Johnny Depp MTV's Callin' ... Surprise Gig in The Works!!!

Johnny Depp has played many roles, but never a Moonman ... and that's all going to change at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards with a planned surprise appearance from the movie star.

VMA production sources tell TMZ ... Depp's been in talks with show producers to dress up as the network's famous Moonman -- recently dubbed the Moonperson -- and show face at some point during the award show's broadcast on August 28.

Depp's won 5 MTV Movie Awards over the years, including Best Male Performance, Best Villain, Global Superstar and the Generation Award in 2012.

tmzlive_B_block_082222_TMZ_8488682.mxf.00_05_11_11.Still001
DEPP TO THE MOON

The surprise appearance comes on the heels of both the recent announcement of Johnny's return to film as well as his new deal with Dior. TMZ broke the story, the brand signed Depp to a multi-year, 7-figure extension to continue to be the face of the Sauvage fragrance line.

Unclear if he'll also take home some hardware from the show a week from Sunday, but based on what we've seen surrounding public opinion ... he's sure to get massive applause.

Akon Kanye Haters Need to be Contained!!! He's Helping the Homeless with Gap Merch

082022-akon-kal
TAKE A CHILL PILL
TMZ.com

Akon is jumping to Kanye West's defense in a big way, telling all the critics they're hypocrites for blasting Ye for what they say is disrespecting the homeless ... yet doing nothing about it themselves.

Akon says Kanye owes zero apologies for the containers in Gap stores featuring his fashions. As you know, Ye's getting dragged by folks who believe the containers are garbage bags and it mocks the homeless when customers have to root around inside the bags for the perfect hoodie.

Fact is ... they're not garbage bags ... they're containers and it's a unique presentation that actually has customers venturing into Gap stores ... something done with less and less frequency these days.

Akon says Kanye has no reason to apologize or explain himself ... he's just a guy who happens to be really creative, and owes no explanation to anyone.

081822_kanye_west_kal
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BAG
FOX News

Kanye made that point clear to Fox Friday ... he's not explaining or offering any mea culpa.

richard simmons new promo video art
WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

Akon says Kanye's actually put a spotlight on the homeless problem, and if people are so concerned then they should roll up their sleeves and do something!

As for what he was up to, Akon was out in L.A. shooting the music video for "Go Girl" ... a single from his 4-track EP with Teemanay called "Konvict Kulture Presents Teemanay."

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Donald Trump's troubles are undeniably deepening as the plot continues to thicken, and a big shindig at Ben's pad in Georgia to celebrate his marriage to J Lo. So we gotta ask ...

Trump Took Classified Documents

Re: Documents, Trump Should Be

Kanye's Gap 'Trash Bag' Display

Alec Baldwin Pulled The Trigger

J Lo and Ben ...

Britney/Elton's "Hold Me Closer"

QB Deshaun Watson's 11 Game Suspension ...

"Die Hard" Is An XMAS Flick!

Mariah Carey Title "Queen Of XMAS" ...

Bill Maher Online Shopping is Killing Us ... Emotionally, Psychologically

Bill Maher has a warning ... online shopping is taking a not-so-hidden toll on America ... and he makes a case that going OG shopping is better for your head and the planet.

The "Real Time" host went scorched earth on people who like to order 9 pairs of pants to find the one that fits just right ... only to return the other 8. Those boxes go somewhere ... yep, landfills, oceans ... not good.

The visual tells the story ... buy a small item, it comes in a big box. Buy 3 items ... you get 3 big boxes. When you add it up, it's kind of an environmental disaster.

And, then there's the human toll ... Americans don't leave their homes like they used to because it's easier to push a button than to start a car and drive to a mall. Thing is ... Americans have become way more isolated, and it's taking a mental toll, because we are social creatures who increasingly have stopped socializing.

Thing is ... Kanye West may have figured all of this out with his latest creation at Gap stores ... the containers in which you find his designs have attracted customers ... people who might otherwise just sit on their sofa and order away.

Food for thought.

