Religion/ Spirituality

A Texas preacher gave an emotional sermon ... addressing scandalous Diddy-related TikTok rumors about himself during his Christmas service Saturday.

T.D. Jakes, who has been trending this week after rumors of an association with embattled music producer Diddy took hold online, denounced the rumors.

The 66-year-old preacher began by saying some people came in solely to hear what he had to say about the buzz ... and quickly made it clear he wouldn't.

"All of you who expect me to address a lie, you can log off," Jakes said in a defiant voice.

He continued, "I will not use this sacred day and this sacred pulpit to address a lie when I have chance to preach a truth. I will stand straight up, head up, back straight and preach the unadulterated, infallible word of God."

Jakes' name has swirled on the internet rumor mill this week with social media users claiming the preacher attended sex parties hosted by Diddy and questioning his sexuality.

He'd already denied the claim through a PR rep, who called the rumors "unequivocally false and baseless."

Of course, an association with Diddy wasn't always taboo, but in the wake of multiple sexual assault lawsuits, including one he settled with ex Cassie, relationships with him have drawn scrutiny.

DC Young Fly está manteniendo la fe en esta temporada festiva, a pesar de que tuvo un año difícil, marcado por la pérdida de su pareja desde hace mucho tiempo Jacky Oh y su hermana.

Hablando con TMZ en LAX, nos dijo que su atención se ha centrado en hacer especial la Navidad para sus 3 hijos, los que compartía con Jacky. Y le está dando prioridad a rezar un montón durante su tiempo juntos en familia.

Él dice que siempre y cuando seas fiel y obediente al corazón de Dios, todo va a estar bien, incluso en momentos de dolor y agonía.

DC ciertamente pasó por mucho de eso este año. TMZ reveló que su compañera Jacky había muerto como resultado de complicaciones de un procedimiento estético (Brazilian butt lift) en mayo.

La tragedia golpeó de nuevo en octubre cuando anunció que su hermana había fallecido. En su IG escribió que volvería a poner su confianza en un poder superior: "DIOS es amor y el amor siempre superará la adversidad".

A pesar de sus reveses personales, él es inflexible en seguir adelante. Nos dijo que quiere devolver a la comunidad este año para "difundir amor y mostrarle a la gente que hay esperanza".

Afortunadamente, también ha habido algunos momentos de celebración para DC este año. Tuvo la oportunidad de filmar junto a Eddie Murphy para la nueva película de Navidad de Netflix, "Candy Cane Lane".

DC Young Fly is keeping the faith this festive season ... despite a difficult year marked by the loss of his longtime partner, Jacky Oh!, and his sister.

Talking to TMZ at LAX, he says his focus is making Xmas special for his 3 kids he shares with Jacky ... prioritizing a lot of prayin' during their family time together.

He says that as long as you stay God-fearin' and obedient, everything's gonna be A-OK -- even through the pain and agony.

DC certainly went through it this year ... with TMZ revealing his partner Jacky had died as a result of complications from a BBL in May.

Tragedy struck once again in October when he announced his sister had passed away ... going on to place his trust in the higher power again, writing on IG: "GOD is love and love will always overcome adversity."

Despite his personal setbacks, he's adamant on paying things forward ... telling us he's giving back to the community this year to "spread love and show people there's hope."

Thankfully, there have also been some celebratory moments for DC this year ... taking on the opportunity to star alongside Eddie Murphy for the new Netflix Xmas movie, "Candy Cane Lane."

Michael Bublé se llenó de emoción al hablar de la batalla contra el cáncer de hígado de su hijo Noah y de cómo eso lo ha llevado a restablecer sus prioridades y a enfocarse en su familia en lugar de su ego y el poder.

Al enterarse de que su hijo había sido diagnosticado con hepatoblastoma a la edad de 3 años, en 2016, explicó que una cortina se corrió sobre sus ojos y lo hizo darse cuenta de que aunque amaba a su familia, estaba concentrado en convertirse en el más grande y mejor en su carrera.

Hablando con Steven Bartlett en "The Diary of a CEO podcast", Michael dijo que prometió abandonar su ego y vivir una vida mejor si superaban los problemas de salud de Noah.

