'FBoy Island' Star CJ Franco 'Bachelorette' Needs to Evolve ... FBoy Surplus Out Here!!!

081021_cj_franco_kal
NEEDS SOME SPICE
TMZ.com

CJ Franco thinks traditional dating shows like "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" need some major overhauls to stay relevant, because -- as she's learned the hard way -- dating in real life ain't all roses and proposals.

We got the hot model and a friend Tuesday outside Olivetta, and got her take on "The Bachelor" franchise ... seeing as how she's one of the stars of HBO Max's "FBoy Island" ... a dating show competitor.

CJ says the premise of her show is more rooted in reality than the 'Bachelor' brand ... because as she attests, the dating pool is light on Prince Charmings and heavy on so-called "FBoys."

The latest season of "The Bachelorette" just wrapped with another proposal -- although, we'll see if it lasts -- and CJ says folks are getting tired of the same thing over and over again.

With a slew of new dating reality shows on streaming services, she thinks the 'Bachelor' franchise has to make some changes ... or risk going the way of the dinosaur.

The key to TV success, the way CJ sees it anyway ... is making a dating show that's more relatable to the women and men watching at home.

For those of you who aren't single, she gives us a painfully honest report on what dating is really like in the trenches. Watch, pretty sure CJ threw a jab at our photog too! 😲

Manny Pacquiao Still Down To Fight Errol Spence ... Once He's Healthy

081021_manny_pacquiao_kal
PRAYING FOR HIS RECOVERY
TMZSports.com

Boxing fans still hoping to see Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence square off in the ring ... don't give up hope just yet, 'cause the legendary pugilist tells us he's down to scrap with the 31-year-old once he's healed up.

Of course, 42-year-old Pacquiao and Spence -- the IBF and WBC welterweight champ -- were scheduled to box August 21 in Las Vegas ... but doctors discovered Errol had a torn retina -- a serious eye injury -- during pre-fight medical evaluations.

But, the fight isn't dead just yet.

TMZ Sports spoke to PacMan just minutes after the fight was canceled ... and we asked the 8-division world champ if he'd re-book the bout in the future.

"I have no problem [fighting Spence]. As long as he’s still physically fit, then okay," Pacquiao says.

Errol's out, but Manny -- coming off wins over Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner -- is still fighting later this month ... taking on the WBA Super Welterweight champion, Yordenis Ugas.

Ugas isn't regarded as a top pound-for-pound fighter like Spence, but MP says he isn't overlooking the 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner.

"I still consider it a good fight, a hard fight. I will not be taking this fight lightly. I have to make sure that I’m not overconfident."

Guess Who This Umbrella Girl Turned Into!

Before this umbrella girl was making audiences laugh in film and television, she was just another pretty in pink pipsqueak getting ready for a rainstorm in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

This curly-headed cutie got her start in the entertainment industry early on as a teenager with a feature in a "Sex and the City" episode. Later, she rose to fame with her hilarious roles in movie comedies -- including an awkward sorority sister alongside an ensemble of funny females.

Recently, this celebrity personality gained popularity for her super skills in a Marvel-ous streaming series on Disney+.

Can you guess who she is?

Ben & Jen House Hunting at $85 Million Estate

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were on the hunt Tuesday for a house, and there are real signs they're looking to buy something together.

J Lo and Ben were all over the L.A. area, and one of the homes they looked at is eye-popping. It's a Beverly Hills estate listed for $85 million, and it's incredible.

The main house is 38,000 square feet and has 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, an indoor sports complex complete with a basketball court and boxing ring, a massive pool, and on and on. There's also a "guest penthouse" and a caretaker's house. There's also a 2 bedroom guardhouse. It has parking for 80 guests.

Our sources say it looks like this is a house not just for Jen but for them.

The couple then went over the hill to the San Fernando Valley, where they looked at the former Bob Hope estate in Toluca Lake. The house is currently owned by tycoon Ron Burkle and is listed for $40 million. It sits on 5 acres and even has a 1-hole golf course.

The fact they're looking at massive homes -- especially the one in Beverly Hills -- is further evidence they are going to move in together. Jen has a home in Bel-Air which she loves, so the only reason for moving is more space. Ben has a home in Pacific Palisades.

They've been looking together for a while now, and all signs point to a blended family in their future.

