ANDY COHEN DEFENDS J LO AFTER MEGHAN MCCAIN SHADE!!!

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BACK OFF, HATERS
Andy Cohen’s Daddy Diaries Podcast

Andy Cohen's swooping in to defend Jennifer Lopez -- this after Meghan McCain added fuel to the star's online hate brigade by shading her big time.

The Bravo star went on his 'Daddy Diaries Podcast' Friday to say he's baffled by the mean social media backlash towards Lopez lately amid her personal woes -- and also blasted a particularly harsh article about the singer's "unlikeability factor."

Andy shared his own firsthand experience with J Lo ... saying she's made 4 guest appearances on 'Watch What Happens Live' -- and he insists ... there was absolutely no drama whatsoever with her during those times.

'Yellowstone' Neal McDonough Costner's Exit Was Just Bad Timing ... It's Between Him and Taylor

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HE'S ONE OF THE GREATS
TMZ.com

Neal McDonough is weighing in on Kevin Costner's "Yellowstone" exit -- saying it really was just bad timing ... although, he notes the issue is between KC and Taylor Sheridan, which seems to hint at something deeper.

We talked to the 'Yellowstone' actor -- who starred opposite Kevin on the hit show for a handful of episodes back in the day -- and he told us on "TMZ Live" Friday that Kevin isn't BS'ing when he says there were scheduling issues that forced him to bounce.

Take a listen ... Neal explains that Kev was, in fact, busy for his new western movie 'Horizon' -- and because the last season of 'Yellowstone' took a while to get going in terms of production ... it was ultimately impossible for the leading man to stay on.

Jennifer Lawrence Starring In New Murder Mystery ... Inspired By 'Housewives'!!!

Jennifer Lawrence is going the murder mystery route for her next starring role ... a film for Apple that's apparently inspired by 'The Real Housewives' franchise, which is totally fitting.

The actress is set to play the lead in a flick called "The Wives" -- which she's also producing, BTW -- and words is ... it's a classic whodunnit, where J Law will get to play a typical housewife in the vein of the Bravo world.

There aren't a lot of other details yet about Jennifer's new movie ... it was announced Friday and it's still being developed, so the plot isn't quite finished and there's no shoot date. Still ... the fact Jen's doing a 'Housewives' thing is honestly perfect casting, 'cause she's a huge fan!

Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Armorer Won't Be Forced to Testify ... In His Manslaughter Trial

The jury in Alec Baldwin's upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial likely won't hear from the movie's armorer ... because the judge overseeing the case won't force her to take the stand.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer decided Friday Hannah Gutierrez-Reed does not have to testify during Alec's trial -- although she may still get called by the prosecution. It's a little complicated, but long story short ... HGR's attorney made clear Hannah doesn't wanna cooperate and testify against Alec.

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SENTENCED TO PRISON

When the judge was made aware that she would invoke her Fifth Amendment right if called to the stand -- she decided he wouldn't force the issue ... although, she could still be called. Prosecutors suggested they could hit her with more jail time ... so TBD.

Ben Affleck Refers to J Lo as 'Wife' in Recent Interview ... Calls Her Fame 'Bananas'

Ben Affleck was referring to Jennifer Lopez as his "wife" just earlier this year -- but in the same vein, he was also pointing out that he wasn't a huge fan of how famous she is.

The actor sat down as a guest for Kevin Hart's most recent episode of his 'Hart to Heart' talk show -- and yes, they got into Ben and Jen's marriage ... in fact, Ben talked about it at length, and he had some interesting insights.

Ben Affleck
When I'm Bothered
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For starters, he called J Lo his "wife" in this sit-down ... while at the same time pointing out that she draws a ton of attention, something he notes he's not really a huge fan of.

Taylor Wily Dead at 56 ... 'Hawaii Five-0,' 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'

Taylor Wily -- an actor and former sumo wrestler best known for his recurring role on "Hawaii Five-0" -- has died.

According to an anchor for local Hawaii outlet KITV -- who described Taylor as a family friend ... Taylor died Thursday. KITV did not provide a cause of death.

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Television producer Peter M. Lenkov confirmed the news on his official Instagram account ... posting a picture with Wily from behind the scenes of a television show and telling his followers he's "heartbroken.".

Kevin Costner I'm Done Playing John Dutton ... See Ya 'Yellowstone'

Kevin Costner has just slammed the door shut on his return as the character he made famous – John Dutton -- in the super popular TV series "Yellowstone."

The legendary actor posted an Instagram video Thursday, explaining that he would not be reprising his role as Dutton in episodes for the second half of the show's fifth season, which will kick off November 10 on Paramount Network.

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In his IG vid, Kev said he'd been working on "Horizon: An American Saga" over the past year-and-a-half ... when he realized it was time to call it quits on "Yellowstone."

RFK Jr. Campaign Paid $68K for Russell Brand Appearance ... Covered Travel, Etc.

Russell Brand's production company got paid a nice chunk of change for performing at a Robert F. Kennedy Jr. event earlier this year ... and we're talking tens of thousands.

TMZ pulled Team Kennedy's FEC filings ... and it shows the campaign shelled out more than $68,000 to Russell's production company for "Event Entertainment - Travel Expenses" after he appeared at a campaign event for RFK Jr. and his running mate Nicole Shanahan.

