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President Biden brings up his late son, Beau, way too much for comfort, and it might be a political mistake -- so suggests the NYT, which had to tweak a headline over this.

The paper of record published a story Saturday that's all about how some people are seriously tired of Biden invoking Beau in seemingly any context ... and citing his grief over his boy's death as a way to connect to the topic at hand. Lately, that's been Afghanistan.

The Times' OG headline for this story read, "Biden, Still Grieving His Son, Finds That Not Everyone Wants to Hear About It" -- which caught TONS of backlash, and was changed. Now, it says, "In Invoking Beau, Biden Broaches a Loss That’s Guided His Presidency."

The NYT reports some Biden advisers acknowledge that, yeah, JB does name-drop Beau a lot ... and doesn't always tweak his approach based on his audience, which might be smart in certain situations -- as Biden's gotten criticism over this of late ... including from one Gold Star father, whose own kid recently got killed in Afghanistan during the chaotic pull-out.

Mark Schmitz told WaPo that during a dignified transfer last week for the 13 Marines killed during a bombing in Kabul -- for which Biden was present -- the Prez apparently steered a private convo they had to his own son, which Schmitz found inappropriate ... seeing how they were there to remember the recently fallen. Not just that, but many point out Beau wasn't killed in combat ... he died of brain cancer, after serving as a military lawyer in Iraq.

With all that said, that first headline is pretty harsh ... and fairly insensitive. Many online say Biden should be allowed to grieve however the hell he wants -- and the Times seems to have taken notice, 'cause they changed how they phrased it. Still, the sentiment remains.

On the flip side ... there are other families who've lost children to tragedy -- and have gotten face time with Joe after the fact -- who've said they appreciate Biden connecting with them on a personal level by talking Beau, humanizing him. So, it's a mixed bag of reception here.

Tiffany Haddish never passes up an opportunity to put on a show -- and that was certainly the case this weekend during a double date in Vegas ... where she took the building by storm.

The comedian was at dinner Saturday night at Delilah (the Wynn resort one), with none other than her BF, Common, and Chelsea Handler ... who was with her guy, Jo Koy -- all of whom were in attendance, we're told, for a group outing.

There was a live jazz band performing for the guests there, and at one point -- TH felt the urge to get on stage herself and do a showstopping number with the help of the musicians.

Check out this video of Tiff doing exactly that ... performing a cover of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" to what we're told ended up being a lot of fanfare. Word is ... she got a standing O after, and you can kinda see why. Tiffany's busted a move and got her sing on, big time!

Definitely a cool moment ... but it's far from the first time Tiffany's gotten a hold of a mic to entertain a crowd on the spot. She actually does it pretty often -- we've seen her do a pop-up show during Thanksgiving last year, and even at a Golden Globes after-party in 2020.

Comedian Fuquan Johnson died this weekend of an apparent overdose -- along with two others -- while a fourth person is in the hospital ... the recent girlfriend of one Darius Rucker, TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there was a get-together Friday night at someone's house in the Venice neighborhood of L.A., where Johnson was in attendance -- as was Kate Quigley ... a comedian/model who has been, of late, dating the Hootie & the Blowfish lead singer -- this after the guy split with his longtime wife just last summer.

Darius' rep, however, confirms to TMZ ... he is not dating Kate, and hasn't been for a while. They were reportedly going out for a good chunk of last year -- and there's photos of them on her IG page as a couple from this past May. Seems there's no affiliation now, though.

As for who owns the place where this went down -- there's a few owners listed ... and we do know Quigley was a resident (and perhaps still is) at what appears to be an adjacent property right next door to where the 911 call was directed to. Could be a duplex.

In any case, we're told cops were summoned a little after midnight, and when they arrived ... they found 4 people who appeared to be either deceased or close to it. Our sources say Johnson and 2 others were pronounced dead on the scene ... while Quigley was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Unclear how she's doing now -- we've tried reaching out to her team for comment, but have come up short on contacts for the woman.

We're told cocaine laced with fentanyl appears to be what was ingested by all. Autopsies will be done for the three bodies -- which are with the L.A. Coroner's Office now. We're working on getting the IDs of the other two victims ... who might also be comedians themselves.

Our law enforcement sources also tell us this ... the LAPD's homicide unit was notified about this case -- but no word on whether they're getting directly involved just yet, although LAPD is investigating. It's unclear who originally supplied the coke, who bought it or under what circumstances it might've been passed around/used by the four individuals.