También quería ser más amable y empático y nunca más vivir su vida sin preocupaciones.

Michael Bublé welled up with emotion speaking of how his son Noah's liver cancer battle reset his priorities ... now focusing on his family rather than his ego and power.

Upon learning his son had been diagnosed with hepatoblastoma at the age of 3 back in 2016 ... he explained a curtain was pulled over his eyes -- making him realize that while he loved his family, he was tuned in on becoming the biggest and best in his career.

Speaking to Steven Bartlett on "The Diary of a CEO podcast" ... Michael said he promised to abandon his ego ... and live a better life if they got through Noah's health woes.

He also wanted to be kinder and empathetic -- and never live his life carefree anymore.

Big moment for Hulk Hogan ... he just announced he's been baptized!!

The Hulkster had the special ceremony at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida recently ... getting in a large body of water and fully submerging himself as part of the christening process.

70-year-old Hogan spoke about the significance of the baptism ... saying, "Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life."

"No worries, no hate, no judgment ... only love!"

Hogan was accompanied by his wife, Sky Daily Hogan ... who also took part in the baptism.

Hulk has previously opened up on his faith ... saying he knew at a young age Jesus Christ was his savior who helped him take the correct path to success.

"I accepted Christ as my savior at 14yrs old," he said back in April, "and the training, prayers and vitamins kept me in the game but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior and so it is, even now brother, AMEN!"

Hulk Hogan acaba de anunciar que ha sido bautizado.

Hulkster tuvo la ceremonia especial en la Iglesia Bautista de Indian Rocks en Florida recientemente, donde se sumergió completamente como parte del proceso de bautismo.

Hogan, de 70 años de edad, habló sobre el significado del bautismo, diciendo: "La entrega total y la dedicación a Jesús es el día más grande de mi vida".

"Sin preocupaciones, sin odio, sin juicios, ¡solo amor!".

Hogan estuvo acompañado por su esposa, Sky Daily Hogan, que también participó en el bautismo.

Hulk se ha abierto previamente sobre su fe, diciendo que a temprana edad sabía que Jesucristo era su salvador y quien le ayudó a tomar el camino correcto para el éxito.

"Acepté a Cristo como mi salvador a los 14 años", dijo en abril, "y el entrenamiento, las oraciones y las vitaminas me mantuvieron en el juego, pero ahora que soy uno con Dios, el tema del evento principal de la entrega, el servicio y el amor me hace el Evento Principal Real que puede golpear a cualquier gigante de cualquier tamaño a través del poder de mi Señor y Salvador y así es, incluso ahora hermano, ¡AMEN!"

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are becoming closer than ever as a result of his assault trial ... and she's a big reason why he's able to push forward through a tough time.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... the trial hasn't only been a tough time for Jonathan, it's also been incredibly challenging for Meagan.

She was sitting in court for testimony from accuser Grace Jabbari and arguments from the prosecution ... listening to all the negative things they had to say about Jonathan.

We're told Meagan feels Jabbari and the prosecution are peddling BS because it all flies in the face of what she knows about JM.

Our sources say Meagan is particularly upset about the text exchanges between Jonathan and Jabbari prosecutors keep bringing up in court. In one message, Jonathan tells Jabbari, "It's just fake," and goes on to tell her she's got a rep for exaggerating, lying and seeking attention.

We're told Meagan now feels Jabbari was manipulative and controlling during her relationship with Jonathan.

By contrast, we're told Meagan is the one keeping Jonathan grounded and centered during the trial.

Our sources say all the challenges brought on by the trial are only serving to strengthen the bond between Jonathan and Meagan, making their love even more resilient.

Another factor ... we're told Jonathan and Meagan's deep faith in God is playing a huge role in helping them navigate the trial.

Jonathan Majors y Meagan Good se han vuelto más cercanos que nunca en medio del juicio del actor por agresión y ella es una razón importante de por qué el actor ha sido capaz de seguir adelante en un momento difícil.

Fuentes cercanas a la pareja le dicen a TMZ que el juicio no solo ha sido difícil para Jonathan, sino que también ha sido increíblemente difícil para Meagan.

