OG 'Little Mermaid' Jodi Benson's Ariel Besmirched ... Amid Halle Bailey's 1st Look

Halle Bailey finally showed the world what she looks like as Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" reboot, but per usual -- Twitter's found a way to ruin it ... by tearing down Jodi Benson.

Here's the deal ... Disney dropped the new 'Little Mermaid' trailer Friday, and while most everyone was in awe of the first look at Halle under the sea -- some couldn't help but draw comparisons to the original voice actor who played Ariel back '89 ... that'd be JB.

Some were grabbing clips from the animated film, including iconic singing parts, and putting them up side by side with Halle's -- going on to mock Jodi's performance, by saying she sounds "a little flat."

There was more mocking ... including folks posting shots of Halle's Ariel next to the animated Ariel and noting that HB has a ton of Grammys noms, while cartoon Ariel (aka, Jodi) had zero. FWIW, 'The Little Mermaid' did in fact win a handful of Grammys at the time.

Bottom line though ... they're besmirching the iconic work Jodi did all those years ago.

There was also someone who was trying to create drama between these two ... which appears to be completely manufactured. They posted a screenshot of what looks to be a post on Jodi's IG story, showing a photo of animated Ariel with the caption, "Love my Ariel."

The Twitter user who grabbed this is trying to make it seem like Jodi posted this in response to the trailer coming out -- and as a shot at Halle, but that's not the case ... it's an old post.

Fact is, Jodi has been nothing but supportive over Halle's casting -- something a good handful on the bird app noted as they tried to shut down this anti-Jodi narrative building among rabid Halle stans. The question ... why can't we celebrate each woman's take???

There's been some racist uproar over the fact Halle, who's Black, was cast at all in this role -- and now, this response seems to be extreme opposite reaction -- at the expense of Jodi.

Truth be told, Halle looks and sounds fantastic as Ariel ... as did Jodi. We would ask, can't we all just get along and enjoy things??? But, unfortunately, we already know the answer.

Harrison Ford Emotional Over New 'Indy' Flick ... This One'll Kick Your Ass!!!

UPDATE

2:55 PM PT -- Harrison Ford reunited with an old friend/costar during Disney's convention -- none other than Ke Huy Quan!!!

UPDATE
UPDATE

The two actors posed for a photo backstage, where KHQ was hugging up on one-time 'Indiana Jones' hero. You might recall ... Ke Huy played Short Round in 'Temple of Doom' way back in the '80s, and now he's all grown up and getting work in Hollywood anew.

UPDATE

In addition to starring in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' this year -- to much fanfare -- he's also been announced as being cast in the new season of 'Loki.' Totally awesome!

Harrison Ford doesn't tear up much, but for his new 'Indiana Jones' movie -- he did just that ... promising it'll leave an impression.

The legendary actor was on hand Saturday during the D23 Expo, where the Mouse House is showing off a ton of projects they got in the works ... and the fifth installment to the beloved franchise was among the most highly anticipated.

Word is, they showed the first trailer for 'IJ5' ... and right afterward, HF came out on stage himself to talk to the crowd which had packed the place. It was here that he got emotional.

Check it out -- Harrison says this latest turn as Indy packs a punch, and not just that ... but he says it has a lot of heart, just the originals did. While saying this, the dude seemed to get a little choked up -- to which the audience responded positively with cheers and applause.

He also shouted out his costar, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who's also in the flick -- saying she's a big reason why this one rocks. As he puts it, 'Indy 5' will "kick your ass."

Also of note ... Harrison says this is gonna be his last outing as the titular character, telling the crowd this is the last time he falls down for us. The guy's literally 80 years old, so ... totally understandable.

In any case, sounds like this will be one you can't miss.

Originally Published -- 12:12 PM PT

Harry and Meghan Join Will and Kate at Windsor ... Observe Flowers for Queen

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FLOODED WITH FLOWERS
MSNBC

William and Kate appear to have extended an olive branch to Harry and Meghan -- inviting them to Windsor Castle to take in the public tributes for the Queen.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on hand Saturday, standing shoulder to shoulder with the new Prince and Princess of Wales as they stepped out and observed the scores of flowers and cards left by commoners outside the palace gates ... and there were a lot.

