THE OTHER STUFF . . .
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, slid right into her new title and looked like she's always been in the Royal Fam as they gathered to celebrate her father-in-law's birthday. Prince Harry and his bride had a prime spot Tuesday at the Buckingham Palace celebration for Prince Charles' 70th birthday kickoff event. Charles' actual bday isn't until November but, y'know the Royals ... it's going to be a whole 6-month jubilee with multiple parties. The royal family's clearly welcomed Meghan into the fold. Aside from Charles stepping up to walk her down the aisle after her dad's emergency heart surgery -- Megs was front and center next to Camilla during the Palace event. As for the honeymoon ... looks like royal duties take precedence. (TMZ)
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Spend Their First Week As a Married Couple. Congrats to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are now officially husband and wife. The couple tied the knot in front of millions of viewers both in London and watching from home on Saturday May 19, and now everyone wants to know how they will spend their first week as a married couple. It has been previously reported that they won't embark on a honeymoon for a while, and they have also kept quiet about the location of their honeymoon. However, on Tuesday they are expected to attend a garden party at the Buckingham Palace in honor of Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebration. What else do they have planned for this week? (Eonline)
Suits Creator Calls the Royal Wedding the "Most Extraordinary Thing I've Ever Seen." While millions of people watched the magic of the royal wedding from their televisions, Suits creator Aaron Korsh experienced the real-life fairytale in person. Korsh wrote about his royal wedding experience for New York Daily News. After the media outlet published an excerpt from his account, the TV producer decided to share his entire post via Twitter on Monday. In a heartfelt open letter, Korsh called the wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen." From the drive through Windsor to the walk to the reception, the whole day left Korsh in awe. Of course, the ceremony at St. George's Chapel seemed to be a particularly memorable moment. "Seeing each member of the wedding [party] walk down the aisle, Harry evoked earnest and somehow vulnerable, Meghan looking strong and proud and regal and beautiful... it started things off amazingly," he wrote, recalling the May 19 nuptials. "From there, just being in the chapel to experience such a seemingly world-changing event was incredible. To have the mix of cultures on so many levels and to have two such capable ambassadors showing the world how it should be was moving beyond words." After Meghan and Harry said "I do," Korsh headed to the reception, where he strolled alongside many of the wedding's star-studded guests, including Sir Elton John and George Clooney. He referred to the experience as "a dream." "I could tell they really wanted to run up and greet me but it was clear they were too shy. Either that or they had no idea who I was or even that I was there. But I'm pretty sure it was the former," he quipped, later adding that he also saw former Prime Minister John Major and Idris Elba. "From there it was again one once in a lifetime encounter after another." While the big day was certainly one Meghan and Harry will never forget, it also seemed to be one Korsh will forever hold near and dear to his heart. "I can only sum it up by saying it felt like the world was becoming a better place today," he wrote. "But one thing is for sure, my world will forever be richer for having those memories stored away in my consciousness." Korsh attended the wedding with his wife and Meghan's former co-stars from the show, including Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres and Rick Hoffman. A few of the stars expressed their excitement over the big day on social media. "I'm still speechless. Still processing," part of Raffery's Instagram post read. "[My husband] Santtu [Seppl] and I were honored to witness such a sublime and emotional event. We wish the happy couple every blessing with all our hearts." Macht also wrote, "Congrats to Meghan and Prince Harry on your nuptials. Enjoyed meeting many of your family and friends and an incredible honor to be a part of the whole celebration. May your journey together be full of love and children. Cheers! #royalwedding #princeharry #meghanmarkle." USA Network announced Meghan's exit from the show shortly after the Rachel Zane star revealed she was engaged to Harry. Meghan also acknowledged her departure from the show during the couple's official engagement interview. "I don't see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change," she said. "It's a new chapter, right? And also, keep in mind, I've been working on [Suits] for seven years. We were very, very fortunate to have that sort of longevity on a series... I've ticked this box, and I feel very proud of the work I've done there, and now it's time to work with [Harry] as a team." Those royal duties begin right away. The newly appointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend their first official engagement as husband and wife on Tuesday when they attend Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebration. (Eonline)
