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Michael Strahan is firing back at the outrage surrounding his stance on the national anthem on Sunday ... claiming his hand placement was simply the result of being caught up in the moment.

The Giants great-turned-TV personality released a lengthy video statement on the matter ... emphatically denying he was trying to make a political statement as the "Star-Spangled Banner" played during the Veteran's Day-themed "Fox NFL Sunday" broadcast from Naval Base San Diego.

Strahan explained his deep respect for the military is what actually led to his pose ... as he was so amazed by the sailors present for the event, he didn't realize his cohosts all had their hands on their chests as the anthem played -- which, he admitted, made him to panic.

Piff the Magic Dragon's longtime performing companion and beloved Chihuahua, Mr. Piffles, has died ... the Las Vegas magician confirms to TMZ.

The "America's Got Talent" alum tells us ... his beloved canine conjuror passed away on November 8th, just before his 17th birthday ... with Piff crediting the rescue dog for making his act sensational.

He adds ... "For over 15 years I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of being upstaged and outshone night after night by Mr. Piffles. He came into my life when I had nothing, and set me on the path to a career I could only dream of. In the beginning, I may have rescued him, but in the end, he rescued me."

Kate Middleton is gearing up for the holidays after being given a clean bill of health in her battle with cancer.

The Princess of Wales announced Tuesday she's hosting the 4th Annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey church in London, England on December 6.

Kate posted the newsflash on X, saying the service will focus on "the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives."

Scary scene on the NBA hardwood Tuesday night ... Pistons wing Tim Hardaway Jr. terrifyingly slammed his head on the ground -- and needed a wheelchair to leave the game.

The scene all unfolded in the third quarter of Detroit's matchup with the Heat at Little Caesars Arena ... when Hardaway Jr. attempted to play some physical defense against Tyler Herro.

The 32-year-old stepped in front of the driving Miami star in an effort to draw a charge ... but Herro was coming in with so much speed, he knocked Hardaway Jr. to the floor.

John Krasinski was a big winner Tuesday ... getting anointed People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive and accepting the honor on Stephen Colbert's late-night show.

Krasinski was pictured on the cover of People wearing a T-shirt and jeans while sitting on the bumper of an NYC yellow taxi.

Beyond his good looks, John has been crushing it on the silver screen over the years, enjoying starring roles in many Hollywood films such as "A Quiet Place," "If" ... and the "Jack Ryan" TV series. And, let's not forget his big break in the TV sitcom, "The Office."

Kevin DiCicco, who is known for creating the canine character Air Bud in the movie of the same name, is no longer facing homelessness thanks to an outpouring of donations ... leaving him inspired for a comeback.

He tells TMZ ... an old pal launched a GoFundMe after learning of his situation, and it's skyrocketed to over $11K in donations after we highlighted his story. Kevin says he is overcome with shock and gratitude over the generosity.

However, he is feeling most relieved that he's no longer bound for the streets ... as he's set to receive the funds sometime next week.

"Back to the Future" fans and Universal Pictures have been asking for a new time-traveling chapter for nearly 35 years, but it ain't happenin' ... like, EVER, the franchise co-creator and writer tells TMZ.

Bob Gale tells TMZ ... 'BTTF' fans and Universal Pictures can stop wondering -- and definitely stop asking -- 'cause there will NEVER be a fourth film. And just as important, there will NEVER be a reboot or a spinoff.

We caught up with writer and franchise co-creator after director Robert Zemeckis recently said he dug the idea of turning "Back to the Future: The Musical" into a film, much the same way "Hamilton" was done.

Haters can save their breath when it comes to JJ Redick  ... 'cause his former teammate, Matt Barnes, tells TMZ Sports the Lakers coach simply "doesn't give a s***" about any outside noise.

Barnes played with Redick on the L.A. Clippers from 2013 to 2015 ... and if there's one takeaway he got from their time together, it's that the dude stays focused on what matters -- and definitely knows his stuff.

