THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Here come some feel-good vibes, courtesy of "Empire" star Jussie Smollett, who is donating a ton of cash to charities heading into the holidays. We're told Jussie is taking proceeds from his latest album, "Sum Of My Music," and passing along $125,000 to charities supporting his most beloved causes. Jussie is paying it forward to groups like the Black AIDS Institute, Flint KIDS, South Africa's SKY Foundation, the Trayvon Martin Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign, Know Your Rights Camp, ACLU and the Anthony Burrell Dance School. Jussie, who plays Jamal Lyon on "Empire," is no stranger to good deeds. As we reported ... he recently hooked up a double amputee, 6-year-old Kayden Kinckle, with a handicapped-accessible van in a tearjerker of a surprise. Yeah, Jussie's locked up a spot on Santa's nice list. (TMZ)

Kim Kardashian West and her husband Kanye West have donated $25,000 to Kardashian West's personal photographer Marcus Hyde, who was hospitalized after being in a near-fatal car accident last month. The massive donation helped the page reach $28,680 of it's $10,000 goal. You'll get the latest updates on this topic in your browser notifications. Kardashian West, 38, also asked her followers to support the cause. "If you are able to help the family would be so grateful!" Kardashian West wrote on Twitter. The GoFundMe was created in hopes of raising funds for Hyde's medical treatments as he's still in the hospital following the crash. "As many know, Marcus Hyde was in a serious car accident at the end of October, resulting in him being hospitalized with serious injuries. He is still currently being hospitalized and will be for quite some time. With that being said, he has a long road to recovery," the GoFundMe page reads. According to TMZ, Hyde lost control of his vehicle while driving in Malibu and went over an embankment. A witness said he went nearly 200 feet down from the road. TMZ also reports that Hyde suffered seizures after the crash and was airlifted from the scene and transported to the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center following the accident. Just days before his crash, Hyde traveled to Bali with Kardashian West and her sisters. Upon hearing the news, Kardashian West asked fans for prayers for her friend. She tweeted a photo of Hyde writing, "I'm trying to find the perfect picture but I don't want to share them. We were saving these for our book," she wrote. "Angels are surrounding you. I'm praying so hard for you. Please be ok. Please come back." She also shared one photo taken by Hyde on their vacation, walking hand-in-hand with daughter North West. "Found this pic from Bali @marcushyde took." (People)

Meghan Markle's Never-Before-Seen Trip to Malta Proves She Was Always Fit to be Royal. In 2015, a year before she met her husband Prince Harry, then-actress Meghan Markle visited Malta to explore her family roots. On Wednesday, never-before-seen photos of the now-Duchess of Sussex on her trip to the European archipelago were made public. The pics show Meghan wearing traditional headdresses, including a Maltese ghonnella, navigated cobblestone streets and showcasing her chic style and signature smile. Meghan's great-great-grandmother, Mary Bird, was born in Malta in 1862. "When asked to go to Malta to not only discover the beautiful island, but also the land from which my great grandmother hailed, I said yes without hesitation," Meghan wrote on her now-shuttered blog, The Tig. During her trip, Meghan visited the northern island of Gozo, and the capital of Valletta, as well as the city of Medina and the village of Dingli on the southern island. "It's Malta!" she wrote. "A beautiful jewel of an island dotted in the Mediterranean between Sicily, Tunisia, and Libya. A dream for one who relishes culture and history set against a backdrop of the ever-so beautiful sea. Beyond being rich in history, the food & wine scene of Malta is one to write home about." (Eonline)