Miss Nebraska Sarah Rose Summers Crowned Miss USA 2018. Ladies and gentlemen, we officially have a brand-new Miss USA! Miss Nebraska was crowned Miss USA 2018 Monday night at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana. Competing against 50 other women, Sarah Rose Summers wowed the judges with her brains, beauty and talents. But what really put her over the edge? Perhaps it was her answers to the final questions of the night. Early in the show, Miss Nebraska was asked to address the fact that one in four children in the United States live in single parent households. More specifically, the question was: How has that affected our generation's views on marriage and family? "I am so grateful to have grown up in a home with two parents," she explained. "And so I can't personally relate to this, however, I do work in children's hospital as a certified child life specialist where I'm a liaison between the children and families and the medical team and I've seen single mothers at the bedside working remotely on their computers to stay by their children and support them, and I think that it just shows that children -- no matter if it's a boy or a girl -- that they can do that." Her final scenario was imagining herself on the way to a march where someone hands you a blank sign and a marker. What do you put on your sign and why? "I say speak your voice. I don't know what march we're on our way to in this hypothetical situation, but no matter where you're going, whatever type of march it is, you're obviously on your way to that march because you care about that cause so go speak to people," Miss Nebraska explained. "When they have questions, communicate with them. Listen to their views also. That is one thing in the United States that we really need to focus on is listening to each other!" For those unfamiliar with the annual pageant, each competition starts with preliminary events that include a Q&A interview with members of the selection committee. Next up, each contestant competes onstage in swimsuit and evening gowns. The preliminary event scores, along with members of the Miss Universe Organization, determine the Top 15. This year's event also allowed fans to vote for their favorite contestant to secure a spot in the Top 15. Another first for Miss USA was the fact that this year's selection committee was comprised of all female entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts -- including former Miss USA contestants. Members included Today show contributor Lilliana Vazquez, HLN host Natasha Curry and founder/CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima. Monday night's live event on Fox also featured performances from Lee Brice and 98 Degrees. (Eonline)
Emilia Clarke Ditched Her Own Star Wars Screening to Watch the Royal Wedding. Emilia Clarke really wanted to watch the royal wedding. So much so that the Star Wars actress, who was in England, opted out of a screening of her own upcoming film to snuggle up by the TV for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's long-awaited nuptials. "I had a screening of the Star Wars movie that I'm in for my friends and family on the day and I didn't get my dates right, so I didn't realize [they were on the same day], so I sort of thought no one would turn up, but then they did, so then they watched the movie and I watched the wedding," she explained to Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. Oops! Needless to say, Clarke enjoyed every minute of the ceremony, though she was hoping for a little surprise or two. "No one even fell," she joked. "It was just a perfect day." While she's busy promoting Solo: A Star Wars Story, in which she portrays Qi'ra, she's also in the midst of filming for the finale season eight of Game of Thrones. "I know everything. Well, kind of. Sort of I do," she quipped as she covered her tracks. "I know plenty. I know enough...I can't say anything." Thought she might think she knows how everything will end, the star can't really be sure. "I think they're fooling us," she joked. "I think they are doing loads of stuff and they're not even telling us because they don't trust us and rightly so." (Eonline)
NASCAR champ Martin Truex Jr. says his White House visit Monday to meet President Trump was "amazing" ... calling it a huge honor he would NEVER consider passing up. It's a MUCH different opinion than some NBA and NFL players -- but Truex tells TMZ Sports he considers NASCAR to be "very patriotic" and he's proud to be an American. Truex was invited to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. after winning the 2017 Cup Series title -- and on his way out, he RAVED about the experience. "Oh my God, it was amazing. The president was an unbelievable host. He showed us everything that he didn't have to show, so it was really cool." We mentioned the controversy with other athletes boycotting Trump's White House -- and Truex said the thought of turning down Trump never crossed his mind. "I mean, I think it's a huge honor. Huge honor for me and my team and for them to invite us was amazing, so I would never pass it up." During Truex's visit, Trump once again brought up the anthem protests, saying "One thing I know about NASCAR and I will tell you, they do indeed stand for the playing of the national anthem." (TMZ)
