Chris Rock Taking Heat For Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Joke ... Some Say He Deserved Slap!!!

Chris Rock has the Internet up in arms over a joke he made comparing his possible return to The Oscars with Nicole Brown Simpson's vicious murder.

Rock performed Sunday in Phoenix where he reportedly told the audience coming back to host the 2023 Oscars would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to go back to the restaurant where she ate before she was brutally murdered in 1994.

Some people on social media have accused Rock of being misogynistic and cracking jokes at the expense of a woman, similar to the criticism he got for the Jada Pinkett joke. Others on social believe Will should have slapped Chris harder.

ABC 3/27/22
TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT
ABC

It was 6 months ago when Will Smith got up on stage and slapped Chris after the comedian made a joke about Jada's shaved head.

richard simmons new promo video art
WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

Chris Rock later said he was unaware Jada suffered from alopecia.

will jada nobu mm 081522_TMZ_8483440.mxf.00_00_31_06.Still001
IF THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY

As a result, Will was banned from the show for 10 years.

Chris Brown Concert Woman Knocked Unconscious During Scary Brawl

083022-chris-brown-concert-kal
LEFT UNCONSCIOUS
TMZ.com
UPDATE

1:55 PM PT -- Law enforcement tells TMZ ... they spoke to the woman as she was being discharged from the hospital, and the Inglewood PD has opened an investigation into the incident.

​A vicious fight broke out at a Chris Brown concert Friday ... and TMZ has obtained video of the VERY SCARY scene ... a woman laid out unconscious on the ground while two men are going at it around her.

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ ... the nasty brawl started between two women in the front section of the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA, near the end of Breezy's set. Lil Baby also performed at the August 26 show.

Two men jumped into the fight ... and one of them clocked one of the women, knocking her unconscious.

Several fans dragged the woman to the side of the arena and tried to revive her, but she wouldn't move. The battle between the two men also spilled over to the side. Law enforcement sources tell us at least one person was transported to the hospital.

Our video shows the men wrestling and wildly throwing punches while the woman lays like a rag doll nearby with people standing over her.

We're told bystanders broke up the fight after about three minutes and security guards didn't do much at all when they finally arrived on the scene.

The condition of the injured woman is unknown. It's also unclear what precipitated the fight or how the parties knew each other ... if it all.

As for Breezy, he didn't seem to know what was going down and continued his performance.

TV30_NO BS BRITNEY_TXTD_ST_H264 (1).mp4.01_00_26_07.Still003
BRITNEY'S SUCCESSES AND STRUGGLES

We've reached out to police and EMS ... so far no word back.

Originally Published -- 6:23 AM PT

LLWS' Easton Oliverson Heading Home After Skull Surgery ... 'Prayers & Blessings Have Worked'

083022_little_leaguer_kal_1
TOUGH AND THANKFUL
Instagram / @miraclesfortank

Amazing news ... Easton Oliverson -- the Little League World Series player who was injured in a fall from his bunk bed earlier this month -- is now heading home back to Utah after successful skull surgery last week, and he's clearly in great spirits!

The Oliverson family announced on Monday they're finally leaving Pennsylvania a little over two weeks after the pitcher/outfielder was initially hurt ... and it's obvious Easton is pumped.

Oliverson flashed a big smile in a video message posted to his social media page Tuesday, where he thanked all of his followers for their support and prayers.

Oliverson is expected to head back to Salt Lake City at some point later Tuesday -- and his family thanked hospital staffers for everything they did in the fight to save the Little Leaguer's life.

"While this is a great step forward, it’s bittersweet leaving behind the people that have put their heart and souls into Easton’s recovery," the family said.

"THANK YOU to each and every individual at Geisinger Hospital who played a role in taking care of, and saving our boy.🤍"

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

Easton was initially hospitalized on Aug. 14 ... but has made significant strides in his recovery ever since.

Sylvester Stallone Denies Squandering Assets ... Responds to Jennifer's Divorce Petition

Sylvester Stallone is firing back at his estranged wife, Jennifer Flavin, by denying that he's hiding any of their marital property ... but wholly agreeing the marriage is dunzo.

The actor filed a response to Flavin's divorce petition in Palm Beach County, FL -- which clearly states Sly has NOT engaged in the intentional dissipation, depletion and/or waste of marital assets ... this, according to docs, obtained by TMZ.

