Michael Costello To Bebe Rexa 'F**k' Those Other Fashion Designers ... I'll Dress You For Free!!!

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I GOT YOU, BEBE
TMZ.com

Bebe Rexha needs to hit up an old friend, fashion designer Michael Costello, because he tells us he's got the perfect look to show off her sexy curves at the Grammys ... size 2 dresses be damned!!!

We got Michael, who appeared on "Project Runway," outside his store in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday ... and he shared some of his plans to highlight Bebe's curvy figure at next month's Grammy Awards -- pro bono!

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As you know ... Bebe -- who just got her first Grammy nomination -- went NUCLEAR on fashion designers who she claims refused to dress her for the awards show because her figure isn't small enough ... telling them she doesn't want to wear their "f**king dresses" anyway!

Michael, who dressed Beyonce when she picked up 3 Grammys in 2014, says he's totally on board with Bebe and all those other designers can "f**k" off!

Watch ... Michael delivers his pitch to dress Bebe, and says he's only one call away.

Nyjah Huston My Skate Trophy is So Big TSA Checked it For Drugs!!!

Nyjah Huston 01/2019
SERIOUS CARGO
TMZSports.com

A little good news, bad news for skateboarding superstar Nyjah Huston ...

The good news -- dude just claimed his fifth career Street League Skateboarding World Championship title in Rio De Janeiro!!

The bad news -- the trophy he brought back home from the event was so big ... TSA had to check it for drugs!!!

Huston just crushed everybody in Brazil ... logging the highest final score in SLS series history -- and the gold trophy he earned was the size of his torso.

The problem with that?? TSA gave the dude a hard time for bringing it through airport security!!!

"They were checking it. But, I'm definitely not hiding any drugs in this thing, that's for sure!"

As for Huston's plan for the trophy now that he's successfully gotten it through the airport ... he says it'll look good with the rest of the 1st place awards he's earned over the years.

As for any 2nd place trophies he's gotten .... ya gotta hear what Huston does with those!!!

Jeff Bezos, John Travolta Bald and Ballin' ... In Bev Hills

Jeff Bezos got back in the spotlight Friday night in Bev Hills -- the first time he's been at a public event since he announced his divorce, and John Travolta was right by his side.

The Amazon gazillionaire toasted the crowd at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards where he was given the Jeff Bezos Freedoms Wings Awards, which honors the individuals who advance the principles of freedom in business and personal endeavors.

Bezos' girlfriend, TV personality Lauren Sanchez, was not at the Beverly Hilton for the ceremony.

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LIFE OF THE PARTY
TMZ.com

After the show, Travolta was in a great mood as he was swarmed by graphers who were going insane for him, and it sure seems the scalped look met with great approval.

Here's what's sorta hysterical ... check out the guy standing next to him. If it's not Stanley Tucci, it's absolutely his doppelganger. No one was showing Stanley any love ... which BTW he richly deserves, but hey ... hard to compete with Vinnie.

Lady Gaga My Horse is Dying ... Bolts from Critics' Choice Awards

For Lady Gaga, her victories at the Critics' Choice Awards are totally overshadowed this morning by the news her beloved horse is dying.

The singer hauled in 2 awards Sunday for Best Song and Best Actress for her performance in "A Star is Born" -- but skipped all the after-parties because she'd just found out about her horse, Arabella.

Lady Gaga posted an emotional tribute, saying, "Our souls and spirits were one."

No doubt Arabella was a huge part of Gaga's life. She's posted tons of pictures of her trusted steed over the years.

It's been a rough month for the singer. The sad news comes on the heels of apologizing for collaborating with R. Kelly -- and pulling their 2013 track from streaming services as an act of solidarity with the women he allegedly abused.

2019 Critics' Choice Awards Behind the Scenes

The 24th Critics' Choice Awards are in full swing and we're taking you behind the scenes.

Tons of stars showed up Sunday for the second wave of award-giving for the best TV shows and movies of the year -- according to critics anyway, from Santa Monica's Barker Hangar.

Some of the A-listers ... Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Spike Lee, Adam Driver, John David Washington, Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Viggo Mortensen, Regina King ... and a ton of other big celebs too.

Stay tuned to find out who took home some hardware.

