B.o.B I'm Not Anti-Semitic!!! I Love Everybody, A Real Truth Seeker

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"BLOWN OUTTA PROPORTION"
TMZ.com

"Airplanes" rapper B.o.B is brushing off student protestors upset some of his past lyrics are being construed as anti-semitic.

Members of the University of Central Florida Jewish community have called for a boycott of his upcoming August 25 tour appearance for their Welcome Week … citing his 2016 flat-earther, Neil deGrasse Tyson-dissing track “Flatline” for its olive branch extended towards Holocaust denier David Irving.

Bobby Ray tells TMZ Hip Hop he doesn’t have any issues with any colors or creeds, and the show will go on as planned this week.

B.o.B says that particular time period was a weird one for him -- but he learned a lot through massive book consumption and traveling the globe.

He even considers himself a cancel culture survivor ... having taken lumps on social media for his deep philosophical dives.

The enigmatic rapper just released a 12-song album titled “Better Than Drugs” ... but says he’ll clarify his past flat-earthing and other conspiracy theories on a new song called “TED Talk” to be released on another project in the near future.

B.o.B acknowledges his mind is a strange one ... and says great artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Drake share his pain.

At least you can't accuse them of being boring!

Kamaru Usman 'In Good Spirits' After Loss ... Wants Leon Edwards Trilogy

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SEE YOU SOON!
TMZSports.com

Former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman is taking his knockout loss to Leon Edwards in stride ... telling TMZ Sports he's "feeling great" and looking forward to their trilogy fight.

The "Nigerian Nightmare" was handed his first UFC loss with just one minute left in their 5-round bout on Saturday ... getting hit with a left head kick that sent him to the canvas.

Despite losing his belt, 35-year-old Usman is handling the situation incredibly well ... and giving props to his opponent for landing the knockout blow.

"Everything is great," Usman said. "It was just -- what a shot. It was a great shot. I'm talking Hail Mary in the Super Bowl, last 10 seconds. That was a great shot, man."

Usman says he's watched the fight several times now ... and thinks his friends and family are actually more upset about the outcome than he really is.

"It's like everyone's more sad about it than I am," he added. "Everyone's more emotional about than I am but that's because -- for me, that's a good thing 'cause it lets me know that people care, people are invested."

Usman is turning the loss into a positive ... saying he now has the chance to inspire people as he continues his career.

"I'm in a rare opportunity. I have a rare opportunity now to just inspire and motivate and show people that you can fall and get back up. I'm excited."

As for his next fight, Kamaru makes it clear he wants to get his belt back ... and even has a time and place in mind.

Lana Lang In 'Smallville' 'Memba Her?!

Canadian actress Kristin Kreuk was just 18 years old when she first started playing Lana Lang -- the first love interest of Clark Kent ... who faked her death and tends to be gullible -- in the early 2000s Superman TV series "Smallville."

Kristen was cast alongside Tom Welling as the intensely strong Clark Kent, Michael Rosenbaum as the son who's seeking his father's approval, Lex Luthor, Erica Durance as the highly inquisitive and deeply investigated, Lois Lane and Allison Mack as the highly manipulative stealer and watchtower, Chloe Sullivan.

Guess what she looks like today at 39 years old!

CASEY AFFLECK Skips Ben's Wedding For Ice Cream Date

Casey Affleck had cooler things to do than travel to Georgia for his brother Ben Affleck's second wedding to Jennifer Lopez ... grabbing an ice cold treat with his hot date.

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Casey was spotted in CA Saturday, taking his actress girlfriend Caylee Cowan out for sweets at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Los Feliz while Ben and J Lo were celebrating their marriage with family and friends.

Not only were Casey and Bennifer worlds apart in terms of geography, but Ben and Jen were also decked out in all-white while Casey and Caylee kept it super casual.

It seems Casey kept himself pretty busy Saturday ... going on a morning Starbucks run, where he offered a pap no real explanation for skipping Ben's wedding.

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LIPS ARE SEALED
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Remember ... Casey spent the days leading up to Ben and Jen's huge wedding celebration telegraphing he wasn't going to be in attendance ... and on Thursday, Casey and Caylee were out in L.A. and he showed no interest in talking about Ben's bash.

