TMZ.com Home

A new popular Snapchat filter depicts users as a crying, blubbering mess -- leading the Internet to believe it might be inspired by Amber Heard ... a theory that's total BS.

If you use the ghost app regularly, you've probably seen this feature by now -- it's an augmented reality lens you can throw onto your mug, changing your facial expression to one that's hilariously sad and emotive ... and it's got the kids hooked, as lots of these videos have now gone viral.

While it might be a hit ... it's also become the cause of a new rumor/joke -- namely, that the Snapchat heads must've used Amber's crying last week on the stand as the blueprint here.

Despite the rampant speculation, we're here to tell you otherwise ... a spokesperson for Snap tells TMZ there's simply no truth whatsoever, that the lens is inspired by Amber Heard and if you think about this logistically -- it just doesn't add up.

We're told that this specific filter -- which just dropped Friday -- has been in the works for 6 months ... so it was being developed well before Amber ever offered her tearful testimony. More importantly, Snapchat tells us they'd never play coy with a DV case.

Another tell that this has nothing to do with Amber ... the fact Snap dropped a filter that does the exact opposite not too long ago (big smiley face), so naturally -- sad face would follow.

Like we said, the crying face filter is all the rage since its debut last week -- it's already amassed upwards of 1.3 billion impressions on Snapchat, we're told -- and it was especially used in NFL circles, where some of the league's biggest stars were having fun shedding fake tears for their followers and friends ... and to be honest, it's pretty freakin' funny.

Kanye West isn't confident Kim Kardashian can continue to be one of the leading figures in fashion -- at least not without his help -- as she explains in a new episode of the family's Hulu show.

Thursday's "The Kardashians" gives fans a look back at Kim's appearance at the WSJ's 2021 Innovator Awards, where Kim was honored. It happened back in November, but what many didn't realize -- it was the first time in a LONG time Kim styled herself without Kanye's help.

According to Kim, Kanye wasn't impressed with her choice -- a brown, form-fitting leather dress -- saying she looked like Marge Simpson and that her career was "over."

Leading up to the event, Kim revealed she was nervous about her upcoming choices, so safe to say Kanye's alleged criticism didn't help.

Not only that, Kim also talked about something Kanye made very clear -- he was pissed about her 'SNL' monologue -- especially the fact she said she "divorced" him. At the time, Ye hadn't signed the divorce docs, so he felt it was wrong she said things were over.

Ciara and Russell Wilson welcomed a new puppy to the family for Mother's Day, but PETA's taking them to task for buying the pup from a breeder, and not rescuing a pooch from a shelter instead.

PETA believes it's clear -- the couple's new dog, Bronco, is a purebred puppy -- and likely from a breeder where "mother dogs are often locked inside filthy cages and bred over and over until their bodies give out."

The animal rescue org also uses some Ciara song references in calling out Russ, telling us the QB made a "One, Two Step mistake by killing a shelter dog's chances of finding a home."

They continue, "PETA is calling on the couple to Level Up on kindness by adopting a companion for this pup instead of fueling the homeless-animal crisis."

As we've told you, Ci and Russ revealed they welcomed their new doggy to the fam over Mother's Day weekend, naming her Bronco after Russ' new team in Denver. Ciara called the puppy, "the sweetest surprise."

Sarah Silverman has a fascinating take on whether Trump should be allowed back on Twitter -- and it all has to do with what George Washington and co. could or couldn't predict.

We ran into the comedian Wednesday in NYC and asked what she made of Elon Musk essentially saying he's going to bring the ex-Prez back onto the bird app -- once his mega $44-billion deal closes, that is -- and she had a very nuanced answer that's worth hearing.

Check it out ... she says her feelings on this have evolved -- first, it was relief that DT got the boot after Jan. 6 ... but then she started thinking about what free speech is supposed to mean philosophically -- namely, tolerating abhorrent speech you don't agree with.

Sarah seems to have thought maybe Trump should've actually been allowed to stay in light of that -- but upon further reflection ... she suggests banning him might've been best.

