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The wild body cam footage showing a white suspect threatening to shoot a cop -- not once but TWICE -- is a stark illustration of white privilege according to author Michael Eric Dyson.

Michael joined "TMZ Live" Monday and didn't mince words about the body cam video of a tense standoff with cops in Ohio, and as he put it ... "You and I both know that had that been a motorist of color that motorist would have been dead."

ICYMI ... the video shows Merak Burr, who is white, refusing to get out of his car, flaunting a handgun on the seat next to him, and even threatening to shoot the cops!!! And, having done all of that, Burr was still able to defy the cops and drive away ... without getting shot.

Michael told us the incident highlights a point he makes in his new book, "Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America" ... which is that white privilege has little to do with wealth, and everything to do with the color of someone's skin.

Michael makes it clear ... he's glad Burr's confrontation didn't end violently but certainly wishes non-white people also got the same treatment.

It's easy to argue ... had cops given Jacob Blake the same treatment in Kenosha, Wisconsin as Burr got in Ohio, Jacob would not be paralyzed today. Remember, Jacob was shot 7 times in the back as he tried to get into his vehicle. He was unarmed but cops said they recovered a knife from the driver's side floorboard in Jacob's car.

Joe Biden said the LGBTQ+ community would be represented in his cabinet, and sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, Pete Buttigieg is actively under consideration for various posts, but we're told he didn't get his first choice.

Sources privy to the selection process tell TMZ, Buttigieg is being vetted for what could be a significant appointment. We're told the possible appointment includes Secretary of Commerce and HUD. We're told he's also under consideration to head the EPA.

Our sources say another post that has been a subject of discussion is Veterans Affairs. As you know, Pete served in Afghanistan and has a strong connection to the military. We're told, although the V.A. remains a possibility for Pete, it's unlikely.

We're told what Buttigieg really wanted was U.N. Ambassador, but obviously, that position has already been filled.

An NYPD cop went ballistic on a Trump supporter who wouldn't wear a mask in public ... a guy who cussed the cop out ... despite waving a pro-police flag.

The shouting match was captured on video this weekend in NYC at 30 Rock, where Trump supporters came face-to-face with counter-protesters. Of course, many in the Trump crowd weren't masked up -- and eventually, an officer got involved.

The cop was trying to talk over the Trump-er and the other NYC demonstrators, but wasn't getting anywhere ... that is, until she screamed at the top of her lungs.

It's kinda funny, but also pretty shocking ... because she then gets in the face of the main antagonist here (the dude with the red MAGA hat, sans mask) and they start exchanging heated words. She cools down by trying to talk to the other side, which seem more receptive to her words, but then goes right back to jawboning with the Trump supporter.

BTW, the Trump guy is holding a huge black and blue flag -- colloquially known as a Back the Blue symbol -- but he's not showing a whole lot of respect to the badge in person.

Pete Davidson making fun of a bar in his hometown and its stance against COVID restrictions is pissing off a lot of the locals, and they're blasting him for it.

A Staten Island activist named Mr. Tobacco tore the 'SNL' star a new one Monday during a news conference over the watering hole called Mac's Public House -- which has been in the news a lot lately for defying COVID closures.

ICYMI ... one of Mac's co-owners, Danny Presti, was arrested AGAIN this weekend after he allegedly let people inside (against a closure order). Tobacco and co. were addressing that when he referred to Pete's 'Weekend Update' appearance, where he criticized the Staten Island community and Mac's owners for acting like babies.

Welp, Mr. Tobacco says Pete's words are a betrayal, considering people in town know him and his fam. He got very personal and even referenced Pete's father ... a firefighter who died on 9/11 in the Twin Towers.

You'll have to watch the video to see how he frames it ... but it's pretty clear that Tobacco and some of the other Mac members were hurt by Pete, who Tobacco calls someone with a huge platform putting the little guy down.

Jenelle Evans' pet family just got a whole lot bigger ... but it seems a lot of people have a problem with that.

The reality TV star shared a cute video of her 9 new pitbull puppies nursing on their mama. Jenelle says she found the mother a couple weeks ago chained outside in the cold and took her home after attempts to locate the owner were unsuccessful.

Now she's given birth to the litter, and that means Jenelle -- and most notably, her husband, David Eason -- are caring for 10 new puppies ... something that doesn't sit well with a lot of animal lovers.