Shaq Defends Kevin Hart 'He Apologized, Move On'

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TIME TO MOVE ON
@adamglyn

Shaquille O'Neal is calling for people to back off Kevin Hart ... saying he shouldn't have to keep apologizing for his old homophobic jokes and wants everyone to "just move on."

"Some people feel he made a mistake," Shaq said ... "He apologized for his mistake. I always thought comedians were allowed to crack jokes."

"Anyone that knows Kevin Hart should know that anything he said was never malicious."

Of course, Shaq is referring to some of Hart's tweets and stand-up bits from 2009 to 2011 -- when the comic described how he'd react if he found out his son was gay.

"Yo if my son comes home & try's 2 play with my daughters doll house I'm going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that's gay,'" Hart tweeted in 2009.

The material resurfaced after Hart was named the host of the 2019 Academy Awards -- and after a backlash online and a demand for renewed apologies, Hart pulled out of the show and only apologized after stepping down.

"He shouldn't have to keep apologizing," Shaq said ... "He apologized twice."

"People should just move on. Everyone makes mistakes."

Of course, Shaq and Kev go way back -- Hart was a headliner Shaq's All-Star Comedy Jam back in 2009 and they've been friends ever since.

Shaq's not the only big star who's come to Hart's defense -- Ellen DeGeneres also went to bat for the comic ... backing Kev's stance that he's evolved and said it's his right to host the Oscars.

Kevin Hart Chances Are 'Slim' I'll Host Oscars

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ROLL THE DICE
TMZ.com

1/9 5:53 AM -- On Wednesday morning, Kevin Hart ended the debate with a hard "no" and said, "There's no more conversation about it ... I'm over that. I'm over the moment."

So, Kevin Hart saying there IS a chance he'll host the Oscars this year ... is one way to take what he just told us in NYC.

Kevin was leaving an Equinox Tuesday in NYC, when he was asked him where's the smart money going IF you're inclined to wager on whether he returns to the Oscars hosting gig. It's the obvious question after he issued a very direct apology Monday to the LGBTQ community for his homophobic remarks in the past.

You gotta see Kevin's response -- he used the word "slim" to describe the chances he'll host, BUT ... he also said a lot of complimentary things about the Motion Picture Academy.

One thing's clear ... if it doesn't happen this year, Kevin's open to hosting the big show sometime in the future.

But again ... he's NOT totally ruling it out for this year.

Originally Published -- 1/8/2019 12:38 PM PT

'Spider-Man' Director Peter Ramsey Weighs in on New Golden Globe ... Heavier Than Ya Think!!!

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HANDLING SUCCESS
TMZ.com

One of the directors behind the Golden Globe-winning animated "Spider-Man" movie is more than happy to let us in on the new-look trophy -- in fact, he might be a little too generous!

We got Peter Ramsey Sunday night in WeHo, at the Globes after-party at Delilah, where he let our photog handle his new hardware first-hand. Turns out, these little golden buggers -- which got a big makeover this year -- are pretty damn heavy.

FWIW ... the Golden Globe statuettes are now tipping the scales at 7.8 pounds ... up more than 2 pounds from previous years. It's made of brass, zinc and bronze (yeah, no actual gold) and is also 3/4 of an inch taller -- so the supersize version's got some oomph.

You gotta see how Peter shared his Globe, handing it to just about anyone who wanted it. Just a tip, dude ... sometimes Hollywood trophies don't leave with their rightful owner. It happens.

Our camera guy also asked him where his GG is going. Trophy case? Garage? Bedroom? His answer's pretty simple.

Side note: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" was awesome. Congrats, Pete!

Chrissy Metz Come On, People ... I Didn't Call Alison Brie a Bitch

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I WOULD NEVER
TMZ.com

Chrissy Metz could not be clearer ... she did NOT call Alison Brie a bitch on the Golden Globes red carpet ... she called her a babe.

We got Chrissy leaving an after-party Sunday night in WeHo at Delilah ... and she scoffed at the notion she would shade her fellow actress like that.

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TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
Golden Globes

As the rain poured down, our photog asked Chrissy about the semi-off-mic passing comment, and she squarely dismissed what some people say they heard. The comments came during a Facebook Live pre-show hosted by AJ Gibson and Missi Pyle. It actually seems Chrissy started making her comment and trailed off because she was conscious of the mic.