Royal Wedding Bishop Says He "Only Deviated Slightly" From His Script. After giving an impassioned sermon at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on Saturday, The Most Rev. Bishop Michael Bruce Curry appeared on Tuesday's episode of Good Morning America and said he "only deviated slightly" from his planned manuscript. During the ceremony, Curry spoke about the power of love for 14-minutes. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and referenced slavery. He also discussed how hunger, poverty and war could all come to an end "when love is the way." His sermon generated about 40,000 tweets per minute and produced a few noticeable reactions from the royals and attendees. Curry told GMA's Robin Roberts that he sent church officials a "basic outline" of his manuscript ahead of time and that everyone was "very gracious." Although, he admitted he went a bit off script on the big day. "I did provide a copy of the manuscript about a week before I think it was, and I only deviated slightly," he said. "I mean, you can't get a preacher -- you're going to deviate a little bit. But they were basically aware of the basic outline and what was in it. They were very gracious." Similarly, Curry told Today the whole service had "all of the permissions" and that "nothing would have happened in there without some sense of blessings and permissions." He also joked that while attendees didn't vocalize their reactions, many conveyed their sentiments through their eyes. "Episcopalians aren't known for being loud and ruckus in church," he told Today on Tuesday, "but I've learned to be able to hear an Amen by looking in their eyes. I was looking in the eyes of people who were there and they were doing quiet British Amens." While he admitted he had a few nerves when he stepped up to the pulpit, he decided to focus on the bride and groom's love. "At first, I must admit to being a little bit nervous at the very beginning -- no question about that," he told Today. "But then, after that, it turned into a church and I was speaking to a young couple who were in love. I mean, they are so passionately in love with each other -- you could see it. And I was really aware that their love for each other -- that you could actually see when they looked at each other -- that their love was actually, even in that moment, reorienting the world around that love. I mean, all of the divisions and all the differences were being crossed, and worlds were coming together and a new world was being created. That's the power." After the ceremony, Curry briefly spoke to the newlyweds at the reception, whom he described as "very gracious." In addition to speaking about the big day, Curry recalled first learning that he was asked to give the sermon. When his staff members told him the office of The Archbishop of Canterbury had called, he didn't believe them. "I just didn't believe it," he told Today. "And then when I realized [it was true], I said 'Well, I guess I better call The Archbishop back.'" He also told GMA that Meghan and Harry were the ones who ultimately decided to include him in the wedding after consulting their church officials and that he couldn't share the news with his wife for a month. The day was certainly a historic one. Not only did Meghan join the royal family, but Curry became the first American to preach at a British royal wedding. (Eonline)
Meghan Markle's father might've missed his daughter's wedding with Prince Harry, but he wasn't missing his Starbucks while on the mend ... broken hearts be damned. The Duchess' dad, Thomas Markle, was in Rosarito, Mexico Monday stopping off at a Starbucks drive-thru -- and seemingly walking away with a Frappuccino in hand, whipped cream and all. Mind you ... Thomas just underwent heart surgery last week. Now, we're not doctors or anything ... but for whatever reason, it doesn't seem like a good idea to slurp up one of Bucks' sweetest, calorie-packed beverages on the heels of a heart procedure -- not to mention a very recent heart attack, too. That's just us, though. Maybe he's just celebrating the fact that Meghan's wedding went off without a hitch, despite the fact he couldn't be there. Consolation caffeine hits the spot, apparently. (TMZ)
