Anti-Masker Spews Asian Slurs, Threats ... 'Go Back to F***ing China!!!'

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HATEFUL TIRADE
Nextdoor

A couple's refusal to wear face masks inside a Sephora, spilled into a parking lot confrontation where one guy hurled Asian ethnic slurs.

In this video, you see the guy behind the wheel of a Jeep get out of his car as he's yelling "go back to China," and calling the person recording him a "stupid g**k."

According to witnesses, this all started Sunday inside Sephora in Irvine, CA ... and the couple in the video allegedly refused to wear masks, which upset nearby customers ... including the woman recording this video.

They met again in the parking lot just outside the store ... and on top of hurling epithets, the guy charged toward the woman in a threatening way, saying ... "Are you really that stupid? You know that recording doesn't do anything."

Doesn't look like police got involved this time, and the guy threw one more bigoted parting shot as he pulled away -- "Stay home, and thanks for giving my country COVID."

Kudos to the woman who got the brunt of this hate speech -- she's choosing to focus on positives, and posted ... "I understand there's always unfortunate people living in hate. It's pathetic."

What she said.

Ice-T My Big Fear of Appearing on 'Masked Dancer' ... Busting My Ass!!!

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WON'T CATCH ME SLIPPIN'
TMZ.com

Ice-T had just one worry about appearing on "The Masked Dancer" ... busting his ass!!!

The 'Law & Order: SVU' star joined "TMZ Live" and said everything was fine and dandy when he agreed to do the new FOX show. It was only one day of filming for him, he said, and the choreography also was a breeze. But then ... he got into costume.

The actor/rapper told us after putting the 20-pound head on his body ... he struggled to even lift his foot. He said his only focus at that point was simply not crashing to the ground.

Ice was super worried, not just about falling, but -- even worse -- becoming a  meme loop.

Ice-T was confused about the show when his manager called him -- all he knew about was "The Masked Singer." But, his 5-year-old daughter, Chanel, was a fan of the show and that was enough for him.

As for why Ice only taped one day -- he was first to be eliminated. It doesn't sound like he was too upset with the judges' decision.

"The Masked Dancer" airs on Fox, Wednesdays at 8 PM ET.

Jillian Michaels Home Workouts Great But Gyms Offer Huge Benefits!!!

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fitness options galore!
TMZ.com

Jillian Michaels loves that people used quarantine to focus on their health with at-home workouts, but she also stresses the importance of gyms will be obvious when we get back to "normal."

The fitness guru joined "TMZ Live" and said the silver lining in the pandemic-ravaged year is people at home found creative ways to stay in shape when the coronavirus forced gyms to shut down across the country.

That being said ... Jillian said there's something to be said about the benefits a gym offers. And, it doesn't matter if it's a huge gym, a boutique gym or even just a yoga class ... the benefits range from having a social environment to the intensity of in-person instruction.

Jillian's not knocking at-home workouts. Far from it. In fact ... she loves all the options spinning bikes, workout apps -- she has a very popular one -- and other devices have to offer. But, in a post-pandemic fitness life ... she envisions folks subscribing to what she calls a hybrid model.

Willie Roaf Taysom Hill Can Take Over For Brees in 2021 ... He's Like Kyler & Lamar

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A LOT OF POTENTIAL
TMZSports.com

Legendary Saints OL Willie Roaf says he's confident Taysom Hill can take over for Drew Brees in 2021 if necessary ... telling TMZ Sports the QB has all the tools to be great.

"Taysom Hill has looked good," Roaf says. "He's played well. He's got a lot of potential."

Brees just took the starting reins back from Hill last Sunday after returning from his rib and lung injuries ... but he didn't look sharp in a loss to the Chiefs, and now, the questions about his future in New Orleans are swirling again.

Many are wondering if the 41-year-old will hang it up after this season ... and if so, would Sean Payton be comfortable going into 2021 with Hill under center?

Roaf thinks it's all certainly possible ... telling us 30-year-old Hill has similar traits to star QBs like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray.

"He's in the mold of the young guys," Roaf says. "He uses his legs. He's a big guy. He's like a running back. But, he can throw the ball."

Roaf added he doesn't believe the Saints need to draft any signal callers this offseason.

But, the N.O. legend did advise Payton to give a longer look at Jameis Winston next season ... saying the former #1 overall pick could be a viable option to replace Drew one day too.

