Pete Davidson No, Kanye Didn't Kick My Ass!!!

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HANGIN' WITH UNCLE PETE

Pete Davidson's a chip off the ol' block ... the question -- did Kanye West knock his block off?

The answer is no, but we'll explain why it's a fair question in a minute.

Yeah, Pete's tooth looks chipped, but it's not.  Our Pete sources tell TMZ ... he's shooting a movie that requires a chipped tooth, so it's fake.  We don't know which movie, but we know he does not have a chipped tooth.

Oh, the baby ... it's Malcolm, the newborn of Olivia Munn and John Mulaney, whom they now call "Uncle Pete." Pete's reaction ... "Babies are all head." You hear Olivia and John cracking up in the background.

As for the Kanye thing ... remember, he recently said in a song he would kick Pete's ass.

Kanye has allegedly been spreading false rumors that Pete has AIDS. Our Kanye sources say that's "nonsense," but others have said Kanye's been spreading the false rumor and people have been calling Pete with concerns.

Lance Waldroup 'Moonshiners' Star's Death Caused by Heart Failure, Obesity

Autopsy results are in for Lance Waldroup, the late reality TV star from Discovery's "Moonshiners", and they show his heart gave out ... TMZ has learned.

Lance's official cause of death is listed as congestive heart failure ... according to the autopsy report TMZ obtained. It also shows cardiomyopathy -- which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood -- and morbid obesity (he was 580 lbs.) as contributing factors.

In the docs, the medical examiner notes the famous bootlegger had a history of high blood pressure, suicidal thoughts and was a recovering opioid addict.

Last February, the 30-year-old "Moonshiners" star went outside to smoke, went back inside his home, played video games and was later found unconscious on the bed, by his mom Lynn.

A couple of Suboxone pills -- prescription meds used to treat opioid addiction -- were found in the room, along with crushed white powder. Narcotics are not listed as contributing factors in his death, but the M.E. did find evidence of drug abuse in his body.

Discovery says that Lance will be remembered as an adventurous distiller who was always looking to take his flavorful recipes of moonshine to new heights.

NHL Star Nathan MacKinnon Suffered Broken Face, Concussion ... In Violent On-Ice Hit

NHL star Nathan MacKinnon suffered both a broken face and a concussion from the violent hit that left him a bloody mess on Wednesday night.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar just announced the update to media members ... saying he's not sure when the Colorado center will be able to return to game action.

Bednar did say, though, that he expected MacKinnon to miss at least the team's next 3 games.

If you missed it ... the hit was scary as hell -- as MacKinnon was going up the ice in the Avs' game against the Bruins, Taylor Hall's shoulder collided with his face.

Video of the play shows MacKinnon's stick ended up wacking him in the nose ... 'causing him to bleed everywhere.

Somehow, MacKinnon got up and skated off the ice under his own power.

Colorado will miss the star while he's out ... he's been one of the best players in the league this season, tallying nine goals and 34 assists in 31 games.

Get better soon.

'Tiger King' Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years In Prison

UPDATE

11:33 AM PT -- Joe's attorney, J. Blake Patton, tells TMZ, "I think it's fair to say that there was some disappointment in our discussion with Joe, this show is not over ... Joe is hopeful that he will find justice in post-conviction relief ... Joe is looking forward to next steps."

Joe Exotic, will get out of prison earlier than expected -- but not as early as he had hoped -- the court just knocked one year off of his 22-year sentence.

A judge this past summer ruled the sentence for the murder-for-hire conviction was erroneous, because the trial court miscalculated the 2 charges on which Joe was convicted.

There was a chance the 22-year sentence would be reduced to 17 years, but that didn't happen. Rather, a federal appeals court just shaved a year off the 22-year sentence ... clearly not what Joe was hoping for.

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SO THANKFUL
Law Offices of Phillips & Hunt

Joe's serving time for allegedly trying to hire two men to kill his nemesis Carole Baskin, as well as crimes against animals. Baskin and her husband attended the hearing Friday as well.