Ella estuvo en la corte mientras la denunciante Grace Jabbari testificó y le dio sus argumentos a la fiscalía, escuchando todas las cosas negativas que tenían que decir acerca de Jonathan.

Nos dicen que Meagan siente que Jabbari y la fiscalía están vendiendo puras mentiras, pues nada hace sentido con lo que ella sabe de Jonathan Majors.

Nuestras fuentes dicen que Meagan está particularmente molesta por los intercambios de texto entre Jonathan y Jabbari que los fiscales siguen trayendo a colación en los tribunales. En un mensaje, Jonathan le dijo a Jabbari: "Es falso", y continúa diciéndole que ella tiene fama de exagerar, mentir y buscar atención.

Nos dicen que Meagan ahora siente que Jabbari era manipuladora y controladora durante su relación con Jonathan.

Por el contrario, nos comentan que Meagan es la que mantiene a Jonathan con los pies en la tierra y centrado durante el juicio.

Nuestras fuentes aseguran que todos los desafíos que ha traído el juicio solo han servido para fortalecer el vínculo entre ellos, haciendo su amor aún más resiliente.

Otro factor, nos comentan, es la profunda fe de Jonathan y Meagan en Dios, la que está jugando un papel muy importante en ayudarlos a navegar el juicio.

A tragedy unfolded for fans of Brazilian gospel singer Pedro Henrique ... as he collapsed onstage in the middle of a performance and died.

The incident happened Wednesday night during a religious event in Brazil, where Pedro was performing a song when he suddenly fell to the floor unconscious ... and it's all on video.

Footage shows Pedro on the edge of the stage interacting with the crowd and singing the song "Vai Ser Tão Lindo" when he appears to lose his balance ... falling backward in front of his band and crashing to the ground.

Once Pedro collapsed onstage, folks rushed over to help him as the horrified crowd watched in shock.

Pedro was rushed from the concert venue to a nearby medical clinic, where he was pronounced dead ... and his record label, Todah Music, says he suffered a massive heart attack.

He was only 30.

Claudine Gay, Harvard's president, gets to keep her job after waffling on the issue of antisemitism and Jewish genocide on Capitol Hill -- with the head honchos saying unequivocally ... they back her.

The Harvard Corporation issued a statement signaling her future, writing ... "As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University."

They add, "Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing." If it wasn't clear, the university's own newspaper is reporting ... she's sticking around.

The members also note ... Gay has apologized for how she handled the high-profile hearing in front of Congress last week -- and has committed to redoubling Harvard's effort to fight antisemitism.

Keep in mind, Gay is very new in her post ... she just got appointed earlier this summer, and considering how contentious her testimony was -- it wasn't clear she'd be allowed to stay.

Of course, the other Ivy League Prez who got mixed up in this -- UPenn's Liz Magill -- ended up resigning over the controversy ... but the third university president, MIT's Sally Kornbluth, appears to be staying put as well.

There's been a lot of indignation and outcry over how all 3 women answered Rep. Elise Stefanik's repeated question -- namely, is calling for the genocide of Jews on campus a violation of all of the universities' rules and code of conduct.

Cecily Strong did not feel comfortable playing Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 'SNL' sketch about the "genocide of Jews" hearing in Congress ... and ended up bowing out right before the show started.

The former "Saturday Night Live" star was supposed to return as a guest star in the cold open skit, and she went through a dress rehearsal as Stefanik. But, she "was uncomfortable with the sketch" ... according to a NY Post report.

The sketch tackled last week's explosive hearing on Capitol Hill, where Rep. Stefanik grilled university presidents about antisemitism on campuses ... leading to some cringeworthy responses and a resignation at UPENN.

Instead of Cecily making her first 'SNL' appearance since December 2022, when she left the NBC show after 11 seasons, she was replaced on air by Chloe Troast.

The report also cited sources claiming the writing of Saturday's cold-open sketch was slightly rushed ... and that Cecily backed out for "a variety of reasons."

It's unclear if her issue was the bit's obvious political slant in mocking a staunch Donald Trump supporter -- namely, Rep. Stefanik -- or its lack of humor. Kenan Thompson really had the only decent laughs in the skit.