Guess Who This Gifted Girl Turned Into!

Before this cute kid in her holiday dress and matching shoes was gifting the world with her acting skills and eye-popping social media selfies, she was just another excited kid unwrapping present on Christmas morning in Waldorf, Maryland.

If you're struggling to unbox who might be behind this cute kid pic, maybe you should take a look at her lovely films like "Falling Inn Love" and "Love Don't Cost a Thing."

Tear into this selfie of an adorable tot under the tree and test if you can guess which celeb is behind the merry little throwback photo.

Can you guess who she is?

President Trump Finally Signs COVID Relief Package ... Promises Big Trade-off

President Trump's folding ... the guy finally put pen to paper on the latest COVID relief package that he shot down last week, which means some cash is one the way to Americans -- plus, a potential trade-off he insists is on the way too.

Trump signed the $900 billion-plus bill Sunday -- also helping fund the government and avoiding another shutdown -- which will get a second round of stimulus checks to adults who qualify ... namely, in the amount of $600 ... plus other assistance.

In a statement to his supporters, he says he's signing the legislation on the condition that Congress look into alleged voter fraud from the election, take up a new bill guaranteeing higher payments and revisit a provision about big tech (and who can sue them).

For now, though, this will have to do ... or so it seems.

The timing is odd ... if Trump was gonna sign anyway, why didn't he just do it Tuesday, when checks could've possibly gotten to folks before the New Year (and before their unemployment benefits lapsed, which happened this weekend because of his delay. Plus, rent is due)?

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THE BILL'S TOO FAT!!!
@realDonaldTrump / Twitter

Remember, 45 made a big stink at the 11th hour ... indicating he'd veto the bill -- which members of his own administration helped negotiate -- because he felt the stimulus money was too low, not to mention the fact the bill was packed with tons of other spending that had nothing to do with COVID. Again, things his team negotiated.

DT demanded $2,000 for individuals and up to $4,000 for families -- something Dems actually praised and were willing to do STAT. Problem is, Trump was nowhere near on the same page as his Republican colleagues on that front ... and the messaging was all off.

Now, after leaving people wondering if they'd get any assistance before Joe Biden takes office ... he's put down his signature, on the basis of supposed promises which may not even come to pass, despite his assertions that it will.

So, all of that waiting was for ... nothing, really. Not just that, but the funds probably won't see bank accounts for at least another week, and Americans needed help yesterday. Thanks!!!

Anthony Quinn Warner Confirmed as Nashville Bomber ... Died in RV Explosion, Photo Released

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SUSPECT CONFIRMED
WZTV Fox 17 News, Nashville
UPDATE

4:27 PM PT -- CBS has released the first purported photo of Anthony Warner.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Correspondent Jeff Pegues writes, "@CBSNews has obtained a photo of Anthony Quinn Warner, the Person Of Interest in the #Nashville #bombing. Investigators believe he died in the blast...more to come"

Authorities have confirmed the identity of the Nashville bomber -- it's who everyone thought it might be, and his fate is also sealed ... the guy's a goner.

The U.S. Attorney for Tennessee made the revelation Sunday at a presser, saying 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner is, indeed, the man they believe detonated a bomb in an RV that was camped out in front of the AT&T building in downtown Nashville early Christmas morning.

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WATCH THE EXPLOSION

He also said Warner died at the bomb site, and that human tissue discovered -- and later analyzed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation -- matched Warner's DNA profile.

As for the RV ... officials say that, too, also belonged to Warner. They linked the VIN number to him. It appears the vehicle had been in his possession for a while, as it had been seen parked at his property as recently as last year. Neighbors also ID'd it in interviews.

Still no word on motive -- although there's speculation he might've been paranoid about 5G tech, but that hasn't been confirmed. The feds also say they can't link his act to any type of ideology they've picked up on in the early days of their investigation. As a result, they aren't dubbing it as terrorism just yet.

Fortunately, Warner himself is the only fatality from the bombing ... which is pretty miraculous considering how big it was. A few people were injured, but not critically.

The moments leading up to the explosion add an extra layer of unease as the why continues to be a mystery ... Warner had an alarm blaring for several minutes telling people to evacuate, and then right before his bomb went off -- cops say he played Petula Clark's "Downtown."

