Ukraine Prez Volodymyr Zelensky Strong Support For Vogue Shoot ... From Ukrainian Relief Orgs
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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky is getting support in the wake of the backlash over his Vogue cover shoot ... and it's from orgs helping his people on the frontlines.
A rep for NOVA Ukraine, a nonprofit that spreads awareness of the war while providing aid to Ukrainians, tells TMZ the article was "brilliantly written" ... wondering if the people criticizing the story even read it.
As we reported, Zelensky and his wife, Olena, were dragged online after appearing on the latest cover of Vogue. Some saw it as the President turning this crisis into the Zelensky show ... while looking for pats on the back along the way.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Dragged for Vogue Cover Shoot with Wife
The rep for NOVA Ukraine says the photo shoot brings much-needed attention to the war ... as media coverage has dwindled as the conflict drags on. The way NOVA sees it, the focus should be on Ukraine's leaders who have "led a country which is being blown to pieces day by day, and continue to lead with their head high."
Michael Capponi, President of the Global Empowerment Mission, tells us the photo shoot does a lot of good .. Zelensky is using his PR skills to call upon the world for help, unlike previous Ukrainian presidents.
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Michael's org sends first responders to disaster zones in Ukraine ... first responders who are critical in the rebuilding effort. He says Americans don't fully understand the impact of this war, likening it to a daily Hurricane Irma.
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Michael has been in Ukraine nearly every day since early February, and sees no one more fit to run the country than Zelensky.
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Jeff Ross Jon Stewart Feels the Pain of Veterans ... He Really Should Run for Prez!!!
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Jeff Ross isn't surprised -- isn't surprised at all -- at Jon Stewart's overflowing emotion after the Senate turned thumbs down on a critical bill to help our veterans ... because he says comedians feel pain more than most.
We got Jeff Thursday in Bev Hills at Judi's Deli ... and he could not have been more supportive of his fellow comedian. Part of Jeff's admiration seems to be rooted in Jon's character, but there's also the DNA of comedians ... to feel and project not just their own pain but the pain of others.
Jeff says he's totally down with Jon running for President in 2024 -- something that's kinda become a thing online and elsewhere ... despite Jon flatly rejecting the idea.
Nonetheless, it seems that Jeff thinks lobbying Jon to run wouldn't be a bad idea.
BTW ... Jeff compares Stewart to Zelensky, but with one important difference!
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Bob Dylan Accuser Drops Sex Abuse Suit
Bob Dylan's sex abuse accuser is now singing a different tune -- she's dropped the lawsuit in which she claimed he had molested her back in 1965 when she was only 12.
As we reported back in August, the woman, identified only as J.C., filed a federal suit in Manhattan alleging Dylan plied her with drugs and alcohol, then escorted her to his Chelsea Hotel apartment and had sex with her while she was underage. She also accused Dylan of a pattern of abuse ... saying he used threats of violence to get what he wanted.
But, her allegations went out the window Thursday when she abruptly withdrew the suit after recently firing her lawyers.
Dylan's attorney, Orin Snyder, took a victory lap, telling TMZ ... "This case is over. It is outrageous that it was ever brought in the first place. We are pleased that the plaintiff has dropped this lawyer-driven sham and that the case has been dismissed with prejudice."
In a letter filed with the court Wednesday, Snyder attacked the accuser's credibility ... highlighting that she erased key text messages.
Dylan had maintained his innocence from the beginning, vowing he would vigorously defend himself. We reached out to the accuser's reps for comment ... so far no word back.
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Candace Cameron Bure Vs. JoJo Siwa Daughter Rips JoJo ... Photo Snub's No Biggie, Grow Up!!!
Candace Cameron Bure's daughter is not letting go of her famous mother's beef with JoJo Siwa ... she's defending mom and clapping back at JoJo, essentially telling her to stop acting like a child.
In a since-deleted Instagram Story posted on her account Thursday, Natasha Bure ripped JoJo, saying ... "Respectfully, someone saying 'no' to taking a photo with you is not a 'rough experience.' This generation is so sensitive and has no backbone."
