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Twista knows gun violence is a huge issue in his hometown, and he believes educating the public about proper firearm usage can go a long way toward making the country safer.

The Chicago rap veteran joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday to discuss his firearm education course, "The Gun Camp," where he trains civilians to be smarter with weapons.

In the wake of the Buffalo and Ulvade mass shootings -- not to mention the continued spree of shootings in the Chi -- gun control and reform are once again front-burner debate topics ... but Twista's firmly embracing the "blame people, not guns" theory.

He repeated the oft-used line about it being the person behind the gun who ultimately makes fatal decisions.

As for the AR-15 -- which, according to polls, most Americans support banning -- Twista says there are many misconceptions about the rifle frequently used in mass shootings. He's optimistic that if people open up to the notion there can be positive ways to use firearms -- such as organized competitions -- they'll get past what he calls "negative vibes" portrayed in the news.

Of course, when the news is reporting, not portraying, a school shooting that takes the lives of 19 children ... it's hard to focus on anything uplifting.

Still, Twista says most of the response in Chicago to his Gun Camp has been positive, and he's leaning on the idea that law-abiding, safety-minded gun owners are a good thing for all communities.

Rob Gronkowski is once again hanging up his cleats ... the legendary tight end has just retired from football for the second time in his career.

The Tampa Bay star announced the news Tuesday ... this after he initially came out of retirement to play with Tom Brady and the Bucs in 2020.

In his two seasons with TB12 in Florida since, he won another Super Bowl ring ... and caught 100 more passes for 1,425 yards and 13 TDs.

"I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team," Gronk said in a lengthy retirement post on his Instagram page.

"I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field."

Gronk first called it quits following the 2018 season ... saying after a 9-year stint with Brady and the New England Patriots, his body didn't feel well enough to keep going.

Gronk had toyed with the idea of coming back for a third season in Tampa Bay this offseason, telling TMZ Sports he was staying "in shape" just in case he got the itch to play again. But, apparently, that itch never came ... and he seemed sure of his decision in his announcement Tuesday.

"From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out," Gronk said, "thank you to all."

What's interesting ... Gronk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said there is at least a small chance this isn't the end of Rob's historic career ... telling ESPN's Adam Schefter, "It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call. This is just my opinion but I wouldn't be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season."

But, for now, it seems the 33-year-old is really done.

See ya in five years in Canton!

Elon Musk's ex-wife is squarely in the corner of their daughter, saying she's proud of the 18-year-old ... amid her now very public rift with her father.

Justine Wilson, a novelist who was married to Elon from 2000 to 2008, weighed in on Vivian's legal filing to have her gender identity changed to female, and to change her full name ... including dropping her dad's famous last name.

She tweeted a convo she recently had with one of her children, and while Vivian has a twin brother, Griffin, the timing makes it pretty clear this was a chat with Vivian.

Justine says her 18-year-old said, "I can't believe I'm as normal-seeming as I am," after having what she calls a "weird childhood." Justine replied, "I'm very proud of you," to which Vivian said, "I'm proud of myself!"

The proud mother's tweet dropped right after the story broke about Vivian's desire to change her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson. What's interesting about Justine's very public support is that Vivian's made it clear she's got beef with Elon.

In the docs she says, "I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form."

Neither Elon nor Vivian previously said anything publicly about their relationship or her transition ... but back in December 2020, Elon tweeted he supports the transgender community, but added ... "All these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare."

"The X Factor" star Tom Mann suffered a horrible tragedy over the weekend ... his fiancee died just hours before their wedding.

Dani Hampson, a 34-year-old publicist, had no apparent health issues and the cause of her death has not been revealed.

She had posted pics of her and Tom, along with their 8-month-old son Bowie, just days before she died.

Tom and Dani were actually supposed to get married Sept. 25, 2020, but the pandemic got in the way. At the time she posted, "I can't wait to marry you, but the world has other plans."

Dani also had posted a video of Tom -- a member of the group Stereo Kicks -- singing Elton John and Dua Lipa's song, "Cold Heart."

She used the song to wish Bowie, "Happy 6 months my darling boy." She wrote, "I played this song almost every day of my 3rd trimester, it was in my labour playlist & it was number 1 the day Bowie was born… determined for it to be "our song" & for it always remind us of life's good bits."

