Comedian Jo Koy Love Is Still There With Chelsea ... But We're Just Friends Now

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'WE'RE TAKING A BREAK'
TMZ.com

Jo Koy says he's back in the friend zone with Chelsea Handler after their split ... but he's still got love for his ex.

We got the comedian at LAX on Thursday and asked him about his recent split from Chelsea, which came just shy of one year of dating.

Jo tells our photog everything is good between him and Chelsea despite the breakup ... he says they remain great friends.

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As we reported ... sources close to the former couple tell us their busy schedules weren't allowing them to spend enough time together to sustain a romantic relationship.

Jo is still promoting his upcoming movie, "Easter Sunday," while Chelsea's about to launch a comedy tour ... he says he's just concentrating on the film and isn't entertaining the idea of jumping back into the dating pool.

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OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL
TMZ.com

Even though Jo says he and Chelsea aren't talking much these days, he gives reason to believe they might get back together down the line.

Kim Burrell Making Church Return After 'Broke' Sermon ... Pastor Counseling Her

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NEED AN ADJUSTMENT
TMZ.com

Kim Burrell, the gospel singer who came under fire for insensitive comments made in church, will NOT step down -- she'll be ministering again after deep introspection and counsel from her pastor.

Kim and Pastor Dr. Mike Freeman of Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Maryland, tell TMZ ... the backlash won't silence her, because she believes speaking to the congregation is her calling from God.

Rest assured, though, Kim knows she crossed a line last weekend ... and says Pastor Freeman, and others, will make sure she doesn't have a repeat performance.

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WHERE IT STARTED

ICYMI, Kim went viral for last weekend's sermon where she referred to people as "broke" and "ugly," among other tasteless labels. Kim says the remarks were made in "jest," but most folks on social media didn't buy that -- even after she put out a written apology.

Pastor Freeman explained why he's standing by Kim, telling us ... "We don't shoot the soldier we nurse them."

He insists church members want to surround the singer with love, instead of knocking her while she's down.

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Since her gaffe in the pulpit, Kim has posted a remorseful video, saying she just wants folks to see her heart.

She told us the most important thing she wants folks to know is she's sorry and takes full responsibility for her actions.

'AGT' Golden Buzzer Chapel Hart Gettin' Love From Country Legends ... We're On Darius Rucker's Album!!!

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DREAM COME TRUE
TMZ.com

Chapel Hart has been getting nothing but support from the Country music community after they snagged a golden buzzer on "America's Got Talent" ... and they're already lined up to be on Darius Rucker's next album.

We spoke with bandmates Trea Swindle, Danica Hart, and Devynn Hart and they told us they recorded a song with Darius before their audition aired this week and recently got the good news that it's making it onto his latest album.

They admit they thought they were in the middle of some catfish scenario when Darius first reached out on Twitter ... before learning the DM was the real deal.

For those unaware, Chapel Hart blew the 'AGT' judges away with their original piece, "You Can Have Him Jolene" -- a nod to Dolly Parton's famous song.

They received a golden buzzer even though all 5 had been given out -- a first for the show.

Ever since their big moment, the group's seen support from legends like Loretta Lynn, and even Dolly herself -- who called their performance a "fun new take on my song."

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Their album, "The Girls Are Back in Town," made its way to the top of the Country music charts after their episode and it sounds like a record deal is in the near future.

Floyd Mayweather Ripped By PETA Over Mink Car Seat ... It's A 'Monstrosity!!!'

A familiar foe is coming for Floyd Mayweather, but it's not Logan Paul or Conor McGregor -- PETA is going scorched-earth on the boxing legend over the $18,000 mink car seat he got for his grandson ... calling it a "monstrosity."

TMZ Sports broke the story -- TBE recently had a one-of-a-kind car seat installed into his 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan ... which was made with real fur and customized for baby Kentrell Jr., the son of Yaya Mayweather and NBA Youngboy.

The folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were pissed to find out about the purchase ... ripping into Floyd's decision-making and bringing up the time he was arrested for domestic violence in 2010 in the process.

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FRESH MINK
TMZSports.com

"Did Floyd Mayweather, who has a history of assault and battery of defenseless victims, really seek to update it by supporting an industry that throttles animals to death in addition to poisoning and electrocuting them?" PETA said in a statement.