Each couple bent down and got a closer look at what the Brits had left there ... and they all seemed to be in harmony, not too distant and definitely showing solidarity in their mourning.

It's quite a sight, considering things haven't been all that great between Harry and William of late -- evidenced in the fact that they hadn't even seen each other immediately prior to the Queen's death ... when PH and MM were in and around the U.K. within a stone's throw.

Still, it appears they've put their differences aside at this most crucial time and are finally together. The crowds loved to see it too -- Harry and Meghan were especially getting a lot of attention as they shook hands and greeted folks.

There'll be a funeral for QE2 on September 19, and she'll lie in state for 4 days before that. Thousands of people are expected to attend the ceremony -- Harry and Meg included.

Swedish House Mafia Pull Off Epic Show in Rain Despite Damage to Millions of $$ in Equipment

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RAIN OR SHINE
TMZ.com

Swedish House Mafia had their fans dancing in the pouring rain, despite their team begging them to cut things short in order to save millions of dollars worth of equipment.

The DJ trio sold out Banc of California Stadium Friday in LA while the rain poured down for almost the entire show. Sources close to the group tell us their team begged the guys to end things early on several occasions in order to preserve equipment, but they insisted to keep playing for their fans.

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THE SHOW GOES ON

We’re told as a result, millions worth of audio and stage design equipment will need to be repaired or entirely replaced.

SHM has been rocking shows across the US over the last few weeks, and LA was the biggest outdoor show they’ve done on tour … they even added more effects for the venue.

Of course, the group headlined closing night of Coachella earlier this year, after dropping their album “Paradise Again.”

We’re told everything will be good to go for their next show, Tuesday in Vancouver.

A$AP Rocky So Over Rihanna ... In This Case, Literally!!!

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bridging the gap
TMZ.com

A$AP Rocky won't pass on the opportunity to dap someone up -- even if that means he's gotta do it right above the mother of his child, Rihanna, from down below.

That's exactly what happened early Saturday morning in NYC, where the couple (and new parents) were hanging out at a joint called the Canary Club in downtown Manhattan -- where we're told they hung out for about an hour and enjoyed themselves with friends.

Speaking of pals, AR seems to have ran into an old one on the spot -- we got video of him greeting a good buddy of his, whom he appeared genuinely surprised and happy to see.

The next part is a little awkward, just 'cause he goes for a handshake/hug -- but does it right over RiRi ... and the other guy damn near almost takes a tumble onto her, seated directly underneath them both. The scene is funny to watch, because at one point ... Rihanna actually grabs A$AP's waist, as if to tell him -- "YO, WHAT THE HECK?!"

Rocky eventually pulls away and introduces the friend ... and that was that. He and Rihanna left together as if nothing had happened, so it was all gravy in the end.

Cool to see them hitting the town -- as you know, they just had a son a few months ago -- and while dealing with a newborn must be tough, it's great they're finding time for themselves. Maybe just walk around next time, though, for an overdue reunion. 😅

Aaron Rodgers Leans Pro-Life But Supports Pro-Choice ... Government, Stay Out of Our F**king Business!!!

Aaron Rodgers has no blind allegiance to anything ... he scorns politicians -- be them Democrats or Republicans -- who impose the way they want to live on their citizens, and that includes abortion.

Rodgers appeared on Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast, which drops Sunday, and SFGATE got a preview.

The famed QB ridicules Cali, saying "State's going to s**t, but I'm hanging on." He's especially angry at the State's COVID restrictions, saying, "I grew up in a small town, very little cases up in Chico, California, but all the small businesses? F***ing gone."

Aaron lasered in on a bill that's apparently about to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that would put a doctor's license in jeopardy if he/she promotes COVID "misinformation." He asked, "What standard of information."  FYI ... this is exactly the worry doctors have over vague restrictions on abortion.

