Comedian Under Fire Responds to Cruise N-Word Joke Backlash

UPDATE

4:41 PM PT -- 10/2 -- Rob O'Reilly tells TMZ ... there's more to the story about him getting canned over his use of the n-word during a cruise standup comedy set -- and the big picture, according to him, is that most of the crowd was actually on his side for this.

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He says the crowd that night consisted of mostly African-Americans, and he also says the joke he made was race-related, not racist. While he denies using the n-word multiple times -- he seems to be admitting he might've used it once ... but goes on to say that while everyone else found it funny, 2 audience members did not -- and they're the ones who made a stink.

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Rob tells us all he did was remind them about what the host of the show had told the audience at the beginning -- that if you're easily offended, leave -- and when he realized they were at a crossroads with the hecklers ... he suggested they bounce, which they did.

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ACCOSTING THE CROWD
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The video was posted, though, and the rest is history -- Rob insists he wasn't fired for what he said, but more so because someone tattled with an out-of-context POV. One last thing -- Rob says he believes in an unspoken contract between comedians and folks who come to their shows -- namely, that a comic is allowed to say things that you obviously wouldn't say in a private conversation ... and that comedy, by its nature, caters to that concept.

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NOT FUNNY
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He also acknowledges some of his old tweets don't look great in 2022, but also says he's a victim of cancel culture ... which doesn't' allow for personal growth.

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Rob also says that since this story took off, he's been subjected to a lot of hateful and vicious messages from people online ... which is why he scrubbed his socials.

A white comedian is in hot water after being accused of using the n-word multiple times during his performance on a Carnival Cruise.

A woman, who was a passenger on the ship, posted a short clip on TikTok last week that's since gone viral ... showing comedian Rob O'Reilly onstage -- but the video by itself isn't what's upsetting.

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COMEDIAN CALL-OUT

The on-screen caption reads, "So on Carnival Cruise right now and they are perfectly fine hiring someone who uses the N-word multiple times in his show and when the issue was raised he said and I quote ‘if you’re offended get tf out.'”

He was met with mostly cheers when telling those offended to leave -- but you can still hear some people in the crowd clearly still upset.

She didn't capture his alleged use of the slurs on camera, but she eventually posted an update, clarifying they weren't allowed to record during O'Reilly's set -- a common regulation at comedy clubs.

She was so offended, though, when he used the n-word "casually" during the performance ... so, she snagged the quick clip and called him out online.

Carnival has responded to the incident ... saying the company doesn't tolerate what went down -- adding O'Reilly's been booted from all upcoming performances and is no longer welcome on Carnival cruise ships.

Rob has quite the resume, up to this point -- he's appeared on "Last Comic Standing," "America's Got Talent," and was even a correspondent for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

People online were applauding the TikToker for calling out O'Reilly -- some have even found old tweets of his ... mostly ones that joke around about race.

Originally Published -- 9/26 @ 8:25 AM

Roy Wood Jr. The Next 'Daily Show' Host?!? Comic's In The Mix

UPDATE

5:15 PM PT -- 10/2 -- Comedy Central tells TMZ ... "In time, we will turn to the next chapter of The Daily Show and all of our incredible correspondents will be at the top of that list. Until then, we are focused on celebrating Trevor and thanking him for his many contributions."

Roy Wood Jr. could soon get a serious promotion over at Comedy Central ... we're told he's in the running to take over for Trevor Noah as the next host on "The Daily Show."

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ that Comedy Central executives view Roy as someone who could potentially become the next face of 'TDS' ... for several reasons.

Roy joined the show in 2015, the same year Trevor took over for Jon Stewart as host, and he's since become one of the show's most recognizable faces, not to mention one of their leading correspondents.

With that in mind, we're told CC execs view Roy as a natural fit to be promoted to host ... and there's precedent, as the show promoted from within when Trevor took the reins from Jon.

Our sources say Roy's contract is also coming up for renewal, and CC execs are anxious he may leave the show because Roy is in demand on the stand-up circuit and he's also gaining popularity from recent outside projects like "Confess, Fletch."

We're told CC wants to make sure Roy stays with the network, and promoting him to host could be the best way to keep him around.

Our sources say CC execs have made it clear to Roy they want to meet with him to discuss his future as his contract renewal looms ... but he's NOT been personally told he's even a candidate to replace Trevor.

The process of picking a successor, we're told, is in the infancy stage ... and there's talk the next host could well be a woman. Again, we're told no decisions have been made.