Back in November, TMZ broke the news that Joe had been transferred from his prison in Texas to a facility in North Carolina … as he battled aggressive cancer and needed more medical attention. He originally requested to be let out of prison for treatment, but we don't yet know the decision on that.

Joe's team has yet to respond to the news.

Originally Published -- 10:45 AM PT

Kanye West Allegedly Spreading Rumor Pete Has AIDS ... Confused Pals Calling Pete

Kanye West's bizarre behavior might be at a new low -- he's allegedly telling friends Pete Davidson's suffering with AIDS, and while the false rumor's gotten back to Pete ... people close to Ye are denying it.

Sources close to Davidson confirm what DJ Akademiks claimed earlier this week, "Kanye's been telling everybody within earshot" that Pete has AIDS. We're told Kanye's claim has made for a few awkward phone calls between Pete and mutual friends he has with Kanye -- who are confused and disturbed by the childish behavior.

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LETTING RUMORS FLY
Youtube/King Akademiks

Our sources say Kanye's brutal diss track, where he raps, "God saved me from the crash, just so I can beat Pete Davidson's ass" ... diss didn't come as much of a surprise to friends of either man, as he's been known to take shots in song.

But, those close to Pete are disturbed by the fact Kanye would allegedly use such a serious health issue to try and lash out at Pete.

However, one source close to Ye tells us the allegation he's spreading the rumor is "nonsense."

Yes, Kanye's made no secret of the fact he wanted to get back with Kim ... as recently as December he said as much during his concert at the L.A. Coliseum.

So, while everyone knows he's not thrilled about Pete dating his estranged wife ... the AIDS rumor would be taking this to a new level -- one that has folks close to Pete very concerned.

Travis Pastrana I Broke Back And Hip In Parachute Crash ... But I'll Be OK!!!

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ROAD TO RECOVERY

Motorsports legend Travis Pastrana says he broke his back and hip in his horrifying parachute crash last weekend ... but somehow, he said he's expected to make a full recovery.

The X Games gold medalist and daredevil posted a video update from his hospital bed Thursday ... explaining his failed base jump attempt off a high-rise hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. last Saturday resulted in some serious injuries.

The 38-year-old said he broke the L5 vertebra in his back and suffered "multiple hip fractures" and a "pinned sacrum."

Fortunately, Travis said he's already up and moving around following the surgery ... adding, "Doctors say it's not going to be really any worse than what it is when I went in, which isn't saying much. Everything was fused down there anyway."

Pastrana went on to thank his sponsors, his fans and his family following the near-tragedy.

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As we previously reported, Pastrana hit the ground hard after he appeared to deploy his parachute just a little too late after leaping off a building on Saturday morning.

He was rushed to the hospital in "serious but stable condition," authorities said.

Unclear when he'll be back up and inside of a racecar or on top of a bike again ... but judging by his update Thursday, it doesn't seem it'll be too long.

Sarah Palin COVID, Schmovid ... Let's Eat!!!

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CASUALLY DINING
FreedomNews.tv
UPDATE

10:14 AM PT -- 1/28 -- An official at city hall tells us they've contacted Elio's to remind them of the rules in place ... and tells us the restaurant will get an unannounced inspection in the near future to check that everything is being followed. First violations are $1k, and hit upwards of $5k thereafter.

Apparently, the whole “self-isolate if you test positive for COVID” thing, doesn’t apply to everyone … at least, that’s what Sarah Palin seems to think.

Palin was spotted with former NY Ranger Ron Duguay and friends Wednesday night at Elio’s in New York. The issue? Palin, who is unvaccinated, tested positive for COVID two days prior ... causing a judge to delay her defamation trial against the New York Times.

Things got so overwrought, according to law enforcement, a heated dispute broke out between a stranger and Duguay.