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UTTER DESTRUCTION
TMZ.com

Surrounding businesses were decimated in the blast -- not to mention other damage to public property -- and several shopkeepers are looking for help as they navigate next steps.

Originally published -- 2:31 PM PT

Cardi B Settles Lawsuit with Ex-Manager 'Feels Good to be Free'

Cardi B's legal beef with her ex-manager is finally over -- and she seems to be pretty dang pleased with the results.

The rapper settled the dispute between her and Shaft, her ex-manager, who sued her for $10 mil in 2018 ... claiming he discovered her, and that she left him out in the cold once she truly blew up after the success of her first megahit "Bodak Yellow."

Shaft claimed his team of writers/producers crafted that song for her, and not only that ... he alleged he put her on the path to mainstream fame by getting her on VH1's 'Love & Hip Hop' -- only to be denied proper payment when she secured millions thereafter.

Cardi, of course, countersued for $15 million ... claiming the contract she signed with him way back when was incredibly unfair and way too one-sided -- not to mention greedy in how much of a cut he was allegedly trying to collect from her (a 20% commission at first and then 50% off her Sony publishing deal later, she claimed). She also said that Shaft tried controlling almost every aspect of her life ... including whom she could date, like Offset.

Those lawsuits were working their way through the system for a while -- and Cardi was even making requests about how her upcoming deposition oughta be handled -- but in the end ... it appears both sides have reached a mutual agreement to sweep all this under the rug.

AllHipHop obtained docs showing the matter was dismissed with prejudice -- meaning neither party can refile about the same grievance again. They also agreed to cover their own attorneys' fees.

Usually, that means money's exchanged hands in some form -- but by the way Cardi's talking after news broke of her settlement ... it would appear she considers herself the victor.

She tweeted, "Feels good to be free."

'Super Gonorrhea' Cases Rise Due to COVID Overuse of Antibiotic to blame

2020 was the year of 'rona, but 2021 could be another year plagued with a new ailment that's apparently on the come up ... "super gonorrhea," which is getting a COVID assist.

The World Health Organization (WHO) told the Sun a mutant, more powerful strain of the burning STD is spreading worldwide ... partly because of the pandemic, which has gotten more people on drugs and antibiotics -- plus, limited their access to healthcare.

The WHO rep says, "Overuse of antibiotics in the community can fuel the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea. Azithromycin -- a common antibiotic for treating respiratory infections -- was used for Covid-19 treatment earlier in the epidemic."

This is true ... in the early days of the virus, docs and hospitals were prescribing azithromycin, thinking it could help ward off problems caused by COVID -- but the therapeutic has recently been debunked as mostly ineffective.

There's more though ... the WHO rep goes on to explain STI services have been severely curtailed due to shutdowns and all ... and because of this a lot of people have gone undiagnosed and untreated, which could have led to super gonorrhea spreading.

As a result ... the regular form of gonorrhea we all know and love has gotten stronger and more resistant to antibiotics that would normally kill it (like azithromycin). Not only that, but having it increases your chances of contracting HIV by at least 5 times ... so there are bigger ramifications.

So, what's the solution??? A few things, according to medical experts ... new treatments for one, less prescribing of antibiotics unless necessary, and maybe more protection during sex.

Pick your poison 🤷🏽‍♂️

Nashville Bomber Taunts Cops with Song 'Downtown' Before Blast

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WATCH THE EXPLOSION

The Nashville bomber made a game out of his terror plot ... he not only amplified his 15-minute warning to authorities, he wanted the area to reverberate with a classic song that has a connection to the area.

Authorities and others in the area heard the song, "Downtown" by Petula Clark blaring from the RV that eventually exploded, wreaking havoc in Nashville's downtown area.

A police spokesperson who clearly was unfamiliar with the song by butchering the singer's name -- he's got an excuse because he's too young to know the tune -- said the song is all about shining lights and such.

As we reported, authorities are looking at a person of interest ... 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner, who had an RV that looked just like the one that exploded and has not been seen since the bombing. He's also the right age to know the song, which became a massive hit in 1964.

There's another verse -- the opening one, actually -- that could be more telling ... "When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always go, downtown."

The FBI seems to be working on the theory Warner, who did IT work, was paranoid over 5G technology, believing it was being used to spy on Americans. The AT&T building was heavily damaged. It's unclear if it was the target of the attack.