As we reported ... Trevor announced he was leaving the show on Thursday night's episode, with a CC source telling us TN felt the daily show was too much of a grind after 7 years at the helm.

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CURTAIN CALL
Comedy Central

It's interesting ... Trevor mentioned Roy by name at the opening of his farewell speech, saying Roy reminded him the other day Noah's 7-year anniversary was fast approaching.

Still, we're told it's unclear if Roy knew Trevor was leaving the show before the sudden announcement.

Originally Published -- 10/1 @ 1:00 AM PT

Bill Maher Now That Everyone's Back to Work ... 'Let them F***!!!'

Bill Maher made a pretty compelling case that lots of rules against consensual sex in the workplace are not only ridiculous ... they're harmful.

The "Real Time" host challenged companies that require immediate notification if 2 employees are banging and prohibit sexual relationships between supervisors and their subordinates.

He concedes, if there's a workplace relationship between a superior and a subordinate, it should be watched ... but not banned.

As Bill says, work is where most people spend most of their waking hours, and that's also where they get to know people ... and sometimes they catch feelings and even fall in love.

He ticks off a list of people who have been fired for their consensual relationships. He points to former CNN honcho Jeff Zucker, who was fired for having a consensual relationship with a 49-year-old CNN executive -- as if the company needed to tell the 49-year-old exec it wasn't right because of a power imbalance, even though she didn't think it was a problem.

How 'bout this point he raises ... if these rules were in place back in the day, Barack and Michelle Obama wouldn't be married. He was a summer associate at a law firm and she was his supervisor.  Bill says she was literally banging the intern, and good for them!

He point out the hypocrisy ... Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde hooked up during the shooting of "Don't Worry Darling," and when you shoot a movie a director is not only boss, she's God.

And how 'bout this as a capper ... there's an epidemic in this country among young folks -- loneliness, and it causes lots of physical/mental problems.  So, he says, how smart are we to close off a major avenue to abate the problem?

Trevor Noah, Dua Lipa Huggin' and Kissin' Before Big Announcement

There are reports Trevor Noah and Dua Lipa are "just friends." Really?

Now that we know Trevor's plan to exit "The Daily Show," which he announced Thursday, it seems kinda weird he'd have dinner with a casual friend the night before ... there are things to discuss with your closest allies when stuff like that is about to go down.

Well, it's possible they're just friends ... hugging and kissing on the street as friends often do.

Trevor sent shock waves in the TV world with his announcement he's leaving the show that made him super famous in America. As we reported, he has a ton of projects in the works, both in front of and behind the cam, and a daily show may have proved too much of a grind.

Both are unattached ... Trevor is no longer dating Minka Kelly, and Dua has Anwar Hadid in her rear view.

This would be kinda awesome, right?

Trevor Noah Leaving 'The Daily Show'

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CURTAIN CALL
Comedy Central

Trevor Noah has just rocked cable news and news itself ... he's leaving his gig on Comedy Central.

Trevor made the announcement Thursday, telling the audience his 7-year tenure is coming to an end ... and he made the announcement on his 7-year anniversary.

A Comedy Central source tells TMZ ... his decision has to do with his schedule, which is hardcore crazy ... and it's just too much of a grind for him to do a daily show.

Comedy Central says, "We are grateful to Trevor for our amazing partnership over the past seven years. As we look ahead, we're excited for the next chapter in the 25+ year history of 'The Daily Show.'"

It's unclear when Trevor will leave the show ... our Comedy Central source says Trevor and the CC team are working together on "a timeline for his departure."

TN has hosted "The Daily Show" since 2015, taking over for longtime host Jon Stewart on the satirical news program.

During his time as host, Trevor won a Primetime Emmy Award ... and was nominated for a bunch of other awards.

In 2017, Trevor extended his contract with Comedy Central through 2022 ... and now he's leaving altogether.

It will be interesting to see who Comedy Central tabs as the next 'Daily Show' host ... but one thing is for sure, they will have some big shoes to fill.

Trevor's sure to have other opportunities ... he's also hosted the Grammy Awards and the White House Correspondents Dinner, appeared in movies and produced a ton of content.

Chris D'Elia Woman Who Filed Restraining Order is Lying ... I've Never Met Her & She's Threatened My Family

Chris D'Elia's been accused of threatening to share intimate videos of a woman in a new restraining order, but not only does the comedian claim he's never met his accuser, he says she's also been sending him threatening audio and text messages since earlier this year.