Speaking of ... Aaron says, "I don't believe the government should have any control over what we do with our bodies." He went on to say, "As much as I might lean pro-life, I don't want the government to tell me I can't smoke a cigar, I can't have a drink of alcohol, I can't choose my own medical decisions. And if I'm a woman, don't f**king tell me what do."

And then the key point ... "Like whether or not I agree with what you decide to do, who cares, and the government should not have a decision that infringes upon my own personal freedoms."

Rogers agrees with Bill ... Donald Trump is like a sore loser on the football field. Bill says, "You take it like a man. You don't go, 'We won that game.' That's what Donald Trump does. We won that game. You didn't. You lose it. It happens. You lose sometimes. Be a f**king man and just own up like every other president has ever done."

Aaron gets a lot of criticism, but you gotta say ... he's a pretty consistent libertarian.

The podcast drops Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth II The Queen is Dead ... Long Live Latifah!!!

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has caused confusion in America, because apparently lots of folks were wiping away tears thinking another queen had passed.

Queen Latifah is been trending for more than a day, according to Hip-HopDX   ... because lots of folks thought she was the one who left this earth.

Think about it ... if you were playing "Family Feud" and the clue was "Most Famous Queen," the #1 answer would clearly be QEII but Latifah would come in a strong second.

According to the outlet, the whole thing started after someone tweeted, “I told my mama the Queen died, she talking about ‘LATIFAH ????'” It became a game of telephone, and the rumor spread like wildfire!

Another group tried to reassure the panicked that the beloved, 52-year-old actress/rapper was alive and well.

Funny enough, Latifah told James Corden awhile back, after her 1996 hit, “Set it Off,” she put a “no death” clause in her acting contracts so she couldn’t get killed off in future flicks ... “When I first started doing movies, I always had these death scenes … and apparently I died too well. And then I caught on, like wait a minute, if I die in these movies, I can’t be in the sequel!”

God save Queen Latifah!

Harper's BAZAAR Icons Bash Jack Harlow Performs to Swanky Celeb Crowd!!!

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NIGHT WITH THE STARS
TMZ.com

New York was hoppin' Friday night in the Midtown area of the Big Apple, because tons of celebs hit up the town for a swanky party.

The Harper's BAZAAR 2022 Icons Party was packed with stars who put on their Friday night best, including Jack Harlow, Drew Barrymore, Alicia Silverstone, Heidi Klum & Tommy Hilfiger.

The backdrop for the shindig was, appropriately, the iconic Bloomingdales building.

The party kicks off Fashion Week. Is it just us or does it seem like there's a Fashion Week every month?

Jack was super snazzy in his black suit. Heidi and Alicia followed suit, but Drew went more colorful. Tommy was his sophisticated self.

And then there's Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui and Ashley Graham ... they got snapped during a chit-chat and ... wow!

There was entertainment courtesy of Jack, who performed a 20-minute set that included "Already Best Friends," "Industry Baby," and "I Wanna See Some Ass."

Lots of other celebs showed as well, including Jared Leto, Winnie Harlow, Julia Fox, Cassie, Emily Ratajkowski and Dixie D'Amelio.

Fun night!

Drake I'm a Stand-Up Comic Now!!! ... Hosts Nike Maxim Awards

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TAKIN' SHOTS

Parties coast-to-coast Friday night, with Drake hosting the Nike Maxim Awards in Beaverton, Oregon ... AKA Niketown.

Here's what stands out ... Drake did stand-up, and he was pretty funny. Among the yuks ... "Nike is 50. Nike's so old, it's wearing New Balance!" Respectable, for sure.

Drake took aim at Kanye, Tyga, Adidas and Reebok. He tipped his hat to the Nike stable of stars, including LeBron, Serena, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Virgil Abloh and Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the event, stars like Travis Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ronaldinho, Sheryl Swoopes, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony were there for all of Drizzy's jokes.