It doesn't get more specific beyond that -- neither did Flavin, BTW -- but his attorneys make crystal clear that SS is not doing anything that could be labeled as moving/hiding assets.

Sly also has an answer for Jen's request for exclusive use of their Palm Beach mansion -- and to that, he says ... hell no. He's officially opposing her ask, letting a judge know he's firmly against that.

One thing Sly concedes ... there's no remedy to fix this mess. He acknowledges their union is "irretrievably broken" -- he's also cool with her restoring her maiden name.

As we reported ... we'd heard from sources directly connected to the Stallones that the straw that broke the camel's back might've stemmed from an argument over a dog that Sly wanted, but which Jen didn't.

TV30_NO BS BRITNEY_TXTD_ST_H264 (1).mp4.01_00_26_07.Still003
BRITNEY'S SUCCESSES AND STRUGGLES

Sly, however, denied that ... telling TMZ the Rottweiler, Dwight, didn't trigger anything ... and he and Jen had simply grown apart. He added, "I have the highest respect for Jennifer. I will always love her. She's an amazing woman. She's the nicest human being I've ever met." He'd previously told us he loved his family and wanted to deal with this privately.

083022_tmz_live_sly_stallone_divorce.01_01_26_02.Still001
SHUTTING IT DOWN
TMZ.com

At least to the public, the divorce seemed to come out of nowhere last week -- up until recently, everything between the longtime couple looked to be fine.

Ex-WWE Superstar Velveteen Dream Arrested Twice In One Week In Florida

Brutal couple days for former WWE superstar Velveteen Dream last week -- TMZ Sports has confirmed he was arrested TWICE in Florida.

According to court records, VD -- real name Patrick Clark -- was initially arrested on Aug. 20 by the Orlando Police Dept. and booked on misdemeanor charges of battery and trespass on property after warning.

It's unclear what the wrestler has exactly been accused of -- we're working on it -- but the records show his attorney filed a written plea of not guilty and his arraignment hearing, set for September, was canceled.

Just six days later, on Aug. 26, Clark was arrested again in Orange County, Fla., according to jail records.

Orange County Corrections Department officials tell us he was booked on an out-of-county warrant for a violation of probation by the Orlando Police Department.

We're told it all stemmed from a previous drug case against the wrestler in Seminole County, Fla.

OCCD officials say Clark is currently being held on a no-bond status and is still in the Orange County Jail. He is expected to be turned over to Seminole County soon.

The 27-year-old first joined the WWE in 2015 -- and he went on to become a star in NXT, showing off insane athleticism and over-the-top promos, stunts and moves. He was marred in controversy in 2020, though, following allegations that he sent indecent photos to underage kids. He vehemently denied the claims.

He ultimately left the org. in 2021 ... but had appeared to be angling for a comeback earlier this month, posting on his social media page for the first time in over a year.

Blueface & Chrisean Rock No More Physical Fights, We Swear!!!

082922-blueface-chrisean-rock-kal 8/30/22
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
TMZ.com

Blueface and his girlfriend, Chrisean Rock, are pinky promising to avoid further physical altercations -- after her arrest last week -- but it's not a great sign that they nearly got into a spat right in front of us.

The couple talked to us Monday at LAX, fresh off the rough patch they landed in when Chrisean was arrested in Arizona for hitting her man in the face ... twice. This time, they seem to be on much better terms -- looking super boo'd up on camera.

082222_blueface_kal_1 8/22/22
SERVING FACE SHOTS!!!
TMZ.com

Our photog asks what they've learned about each other and their relationship over the past month -- which has been tumultuous, to say the least.

CR is doing most of the talking here ... but what she's saying is a little weird.

Watch -- she says she's realized she shouldn't hit Blueface anymore ... publicly, that is. She also has a remedy on how to avoid conflict, and it has to do with their bedroom.

blueface-charles
CHAOS ON THE BOULEVARD

We ask if they're worried things could boil over again, and Blueface jokingly tells us he personally is ... and Chrisean gets visibly upset about that, to the point she separates from him.

Obviously, this is a very hot-and-cold couple, but they left us on a good note.