TMZ has obtained the docs, filed by Caroline Schmitz in L.A., in which she claims she and D'Elia met back in 2017 when she was working as a comedian. Schmitz says she and Chris hooked up several times, and then heard from him again when he contacted her through OnlyFans in May.

As for the communications on OnlyFans, Schmitz says a profile -- who she believes D'Elia was behind -- threatened to post intimate videos she'd recorded and told her she needed to get out of Los Angeles.

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SCHMITZ'S MESSAGES TO CHRIS

Schmitz says she believes D'Elia was behind the OF account because she, "recognized his style of writing." She also says she believes Chris hacked her phone.

D'Elia's attorney, Andrew Brettler, tells TMZ, "These accusations are as fantastical as they are defamatory. Chris has never met this person. But over the last year, she has sent him increasingly disturbing text and audio messages, including making threats against him and his family. If anyone is going to get a restraining order here, it’s going to be Chris.”

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SCHMITZ'S MESSAGES TO CHRIS

We've obtained some of the many messages Chris says Schmitz sent to him through Instagram where you hear a woman rambling at times about being a stripper. He also says she messaged him, "Have me killed or leave me the f*** alone - I'd die to get the hell away from your evil ass."

A judge has granted a temporary restraining order. There's a hearing scheduled for October.

Chris Redd Dating Kenan Thompson's Estranged Wife ... But No Hard Feelings!!!

'SNL' alum Chris Redd is dating Christina Evangeline, the estranged wife of his former costar and pal Kenan Thompson ... but we've learned there's no bad blood flowing between the guys.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... Christina and Chris became official within the past year, and there was no overlap or cheating when it happened.

In fact, we're told Kenan and Christina were living separate lives, and intending to divorce since 2019.

Chris -- who also costarred on Kenan's NBC sitcom -- and Christina have known each other for the past 6 years, with things staying very respectful between them.

Just last week, Chris announced he wouldn't be returning for 'SNL's 48th season, and after he and Christina were seen out together in NYC ... some fans speculated Kenan got Chris fired.

Our sources say that's far from the truth -- which is that Chris chose to leave because of a handful of upcoming projects, including a stand-up special for HBO Max and an Audible project with Lorne Michaels.

Obviously, that project wouldn't be happening if Kenan had urged Lorne to boot Chris.

We're told Kenan's aware of his estranged wife's romance with Chris and has no hard feelings -- he's apparently moved on and is happily dating other people.

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FRIENDLY LOVE

As we reported, Kenan and Christina decided to end their 11-year marriage earlier this year ... with the actor filing in May to make the split official.

American Airlines Is Someone in 13A About to Orgasm?

American Airlines passengers traveling from L.A. to Dallas probably thought they were about to witness to a mile-high encounter, that sounded downright orgasmic!

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MILE-HIGH MOANS
Tik Tok/@emersoncollins1

Passengers on the Sept. 6 flight heard what one passenger described as "somewhere between an orgasm and vomiting."

Check out the video and listen ... it's coming from the P.A. system, and it sounds like some dude is about to become a member of the not-so-exclusive club!

It was a source of confusion to the flight crew ... apparently, one flight attendant thought someone was pulling a prank, but it turned out to be a weird malfunction in the P.A. that sounded like a man's moans.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
TMZ.com

An AA rep told KTLA "Our maintenance team thoroughly inspected the aircraft and the PA system and determined the sounds were caused by a mechanical issue with the PA amplifier, which raises the volume of the PA system when the engines are running."

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SOUNDS FROM THE SKY
TMZ.com

You're now free to moan about the cabin.

Jo Koy Picnic With Mystery Woman ... Smoochin' With A Side Of Coffee!!!

Romance was in the air between comedian Jo Koy and a mystery brunette, taking a trip outside together for a picnic ... this coming months after the plug was pulled on his relationship with Chelsea Handler.

The 2 had some fun on the lawn in Pacific Palisades toward the end of last month ... layin' close on the blanket outside Alfred Coffee.

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ ... the two were locking lips in the shop before stepping outside for the picnic.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Looks like things are going great for Jo -- as we reported, his split from Chelsea came after nearly a year of dating. Sources close to the former couple told us their schedules just weren't giving them enough time to keep the relationship alive.