Some of the four-legged guests were better behaved than the humans at a recent star-studded Malibu, Calif., pet-rescue charity event, we hear -- when a scuffle dramatically broke out between the host's husband and another guest. A source said that at Alison Eastwood's annual upscale Eastwood Ranch Foundation benefit at Malibu Wines, guests included Eastwood's movie-star brother Scott Eastwood, Kim Basinger and Denise Richards, plus adorable animals for adoption. But an altercation allegedly broke out at the Wags, Whiskers & Wine shindig between Eastwood's husband -- manly chainsaw carving sculptor Stacy Poitras -- and a Hollywood screenwriter pal. Our spy said that as the vino flowed, burly Poitras got into some sort of disagreement with a guest, Mark Lawrence Miller. That's when, allegedly, "Stacy first pushed the guy a little." After things seemed to cool down, "Stacy came back from across the venue and ran and tackled the other guy to the floor, literally right next to the carpet where everyone was arriving," said a source. The shocked guest added, "They went straight down into concrete and were wrestling for a bit until security came. They were going to ask Stacy to leave, but given the event, told him to behave." Alison's action-star brother Scott ("The Fate of the Furious") enjoyed the show. "Scott watched the whole thing go down and said pretty loudly, 'This is the best charity event ever!'?" a spy said. A pal joked to the star, "Use your indoor voice." Alison -- the daughter of film legend Clint Eastwood -- married Poitras, of TV's "Chainsaw Gang," in 2013. A rep for the couple downplayed the incident, commenting: "There was a minor misunderstanding between Stacy and Mark .?.?. and it was resolved quickly thereafter .?.?. The misunderstanding was between two men, Stacy and Mark, and that was it .?.?. Alison, Stacy and Mark have been and still are great friends." We heard that another guest was jostled in the melee, but the rep said that no one else was impacted by the row. Both Miller and a rep for Scott did not get back to us. Even if the fur flew, we hear that donations exceeded expectations, benefiting Eastwood's respected animal-welfare and-rescue organization. (Page Six)
Rampage Jackson is putting an end to rumors he's headed to an MMA fight with 50 Cent -- telling TMZ Sports there's no way in hell Fiddy ever REALLY gets in a cage with him. 50 started trash talking Rampage earlier this month -- saying he's the superior "Jackson" and would wreck the former UFC champ if they ever stepped in a cage. The rapper fueled speculation that the two were working on a deal when he posted a photo with Bellator president Scott Coker. So, when we saw Rampage at LAX, we had to ask ... and Jackson told us straight-up he's INCREDIBLY ANNOYED by all the fight talk ... 'cause it's never happening! "50 probably drinking too much of that champagne that he got," Rampage said ... "Who actually think 50 trying to fight? "I just don't feel like 50 trying to step in no cage with me ... he ain't no fighter." "I ain't trying to challenge him to no rap battles." Rampage added ... "It's annoying as f*ck." (TMZ)
T.I. is fuming and wants a piece of a Houston's security guard he claims manhandled an innocent female customer Monday night in Atlanta. T.I ripped into the security guard and the restaurant in a video he posted ... alleging the guard went into the women's restroom to drag a customer out through the restaurant, and eventually out the front door. Tip called out the guard, saying, "I need to see you! Come do me like that!!" Another video showed the woman being held down by the guard. It appears he was holding her arm behind her back, while 2 of her friends yelled at him to let her go before he gets arrested. One of the friends said she was calling police, and the security guard claimed he was "detaining" the woman until police arrived. T.I. posted pics showing the alleged injuries the woman suffered ... including a black eye and several bruises on her leg. T.I. says the woman was actually arrested and booked for a felony. It's unclear if the security guard was arrested. Remember, this comes after T.I. organized a boycott against an Atlanta area Houston's last year when a staffer threw out a table of black female guests. T.I. had worked closely with Houston's ownership to improve relations, before lifting the ban. Monday night he said, "We done tried to do it the Martin Luther way. It's time for Malcolm X!" (TMZ)
Carson Kressley joked it was impossible to choose his favorite Miss USA finalist -- just like Meryl Streep choosing which of her kids to save -- and suffice it to say, the joke triggered some outrage. "It's like 'Sophie's Choice'! They're all so good," the former 'Queer Eye' star said of having to pick between the final 15 competitors. "Sophie's Choice" is about a woman forced to pick between the life of her son and her daughter in Auschwitz. Some people on social media had a big problem with Kressley's comment, one saying, "So I guess if he were living Sophie's Choice, she'd be the saved child & the others taken to be shot immediately? #classless #carsonkressley." Miss Nebraska, Sarah Rose Summers, ended up taking the crown. (TMZ)
Most people believe Summa Cum Laude is an honor ... Publix grocery store believes it's obscene. Case in point ... this cake. A woman in South Carolina ordered the tasty treat online to celebrate her son graduating from his homeschool program with a 4.79 GPA ... earning Summa Cum Laude honors. But, when she sent a friend to pick up the cake, the word "Cum" was edited out -- an apparent violation of the grocery store's obscenity policy!!!! "My son was humiliated," the woman posted on her Facebook page ... "I seriously couldn't make this crap up!!!" "How utterly ridiculous and I will be speaking to a manager for a refund. Shame on you Publix for turning an innocent Latin phrase into a total embarrassment for having to explain to my son and others (including my 70-year old mother) about this joke of a cake." FYI, "Summa Cum Laude" is a Latin phrase that means "with highest honor." Just make sure your safe search is on if you put it in Google ... (TMZ)