NHL Legend Tony Esposito Dead At 78 ... After Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

Hockey Hall of Famer Tony Esposito -- one of greatest goalies EVER -- died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer ... NHL officials confirmed.

He was 78 years old.

"The hockey world will miss him greatly," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Marilyn, sons Mark [Kim] and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn."

Esposito joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 1969 and went on to star for the team for 15 years -- winning the Vezina Trophy three times.

Esposito -- whose brother, Phil Esposito, was also a mega-NHL star -- was named an All-Star five times ... and finished his career with a 418-302 record and a 2.93 goals against average.

He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

"It is a sad day for the Blackhawks and all of hockey," said the Blackhawks, who have already retired Esposito's #35 jersey. "But, with his wonderful family, let us celebrate a life well lived."

"Tony Esposito's banner will be part of the United Center forever, as will his legacy as a superstar, on and off the ice."

RIP

Christina Ricci I'm Pregnant!!! After Nasty Divorce

Christina Ricci is getting ready to welcome a little bundle of joy, and the timing of her pregnancy announcement is interesting ... as it comes immediately on the heels of her finishing up a nasty divorce.

The "Casper" and 'Addams Family' star shared a photo of her ultrasound Tuesday ... and the image makes it seem like she's pretty far along. Disclaimer: we're not doctors.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Christina's clearly thrilled to be expecting her second child ... saying, "Life keeps getting better."

What she didn't say -- not that she has to, either -- is who the expectant daddy is.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

We're not at all connecting any dots here, but Christina's hairstylist Mark Hampton also posted images of her ultrasound with the same caption she did. Could just be a very supportive friend.

Anyway, the pregnancy comes after Christina filed to divorce film producer James Heerdegen after nearly 7 years of marriage, and their split was contentious.

TMZ broke the story ... Christina got a domestic violence restraining order against Heerdegen after filing divorce docs ... claiming he beat her and terrorized her during the COVID lockdown.

A judge signed off on Christina's divorce last month, officially making her a single woman ... and with her pregnancy, things are looking up for her again.

NCAA Champ Cameron Burrell Track Star Dead At 26 Years Old ... Carl Lewis' Godson

Track star Cameron Burrell -- former NCAA champion and godson of the legendary Carl Lewis -- passed away at the age of 26 years old, his family announced Tuesday.

Burrell was a star at the University of Houston ... capturing the 100m championship in 2018. CB also anchored Houston's 4x100m relay team. Bottom line, he was the fastest college athlete in the U.S.

CB was also 3x NCAA All-American in multiple events ... and held an NCAA record in the 4x100m relay.

Cameron's dad, Leroy Burrell, announced the devastating news through the U of Houston, saying ... "My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night."

"We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends."

"We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support. We will forward more information when it is available.”

Cameron was following in his dad Leroy's footsteps ... who was a former world record holder in the 100m and gold medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 4x100m relay.

Burrell's godfather was legendary track star, 9x Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis.

The circumstances surrounding Cameron's death are currently unclear ... but medical records show the place of death as a "parking garage."

Story developing ...

North Carolina Golf Bear Cub Picks Fight W/ Flagstick ... Adorable Video!!!

081021_bear_capture_flag_kal_1
CUBS CAPTURE THE COURSE
ViralHog

Forget eagles and birdies ... baby bears are now clearly the best animal you'll see on a golf course -- 'cause 3 invaded a North Carolina green this month, and it was ADORABLE!!!

The cute scene all went down last Friday in Lake Toxaway ... when a course employee caught three cubs causing quite the scene on one of the holes.

In the footage, you can see as 2 bears wrestled ... another picked a fight with the flagstick, rolling around with the pin and biting the hell out of it!

The shenanigans went on for about a minute ... with the 3 stomping all over the carefully curated grass without a care in the world.

Eventually, the trio of cubs ran off ... which was probably the best news for all of the golfers on the course, as the person who shot the vid said the bears' Mom was close by.

Unclear what golf's rules of play are in this setting ... but probably best to mark down a par and move on to the next hole. Deal?

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Resigns After Harassment Probe ... Denies Criminal Activity

081021_andrew_cuomo_kal2
MY TIME TO GO
NY.gov
UPDATE

9:08 AM PT -- Gov. Cuomo is, indeed, bowing out ... he just said he's abandoning his post as a way to avoid distractions from what he says is the job of the Governor -- although, he is still firmly denying the allegations and characterizations of harassment against him.