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'WE'RE TAKING A BREAK'
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We got Jo a few days after the news broke ... and he told us it's all good between him and Chelsea -- saying they're still good buds.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
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Looks like Jo's got a new pick-nic!!! 💘

Bill Maher Who Doesn't Believe in America? Lots of Republicans and Democrats

Bill Maher has a hot take on people who love America and people who don't ... and he says lots of folks on the right and the left are as anti-American as they come.

As the "Real Time" host plainly puts it ... "You don't love America if you hate what it stands for," and B.M. has receipts.

Bill asks, how Republicans can say they believe in America when they support a president who tried to pull off a coup? How can Republicans who won't accept election results say with a straight face they believe in America?

He's got another great example using Colin Kaepernick ... just watch.

How can Republicans, he asks, say they believe in America when they get downright underhanded to restrict the right to vote?

There's more ... Republicans used to support law and order ... but now, when it comes to the Capitol Police or the FBI, their mantra is "F*** the police!"

And, of course, there's Donald Trump, who mused out loud he wished generals in the United States military were more like Nazi generals.

It gets downright absurd ... Congresswoman Lauren Boebert complained, "I'm tired of this separation of church and state  junk that's not in the Constitution." Well, it is stupid.

But then on the other side, he says lots of liberals seem to see nothing redeemable about the United States of America ... just shame. Congresswoman Cori Bush said, "This land is stolen land and Black people still aren't free." Bill has some choice words for that.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman said, "I believe our current system of capitalism is slavery by another name." Again, Bill has feelings.

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There IS one group Bill says has the best perspective on what America really is all about ... and they're people who are getting flown to places like Martha's Vineyard.

Dave Chappelle Trae Tha Truth Delivers ... $25K Blinged Out 'Chappelle' Logo!!!

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STAND-UP GOLD
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Trae Tha Truth is making sure Dave Chappelle stays shining during his stand-up gigs -- he just hooked up the GOAT with a diamond and gold rendering of his signature logo!!!

The Houston rapper was recently in L.A. when he surprised the legendary comedian with the custom pendant, straight from famed H-Town jeweler Iceman Nick.

We're told the piece consists of 15 carats of VS quality diamonds and is valued at $25,000. It was intended to be a small gesture -- Trae noted Dave already has everything money can buy, but he picked wisely.

DC was floored when he opened the jewelry box, and admitted he didn't have a logo chain in his collection ... and graciously accepted the chain and pendant combo.

Dave and Trae have been friends for several years ... Trae regularly shows out to support when Dave is touring around the country, as he is now.

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NO MORE BOILED WATER
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Trae has been in a giving mood lately ... his Relief Gang charity recently delivered clean water and supplies to Jackson, Mississippi residents struggling with contaminated water pipes.

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INVESTIGATING THE SECRETS
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In a far less kind gesture ... he helped hand out a certified beatdown to his former rapping partner Z-Ro a couple of weeks back -- but according to Boosie Badazz, J. Prince's mediation skills have been activated to squash that beef.

Anyway, far as Dave's concerned, the truth is ... Trae gives great gifts.

Bob Saget SCLERODERMA FUNDRAISER RAISES $1.2 MILLION ... Celeb Friends Take Stage

Bob Saget's famous friends are picking up where he left off, raising seven figures for a cause near and dear to his heart ... scleroderma research.

John Mayer, Jimmy Kimmel and Jeff Ross took over hosting duties for their late friend Wednesday at an annual fundraiser for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, with the event raising $1.2 million for crucial research.

Bob hosted SRF's signature event, "Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine," for 30 years before his death ... and this year's fundraiser featured a special video tribute to Bob, presented by John Stamos and Mike Binder.

Dave Chappelle showed up to the Beverly Wilshire for a surprise performance, even sharing a personal video message he got from Bob before he passed. Bill Burr joined Dave on stage for a couple jokes too.

And, Lori Loughlin was also in attendance at the event.

Other celeb performers included comedy sets from Howie Mandel and Kevin Nealon, plus a musical number from Mayer. Joel McHale led the live auction.

Attendees plunked down $500 just to get inside the building ... and they chowed down on a sit-down dinner curated by celeb chef Susan Feniger.

Bob's sister, Gay, died from scleroderma -- a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening of the skin and connective tissue -- back in 1994 when she was only 47 ... and the SRF's annual fundraiser has now raised over $28 million for research to find a cure.

EA Sports Adding Ted Lasso, AFC Richmond ... To FIFA '23 Game

This is awesome.

EA Sports -- starting later this month -- is adding Ted Lasso to FIFA '23 ... AND his team, AFC Richmond, the video game maker announced on Wednesday.