Tom announced Dani's death Monday, calling her the "brightest light in any room," adding he will miss her forever. He told his followers, "I can't believe I am writing these words but my darling Dani - my best friend, my everything and more, the love of my life - passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 18th June. On what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives ended in irreversible heartbreak."

He went on to say, "I am completely broken trying to process this and I honestly don't know where to go from here, but I do know I need to use any strength I can muster for our little boy."

Tom auditioned as a solo singer for 'X Factor' back in 2014, but producers created the group, Stereo Kicks, of which he was a member.

Dani was 34.

RIP

The deafening silence between Kim Kardashian and Kanye West is slowly becoming audible ... because we've learned the couple is communicating again and even able to attend events together with their kids.

As we reported, both mom and dad attended North's basketball game over the weekend ... and while they didn't sit shoulder to shoulder, we're told Kim and Kanye drove to and from the game together with North in the car.

The co-parenting didn't stop with North -- sources close to both say Kim and Kanye also attended a family lunch Saturday, following a dance recital for Chicago.

When we say it was a family lunch, we mean it ... Kris, Grandma MJ, Kylie, Travis Scott, Khloe and Tristan all grubbed out at Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas.

We posted photos of the lunch, but Kim and Kanye were nowhere to be seen, even though we now know they were present.

While we're told the relationship's still obviously a work-in-progress. They're able to communicate on issues involving their 4 kids, but that's about it. We're told any talk of dating just doesn't happen.

Kim wished Kanye a Happy Father's Day Sunday, sharing sweet words about her ex-hubby with photos of Ye in dad mode. Kanye also spent Father's Day at the family home with Kim and the kids.

Considering where Kim and Kanye were just a few months ago -- their progress is game-changing -- Kim has always maintained she wants Kanye to be with their kids as much as possible, provided they work around the children's schedules.

The attorney representing the two dozen women accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct says all but four of the lawsuits against the NFL star have now been settled.

The accusers' lawyer, Tony Buzbee, just made the announcement ... saying in a statement, "Today I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have settled."

"We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements. Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed."

Buzbee added, "The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won’t comment further on the settlements or those cases."

As we previously reported, 24 different female massage therapists -- all represented by Buzbee -- had accused Watson of wrongdoing in 24 separate lawsuits filed over the past 15 months in Harris County, Texas.

The women, according to the suits, alleged Watson was inappropriate with them during what was supposed to be professional massage sessions.

Watson -- who was not arrested and not criminally charged over the allegations -- had denied all wrongdoing repeatedly ... reiterating just last week he "never assaulted any woman."

Watson has yet to comment on Buzbee's announcement.

Buzbee said Ashley Solis' lawsuit is one of the four against Watson that still remains unsettled. Solis was the first massage therapist to step forward in 2021 and accuse Watson of misconduct.

Tragic news ... Caleb Swanigan -- the former Purdue star who was later picked in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft -- has died at 25 years old.

A spokesperson for the Allen County Coroner’s Office in Indiana tells TMZ Sports ... the ex-Boilermaker center died of natural causes.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, the Purdue men's basketball team said Swanigan passed on Monday night.

"Devastated," the school's team's account wrote in a tweet. "Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you Biggie."

Purdue head coach Matt Painter added in a statement, "Biggie had a positive influence in everyone's life. Was such a thoughtful person and gentle soul who had to overcome so much in his life. He will be greatly missed."

Before starring at Purdue, Swanigan compiled one of the greatest high school basketball careers ever in the history of the state of Indiana.

The 6-foot-9, 260-pound hooper was a five-star recruit, who earned McDonald's All-American honors after averaging 22.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in his senior season.

During his two years with the Boilermakers, Swanigan averaged 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He was eventually taken by the Portland Trailblazers with the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Swanigan played in the NBA with the Trailblazers and the Sacramento Kings until 2020.

Damian Lillard, who played with Swanigan in Portland, paid homage to Swanigan in an Instagram post Tuesday ... writing, "Rest In Peace Big."

The Trailblazers added in a statement, "We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends and all who loved him. Rest In Peace, Biggie."

Off the court, Swanigan had a music career -- rapping under the name "Slyy5jackk." He released several songs including "Thoughts/THOTS" and "My Life" in 2021.

Swanigan had just put out a music video called "Acquired Taste" in April ... and according to the rapper's IG, a new project was coming soon.