Natasha didn't stop there, telling JoJo ... "There are bigger issues in this world than this. Grow up."
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The Candace and JoJo beef started earlier this month when Siwa put the "Fuller House" actress on blast, calling her the "rudest celebrity" she's ever met ... a grudge brewing for several years over a photo snub.
JoJo later explained she was 11 years old when she asked Candace for a photo at a "Fuller House" premiere and got denied, only to watch CCB take pics with others. JoJo called the snub a "bad experience."
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Candace tried to ease tensions with JoJo this week, claiming the two hashed out the incident and put it behind them, framing it as a learning experience for all.
But now, Candace's daughter is reviving the feud.
BTW ... Natasha is 23 and JoJo is 19, so they're from the same generation.
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Jeff Bezos' Parents Buy MORE Real Estate ... Real Housewife's $44 Mil FL Mansion!!!
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Jeff Bezos' parents really have a taste -- an expensive one -- for Florida real estate, because they just bought their second mansion there ... one previously owned by a 'Real Housewife' of Miami.
Sources tell TMZ, Jackie and Mike Bezos recently dropped $44 million to scoop up a 9,000 square-foot Coral Gables estate from 'RHOM' star Dr. Nicole Martin and her fiancé, attorney Anthony Lopez.
As you can see, the place is palatial ... the 6-bedroom mansion has all the bells and whistles ... including 2 tennis courts, a home theatre, a huge pool and a marina with a 96-foot dock and boat elevator.
It sounds like Jeff's parents made Nicole and Anthony an offer they couldn't refuse ... we're told the property was off the market when Bezos' parents approached. The couple had no plans to sell, but had always talked about potentially unloading their home if a huge offer came their way.
Well, they don't get much huger than $44 mil of Bezos' money.
The home has been featured on 'RHOM' and Andy Cohen is on the record saying the place is the best house to ever appear in a Bravo series -- that includes ALL the 'Housewives' shows and even 'Million Dollar Listing.'
Jeff's parents are getting downright baronial at this point -- remember, they also recently bought a $34 million home, which happens to be right next door to the place they bought from Nicole and Anthony.
If you're keeping score (and crying) at home ... that's nearly $80 mil of real estate on one block! The big question now -- which one's the guest house??? 🤔
We're told Nicole and Anthony are already house hunting for another property in the same neighborhood.
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Ric Flair On Vince McMahon's WWE Retirement: ... 'I Hate It'
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WWE legend Ric Flair isn't mincing his words when it comes to his feelings on the retirement of Vince McMahon ... outright saying he hates it!
76-year-old McMahon retired last week after decades as Chairman and CEO of WWE ... so when Nature Boy joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airing weeknights on FS1) this week, we asked him if his former boss should've stayed on the job.
"Yes, I think he's one of a kind and I've said this," Flair tells us, adding Vince has made a lot of careers thanks to his genius.
"He's made so many people rich and he's literally has made chicken salad out of a lot of chicken s**t. Mojo knows what I'm talking about. He's made a lot of people rich."
Flair went on to say he doesn't condone the allegations against McMahon (Vince is being investigated by a law firm hired by WWE for allegedly paying off several former female employees with whom he allegedly had relationships).
"I mean they're just trying to murder him now and who knows and all. I'm certainly not defending anything that's negative and I'm not taking a side on the issue that apparently has been brought up but I know as a person and what he did for me, there's nobody like him."
As for the future of the world's top wrestling organization (McMahon bought the company from his dad in 1982), Flair says the company is in great hands with Vince's daughter and current WWE executive, Stephanie McMahon.
"I think Stephanie's a genius!"
As for Ric, it's a huge week for the 2x WWE Hall of Famer ... on Sunday, Flair will enter the squared circle as a competitor for the last time in his incredible career.
More on that match from Ric coming soon ... stay tuned!
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Guess Who This Georgia Peach Turned Into!