Russell performed at RFK Jr.'s event in May out in Nashville -- and it was called "Night of Comedy," alongside other comedians including Rob Schneider, Dave Landau, Jim Breuer, Katherine Blanford, Jeff Dye, and Mike Binder. Russell reportedly did a filmed set where he went after legacy media and scoffed at coronavirus mandates and vax requirements.

Carol Burnett Hands Immortalized at Chinese Theater Dick Van Dyke, More Attend

Carol Burnett's a living legend who's going to live on forever ... 'cause she got the cement treatment at TCL Chinese Theater while some of Hollywood's biggest stars looked on.

The actress-comedian dipped her hands and feet into wet cement outside the Hollywood landmark Thursday ... an honor only bestowed upon H'wood's brightest stars -- and, ya gotta see everyone who attended.

Of course, there's Carol -- who looks great for 91 BTW -- with her hands down in the muck, big grin on her face, but also in attendance are Bob Odenkirk, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and one of the few people perhaps more famous than even Burnett ... Dick Van Dyke.

Donald Sutherland Dead at 88

Donald Sutherland -- a legend in Hollywood -- has died ... this according to his talent agency and his family.

The actor -- who was best known for appearing in classics like "The Dirty Dozen," "M*A*S*H," "Animal House," "Hunger Games" and many, many other films -- passed away Thursday in Miami, Florida after a long illness ... something CAA announced.

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No cause of death was shared, and the exact details of his passing weren't disclosed either.

JONATHAN MAJORS SNAGS 1ST FILM ROLE SINCE ASSAULT TRIAL Acting In an Indie Flick!!!

Jonathan Majors is set to take on the lead in a new supernatural revenge thriller -- marking his official return to the screen after his assault trial, in which he was convicted.

The actor will play the role of a CIA interrogator -- whose sanity takes a perilous dive as he grapples with malevolent forces threatening the woman he loves. The movie doesn't have a major studio attached to produce or distribute ... for now, it's just an indie flick.

Despite his legal woes, JM's got some serious backup on this project -- it'll be directed by Martin Villeneuve, the younger brother of Oscar-nominated director Denis Villeneuve ... something sources connected to Jon have confirmed to TMZ.

Kim Kardashian I Need Less Botox for Acting ... But No Weight Gain for Role

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Bye Bye Botox???
Hulu

Kim Kardashian is taking her new career in acting seriously -- willing to give up a cosmetic procedure to pursue it ... but isn't willing to do certain things for a full transformation.

The reality star was talking about her new on-camera escapades on the latest episode of "The Kardashians" -- confirming her new comedy, "The Fifth Wheel," was the subject of a bidding war ... which ultimately went to Netflix.

While talking about the whole ordeal with pals -- she says she didn't think studios would take her seriously at first ... but now, she's apparently getting flooded with acting opportunities.

Swan In 'The Warriors' 'Memba Him?!

American actor Michael Beck was 30 years old when he played Swan -- the smart and dreamy gang leader living in Coney Island, Brooklyn -- in the action/thriller film "The Warriors" back in 1979.

Joining Beck included a cult of characters including James Remar as a fellow Warrior member vying for the top spot, Ajax, Deborah Van Valkenburgh who's impulsive and desperate to escape with the Warriors, Mercy ... and David Patrick Kelly as the bottle-clanking leader of the Rogues, Luther.

Michael is also known for his roles, Sonny Malone in "Xanadu" and Koda in "Triumphs of a Man Called Horse."

Guess what he looks like now! 

Simone Biles Cries Over Tokyo Olympics Exit ... In New Doc Trailer

Simone Biles is pulling back the curtains on the personal struggles she experienced during the 2020 Olympics ... sharing footage of herself breaking down in tears as she discussed her mental health as part of an upcoming documentary.

Netflix just dropped a trailer ahead of the four-part project's release ... sharing scenes of Biles' life with husband Jonathan Owens, her desire to return to competition, and her training leading up to the Paris Games.

While there is much excitement for Biles' return to the Olympics, the show will also focus on one of her biggest stories -- her withdrawal from competing for gold to address her mental health.

Jacob Elordi Targeted in X-Rated Deepfake Involving Minor

Jacob Elordi is the latest victim of the growing NSFW deepfake trend ... as the actor's likeness was used without his consent in pornographic content involving a minor.

Several posts have surfaced on X, which feature Jacob's face merged onto the body of a male OnlyFans creator ... with one post reportedly bringing in 3 million views.

Not only does the body in the footage not match Jacob's -- his distinctive birthmarks were not visible in the uploads -- the OnlyFans creator has reportedly spoken out ... condemning the footage as creepy, and noting he shot it when he was only 17 years old.

KATE BECKINSALE People Tell Her to Lose Oversized Bow ... She Fires Back!!!

Kate Beckinsale has been wearing giant bows on her head lately -- and when people told her to lose the bizarre accessory ... she snapped back, and it's clear she ain't ditching 'em.

This whole back-and-forth went down on Kate's IG comments this week -- long story short ... she threw up some clips of herself partaking in a variety of activities, and of course ... she was wearing her signature oversized bow, a look she's been rocking for a few years now.

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Par for the course ... social media folks were quick to clown Kate about the bow -- telling her quite plainly to "take that ridiculous bow off" ... among other mean comments/requests.