While most folks wear Nike on their feet, Drake decided to go north and wear it on his head!

Harry & Meghan Royal Family Could Collapse ... Unless 'Dark Skin' Comments Are Explained

There's a massive cloud hanging over The Royal Family regarding the "dark skin" comment that was allegedly made about Harry and Meghan's son Archie, and if it's not addressed soon, it could spell the beginning of the end of the monarchy ... according to a royal expert.

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CONCERNS ABOUT ARCHIE'S SKIN
CBS

As you know, it remains a mystery who within the family raised concerns about how dark Archie's skin would be when Meghan Markle was pregnant -- a stunning revelation she made in an interview with Oprah. Most experts say the likely suspects are Charles, Camilla or William.

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THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW
TMZ.com

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield tells us she believes unless the issue is ironed out privately and also explained to the public, it could cause folks to push away from the Royals.

Schofield says supporters really started to question the morals of King Charles, Prince William and Queen Consort Camilla after Meghan made the allegation. Schofield says disappointment in The Royals still looms, but could be lessened with a proper explanation.

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LOVE FROM THE KING
TMZ.com

In order for things to turn around, Schofield believes people need to know exactly who made the comment, how it was said, and if it was done with malicious intent.

Of course, if it turns out there truly was racist intention behind the comment, things will go bad quickly ... but Schofield believes the only way for The Royal Family to continue on without issue is for the comment to be aired out once and for all.

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ADDRESSING THE WORLD

Interestingly, King Charles sent his love to both Harry and Meghan when he addressed the nation Friday ... especially since the relationship has been so strained for so long.

21 Savage ICE Arrest Cops Were Wrong ... Throw Out the Evidence, Judge!!!

21 Savage wants all evidence collected during his 2019 stop suppressed ... because the superstar rapper says officers had no right to stop him in the first place.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ, 21 Savage's team filed a motion to prevent prosecutors from using any of the evidence collected after he was stopped -- claiming he was doing nothing wrong back in February 2019, when law enforcement pulled him over, making it an unlawful stop.

You might recall -- it's been a minute -- officers claim 21 threw codeine out of the car along with his keys when they pulled him over.

As for the firearm cops found in the car ... 21 says "there was no illegality for the weapon to be in the car." Regardless, the rap star was charged with drug and gun possession, and is facing deportation back to the UK ... his birthplace.

The case has been going on for years, which has made it a little difficult to maneuver as a rapper.

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WHO KILLED MJ?

Nonetheless, 21 still found time to rock the Rolling Loud and Breakaway festivals this year ... but it seems like what he really wants is this case to be over!!!

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Queen Elizabeth II has united the world in death, but not without criticism, and Kris Jenner passed a lie detector test on the subject of Kim's sex tape. So, we gotta ask ...

Queen Elizabeth II Mostly Deserves ...

William And Harry ...

Harry And Charles ...

Kris Jenner Passes Lie Detector Test ...

O.J. Swarmed By Fans In L.A. ...

Britney Spears Ripping Into Jayden ...

Ricky Martin Suing Nephew ...

Steve Jobs' Daughter Trashing New IPhone 14 ...

Michael Jackson's Death ...

Nick Young Bronny Should Forget About OSU ... Come To USC!!!

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BRONNY TO THE LEAGUE?!
TMZSports.com

Nick Young is doing his best full-court press on LeBron James' son, Bronny -- telling TMZ Sports the basketball phenom should play college ball at USC instead of Ohio State.

The NBA superstar's oldest son had the sports world buzzin' after posing in a Buckeyes uniform this week ... just days after the James gang hit up the OSU-Notre Dame football game on Saturday.

Bronny has made it clear he still hasn't committed anywhere, but he seemed to embrace wearing the Scarlet and Grey ... evidenced by how happy he and his parents were during the photoshoot.

Young -- who suited up for the Trojans from 2004-07 -- says he has a better idea in mind for Bronny ... telling us the senior guard should stay close to his second home in sunny California.