Before this 2nd grader turned into an influencer and a TV personality, she was just your average student getting ready for school pictures and growing up in Atlanta, Georgia.
This Instagram queen never shies away from a good Instagram selfie, and she never fails to share her extravagant trips and parties. And speaking of parties, this socialite takes after her famous momma, because they are both never 'Tardy For The Party.'
Need one more hint on who this cute kid is? She made her television debut back in 2008, when her mom became a 'Real Housewife' of Atlanta.
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'Long Island Medium' Theresa Defends Buying 5-Month-Old Granddaughter Gucci Bag ... Cutest Binki Holder Ever!!!
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Theresa Caputo says everyone up in arms over decking her 5-month-old granddaughter out in Gucci should just cool it ... cuz it's not only a practical gift, but it's also the cutest thing ever!!!
We caught up with the "Long Island Medium" Thursday at LAX and chatted about the uproar surrounding her recent, very pricey Gucci purchase for her granddaughter, Michelina Rose.
The new grandma tells us she wanted to bring baby Michelina a token from her first trip to Europe -- and settled on the green Gucci item -- making it clear, it's a wallet and not a bag.
ICYMI, Theresa caught a lot of flak from folks on social media after her daughter, Victoria Mastrandrea, posted showing off her baby girl's expensive gift from grandma.
Theresa says while she doesn't understand all the criticism, she also doesn't care ... adding it cost her under $1K. The more important thing -- Michelina looks cute holding it, and it could even double as a holder for her pacifier.
Way to go, glam-ma!
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Dwight Howard Crashes WWE Tryout ... Cuts Epic Promo!!
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Some retired players go into coaching, others broadcasting ... but when Dwight Howard finally hangs up the J's, the NBA star has a future as a WWE Superstar, if he wants it, 'cause the 7 footer just showed up to a WWE tryout and cut an incredible promo.
TMZ Sports has video of the 36-year-old 8x NBA All-Star crashing tryouts in Nashville (WWE's in TN for SummerSlam) ... where he went all out on stage in front of Triple H and other company execs.
Howard channeled Sho'nuff (whom he was previously for Halloween) -- the bad guy from the 1985 movie "The Last Dragon" -- and he killed it!
Dwight, a big-time pro wrestling fan, is buddies with WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil, so Howard decided to hop on a flight to Tennessee ... to catch some big-time wrestling matches.
While a bunch of college athletes are in town trying out, we're told Dwight was just having some fun (he isn't ready for basketball retirement just yet). But, that doesn't mean you won't see him in the ring sometime in the future.
Dwight Howard said he would like to play in the NBA next season but is ready to transition and join the WWE if that does not happen. His NBA career began in Orlando and he said he’s open to beginning his WWE career in Orlando where the WWE Performance Center is located. pic.twitter.com/VnT0bA1LCB
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 28, 2022 @ArashMarkazi
"I think it is something in my future. I love the WWE. I love wrestling," Howard told Arash Markazi.
"I'm grateful and thankful for this opportunity to be here and just witness this whole thing, tryouts, and everything. Hopefully one day in the future, I'll actually be in the ring, wrestling and holding up a belt."
And, it sounds like the feeling's mutual ... a source from WWE told us "the promo was a good start!"
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Beyoncé Catches R&Beef From Kelis!!! Claims Sample Was Stolen
10:01 AM PT -- 8/3 -- Kelis is getting her way ... the sample -- which now is confirmed to be "Milkshake" from her third album, and not "Get Along with You" -- was removed from TIDAL (in addition to most of the track altogether) and Spotify. It's still pending on Apple Music and YouTube.
Beyoncé’s already dealing with leaks ahead of her "Renaissance" album release, and now she's facing accusations of theft from Kelis ... who says she had no part in clearing a sample for Bey's record.
The track "Energy" samples Kelis’ "Get Along with You," which The Neptunes produced for her 1999 debut album -- so, the song's understandably close to her heart.
A Kelis fan page was celebrating the Beyoncé pairing on IG, but then Kelis -- using her celebrity chef account @bountyandfull -- hopped in the comments fuming mad!