Jenelle says people keep calling the cops once they see what's going on in her house. Jenelle posted photos and videos of the newborn pups.

Of course, that's because David snapped and killed their family dog in April 2019 after it nipped at their baby ... which they'd foolishly left too close to the dog. The disturbing ordeal led to their kids being temporarily taken away and a brief breakup of their marriage.

They've gotten the kids back and reconciled, though ... and already welcomed a new puppy earlier this year, along with 2 other dogs and a goat.

Still, people clearly haven't gotten over what David did -- or, they're worried about more examples of his troubling behavior -- and don't like the idea of Jenelle and him having more pets.

Spectacular Blue Smith won't be having a spectacular time, or any kinda time, inside Disney World -- the mouse folk are pissed the rapper allegedly socked one of its employees.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... the Pretty Ricky member is now prohibited from entering all of the Walt Disney World Resort properties in Florida following his Monday night battery arrest at the park.

As we reported ... the rapper allegedly fake sneezed and said "coronavirus," presumably as a joke, while standing in a line for a ride. A park employee overheard and said something to Smith about his bad humor, and they got into an argument.

When the staffer asked him to step out of the line, and blocked Smith with his arm ... the rapper allegedly punched him on the right side of his jaw/temple area.

Cops say Smith's son claimed his dad only hit the man accidentally as he lost his balance. Not shockingly, that excuse didn't fly and Spectacular got arrested.

The mother of Daisy Coleman -- who was one of the teenage girls featured in "Audrie & Daisy," the Netflix documentary about her rape as a teenager -- has taken her own life just months after Daisy's suicide.

Melinda Coleman was found dead Sunday night ... according to SafeBAE, the sexual assault prevention and recovery organization co-founded by Daisy following her rape case.

The group says it's in "shock and disbelief" over her suicide, adding ... "The bottomless grief of losing her husband, Tristan and Daisy was more than she could face most days."

SafeBAE called Melinda a "gifted veterinarian, devoted mother and wife, and talented body builder," adding ... "More than anything, she loved and believed in her children."

We broke the story ... Daisy took her own life in August, which was discovered after her mom called the police to do a welfare check. Melinda wrote at the time, "She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could live without her. I can’t. I wish I could have taken the pain from her!"

Daisy was 14 years old in January 2012 when she was allegedly raped at a Missouri house party after being plied with alcohol. Nobody was ever convicted for it, and the 2016 Netflix doc followed Daisy and her family as they dealt with the trauma of her alleged assault, and the hostile reaction of their community.

"Audrie & Daisy" also focused on the sexual assault of Audrie Pott in September 2012 in California and her subsequent suicide.

Melinda is survived by her 2 sons, Logan and Charlie.

She was 58.

Cops in Massachusetts arrested a man who allegedly broke into a mansion owned by Tom Brady and Gisele ... but the superstars haven't lived there for months.

The Brookline Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports ... 1 suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of breaking and entering at 5:55 AM.

Cops say the suspect set off multiple house alarms -- plus, private security spotted the intruder ... so police raced over.

We're told responding units were given an access code and located the suspect in the basement area. He was arrested without incident.

The suspect, whose name hasn't been released, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning.

Tom and Gisele reportedly bought the property back in 2013 -- and built the home from the ground up. It was completed in 2015.

The 12,000-square-foot estate is sick -- 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms with a rec room, gym, wine room, spa AND an outdoor organic herb/vegetable garden.

The couple put the place up on the market in late 2019 for $39.5 million -- but then cut the price to $33.9.

They reportedly took it off the market for a while -- but recently decided to try their luck again privately, off-market ... so, it's currently up for grabs.

Of course, Tom and Gisele have moved to Tampa Bay, Florida -- since TB12 left New England to play for the Bucs.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ... Kornacki?!

That's what football fans got on Sunday night -- when MSNBC's lord of the big board took his talents to the NFL!

Kornacki -- who became a viral sensation in November for his election updates -- was called on to break down the NFL playoff picture on NBC's "Football Night in America" ... and stayed true to form.

Fast talking, lots of numbers, some hypothesizing ... and, of course, the trademark khaki pants!

Among the highlights, Kornacki pointed out the NY Giants' playoff chances jumped from 30% to 45% with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday ... and he expects that number to grow further.