"Back home!" Young said. "I went there. Plus, it's in L.A., it's in California. Why leave and you already out here comfortable? Dad's here. Dad can come watch you play. Mom can come watch you play."

Swaggy P even came up with a nickname for 17-year-old Bronny as part of his sales pitch ... saying James should go by, "Swaggy Bronny."

We also asked Nick if he thinks Bronny has a shot of ending up with his dad on the Lake Show ... and Young thinks it's a real possibility they could play together in the NBA someday.

"Of course," Young said. "As long as Bron there, he got a future."

Murray Bartlett I'm in Town for the Emmys ... 'Lotus' Odds Favorable!!!

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HONORED TO BE HERE
TMZ.com

Murray Bartlett is going up against his own guys at the Emmys this year -- and while you might think he'd be a little competitive ... the guy's just here for a good time.

We got the Aussie actor -- who's the lead star of HBO's hit limited series, "White Lotus" -- just as he was arriving in L.A. for Monday's television award show ... and our walk-and-talk interview with him is absolutely awesome.

Check it out ... MB is radiating pure joy as he leaves LAX with a baggage handler in tow -- telling us he's super excited to be nominated, even if it means fellow 'Lotus' actors beat him.

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FINGERS CROSSED!
TMZ.com

If you didn't know, Jake Lacy and Steve Zahn -- who also appears in "White Lotus" -- are nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series as well ... but Murray's just as happy for them as he is for himself. We tell him he's the favorite to win, and the dude is completely humble.

Murray tells us he and the rest of the cast are out to party it up and celebrate the show's success, regardless of who wins. Fact is, at least one of them is due to walk away with a statuette -- because the series was so popular ... and the performances were top-notch.

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WHO KILLED MJ?

We also think we might've learned what Murry's secret to success is ... and it seems to come down to what he's munching on. The old adage is true, and then some!

BTW ... he's got a new TV show in the works -- "Welcome to Chippendales." Maybe another suitcase scene?

Stars With Bleached Brows Guess Who!

There's a fresh new body part getting bleached in Hollywood (yes there are still some spots left) and the new trend in town will have you raising a brow ... bleached eyebrows!

This new lighter look has all the stars cheezin' ... not tweezin' as they flash their white-hot hair on IG ... but can you guess the mystery celeb with the freshly done brows?

Nothing stands out more than an elongated forehead ... so brows through our gallery of bleached babes and test your celebrity knowledge to see if you can guess which star owns the washed out brows.

'Full House' Creator Jeff Franklin Relists Bev Hills Mansion For $60M ... Property Was Manson Fam Murder Site

"Full House" creator Jeff Franklin is taking another swing at selling his Bev Hills mansion, which features a glamorous layout, a dark past and now ... a greatly reduced price tag.

The massive home has been relisted for a whopping $60 million ... a steep number, for sure, but it's actually a deep discount off its original price.

The home was listed back in January for $85M, and then again in June for $70M.

And, it's very unique ... the home sits on the property where the Manson family notoriously murdered Sharon Tate, Abigail Folger, Steven Parent, Wojciech Frykowski and Jay Sebring back in 1969.

The original house was razed in 1994 and a new mansion was built there.

Now, Jeff's 9-bedroom, 18-bathroom palace sits on 3 acres of land and comes with all the glitz and glam you'd imagine -- spa, gym, hair salon, movie theater, billiards room and a bar.

Step outside and ya' basically get your own waterpark! You'll find a 75-yard pool with 3 waterfalls, 2 jacuzzis, a 35-foot water slide, swim-up bar, private grotto, koi pond, lazy river, cabana, BBQ area and fire pits.

The property also has a detached guesthouse and an underground garage that can fit up to 16 cars ... bringing the total number of parking spaces to 35!

Of course, we can't forget about the breathtaking view of the city.

BTW, Jeff hosted the reception for Bob Saget's family after his funeral in this home.

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WHO KILLED MJ?

"Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" stars Josh and Matt Altman of Douglas Elliman and Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate hold the listing.