Her argument boils down to what our founding fathers envisioned when they were writing the Constitution, and she uses the Second Amendment as a good example of an arguably outdated fundamental right we have that didn't have AR-15s in the minds of the framers when it was drafted.

That same logic, Sarah says, could be applied to social media ... the OGs certainly didn't foresee Twitter or the far-reaching impact it has on the masses.

Ex-Lyon defender Marcelo is getting an offer that could salvage his career -- TMZ Sports has learned Dude Wipes wants to hook up the soccer star with a ton of products to make his situation stink a whole lot less!!

Of course, Marcelo made headlines earlier this week ... after reports explained he was demoted from the French club's first team for "constant farting" and laughing in the locker room.

The dudes at Dude Wipes tell us they heard about the 31-year-old's problem ... and immediately set aside a whole year's worth of wipes and spray that will hopefully save his teammates' nostrils -- and his own job.

In fact, we've obtained a pic of a letter from DW to the current Bordeaux center back ... which reads, "Dear Marcelo, we hope this helps."

Marcelo's contract with Lyon was eventually terminated in January ... but he can rest easy knowing DW has his ass covered in the future -- if he wants it.

Before this handsome, brown-eyed boy became a clothing designer and a household name, he was simply stealin' bases left and right, dominating his high school's track team, and growing up in Los Angeles, California.

Once this little leaguer's family started to make waves through Hollywood, this bashful little man put his funny dance moves to the test and became a runner-up on "Dancing With The Stars" ... something his older sister can't say.

Still unsure who this funny guy could be? He is known for being a goofball with his partner in crime, Scott Disick.

"The Flash" star Ezra Miller was aggressive with cops during their arrest in Hawaii, yelling for badge numbers and giving a strange reason why they record incidents.

In police body cam footage from Ezra's March arrest on the Big Island, you see cops ask the actor questions inside the bar where they allegedly became agitated with patrons.

One of Ezra's alleged victims tells cops Ezra attacked him, spitting in his face and going nuts ... and when cops question Ezra, they claim they got assaulted and started filming because, "I film myself when I get assaulted for NFT crypto art."

Ezra raises their voice as they demand names and badge numbers from the officers, but the police ignore them and go back to the alleged victim, who claims he was playing darts and minding his own business when Ezra came up and spit on him.

Once Ezra understands they're the one getting busted for disorderly conduct and harassment, they ask why and again repeat their claim that they were the one who was assaulted.

Ezra also tells police they were complying, but they tell them they weren't ... and when Ezra asks what they did wrong they tell them they're getting cuffed because they allegedly spit in someone's face.

Ezra's claims escalate ... they say their alleged attacker declared himself a Nazi and then they bring up Judaism.

Jack Harlow just discovered the connection between Ray J and Brandy, getting schooled on their family history live on air ... and it's all on video and hilarious!!!

The "First Class" rapper was doing a live interview Wednesday on "Ebro in the Morning" on Hot97 radio in New York when the hosts got him to play a music guessing game.

While a Brandy song plays in his headphone, Jack struggles to name the voice singing the lyrics ... with his first guess Aaliyah. Nope!!!

The hosts playfully rib Jack and start feeding him clues ... telling him the singer starred in her own TV show.

Jack asks for more and then it gets funny ... the hosts think he will figure it out once they steer him in the direction of Ray J, so they hint at the singer's brother having an amazing sex tape.

The lightbulb doesn't quite turn on for Jack right away ... and then he asks who is Ray J's sister.

Um, it's Brandy ... but apparently, not everyone knows.

Jack's a good sport about it in the end ... explaining no one ever told him that fun fact and saying he had no idea.

Kendrick Lamar is unveiling 2 big surprises at once -- his highly anticipated new album cover, which happens to include the first public image of ... his new baby!!! Say what???

The typically ultra-private K. Dot revealed the cover artwork Wednesday for "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" -- which would've been plenty to get fans buzzing, but he also threw in the family bonus.

The cover shows Kendrick holding his daughter, who's now almost 3, while longtime GF Whitney Alford is sitting on a bed, cradling a newborn.