Now that Redick has landed his first head coaching gig (with the Purple and Gold, no less), all eyes are on him ... and naturally, that puts his performance under the microscope.

American actor Robert Picardo was in his mid-30s when he first started playing the vicious Coach Cutlip -- who always wears a red hat and whistle while barking orders at P.E. -- in the classic family sitcom "The Wonder Years" back in 1988.

Picardo was part of an ensemble cast including Fred Savage as the awkward brother, Kevin, Jason Hervey as Kevin's big bro who enjoys bullying his younger sibling, Wayne and Danica McKellar as the girl next door, Winnie.

You may also recognize Robert as the doctor on "Star Trek: Voyager" and Richard in the 'Stargate' franchise.

Bianca Censori only knows how to shop one way ... by looking super sexy.

Kanye West's wife shopped 'til she dropped Tuesday at a Williams Sonoma store in Los Angeles, all while wearing a skin-tight white mini dress and some sheer lace tights to show off her figure.

Bianca's dress barely covered up her butt and she was busting out of her dress ... but we gotta say, this is more fabric than usual as far as BC is concerned. Still, she was showing off her legs and the rest of her assets, as she's known to do.

Dean Cain is happy Taylor Swift fans turned out to not be Donald Trump's kryptonite ... because Taylor's endorsement didn't put Kamala Harris in the White House.

The 'Superman' star tell TMZ ... he's pumped Swifties made no difference at the ballot box and in the end "common sense prevailed" in electing Trump president.

Dean says voters aren't swayed as much by celebrity endorsements as perhaps they were in the past ... and he says the proof is in the pudding this election season.

The feds are working with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the burglaries at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce ... TMZ has learned.

Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... the FBI is assisting the Cass County Sheriff's Office to investigate the Mahomes incident, and joining forces with the Leawood Police Department to probe the Kelce crime.

The FBI getting involved means this is a pretty big deal, and not just because Patrick and Travis are famous athletes.

"Saturday Night Live" star Chloe Fineman says Elon Musk was the worst guest host she ever came across ... because he made her cry.

Chloe outed herself as the cast member Elon brought to tears on 'SNL' during his 2021 appearance in a since deleted social media post ... and we tackled the topic on "TMZ Live."

Elon's since come out and defended his actions ... and this story is generating a lot of hot takes in our office.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Peanut the Squirrel is officially in the clear, testing negative for rabies after his death, but get this -- it's also emerged that both he and Fred the Raccoon were set for the chopping block days before they were seized in a raid ... and their owner is absolutely livid over it.

Mark Longo didn't hold back, telling TMZ it's hard to stomach the bombshell revelation that 4 different agencies had already given the green light to euthanize his pets 7 days before they were even taken from his Upstate New York property on October 30.

The New York Post reports state officials advised the county to euthanize the animals a week before the raid was launched. This news contradicts the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's claim that Peanut had bitten an agent during the raid ... supposedly necessitating the rabies test. Animals must be euthanized to properly test for rabies.

A male model who has appeared in Vogue has been arrested and charged in the brutal stabbing death of a father in New York that left the deceased with a knife lodged in his chest.

20-year-old model Dynus Saxon is facing charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of 35-year-old Kadeem Grant, who cops say was fatally stabbed Sunday in the Bronx.

Dynus has graced the pages of Vogue Italia, modeled clothes for Calvin Klein and Levi's, and made appearances at movie premieres for "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "The Batman."

Mike Tyson says his upcoming boxing match against Jake Paul isn't just the biggest bout in the sport's existence ... it's the "biggest fight in the history of life!!"

The boxing legend icon made the declaration to Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live" on Tuesday ... saying despite all the blockbuster Pay-Per-Views he's headlined over the years, Friday's event at AT&T Stadium takes the cake.

The 58-year-old admitted it's the most-hyped bout in the world ... claiming, "[There's never been a fight this big."