Guess Who This Goofball Turned Into!

Before this cutie with cropped bangs turned into a singer and songwriter topping the charts, she was just a goofy little kid, sticking her tongue out and growing up in Thousand Oaks, California.

Beginning to sing at the ripe age of seven years old, this musician was expected to take her pipes to the Coachella stage back in 2020, but COVID, unfortunately, prevented that performance from happening. She is commonly known for collaborating on a track with rapper Gnash.

Need one more clue? Her songs 'Josslyn' and 'i hate u, i love u' went viral on TikTok.

Can you guess who she is?

Novak Djokivic Out Of U.S. Open ... Over COVID Vax Stance

The COVID-19 drama isn't behind Novak Djokovic just yet ... tennis officials confirmed the legendary player will NOT compete in the upcoming Grand Slam, the U.S. Open, unless he gets vaccinated.

The 35-year-old Serbian tennis star -- who isn't vaxxed against the virus -- will not be on the court in Flushing Meadows, Queens ... because the United States doesn't currently allow unvaccinated, non-citizens to enter the country.

There was hope amongst tennis fans that something might be done to allow Novak to play ... but on Wednesday officials squashed that idea.

"The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens,” the Open announced.

Djokovic, a three-time U.S. Open champ, was also banned from the Australian Open for the same reason.

That story became one of the biggest and most polarizing in the sports world.

Technically, Djokovic still has time to get the jab ... the tourney doesn't kick off until August 29.

But, in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon (his 7th win), Novak reiterated his vax stance for anyone wondering if he had a change of heart with the Open looming.

"I'm not vaccinated, and I'm not planning to get vaccinated," Djokovic said, according to ESPN.

Djokovic, however, remained optimistic that the policy in the USA on the COVID vaccine could change ahead of the tourney.

Unfortunately for ND, that doesn't seem like it's going to happen ... and it's a big blow for Novak because he's just one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal for the all-time lead.

FYI, 36-year-old Rafa has 22. Novak 21. 40-year-old Roger Federer 20.

The downside for Djokovic ... there's only four Slams a year, and he isn't getting any younger.

Heroic Pizza Delivery Guy God Put Me in a Position To Save Kids in Burning House

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LIFE SAVING DELIVERY

Nick Bostic, the heroic pizza delivery guy who saved 5 kids from a burning house, says fate had him in the right place at the right time ... and he's so thankful he was able to save lives in a situation that could have become an unimaginable tragedy.

Nick joined TMZ Live Wednesday to talk about the incident from earlier this month, telling us his natural instincts took over during the moment ... and he acted quickly to get everyone out.

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NATURAL INSTINCT
TMZ.com

Of course, Nick says he's grateful to be alive ... and thinks it was God who led him to the burning house.

As we reported, Nick was driving through Lafayette, Indiana July 11 when he spotted a house engulfed in flames and without any help outside.

Nick barreled into the home, first saving 4 people, before realizing there was a 6-year-old girl still inside. Nick tells us it's not in his DNA to give up, and when he heard there was one more life to be saved, he didn't hesitate ... jumping from a second-story window with the little girl in his arms to save her life, and falling on his arm to cushion the fall for her.

Nick says he's got a memory of his dad carrying him as a child and slipping on ice, twisting his body to protect Nick ... an instinct Nick believes helped him to protect the little girl.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Nick with any possible medical costs and other wishes, he says his dream is to pursue a career as a rapper and hopefully meet Eminem ... but just wants to help make the world a better place.

Brittney Griner Mural Of WNBA Star Unveiled In D.C. ... Highlights Americans Detained Abroad

UPDATE

3:30 PM PT -- TMZ Sports spoke with the artist behind the mural ... who tells us the project has been in the works for months, and it took him 11 hours to complete.

UPDATE

Isaac Campbell says Griner's team provided the photo of her in the Team USA jersey ... which served as the inspiration for her part of the mural.