Casey also noted in a social media post he was sending his kid off to college ... and now Ben's the only Affleck brother exhausted from a marathon weekend.

In any event, it's been a while since the Affleck brothers were photographed in public ... but maybe they can catch up over some ice cream once Ben's recovered from the bash.

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NEWLY WEDS

Tom Brady I Wasn't Shooting 'Masked Singer' ... Conspiracy Is Bogus

Tom Brady says he did NOT leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to shoot episodes of "The Masked Singer" ... saying the wild conspiracy is flat-out wrong.

TB12 had social media in a frenzy last week ... when one user speculated the QB was taking a break from training camp to appear on Fox's singing competition.

There were several points that had people convinced -- one being Brady's post-retirement TV deal with Fox Sports ... and another being the show is currently recording new episodes for the next season.

On top of that, Brady's absence had been a mystery ... and considering 'Masked Singer' is all about secrets, it would make sense for him to be hush-hush about what he was doing.

It was later revealed Brady used his time away from football to go on a Bahamas vacation with his wife, Gisele ... and based on his tweet just minutes ago, no masked singing was involved.

Of course, there's a possibility Brady just wants us to think he wasn't on the show because his cover was blown ... but for now, we'll take his word for it.

Leah Remini Missed J Lo's Wedding ... To Spend Time with College-Bound Kid

Leah Remini was noticeably absent from her BFF Jennifer Lopez's wedding -- but some folks in Leah's world claim it wasn't a snub, it was merely a case of her being a good mom.

Sources connected to the 'King of Queens' actress tell TMZ ... Leah wasn't in attendance for Bennifer's nuptials down in Georgia this weekend because she had her hands full with her 18-year-old daughter, Sofia, who's about to head off to college.

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We're told Leah was, in fact, invited -- her and J Lo are like sisters, so they're very close -- but LR wanted to spend some precious time with her kiddo before the big milestone.

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We're told Leah prioritized family time as she's missed some valuable moments raising her daughter while she was knee-deep in Scientology.

J Lo and Leah still follow each on social media too -- in case anyone was wondering -- so it appears there are no hard feelings.

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Leah was just one of a handful of notable people who didn't make the shindig. Neither of Ben and Jen's exes -- Jennifer Garner and Marc Anthony -- showed up, which might not be all that shocking.

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NEWLY WEDS

However, BA's own brother, Casey Affleck, was also a no-show ... and he too is telegraphing a college excuse.

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After sending J Lo a personal message of congratulations on social media, he posted another clue as to why he might've bailed. Apparently, his own son is going to college as well.

Kids ... yeah, they take priority -- but they also screw you outta great parties.

Little League World Series Black Player Covered In Cotton ... Officials Say 'No Ill-Intent' Behind Actions

A Little League World Series player's head was covered in cotton during an MLB game on Sunday night -- and while Little League officials acknowledged it "could be perceived as racially insensitive," they said they've since been assured there was "no ill-intent" behind the actions.

The incident happened in the eighth inning of the Red Sox vs. Orioles Little League Classic game in Williamsport, Penn. ... when several members of the Davenport, Iowa, Little League team -- who are white -- took stuffing out of giveaway toys and placed it on a Black teammate's head.

Many on social media were outraged by the visuals on the ESPN broadcast ... considering the Black player did not appear to be laughing about it at all.

But, reps for the LLWS said in a statement Monday that after speaking with the Black child's mother and coaches, they've been assured "that there was no ill-intent behind the action shown during the broadcast."

"After speaking with the team," officials said, "as well as reviewing photos, multiple players on the Midwest Region team were taking part in this while enjoying the game."

"As only one player appeared on the broadcast, Little League International understands that the actions shown could be perceived as racially insensitive."

The Davenport squad is not slated to play again until Tuesday. It's currently just three wins away from securing a place in the final of the United States bracket at the World Series.

Gary Busey Allegedly Grabbed Woman's Butt, Tried Unlatching a Bra ... Leading to Charges

Gary Busey allegedly got super inappropriate with several women at a fan event -- grabbing butts and attempting to undo one woman's bra -- leading to charges against the actor.