Cecily might have seen the bullet coming, and decided to dodge it -- the sketch is getting terrible reviews and Chloe is getting dragged for her role in it.

Bill Maher loves the XMAS season, 'cause it's fun ... but he's alarmed at all the people who embrace the religious element to a point they want to shove it down everyone else's throats.

The 'Real Time' host launched on the growing number of Republicans, now led by freshly-minted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who want to turn America into a Christian state.

Although Johnson and many other Republicans have promoted an official religion for the USA, Bill notes they've forgotten about the whole separation of church and state thing.

Rep. Lauren Boebert recently scoffed, "I'm tired of this separation of church and state junk." Her leader, Mike Johnson, has called for a Christian nation that dominates all areas of American life.

Seems pretty basic ... the country was founded on freedom of religion. It's engrained in our Constitution -- 1st up on the Amendment roster -- yet an alarming number of Republicans are hell-bent on breaking that wall -- separation of church and state.

Lil Nas X dice que está entrando en la "era cristiana" de su carrera y quiere que los fans lo tomen realmente en serio su última transición, a pesar de que su pasado diga lo contrario.

El rapero lanzó un nuevo fragmento de una canción en sus redes sociales el jueves para destacar su incursión en el cristianismo, con letras como "Padre estira mis manos" y referencias a los caminos solitarios.

Su camiseta también llevaba la cita: "Si Dios no existe, entonces ¿quién se ríe de nosotros?".

Los fans no estaban muy seguros si se trataba de un clásico trolleo de Lil Nas X. Recordemos, LNX ha afirmado estar embarazada para promocionar su nuevo álbum, y la transición en una mujer - que más tarde emitió una disculpa a la comunidad trans.

¡Los Holy Rollers no dejarían que el Sr. Old Town Road olvidara que una vez promocionó las zapatillas Nike Satanás de imitación para vender su álbum!

Lil ladró de vuelta con fuego y azufre y defendió su expresión artística, así como su derecho a ser gay de rodillas, un vaquero o satánico... solo Dios puede juzgarlo.

Lil Nas X says he's entering the "Christian era" of his career, and wants fans to take him seriously with his latest move, though the whole thing reeks of another troll job by the rapper.

On Thursday, LNX released a somber new song snippet and visual on his social media to highlight his foray into Christianity, complete with lyrics like "Father stretch my hands" and references to feeling isolated.

His shirt also captioned the quote, "If God Doesn't Exist Then Who's Laughing At Us?"

Fans weren't convinced it wasn't a classic Lil Nas X troll job ... remember, LNX has claimed to be pregnant to promote his new album, and transitioning into a woman -- for which he later issued an apology to the trans community.

Holy rollers wouldn't let Mr. Old Town Road forget he once promoted faux Nike Satan shoes to sell his album!!!

LNX barked back with fire and brimstone and defended his artistic expression ... as well as his right to be gay on his knees, a cowboy or satanic ... only God can judge him!!!

Kanye West is getting backlash from some prominent Jewish advocacy groups over rapping that he couldn't possibly be antisemitic because he "f***** a Jewish bitch" in his new tune, "Vultures."

A spokesperson for the Anti-Defamation League tells TMZ ... "At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, it’s disgusting to see Kanye once again use his platform to spew Jew hatred."

Though ... they add the degrading lyrics aren't surprising given the source ... blasting the rapper as an "unrepentant antisemite and clearly a misogynist."

Meanwhile, Richard Hirschhaut, spokesperson for the American Jewish Committee, a global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, echoes the anger ... telling us that while Ye's unrepentant antisemitism is well-documented, his latest expression of anti-Jewish invective "seems particularly pathetic and sad."

"To fuel the flames of antisemitism and promote such bile to his millions of followers, especially at this fraught and dangerous time for the Jewish community, is unforgivable," Richard adds.

As we reported ... Kanye performed the offensive lyrics live for the first time at a nightclub in Dubai over the weekend, alongside Ty Dolla $ign and Lil Durk.

The song was leaked earlier this month as Ye worked on his new Ty Dolla $ign album out in the Middle East.