys ... seriously! This is so dumb! Claiming I photoshopped out my belly button????"

Kim then made a joke out of the whole thing, turning it into a SKIMS infomercial, "Belly button insecurities?! Well ... why don't you head on over to skims.com to conceal that saggy belly button of yours with a great pair of high waisted underwear like I did! You're welcome!!!"

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The fans' claims come on the heels of Khloe's editing mishap ... she recently had to own up to some shots posted in December that showed her daughter, True, at Disneyland with Kim's kid, Chicago.

The pics looked off from the start, but it wasn't until Khloe posted about True's first real trip to the house of mouse this month that she finally admitted to editing her kid into the photos.

Lauren Bernett JMU Softball Star Dead At 20

Tragic news ... James Madison University softball star Lauren Bernett -- who was just named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week on Monday -- has died, the school announced.

She was just 20 years old.

In a statement announcing the sad news Tuesday morning, JMU officials did not reveal a cause of death ... but said the tragedy was "devastating."

"Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," officials said ... "We are a tight family. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. We will miss her dearly."

Bernett, a sophomore, was a star catcher for the Dukes ... and had just had arguably her best week ever on the diamond for JMU.

In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs -- a JMU record. Just days later, in a series against Drexel on April 23, she logged hits in seven of her nine at-bats.

On Monday, the CAA handed her its Player of the Week award for her performances.

Bernett -- who was batting .336 this season with nine home runs -- was also a key contributor to the James Madison squad that made a deep run in the 2021 Women's College World Series.

"We love you, Lauren," the JMU softball team said in a tweet on Tuesday.

The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett's death.

RIP

Viola Davis Critics of My Michelle Duck Face ... Can Go Straight to Hell!!!

Viola Davis has heard all the criticism leveled at her over her portrayal of Michelle Obama -- as it pertains to her lip choices, that is -- and her response is ... screw the haters.

The Oscar-winning actress came out swinging against her critics in a new interview with the BBC, which asked her about the jokes and ridicule she was enduring a couple weeks ago amid the premiere of her new Showtime series, 'The First Lady.'

VD says these amateur commentators serve absolutely no purpose other than to be cruel, noting she found the score of comments to be "incredibly hurtful."

Viola acknowledges that critique is an occupational hazard of the job, and even seems to cop to the fact that her MO acting might not even be her best work ... but she insists she had to take big swings, and stands by what she did on camera.

Still, it's clear folks got to Viola and their mocking left her sour -- because she says this ... "Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And, I'm not saying that to be nasty either."

She adds, "They always feel like they're telling you something that you don't know. Somehow that you're living a life that you're surrounded by people who lie to you and 'I'm going to be the person that leans in and tells you the truth'. So, it gives them an opportunity to be cruel."

Viola also says it was damn near impossible to do Michelle justice, as some might've felt she was either doing too much or not enough to get it right. In this case, it's the former.

One other thing ... Viola says she has no idea what the real former First Lady thinks of how she did, noting she isn't in any personal contact with Mrs. Obama. Viola had previously said she did a lot of research and wanted to do MO proud ... so she clearly did her best.

As we reported, folks made a big deal about her pursed lips ... arguing it was overexaggerated/distracting. 'The First Lady' hasn't fared well with professional critics either.

Doesn't sound like Viola gives a rip, though ... she's pretty defiant here.

Joe Exotic I Got a Witchy New Fiancé!!! Our Love's 'Twilight'-Esque

Joe Exotic is taking cues from Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart -- he's got a new fiancé behind bars ... and their love is as deep as Edward's was for Bella.

The 'Tiger King' star details his latest relationship in an eye-opening letter sent from his federal prison in Butner, NC, in which he announces he's a groom-to-be with a man named John Graham -- somebody he was in the pokey with last year and apparently fell head over heels for.

In the correspondence, obtained by TMZ from Joe's attorney Autumn Blackledge, JE says he met John after he was released from solitary, when they were housed in the same unit. It wasn't long before they started seeing each other, he explains, and eventually ... somebody popped the question in August.

As for what John's all about ... well, Joe says he's the polar opposite of his soon-to-be-ex-hubby Dillon Passage -- whom he calls "selfish, younger ... and wanting to be famous."

John, meanwhile, is an old soul -- about 400 years, it seems -- who actually practices witchcraft ... this according to Joe. He describes John as someone who isn't seeking the limelight and who loves Joe for him ... the type of love Joe's never experienced, he says.