We're told someone tried to record Sarah and Co., because it became big news she tested positive. Cops were called to the restaurant but no one was arrested.

Someone who worked at the restaurant scoffed at the criticism, telling the New York Post, "S*** happens. People come to eat. We are not the border police."

Palin and Co. did sit outside at Elio’s, but that wasn’t the case over the weekend. She was there a few days earlier and dined inside, which caused an uproar and forced her to return to apologize. When she came back to eat again, Elio’s said, “Palin returned to the restaurant to apologize for the fracas around her previous visit. In accordance with the vaccine mandate and to protect our staff, we seated her outdoors”.

We don't know if Palin got a negative result after her positive tests. Many doctors say the virus stays in the system of unvaccinated people longer than those who are vaccinated.

Originally Published -- 1/27 7:02 AM PT

NHL Star Nathan MacKinnon Gushes Blood All Over Ice After Hit ... Leaves Game

Scary moment on the NHL ice on Wednesday ... Nathan MacKinnon -- one of the league's best players -- gushed blood everywhere following a violent hit, and had to leave his game early.

The gnarly scene all went down just minutes into the Avalanche's tilt with the Bruins in Denver ... when MacKinnon was trucked by Boston winger Taylor Hall as he tried to get after a puck.

Video shows Hall's shoulder went right into MacKinnon's face, and, unfortunately for the Avs star, his own stick caught him in the nose during the play as well.

The 26-year-old lay on the ice for several minutes ... bleeding all over the place, before he was eventually helped off by trainers into the locker room.

MacKinnon never returned to the game, and it's unclear the extent of his injuries. The Avs only said that he had an "upper-body" ailment.

Seems pretty clear from the images, though, that the guy might need to get his face fixed soon.

As for the game, somehow, without their best player for most of the night, Colorado rallied to beat Boston, 4-3, in an overtime thriller.

'Mighty Ducks' Star Shaun Weiss Celebrates 2 Years Sober

Tuesday marked the 2-year anniversary of Shaun Weiss’ sobriety, and he decided to celebrate the occasion with some takeout, but the original plan was meant to be much more symbolic.

Friend and fellow actor Drew Gallagher was supposed to go with Shaun to Brent’s Deli in the Valley. Back in 2017, this was the first place he got a meal once released from jail, so it meant a lot for him to come full circle.

Unfortunately, Shaun has been under the weather lately, but no worries – he chose the takeout option from Brent’s and still got his matzo ball soup!

Shaun struggled with drug addiction for years and at one point was living on the streets. He had multiple run-ins with the law -- arrested for meth and burglary -- but he's since cleaned up his act in a pretty spectacular way.

As we reported in July, Shaun graduated from a drug program and chose to celebrate his graduation at – you guessed it – Brent’s Deli. This place seems to hold a lot of meaning for him.

Today, we are told Weiss has been making money doing signings and small appearances. He’s also been working on standup and has been writing nonstop. Hopefully, we will see Shaun on the big screen once again!

Baker Mayfield Quits Social Media ... After Turbulent Browns Season

Baker Mayfield is going M.I.A. when it comes to social media -- saying Tuesday night that after his turbulent season with the Browns, he's quitting all platforms until further notice.

"Getting off all social media for the foreseeable future," the Cleveland quarterback said. "Gotta do what's best to focus on me, my family and loved ones."

"Appreciate all the support. Time to get right."

The move for the signal-caller always seemed to be a possibility -- considering he and his wife have been unhappy with the Internet community basically this entire season.

Emily Mayfield has had to defend her husband on the apps constantly ... and even said back in December that trolls sent her and the QB death threats following the Browns vs. Packers game.

Baker, meanwhile, has constantly slammed media members and others on social media platforms throughout the season ... even writing in a tweet during the NFL's playoff games last weekend that it was all "toxic."

Baker had a rough year with the Browns outside of all the Internet hate ... throwing 13 interceptions and fumbling 6 times, all while his squad missed the playoffs.