Stephen Colbert totally gets why his staffers, including Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, now have rap sheets with Capitol Police ... but he's really amused they're being compared to the Jan. 6th insurrectionists.

Colbert dove into the big story around his office during Monday night's episode of 'The Late Show' ... explaining everything that led up to the big bust in Washington. As we reported, cops busted 9 of his staffers -- including Robert Smigel, who typically has his hand up Triumph's ass -- while they were recording bits Thursday evening in the hallways of Congressional offices.

Doesn't sound like SC holds any grudges ... as he put it, the CPD officers were just doing their jobs, and so were my staff -- and he even acknowledged the fact Capitol Police have to be a bit more on edge since Jan. 6, 2021.

But, he says the whole story went haywire for him when he started seeing headlines about Triumph pulling off a Capitol insurrection 2.0!

While laughing, but also genuinely shocked, he points out ... "An insurrection involves interrupting the lawful action of Congress and howling for the blood of elected leaders, all to prevent the peaceful transfer of power."

He added all Triumph and co. were doing was "First-degree puppetry!!! This was hijinks with intent to goof." Hilariously, he admits cops should ring them up on charges for "Misappropriation of an old Conan [O'Brien] bit."

The 'Late Show' staff had been shooting outside the offices of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Lauren Boebert -- and cops say they didn't have proper ID to be there on their own.

It's a special day for Prince William, and his father -- first in line to the throne -- is leading the charge to honor his oldest son, and future King of England, on hitting the ol' 4-0.

Prince Charles did that typical parent thing ... busting out old pics of himself with Will, from his birth, his adolescence and right up to current day -- and he wrote, "Wishing The Duke of Cambridge a very happy 40th birthday!"

Of course, the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth, also had some words and pics for her grandson ... but it might be the most royally royal birthday message ever.

The pics posted to Her Majesty's Family account are accompanied by said caption ... "Prince William Arthur Philip Louis is the elder son of The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He was born at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London."

Ya gotta read it with a British accent.

The IG post included more infant pics and moments the Queen and William have shared together.

Worth noting ... William's bro, Prince Harry, hasn't posted any birthday wishes yet. It's still early on the West Coast, but it'll be interesting to see if he does mention the milestone amid their rift.

Apparently, Prince William and Kate Middleton will reportedly celebrate "in style" with a joint 40th Bday party at Windsor Castle.

Her birthday was back in January but the celebrations were reportedly nixed due to COVID-19.

Interestingly, the Duke's birthday will not be marked this year by the flying of the Union Jack over government buildings. That honor is now reserved for the Queen and Prince Charles' birthdays.

Three Pittsburgh Pirates staffers looked more like "The Three Stooges" on Monday night ... because they failed to corral a squirrel that had gotten loose in the outfield during a game -- and it was comical.

The little critter jetted out into left field during the second inning of the Buccos' game against the Chicago Cubs ... and a short time later, Pirates officials apparently thought it'd be good to send three guys out with a bucket, a towel and a net to get it away from players.

Turns out ... that was not a great idea.

Check out video from the game's broadcast, the trio hilariously tried everything they could to capture the squirrel -- but the animal juked them at every turn.

Eventually, the squirrel grew tired of making the guys look silly -- and bolted through a fence.

The scene was so hysterical, the MLB even had some fun with it ... tweeting out, "sandy cheeks wildin."

Migos are still amigos, and the proof is in the icing ... 'cause Quavo gifted Takeoff a Migos chain to mark his birthday.

Quavo bought Takeoff the bling for his 28th birthday two days ago ... this according to celebrity jeweler Elliot Eliantte. We're told each group member now has matching customized chains -- each chain has a picture of all 3 Migos and each member is the center of their own chain.

Quavo and Offset got the chain last year as birthday presents. As for Takeoff's, Quavo spent a pretty penny on it ... $350K!!!

The gift comes on the heels of rumors that the trio might have broken up ... after Offset and Quavo stopped following each other on Instagram. Takeoff, on the other hand, kept following both.

At one point, our photog asked Huncho about a possible split, but he didn't say much and instead talked about his collab with Takeoff, "Hotel Lobby". A label rep later told us, the trio was still very much together ... but they had to cancel their Governors Ball performance because of a scheduling conflict.

Vince McMahon made another unexpected appearance on TV -- this time he surprised the 'Raw' crowd in Nebraska -- just days after WWE announced the boss would be temporarily stepping aside as CEO and chairman of the company.