UPDATE
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BRING BRITTNEY HOME
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

Campbell has yet to speak with Brittney's wife, Cherelle, about the piece ... but says it "would be the honor of his life" if Griner can return home and take a selfie in front of her picture on the mural.

A mural of Brittney Griner -- and 17 other Americans detained in countries like Russia -- was erected Wednesday in Washington D.C. ... all to bring awareness to Americans locked up abroad.

Of course, Griner's case has received a tremendous amount of attention, but that's not necessarily the case with all the captive U.S. citizens ... and the hope is the artwork will get the word out.

Isaac Campbell, an artist from Iowa who's in charge of the project, spent about 8 hours putting the 15 ft. tall mural together in Georgetown before opening it to the public, according to the Washingtonian.

The photos were provided by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign.

Campbell cut and pasted photos onto the wall ... using flour, water, and sugar to form a non-toxic, biodegradable glue, with help from detainees' family members and citizens passing by. It's expected to eventually fade ... but it could take weeks, months, or longer, depending on the weather.

Aside from the artwork, Campbell hopes the message behind the mural resonates with people more than the artistry, so detainees like Griner can return to the United States.

“We really need to put pressure on all people with any tools, whether that’s wheat-pasting, or whether that’s using your own personal platforms on social media to help apply pressure," Campbell said.

"Or if you’re in any stage of government, and you can provide support and begin to help bring these people home."

Other than Griner -- a star hooper for the Phoenix Mercury -- other Americans like Paul Whelan, U.S. citizen and former Marine who's been detained in Russia since 2018 on drug and espionage charges, are featured.

Griner recently pled guilty to a drug charge ... but her trial near Moscow is still ongoing (the Russian justice system is different than in America). She faces up to 10 years in prison.

Griner's next hearing is scheduled for July 26.

Originally Published -- 11:30 AM PT

Drake 'Big Energy' for Latto in St. Tropez ... NOT for Joe Budden

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DOIN' TOO MUCH ...
Instagram / @champagnepapi

Drake's offering some hilarious observations -- some of them subtle -- about his fellow hip hop artists while he's kicking back in St. Tropez.

Drizzy was hanging at a pretty lively spot in the south of France when he playfully clowned a daytime rager for Crip walking to Latto’s “Big Energy” -- which seems like a win for female rap fans everywhere.

He quickly got distracted, though, when the DJ played Joe Budden’s biggest hit, “Pump It Up."

Drake didn't hesitate to clown the retired rapper-turned-podcaster for the played-out party jam ... and OVO Chubbs said a lot more with his facial expression.

With his dance album still in the Billboard 200's top 10 after its release several weeks ago, Drake has been tearing down Europe ... partying in Sweden, Ibiza, St. Tropez, or wherever the good vibes take him.

Unfortunately, someone crashed his property back in L.A. during his European vacation. TMZ broke the story ... earlier this week, cops busted a guy who's only 12 years younger than Drake, but claimed to be his son.

Ricky Martin He Will Testify Against Nephew Insists No Romantic or Sexual Relationship

Ricky Martin will appear virtually in court Thursday to adamantly deny claims by his 21-year-old nephew they had a sexual relationship ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Ricky will appear Thursday before a judge in Puerto Rico via Zoom. We're told he will directly address the judge and vigorously deny he had any romantic/sexual relationship with the nephew who has claimed such a relationship went on for 7 months.

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YOU KNOW YOU'RE WRONG, KID

We're told Ricky will also squarely challenge the nephew's account that the singer allegedly stalked and harassed him.

As we reported, the nephew got a temporary restraining order last Friday, prohibiting Ricky from having any contact with him. The restraining order was ex-parte, meaning neither Ricky nor his team was in court to rebut the allegations. The judge will now decide whether to extend the restraining order.

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NOT ALWAYS THE TRUTH

There have been reports that Ricky could face up to 50 years in prison if he's charged with an incest-related crime, but our sources say there is no such criminal investigation ... just the civil restraining order.