For Allison's part, she said afterward, "Nothing but love for @chrissymetz !! Rumors can't keep us down!"

76th Annual Golden Globes Behind the Scenes ... Celebs Party Hard, Win or Lose!!!

Tyler Perry said it best at the 76th annual Golden Globes when he confessed the celebs in the room were just as drunk as they seem on TV -- and the pics of them partying are even more proof.

Okay, no one's puking at their table ... but people like Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Regina King, Adam Driver, Lady Gaga and Amy Adams were definitely feeling good. Check out the gallery to see Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, and Denzel Washington and Spike Lee having a blast.

It's traditionally the best part of the Golden Globes -- the fact that even if you aren't nominated, or don't win a Globe, it's just a cool party ... and you can see that in these shots.

And yes, we got the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges -- who won the Cecil B. DeMille award -- toasting his big night with the other dude ... Sam Elliott. Awesome!

Chrissy Metz Denies Calling Alison Brie a Bitch During Golden Globes Pre-Show

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TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL
Golden Globes

5:45 AM PT -- Alison Brie responded on her Instagram Story posting a pic of the two from SAG Awards, saying, "Nothing but love for @chrissymetz !! Rumors can't keep us down!"

Chrissy Metz seems to have forgotten how a microphone works -- 'cause it sounds like she called fellow actress Alison Brie a bitch ahead of the Golden Globes ... but Chrissy says that isn't the case.

The 'This Is Us' star was being interviewed on the Globes' own Facebook Live pre-show by AJ Gibson and Missi Pyle when toward the end of their chat, AJ asked Chrissy if she knew who Alison was. Chrissy sarcastically responded, "Do I?"

AJ said Alison was on the other end of the red carpet, and as the camera panned to Alison with another Globes host ... Chrissy can be heard saying what sounds a lot like, "She's such a bitch." The audio fades out a bit as the line is delivered.

It's unclear if Chrissy was aware her mic had picked up the comment, but it doesn't appear Alison heard her as she didn't react. Chrissy commented on the news ... calling the "bitch" angle fabricated, and saying she adores Alison and would never say a bad word about her or anyone ... adding, "I sure hope she knows my heart."

It's odd though ... Chrissy doesn't clarify what exactly was said.

Alison has been nominated for her first-ever Golden Globe for her role in "GLOW" -- and Chrissy, of course, has been nominated a couple times already for her role on the NBC drama.

Weirdly enough ... they've posed together at events before, and there doesn't seem to be any surface-level bad blood between the two stars.

Ellen DeGeneres Blasted for Calling Kevin Hart's Critics 'Haters,' 'Trolls'

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DON'T LISTEN TO THE HATERS
ellentube

10:27 AM PT -- We've tried for 4 hours to contact the Motion Picture Academy to confirm the conversation Ellen recounted on her show -- that the Academy still wants Kevin to host the Oscars. No one has responded to our emails or taken our calls.

10:06 AM PT -- Ellen is now responding to the backlash, stating on social media, "However you feel about this, the only positive way through it is to talk about it. Thank you for being here, @KevinHart4real."

Ellen DeGeneres is being skewered on social media for reducing the criticism of Kevin Hart's homophobic comments to an attack by a small group of internet haters.

Kevin Hart is appearing on Ellen's show Friday, and DeGeneres launched a full-court attack on people who still have issues with Hart saying things like, "If my son comes home & try's 2 play with my daughters doll house I'm going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice 'stop that's gay.'" Hart also said in one of his comedy specials, "One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay."

DeGeneres seemed to say the gay community is fine with Hart's vague apology back in 2014 and his more recent post in 2018, in which he said, "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."

DeGeneres and Hart dismissed the critics as trolls, and she then doubled down and said it was Kevin's "right" to host the Oscars.

There's a huge backlash against DeGeneres for her defense and vicious attack on Hart's critics ... some calling it "a massive f***ing betrayal."

Hart called the criticism of him "a malicious attack on his character" where people went back to 2008 to dredge up his comments. Point of fact ... he made homophobic comments years later as well.

There are some who are outraged Ellen is putting herself out as speaking for the entire LGBTQ community, one person tweeting, "To Ellen. Unfortunately Mrs Ellen, this ain't your fight. The harm is done and this man hasn't learned."