Cops say they were called to a DoubleTree Hotel in New Jersey August 13 after two women claimed they'd been sexually assaulted by the actor.

Busey was on location for a fan event called Monster Mania, and was allegedly taking photos with the women. According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, one of the women says Busey put his face close to her breasts and asked her where she got them. He then allegedly attempted to unlatch her bra strap. The other woman claimed he grabbed her butt.

The following day, cops say they got a call from a man who reported his daughter was also sexually assaulted by Busey at the event, that victim claimed Busey grabbed her butt as well.

According to the legal docs, when cops first made contact with Busey about the allegations, he denied groping anyone.

Then, Busey allegedly asked to apologize to the women before, "Claiming that sometimes it is possible to accidentally touch someone in a specific body part."

Busey has been charged with several counts of committing criminal sexual contact and 1 count of harassment.

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DENYING THE ACCUSATIONS
TMZ.com

Oakland A's Couple Allegedly Engages In Sex Act At Game ... Cops Investigating

A couple allegedly engaged in a sex act in the stands at the Oakland A's game on Sunday ... and now, police tell TMZ Sports they're investigating it all.

The two MLB fans were accused of going at it at some point during the Athletics' tilt with the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum ... when a spectator in another part of the stadium appeared to capture the two getting it on in one of the last rows of the venue.

Footage appears to show the woman performing oral sex on the man for several seconds.

An Oakland Police Dept. spokesperson says cops are aware of the allegations ... and have launched a probe into the matter.

"The Oakland Police Department was not alerted to this until after the game," the spokesperson said, "and we have initiated an investigation."

If charged and ultimately convicted, we're told the penalty for the offense is up to 6 months behind bars and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Afroman Cops Wrecked My Home in Raid, for Nothing ... I Need Ben Crump!!!

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12:30 PM PT -- We spoke to Afroman Monday on "TMZ Live," and he told us cops took trace amounts of some joints -- along with the vape and hemp -- but he's mostly upset about the force they used and the damage to his house. He says the cops now want HIM to come down to the station and make a statement.

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TMZ.com
UPDATE

Seems odd to us, and also to Afroman, who says he's desperately trying to get in touch with famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump to rep him.

Afroman's weekend was capped off by a lot of police activity -- his house was raided by law enforcement ... who were apparently on a drug hunt, and came in guns drawn.

The rapper -- who's originally from Palmdale, CA -- tells TMZ ... the Adams County Sheriff's Dept. burst into his property Sunday with their weapons drawn and orders being shouted. We're told they were in search of narcotics ... but in the end, came up empty-handed.

Afroman says he's not sure why they thought he was stashing illicit substances ... because all he had on hand, he insists, was a jar of hemp and a vape pen ... nothing else.

Afroman says he wasn't home at the time -- he was in Chicago -- he was notified by his neighbors, who got video and photos of the raid. Afroman tells us the believes this attempted bust is complete BS ... suggesting he was profiled over his music.

As you may know ... Afroman has a long history of rapping about weed and other misadventures. It's weird though -- his most famous songs are from back in the day, so if this music theory holds up ... it doesn't quite explain why cops thought something was amiss.

We've tried reaching out to the Sheriff's Dept. multiple times this morning to get an explanation on what exactly led to this and what they say they found, if anything. So far they haven't responded.

Afroman himself is outraged ... he took to IG to offer a bit more context on why this may have happened. According to him, it could have to do with him checking on a police report regarding a burglary at his home -- something ACSD apparently wasn't pleased with.

He writes, "One time my house got burglarize while I was on tour. For home insurance purposes I tried to fill out a police report. The cop came out three days later he told me they was really busy. He took my report. I would call every day and see if there was any progress being made. The Adams county sheriff department threaten to arrest me for checc-ing up on the case too frequently."

Afroman adds, "I excepted the fact that the police department is not necessary here to protect and serve me a blacc man in America so I just took my loss and never called bacc. Now here they are kicc-ing in my door looking for weapons of mass destruction and 100,000,000 pounds of weed lol wow Donald Trump calls these investigations witchhunts."