Caron Butler Kobe Inspired Me To Write Kids Book ... Gave Important Advice

081922_caron_butler_kal
SHARING MY STORY
TMZSports.com

Ex-NBA star Caron Butler is using his personal experiences to help teach young kids with his new book ... telling TMZ Sports his close friend Kobe Bryant inspired him to share his real story.

Caron played alongside the late Hall of Famer on the Lakers from 2004-2005 ... and the two remained great friends up until the legend's tragic death in 2020.

The 2011 NBA Champ says Bryant -- who had a series of children's books of his own -- once gave him pointers on how he could use his authenticity to motivate the next generation ... which led him to write "Shot Clock," alongside Justin Reynolds.

"He did like a little moment with me prior to him passing," Tuff Juice tells us. "We connected and we talked about the writing process and how it's so tough to be authentic and clear and real, but it's exactly what the kids need."

"He always told me to 'Tell your truth, be brave and people gonna accept it or reject it, but be brave in that process,'" he added.

Butler says he made a promise to Kobe that his second act would be "far better, more profound" than his playing career ... a vow he also disclosed with Bryant's wife, Vanessa.

The book is deep ... and reflects what Caron really went through in life -- from traveling the world to run-ins with law enforcement and losing friends to gun violence.

Butler says "Shot Clock" -- which hits shelves on September 6 -- will help readers pivot from their troubles and make it through adversity.

'Selling Sunset' Scramble To Find New Villain ... Who Replaces Christine???

"Selling Sunset" producers are racing to fill the void left by Christine Quinn's departure ... they need a new villain for the show, and they need to figure it out ASAP.

Production sources tell TMZ ... the folks who run the popular Netflix show are scrambling behind the scenes to figure out who is going to step into Christine's place as the bad girl, and they're hopeful holdover Chelsea Lazkani leans into the role in upcoming seasons.

We're told execs approached Chelsea about playing into the villain role once it became clear to producers in June Christine wasn't coming back, leading to conversations with Chelsea about embracing the role Christine played so well.

Our sources say producers understand Chelsea, a British real estate agent who joined the show in season 5, has big shoes to fill here ... but they're hopeful she can step up to the plate.

Other candidates, we're told, include newcomers Bre Tiesi and Nicole Young ... they're joining "Selling Sunset" for the upcoming seasons, and sources say there's a possibility producers will look to one or both to be the next Christine if Chelsea doesn't cut it.

Filming began this week, but we're told it's too soon to know if producers have their villain just yet.

081922_oppenhim_web-segment-kal
STICKING BY THE NEW TEAM
TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story ... Christine and the producers reached a mutual decision for her to leave the show and she's moving onto other projects, signing with IMG models.

081822-jason-oppenheim-kal 8/18/22
BEST SEASON SO FAR
TMZ.com

Jason Oppenheim told our photog Thursday he's not stressed about Christine leaving, saying he has no concerns her exit will hurt the show.

While Jason might not be stressed, it sounds like producers sure are ... and for good reason.

NLE Choppa Normalize Licking Armpits!!!

081922-nle-choppa-kal
CHANGIN' THE GAME
TMZ.com

NLE Choppa is all for innovation in the bedroom, saying he thinks there's a part of the body that's rarely explored that should be ... the armpit!!!

We caught up with NLE Friday at LAX, who's been on a raunchy rampage since his "Slut Me Out" single dropped ... and sharing with the world he licks his girl's pits, saying, "my saliva yo deodorant."

NLE dissects the meaning behind his tweet, telling us all sorts of things have become more common in the bedroom in recent years, so armpits should fall under the same category.

We also picked NLE's brain regarding the recent rapper face-tat boom ... brought forth by Drake and Cardi B -- who's yet to actually reveal hers.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The 19-year-old rapper has most of his body covered in tats but, but says his "beautiful" mug is where he draws the line ... adding his Grandmother would slap the ink off his face if he ever had the audacity!!!

Summer Squads in 2022 The Gang's All Here!