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ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
@bakermayfield / Twitter

He did have surgery on his injured shoulder last week ... and he's hopeful after recovering, he can return to form next season.

And, it's clear that he believes the rehab process will go much better if he's off Twitter and IG -- at least for now.

RFK Jr. 'Deeply Sorry' for Anne Frank Comparison ... During Anti-Vax Rant

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is backpedaling big-time, and flat-out apologizing for drawing a parallel between the COVID vaccination measures and the Jewish Holocaust.

He'd been blasted for the remarks he made Sunday at an anti-vax rally in D.C. -- even his wife, Cheryl Hines, condemned him for invoking Anne Frank's plight -- and Tuesday he finally capitulated.

RFK Jr. said on Twitter, "I apologize for my reference to Anne Frank, especially to families that suffered the Holocaust horrors." He also said, "To the extent my remarks caused hurt, I am truly and deeply sorry."

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ILL COMPARISON
CNN

He claimed he was trying to use the terror of Nazi Germany as a parallel to what he views as "the perils from new technologies of control."

The son of the late Attorney General, and presidential candidate, RFK ... has been a vocal opponent of the COVID vaccines, but his Sunday rant crossed a line even for his wife.

Cheryl reacted by saying, "My husband's opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues."

Perhaps they finally had a heart-to-heart -- at least when it comes to him exploiting the Holocaust.

'Euphoria' Glamorizing Drug Use Among Real Kids ... So Says D.A.R.E.

HBO might think it’s revolutionary to show Zendaya snorting it up on camera, but one group is just saying no to TV drug use ... yep, you guessed it!

The good folks at D.A.R.E (yes, it’s still around, even in 2022) are speaking out on what they say is the glamorization of substance use -- and in many cases, abuse -- that’s depicted throughout the hit series "Euphoria," especially right now as Season 2 gets underway.

A rep for D.A.R.E tells TMZ ... "Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world."

Just to give you one example of how dark this show is, Zendaya’s character, Rue, actually almost OD's during an episode this season ... and, ironically, takes even more drugs to prevent it. And yes, it’s shown in graphic detail ... as is much of the sex and other taboo topics tackled in the series.

The EPs have said their approach to all this is “honest,” but D.A.R.E. says otherwise ... adding, “It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges.”

Now, D.A.R.E. isn’t just here to criticize ... they say they actually wanna collaborate to help send the right message to real-life kids, "We would welcome the opportunity for our team, including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns directly."

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If this attitude comes off as antiquated, well there’s a reason for that ... D.A.R.E. was super popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, especially with Nancy Reagan behind the “Just Say No” campaign. But, while that slogan might be dated, D.A.R.E. says everything they stand for in talking about the dangers of drugs is not, insisting "Euphoria" is doing more bad than good.

And, big picture ... they say there's a better way to have a convo about this heavy subject matter.

Ozzie World's Oldest Male Gorilla Dead ... COVID Possibly to Blame

Ozzie, the world's oldest male Gorilla has died ... and because he was among a group of the primates who tested positive for COVID last year, it's possible the disease could be to blame for his eventual demise.

The 61-year-old was found dead at Zoo Atlanta Tuesday, President and CEO Raymond B. King said of Ozzie's loss, "While we knew this time would come someday, that inevitability does nothing to stem the deep sadness we feel at losing a legend."

According to FOX5 in Atlanta, zoo vets noticed Ozzie began to lose his appetite last week -- but continued to offer him care and encourage him to eat and drink.

It was in September of last year when Ozzie was among at least 9 of Zoo Atlanta's gorilla population to test positive for COVID. The animals exhibited symptoms similar to humans -- including runny nose, coughing and sneezing.

Ozzie first arrived in Atlanta in 1988, and was part of a scientific milestone when he became the first gorilla to get a blood pressure reading. He held the title of oldest male gorilla, but Fatou -- a 64-year-old female at Berlin Zoo -- is still the oldest living gorilla.