Because of that ... we're told it's hard to tell if any charges might come of this -- as our sources say they don't know, for now, where the drugs came from. Still, it could spell trouble ... and possibly mean Uncle Sam gets involved, a la Mac Miller -- whose death spurred federal charges after an investigation ... with indictments for the alleged dealers.

Fuquan and Kate are buddies, they've been photographed together dating back a few years now. FJ is knee-deep in the L.A. comedy scene, as is Kate -- they kick it with the likes of Joey Diaz, Donnell Rawlings, Jay Pharoah, Jeff Ross, Chaunte Wayans and others.

Fuquan was 43.

RIP

Black Oak Arkansas's longtime string strummer, Rickie Lee Reynolds, has died ... TMZ has learned.

RLR's son tells us ... his dad passed away Sunday morning in a hospital, where he was battling long-term health complications, to which he succumbed. He adds that he hopes the public will hold Ricky's memory, magic and memories close to their hearts forever.

The Black Oak guitarist had been with the rock group since its inception in the 1960s, when he got together with Ronnie Smith (OG vocals), Harvey Jett (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass) and Wayne Evans (drums) ... eventually replacing Ron with their famous frontman, James Mangrum ... who stuck around for the long haul.

They found a lot of success in the '70s, when they cranked out hits such as "Uncle Lijiah," "Lord Have Mercy on My Soul," "When Electricity Came to Arkansas" and more. That latter track ended up being controversial ... apparently, fundamental Christians thought it contained hidden Satanic messages.

1973 was even better to them, as they released their fourth and fifth albums ... which saw even more memorable tracks, like "Hot Rod," "Up," "Gigolo," and perhaps their best-known ditty, "Jim Dandy (To the Rescue)" which was a remake of LaVern Baker's '57 song.

Reynolds was with the band during this high point in their career but departed around 1976 while they finished out the '70s. In the '80s, though, RLR got back with the band ... and they produced a few more records then, although James had stepped away briefly then.

Eventually, everyone was back on the same page and touring again, and as the decades went on ... different lineups of the band formed with the OGs performing as much as possible. BOA is said to have inspired legendary acts like Van Halen.

Reynolds was 72.

Taylor Swift is giving Anita Baker her flowers, because the woman was able to do what TayTay's fighting so hard for right now ... namely, ownership of her master recordings.

The pop star showered on praise Saturday night upon the recent news this week that Anita had regained control of her OG catalog ... this after YEARS of trying to get her hands on them from her record label, and having to fight more when they apparently put up a fight.

Anita tweeted out the news on Thursday, writing ... "All My Children Are Coming Home," attaching a photo of her first 5 albums, "The Songstress," "Rapture," "Giving You the Best That I Got," "Compositions" and "Rhythm of Love" -- all pretty much from the '80s.

Taylor caught wind of this and responded, "What a beautiful moment, CONGRATULATIONS ANITA!!" AB saw that and shouted her out right back, saying ... "Thank You, for Your *Fire & Support!! It Inspires us all, to move Mountains." So, the respect is mutual.

BTW, Anita's fans are pretty loyal -- because a good chunk of them politely asked if they had the all clear to start streaming her music ... following her strict instruction this past March to refrain from doing so since she was still battling with the label, and wouldn't see profits.

Now, Anita has given the green light to "stream on" ... and it seems folks are doing just that.

As for Taylor, she's gone a different route for her masters. Like we've told you ... TS is re-recording her entire Big Machine catalog anew and releasing them as "Taylor's Version" ... which means all the hits that made her famous will get new life, and new ownership -- seeing how the OGs are in the hands of the private company now, thanks to Scooter Braun.

Bobby Shmurda almost came to blows with a fan this weekend -- but it wasn't unprovoked ... the guy had an object hurled at him, and then went after the suspected assailant.

The recently prison-sprung rapper was caught on video Saturday night at the Made in America Festival in Philly ... where he's said to have made appearances throughout, but stopped short of performing himself that night. He is, however, scheduled to go Sunday.

Before he could do that, though, he ran into trouble -- which required him to be yanked back and dragged away by his team. Watch the clip ... it's crazy how close to a brawl he gets.

As for why Bobby tried climbing beyond the stage barricade to reach a fan (or more) ... eyewitnesses tell us someone chucked a water bottle at him during Meg Thee Stallion's performance, which sent him into a rage -- and ended with him brushing shoulders with security.