Kate Middleton Gushes Over Meghan Markle's Pregnancy as Feud Rumors Wage On. From the looks of it, there's no bad blood running through the pipes at Kensington Palace. On Wednesday, Kate Middleton and Prince William spent time in the British city of Leicester to honor and mourn those who died in a helicopter crash, including the owner of the Leicester City football team, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The Duchess of Cambridge had an opportunity to speak with people and shake hands outside of the city's university and answered questions about her immediate and extended family, including Meghan Markle. Meghan and Prince Harry announced on Oct. 15 that they were expecting their first child together and also said they will be moving out of their Kensington Palace apartment in London and heading off to the 'burbs. They'll move into Frogmore Cottage at Windsor Castle (the same place they got married) as they await their newborn. Although there was speculation that the jump from city to countryside was because of some royal beef between the sisters-in-law, that's hardly the case. Rather, Kate sounded pleased and eager to meet her future niece or nephew. One Instagram user, @2cool_4school_2lame_4fame, shared a video of her interaction with the Duchess outside of the University of Leicester. She asked, "Are you excited for Meghan and her new baby?" The Duchess replied, "Yeah, absolutely. It's such a special time to have little kiddies and a cousin for George and Charlotte and Louis! It's really special." That doesn't sound too bitter, does it? Kate also revealed her kiddos Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are "getting so excited for Christmas time." She added, "They've started all their Christmas songs and Christmas trees are going up and all that. And Louis is getting bigger. It's been 7 months now -- I can't believe it." The past month has unearthed many changes among the younger generation of royals, affectionately known as "The Firm." The Sunday Times reported on Oct. 28 that the brothers are preparing to formally divide the household, which means different staff and responsibilities for each prince. Both men have families of their own and are following their own paths in terms of court duties. A source told The Times, "They have become different people with different outlooks on life. Splitting the household is the obvious thing to do." Cue the rumors that there's a feud a-brewin' between Kate and Meghan. Sure, the two women may have different personalities and upbringings, but Kate reportedly welcomed Meghan with open arms during her entree into the Royal Family. The Duchess of Sussex called her "wonderful" and the two of them have shared a number of one-on-one outings together and double dates to a plethora of events. So, are Prince Harry and Meghan really moving to Windsor in order to get away from some unconfirmed rivalry? No, not even close. Plus, according to a statement by Kensington Palace, their "official office will continue to be based at Kensington." The change of scenery is apparently for the benefit of their future child and its upbringing. The statement included, "Windsor is a very special place for their royal highnesses and they are grateful that their official residence will be on the estate." According to Daily Mail, Frogmore Cottage allows for more outdoor space for their youngin to run around in, whereas Kensington Palace lacks a sort of privacy and backyard. A source told Daily Mail, "They are still incredibly close, closer than most siblings, but now Harry has married and is about to become a father, so it's a good time for him to be planning his own future. There is no acrimony."

Kate Middleton wants everyone to know Meghan Markle isn't the only Royal with impeccable style ... because Kate's doing everything she can to keep up with Meghan's public image. Our Royal sources say Kate is attending more events than she used to, and she's paying much more attention to her looks ... we're talking wardrobe, hair, jewelry, make-up, the whole nine yards. Basically, we're told Kate wants to be more visible now that Meghan is commanding the spotlight. As you can see, Kate has totally switched up her look ... combining Princess Diana's favorite tiara with a fancy necklace and a new gown by Alexander McQueen. This ensemble for a recent state banquet is quite different from the looks we'd gotten used to seeing Kate wear. When she attended Prince Charles' 70th birthday party on Nov. 14, Kate wore her hair up ... showing off bare shoulder under very glitzy earrings. Again, a style we hadn't seen much. For what it's worth, Meghan also wore her hair up at that event. Kate's been busting out some outfits from way back in the day -- she's no fool and knows that gets more coverage. Check out Kate this year in her 2012 Jenny Packham dress. All she really changed was wearing her hair down, and it still looks stunning. Usually, she recycles a year-old jacket or two, not a dress she wore 6 years ago -- a clear sign she's trying something new. It's interesting ... Kate's image focus comes amid reports of tension between her and Meghan, and between William and Harry. We've reached out to Kensington Palace for comment, but so far no word back. (TMZ)

Martha Hunt gifts Victoria's Secret underwear for the holidays. Gift like an Angel. Martha Hunt told Page Six Style her favorite stocking stuffer is exactly what you think it is: a whole lot of Victoria's Secret underwear. "They always have a great deal on thongs and briefs," the IMG model said, "and holiday gift sets with lotions and fragrances! They have everything covered!" When she's not doling out unmentionables, the lingerie spokesmodel says her go-to gift is personalized stationery, "[It]'s thoughtful and unique. Tiny Prints does adorable and sleek stationary custom for every occasion." She adds that she'll be picking up, "chic, monogrammed necklaces from Ginette" for her BFFs. And what do you get the girl who's already a work of art? An actual masterpiece, of course. "Right now I'm into decorating," she enthuses, "so I'd love a painting by Ashley Longshore!" But when it comes to the best gift she's ever received, no one can beat her boyfriend and his "great taste in heirloom jewelry." "He gave me a stunning 19th century Etruscan gold cuff." (PageSix)