Over in the AFC, Kornacki was impressed with the Cleveland Browns -- pointing out they have a 97% shot at making the post-season.

"it's not quite 100% ... but they are 97% away to the first one (playoff appearance) in 18 years," he said with a smile.

Braunwyn Windham-Burke is beyond happy in her new relationship -- and totally down for major PDA -- after becoming the first real housewife to come out as lesbian.

Sources close to Braunwyn tell TMZ ... the 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star met her girlfriend, Kris, on a dating app back in September and instantly hit it off, and they have been seeing each other romantically ever since.

We got pics of Braunwyn and Kris on a date last month, before Cali went back into lockdown, and they were all over each other during a lunch date at Conservatory in West Hollywood.

Hot and heavy as they are ... our sources say you won't see the relationship covered in season 15 of 'RHOC,' because Kris came into the picture after they were done filming.

As you know ... Braunwyn came out this week, telling GLAAD she's finally feeling comfortable with her truth.

Braunwyn's still married to her husband, Sean Burke, and says they have no plans to divorce after 20 years of marriage. They have 7 children together, including 20-year-old Bella, 18-year-old Rowan, 15-year-old Jacob, 7-year-old twins Caden and Curran, 4-year-old Koa and 2-year-old Hazel.

Our sources say Braunwyn's younger kids don't really understand she's dating Kris, and think she's just Mom's friend -- but the older kids know the deal.

Evander Holyfield says his team has been in contact with Mike Tyson's camp -- and he strongly believes they're VERY close to inking a deal for a 3rd fight.

"I'm a very confident person," Evander tells TMZ Sports ... "I think it's gonna happen."

Remember, after Mike fought Roy Jones Jr. -- Tyson revealed his team had been in touch with the Holyfield camp, but they weren't able to make a deal.

But, Evander says there's been movement -- and it's heading in the right direction.

Evander is 58. Tyson is 54.

Of course, the two first clashed back in 1996 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas -- where Evander dominated Mike before securing a win via TKO in the 11th round.

The Tyson vs. Holyfield rematch went down in 1997 -- and that's when Mike famously feasted on Evander's ears. Tyson was disqualified in the 3rd round.

Evander's last sanctioned fight took place in 2011 when he was nearly 48 years old -- defeating 46-year-old Danish heavyweight Brian Nielsen.

Holyfield has been back in the gym training like crazy -- but does he have what it takes to beat Mike Tyson, who looked phenomenal against Roy Jones Jr.?

The Real Deal is hoping to find out ... sending this message to his old rival.

Zak Bagans has all the makings of the dollhouse from hell ... he just threw down more cash for one of the famous Chucky dolls from "Child's Play."

The "Ghost Adventures" star tells TMZ ... he dropped a cool $11,000 at an auction, and scored one of the creepy dolls used in the first installment of the slasher film series.

Zak says original Chucky dolls from the movies are extremely rare, and he was expecting to have to bid six figures for this little guy. If ya look at it that way, $11k for a doll could be a steal. We guess.

Zak's Chucky is a carrying-prop from the classic 1988 horror movie, and it was used on screen before Chucky's psychopathic metamorphosis. Still pretty creepy though.

The doll's already home with Zak, and it looks like his dog, Gracie, doesn't like their new addition very much.

Zak seems to be a horror film doll collector now ... as we first told you, he recently snagged the famous clown doll from "Poltergeist" and is keeping it in his bedroom.

Business is booming for the young artist whose Kamala Harris portrait made a big splash -- he just wrapped up a special order from Janelle Monae!!!

Tyler Gordon is the Bay Area teen who wowed Kamala and the country with his portrait of the Vice President-elect ... and his reps tell us his latest work of art is a custom piece for Janelle.

We're told the singer/actress requested a portrait of herself after Tyler's Kamala painting went viral. As you can see, he painted Janelle's in black and white, but went with a green background this time -- a twist from his Kamala piece.

He hasn't delivered it to Janelle yet, and we're told he's giving her a special celeb price ... $0.

Janelle's just the latest big name to hit up Tyler ... he's also painted for Kevin Hart, Missy Elliott, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson and NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

KD actually got 2 paintings from Tyler -- one for him and one for his mother -- and Janet liked hers so much, she flew him to one of her concerts and brought him on stage.