The baby's not just a prop either -- TMZ Hip Hop is hearing the couple did indeed have a baby on the low low.

In his new video "The Heart Pt. 5" -- which debuted earlier this week -- Kendrick referred to his "kids," plural, and his "wife" ... a strong hint his parenting and marital status had changed.

The 'Mr. Morale' cover confirms, at least, the children part. As for whether he and Whitney have tied the knot? We're working on it.

"The Masked Singer" is making history even before the big season finale ... with the cast and crew pulling off a nearly 24-hour day of production.

Our 'MS' sources say the final day of filming broke the show's record for the longest production day ... starting with a 6 AM call time, and wrapping up around 2:30 AM!

We're told, the crew pulled out all the OT stops to go out with a bang this season -- like adding all the lighting, extra stage prep and pyrotechnics into an already packed schedule.

The marathon production is gearing up for the last round of competition where 3 final costumed celebs -- Prince, Firefly and Ringmaster -- will square off for the ultimate title. And, we've learned, the competition is more fierce than ever.

On top of already having a time-consuming day, we're told the mystery performers wanted extended rehearsal time with vocal coaches and choreography teams ... ahead of the final, winner-take-all round.

Of course, ya also gotta add in some production bumps along the way. We're told the crew had to add some last-minute safety precautions to the costumes.

Gunna's an innocent and charitable man, and the cops who busted him are wrong to use his music and lyrics against him ... so says the rapper's legal team.

We've just obtained a statement from Gunna's attorneys, who tell us, "Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy."

They also point out some contributions Gunna has made for his community, including the first-ever local free in-school grocery and clothing store feeding over 400 children weekly, and nationally sponsored giveaways for victims of disasters and food shortages.

The legal team, comprised of Donald F. Samuel, John A. Garland and Kristen W. Novay tells us, "Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him."

As we reported, Gunna turned himself in Wednesday, two days after Young Thug's home was raided and the rapper was arrested. Both have been arrested on RICO charges from a 56-count, 28-person indictment out of Fulton County, GA.

Among lyrics listed in the indictment, "I killed his man in front of his momma, like f*** lil bruh, sister and his cousin,” and “my trigger start itching" from Young Thug.

Both Gunna and Young Thug have been accused of gang activity, possession with intent to sell an array of drugs, and receiving stolen property.

Gunna was in court Wednesday, and will be held without bond.

Andy Dick is in custody after the trailer he's been living in was surrounded by cops, placing the actor in handcuffs and hauling him away ... and the whole thing was broadcast live.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Dick's been arrested for felony sexual battery after an adult male at the O'Neill Regional Park claimed the comedian sexually assaulted him.

The arrest was streamed on Captain Content's RV live stream Wednesday. You see several Orange Co. Sheriff's Deputies speaking with Dick before walking him to their vehicles, continuing the conversation and eventually cuffing him and taking him away.

Dick and a group of live streamers have been living at the site in RVs for some time now ... sheriff's deputies were seen entering Dick's trailer and searching it after he was placed into custody. They also asked to collect the male victim's pants as evidence.

It's not the first time Dick's had a serious encounter on a live stream. TMZ broke the story, cops performed a welfare check at a home Dick was staying at in Vegas last month after a man he was hanging out with pulled a gun during an argument on a live feed.

Blac Chyna just took another L after accusing the judge in her fierce legal battle with the Kardashians of harboring an extreme bias against her ... he says she's got it twisted.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Chyna lost a motion to disqualify the judge who presided over the defamation trial the Kardashians recently won.

Thing is ... Chyna's motion made no sense. If she wanted to press a bias claim, she needed to do so during the trial, and ask that the judge recuse himself. The trial is over, and her only recourse would be to ask for a new trial based on an improper ruling ... and she didn't ask for that during the trial, so she's simply out of gas.

Remember ... Chyna claimed the deck was stacked against her in court, claiming the judge showed an "undeniably hostile and extremely biased" attitude against her and her attorney.