Summer 2022 was the season to get your group of friends back in touch after the long-awaited break and celebrate those special friendships with a good ol' fashion get-together!

Amongst the summer squads are the Kardashian klan who made some extravagant plans with their close-knit posse, Dua Lipa rallied her bikini clique for some awesome adventures, Terrence J got the boys to bounce to Turks and Caicos ... and Ashley Tisdale and Hilary Duff rounded up a mom mob for some R&R at a resort in Southern California.

Check out our gallery of more stars making core memories in wild locations around the globe with their summer crew!

'Sons of Anarchy' Emilio Rivera Busing Migrants To Other States Is OK

081822-emilio-rivera-kal
GOTTA SPREAD IT OUT
TMZ.com

Emilio Rivera thinks there's something to the idea of busing migrants from the border to different parts of the country ... he says it might help lessen the load on everyone.

We got the "Sons of Anarchy" star at LAX and asked him about Texas Gov. Greg Abbot's controversial new policy to send migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border all the way to New York.

Emilio, who was born in Texas, says it's actually a really good idea because it spreads the burden, so it doesn't just fall on one area to figure out what to do with an influx of asylum seekers.

While Emilio says he's trying to look at the positive side of the situation, he admits it must be hard on the migrants' families and feels for them.

Right or wrong, Emilio says these folks are just trying to make a better life for themselves, just like everybody else ... and why not give them a shot, in say, NYC.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

You should never count out a desperate housewife, because now they're wiping out liquor store shelves with their very own luxury booze, so put down your drink and see if you can spot the differences in these two modified shots of the legendary Eva Longoria in her tequila swag.

The beautiful actress and tequila brand owner has kept more than busy, but that didn't stop this hot momma from burning some iron at the gym ... and, of course she was repping her "Casa Del Sol Tequila" merch.

Can you take a shot at finding the mods?

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Eva Longoria photos!**

BEN AND JEN Wedding Weekend's Huge Event ... Live Music, Fireworks Too!!!

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are doing their second 'wedding' in style ... with a waterside reception complete with a live piano performance and firework display.

Ben's sprawling estate in Riceboro, Georgia is shaping into full-wedding form Friday, and the latest images show tables and chairs set along a body of water with what looks like a special table for the bride and groom right next to the piano.

If that weren't enough, there's a barge floating in the middle of the water chock full off fireworks ready to light up the night sky once the sun goes down, though it's unclear which night the show will happen.

Ben and Jen's celebrity friends, including Matt Damon have also started to arrive in GA ... and it looks like they're in for a real treat once the festivities begin.

What was initially billed as a weekend bash for family and friends is clearly a much bigger event ... with all the makings of a dream wedding.

Ben's Georgia estate, which was supposed to serve as the wedding location 20 years ago when he and J Lo first got engaged, also has a huge marquee on the ground and a long aisle for his bride to walk down.

081922_tmz_live_benjen_kal
CELEBRATING IN STYLE

The spur-of-the-moment Las Vegas wedding looks like it will have nothing on Ben and Jen's second wedding when all is said and done.

Mazel tov!!!

Michael Bublé Welcomes New Baby Girl!!!

Michael Bublé and his wife are now officially the proud parents of 4, welcoming their baby girl into the world and sharing her name with fans -- a name he almost spilled to our camera a few days ago!

The singer took to Instagram Friday to share the exciting news that his wife, Luisana Lopilato, gave birth to their newest addition. He wrote, "You finally arrived to our lives with your 3,8 kg!!! Thanks God for this infinite blessing, we love you!! Noah, Elias, Vida and your mom and dad ❤️" Baby girl Bublé's name is Cielo Yoli Rose Bublé.

081822_michael_buble_kal YESTERDAY
MINI MUSICIANS
TMZ.com

Funny enough, we got the singer Wednesday in NYC just days before baby Cielo was born. We asked him if he and Luisana had picked a name yet, and he turned, asking our photog her name ... when our photog revealed her name was Seleah, Michael almost looked stunned, saying their baby's name was going to be verrrry similar.