Toward the end of the show, Hart suggested Ellen has made him rethink his decision to walk away from the Oscar gig, saying, “You have put a lot of things on my mind. Leaving here, I’m promising you I’m evaluating this conversation … Let me assess, just sit in the space and really think.”

Originally Published -- 6:17 AM PT

Meghan Markle Fashion Awards Rules ... Please, Don't Touch the Duchess!!!

Meeting Meghan Markle is apparently more difficult than breaking into Fort Knox ... even for fashion icons and some of the biggest stars in the world.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at The Fashion Awards in London Monday night to present Designer of the Year, but all the excitement of her presence turned into disappointment for many ... because they couldn't get close enough to say hello.

Sources tell us Markle's area backstage at The Royal Albert Hall was cordoned off by Royalty Protection officers and security guards the whole night, as a tactic called "Royal Movement" was in place. It means when Meghan's on the move, all hallways and stairs have to be kept clear.

We're told several big stars at the awards show -- like Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora and the Beckhams -- were up in arms about the intense security ... because they were denied an audience with Megs.

There were a couple people who did get some face time, though -- actress Rosamund Pike, who co-presented with Meghan, and Clare Waight Keller ... who won the award Markle presented.

The trio even posed for some photo booth pics ... but that was it.

Other celebs in attendance included Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman, Lana Del Rey, Winnie Harlow, Robert Pattinson, Saoirse Ronan, Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber ... who won Model of the Year.

And, even the MoY didn't get a selfie with the Duchess.

Billboard Travis Scott is Winner in Album Dispute ... Sorry, Tekashi

We have a winner in Travis Scott and Tekashi69's battle for the top of the album charts -- and Billboard says it's Travis ... but admits it was ridiculously close.

A spokesperson for Billboard tells TMZ ... "In a historically close race, after a rigorous review of the process and the methodology by which the No. 1 ranking on last week’s Billboard 200 album chart was awarded to Travis Scott’s ‘Astroworld,’ we concluded that no correction was warranted.”

You'll recall ... Travis' album was named #1 for the last week in November, but then Nielsen -- which compiles the sales data for Billboard -- said there was some discrepancy that it believed opened the door for Tekashi's "Dummy Boy" to take the top spot.

In essence ... they demanded a recount.

Now, Billboard says there was no need for the recount, and is going with the original data.

Bottom line ... Tekashi loses again. As if his federal indictment and jailing wasn't bad enough.

Ken Jeong I'd Be Hilarious Oscars Host ... At Least Let Me Cater It!!!

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KEN'S PRICELESS PITCH
TMZ.com

Whoopi Goldberg thinks Ken Jeong should be the next person the Motion Picture Academy targets to host the Oscars now that Kevin Hart's out ... and Ken is totally down with it.

We got the actor/comedian Wednesday at LAX, where we asked his reaction to Whoopi's ringing endorsement -- in the aftermath of Hart stepping down after those homophobic tweets.

Thing is ... if they don't want him as host, Ken has some Oscar-related jobs he says are perfectly suited for him.

We gotta hand it to Ken ... he's got the classic Oscars acceptance speech down to a tee. Dude's already got us in stitches with his pitch, so imagine his material if he actually had time to brainstorm!

As Whoopi -- a former Oscars host, herself -- points out, Ken's a legit movie buff who would be the first Asian-American to host the Oscars. But, we're guessing the Academy will be more turned on by the fact Ken ain't worried about that skimpy paycheck.

Nick Cannon Praises Kevin Hart Academy Can't Push Him Around

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HART'S IN THE RIGHT PLACE
TMZ.com

Nick Cannon is praising Kevin Hart for not letting the Motion Picture Academy subjugate him.

We got Nick in NYC Tuesday night, and he was squarely on Kevin's side. As you know, Hart refused to follow the Academy's ultimatum to apologize for his homophobic comments ... or else.

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Nick then addressed his comments about others who used the f-word and suffered no real consequences ... in particular Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer and Chelsea Handler. He says it is clear evidence of a double standard, although point of fact ... they weren't hosting the Oscars.

And, wait till you hear Nick's review of the United States of America ... harsh for sure.