UPDATE

Cuomo says he's resigning ... which will be effective in 14 days. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will step in once he's gone.

UPDATE

His rationale pretty much amounted to this ... while he feels he hasn't gotten a fair shake from the harassment probe, he acknowledges that the controversy that would follow if he doesn't resign would be overwhelming, and turn NY into a circus of sorts.

UPDATE

Instead of navigating that -- and potentially hindering his office's function -- Cuomo says he thinks it's best if he steps aside and let someone else take the reins. That said, he made sure to note that he did screw up by being too familiar with women he's worked with ... but still feels the political climate has wrongly forced his ousting.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is about to address the elephant in the room -- the growing pressure for him to step down in the wake of the NY Attorney General's finding he sexually harassed several women.

The 10-year N.Y. guv is holding a news conference Tuesday morning. It will be his first public comment since last week when NY AG Letitia James announced the results of her office's investigation -- saying Cuomo had sexually harassed former and current female staffers, dating back to 2013 all the way up to 2020.

It's unclear if he's announcing his resignation, but last week he remained defiant ... saying he would not. Just about every prominent Democrat you can imagine, including President Joe Biden, was calling on Cuomo to step down, and the NY State Legislature has been meeting to discuss impeachment if he doesn't.

080321_andrew_cuomo_kal_1
"DIRECTLY FROM ME"
ny.gov

Some of the alleged behavior, per A.G. James, included groping, kissing, hugging and inappropriate comments -- some of which could possibly amount to criminal charges, she added. Charges may actually arise from this -- as one of Cuomo's accusers has already filed a police report out of Albany County ... and they say they're investigating it now.

Cuomo, for his part, had denied wrongdoing ... claiming he'd never touched anyone in the ways described by the A.G.. He'd previously said he might've been too familiar with some of his staffers in the past -- but chalked it up to him mistakenly not recognizing boundaries.

030321_andrew_cuomo_kal 3/3/21
UNINTENTIONAL BEHAVIOR
ny.gov

He had also adamantly refused to resign, saying he wasn't going to let the allegations get in the way of his duties as Governor.

Cuomo's been acting as NY's chief executive since 2011 ... and was mostly beloved during that time.

Originally Published -- 8:47 AM PT

Robin Comes Out as Bisexual!!!

Holy LGBTQ, Caped Crusader!!! Robin's dropping big personal news in the latest installment of "Batman: Urban Legends" ... he's bisexual.

Tim Drake is the DC character who fights crime as Robin, and when the sixth installment of the comic book dropped Tuesday the story ended with Tim saying yes to going on a date with a guy named Bernard Dowd.

The story goes ... Robin had a "lightbulb moment" while fighting side-by-side with Bernard. After coming to his rescue as Robin, Tim later hits up Bernard's pad, and you can see the anticipation's building 'cause he hypes himself up, saying ... "It's OK, Tim. You got this."

When Bernard opens the door he's on the verge of asking out Tim on a date, but Tim interrupts with ... "I’m really glad you got home okay. I was relieved. And I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, about that night. And I -- I don’t know what it meant to me. Not yet. But I’d like to figure it out."

Bernard responds, "I was hoping you would. Tim Drake … do you want to go on a date with me?” Robin says yes, and that's the cliffhanger ... until the next issue drops in December.

Fans have long buzzed about Robin -- who's previously dated women -- being gay, and many are ecstatic with this DC plot twist. One fan wrote, "Crazy thing, I saw Tim DRAKE coming out,  years ago.. congrats to DC for making it a reality."

Dog the Bounty Hunter I'm Getting Remarried Soon & It's All Good ... The Bible Tells Me So!!!

0810-dog-the-bounty-hunter-audio-2
GOING BY THE BOOK
Two Guys From Hollywood Podcast

Dog the Bounty Hunter's gearing up to wed his fiancee very soon, and he doesn't feel bad about remarrying anymore following the death of his wife, Beth ... because God approves.

Dog just revealed his major life news on the podcast, "Two Guys from Hollywood," telling the cohosts his wedding to Francie Frane is scheduled to go down September 2 ... and the venue's more expensive than he'd like!!!

