Common Haven't Watched Diddy-Cassie Vid ... Not My Place to Judge!!!

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WHO AM I TO JUDGE?
TMZ.com

Common says he's not keeping up on news that brings bad energy, and that includes Diddy's videotaped beating of Cassie -- he's avoiding it altogether, and trying to focus on the positives in his own life.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the legendary lyricist Monday in Bev Hills, where he slyly sidestepped our question about popping THE question to Jennifer Hudson. Instead, Common assured us he and Pete Rock were about to bring the heat with a new collab album.

As for why he's avoiding the latest on Diddy, Common reiterated his mantra is all about peace and love ... he's coming off a two-part harmonious album named 'A Beautiful Revolution,' so his track record backs that up.

Austin Maddox Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Busted In Anti-Child Predator Sting

UPDATE

5/20 -- 8:02 AM PT -- Authorities have released Austin Maddox's mugshot ... and he appears a bit beaten up, with red marks on his face, and what looks like a partially swollen eye.

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TAKEN TO THE GROUND
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Former MLB third-round pick Austin Maddox was arrested during an anti-child predator sting in Florida last month ... and now, the ex-Red Sox pitcher is facing several felony charges.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office released the results of its five-day "Operation Valiant Knights" bust on Monday ... claiming 27 men believed they were communicating with underage girls online -- but in reality, they were speaking to detectives.

Dwayne Johnson Transforms Into Mark Kerr For New Movie Role ... Looks Unrecognizable!!!

If you can't spot The Rock in the first image from his latest movie set ... you ain't alone -- 'cause Dwayne Johnson looks unrecognizable in his new role as ex-UFC fighter Mark Kerr!

The WWE superstar transformed into the MMA legend for A24's upcoming project, "The Smashing Machine," and check out the first look from the film he posted ... the Brahma Bull's no longer distinguishable.

Dwayne covered up his signature tats ... added a wig -- and even appeared to put on some heavy face makeup to really look the part.

JENNIFER GARNER SOBS AT DAUGHTER VIOLET'S GRADUATION

Looks like Jennifer Garner might need a tissue or two, 'cause she got a bit teary-eyed as her oldest daughter, Violet, officially became a high school graduate!

The actress shared an emotional IG post Monday ... with one clip of her sobbing on a plane, saying she didn't know how she was gonna make it through the teen's major milestone -- and then some pics from the ceremony itself.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As you can see, Jen was just like any other doting mom -- clapping away and wiping away her tears while coming to terms with her daughter getting ready to leave the nest.

John 'Bad Bones' Klinger Wrestler Dead At 40 ... Days After Match

Pro wrestler John 'Bad Bones' Klinger -- who competed in Westside Xtreme Wrestling and TNA, among other promotions -- passed away just days after his latest match in the ring. He was only 40.

wXw made the tragic announcement on Monday. Klinger's cause of death hasn't been disclosed.

"We wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time," the wrestling promotion said.

Caitlin Clark Cusses At Ref ... Earns Costly Technical Foul In Loss

Caitlin Clark's WNBA growing pains continued Monday night ... this time, a profane outburst at a ref cost her team a technical foul -- which hurt the Fever in yet another loss.

Clark hurled an F-bomb an official's way late in the fourth quarter of Indiana's tilt with Connecticut at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ... after she believed she was illegally hit on an offensive possession just moments prior.

She ran up to the referee and screamed, "That's a f***ing foul!" ... before she went to regroup with her teammates.

Matthew Perry Death Ketamine Origins Investigated ... Feds Are Involved

Matthew Perry's death has, publicly, been considered an open and shut case -- but, as far as the authorities go, they're still digging into how he got one particular drug ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us there is an ongoing investigation into where Matthew got the ketamine that ended up playing a part in his death -- and the main questions are who provided the drug, and under what circumstances.

Our sources say both local police and the DEA have been looking into this matter for months, but it's unclear where exactly investigators are in the probe.

Jennifer Lopez Hits L.A. Film Premiere All Alone ... As Ben Affleck Shoots Own Movie

Jennifer Lopez went all by herself to her film premiere in L.A. Monday night – one day after she was seen smiling on a drive with her husband Ben Affleck, creating even more confusion about their relationship status.

J Lo hit the red carpet for the opening of her movie "Atlas" at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood -- and looked stunning as she posed for paparazzi photos, yet she was without Ben by her side amid rumors of their breakup.

Ben, on the other hand, was across the city being photographed walking off the set of his new movie. You can see the actor taking a sip from a drinking cup and lugging a black bag from his trailer. What you can't see is his wedding ring.