"This man is hardly a role model for compassion and understanding, but to try to make cruelty look attractive to a child could earn him a medal for corrupting the natural kindness of a minor."

The two sides have been enemies for years -- in 2012, the org. went after Floyd for making comments comparing his training to dogfighting ... to which he replied, "s***, I don't give a f***, 'cause I wear mink coats. I'm gonna wear chinchilla, and I'm gonna rock mink coats."

Despite their history, PETA is offering to fix its issue with Floyd.

"PETA is calling on Mayweather to take a jab at teaching kindness, not cruelty, by replacing this monstrosity with faux fur, as most designers, department stores, and consumers have -- and PETA would be happy to provide it."

No word on if Floyd will accept the offer ... but knowing his love for fur, it's not likely.

Sun Baby on 'Teletubbies' 'Memba Her?!

England native and actress Jessica Smith was barely one-year-old when she was cast as the original Sun Baby -- the shining Teletubby that innocently giggles at other fellow Teletubbies and gets excited during Magic Events -- from 1997 to 2001 in the show 'Teletubbies.'

Jessica's baby voice was accompanied by the Teletubby voices of Nikky Smedley as Laa-Laa, Simon Shelton as the oldest and tallest Teletubby, Tinky-Winky, Jon Simmit as the sarcastic and often stubborn Teletubby, Dipsy and Pui Fan Lee as the smart and silly Teletubby, Po.

Guess what she looks like today in her mid 20's!

'American Pickers' Frank Fritz Hospitalized After Suffering Stroke

Frank Fritz, famous for his work on "American Pickers," is having some serious health issues ... because he's in the hospital after suffering a stroke.

Frank's condition doesn't sound too promising, with his former History channel show co-star, Mike Wolfe, asking for thoughts and prayers.

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Mike shared Frank's health update Thursday on social media, saying ... "Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts."

Frank's longtime pal added ... "I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy."

TMZ broke the story ... Frank stepped away from "American Pickers" over a year ago as a result of health problems that required back surgery, on top of already living with Crohn's disease.

Frank last appeared on "American Pickers" in a March 2020 episode.

Ben & Jen Bonjour From The City of Love ... Paris After Vegas Wedding

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez may be on their mini honeymoon after getting hitched in Sin City ... hitting the town in Paris while dressed to the nines.

The newlyweds popped up Thursday in the French capital, dressed up for a dinner date. It was all eyes on J Lo in her bright red dress, while Ben looked slick in a suit and tie.

You can see Bennifer 2.0 also soaked in the Paris sights from their luxury hotel room before venturing out into the City of Love.

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dressed to the nines!!!
onthejlo

TMZ broke the story ... Ben and Jen tied the knot in Las Vegas early Saturday morning in a tiny chapel ceremony that included their children, and they're planning to throw a massive wedding party with close friends and family at the actor's Georgia estate in the coming weeks.

Nothing like a trip to the city of love to celebrate your own.

'Elvis' Actress Shonka Dukureh Found Dead in Apartment

Actress Shonka Dukureh, who recently gained attention for her role in the "Elvis" movie has died ... TMZ has learned.

Cops say Shonka -- who plays Big Mama Thornton in the film -- was found dead Thursday in a bedroom inside her Nashville apartment. It was one of Shonka's young children who found her ... the child then ran to alert a neighbor, who called 911 around 9:30 AM.

At this time, police say there's no foul play suspected in the actress' death.

Investigators are awaiting autopsy results before they can determine a cause of death.

Not only did Shonka appear in "Elvis" ... she was also in Doja Cat's "Vegas" music video, where she played the Big Mama Thornton role as well.

Shonka was only 44.

RIP

Bo Jackson Donated To Uvalde ... Helped Pay For Victims' Funerals

Bo Jackson's heart is clearly as big as his muscles ... the two-sport legend just revealed he donated to Uvalde shortly after May's horrific shooting, helping pay for the victims' funerals.

The former NFL and MLB player told The Associated Press on Wednesday he felt the need to lend a helping hand after having been to the city multiple times throughout his years of traveling through west Texas.

"It’s just not right for parents to bury their kids. It’s just not right," said Jackson, whose donation had previously been made anonymously.