McMahon, who's being investigated for allegedly paying an ex-employee "hush money" after the two had an affair, started off his segment by thanking the fans for making 'Raw' the longest episodic running program in TV history.

Vince, 76, was also there to announce to the capacity crowd that John Cena, a future WWE Hall of Famer, would be at next week's episode of 'Raw.'

McMahon, however, did not address the scandal.

Monday's appearance marks the second time Vince has been seen on WWE programming since The Wall Street Journal report. He also kicked off Friday Night's 'Smackdown' show ... where many thought he'd address the decision to voluntarily relinquish his duties as the org.'s top boss.

In a recent press release, WWE and its Board of Directors said McMahon "will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE's creative content during this period" -- adding Vince is committed to cooperating with the review.

McMahon, largely credited for building WWE into the global powerhouse it is today, has been a staple on the company's TV shows over the decades ... but he's seemingly appearing more since the allegations against him came to light.

Kim Kardashian wanted to make sure she waited long enough before introducing her kids to new BF Pete Davidson, consulting therapists and asking friends in similar situations how much time should pass before an appropriate meeting.

Kim was on "Today" Tuesday -- chatting about everything from Kanye to Marilyn Monroe's dress and her skincare line, SKKN by Kim -- but she also dished about things behind the scenes with her and Pete.

Hoda Kotb asked Kim about the timing on introducing her 4 kids to Pete. Kim says she met with friends who had experienced introducing their kids to new partners and even spoke with therapists -- who all recommended 6 months ... so that's what she did.

Remember, it was in April when we first saw Pete with one of Kim's kids, when he and North were spotted cruising around in a golf cart. Considering the first time we saw Kim and Pete together in public was back in October, it appears she truly did follow the 6 month rule.

Since then, we've even seen Pete with Saint at Walmart and making a stop at The Grove shopping center in L.A.

Beyoncé dropped her first new song in what feels like a lifetime ... and fans are loving every second of the upbeat track.

Her new track "Break My Soul" dropped Monday night ahead of her anticipated 7th album, "Renaissance," which is set for release late next month.

"Break My Soul" sends a message of breaking out of that normal 9-5 gig -- which a lot of people actually did during the pandemic -- and finding some new motivation ... she says what all her fans are thinking -- "Bey is back, and I'm sleeping real good at night."

Big Freedia, who has collabed with Beyonce before, is featured on the song too, and unsurprisingly -- the song's been trending on Twitter and is aiming to break the charts. It's Beyoncé's first solo track release since 2016.

XXXTentacion fans are going all out to show their love on the 4th anniversary of his murder, with some traveling thousands of miles just to mark the sad day.

XXXTentacion's mother, Cleopatra Bernard, tells TMZ ... X's family, friends and dozens of his most hardcore fans gathered Saturday at his mausoleum in South Florida. We're told there was no planned event inviting fans there -- they all just came on their own to pay tribute on June 18.

His mom says she was shocked to meet fans who made the drive all the way to FL, from places like Los Angeles and Virginia.

Some of them started to gather outside as early as 9 AM ... and when Cleopatra arrived at the mausoleum around 4 PM to open it, there was still a good amount there.

TMZ broke the story when 20-year-old XXXTentacion was shot dead, back in 2018, as he was leaving a motorcycle dealer in Broward County.

X's mom estimates several hundred fans rolled through the cemetery, played X's music, adorned themselves in his merch -- and she says some even had replicas of his tattoos!

BTW, that all went down in 95 humid south FL degrees ... so, these were dedicated fans.

It didn't seem possible ... but NFL defensive lineman Adam Gotsis has found a way to be even more of a badass -- by getting a sick, 3-foot tattoo all over his back and butt!

TMZ Sports has learned the 6-foot-4, Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher hit up artist JB Tattoos to get an extra-large tat done of a Japanese Hannya mask -- which symbolizes wisdom and good luck.

JB -- who's located in Denver -- tells us Gotsis flew him out to Florida to get the ink done ... and after sketching out the artwork on 9 sheets of paper, the two went to work.

JB says he tatted Gotsis from his neck to his glutes for two, 12-hour sessions within two days ... and tells us the 29-year-old sat like a champ for a tat that ended up covering around 3 feet of his huge frame.

"He was a savage," JB says. "Only minor twitches here and there!"