Four Seasons Orlando Thrilled Over Viral Baby Video ... Open to Collaborating!!!

A baby who's gone viral for precociously expressing her excitement for the Four Seasons ... just might have a future in the travel biz, because the luxury hotel's pumped about the shout out.

The manager for the Four Seasons Orlando tells TMZ … the company was blown away by the little one's now-viral reaction -- which showed the diaper-clad youngster (no more than 1 or 2) happily declaring she wanted to stay at the pricey hotel.

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WE LOVE IT!!!
TMZ.com

He added ... "We were so happy to see such a reaction from the baby and family. We are not surprised that it had such an impact on social media. We are really happy about it."

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. & Kyle Busch Get Offer From Celebrity Boxing ... Hash Out Your Beef In The Ring, Boys!!!

If Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch wanna take their beef from garages and pit roads to an actual squared circle ... TMZ Sports has learned Celebrity Boxing is more than willing to put on the bout for them.

Damon Feldman -- the honcho of the fight org. -- said in a video message Monday he's ready to put the wheels in motion on a boxing match between the NASCAR stars ... as soon as they give him the green light.

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LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN

"Come on, NASCAR," Feldman said, "let's make this the biggest deal in the country!"

TMZ TV Hot Takes Taylor Swift's Hickey ... Bennifer's United Front, Tom & Jay-Z Meet NFL Rookies

It's a new week, so you know what that means ... a new set of TMZ TV hot takes to unpack.

TMZ Live

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FEELIN' THE LOVE!!!
TMZ.com

First up, on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles discuss Taylor Swift's concert in Stockholm, Sweden ... where she sported a very interesting accessory -- a love bite!!!

Eminem Daughter Hailie Jade Gets Hitched ... Shares Dance w/ Dad!!!

update

11:02 AM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine were among the guests at Hailie Jade Scott's nuptials -- so it was more star-studded than anyone initially knew. Keeping it in the Aftermath family!

Eminem cleaned out his closet and put on a tux this weekend -- 'cause his daughter got hitched ... and the father of the bride was front and center to see his little girl through it all.

The rapper's second oldest kid, Hailie Jade Scott, married her fiancé Evan McClintock Saturday in Battle Creek, MI -- at a ceremony we're told was modestly sized with close friends and family.

Guess Who This Mini Musician Turned Into!

Before this lil' mic-dropper with his headphones turned into a musician, he was just singing up a storm, listening to his idols, Elton John and Billy Joel, and hittin' the skate parks in junior high school.

Interestingly enough, he met his wife back in 1999 on the set of "All the Small Things" and the duo share a son together. Him and his bandmates reunited and played during Coachella 2023. After years of being in the spotlight, he's still rockin' his punk-rock fashion.

Need one more hint? What's this guy's age again?

Can you guess who he is?

Amber Rose Backs Donald Trump for Prez 2024 ... Sparks Backlash

Amber Rose publicly endorsed one candidate for the 2024 US Presidential Election ... surprising many followers with her choice -- as it seems to contradict her public stances.

The model-turned-activist took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo of herself, Donald Trump and Melania Trump ... making it clear she'd be voting for the former prez in November. Alongside the upload, AR wrote ... "Trump 2024."

It didn't take long for Amber's followers to sound off in the comments ... with many calling out how Trump's political stances directly contradict her own beliefs -- at least ones she's been open about anyway.

Transgender H.S. Track Runner Showered W/ Boos ... After Winning Girls' State Title

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BOOED AT THE FINISH LINE

A transgender high school runner won a state title over the weekend, but instead of a rousing ovation, the athlete was met with a chorus of boos ... with spectators voicing their displeasure over the track star's participation in the event.

The controversial incident happened Saturday at the Oregon School Activities Association track and field championships in Eugene ... where McDaniel H.S. sophomore Aayden Gallagher raced girls in the 200-meter finals.

Gallagher trailed, but a late push saw her cross the finish line in 23.82 seconds, just ahead of the second-place runner.

Julia Fox Slams Diddy Assault Video ... My Heart Goes Out to Cassie

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I FEEL FOR CASSIE
TMZ.com

Julia Fox is vocalizing her support for Cassie in the wake of the Diddy assault video ... sounding deeply disturbed while discussing the triggering footage.

We caught up with the actress on the streets of NYC Monday, where she weighed in on the Diddy-Cassie saga ... which had a major update last week. As we reported ... hotel security footage from 2016 surfaced on CNN Friday, showing the rap mogul beating on his ex.

Diddy has since apologized for the incident, calling it one of the darkest times of his life ... but JF isn't showing him so much grace -- instead slamming the whole thing as "disgusting."