As we reported, Ricky's lawyer has said the nephew suffers from mental health issues, which Ricky's brother has backed up online.

NBA's Miles Bridges Pleads Not Guilty ... To Felony Domestic Violence

UPDATE

1:19 PM PT -- 7/20 -- Bridges showed up in court and pleaded not guilty to all three charges on Wednesday. He's due back in court for another hearing in the case next month.

UPDATE

NBA star Miles Bridges has been charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse in Los Angeles after allegedly beating the mother of his kids ... in front of the children.

TMZ Sports broke the story late last month ... the 24-year-old former Charlotte Hornet turned himself in to authorities in L.A. the day after the alleged incident. He was ultimately released after posting $130K bond.

Now, Bridges has been slapped with "one felony count of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death."

Controversial L.A. District Attorney George Gascon addressed the charging of Miles, saying “Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors,”

Gascon continued ... “Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable. Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions and our Bureau of Victim Services will support the survivors through this difficult process.”

The details surrounding the alleged incident aren't entirely clear, but sources previously told us Miles and his GF were involved in an argument that turned physical.

Mychelle Johnson, the alleged victim (Mychelle identified herself), claims she was injured from the alleged attack ... saying she was diagnosed with multiple injuries including a "brain concussion, closed fracture of nasal bone, contusion of rib, multiple bruises, strain of neck muscle."

Mychelle also posted photos of the alleged incident.

At the time, Johnson said ... "I don't need sympathy," Johnson added. "I just don't want this happening to anyone else, I just want this person to get help, my kids deserve better."

The 6'7" forward is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

If convicted, Bridges faces years in prison.

Originally Published -- 7/19 05:12 PM PT

Joe Rogan 'Maybe Just Go Shoot the Homeless' ... Under Fire for 'Joke' Intended As Political Jab

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HORRIFYING IDEA
Spotify/The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan's back in extremely hot water for making a pretty horrific crack about shooting unhoused people in L.A. -- and even though he'll probably say people missed his point, he's getting ripped for the "joke."

Joe fired off the comments on the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" ... he was discussing L.A.'s crisis with comedian Tom Segura, and griping about homeless people's belongings being strewn around public areas.

Tom chimed in that all that stuff is personal property, and you can be arrested if you attempt to remove a homeless person's possessions. Rogan's response is why this exchange has gone viral.

He said, “You’d get arrested. Hilarious. But, they wouldn’t arrest you if you shot somebody. Maybe you should just go shoot the homeless people.”

The remark's stirred a firestorm on social media, where folks are accusing Rogan of inciting violence against people living on the streets. Others have labeled the convo "disgusting," "repulsive" and tone deaf -- joke or not.

Now, the full context -- Rogan used that comment as a launching point to complain about L.A. County D.A. George Gascón, who's been widely criticized for being soft on certain crimes ... even when firearms are involved.

That part of his argument is clearly lost now in the uproar over his absurd, yet tasteless, comment.

Trina Niece Shot And Killed In Miami

Trina's family is reeling after the devastating loss of her niece, who was shot and killed in Miami ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Trina confirmed with TMZ that her niece, who the rapper endearingly referred to as Baby Suga, was killed Tuesday night ... telling us she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Law enforcement sources say it appears the teen was visiting the area, they're still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine if the attack was random or targeted.

Suga and 2 other women sustained gunshot wounds during the incident ... the condition of the other 2 is not currently known.

A rep for Trina tells TMZ, "We kindly ask that everyone please respect the privacy of Trina and her family at this devastating time."

Baby Suga, whose real name was Toni Chester, was only 17.

RIP

Trayvon Martin Another Black Teen Claims Attack in Same Town ... Parents File Lawsuit

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ROCKY REACTION

The men who allegedly attacked a Black teen in the same city where Trayvon Martin was killed are being taken to court.