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Spend Their First Week As a Married Couple. Congrats to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are now officially husband and wife. The couple tied the knot in front of millions of viewers both in London and watching from home on Saturday May 19, and now everyone wants to know how they will spend their first week as a married couple. It has been previously reported that they won't embark on a honeymoon for a while, and they have also kept quiet about the location of their honeymoon. However, on Tuesday they are expected to attend a garden party at the Buckingham Palace in honor of Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebration. What else do they have planned for this week? (Eonline)
Suits Creator Calls the Royal Wedding the "Most Extraordinary Thing I've Ever Seen." While millions of people watched the magic of the royal wedding from their televisions, Suits creator Aaron Korsh experienced the real-life fairytale in person. Korsh wrote about his royal wedding experience for New York Daily News. After the media outlet published an excerpt from his account, the TV producer decided to share his entire post via Twitter on Monday. In a heartfelt open letter, Korsh called the wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen." From the drive through Windsor to the walk to the reception, the whole day left Korsh in awe. Of course, the ceremony at St. George's Chapel seemed to be a particularly memorable moment. "Seeing each member of the wedding [party] walk down the aisle, Harry evoked earnest and somehow vulnerable, Meghan looking strong and proud and regal and beautiful... it started things off amazingly," he wrote, recalling the May 19 nuptials. "From there, just being in the chapel to experience such a seemingly world-changing event was incredible. To have the mix of cultures on so many levels and to have two such capable ambassadors showing the world how it should be was moving beyond words." After Meghan and Harry said "I do," Korsh headed to the reception, where he strolled alongside many of the wedding's star-studded guests, including Sir Elton John and George Clooney. He referred to the experience as "a dream." "I could tell they really wanted to run up and greet me but it was clear they were too shy. Either that or they had no idea who I was or even that I was there. But I'm pretty sure it was the former," he quipped, later adding that he also saw former Prime Minister John Major and Idris Elba. "From there it was again one once in a lifetime encounter after another." While the big day was certainly one Meghan and Harry will never forget, it also seemed to be one Korsh will forever hold near and dear to his heart. "I can only sum it up by saying it felt like the world was becoming a better place today," he wrote. "But one thing is for sure, my world will forever be richer for having those memories stored away in my consciousness." Korsh attended the wedding with his wife and Meghan's former co-stars from the show, including Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres and Rick Hoffman. A few of the stars expressed their excitement over the big day on social media. "I'm still speechless. Still processing," part of Raffery's Instagram post read. "[My husband] Santtu [Seppl] and I were honored to witness such a sublime and emotional event. We wish the happy couple every blessing with all our hearts." Macht also wrote, "Congrats to Meghan and Prince Harry on your nuptials. Enjoyed meeting many of your family and friends and an incredible honor to be a part of the whole celebration. May your journey together be full of love and children. Cheers! #royalwedding #princeharry #meghanmarkle." USA Network announced Meghan's exit from the show shortly after the Rachel Zane star revealed she was engaged to Harry. Meghan also acknowledged her departure from the show during the couple's official engagement interview. "I don't see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change," she said. "It's a new chapter, right? And also, keep in mind, I've been working on [Suits] for seven years. We were very, very fortunate to have that sort of longevity on a series... I've ticked this box, and I feel very proud of the work I've done there, and now it's time to work with [Harry] as a team." Those royal duties begin right away. The newly appointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend their first official engagement as husband and wife on Tuesday when they attend Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebration. (Eonline)