Phil Niekro Knuckleball Pitcher Dead at 81 ... After Cancer Battle

Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro -- famous for his wicked knuckleball that allowed him to pitch as an older guy -- has died.

The Atlanta Braves made the announcement Sunday, saying Niekro passed away Saturday in his sleep at his home in the ATL suburb of Flowery Branch. They say he'd been battling cancer for a while.

The Braves heaped praise on Phil ... "Knucksie was woven into the Braves fabric, first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta. Phil baffled batters on the field and later was always the first to join in our community activities." They add that he was a longtime presence in their clubhouse and community for years to come after finally retiring from baseball in 1987.

Niekro was one of the rare knuckleball pitchers who could seemingly wield an uncontrollable and unpredictable pitch ... a rare skill that helped him stay on the mound well into his 40s, which isn't all that common in baseball (for pitchers, anyway). And, yes, his stuff was nasty.

He had a cumulative ERA of 3.35 over the course of his 23-year career, with a total of 3,342 strikeouts and a win record of 318. Phil got his start in the big leagues with the Braves in '64 and played for them until 1983, at which he began to bounce around a few different teams.

The man played for the Yankees, the Indians, the Blue Jays ... and finally, circled back to his first love and ended his career in Atlanta. During his final outing on September 27, he received a massive standing ovation from the crowd as he bid them and baseball adieu.

Phil was a five-time gold glove winner and a five-time all-star, plus the recipient of tons of other accolades ... including the MLB ERA leader at one point, the National League strikeout leader and more. PN was inducted into the MLB HOF in 1997 as fifth ballot candidate.

He's survived by his wife, Nancy, his three sons and grandchildren. He was 81.

RIP

Jennifer Aniston Dragged on Social Media ... Your COVID Ornament Is Offensive

Jennifer Aniston has something in common this Xmas with chestnuts -- they're both getting roasted.

Aniston's getting dragged for posting a pic of an engraved, circular wooden ornament with the inscription, "Our first pandemic 2020."

Lots of folks felt Jen was trying to be inappropriately cute over a disease that has taken the lives of more than 300,000 Americans and steadily counting.

Aniston has not responded to the criticism.

It's the first blowback Aniston has gotten since joining Instagram in October, 2019 which shattered records for the fastest growing celeb on the platform.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Aniston scored nearly 5 million followers in just 12 hours after posting a selfie with Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry. Her followers have grown to 36 million.

As for the current pic ... well, COVID ain't cute by any measure.

Nashville Bombing Bomber May Have Been Paranoid ... Over 5G Technology

The Nashville bomber may have had a motive that had nothing to do with hurting people ... it seems the FBI believes he may have been paranoid over 5G technology.

As you know, one of the structures damaged was the AT&T building. The person of interest authorities are honing in on -- 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner -- may have feared 5G was being used to spy on Americans ... this according to a report by the NBC affiliate in Nashville.

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WATCH THE EXPLOSION

The FBI interviewed a Nashville real estate agent who had hired Warner to do IT for him. Agents asked the realtor if Warner had mentioned anything about his feelings toward 5G technology, but he had not.

As we reported, Warner had an RV on his property that was similar to the one carrying explosives that detonated Xmas Day in the business district of Nashville, knocking out AT&T service.

There's another interesting turn ... Warner apparently had conveyed the property to a 29-year-old woman last month ... this according to the NY Post. He transferred title without charging her a penny. The woman told The Post she had no knowledge of the transfer.

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UTTER DESTRUCTION
TMZ.com

Warner and his RV have not been seen since the bombing, at least not publicly. As we reported, tissue was found at the scene which authorities say could be human remains. The operating theory seems to be this was a suicide bombing.

Rapper Lil Tjay Swarmed by Cops at Video Shoot ... Not Arrested

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STOPPED AND FRISKED
@liltjay / Instagram
UPDATE

11:50 AM PT -- The NYPD tells TMZ ... officers responded to a housing project in Queens after getting calls about people waving guns. When cops arrived, we're told they found upwards of 150 people in a courtyard, with tons of vehicles all around parked illegally.

UPDATE

Because of the nature of the call, officers searched several of the illegally parked vehicles ... including one in which Lil Tjay was sitting. They didn't find a firearm inside, and Lil Tjay wasn't arrested either. Neither was another artist who was filming with him, Fivio Foreign.

