Don Lemon Not Worried About Elon Musk's Influence on Trump 'This Is America, We All Have Power'

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MORE CONCERNS THAN ELON
TMZ.com

Don Lemon isn't losing sleep over Elon Musk's influence on President-elect Donald Trump ... though, he does think people should be concerned about billionaires' control of the media.

We caught up with the newsman at LAX a day before he announced his decision to exit Musk's social media site ... and he shared his 2 cents on the Tesla CEO's close relationship with the soon-to-be 47th President of the United States.

As Lemon put it ... Trump's win doesn't heighten Musk's impact, as the businessman already had a massive reach given his net worth and resources. Lemon is doubtful Musk would step into an official role in Trump's administration, theorizing the tech magnate would follow in the footsteps of billionaires before him ... influencing the prez from behind the scenes.

White House Meeting Trump Visits Biden in Oval Office ... Melania Takes a Pass

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INSIDE THE OVAL OFFICE

President-elect Donald Trump visited the White House Wednesday morning at the invitation of President Joe Biden, and the 2 sat down together in the Oval Office. Trump thanked Biden for making this transition one of the smoothest ever, so far.

After they sat down, Trump and Biden smiled for the cameras -- and were hit with a cacophony of shouted questions directed at the pair. Secret Service and staffers then ushered the yelling reporters out of the Oval Office without having any of their questions answered.

The invitational meeting is traditionally held whenever a new POTUS is elected -- although Trump didn't extend an invite to Biden as he refused to accept the 2020 election results. Despite their prior war of words, Obama invited Trump in 2016, days after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton.

Krasinski, Damon, Affleck Welcome To The Club, John ... Sexiest Men Alive!!!

John Krasinski has a seat at the table with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck ... joining them for dinner after being anointed People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive.

The actor broke bread with Matt and Ben in New York City, hitting the town Tuesday night after accepting the big honor on Stephen Colbert's late-night TV show.

It's pretty cool to see John hanging with Matt and Ben ... Affleck was named People's Sexiest Man Alive way back in 2002 and Damon took home the honor in 2007 ... so these guys have another thing in common now, as all 3 are originally from the Boston metro area.

Mod Sun Love Is Blind, But Y'all Can See Us Clearly ... Poses For Pics w/ Brittany Wisniewski!!!

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NEW COUPLE ALERT
BACKGRID

Mod Sun's totally blinded by his new love and paparazzi cameras flashing ... 'cause he stepped out with Brittany Wisniewski for a bite to eat Tuesday night -- and, they posed for pics.

The singer-songwriter took his "Love Is Blind" gal pal to Catch Steak L.A. ... an upscale steakhouse near West Hollywood -- and, ya gotta watch the clip 'cause the 2 aren't shying away from the limelight.

In the clip, the pair steps out of Catch hand in hand ... walking over to the valet -- all while dodging questions about whether they're official or not.

Nelly No Charges In Ecstasy Arrest

Nelly can put his August arrest for possession of ecstasy behind him and focus on the jackpot he won the same night ... prosecutors will not be issuing the "Country Grammar" rapper any charges.

Chris King, spokesperson for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, tells TMZ Hip Hop, "We don't believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges."

Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, gave us further clarity ... "Wesley Bell, the prosecuting attorney, and his office looked at all the circumstances and after a fair and impartial review of the evidence, declined to prosecute."

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Pitch-Perfect Together ... Sing 'I'm Every Woman' Live on 'Today'

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A WICKED DUET
NBC

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are proving they're perfectly in-sync ... busting out into song during their recent appearance on "TODAY."

Check it out ... the stars of the upcoming "Wicked" film sit down with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb to discuss their bond after making the musical movie -- and give a taste of their pitch-perfect sound together.

When asked by Hoda if there's any song they can't help but sing when around one another, the on-screen besties confess "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan is a favorite ... jumping into a live rendition of the song.

Pete Hegseth Hits Bystander With Axe on Fox News ... Can He Cut It as Defense Secretary???