Luckily, one of his guys got a good hold of him and pulled him away from the scene entirely ... which is probably best for BS's situation. Remember, the guy's on parole and has to abide by strict conditions.

Sarah Harding, a member of Girls Aloud, has died.

Sarah had been battling breast cancer and lost her fight Sunday.

Sarah's mom wrote, "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away," adding, “Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day."

Sarah got her big break in 2002 on the British talent show, "Popstars: The Rivals" ... where the band was formed. Sarah was picked last of the 5 women, and she sobbed like crazy.

Just 3 weeks after the show ended, Girls Aloud had a number one hit, "Sound of the Underground." Girls Aloud became England's biggest girl group of the 21st Century.

Sarah had plenty of heartbreak ... she was engaged to DJ Tom Crane, but the 4-year relationship ended and she went into a tailspin. In 2011 she went to rehab for depression and alcohol addiction. She said after getting out, "I've been to hell and back ... I'm just glad I survived."

Girls Aloud reunited in 2012 -- their 12th anniversary -- but the group broke up again the following year.

In 2017, Sarah was on "Celebrity Big Brother" and won.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. She said at the time doctors told her she would not see another Christmas.

Sarah's mom says cancer should not define her daughter ... "I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead.”

Sarah was 39.

Tom Brady got COVID ... and he thinks he contracted it celebrating his Super Bowl victory.

Brady tested positive back in February ... right after Tampa Bay snagged the Lombardi Trophy ... so he told the Tampa Bay Times. He believes he caught the virus at the Super Bowl Boat  Parade ... you'll recall, when Brady was super drunk and tossed the Trophy off his boat to his comrades in arms!

The Trophy wasn't the only thing that was caught ... 'cause Brady believes that's exactly where he caught COVID. He did not say if he had symptoms.

Brady thinks this season will be worse than last when it comes to the coronavirus ... "I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year, just because of the way what we're doing now and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the building and the fans."

Sarah Silverman is not mincing words -- the Texas anti-abortion law is a declaration of war, but only certain women are targeted.

We got Sarah Saturday night in WeHo on her way out of Craig's, and she was blunt ... the law which effectively outlaws most abortions is a war on poor people. As she says, rich women have the means to leave the state and get an abortion elsewhere.

Sarah is not a fan of boycotts ... she says it only hurts people in the state who are themselves, victims. The real targets, she says, should be the politicians who enacted the law.

As you probably know by now, the Texas law pretty much outlaws abortion after the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. And, the law puts a bounty on the heads of anyone who assists a woman in getting an abortion after 6 weeks. Anybody in the country can sue people who assist for $10k plus attorney's fees.

Lil Uzi Vert says the large pink diamond he had implanted in his forehead got dislodged when he jumped into the crowd at Rolling Loud, but thankfully ... fiasco aVERTed.

The rapper says he had a $24 MILLION rock embedded as a flashy facial implant, claiming he saved up for years for the pink gemstone and wanted it put in his forehead because he was afraid he'd otherwise lose it.

According to Lil Uzi, the implant wasn't foolproof when he did a stage dive at the Miami hip hop festival ... and his fans ripped it right out of his forehead.

The good news ... he didn't suffer any serious facial damage and has a barbell piercing in its place ... and yes, he still has the diamond.

Uzi sent an ominous message about the implant back in February, posting a photo of blood seeping around the diamond and claiming he might die if it wasn't properly removed.

He actually had it removed this summer, but had it re-implanted for Rolling Loud.

Mally Mall got the judge's message loud and clear ... TMZ has learned he's already surrendered to the feds after his last-ditch effort to delay his prison sentence was shot down in court.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a judge said the hip-hop producer failed to articulate any reason why his health condition couldn't be adequately treated while he's behind bars.

The judge said Mally failed to show he couldn't get a CT scan or biopsy from the prison's Health Services Division. Remember, he says he discovered a mass on his thigh that could potentially be cancerous.

In her response to Mally's request to postpone, the judge said she wouldn't "entertain any further meritless delay tactics." Translation -- if ya need it, get it while you're doing time.

So, Mally turned himself in to the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon. His release date is currently slated for December 15, 2023. Mally pled guilty in late 2019 to running an illegal prostitution service for more than 12 years.