UPDATE

NYPD says they did arrest one guy -- 21-year-old Tahjay Dobson -- for gun possession, resisting arrest and false personation ... this after cops say they found a pistol with a loaded clip in a vehicle he was occupying.

Rapper Lil Tjay had his music video shoot unceremoniously interrupted by New York cops, and it's unclear why he was targeted.

The 19-year-old rapper was shooting the vid when cops searched his car. Lil Tjay hopped on Instagram during the stop and recorded it.

A crowd gathered around the vehicle as NYPD cops conducted the search. It's unclear if anything was found.

A crowd gathered around to watch what happened. Lil Tjay, who is one of the biggest new rappers of last year, was not arrested.

Tjay has had trouble with the law in the past, but it's unclear if that had anything to do with the encounter.

We contacted the NYPD to find out why they stopped Tjay ... they said they are putting together a response and would let us know.

Originally Published -- 5:47 AM PT

Anwar Hadid I'm An Anti-Vaxxer ... The Body Heals Itself

Anwar Hadid will NOT get the COVID vaccine, despite the fact he has an underlying condition and is therefore more at risk for a bad outcome if he gets the virus.

Anwar, the little brother of models Gigi and Bella Hadid who followed in their footsteps down the runway, was asked on Instagram if he'd get inoculated, and he couldn't have been clearer ... "Absolutely not."

The 21-year-old was chatting with fans when he made it clear ... he's an anti-vaxxer ... "Either I just don't get it or I get it and god willing heal from it and get antibodies rather than do that process unnaturally, our bodies are made by the creator to do way more than we think."

Anwar has Lyme disease, which could put him more at risk for COVID complications than many of his 21-year-old contemporaries. To make it even dicier, some COVID symptoms are similar to Lyme disease symptoms.

He's since deleted his message but is still getting criticized. Anthony Fauci says we are not out of the woods until at least 70% of the public gets the vaccine. Anwar isn't helping in that effort.

Pro Wrestling Brodie Lee Dead at 41 ... Non-Covid Lung Issue

Brodie Lee -- the former WWE Intercontinental champion -- died Saturday after battling a non-COVID related lung issue, his family announced. He was only 41.

Lee -- real name Jon Huber -- was a superstar with WWE from 2012 to 2019 before jumping over to AEW in 2020 ... and was a fan favorite with both organizations.

"He passed surrounded by love ones after a hard fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue. The [Mayo Clinic in Florida] is literally the best team of doctors and nurses in the world who surrounded me with constant love."

Jon and Amanda were married back in 2008 and have 2 children together.

"My heart is broken," Huber's wife Amanda said in a statement ... "He was my best friend, my husband, and the greatest father you would ever meet."

"The world saw him as the amazing [Brodie Lee] (formally known as Luke Harper) but he was my best friend, my husband, and the greatest father you would ever meet."

Amanda has credited the leadership at AEW with helping her through this tough time -- and the org. has since issued a statement saying "the All Elite Wrestling family is heartbroken."

"In an industry filled with good people, Jon Huber was exceptionally respected and beloved in every way -- a fierce and captivating talent, a thoughtful mentor and simply a very kind soul that starkly contradicted his persona as Mr. Brodie Lee."

WWE honcho Triple H also weighed in ... saying, "Amazing talent ... Better human being, husband and father."

Matt Hardy -- "I'm shattered over Brodie’s passing. He was full of life with a wife & young children he loved. A devastating reminder of how fragile life is. Rest well, friend."

Huber first became a star with the WWE as Luke Harper, a member of the Wyatt Family -- and won the NXT and WWE SmackDown tag team championship.

He left the Wyatt Family in 2014 and wrestled Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental belt -- but Ziggler won it back a short time later.

In the years that followed, Huber re-joined the Wyatt family and also formed the tag team "Bludgeon Brothers" with Erick Rowan.

Once Huber left WWE and signed with AEW, he won the AEW TNT Championship -- and held it for 46 before losing the title in a match that aired on Oct. 7th.

After that, Lee took a leave of absence from pro wrestling for an undisclosed medical issue. Clearly, it seems that's he learned about his lung situation and unfortunately, never made it back to the ring.

RIP, champ.