TV30_NO BS BRITNEY_TXTD_ST_H264 (1).mp4.01_00_26_07.Still003
BRITNEY'S SUCCESSES AND STRUGGLES

Here's hoping they actually take their own advice and keep their hands off each other ... because no one wants to see anyone hurt, or in jail. Just ask Chrisean -- she'll tell you herself!

Jake Paul My Next Opponent ... Anderson Silva!!!

Jake Paul's next opponent could be his biggest challenge to date -- it's none other than UFC legend and pro boxer Anderson Silva, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

47-year-old Silva is the former UFC middleweight champ ... and some even consider him the greatest MMA fighter ever, beating names like Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin and more.

We know what you're saying -- another UFC fighter?? But, anyone who's been following Silva's career knows the guy has had a resurgence in boxing ... and currently holds a 3-1 record. He most recently beat Tito Ortiz in September 2021. The loss came ages ago in 1998.

His most impressive accomplishment in the ring was a win over Julio Caesar Chavez, Jr. -- son of the legendary Mexican fighter -- who at one time was the WBC middleweight champ.

Paul, on the other hand, is 5-0 with four knockouts. He's beaten big names like ex-NBA player Nate Robinson and former UFC stars Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.

The fight is set to go down in October.

Meghan Markle Called Out By Nelson Mandela's Grandson ... For Comparing Wedding to Prison Release

Meghan Markle drawing a parallel between her marriage to Prince Harry and Nelson Mandela's prison release is pissing off a lot of people ... especially Mandela's grandson.

To be fair, The Duchess of Sussex says it was someone else who made the comparison, but going public with it is blowing up in her face.

She recently told The Cut -- she's the cover story -- about an exchange she had at the 2019 London premiere of the live-action "Lion King" film ... claiming a South African cast member told her, "When you married into this family, we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison."

Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson, doubts that conversation ever happened, though ... telling Daily Mail his grandfather's celebration was "based on overcoming 350 years of colonialism with 60 years of a brutal apartheid regime in South Africa. So, It cannot be equated to as the same."

As you know, under Apartheid rule, Mandela served 27 years in prison for sabotage and treason before his release ... and Mandla doesn't think South Africa's joy for that event can be fairly compared to Meghan marrying into royalty.

030521_oprah_meghan_markle_kal
THE TIME IS RIGHT
CBS

Meghan spilled a lot during her recent interview ... including her eventual return to Instagram after having to give up her personal account due to royal control.

030721_meghan_markle_archie_kal 3/7/21
CONCERNS ABOUT ARCHIE'S SKIN
CBS

She says, "Why would I give the very people that are calling my children the N-word a photo of my child before I can share it with the people that love my child?”

She doesn't point fingers at any specific person or moment, though.

Meghan also says Harry told her, "I lost my dad in the process" ... referring to Prince Charles no longer talking to him after they tied the knot.

Micky Dolenz Demanding FBI File on The Monkees!!! (Yes, There Actually Is One)

"Hey, hey we're the Monkees and people say we monkey around, but we're too busy singing to put anybody down."

With that kinda subversive language you can understand why the FBI investigated 60s hitmakers, the Monkees ... said absolutely no one -- and now the band's lead singer wants answers from the feds.

Micky Dolenz filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday to "obtain any records the FBI created and/or possesses on The Monkees as well as its individual members."

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, Micky filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Bureau back in June, and he says it acknowledged getting his request ... but since then it's gone radio silent.

As ridiculous as this sounds, because it is, it's already known the FBI was watching closely when The Monkees went on tour in 1967. It came out a decade ago an informant went to one of the shows and reported "subliminal messages" on the screen behind the band.

Those included images of the Vietnam war, riots on the Berkeley campus and in Selma, Alabama -- aka, "left wing intervention of a political nature" ... according to the FBI, which was then run by J. Edgar Hoover.

Dolenz, who's now 77 and the only surviving member of the group, has had enough of the feds' bureaucratic red tape, and wants a judge to force the FBI to hand over all of its records on the band.

Let's be honest ... you're dying to know where Hoover thought the "Last Train to Clarksville" was REALLY going.

Mama June Apologizes To Daughter Alana Over Birthday Text ... 'I'm Here Now Whenever You Need Me'

Mama June was notably absent from her daughter Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson's 17th birthday party ... but that didn't stop her from sending a much-needed apology in light of their estrangement.