The feds say he owned, operated and managed several of these sorts of businesses in Clark County, Nevada.

Chrissy Teigen is counting the days ... and she's reached the number 50.

Teigen's count relates to her sobriety ... 50 days sober. It may not seem like a lot, but to people who are turning the page in their lives ... it's monumental.

Chrissy has had issues with alcohol for a while ... exacerbated last November after she lost her baby. Her family has a history of alcohol abuse. Nevertheless, she's not necessarily swearing off alcohol for life ... she says she might end up drinking at some point in the future.

Teigen posted a video of her and her family in a chill moment ... she's on the floor with her kids, Luna and Miles.

She said, "today is my 50 day sobriety streak! it should be nearly a year but I had a few (wine) hiccups in the road. this is my longest streak yet! I still dunno if I’ll never drink again but I do know it no longer serves me in ANY way. I don’t get more fun, I don’t dance, I don’t get relaxed."

She went on ... "I get sick, fall asleep and wake up sick, having missed what was probably a fun night. I had my fun with it and appreciate anyone that can enjoy it responsibly!!!! this is also my third day this week working out which is unheard of for me, and my bears are notttt making it easy but loving @movewithnicole on YouTube!!"

Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy ain't fazed by going up against a 4-time major winner on Tuesday ... telling TMZ Sports he's gonna whoop golf superstar Brooks Koepka's ass on the links -- for charity!!!

El Pres is facing off against Brooks (who will be playing left-handed) in a $250,000 match on September 7 ... with the winner getting the huge chunk of change sent to the cause of their choice.

We spoke with Dave at the Slice app pop-up at Brooklyn Pizza Masters ahead of the big event ... and he says he's fully expecting 250k to hit the Barstool Fund afterwards -- courtesy of Mr. Koepka.

"He's mentally weak," Portnoy tells us. "I think he's a bum and I think I'm gonna beat him pretty easily."

"Brooks Koepka is a country club kid," he added. "He's not used to people talking trash to him and I'm convinced he's mentally weak."

Dave says he's been crushing it on the course leading up to the competition ... and is fully preparing to live rent-free in Koepka's head.

We also spoke with Portnoy about Barstool sponsoring the Arizona Bowl this upcoming college football season ... and he said they're gunning to make it "the most unique bowl in the history of bowl games."

Portnoy will be in the booth with Dan "Big Cat" Katz when the time comes ... and hopes the game will lead to even more exciting events in the future.

But for now, he's focused on getting that dub against Koepka.

Hidden within this fishy photo is an actor who has graced audience television screens with his featured performances and comedic roles.

This famous fella has made noteworthy appearances in some of the most popular, award-winning series ... including "The Office" and "Girls."

Recently, he wowed comedy fans with his hilarious starring role in an HBO show alongside his on-screen wife, Alexandra Daddario.

Bryce Hall won't end up in any serious trouble for scuffling in public -- because instead of a court date, he’s getting a talking-to ... TMZ has learned.

The L.A. City Attorney's Office tells us ... the TikTok star-turned amateur boxer was investigated for felony battery following a brawl at a Mexican restaurant last October. Bryce was vaping in the restaurant and when an employee asked him to stop he allegedly blew smoke in the guy's face. At that point, all hell broke loose and fists started flying. The employee had a bruised wrist, but otherwise no serious injuries.

The case was sent to the L.A. County DA's Office for review -- but it was ultimately kicked over to the City Attorney for possible misdemeanor charges.

Anyway, our sources tell us prosecutors decided the best way to deal with this was to bring Bryce in for a City Attorney hearing ... where he'll be schooled on what he did wrong and told how to handle similar situations in the future.

We're told Bryce will get a stern warning ... if he doesn't keep his nose clean over the next year, criminal charges could be filed.

It's a pretty sweet outcome for Bryce all things considered, because frankly ... that dog pile was ugly, and some employees wanted Bryce charged.

Today's Summer Hot Shots come from the Lesser Antilles Islands where model turned artist Monifa Jansen shined bright in neon pink swimwear while basking in the sun atop Cas Abou Beach in Curacao.

When Monifa ... who is also known as ''La Barbie Del Barrio'' ... isn't warming up the tropical shores of the Caribbean Sea with her hot shots ... she loves to travel the globe, make cameos in music videos for musicians like Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross ... and even makes some tunes of her own!

That's music to our ears eyes!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2021 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!