At Zoo Atlanta, Ozzie is survived by 3 sons, a daughter, a granddaughter, a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson... but his lineage stretches across other zoos in the U.S. and Canada.

A necropsy will be performed to determine his exact cause of death.

RIP

Janet Jackson Claims MJ Bullied Her Over Weight ... Called Her 'Pig, Hog' as Kids

Janet Jackson's revealing a painful aspect of her tight relationship with Michael Jackson -- claiming he brutally taunted her about her weight, and she says it had a lasting impact on her.

Janet opens up about her brother in the upcoming documentary, "Janet," and reportedly says Michael teased her by hurling insults like "pig, horse, slaughter hog'' during their childhood.

That might sound like typical sibling jabs -- she does say they both laughed at the time ... but JJ also says it hurt her deep down.

The 2-part docu-series premieres Friday night on A&E and Lifetime, and shows Janet discussing her weight issues, and much more about Michael -- including the molestation accusations against him and how they impacted her career.

Janet also gets into her marriages and relationships with James DeBarge, Rene Elizondo Jr., Jermaine Dupri and Wissam Al Mana ... the father of her son.

As for Michael's cruel remarks -- according to Daily Mail, Janet says in the doc ... "When you have somebody say you're too heavy, it affects you."

Janet and Michael were famously very close -- she's said Michael and Randy Jackson were the siblings she bonded with most -- but it looks like the "Janet" docuseries is about to reveal a new facet of their relationship.

Simone Biles Hits Insane Flips In Gym ... Twisties Cured?!?

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SIMONE SOARS
@simonebiles / Instagram

Simone Biles appears to be on her way to putting the twisties in her past ... 'cause she recently hit a bunch of insane flips in the gym, showing no signs of the mental block that plagued her in Tokyo.

Biles posted the videos on her social media page Monday ... revealing she's once again hitting some of the crazy stunts that made her an Olympics legend.

Biles did the tricks into a soft foam pit ... and captioned the footage, "did some flips the other day just to make sure."

No word yet on if Biles is officially 100 percent free of the infamous twisties that first hit her at the 2020 Olympics in July ... but the video is an encouraging sign nonetheless.

It's the first time Biles has been seen hitting the tricks since she said she was struggling to find up from down while performing the stunts on the sport's biggest stage.

Biles had said back in October she was still fighting the problem ... and noted she was keeping any twisting out of her routines during her performances in the Gold Over America Tour in the fall.

But, it appears Biles is inching closer to returning to her old form -- which, of course, is a super-positive sign for her potential return to the Olympics in 2024.

Travis Pastrana Hospitalized After Parachute Stunt Crash ... In Florida

Motorsports legend Travis Pastrana has been hospitalized in Florida ... after he terrifyingly crash-landed into a park following a parachute stunt gone wrong.

The horrifying scene was all captured on video ... showing Pastrana is truly fortunate to be alive today.

In the footage, you can see the 38-year-old jumped from the top of a high-rise hotel ... and appeared to deploy his 'chute just a little too late, causing him to hit the ground with force.

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Thankfully, his publicist told WSVN-TV's Frank Guzman he is expected to make a full recovery.

"Surgery went well and he is excited to get home and heal up," the publicist said.

Ft. Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan tells TMZ Sports the incident happened on Saturday morning, when a video crew was shooting in the area of Las Olas Blvd. and Andrews Ave.

"A stunt during that event did not go as planned resulting in a hard landing of a parachutist that jumped from the Hyatt Hotel," Gollan said in a statement.

"The adult male was immediately treated and transported in serious but stable condition to Broward Health."

According to Keys Weekly, the X Games gold medalist has been in Florida this month doing stunts and drifts. In fact, just a few days before the parachute incident, Pastrana was in the Florida Keys filming with a 1983 Subaru GL Wagon.

Get well soon.