Miss Nebraska Sarah Rose Summers Crowned Miss USA 2018. Ladies and gentlemen, we officially have a brand-new Miss USA! Miss Nebraska was crowned Miss USA 2018 Monday night at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana. Competing against 50 other women, Sarah Rose Summers wowed the judges with her brains, beauty and talents. But what really put her over the edge? Perhaps it was her answers to the final questions of the night. Early in the show, Miss Nebraska was asked to address the fact that one in four children in the United States live in single parent households. More specifically, the question was: How has that affected our generation's views on marriage and family? "I am so grateful to have grown up in a home with two parents," she explained. "And so I can't personally relate to this, however, I do work in children's hospital as a certified child life specialist where I'm a liaison between the children and families and the medical team and I've seen single mothers at the bedside working remotely on their computers to stay by their children and support them, and I think that it just shows that children -- no matter if it's a boy or a girl -- that they can do that." Her final scenario was imagining herself on the way to a march where someone hands you a blank sign and a marker. What do you put on your sign and why? "I say speak your voice. I don't know what march we're on our way to in this hypothetical situation, but no matter where you're going, whatever type of march it is, you're obviously on your way to that march because you care about that cause so go speak to people," Miss Nebraska explained. "When they have questions, communicate with them. Listen to their views also. That is one thing in the United States that we really need to focus on is listening to each other!" For those unfamiliar with the annual pageant, each competition starts with preliminary events that include a Q&A interview with members of the selection committee. Next up, each contestant competes onstage in swimsuit and evening gowns. The preliminary event scores, along with members of the Miss Universe Organization, determine the Top 15. This year's event also allowed fans to vote for their favorite contestant to secure a spot in the Top 15. Another first for Miss USA was the fact that this year's selection committee was comprised of all female entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts -- including former Miss USA contestants. Members included Today show contributor Lilliana Vazquez, HLN host Natasha Curry and founder/CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima. Monday night's live event on Fox also featured performances from Lee Brice and 98 Degrees. (Eonline)
Emilia Clarke Ditched Her Own Star Wars Screening to Watch the Royal Wedding. Emilia Clarke really wanted to watch the royal wedding. So much so that the Star Wars actress, who was in England, opted out of a screening of her own upcoming film to snuggle up by the TV for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's long-awaited nuptials. "I had a screening of the Star Wars movie that I'm in for my friends and family on the day and I didn't get my dates right, so I didn't realize [they were on the same day], so I sort of thought no one would turn up, but then they did, so then they watched the movie and I watched the wedding," she explained to Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. Oops! Needless to say, Clarke enjoyed every minute of the ceremony, though she was hoping for a little surprise or two. "No one even fell," she joked. "It was just a perfect day." While she's busy promoting Solo: A Star Wars Story, in which she portrays Qi'ra, she's also in the midst of filming for the finale season eight of Game of Thrones. "I know everything. Well, kind of. Sort of I do," she quipped as she covered her tracks. "I know plenty. I know enough...I can't say anything." Thought she might think she knows how everything will end, the star can't really be sure. "I think they're fooling us," she joked. "I think they are doing loads of stuff and they're not even telling us because they don't trust us and rightly so." (Eonline)
NASCAR champ Martin Truex Jr. says his White House visit Monday to meet President Trump was "amazing" ... calling it a huge honor he would NEVER consider passing up. It's a MUCH different opinion than some NBA and NFL players -- but Truex tells TMZ Sports he considers NASCAR to be "very patriotic" and he's proud to be an American. Truex was invited to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. after winning the 2017 Cup Series title -- and on his way out, he RAVED about the experience. "Oh my God, it was amazing. The president was an unbelievable host. He showed us everything that he didn't have to show, so it was really cool." We mentioned the controversy with other athletes boycotting Trump's White House -- and Truex said the thought of turning down Trump never crossed his mind. "I mean, I think it's a huge honor. Huge honor for me and my team and for them to invite us was amazing, so I would never pass it up." During Truex's visit, Trump once again brought up the anthem protests, saying "One thing I know about NASCAR and I will tell you, they do indeed stand for the playing of the national anthem." (TMZ)