As we reported ... Dog and Francie got engaged in May 2020 -- 10 months after Beth died of cancer -- and Francie also lost her spouse to cancer shortly before Dog did.

The couple is obviously still going strong, and Dog says though he initially felt uneasy about getting remarried after losing Beth ... that all changed when he read some scripture.

Dog says he found a passage in The Bible that says, "God does not want a man to be alone, that he knows we need a companion, whether we're man or woman."

Now, that doesn't sound like an exact Old Testament quote -- we think he's referring to Genesis 2:18 -- but you get the idea.

Dog previously told us he wants his ceremony with Francie to be "the biggest wedding there's ever been" ... so stay tuned for Sept. 2.

Nick Cannon I'm Ready For My 'Wild 'N Out' Return ... Gets Surprise Cake!!!

081021-wild-n-out-nick-cannon-kal
AND ANOTHER 16 MORE!
Getty / VH1

Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart are celebrating Nick's return to hosting "Wild 'N Out" after ViacomCBS fired him over anti-Semitic remarks -- and all the bad blood's been replaced by some sweet-ass cake!

Nick's back to his old job, and with season 16 returning to TV sets Tuesday night, Monday called for a special celebration ... complete with a surprise for NC!!!

As you can see, Nick was totally caught off guard when production wheeled in a huge custom cake and folks started singing.

Nick, dressed in a suit and red turban, made a short speech ... and Kevin hilariously tried to take credit for the surprise, even though he struggled to understand the cake's design.

Nick Cannon JUNE 2020
LOOSE CANNON
Cannon's Class

It's clear there are no lingering hard feelings about the controversy that led to Nick's 2020 firing.

Remember ... Viacom booted him last July after he made anti-Semitic remarks on his "Cannon's Class" podcast, but got his job back in February after apologizing and getting an education from Jewish leaders.

Barack Obama Gifted Over 1,000 Custom Masks ... For 60th Birthday Bash

Barack Obama had more than enough face masks on hand for his birthday party guests this past weekend -- custom ones at that -- but it's clear a lot weren't put to good use.

44's been taking a ton of heat these past few days for throwing himself a huge bash on Martha's Vineyard, where upwards of at least 200 guests showed up ... many of whom were celeb buddies of his ... and who were mostly unmasked, it seems.

Despite how this might've looked at first ... TMZ has learned that 44 actually provided all of his guests with facial coverings, which were tailored specifically for this event with a 44x60 logo on the side.

The company that made 'em is called HENRY Mask -- and they tell TMZ that they actually gifted more than 1,000 individual custom masks to Obama and co. to cover partygoers, as well as party staff.

HENRY co-founder and celeb tailor/designer Richfresh was commissioned to design the uniforms (which also included the 44x60) for all working the events -- including the hosts, cooks and bartenders -- and decided to gift the masks to the party as a token of his appreciation.

Most of the wardrobe Richfresh designed consisted of either polo or custom printed shirts and matching pants of varying colors.

As far as actually wearing the masks ... to each their own, it would appear -- 'cause we'd say a majority of folks who were boogey-ing down (BO included) opted not to cover their mouths and noses. That doesn't mean they weren't there and available though ... HENRY made sure of that.

As you know ... the CDC and various doctors have urged people -- vaccinated and unvaccinated alike -- to wear masks indoors to curb the spread of the Delta variant. The tent would seem to qualify as "indoors."

Tigger from 'Winnie the Pooh' 'Karen' Gripes About Black Woman's Flag ... 'Don't Like It, There's Rules'

080921_tigger_flag_kal
FLAG FUSSIN'
@tizzybizzy92 / TikTok

Imagine having the audacity to go to a neighbor's front door, ask them how they are doing, and then immediately complain about a flag saluting -- of all things -- Winnie the Pooh's pal.

Yeah, we're talking about a flag featuring Tigger, the lovable, bouncing tiger ... but the latest "Karen" (still a thing, apparently) to go viral just wasn't having it, which makes this video completely absurd!!!

The older white woman's issue with the Tigger flag is simply that she doesn't like it and thinks it makes the neighborhood look tacky. She does compliment the American flag hanging above it, though!

We don't know exactly where this went down, but the woman who approaches her Black neighbor suggests her flag violates the community rules ... and mentions "Williamsburg."