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HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS

Originally Published -- 6:54 AM PT

Fetty Wap Pleads Guilty To Drug Charges ... Mandatory 5 Year Sentence

UPDATE

3:09 PM PT -- A rep for the U.S. Attorney's Office for Eastern District of NY has just clarified part of Fetty's plea, telling us, "Count One of the superseding indictment references multiple controlled substances, but the defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine only."

Fetty Wap will be sentenced to at least 5 years behind bars after pleading guilty to a federal drug charge.

Fetty was in court Monday where he pled guilty to one count of intent to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, heroin and fentanyl for his arrest back in October.

Two of his co-defendants, Robert Leonardi and Anthony Cyntje pleaded guilty to the same count, in addition to firearms charges.

According to a rep for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York ... the 31-year-old rap star faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. Officials are estimating he’ll serve anywhere between 87-108 months … but he can't get less than the 5-year minimum. We're told Fetty is currently in custody.

TMZ broke the story … Fetty was traveling for Rolling Loud New York when feds apprehended him and his co-defendants and accused them of using USPS trucks to smuggle drugs. Over the course of their investigation, feds say they uncovered $1.5 million in cash, 16 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl pills and several guns.

Fetty also has another case pending ... for allegedly making death threats during a December 2021 Facetime call.

Originally Published -- 10:36 AM PT

Mariah Carey Arrests Made in Connection to Crime Spree ... 'So Grateful' For Law Enforcement's Help

A group of men who were allegedly responsible for a rash of crimes in Atlanta, including the burglary at Mariah Carey's home have been arrested ... and MC is singing the praises of law enforcement for delivering justice.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ 24-year-old Jeremy Caldwell, Terryion Anderson and Jalen Huff are all in custody in connection to a crime spree in the area, which included the burglary at Mariah's home. The men were arrested in Miami.

The Sandy Springs PD says the three men are responsible for a string of armed robberies, home invasions and burglaries in the area. They say several celebrity homes were targeted during the home invasions ... and during one incident a man was shot.

Sources close to Mariah tell us the singer was out of town July 27 when her home was broken into, but add she's, "so grateful for the detectives who arrived on the scene immediately."

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Mariah posted pics of herself on vacation shortly before the alleged crime happened ... so it's possible the perps were tipped off to the fact her home was empty.

Since the break-in first happened, we're told Mariah's been working closely with police to make sure something like this never happens again -- and she's already gone all-in on the redecoration, claiming it's looking better than ever.

Drake Loses $200k On Usman K.O. Bet ... Called Out By Edwards

Leon Edwards' crazy upset win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 made Drake's pockets a bit lighter this weekend -- 'cause the rapper lost out on a $200k bet!!

"The Nigerian Nightmare" was handed just his second professional loss after a head-kick knockout in the fifth round ... a result that had the fighting world absolutely shocked.

Drizzy was so confident the fight would end up in Usman's favor, he actually put up nearly a quarter million on an Usman knockout.

Of course, that didn't happen ... so all that dough went down the drain.

Edwards got wind of Champagne Papi's bet ... and made sure to clap back at the rapper in his post-fight interview, telling him to make the right decision next time.

As it turns out, Drake was taking Ls left and right on Saturday ... because he also lost $230k after Jose Aldo lost to Merab Dvalishvili.

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DRAKE FOR THE WIN

It's become a trend for Drake to place massive sports bets ... but it hasn't gone too well for him over the years -- he's lost close to a million bucks on UFC fights alone.

Leon on the other hand celebrated his knockout win Sunday at XS nightclub's "NightSwim" inside the Wynn in Las Vegas with a group of friends and of course his new belt.

Ben Affleck Wipeout ... Pooped Post-Wedding

Ben Affleck needs a nap -- at least that much is obvious from these photos of him on the road in Georgia ... where the dude looks absolutely drained post-wedding weekend.

The actor was photographed Sunday night being driven to a private airport, with a police escort in town that had the entryway to the facility blocked off to try and keep fans and photogs away.

Ben looks exhausted, leaning over to his right side with his eyes partially closed.