Kelis calls "Energy" downright robbery … insinuating everyone involved with creating and clearing the track was engaged in shady practices. Yikes!
The eclectic singer also claims she wasn’t notified prior to the album announcement, having to learn about her inclusion as if she were a normie.
Reports of Beyoncé’s seventh album leaking yesterday spread like wildfire, but an unbothered Bey didn’t address the bootlegging (or Kelis for that matter) on Thursday.
Instead, she offered a rare glimpse into her family life, and also revealed there would be 2 more albums to follow this one.
Here is a special message from Beyoncé. #RENAISSANCE
— BEYLEGION is COZY (@BeyLegion) July 28, 2022 @BeyLegion
Dedicated to her children, her husband, her family, her Godmother Uncle Johnny, and to the LGBTQ+ community and all of the pioneers who originated the culture and the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized. pic.twitter.com/hm6Om9fi52
As for Kelis, she hasn't said anything about legal action, but who knows how far she'll take this. We're sure the Beyhive will be waiting and watching closely. It's what they do.
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Report: Zion Williamson Weight Clause In New Contract Could Lose Guaranteed $$$
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Zion Williamson's new contract is coming with some hefty demands -- the NBA star will reportedly have to maintain a certain weight and body fat percentage, or will risk losing some of his guaranteed money.
Williamson inked a 5-year extension worth up to $231 million to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans this off-season ... but there's a big catch.
Christian Clark of NOLA.com says some of that money could be yanked from his pockets if certain health stipulations aren't met.
The report states the 22-year-old will submit to weigh-ins throughout his contract to ensure the sum of his weight and body fat percentage stays below 295 ... and if he doesn't, he'll literally pay for it.
Williamson's weight has become an issue since going #1 overall to the Pels in 2019 ... and the former Duke star has only been able to play in 85 career games due to injury.
Williamson is currently training like a madman to get back to 100% in 2022-23 ... which also includes switching up his diet, according to reports.
Williamson is currently listed at 284 pounds ... but money talks, so expect to see him in amazing shape this season.
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Joey Badass Fans Gotta Chill, Chris Brown Has My Respect And Delta Can Too, IF ...
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Joey Bada$$ is juggling a new album, a tour and acting ... while also defending some of his creative decisions ... such as working with Chris Brown.
The Pro Era rap star hopped on "TMZ Live" on Thursday to explain why he felt the need to ward off fans who were angry he nabbed Breezy to help sing the hook on his "Welcome Back" track on the new album "2000."
As Joey put it to us ... no man is mistake-free, and while he doesn't condone what happened with Rihanna, he considers it an honor to work with CB, who he's been a fan of since childhood.
The New York-bred lyricist also says he gets it, though ... his fans are just protective and want him to be controversy-free at all times.
Controversy arrived in Joey's first-class seat last week, however, when he accused Delta Airlines of damaging some of his irreplaceable stage equipment while traveling for his 1999-2000 Summer Tour.
Although the damage had been done, Joey says Delta reps reached out and helped cover rental costs so he could finish out his tour ... which ends Thursday night in Los Angeles.
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Even if hearing CB sing isn't your jam, Joey’s got Nas, Diddy, Larry June and more on his ‘2000’ album ... and fans have been ravin’ about its hip hop purity.
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Lamar Odom My Social Media's Been Highjacked ... Old Manager Costing Me $$
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Lamar Odom says his former management team is refusing to turn over access to his social media accounts ... and now he's calling them out.
Lamar says he changed managers recently but claims his old team has highjacked his social media pages and he's telling his old handlers to do the right thing and stop posting as him.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Lamar left his old management July 19 and asked them through his attorney for all the login info for his Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages, but still doesn't have access.
We're told Lamar's old management changed all his passwords back in the day and Lamar doesn't know any of the login information ... and his former team has not released any of his accounts back to him, continuing to post as if it is him.