When the home's resident -- TikToker Ambrosia -- points out there isn't a home owner's association with any such rule ... "Karen" isn't having it, and says she's going to go look them up.

But, the bottom line is ... there's clearly, STILL, no limit to what "Karens" of this country will find a reason to complain about. #FreeTigger

Clare Dunn Lyft Driver Left Me Bloodied, Bruised ... Suspect Arrested

UPDATE

8:58 AM PT -- 8/10 -- Boakye was arrested late Monday night and has been charged with misdemeanor assault ... according to Nashville police.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Cops say he allegedly physically removed Dunn from his vehicle after the 2 argued over a missed turn, and she sustained bruises and lacerations to her head.

UPDATE

Boakye was released after posting $1,000 bond.

UPDATE

6:01 PM PT -- 8/9 -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Dunn's alleged attacker has been identified as 46-year-old ride-share driver Albert Boakye, and there's a warrant out for his arrest for misdemeanor assault.

UPDATE
UPDATE

We're told Dunn provided a photo of Boakye from her rideshare app and law enforcement positively identified him as the suspect.

Country singer Clare Dunn is terrified her alleged attacker -- a Lyft driver in Nashville -- is out there abusing another woman, because nearly 2 months after she was beaten on a roadside ... he's still free.

Clare says she'd been out in Nashville with girlfriends on June 25, and around midnight she got Lyft to take herself and one of her friends home. The driver dropped off the friend first, and then started a 10-mile drive to Clare's place -- but she knew something was wrong when he refused to take the route she requested.

The singer -- who lives in Colorado, but was in Music City working on an album -- says the driver sped onto a highway before finally pulling over about a mile from her stop, and dragging out of the backseat by her collar and slamming to the ground.

Clare says she was face-down in a ditch as she desperately tried to dial 911 on her phone, but couldn't as he was assaulting her. She was out cold for some period of time, and when she came to she started screaming ... and the driver fled at that point.

Clare went to an emergency room for treatment and filed a police report. She's identified the driver to a detective, and while there's a warrant out for the suspect's arrest ... cops still haven't tracked him down.

She told People, "He's out on the street — is he doing this to someone else? Does he have a wife he's abusing? Does he have a girlfriend he's abusing like this? Because he obviously has no regard right now."

Lyft says it's fired the driver and is helping law enforcement with the investigation.

Originally Published -- 8/6 10:14 AM PT

Lewis Brinson Calls For Rockies Mascot Name Change ... After N-Word Controversy

081021_lewis_brinson_kal
NO PLACE FOR THAT WORD
Miami Marlins

Lewis Brinson says it's time to retire "Dinger" -- or at least change the Rockies mascot's name -- explaining the Colorado character's moniker is just too similar to the n-word.

The Miami Marlins outfielder spoke in-depth with reporters on Monday for the first time since Sunday's drama in Denver ... and it seems his solution to the issues that were created at Coors Field would be for the Rockies to just move on from the mascot's current name.

"Maybe change the mascot's name," Brinson said. "It sounds a little similar, especially on video."

If you missed it ... many believed a fan behind home plate repeatedly called Brinson the n-word during one of his at-bats in Sunday's Marlins vs. Rockies tilt.

080821_lewis_brinson_kal_2
UNCALLED FOR COMMENTS
Courtesy of MLB

Both teams' broadcasts picked up the audio ... and it seemed BAD.

After an investigation, though, the Rockies said they confirmed the fan did NOT say the n-word ... but was rather screaming out for the team's mascot, Dinger.

Brinson was asked about all of that before his game against the Padres on Monday ... and it appears he isn't necessarily buying that explanation.

Brinson told reporters when he watched back the video, the n-word seems clear to him.

"So I watched the video at least 50 times in the past 15-16 hours," Brinson said. "I watched it a lot, especially when I heard that he said 'Dinger' instead of the n-word.''

"I personally -- this is, again, my personal opinion -- I personally keep hearing the n-word. It's not that I want to hear it, I never want to hear it."

But, Brinson did add, "If he was yelling for the mascot, I am sorry for any backlash or any unnecessary attention he's getting right now."

The Rockies have said there is no punishment coming for the fan. They've also added they have no plans to change their mascot's name.

As for how Brinson played in wake of it all on Monday night -- he balled out, going 2-for-4 with a home run in the Marlins' loss to the Padres.