But, Judge Gregory W. Alarcon just fired back ... saying Chyna provided no legal grounds for disqualification and defending himself as being unbiased. Again, unclear why the judge just didn't toss her motion because it makes zero sense.

As we reported ... the Kardashian family attorney also pushed back against Chyna's claims, calling it a "baseless effort to save face after losing at trial" and accusing BC of trying to make Judge Alarcon a "scapegoat."

It will be interesting to see if Chnya takes her ball and goes home ... the judge says she has to file a writ of mandate if she wants to take it up with the Court of Appeal.

Bodybuilding star Calum von Moger is reportedly fighting for his life after jumping out of a window and causing severe injury to his spine, according to multiple outlets.

Generation Iron, a popular bodybuilding website, reported the Australian actor and renowned bodybuilder jumped out of a second-story window on May 6 ... which they say left him hospitalized in critical condition.

The outlet says von Moger is in the ICU ... where he's undergone surgery to treat his injuries.

The reasoning behind the alleged act hasn't been confirmed, but there are reports the 31-year-old has had a rough go of it lately ... even feuding with his parents.

But, just last week, von Moger -- a 3x World Fitness Federation 'Mr. Universe' winner -- posted on social media, vowing to be a better person.

"Everyone has a past. We've all been through hard times. I admit. I messed up bad many times," he wrote.

"But I don't care about dwelling on negative thoughts of the past. All I care about is that I learn from my mistakes and become a better person. I'm trying my hardest to stay strong but I have my days too."

In addition to Calum's success on the stage, he's also been on the silver screen. In 2018, he portrayed bodybuilding god Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Bigger."

CvM has also been in other movies ... appearing in Generation Iron 2.

He's also a social media star ... accumulating over 3 million followers on Instagram.

Calum's also part of one of the best TMZ Sports clips ever ... when he, along with our cameraman, Andrew Capucetti, took their shirts off and made the pecs dance.

Since news of the incident hit the internet, there has been an outpouring of love and support for von Moger.

Vicky White urged prison escapee Casey White to flee as cops caught up to the couple ... blaming their inevitable capture on his decision to stay in a local motel.

In new 911 audio from the police pursuit that ended in a car crash and the jailhouse lovebirds getting caught, you hear Vicky initially tell Casey to "get out and run."

When it's clear not even running will help, Vicky gets angry and turns on Casey, blaming him for getting them discovered by cops and saying ... "You had to stay in some f***ing motel!!!"

The bumbling Bonnie and Clyde were tracked down to a Motel 42 in Evansville, Indiana ... cops said they planned to shack up there for 12 nights but only lasted 6 days before police caught on and gave chase.

The 911 call came from the crashed car Vicky and Casey were riding in with U.S. Marshals hot on their tail ... and audio shows officers arriving at the scene noting she still had her finger on the trigger of the gun she used to shoot herself.

Casey escaped the crash unscathed, but he couldn't run as Vicky suggested ... and now he's being extradited back to Alabama to face more criminal charges.

Paris Hilton is on Day 2 at our nation's capital as she continues to lobby for institutional child abuse reforms -- an undertaking for which she says both sides of the aisle are needed.

We got the hotel heiress Wednesday on Capitol Hill, where PH was hand-in-hand with her hubby, Carter Reum ... and where she told us exactly why she thinks this issue was worth taking a trip over -- as she puts it, countless youth are dying "in the name of treatment."

Paris touched down in D.C. Tuesday and paid a visit to the White House, meeting with officials to discuss a bill working its way through Congress -- Federal Accountability for Congregate Care Act -- that she's fully behind ... and which will afford kids federal protection.

As you may know, Paris has been championing this cause for a while -- this after publicly claiming she herself was abused at Utah boarding school Provo Canyon in her teens.

Now, she's doing her advocacy work on a national level ... and while she's clearly got high hopes, the rancor of our red and blue politics is NOT lost on her at all.

We asked if she thought Republicans would back this Dem-drafted bill -- and she's optimistic, highlighting the importance of bipartisanship. No word on how she might try and nudge the GOP in the right direction -- but hey, it's Paris ... and she's already done some work in speaking with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley.