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Skepta got accused of using antisemitic imagery as the cover art for his latest single -- and considering the title of the track ... an apology was more than warranted, which he gave.

The British rapper announced this new song he's set to release soon called 'Gas Me Up' ... and for the promo image, he featured a guy with a shaved head -- and the words "GAS ME UP." The man is surrounded by a bunch of other dudes who also have shaved heads.

Of course, this type of picture -- especially during this polarizing time in the world -- almost immediately got people thinking... is this some kind of statement on the Holocaust???

Certainly a fair thought, because frankly -- the wording and images combined aren't great.

Welp, Skepta has heard all the criticism ... and he completely owned the screwup, apologizing for offending anybody -- while in the same breath, explaining what he was going for here.

Skepta wrote, "I’ve been waiting to drop ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the U.K. in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many. I can promise you that was definitely not our plan so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward."

He posted more images he was considering as a "mood board" for this project, and it features other shaved-head men/boys ... which he says serves as inspiration -- noting it has nothing to do with the Holocaust, but more so British trends from the 20th century.

He finishes with this ... "I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention,” Skepta said. “But after some thought I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed, I have to quit if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board."

Skepta is known for political messaging in his music -- but this time around, he says the intention was misconstrued ... noting it has nothing to do with the war in the Middle East.

Angela Bassett has been honored for her incredible career ... bagging a honorary Oscar at Tuesday's 14th Annual Governors Awards.

The 65-year-old's first-ever Academy Award from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was handed over to her by thrilled pal Regina King ... making her the second Black actress to earn the honor after Cicely Tyson.

Angela told fellow Black actresses to fill their hearts with courage and strength in her acceptance speech ... urging them to think of who their ancestors intended them to be.

She said she was proudly sharing the celebratory moment with fellow women who speak up when they are silenced -- some of these women she's represented in her roles.

Angela has portrayed icons such as Tina Turner, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and 'Black Panther's Queen Ramonda.

The latter made her the first actor in a Marvel film AND the first woman from a superhero movie to earn an Oscar nom -- though she lost out to Jamie Lee Curtis.

7:29 AM PT -- Silt PD Chief Mike Kite tells TMZ Jayson Boebert's arrest Tuesday stems from two different arrest warrants -- one from their own department and another from the Garfield Sheriff's Office, noting that the offenses on their end (Silt PD) pertain to disorderly conduct, obstructing and criminal trespass ... whereas the Garfield charges relate to the other violations.

We're told the restaurant incident from this weekend is still under investigation, and one other interesting thing ... the Chief here tells us Rep. Boebert did NOT punch Jayson twice, as some witnesses claimed. The whole thing is still a little hazy, but Kite says the probe should be wrapped soon -- with more answers to come.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's ex-husband Jayson was just arrested for a number of offenses after the two got into a nasty altercation in Colorado over the weekend.

Jayson was cooling his heels in the Garfield County Jail on six misdemeanors/petty violations Tuesday before he was later released on $2,500 bond, a rep for the correctional facility told TMZ.

He was booked on prohibited use of weapons, assault, harassment and obstructing a peace officer – all misdemeanors -- as well as trespass and disorderly conduct, both of which are considered petty crimes.

The Silt Police Department has been investigating the former couple since Saturday when the two got into a confrontation in a local restaurant.

Eyewitnesses told TMZ that Lauren slugged Jayson twice in the nose, but the Republican Colorado congresswoman categorically denied the accusations. Our sources say an unknown person called 911, but quickly hung up.

Silt PD has yet to confirm Jayson's bust was connected to the restaurant incident, but we'll keep you posted on any updates. For the record, Lauren has not been arrested or charged in connection with breaking the law.

As you may recall, Lauren filed for divorce from Jayson last April after more than 15 years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." Their divorce was reportedly finalized in October 2023.

Alan Ruck was seen walking around with support at the Golden Globes this past weekend -- and while we know exactly where your mind's going on why ... there's another explanation.

The 'Succession' star was on hand Sunday in L.A. for the big award show, and folks immediately noticed he was using a cane to get around the red carpet. He didn't say anything about it in the moment -- but folks thought this was car crash-related.

Remember, Alan got into a nasty wreck out here in Hollywood when he lost control of his fancy electric truck and smashed through a wall a pizza parlor -- which caused a big scene and a lot of damage.

While Alan was seemingly uninjured at the time -- he did walk around with a knee sleeve in the days after ... and there, too, people thought he'd gotten a little banged up in the accident.

Now, here he is with another assist ... and the speculation has picked up all over again. Welp, we've got some answers -- and this isn't what it seems. Sources close to Alan tell TMZ his cane is actually helping him with an unrelated ailment he's been dealing with lately.

We're told Alan underwent a full knee replacement surgery just 3 and a half weeks ago -- this after suffering from arthritis for some time now. So, that's why he was using it.

If it wasn't clear from that ... no, this cane was not a fashion statement -- we're told AR absolutely needs it, and he's putting it to good use early and often. It's interesting (and miraculous) that he wasn't seriously hurt during the October wreck.

UFO whistleblower David Grusch is speaking out about the smear campaign used to discredit the allegations he made before Congress in his landmark July 2023 hearing ... part of our 3-part event, "TMZ Presents: UFO Revolution."

Grusch tells filmmaker and journalist Jeremy Corbell that despite pushback, he has no regrets over his testimony in D.C. ... where he claimed the U.S. military is holding 'non-human biologics' recovered from crashed crafts.

He says his efforts to get the truth out there have been slow and steady, telling Corbell Congress has been responding, behind the scenes, to some of the issues raised during his testimony.

Corbell says Grusch coming forward to tell the world UFOs are real is a sign of the times ... because the general public is sick of being lied to about their presence in U.S. airspace, and around the planet.

Brett Favre is Love-ing what he's seeing from Jordan Love ... telling TMZ Sports he's been wildly impressed with what the young signal-caller has done in Green Bay this year.

"All I can say is wow," Favre told us.

Love has come on strong over the last couple months to lift Green Bay to a playoff appearance -- something Aaron Rodgers couldn't do in GB last year -- and Favre says it's quite frankly blown him away.

"Right now," the Packers legend said, "he's playing as good as any quarterback in the league."

Favre openly admits he didn't believe the Packers had a chance to make the postseason prior to the start of the year ... but Love's play has obviously changed things.

Now, it's all got Favre wondering if the team could actually upset the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card-round this weekend.

"Dallas is going to be a tough opponent," Favre said, "but I'd hate to be the team that has to play the Packers in the playoffs."

Kickoff for the big game is slated for 1:30 PM -- and while the Pack are 7.5-point underdogs, it's clear Favre wouldn't be shocked to see Green Bay advance.

As for the advice he'd give to the 25-year-old QB heading into his firs-ever postseason tilt -- Brett says it'd be simple ... "Enjoy the moment."

Before this blonde kiddo in their pink t-shirt turned into a musician, they were just throwin' on their hat backward, playing the drums and going by their famous nickname -- which they still use today -- and growing up in Victoria, Australia.

This performer considers themselves a multi-instrumentalist, and in 2018 dropped their debut single, "About You." A few years later, this talented star was featured in Troye Sivan's music video ... and also dressed up as Troye this past Halloween!

Need one more hint? You may see them pop up on Netflix's "Selling Sunset".

Melania Trump's mother has passed away -- this according to the former First Lady.

The ex-FLOTUS announced the sad news about her mom, Amalija Knavs, Tuesday on X -- writing, "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija."

She adds, "Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.  She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy."

Melania did not reveal a cause of death -- but her mother's health had recently been in the news ... with her husband, Donald Trump, reportedly telling a NYE crowd at Mar-a-Lago that Amalija had fallen "very ill" ... while suggesting she was hospitalized in Miami.

Melania wasn't on hand for Trump's New Year's bash ... and he sent well-wishes to both.

Amalija was of European descent, but actually immigrated to the States and became a U.S. citizen alongside her husband, Victor, in 2018 -- something MT touted at the time with pride. Before that, they'd been here in America through green card sponsorships, via their daughter.

She was reportedly close with Melania, and had even started to grow a solid relationship with her grandson, Barron. Amalija had been living at Mar-a-Lago of late -- and before that, they even lived part-time at the White House ... having been spotted countless times.

She was 78.

Julio Urias will NOT face a felony charge for the alleged physical altercation involving his wife at a soccer game in September, TMZ Sports has learned ... with the L.A. District Attorney rejecting the case, concluding the incident didn't warrant such a serious charge.

Although it's good news for the 27-year-old pitcher, it doesn't mean he's fully in the clear ... the D.A. will now send the case to the City Attorney, who could opt to file a misdemeanor charge.

Our sources tell us after law enforcement's investigation, they believe Julio was in a verbal altercation with his wife that turned physical ... but because of Urias' lack of criminal record and other factors, the D.A.'s office doesn't believe it rises to the level of a felony. Thus the rejection.

Remember, Urias allegedly roughed up his wife Daisy after an LAFC vs. Inter Miami soccer game on September 3, when the couple went to BMO Stadium to watch Lionel Messi.

Julio was arrested at the scene for felony domestic violence. He was taken to jail before posting $50k bond.

The L.A. Dodgers, Urias' team since breaking into the Majors in 2016, almost immediately distanced themselves from the soon-to-be free agent, cleaning out his locker and wiping his images from Dodger Stadium.

Major League Baseball also placed him on administrative leave a few days after the alleged incident.

Urias is currently a free agent ... and his status with MLB is still in flux, though the D.A.'s decision could represent a step towards signing with a new team.

Of course, it's not the first time Julio has faced allegations of domestic violence.

The World Series champ agreed to participate in a diversion program in 2019 after he was accused of pushing a woman at a popular L.A. mall. Urias was not convicted, nor tried, in that case.

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber had a police interaction while running errands in Beverly Hills ... with Kendall getting pulled over and ticketed.

The models were tooling through Bev Hills in Kendall's Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet when she got stopped by the cops ... and paparazzi captured it all. Sorry, no Axel Foley this time.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Kendall was cited for running through a stop sign, and she was sent on her way after being ticketed.

We're told Kendall was driving Tuesday near the Beverly Hills Hotel with Hailey riding shotgun when she was pulled over.

It looks like Kendall and Hailey took it all in stride ... they were seen laughing and smiling with the cop.

Reality TV star Martell Holt is in police custody in Alabama, where he's been arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

Martell, famous for starring in OWN's "Love & Marriage: Huntsville," was busted Tuesday afternoon in Madison County for third-degree domestic violence for allegedly sending harassing communications ... according to online records.

The Huntsville Police Department, the arresting agency, tells TMZ ... this is a misdemeanor arrest from a warrant.

In addition to starring in 57 episodes on "Love & Marriage: Huntsville," Martell is also known for dating 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Shereé Whitfield.

Martell and Sheree had a thing back in 2022 after meeting through mutual friends but they're no longer together, breaking up last summer.

Martell's born and raised in Huntsville ... staying home to go to college at Alabama A&M University, graduating in 2008 before becoming an entrepreneur.

No further details are available at this time ... but it's worth noting Martell is divorced with five children.

Kevin Hart is wishing his ex-wife and Katt Williams well as they prepare to hit the road together -- which is about the nicest thing he could say ... considering the team-up here.

We got the comedian out and about Tuesday in NYC, where we asked how he felt about the fact that Torrei Hart -- whom Kevin divorced in 2011 -- just announced the fact that she and Katt are going on a comedy tour together ... albeit, a really mini one.

ICYMI ... TH broke the news Monday on her IG, posting a pic with Katt and writing -- "#Charlotte #Orlando #Tampa, come see me live with my good friend @kattwilliams on the Dark Matters tour." The 3 dates they have lined up are January 27, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3.

It could certainly be taken as an icy move on Torrei's part ... y'know, 'cause of everything that Katt recently said about Kev on Shannon Sharpe's podcast -- including calling him a "plant" in the industry.

Kevin had already responded to what Katt said about a week ago -- suggesting KW get that hate out of his heart, while also indicating he wasn't sweating Katt's negative energy.

Ditto here in this interview with us ... Kev says he loves everyone, and wants all comedians to succeed -- even if it's his and his (maybe?) new foe. He also says he hopes this tour of theirs, specifically, goes great ... which, again, is pretty freaking surprising.

Coretta Scott King's daughter appears to be taking a swipe at Jonathan Majors after the actor name-dropped Dr. Martin Luther King's widow in his first interview since being found guilty of assault and harassment.

Dr. Bernice King, Coretta and MLK's youngest daughter, seemingly slammed Jonathan in a social media post Tuesday, saying ... "My mother wasn't a prop."

Remember ... Jonathan's assault trial included audio of him telling his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari -- the one he was convicted of assaulting and harassing -- to be more like Coretta and Michelle Obama while declaring, "I'm a great man."

Majors again invoked Coretta's name in an interview with ABC -- which aired Monday -- in praise of girlfriend Meagan Good's unwavering support during the trial.

Jonathan said of Meagan ... "She's an angel ... she's held me down like a Coretta. I'm so blessed to have her."

There's been a ton of backlash online about Jonathan using Coretta's name again ... and while Bernice is not calling him out by name, it seems pretty clear he's who she's targeting here.

Bernice says her mother "was a peace advocate before she met my father and was instrumental in him speaking out against the Vietnam War" ... and adds, "Please understand…my mama was a force."

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet appear to have had their divorce all figured out before they went to court -- 'cause just one day later ... the whole matter is officially settled!

A judgment has already been entered in the former couple's divorce case -- which, again, just officially started when Lisa filed for a dissolution of marriage yesterday. According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, everything's wrapped up in a nice and neat little bow.

Per the settlement, everything from custody of their 2 kids, child support, spousal support and just about everything else was hashed out privately.

The paperwork notes that JM and LB will share joint and physical custody of their children, Lola and Nakoa, and they'll share the living expenses of the kids without any formal child support payments.

Lisa and Jason have also waived their rights to receive spousal support. They're both loaded -- so maybe this isn't all that surprising either.

The one thing that's somewhat interesting about this is that Lisa and Jason won't technically be single -- at least in the eyes of the law -- until July of this year when the docs say their single status will officially be restored.

Carmen Electra wants to be known by a different name -- although, it's actually one you're probably very familiar with.

The actress/model just filed legal docs, obtained by TMZ, signaling to a court that she wants her birthname -- Tara Leigh Patrick -- to be formally changed to ... Carmen Electra. Indeed, it looks like she wants her stage name to be her real name, on government docs and all.

There's nothing else really noteworthy in the paperwork, other than the fact she filed this just before the New Year ... on Dec. 29, 2023. Sounds like she wanted to start 2024 fresh.

There's no indication her request for the name change has been granted -- but these things are usually pretty quick and easy. Soon enough, she's going to be known as Carmen.

Of course, this is how society already knows her -- especially as a star. CM has been going by Carmen since the early '90s, when she first splashed onto the scene via 'Baywatch,' etc. She's been married a few times too, BTW, but never assumed the surnames of her hubbies.

Unclear why Carmen's doing this now -- we've reached out ... so far no word back.

Matthew Stafford's wife, Kelly, is clapping back at a Lions fan who's trying to stop people from wearing her hubby's jersey at their upcoming playoff game ... calling the proposed plan "sad."

Detroit is hosting its first playoff game in 30 years against the Rams on Sunday ... which means Stafford will make his return to the Motor City with the intention of knocking his ex-team out of the postseason.

Normally, Stafford's Detroit jersey is one of the most popular ones at Ford Field -- even after he was traded to L.A. for Jared Goff before the 2021 season began.

But, one fan is trying to prevent that from happening this weekend ... appearing to say in a social media post this week that the blue and silver No. 9 threads could bring some bad juju to the home team.

"ANNOUNCEMENT," the fan wrote in the Instagram post. "Please don't wear a Lions-Stafford jersey to the game. This is not a time to be cute or funny."

"This is about business and putting the final nail in the SOL coffin. It ain't personal. Just business!"

It didn't take long for word of the planned ban to get around to Kelly Stafford, who slammed the idea in the comment section of the post.

“Well this is sad because it's the completely opposite of how we feel about this city," she wrote, "but Matthew has always been the bigger person and will continue to be that. Praying for an incredible game with zero injuries. ♥️"

The fan ended up responding ... writing back that the hate is only temporary.

"We love Matthew," the Detroit supporter said, "just not this week.😂"