"I know every family there probably works their butts off just to do what they do. ... The last thing they needed was to shell out thousands of dollars for something that never should have happened."

Jackson told the AP he and a close friend quietly flew to Uvalde three days after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary ... and gave a $170,000 check to Gov. Greg Abbott, and offered then to pay for the funeral expenses.

"In a truly selfless act," Abbott said. "Bo covered all funeral expenses for the victims’ families so they would have one less thing to worry about as they grieved."

Added Jackson, "Uvalde is a town that sticks in your mind. Just the name."

"I don’t know a soul there. It just touched me."

Disney World 2 Families Square Off in Brawl!!! 1 Person Hospitalized

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THE SLAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Screw you and Mickey Mouse ears!

The Magic Kingdom's looking more like a WWE ring after 2 families went toe-to-toe in a massive brawl Wednesday ... reportedly sending someone out of the park in an ambulance.

The tussle went down at Disney World in Orlando as tempers started to flare inside the theme park's Fantasyland. The families were near the exit of Mickey's PhilharMagic theater ... where a woman left the line to retrieve a cellphone she'd left on a nearby wheelchair.

When she returned, she tried to rejoin her family, but according to a report by Walt Disney World News Today ... that's when things got violent.

Another family -- dressed in matching Disney-themed red and white outfits -- allegedly blocked her from moving past them in the line, and next thing ya know, voices were raised ... and then fists were flying!

Guests walking by the brawl -- seemingly involving about 20 people -- began to scramble, with some even trying to calm things down. After several minutes, security eventually arrived to break up the fighting.

One man reportedly had a large cut on his chin and had to be transported by ambulance for medical care.

Fights at Disney parks aren't anything new, but this one might take the Mickey-shaped cake for the biggest.

Beyonce's 'Renaissance' Jay, Drake, Pharrell & More ... Hip Hop Stars On Board!!!

Beyonce and her famous friends have the Internet in a Thursday tizzy for her new album, which is still a week away ... but now we know, it'll be hip-hop heavy when it's released.

The megastar revved up her 269 million Instagram followers with a slick "Renaissance" tracklist drop that revealed popping song names like "Alien Superstar," "Heated" and "America Has A Problem."

Apple Music put the album up for pre-order today ... unveiling the entire contributor list and Queen Bey's enlisted some heavy hitters!

Jay-Z, Drake, The-Dream + Tricky Stewart, Pharrell + Chad Hugo, Kanye artist 070 Shake and many more are listed as contributors ... meaning they could have either collaborated on the project, been sampled or both!

Hit-Boy also reunites with Bey yet again to produce the song "Thique."

The album drops on July 29 ... when the Beyhive will likely force a new world order.

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Fans already lost their minds over the album cover art -- Beyonce stunting on a crystal horse, while promising an escape from "perfectionism" and plenty of options to wiggle!

T-minus 8 days.

Ricky Martin My Nephew's Claims Were 'Painful and Devastating'

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A MESSAGE TO THE NEPHEW

Ricky Martin is now speaking out about his nephew's claims that they had a sexual relationship and he stalked him, saying the last 2 weeks have been horrendous.

Ricky appeared on a video, obtained by TMZ, in which he expressed how he's been feeling over the last few weeks since the claims surfaced.

He says he needed to talk in order to start the healing process. Martin says he was muzzled by Puerto Rican law until the case concluded. TMZ broke the story, Ricky's nephew dropped the restraining order Thursday morning in court.

Ricky says it's been painful not just for him but for his family and friends. As for his nephew, "I wish him the best and I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and that he doesn't hurt anyone else."

Ricky says his therapy will be music and he's anxious to jump back on stage ... btw, he's performing at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend.

As we reported, Ricky has adamantly denied his nephew's claims, and the singer's lawyers say the nephew has mental issues which they believe is why he made what they say are false allegations.

Kim, Kylie, Khloe Girls Night Out ... So Much To Talk About!!!

Kim Kardashian broke bread with Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian after a whirlwind week for the famous sisters, who had plenty to catch up on over dinner.

It's the first time we've seen Kim, Kylie and Khloe together in a while ... they grabbed a bite Wednesday night at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

For Khloe, it's her first public appearance since we first reported she's having another baby -- reportedly a boy -- with Tristan Thompson. The child will be born via surrogate, and Tristan's busy partying in Greece with different women. So, there's a few dinner topics right there.