081822_tv_clips_buble_kal
WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Congrats to the whole fam!!!

LLWS' Easton Oliverson Takes Steps Days After Skull Injury ... 'We Are At A Loss For Words'

081922-little-league-player-coma-kal
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Instagram / @miraclesfortank

Easton Oliverson just crossed another huge milestone in his road to recovery ... the Little League World Series player is now walking -- just days after he suffered severe head injuries in a fall from his bunk bed.

Oliverson's family shared a video on their social media page on Friday showing the Snow Canyon Little League pitcher/outfielder standing up and walking with the help of medical personnel.

"We are at a loss for words," the family said in the caption. "There are none that seem fitting other than: God is Good. SO GOOD!🤍"

"We love our Easton so much. Thank you for loving, and supporting him with us. Keep the prayers coming- he’s getting stronger every day!"

The 12-year-old initially fractured his skull on Sunday after falling off his bed at the players' dormitory complex in Williamsport, Penn.

Things looked dire for Easton the night of the accident -- he was actually placed in a medically induced coma -- but, he's since shown a ton of progress, and appears to be on his way to a full recovery.

As for his team, it's slated to play in its first game of the LLWS later Friday -- and Easton's little brother, Brogan, is expected to take his spot in the lineup for the big contest.

Vanessa Bryant Breaks Down In Tears At Trial ... 'Disgusted' With Officials Over Kobe Photos

Vanessa Bryant just talked about Kobe Bryant, Gianna, the crash and the photos that officials took of their bodies while on the stand -- and she was overcome with emotion while trying to explain how awful it all has truly been for her.

Using a handkerchief to wipe away tears after nearly every sentence -- Vanessa said she first learned of the crash after an assistant informed her of it at her home. She said L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva was the one who eventually told her there were no survivors.

Vanessa said on the stand that she begged him to secure the area, as she was concerned about paparazzi. She testified he didn't tell her at the time that his deputies had photographed her family members' bodies.

She later said she learned of the graphic photos through the Los Angeles Times report -- and, while speaking through sobs, she said it gutted her.

"I felt like I wanted to run down the block and scream," she said in the courtroom. "I can’t escape my body. I can't escape what I feel."

She added that she was "blindsided, devastated, hurt and betrayed" to know that authorities had snapped pics at the scene.

"I trusted them," she said. "I trusted them to not do these things."

081122_tmz_live_kobe_kal
THE EMOTIONAL TRIAL BEGINS

Vanessa told the courtroom one of the most disturbing things to her was that because of where Gianna was located at the crash scene, she believed officials had to have moved the 13-year-old's body in order to photograph it.

"They took advantage that Daddy couldn't protect her," she said. "He was at the morgue."

Vanessa testified that if the photos ever got out, and if she were to somehow see them, it'd rip her apart.

"I don't ever want to see my babies in that way," she said, explaining to the courtroom that she lives in constant fear that the photos could surface. "Nobody should ever have to see their family in that way."

As we reported, Vanessa arrived at the courtroom earlier Friday morning in a black dress, black coat and dark sunglasses. She wore a "Mama" necklace -- and appeared to be confident, flashing a smile on her way into the L.A. building.

The 40-year-old is suing L.A. County officials after learning deputies had taken and shared graphic photos from the wreckage scene.

Vanessa claimed in her suit the officials, and their actions, caused her severe emotional distress. She's suing for unspecified damages, including punitive damages ... and during her testimony on Friday, she said she's willing to "go through hell and back" to get justice for Kobe and Gianna.

NBC's Ali Vitali Here's Why America Hasn't Elected a Female Prez

081922_ali_vitali_kal
ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE
TMZ.com

NBC's Capitol Hill Correspondent Ali Vitali says our political system was not set up to elect a female president ... but understanding the bias might help the nation finally cross that hurdle.