Sonja Morgan to make her improv comedy debut. "Real Housewives of New York City" star Sonja Morgan is to make her debut as an improv comedian, Page Six has learned. But she told us she's a little wary about making fun of her co-stars onstage. Castmate Luann de Lesseps "has been doing her cabaret show, and she made some jokes about some of the 'Housewives,' and they didn't take too kindly to it," Morgan said. The star -- who will host and perform at Chelsea club Improv Asylum on Friday night -- said she was a little frustrated not to have been able to go off-script in her off-Broadway play "Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man," and had been encouraged to try out comedy by Bravo honcho Andy Cohen. Cohen "always said to me that I'm one of his top favorite guests [on talk show 'Watch What Happens Live'], and he's said that I'm very funny, so I want to see how it is." She may pursue it further if Friday's appearance goes well. "This might be something for me, if the audience enjoys it and there's a good back-and-forth and we're laughing," Morgan said. (PageSix)

LeBron James was in a great mood after his Beverly Hills date night with his wife, Savannah, on Wednesday -- singing a Kendrick Lamar song on his way out of the restaurant. The NBA superstar hit up Avra -- one of his favorite spots in town -- where the two dined on Greek food and then exited out the back to their waiting 2018 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 ... a car with a base price of $240k. LeBron wasn't in the mood to talk about his Lakers -- or the upcoming Deontay Wilder fight -- but serenaded everyone to Kendrick's "Alright." And, if you're wondering about Bron's "Me Over We" sweatshirt -- it ain't cheap either ... it's made by Cactus Plant Flea Market and we've seen it being sold for up to $500 online. James and the Lakers didn't have a game last night -- but they do play on Thursday ... taking on the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. As for Bron's love of Avra -- he's taken Savannah to the spot on a previous date night and famously had his "Welcome to Hollywood" dinner there with Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Pacino right after he signed his Lakers contract. (TMZ)

Jonathan Scott's Ex-Girlfriend Jacinta Kuznetsov Is Engaged 7 Months After Split. When you know, you know! Jonathan Scott's ex-girlfriend Jacinta Kuznetsov is off the market after revealing on Instagram that she is engaged to Will Allen. "Thank you for your friendship for six years, my love. I am grateful we figured it all out," she wrote on Instagram with a collage of photos. "And thank you for asking me to be your bff forever #yesyesyes." The pair, who helped create Stonedale Weddings & Events, appears to have gotten engaged at Lighthouse Park where Will posted from earlier in the month. "I've never felt so courageous in my life and I'm so happy and excited to spend my life with the strongest woman I've ever known," he shared on Instagram. Fans first met Jacinta when she dated HGTV star Jonathan Scott for close to two years. They would announce their split in April 2018 and assure fans there was no drama. "When I met Jacinta in the fall of 2015, I met somebody kind and courageous and a champion for human/animal rights. We grew to respect each other fiercely and know that will remain unchanged for the rest of our lives," Jonathan shared on Instagram. "Sometimes life takes you on unexpected paths and those paths aren't always in the same direction. There's no drama or negativity; no jealousy or hate. Not even sadness or sorrow." Jacinta would add in a separate post, "An abundance of love for J has been a beautiful and rewarding time of my life. However, life is funny and sometimes chapters change and this one has. We have deep love and respect for one another but have gone separate ways." After the news was announced, Jonathan told Us Weekly that he wishes his ex "the very best always." As for Jacinta and Will's wedding planning, one thing appears to already be set in stone. For these two, there's no need to worry about wedding venues. "The barn will be hosting its owners own wedding," Stonedale Farm's account read. Congratulations to the happy pair. (Eonline)