Sounds like John's a free man now ... but even so, Joe says they talk constantly -- up to 3 times a day -- and exchange mail nonstop. He says their bond is like the one depicted in 'Twilight' ... adding he still has one of John's shirts so he can smell him in the interim.

As we reported ... Dillon's signaled he's ready to finalize his divorce with Joe, with some conditions -- which Joe here calls "extortion," while noting he too wants to be done with it so he can hurry up and marry John.

Of course, he says he's still trying to have his case heard on appeal ... and believes his latest team of attorneys is going to achieve that with "new evidence" Joe says has been obtained in his favor.

We'll see about all that, but on the John thing ... congrats!!!

South Carolina Youth Baseball Gunshots Erupt Near Game ... Horrifying Video

Terrifying scene at a youth baseball game in South Carolina on Monday night ... a flurry of gunshots erupted near the diamond -- sending kids running in fear.

The incident -- which happened at around 8:44 p.m. at a local park in North Charleston -- was captured on video sent to ABC News 4 from a viewer ... showing as kids were playing in a game, dozens of gunshots rang out from a nearby parking lot.

According to the North Charleston Police Department, witnesses said the gunfire happened shortly after a large group of teenagers got into a fistfight in the area. Cops say the teens opened fire on each other following the physical altercation, but fled the area before officers arrived.

Police say three cars were hit by bullets during the incident ... but somehow, no one was injured.

As for the baseball game, you can see in video, coaches and players were horrified by it all -- with kids hitting the ground in an attempt to avoid any stray bullets.

A spokesperson for the NCPD said Tuesday morning the gunfire had nothing to do with the game ... adding that the mayor of North Charleston was "appalled by what he heard and saw."

The spokesperson said an investigation into the incident is underway ... explaining, "We will leave no stone unturned in bringing these suspects to justice."

Cops also said they're looking into ways they can make parks and playgrounds in the area safer -- and are providing resources to the kids who were affected by the terrifying incident.

Tuesday games at the park, meanwhile, have been canceled.

President Biden Drug Offenders Get Major Break ... Long New Clemency List

President Biden is letting a lot of drug offenders out of prison who've earned lengthy sentences -- with his theme apparently being ... the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

JB just released a new clemency list, and it includes dozens of names who've been locked up for years now for crimes ranging from possession of drugs to conspiracy or intent to distribute narcotics -- including cocaine and meth -- and he's giving them a huge break.

A majority of these folks are due to be set free immediately ... or by 2023. He's commuting tons of sentences -- some of which were as long as 20-30 years, and in some cases life -- leaving most to be served out in home confinement, via supervised release or both.

All in all, there are 75 inmates he's cutting loose from the federal prison system ... and like we said, their crimes all seem to be in the drug realm ... from minor to relatively major offenses.

In addition to these commutations, Biden is also pardoning three people -- including a couple more drug offenders who've since been released from prison and gone on to become upstanding citizens.

The third pardon is a bit more noteworthy ... Biden is honoring Abraham Bolden Sr., a former U.S. Secret Service agent who was imprisoned after he was charged and convicted with attempting to sell a copy from a SS file in the '60s.

Bolden -- who was the first Black man to serve on a presidential detail back then -- got a raw deal, according to the DOJ. Key witnesses who were part of his initial trial apparently copped to lying at prosecutors' request ... and Bolden was also denied a new trial.

He served several years in federal custody, and although he's out already ... Biden's scrubbing his record clean. Bolden has always maintained his innocence, insisting he was targeted because he was trying to expose racist practices within the government.

Madonna Post Raunchy Pics on Insta ... Hangin' On to the '90s

Madonna appears to be hanging on for dear life to her youth ... dropping a series of raunchy photos for all to see/remember.

The pop star posted a bunch of photos on Instagram Monday ...  posing in fishnet tights with her legs spread open while grabbing her crotch.

This is just the latest from the Queen of pop ... From the looks of it, she's desperately trying to get her groove back.

ICYMI, the 63-year-old singer recently shared a bizarre vid on TikTok ... intensely staring at the camera and slowly blowing a kiss.

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A few days ago, she posted a vid at a Burberry event ... gettin' low and showing off her dance moves, alongside singer Erykah Badu.

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Of course, this all comes as she's busy working on a biopic on her life ... so maybe her look back has made her nostalgic for days past.