Vitali joined "TMZ Live" Friday ... to talk about her upcoming book, "Electable: Why America Hasn't Put a Woman in the White House ... Yet," and she's very clear ... a big reason why women haven't inhabited the Oval is misogyny. Fact is ... many countries have had female heads of state -- Germany, Finland, England, Argentina, India, Israel, among others.

Ali says the Hillary Clinton is living proof women are viable candidates .. .but they seem to hit a wall when it actually comes to getting elected.

We ask about one woman in particular ... Michelle Obama, who has said as clear as day she's not interested in the job, but Ali has opinions.

And what if the first female president is a conservative Republican -- would this be celebrated among women and men of a different political persuasion? Ali's answer is interesting...

"Electable: Why America hasn't Put A Woman In The White House...Yet" drops Tuesday.

Marcell Ozuna Arrest Video ... MLBer Told Cops He Was Celebrating Braves Win Before Stop

081922-marcell-ozuna-kal
LOOK ME UP, OFFICER
UPDATE

2:07 PM PT -- New police video shows Ozuna told a cop he had celebrated the Braves' big win over the Mets on Thursday night with a few beers before he was ultimately arrested for DUI on Friday morning.

UPDATE

In the footage, you can clearly hear Ozuna tell an officer, "We win today and we just kind of celebrated." He did add, though, that he thought he was completely fine to drive.

UPDATE

"I'm good, my man," he said.

UPDATE

Multiple times during the stop, according to the video, Ozuna referenced his status as a Braves player -- even saying at one point, "I'm just famous."

UPDATE

The footage also shows Ozuna -- who had roughly $8,000 worth of cash in his right front pocket -- needed to pee so badly following his arrest, officers let him out his cuffs so he could relieve himself on a bush.

UPDATE

1:32 PM PT -- Ozuna just addressed the arrest with reporters a few hours before the Braves' Friday night game ... and he said he was "disappointed" about it all.

UPDATE
UPDATE

"I disappointed my team, disappointed my family," he said. "And I don't have anything to say more, and it's a legal matter."

Marcell Ozuna pulled the celeb card during his DUI arrest on Friday morning -- telling a cop during the stop, "Sorry, I'm Ozuna from the Braves" ... this according to a new police report obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, a Norcross Police Dept. officer said he pulled over Ozuna -- who was driving in a black 2021 Mercedes-Benz -- at around 3:35 AM after he says the MLB slugger was speeding in a 35 MPH zone while failing to stay in a lane.

Moments after being stopped, Ozuna allegedly told the officer, "Sorry, sorry, I'm Ozuna from the Braves." The baseball player's car reeked of booze, the police officer said in the report. The officer also claimed Ozuna had red and watery eyes.

Ozuna told the cop, according to the docs, that he was in Norcross heading to "the party." The officer said that he later learned the 31-year-old was on his way to "a nearby after-hours nightclub."

When Ozuna went to hand his driver's license to the cop, the officer said in the docs he also handed over an MLB ID card showing that he played for the Braves.

According to the report, just before administering field sobriety tests on Ozuna, the outfielder admitted he had drank "like three or four" beers before getting behind the wheel.

"If I'm drunk, if I can't drive, I do like this," the officer said in the docs, claiming Ozuna -- who allegedly had $8,000 in cash in his pocket -- "motioned for me to take his car key."

After administering three tests, the officer arrested Ozuna. But, according to the cop, Ozuna refused both a breath test and a blood test.

Records show he was eventually booked on charges of DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Hours before the arrest, the Braves had won a huge game over the Mets in Atlanta -- but Ozuna did not play in the contest.

This is the second time Ozuna has been arrested in the last 15 months -- he was previously taken into custody in May 2021 after he was accused of roughing up his wife in an incident in Sandy Springs, GA.

Ozuna -- who agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion program to close out the case a few months after the incident -- was suspended 20 games by the MLB over it all.

He later said before this season began that he apologized to his teammates, adding, "I made a mistake."

Ozuna has played in 107 games for the Braves this season ... batting .214 with 20 home runs.

Originally Published -- 7:36 AM PT