We're told his bride, Jennifer Lopez, was also in the SUV, but you can't see her in the pics.

It appears Ben and the gang were on their way to a private jet to get 'em outta Savannah -- where they've been for the past several days celebrating his and J Lo's second nuptials ... this time in the presence of friends and family.

Some famous faces flew in for the shindig at BA's estate -- including his bestie, Matt Damon -- but there were some notable absences as well ... including his brother, Casey, and his ex-wife Jennifer Garner. For what it's worth, Marc Anthony also skipped the get-together.

Bennifer enjoyed themselves nonetheless ... decked out in all-white and smooching at every opportunity. It definitely looked like the wedding of a lifetime, from the pics we've seen.

And, of course, it was a marathon weekend ... so yeah, Ben's due for some rest now.

Indiana State FB 2 Players Killed In Car Accident

Caleb VanHooser and Christian Eubanks, players for the Indiana State University football team, tragically died in a car accident over the weekend ... according to multiple reports.

"There are no words to express the depth of our sadness about this tragedy," school president Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. "We send our condolences to the family and friends of the students involved. The Sycamore family is mourning and will support each other in this time of grief."

VanHooser's former school -- Lakota East High School -- confirmed the tragic news of his passing ... writing, "It is with (a) heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning."

"We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP #2. We love you."

Officials from Indiana State University also released a statement, saying ... "It is with great sorrow that Indiana State University announces that police are working to positively identify three people who died in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning."

The Vigo County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 1:34 AM on Sunday, according to WTHR ... when a vehicle traveling on State Road 46 -- not too far from ISU's campus -- veered off the road, struck a tree and caught on fire.

VanHooser and Eubanks were 2 of the 5 people trapped inside the vehicle, which was engulfed in flames by the time first responders arrived, according to the outlet.

VanHooser and Eubanks were freshmen at ISU.

Once the news about VanHooser's death circulated on social media, hundreds of people wearing blue and white gathered at Memorial Stadium to pay their respects.

R.I.P.

Dr. Anthony Fauci I'm Outtie, Y'all ... Helluva Run at NIAID

Dr. Anthony Fauci is set to retire from his position as one of the country's top Docs ... but will see his duties through 'til the end of the year.

The director of the NIAID broke the news Monday with a lengthy statement. He says, in part, "I am announcing today that I will be stepping down from the positions of Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation, as well as the position of Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden."

He adds, "I will be leaving these positions in December of this year to pursue the next chapter of my career." It's unclear what Fauci plans to do next.

Fauci goes on to say what an honor it's been to serve in his role for the past 38 years, not to mention his other 15 years of service at the NIAID before he was a honcho. He's graceful in his statement, writing ... "I have worked with -- and learned from -- countless talented and dedicated people in my own laboratory, at NIAID, at NIH and beyond. To them I express my biding respect and gratitude."

Fauci's career is quite storied ... he has served under multiple presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Dubya, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and, of course, JB.

Along the way, Dr. Fauci has helped Americans combat major viruses that have plagued society in the 20th and 21st centuries -- including instrumental research and work in regards to the Ebola and Zika viruses ... not to mention the swine flu pandemic, the bird flu scare and other widespread infectious disease occurrences that hit the world over the decades.

His contributions to HIV/AIDS research can't be overstated ... Fauci was in the trenches in the '80s, and he has said much of his work is defined by that period. Dr. Fauci helped develop treatments -- although the rollout and discussion of it all were heavily criticized at the time.

Frankly, he's been a lightning rod for years now ... often bearing the brunt of widespread outrage and condemnation when it comes to the federal government's response to health-related outbreaks. That was, perhaps, most crystalized of late ... during COVID-19 pandemic.

Many will recall ... Fauci was often battling against his own boss, DT, when it came to discussing the coronavirus -- he wanted people to be cautious and get vaccinated, while Trump usually pushed for the opposite ... making for some heated public clashes.

Still, he stayed the course through it all ... and always maintained his composure. Fauci hasn't always been right from the get-go, but he did always pivot when more information surfaced and updated his recommendations as such. That much nobody can deny.

By far one of the most dedicated public servants we've had in recent history. Well done, sir.