Wendy Williams wants potholes fixed for Christmas. Wendy Williams isn't looking for material goods for Christmas. "Peace. No traffic jams. Fix the potholes. Clean up construction on the roads," she told Page Six. "Every time I go past construction sites, the guys are all smoking cigarettes and eating lunch. It's time to get to work." Though she wants a New York City-wide cleanup for the holidays, the morning talk show host won't say no to material goods, either. "If I have to go all the way material, my husband adores me all year round and gives me all I need," she dished. "I don't want to brag, but there's nothing else much to say." The real gifts the matter to Williams, however, are more sentimental in value. Wiliams' son, Kevin Hunter Jr., still wears the crown for giving his mom the best gift from years ago. "It's not exactly a gift, but I loved when my son made homemade cards for me. The best gift was seeing the light in his eyes � when he was two, three and four, when he believed in Santa Claus," Williams shared with us. "My mother was baking cookies and putting out the milk for Santa the night before. My father put on the Santa suit, saying, 'Ho Ho Ho, have you been a good boy?' Each year he did that! And then seeing [my son] put together the toys that he would get from under the tree. "I'll never forget that." Williams' best holiday memories always involve her family, especially when she was growing up as a kid and deemed the "clean-up girl" for all the wrapping paper that encased exquisite gifts. "In my boxes it was always the finest things. Izod ($35-$80), Polo ($89-$998), Calvin Klein jeans ($60-$200), Gloria Vanderbilt, Cacharel and Sassoon. The best!" Williams shared. "I was the clean-up girl. We weren't allowed to rip the wrapping paper � my mother wouldn't allow it. All of the bows and the wrapping paper, we had to fold up after and my mother would use the following year for gifts." Although Williams is looking to receive plenty, she's also giving back. Her organization, The Hunter Foundation, partnered with Snack Pop and 100 percent of the profits from sales of Snack Pop through Jan. 7 are going towards the foundation to help combat the drug addiction and substance abuse epidemic. "This is the season of giving," Williams told us. "It's really important for me to give back." (PageSix)

Tekashi 6ix9ine is making sure his girlfriend is well taken care of while he's in a federal holding cell ... surprising her with some super pricey bling on her birthday ... TMZ has learned. Tekashi's GF, Jade, celebrated her 22nd Tuesday night in NYC with all her family and friends who aren't facing federal indictments -- but her BF still managed to hook her up with a 41mm Rolex DateJust ... blinged out, of course. Sources close to the rapper tell us Tekashi picked out the piece several weeks ago and customized it with 18k white and rose gold and 24 carats worth of VS diamonds. In total, we're told it set Tekashi back around $35,000 -- a drop in the bucket, especially considering how "Dummy Boy" has blown up since then. The watch was hand-delivered to Jade by celeb jeweler JimmyBoi on Tekashi's behalf. She posted a pic of herself with it, saying, "Thank you baby :) your the best even when your not around." TMZ broke the story ... Tekashi was arrested by federal agents on gun, drug and racketeering charges. He remains in custody and his lawyer's still working on getting him out on bail. His trial isn't scheduled to start until September. As for the watch ... good thing Tekashi isn't a last-minute gift shopper. Remember, he had a feeling the feds were closing in on him shortly before his arrest. (TMZ)

George Foreman doesn't know who's gonna win the MASSIVE heavyweight title fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury on Saturday, but he does know one thing ... BOTH men woulda kicked the ass of a young George Foreman. We talked to George, a two-time heavyweight champ and the oldest man to ever win the crown, and he told us he thinks both Wilder and Fury would have been a little too much for him to handle. "I don't think I could've been able to get a good shot on Tyson Fury at all. He's too elusive." Big George saw a whole different set of problems with Wilder. "With Deontay Wilder, I'd have to protect myself so much I'd been in danger from round 1 to the final round." As a matter of fact, Foreman thinks so highly of the two fighters he says their matchup on Saturday is going to be an EPIC brawl for the ages. "I can say that, when it does take place, it'll be the world's greatest heavyweight matchup. For the world. Not America. A world championship boxing match. And, there's nothing better you can put together. Not today." So here's the thing ... we love George, and fully admit he's forgotten more about boxing than we'll ever know. But, we're not so sure about this take. Dude was a BEAST and beat an UNDEFEATED Joe Frazier. But, honestly ... we're still afraid of him, so we didn't wanna argue. (TMZ)

The blind are leading the blind ... right into a class action lawsuit against Playboy.com for operating a website that can't be enjoyed by the visually impaired. Donald Nixon just filed the suit, claiming Playboy.com is violating the American with Disabilities Act, because its websites -- Playboy.com and Playboyshop.com -- are not compatible with his screen-reading software. In docs, obtained by TMZ, Nixon says he's legally blind and visually impaired people like him, "cannot fully and equally use or enjoy the facilities, products, and services." He doesn't spell it out, but we're sure Donald's just there for the articles. He's suing to force the media outlet to make its websites accessible for the blind ... as well as unspecified damages. We've reached out to Playboy.com ... so far, no word back. BTW ... we've seen this before. Kylie's website was hit with a very similar suit. (TMZ)

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