Royal Wedding Bishop Says He "Only Deviated Slightly" From His Script. After giving an impassioned sermon at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on Saturday, The Most Rev. Bishop Michael Bruce Curry appeared on Tuesday's episode of Good Morning America and said he "only deviated slightly" from his planned manuscript. During the ceremony, Curry spoke about the power of love for 14-minutes. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and referenced slavery. He also discussed how hunger, poverty and war could all come to an end "when love is the way." His sermon generated about 40,000 tweets per minute and produced a few noticeable reactions from the royals and attendees. Curry told GMA's Robin Roberts that he sent church officials a "basic outline" of his manuscript ahead of time and that everyone was "very gracious." Although, he admitted he went a bit off script on the big day. "I did provide a copy of the manuscript about a week before I think it was, and I only deviated slightly," he said. "I mean, you can't get a preacher -- you're going to deviate a little bit. But they were basically aware of the basic outline and what was in it. They were very gracious." Similarly, Curry told Today the whole service had "all of the permissions" and that "nothing would have happened in there without some sense of blessings and permissions." He also joked that while attendees didn't vocalize their reactions, many conveyed their sentiments through their eyes. "Episcopalians aren't known for being loud and ruckus in church," he told Today on Tuesday, "but I've learned to be able to hear an Amen by looking in their eyes. I was looking in the eyes of people who were there and they were doing quiet British Amens." While he admitted he had a few nerves when he stepped up to the pulpit, he decided to focus on the bride and groom's love. "At first, I must admit to being a little bit nervous at the very beginning -- no question about that," he told Today. "But then, after that, it turned into a church and I was speaking to a young couple who were in love. I mean, they are so passionately in love with each other -- you could see it. And I was really aware that their love for each other -- that you could actually see when they looked at each other -- that their love was actually, even in that moment, reorienting the world around that love. I mean, all of the divisions and all the differences were being crossed, and worlds were coming together and a new world was being created. That's the power." After the ceremony, Curry briefly spoke to the newlyweds at the reception, whom he described as "very gracious." In addition to speaking about the big day, Curry recalled first learning that he was asked to give the sermon. When his staff members told him the office of The Archbishop of Canterbury had called, he didn't believe them. "I just didn't believe it," he told Today. "And then when I realized [it was true], I said 'Well, I guess I better call The Archbishop back.'" He also told GMA that Meghan and Harry were the ones who ultimately decided to include him in the wedding after consulting their church officials and that he couldn't share the news with his wife for a month. The day was certainly a historic one. Not only did Meghan join the royal family, but Curry became the first American to preach at a British royal wedding. (Eonline)
Meghan Markle's father might've missed his daughter's wedding with Prince Harry, but he wasn't missing his Starbucks while on the mend ... broken hearts be damned. The Duchess' dad, Thomas Markle, was in Rosarito, Mexico Monday stopping off at a Starbucks drive-thru -- and seemingly walking away with a Frappuccino in hand, whipped cream and all. Mind you ... Thomas just underwent heart surgery last week. Now, we're not doctors or anything ... but for whatever reason, it doesn't seem like a good idea to slurp up one of Bucks' sweetest, calorie-packed beverages on the heels of a heart procedure -- not to mention a very recent heart attack, too. That's just us, though. Maybe he's just celebrating the fact that Meghan's wedding went off without a hitch, despite the fact he couldn't be there. Consolation caffeine hits the spot, apparently. (TMZ)
Some of the four-legged guests were better behaved than the humans at a recent star-studded Malibu, Calif., pet-rescue charity event, we hear -- when a scuffle dramatically broke out between the host's husband and another guest. A source said that at Alison Eastwood's annual upscale Eastwood Ranch Foundation benefit at Malibu Wines, guests included Eastwood's movie-star brother Scott Eastwood, Kim Basinger and Denise Richards, plus adorable animals for adoption. But an altercation allegedly broke out at the Wags, Whiskers & Wine shindig between Eastwood's husband -- manly chainsaw carving sculptor Stacy Poitras -- and a Hollywood screenwriter pal. Our spy said that as the vino flowed, burly Poitras got into some sort of disagreement with a guest, Mark Lawrence Miller. That's when, allegedly, "Stacy first pushed the guy a little." After things seemed to cool down, "Stacy came back from across the venue and ran and tackled the other guy to the floor, literally right next to the carpet where everyone was arriving," said a source. The shocked guest added, "They went straight down into concrete and were wrestling for a bit until security came. They were going to ask Stacy to leave, but given the event, told him to behave." Alison's action-star brother Scott ("The Fate of the Furious") enjoyed the show. "Scott watched the whole thing go down and said pretty loudly, 'This is the best charity event ever!'