The teenager's parents are suing Howard Hughes and Donald Corsi over the June incident ... where they claim the 2 men and other unidentified adults stopped their son's car while he was simply visiting a friend's house in a Sanford, FL neighborhood.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Columbus and Niko Jones allege their kid was doing nothing more than driving along with a friend in the passenger seat ... when, all of a sudden, the group of locals launched into them with animosity.

The parents claim the adults, including Hughes and Corsi, hurled insults and threats at the 2 minors ... and eventually, started physically trying to halt the car. According to the Joneses, this came in the form of swinging a traffic cone at one of the doors, and hurling a large rock shattering the rear window.

At this point, the Joneses claim both kids got out, scared for their lives ... with the friend allegedly seeing one of the adults brandish a gun in the crowd, and Hughes allegedly saying they had a permit to do so -- while also insulting their son by calling him a "dumbass."

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911 AUDIO

Soon, the cops showed up … and arrested Corsi and Hughes on a number of charges, including battery and damaging property.

Now, they have a civil case on their hands as well -- the Joneses are suing for assault, infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and more.

They're asking for an unspecified amount in damages.

'Honey Boo Boo' Undergoing Weight-Loss Surgery ... I'm Tryin' To Get Healthy, Y'all!

Alana Thompson, better known as reality TV's "Honey Boo Boo," is working her way toward a healthier version of herself by gearing up for a weight loss procedure.

Alana's manager Gina Rodriguez tells TMZ ... the reality star will be heading to NYC -- Queens, specifically -- in late August to have surgery after her 17th birthday.

She's getting a suture sculpt endoscopic sleeve from weight loss doctor Steven Batash, which can set someone back about $13K. As for why Alana's going this route -- we're told she's currently 275 pounds, and wants to get down to 150.

We're told she's trying her best to live a healthier life -- trying diets and increasing her exercise over the past year -- but hasn't gotten the results she hoped she would.

Alana's worried the weight she's put on is genetic, and sees this procedure as the only way to get rid of it.

As for support, she's got plenty ... her sister and new guardian, Pumpkin, has her back and signed off on Alana getting the procedure.

Alana's BF Dralin Carswell also is on her side ... he's going to get the same procedure done for himself too, as it's something they wanted to do together.

50 Cent New Horror Flick Too G-G-Gross ... Cameraman Passes Out!!!

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GOIN' DOWN
TMZ.com

50 Cent and director Josh Stolberg have an instant promo for their upcoming horror flick, "Skill House" ... it's so terrifying, even the film's crew is losing consciousness on set!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained this footage ... it's the camera operator's reaction while filming a particularly bloody scene, and whoever's behind the lens has a weak stomach ... because he passed out on the spot.

The clip opens up with an extremely bloody actor and you can see the camera become wobbly almost immediately as the cameraman loses consciousness (but thankfully not his lunch!).

If you're squeamish too, you get why the guy went down -- 50 still couldn't believe it when he shared the gory story on Instagram ... and he was just getting it secondhand.

We're told Fiddy wasn't on set at the time but several other cast members, including Amira Mertaban, were present -- Amira was actually the first person to rush to the cameraman's side. Medics stepped in, and we're told the camera guy is fine ... he'll be back on set to finish the film.

Hollywood SFX legend Steve Johnson is credited (or blamed) for creating the gut-wrenching scene. He and Stolberg -- who worked on the last 2 'Saw' movies -- seem hellbent on pushing the limit on "Skill House."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The movie's being produced by 50 Cent and co-stars Bryce Hall, of TikTok fame, and UFC icon Paige VanZant.

Sesame Place Black Child Isolating with Family Member ... After Being Traumatized by Alleged Racial Snub

One of the Black girls who allegedly got snubbed by a character at Sesame Place is still reeling from the incident ... and is now isolating with a family member to regain stability.

B'Ivory LaMarr -- the attorney for the family whose kids interacted with Rosita at Sesame Place -- tells TMZ ... the girl in question has been traumatized by the incident, and is staying with her grandmother so she can be shielded from the publicity in a safe environment.