"Believe it. #FIFA23 x @TedLasso He's proven he belongs in the game, now Ted Lasso and @AFCRichmond are playable in FIFA 23 starting September 30," EA tweeted.

In an official news release, EA said Lasso -- famously played by Jason Sudekis -- will be a playable manager in Career Mode on FIFA '23.

In addition to Lasso, FIFA players can manage AFC Richmond -- Lasso's team in the hit show -- in FIFA's Premier League or any other playable Career Mode.

The Emmy award-winning show follows the story of Lasso, an American football coach in London charged with leading a struggling English Premier League football (soccer) team.

According to IMDB, the comedy-drama won 11 Primetime Emmys and received 40 total nominations.

Now we have something to do while we wait for season 3!

Pete Davidson Hits 'Meet Cute' Premiere with Kaley ... And Kim's in NYC Too

Pete Davidson's back in the Big Apple with a new woman on his arm -- yes, she's his costar, Kaley Cuoco -- but interestingly enough, his ex, Kim Kardashian, was also in town.

The 'SNL' alum was all smiles Tuesday night in Manhattan as he and Kaley attended the premiere of "Meet Cute" -- a rom-com they shot for Peacock. Pete went with his usual "just rolled outta bed" look -- white hoodie, green sweatpants and orange shades ... while Kaley rocked something more glittery and formal.

They looked pretty comfortable in front of cameras, with Pete wrapping his arm around KC and flashing a smile from time to time.

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HUGS ALL AROUND
BACKGRID

It's one of the bigger public events we've seen Pete attend since he and Kim split back in August. He's maintained a relatively low profile since ... so it's good to see him out and about and doing well.

PD had his mom and sis with him as well.

Kim was also in NYC Tuesday for an appearance on "Good Morning America" to plug the new season of her Hulu show, "The Kardashians." She was rolling solo while cruising around the city, and also rocked some goofy sunglasses.

It doesn't look like she and Pete reunited while in the same zip code -- which just further confirms ... they're definitely done. Fun while it lasted, though!

Tiffany Haddish & Aries Spears Child Molestation Suit Dismissed ... Jane Doe Speaks Out

Tiffany Haddish and Aries Spears are no longer fighting a child molestation lawsuit against them ... because we've learned the Jane Doe who filed suit has now dismissed it for good.

Per new court docs, obtained by TMZ, the plaintiff asked the judge to dismiss the case with prejudice ... meaning it cannot be refiled again. You'll recall the case involved allegations the 2 comedians groomed and molested 2 children several years ago.

The woman who sued both of them has also issued a statement, saying ... "My family and I have known Tiffany Haddish for many years – and we now know that she would never harm me or my brother or help anyone else do anything that could harm us. We wish Tiffany the best and are glad that we can all put this behind us."

The Jane Doe did not have anything to say about Aries in her remarks -- who was also accused of some pretty heinous stuff in the suit -- but he's also in the clear.

In the lawsuit, the alleged victim claimed both she and her younger brother were used by Tiffany and Aries to film scenes/skits that, when looking back, were wildly inappropriate -- and which Jane Doe suggested was meant to sexualize them.

Jane Doe alleged Tiffany had her film a scene where she simulated oral sex with a sandwich -- and also claimed her brother was used for a skit with Aries in which he was the subject of a pedophile's fantasy.

At first, Tiffany and Aries called the whole thing a shakedown, vowing to prove their innocence. However, TH later said she regretted being part of the sketch.

Keegan-Michael Key Award Show Jokes Should Not Go Low

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PUSH THE POSITIVE!
TMZ.com

Keegan-Michael Key joined a very lucky group on the TMZ Celebrity Tour ... offerin' up advice on how award shows can evolve so comedy bits don't drag people down.

Keegan hopped on our bus in Bev Hills ... and as his wife and writing partner Elle kicked it on the sidewalk, he offered up some tips on cringe-worthy humor during these awards shows.

KMK put it plainly -- you can make a killer joke that has a positive message ... but bringing someone down should be out of bounds.

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STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT
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He's pretty clearly referring to last week's Emmys ... where Jimmy Kimmel was dragged for "passing out" on stage as Quinta Brunson accepted her award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

After finishing his TMZ Tour "Ted Talk," he entertained passengers with a throwback from 'Key & Peele' ... breaking out his substitute teacher character that he debuted a decade ago!!!

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CELEBRATE CINEMA