Still unclear if the baby's been born ... we were told there's a possibility he's already here.

Kim's back in Los Angeles after taking her private jet down to Australia over the weekend to see boyfriend Pete Davidson ... more evidence the couple is still going strong. It's a good bet Pete's name came up at the dinner table.

Private jets probably came up in conversation too ... Kylie's catching backlash for some of her recent flights on her luxury jet and for bragging about Travis Scott's private plane too.

Kylie wore a silver dress while the rest of the dinner party, including BFF Stassie Karanikolaou and Yris Palmer, dressed in all black.

No word on who picked up the check.

Amber Heard Files Appeal of Depp Verdict

UPDATE

9:51 AM PT -- A spokesperson for Amber tells TMZ ... "We believe the court made errors that prevented a just and fair verdict consistent with the First Amendment. We are therefore appealing the verdict. While we realize today's filing will ignite the Twitter bonfires, there are steps we need to take to ensure both fairness and justice."

Amber Heard is officially appealing the verdict in her defamation case with Johnny Depp.

Amber's attorneys filed the necessary documents Thursday in Fairfax County, Virginia to appeal the $10.3 million judgment a jury ordered her last month to pay her ex-husband.

The jury also ruled Johnny had to pay Amber $2 million, so effectively she owes him $8.3 mil in damages -- but she had vowed since the day of the verdict that she would appeal.

As we reported, Amber also filed a motion requesting a new trial, because one of the jurors in the case had come to court when it was actually his father who received the jury summons. However, the judge rejected that motion.

Johnny doesn't seem concerned Amber's followed through on appealing the verdict. His rep tells TMZ ... "The jury listened to the extensive evidence presented during the six-week trial and came to a clear and unanimous verdict that the defendant herself defamed Mr. Depp in multiple instances. We remain confident in our case and that this verdict will stand.”

Daily Mail first reported Amber's appeal.

Originally Published -- 9:33 AM PT

Ricky Martin Wins in Court ... Nephew Dismisses Claims of Affair, Harassment

UPDATE

8:17 AM PT -- We're told Ricky was on zoom during the court hearing but never addressed the court nor did he make any statements. His nephew put a quick end to the case by saying he wanted to drop it.

Ricky Martin just won his case against his nephew who accused him of having a sexual relationship and then harassing him afterward, and that's because the 21-year-old nephew withdrew his claim.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the judge has dismissed the temporary restraining order that he had issued a week ago.

We're told Ricky showed up on zoom. His legal team tells TMZ, "Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the court. The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure."

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NOT ALWAYS THE TRUTH

The team went on ... "And the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter. The request came from the accuser asking to dismiss the case. This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and his career."

As we reported, the nephew had claimed he and Ricky had a 7-month sexual affair and after it ended Ricky began stalking and harassing him. Ricky strongly denied the allegations, saying he never had a sexual relationship with the man. The singer's legal team said the nephew suffers from mental issues.

The nephew had obtained a temporary restraining order last week, but Ricky and his team were not in court.

Originally Published -- 6:57 AM PT

President Biden Positive for COVID

UPDATE

9:34 AM PT -- Biden just tweeted, assuring everyone he's doing OK.

UPDATE

President Joe Biden is experiencing firsthand the COVID wave, because he caught the 'Rona like millions of others.

According to The White House, Biden is experiencing "very mild symptoms."

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MINGLING MASKLESS
CNN

He has been out in recent days stumping this week in front of big crowds, fighting for climate change laws. After his speech Wednesday, he mingled maskless with a bunch of people, also mostly unmasked.

The White House Biden is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, he is taking Paxlovid, which treats the symptoms of the virus.

The White House says Biden will isolate at The White House, but he will continue working. He will stay in isolation until he tests negative.

The White House Medical Unit is contacting folks who came in close contact with the President.

Biden was recently in Saudi Arabia, where The White House announced he would fist-bump, rather than shake hands, in an effort to avoid COVID. However, after taking heat for a fist-bump with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he seemingly switched to shaking hands with other leaders.

Biden's last test for COVID was Tuesday, when he tested negative.

Originally Published -- 7:37 AM PT