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SESAME SNUB
Instagram / @__jodiii__

LaMarr tells us the little girl has been overcome with emotion, crying and upset because she can't understand why Rosita would treat her differently than white kids.

One of the things we're told ... she asked her mother in the immediate aftermath whether she'd done anything wrong ... seeing how the Sesame mascot refused to touch her or the other Black girl, but had interacted with white girls just moments earlier.

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PUSHING IT TOO FAR
TikTok/@frobabies

LaMarr says he and the family are working on setting her up with therapy sessions.

As for what's on the horizon ... we're told a Change.org petition has been set up to ID the person in the Rosita costume ... with the goal of accountability. LaMarr previously told us they're also mulling over a lawsuit.

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SOURED ON SESAME
TMZ.com

As we reported ... similar videos have now surfaced -- Sesame Workshop has apologized and promised more bias training.

There's going to be a press conference today in NYC, outside Sesame Workshop, to discuss the matter.

Charles Johnson Ex-NFL 1st-Round Pick ... Dead At 50

Charles Johnson -- a former NFL first-round draft pick and Super Bowl champion -- has died at 50 years old.

The North Carolina high school he had been working at as an assistant athletic director confirmed the sad news on Tuesday ... writing in a tweet, "RIP Coach. You will be missed by so many, especially your Husky Family."

No cause of death has been revealed.

Johnson was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers at #17 overall in the 1994 NFL Draft -- just a few picks after the Colts took Marshall Faulk -- and he went on to have a solid pro career.

The 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver played nine years in the league for the Steelers, Eagles, Patriots and Bills ... piling up 4,606 receiving yards and 24 TDs in his career.

Johnson ended up being a part of Tom Brady's first-ever Super Bowl win -- he was on the 2001 New England team that beat Kurt Warner's Rams at SB XXXVI.

He left the NFL following the 2002 season.

RIP.

'90 Day Fiance' Barber Featured on Show ... On Most Wanted List for Murder

A barber featured on "90 Day Fiancé" is on the run from an alleged murder case … and he’s now one of the country’s most wanted men.

Michael Anthony Baltimore landed on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted list last month for what authorities say was a killing he commissioned in Carlisle, PA — where he allegedly shot and killed his barbershop boss, Kendell Cook, and injured another man in the process.

The agency says Baltimore is wanted for assault, homicide and parole violation charges — noting he has an extensive criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous.

There are 3 different rewards being offered by just as many agencies … $25k, $10k and $2,000, respectively.

As for what exactly might’ve led up to the alleged shooting, local reports suggest Baltimore had been beefing with Cook for years … which is interesting, because they were depicted as chummy on the show.

Each of them was featured in a handful of episodes during 2019’s "90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?" fourth season -- as side characters -- where their friendly banter was filmed in the shop.

The couples on for that season were Jay and Ashley, Nicole and Azan, Chantel and Pedro, Colt and Larissa and others. Talk about a plot twist.

'The Cult' Concert Singer Ian Astbury Breaks Up Fight ... How Dare You Put Fan in Chokehold!!!

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LEAPING INTO ACTION
TMZ.com

The Cult lead singer Ian Astbury took a take-no-prisoners approach during his performance Tuesday night ... jumping into the crowd to break up a scuffle, then calling out the aggressor on stage.

Ian was belting out the song, "Rain," at The Anthem in Washington D.C. when fireworks erupted. Apparently, a tall guy in the front was blocking the view of the guy behind him, and the 2 got into it. Based on what Ian says the tall guy put the other fan in a chokehold.

You see in the video, obtained by TMZ, Ian comes down from the stage and breaks it up, then hugs the guy who was put in the chokehold.

Ian jumps back onstage and finishes the song, but he's not done with the tall guy.

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KEEP IT TOGETHER, MAN!!!
TMZ.com

Ian goes on a tirade, talking about how he was once knocked out by a member of the Hells Angels. He then warns the tall dude he's skating on thin ice. The other guy apparently left.

The band finished the set and the crowd loved it.