Mama June sent a lengthy text message the day before Alana's 17th ... saying how proud she is of who her daughter's become, and wishing her a happy birthday.

She even apologizes for everything she put Alana through -- adding, "Im here now whenever u need me." She says work has to get done to fix what's broken, but is confident a change is comin'.

As you know, the waters between the two of them haven't been calm in recent years ... June lost her relationship with her family after getting busted for cocaine possession in 2019.

Alana's sister, Pumpkin -- who became her guardian after a failed intervention -- signed off for her sister to have a weight-loss procedure last month -- something Mama June told us she wouldn't have given a thumbs up to.

But, it looks like the healing might've begun, despite their falling out -- Mama June tells TMZ Alana responded to her recent text ... thanking her for the message, and saying she loves her mom too.

The text wasn't the only gift Alana got from her mom ... we're told Alana asked for a pair of $400 Low Triple Pink Nike Dunks, and Mama delivered!!! The kicks are set to arrive this week.

Bill Clinton Chats With Sex Therapist Dr. Ruth At Serena's U.S. Open Match

It wasn't just a perfect night for Serena Williams in the first round of the U.S. Open -- it was a match made in heaven for President Bill Clinton, too ... 'cause #42 had a seat right next to famous sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer!!

Wonder what they talked about.

There were a ton of celebs in Flushing to see the GOAT go up against Danka Kovinic at Arthur Ashe Stadium ... from Hugh Jackman to Offset to Mike Tyson.

But the sighting that gave most fans -- and even the commentators -- a chuckle was Billy C's interaction with Dr. Ruth ... and whatever was said, it made the former POTUS' face red.

As for the match ... Serena won easily, 6-3 6-3 ... extending her incredible career by at least one more round. As we previously reported, Williams is expected to retire after the tournament.

One of the most precious moments of the whole night was when Serena and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian's daughter, Olympia, was spotted wearing a matching outfit in the stands ... and using her own camera to capture the experience, just like King Richard used to do.

Speaking of Ohanian, TMZ Sports caught up with the proud hubby out in NYC on Monday ... and briefly talked to us about Serena's future off the court.

083022_alexis_ohanian_serena_williams_kal
STARTING THE NEXT CHAPTER
TMZSports.com

Williams will continue her last dance against #2 Anett Kontaveit on Wednesday.

Ohio Father Guns Down Daughter's Ex ... Fatal Shooting On Video

082922-father-shoots-daughters-ex-bf-kal
UNEXPECTED FIREPOWER

A father in Ohio shot and killed his daughter's ex-boyfriend during an alleged break-in at the family home ... and it's all on video.

The fatal shooting was captured on a Ring doorbell camera, and it shows the moment 22-year-old James Rayl is gunned down after forcing open the front door.

Three shots ring out and Rayl stumbles down the porch steps before collapsing in the driveway ... and police say Rayl was dead by the time officers arrived.

In the video, you hear people inside the home telling Rayl to get off the porch and leave ... and there's also a verbal warning about someone having a gun.

The girl's father, Mitch Duckro, told cops he fired the shots ... and police say an autopsy found Rayl suffered gunshot wounds to both shoulders and his back.

The fatal shooting went down in July but the video just surfaced ... and earlier this month a grand jury voted against indicting Duckro on charges relating to the incident.

'Star Wars' Han Solo's Original Prop Pistol Snagged for More than a Mil!!!

Han Solo believed there's nothin' quite like a good blaster at your side, and 'Star Wars' fans seem to agree -- that's why Harrison Ford's actual prop from the original film fetched just over a mil at auction!!!

The Rock Island Auction Company held an event for collector firearms over the weekend ... they've sold great finds before like John Wayne's weapon from "True Grit" and Alexander Hamilton's pistols, but come on -- there's nothing quite like this.

The DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol snagged $1,057,500 at auction -- but that chunk of change is nothing to a die-hard fan of the galaxy far, far away.

FYI ... it was estimated to go for $300K-500K -- almost as big of a jump as one to hyperspace.

The blaster's the same one used on-screen by the reckless smuggler himself in "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" ... and is the last surviving example of the three models that were made for the movie.