East Coast child actor, Adam Hann-Byrd, is best known for his role as the young boy genius Fred Tate -- who gets accepted to college at 7 years old and learns about scholastics ... but mostly learns about life -- in the 1991 coming-of-age film, "Little Man Tate."

Adam Hann-Byrd was cast alongside some big-name actors including Dianne Wiest as the intelligent liaison, Jane Grierson, David Hyde Pierce as the friendly educator, Garth ... and of course Jodie Foster as the caring mom, Dede Tate.

Adam can also be spotted on the big screen in the 1995 film "Jumanji" as the young version of Robin Williams' character, Alan Parrish.

Rudy Giuliani is the latest Trump associate to test positive for coronavirus -- and the news was broken by none other than Donald Trump himself.

The President tweeted Sunday, "@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!"

Unclear when Rudy was tested, or how long he's been positive -- but in any case ... it's another one bites the dust in the Trump world. Everyone from POTUS himself to Kellyanne Conway and many others in Trump's immediate orbit have contracted the virus.

Rudy had dodged getting sick until now -- but he's been on the move a lot these past several weeks, defending Trump's election fraud claims all over the country and going to court a lot (and losing) over election fraud allegations filed by the campaign in multiple jurisdictions.

He was oftentimes seen without a mask on too, FWIW ... including just a month ago when he made an appearance at the Four Seasons (landscaping company) in Philadelphia -- where he gathered reporters for a bizarro-impromptu press conference.

Not only that, but RG had another very public hygiene moment recently -- when he was seen sweating profusely during a news conference, which caused his hair dye to start dripping down the side of his face. And sure enough ... he wasn't masked up then either.

Just earlier this week ... Rudy was in Lansing, MI with a bizarre "star witness" who was supposedly gonna blow the lid off of alleged election fraud in Michigan. There too, he wasn't wearing a mask, and neither was she. He even had the gall to ask another one of his witnesses -- who was masked -- to take remove her covering ... but she didn't.

Safe to say, this was bound to happen.

Most everyone in Trump's world who's tested positive has recovered -- and considering Rudy's one of Trump's right-hand men these days, we're guessing he'll get top-notch treatment and come out the other side.

What a year ...

We told you it was close ... and now it's official -- Floyd Mayweather is fighting Logan Paul.

Here's what you need to know ... it's an exhibition boxing match set for Feb. 20, and it's available on Pay-Per-View on Fanmio.

(An "exhibition" means the fight will NOT count on either fighter's professional records)

Floyd is 43-years-old and boasts a legendary 50-0 record as a pro, with wins over all-time greats like Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez.

Logan is 25-years-old and 0-1 as a pro, after losing a split-decision fight to YouTube star, KSI, back in 2019.

Floyd is 5'8" and last fought at 150 pounds. Logan is 6'2", 200 pounds.

Fanmio -- a site where fans can pay for custom videos from celebs -- says the PPV price is $24.99 right now ... but that number will go up at various benchmarks, until Feb. 11, when the price locks in at $69.99.

As we previously reported, Logan's team went to Floyd's camp with an offer for a boxing match earlier this year ... but it wasn't an easy process to get Mayweather to sign the dotted line.

Logan launched a public campaign trashing Floyd everywhere -- and saying he would beat TBE's ass any time, any place ... and finally, Floyd decided to put pen to paper.

Floyd responded to Logan on social media in November -- saying, "These YouTube girls better find some Barbie dolls to play with cause I’m not the one for the kid games. 3 years ago a fighter from the UFC said my name and I had to put a muzzle on that bitch. @loganpaul can get the same treatment before I go conquer Japan again."

Logan's only professional fight was against his YouTube rival, KSI, back in Nov. 2019 -- a 6-round fight Paul lost via split decision.

But, the takeaway from that fight was that Logan can scrap -- and the impressive PPV numbers proved he can draw an audience.

Floyd, a master promoter, knows a good thing when he sees it ... he clearly thinks he'll make a ton of money with little-to-no risk.

Remember what Floyd did to Conor McGregor when they fought back 2017?!?!? He dominated the UFC champ while taking a $300 to $400 million payday!!

No word how much each fighter stands to make this time around ... but Floyd wouldn't even consider taking this on if it wasn't a HUGE number.