She's not just making dance moves ... her latest move is listing her Hidden Hills mansion for $25.9 mil -- a year after buying it from The Weeknd.

Thomas Markle I Could Be The Only Markle At Jubilee ... Calls Prince Harry An Idiot

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TRIP ACROSS THE POND
GBNews

Thomas Markle frets he could be the only one in his family to attend the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration in June ... and he has a theory ... calling Prince Harry an "idiot" for being controlled by his daughter.

Thomas told Dan Wootton on GB News Tuesday he'll be making the trek to London in June...  while he'd like to reconnect with his daughter Meghan and meet Harry and their children for the first time, he's convinced they won't be making the trip -- especially after they learn he'll be front and center.

As you know, 77-year-old Thomas didn't go to Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018 as he was recovering from heart surgery ... while their relationship has been strained since, he's hoping he'll get the chance to mend the rift with the Royals.

He says, "I'm going to show my respect for the Queen and I'm going to make sure that the Queen understands that my entire family respects the Queen and the Royals."

He also wants to thank Prince Charles for walking his daughter down the aisle when he wasn't able to. He sees some similarities between him and Charles -- both have been ghosted by their kids.

Thomas goes on to say he has very little respect for Prince Harry, calling him an idiot that follows his daughter around like a little kid.

Former President Donald Trump once claimed the Prince was whipped by Thomas' daughter ... he admits that's one of the only times he'll agree with Trump.

Thomas also called out Harry and Meghan for not bringing 2-year-old Archie and 10-month-old Lilibet with them when they visited the Queen before heading to the Invictus Games in the Hague ... saying it was like one big slap in the face of the Queen.

Ne-Yo Gets Hitched Again to Crystal Renay!!! Wedding #2 in Vegas, Baby

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RED ROMANCE
TMZ.com

Ne-Yo and his wife, Crystal Renay, are as serious as they can be about giving their marriage another go -- TMZ's learned, they just walked down the aisle again, and they did it up big!!!

Witnesses tell TMZ ... Ne-Yo and the former reality star got re-hitched Sunday night on a rooftop at Resorts World in Vegas, exchanging vows and throwing a lavish reception for all their guests.

They had all the bells and whistles, too -- the room was filled with more than 10,000 roses, and we're told it took 3 days to set up. The enormous cake was about 8 feet tall with 4 different flavors!

The guest list included close family and friends like 'RHOA's Nene Leakes, Tammy Rivera from "Love & Hip Hop" and Melody Holt from "Love & Marriage: Huntsville."

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And, the night wouldn't be complete without a performance from the singer ... of course, he sang some of his hits and danced along with his renewed bride.

The couple originally tied the knot back in February 2016. The "Sexy Love" singer filed for divorce in March 2020, but quickly withdrew it.

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Since then they've been working things out, and Ne-Yo ended up popping the question, for the second time, on New Year's Eve 2020. He's credited the pandemic for saving their marriage.

All that back and forth looks to be a thing of the past for Crystal and her man.

Congrats on the sequel, you 2!!!

Aaron Carter Set to Box Benzino in Celeb Match ... 50 Cent Mum on Challenge

Benzino doesn't appear to have been able to lure 50 Cent into a boxing ring, so he's settling for the next best opponent ... and, apparently, that's Aaron Carter.

Damon Feldman of Celebrity Boxing tells TMZ ... the former pop star is lacing up his gloves again this summer to fight the "Love & Hip Hop" star in the main event. We're told both contracts have been signed ... and they're slugging it out on June 11.

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LET'S DANCE
Instagram / @aaroncarter

The match is set to go down at the Charles Dodge Center in Pembroke Pines, FL -- and Feldman says BitCoin Rodney is promoting it. Aaron is stepping up for 50 Cent ... whom DF and co. weren't able to book.

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Despite the bad blood between Benzino and Fitty -- including the recent back and forth claims of outing attempts and alleged federal snitching -- it doesn't appear 50 was interested in settling their beef with hands ... dude's been mum on their public challenge.

Aaron, however, is coming back for seconds -- you'll recall ... he got pummeled by Lamar Odom last year, where he was greatly outsized. Benzino's also bigger than him, but it sounds like Aaron doesn't care ... and wants his shot to redeem himself.

No word on how much either of these guys is making for going 3 rounds, but ya gotta figure it's a sizable amount for them ... especially if Aaron's coming back after that ass-whoopin'.

One thing we know for sure ... we'll be watching!