082922_harrison_ford_kal_1
BIG BUCKS FOR THE BLASTER
Rock Island Auction

The piece was originally a Mauser that George Lucas' team converted to a non-firing weapon for blanks only ... sorry, no womp rat shooting with this thing.

richard simmons new promo video art
WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?

The auction went wild, too -- climbing up and up until it hit that $1 MILLION mark ... clearly, the winner didn't have a bad feeling about this!!!

Demetrious Johnson Is Greatest MMA Fighter Of All-Time ... Says John Dodson

082922-john-dodson-kal
A WHOLE DIFFERENT BEAST
TMZSports.com

Demetrious Johnson's office ain't a UFC Octagon anymore, but "Mighty Mouse" is still the greatest MMA fighter walking the planet according to fellow fighter John Dodson, who fought DJ twice.

And, that's coming from Jon Jones' former teammate!

TMZ Sports talked to 37-year-old Dodson -- fresh off running through his first BKFC opponent (more on that later) -- when the convo turned to Johnson's greatness following his ONE Championship title win over the weekend ... where DJ avenged his 2021 loss to Adriano Moraes, winning back his flyweight title.

"To be honest with you, I put him above Jon Jones and I know Jon Jones is my teammate and training partner... I'm not saying it because he beat me, but Demetrius Johnson is the most well-rounded mixed martial artist that the world has seen."

Dodson continued ... "He's the only one I've known that's combined it so well between his wrestling, striking and also in his jiu-jitsu. He's been so creative with how he gets submission, how he wants to go and finish people and he's just a very intelligent fighter."

Dodson would know ... he's spent 50 minutes inside a locked cage with Johnson, whom he fought two times, losing both by decision. The first was at UFC on FOX 6 in January 2013. The second was at UFC 191 in September 2015.

Of course, many people believe Jones -- who only has one career loss (a BS DQ vs. Matt Hamill in 2009) -- is the greatest ever.

Jon, among so many career achievements, was the youngest UFC champ ever at the age of 23.

We also talked to John about his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship -- where he destroyed Ryan Benoit by 1st round knockout -- a bout that Dodson says rejuvenated his career.

"It feels amazing, man. To tell you the truth, it's more surreal than anything else. I feel a new breath of life coming into this," John says.

"I want to let everybody know I'm still the king of the flyweight division."

Could there be a third fight between Dodson and Johnson ... in a bare-knuckle ring? Dodson is down.

"Wooo! If Demetrious wanna do some bare-knuckle, let me know. We can knuckle up any day of the week. I'll sit there and go toe to line with him. I know I ain't backing up and he already know, I hit hard as -- well I ain't gon' say the rest of it, but you know what I'm thinking!"

Guess Who This Curled Up Kid Turned Into!

Before this brown-eyed cutie was bringing home the "Dancing With The Stars" Mirrorball trophy, she was just curled up on her famous parents' laps and growing up in Paducah, Kentucky and Los Angeles, California.

This cute kid has appeared in two films with her mother and three films with her father. During Fox's season one of "The Masked Singer," she was disguised as the Lion and opened with the song "Feeling Good."

Need one more clue on who this singer and actress is? Helping her lock in her win on season 20 of 'DWTS' was partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

Can you guess who she is?

Neena Pacholke Ex-USF Basketball Player ... Found Dead At 27

Neena Pacholke -- a former point guard for the USF women's basketball team -- was found dead this weekend after reportedly making suicidal statements ... police tell TMZ Sports.

She was just 27 years old.

A spokesperson for the Wausau Police Department tells us officers were dispatched to a home in Wausau on Saturday morning for a welfare check. When they arrived, they said they received no answer at the door.

Eventually, officers made their way into the residence and found Pacholke deceased. "Foul play is not suspected," the spokesperson said.

Pacholke's sister told the Tampa Bay Times the former basketball player died by suicide.

Pacholke starred on the court at Freedom H.S. in Tampa -- before eventually making her way to USF, where she lettered from 2013 to 2016.

She later worked as a morning anchor for News 9 in Wisconsin.

"The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well," reps for the station said in a statement Sunday. "Neena loved this community and the people who lived here. She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly."

Pacholke's sister added in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, "She just radiated love and positivity, and she just cared so much about pouring into other people, and always put other people first. I think she did that at the expense of not caring about herself."

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.