Our sources say Lamar has deals with companies where he's required to post on social media, but he can't do so right now and is losing about $8,000 per post.
We're told Lamar has about 15 deals right now ... including car, weed and clothing companies, plus restaurants, hotels and beverage lines ... but he's not able to promote them on social media.
Our sources say Lamar and his new team are working with Meta Legal to gain access back to his accounts, working on reaching reps at TikTok and Twitter as well.
We reached out to Lamar's former management team ... so far, no word back.
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Jon Stewart Obliterates GOP for Blocking Vet Bill ... 'Sen. Toomey Is a F***ing Coward'
Jon Stewart is putting the Republican party on blast after voting "no" on a bill to expand healthcare coverage for veterans ... and he's calling one Senator out specifically, saying the guy's nothing short of spineless.
Jon joined House Speaker Pelosi and a group of veterans for a powerful press conference on the PACT Act Thursday ... and he lays it down hard on the GOP Senators who blocked the bill with a 55 to 42 vote.
The House already passed it, and if it got the necessary 60 votes in the Senate the bill would help those exposed to toxic burn pits and Vietnam-era veterans exposed to the deadly herbicide Agent Orange.
He begins to list the ways the PACT Act could help, before a veteran seated next to him mentions it'll prevent people like him from going down dark paths, including suicide. The man was holding a sign reading, "Veterans blood is on Republicans hands."
Jon then points his frustration toward PA Senator Toomey, saying he "isn’t going to hear that because he won’t sit down with this man, because he’s a f**king coward."
Toomey showed his lack of support for the bill directly on the Senate floor, claiming it would create $400 billion in unrelated spending, which he called a “budgetary gimmick.”
Jon says the GOP Senators aren't supporting the troops, but they will support the war machine ... referring to the massive Pentagon budgets they happily pass.
He also got a laugh from the crowd, talking about them working on "Senate time" -- calling them tortoises that live to be 200.
He says they don't get how badly vets need this bill because they're living in their own world.
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Mike Evans Unveils New Harry Potter Tattoo 'But I Am The Chosen One'
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers certainly don't appear to need any more magic on the field -- but just in case they do, Mike Evans clearly has them covered!!
The star wideout unveiled at Tampa Bay training camp practice on Thursday that he got yet another Harry Potter tattoo recently on his body ... showing off new wizard ink on his calf.
The piece features Daniel Radcliffe -- lightning scar and all -- staring with a fierce expression on his face.
The Bucs posted a pic of it -- and Evans laughed about it, captioning it with a funny quote from Harry and Hermione.
"Hermione -- 'she's only interested in you because she thinks you're the chosen one,'" Evans wrote. "HP -- 'but I am the chosen one.'"
Evans has made it clear over the years he's a MASSIVE HP fan ... this is at least his second Potter tat -- he previously got the Deathly Hallows symbol inked on his elbow.
You know I respect ya, @MikeEvans13_, but you just skyrocketed to the top with this groom’s cake. Congrats, bro! pic.twitter.com/SEohqMIGog
— Jerron Reese (@CoachReese12) February 15, 2016 @CoachReese12
The 28-year-old also had a Harry-themed cake at his wedding back in 2016 -- and has called the films ... the greatest of all time.
All that's left here? Accio Super Bowl!!!
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Hong Kong Concert Video Monitor Falls, Crushing Dancers Below
A horrifying moment was captured by a fan during a concert in Hong Kong, as a massive video screen fell from above, crushing dancers below.
Boy band Mirror was playing at The Hong Kong Coliseum Thursday night when the nightmare unfolded. You can see the group performing when suddenly, a video monitor hanging from the ceiling falls directly on one of the dancers.
The heavy screen makes a direct hit, knocking the dancer flat on his back, pinning him underneath. It then falls on its side, landing on another dancer.
Local reports say as many as 3 people in the show were injured as a result of the collapse.
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It's currently unclear which of the group's 12 members was hurt ... MIRROR was formed back in 2018 through a reality talent show called "Good Night Show - King Maker" on ViuTV.