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LOOK OUT!!!
Fox

Pete Hegseth's nomination by Donald Trump for U.S. Secretary of Defense has sparked quite a bit of chatter ... especially regarding the Fox News host's aim -- or lack thereof.

Footage from Pete's early Fox News days has resurfaced amid news of his big nomination ... showing the Army National Guard officer participating in an axe-throwing contest against then-costar Clayton Morris on "Fox & Friends." Despite Pete's military training, he struggles to make contact with the target ... instead striking an innocent bystander with the tool.

Check it out ... Pete stands directly in front of a wooden platform with a large target situated on top. Pete throws the axe at the bullseye, but it doesn't even make contact ... instead flying above and hitting a member of a drum corps standing on the other side.

Ray J Celebs Tell Me They're Paying Off Alleged Diddy Victims to Stay Quiet

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PAID TO KEEP QUIET
TMZ Studios

Ray J says he's been contacted by multiple celebs who are so scared about their affiliation with Diddy ... they're going to some of the alleged victims and paying them to keep quiet.

Ray appears in TMZ's new TUBI documentary, "The Downfall of Diddy: Inside the Freak-Offs" ... and says some high-profile people are trying to cut alleged victims off at the pass, even before they make money demands.

Attorney Tony Buzbee also appears in the doc and reveals he has sent a demand letter out to various high-profile people with an ultimatum ... pay up, or face a lawsuit.

Pharrell Williams Anti-Celeb Political Tone NOT Shot At Taylor I Proudly Wear '1989' Merch!!!

Pharrell Williams criticized music stars on both sides of the aisle campaigning for their presidential picks ahead of the election ... but is flat-out denying he was gunning at Taylor Swift!!!

The superproducer-turned-Louis Vuitton fashion czar made the political slam a week after TS publicly endorsed Kamala Harris, naturally angering the Swifties.

In a new interview with GQ, Pharrell laughed off the backlash ... "I love Taylor. She knows that."

Caitlin Clark Nearly Drills Fans On Golf Course ... Foooooorreeeee!!!

There's nothing wrong with Caitlin Clark's jump shot, but her golf swing clearly needs some work ... check out video of her on a course Wednesday -- she nearly drilled a gaggle of spectators with an errant shot!

Clark is participating in this week's pro-am at The Annika at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida ... and in one of her first holes of the day, she almost took out some fans who were following her around.

Take a look at a clip shot by golf reporter Beth Ann Nichols, Clark teed up her ball and took a whack at it ... but mishit it badly.

Dave Coulier Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

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AGGRESSIVE, BUT TREATABLE
NBC

Dave Coulier is opening up about his current health journey ... sharing his cancer diagnosis on national television.

The "Full House" star appeared on "TODAY" Wednesday morning, where he confirmed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma ... a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system.

While speaking with Hoda Kotb about his diagnosis, the actor revealed he received the diagnosis 5 weeks ago ... which prompted him to undergo 3 surgeries and receive several rounds of chemotherapy.

Skai Jackson Baby Daddy Seems to Blast Her ... 'Dumb A** Disney Channel B**** Pregnant'

Skai Jackson officially announced her pregnancy Tuesday ... and, while other guys may send flowers, her baby daddy seemingly sent shade her way instead.

The actress was spotted on the street by photogs Tuesday ... her crop-top doing nothing to hide her growing baby bump -- basically, announcing the pregnancy to the world.

Just after the photos went wide, a screenshot from a Facebook user named "Yerkky Yerkky" said he's the father of the baby ... and, he's not happy about it.

Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash ... I Wasn't Making a Statement!!!

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CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT

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.

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ODD MAN OUT
FOX Sports

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 Beloved Chihuahua Mr. Piffles ... Dead at 16

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."

Princess Kate Set To Host Xmas Church Service In London ... After Beating Cancer

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."

NBA's Tim Hardaway Jr. Violently Slams Head On Ground ... Leaves Game In Wheelchair

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.