?" a spy said. A pal joked to the star, "Use your indoor voice." Alison -- the daughter of film legend Clint Eastwood -- married Poitras, of TV's "Chainsaw Gang," in 2013. A rep for the couple downplayed the incident, commenting: "There was a minor misunderstanding between Stacy and Mark .?.?. and it was resolved quickly thereafter .?.?. The misunderstanding was between two men, Stacy and Mark, and that was it .?.?. Alison, Stacy and Mark have been and still are great friends." We heard that another guest was jostled in the melee, but the rep said that no one else was impacted by the row. Both Miller and a rep for Scott did not get back to us. Even if the fur flew, we hear that donations exceeded expectations, benefiting Eastwood's respected animal-welfare and-rescue organization. (Page Six)
Rampage Jackson is putting an end to rumors he's headed to an MMA fight with 50 Cent -- telling TMZ Sports there's no way in hell Fiddy ever REALLY gets in a cage with him. 50 started trash talking Rampage earlier this month -- saying he's the superior "Jackson" and would wreck the former UFC champ if they ever stepped in a cage. The rapper fueled speculation that the two were working on a deal when he posted a photo with Bellator president Scott Coker. So, when we saw Rampage at LAX, we had to ask ... and Jackson told us straight-up he's INCREDIBLY ANNOYED by all the fight talk ... 'cause it's never happening! "50 probably drinking too much of that champagne that he got," Rampage said ... "Who actually think 50 trying to fight? "I just don't feel like 50 trying to step in no cage with me ... he ain't no fighter." "I ain't trying to challenge him to no rap battles." Rampage added ... "It's annoying as f*ck." (TMZ)
T.I. is fuming and wants a piece of a Houston's security guard he claims manhandled an innocent female customer Monday night in Atlanta. T.I ripped into the security guard and the restaurant in a video he posted ... alleging the guard went into the women's restroom to drag a customer out through the restaurant, and eventually out the front door. Tip called out the guard, saying, "I need to see you! Come do me like that!!" Another video showed the woman being held down by the guard. It appears he was holding her arm behind her back, while 2 of her friends yelled at him to let her go before he gets arrested. One of the friends said she was calling police, and the security guard claimed he was "detaining" the woman until police arrived. T.I. posted pics showing the alleged injuries the woman suffered ... including a black eye and several bruises on her leg. T.I. says the woman was actually arrested and booked for a felony. It's unclear if the security guard was arrested. Remember, this comes after T.I. organized a boycott against an Atlanta area Houston's last year when a staffer threw out a table of black female guests. T.I. had worked closely with Houston's ownership to improve relations, before lifting the ban. Monday night he said, "We done tried to do it the Martin Luther way. It's time for Malcolm X!" (TMZ)
Carson Kressley joked it was impossible to choose his favorite Miss USA finalist -- just like Meryl Streep choosing which of her kids to save -- and suffice it to say, the joke triggered some outrage. "It's like 'Sophie's Choice'! They're all so good," the former 'Queer Eye' star said of having to pick between the final 15 competitors. "Sophie's Choice" is about a woman forced to pick between the life of her son and her daughter in Auschwitz. Some people on social media had a big problem with Kressley's comment, one saying, "So I guess if he were living Sophie's Choice, she'd be the saved child & the others taken to be shot immediately? #classless #carsonkressley." Miss Nebraska, Sarah Rose Summers, ended up taking the crown. (TMZ)
Most people believe Summa Cum Laude is an honor ... Publix grocery store believes it's obscene. Case in point ... this cake. A woman in South Carolina ordered the tasty treat online to celebrate her son graduating from his homeschool program with a 4.79 GPA ... earning Summa Cum Laude honors. But, when she sent a friend to pick up the cake, the word "Cum" was edited out -- an apparent violation of the grocery store's obscenity policy!!!! "My son was humiliated," the woman posted on her Facebook page ... "I seriously couldn't make this crap up!!!" "How utterly ridiculous and I will be speaking to a manager for a refund. Shame on you Publix for turning an innocent Latin phrase into a total embarrassment for having to explain to my son and others (including my 70-year old mother) about this joke of a cake." FYI, "Summa Cum Laude" is a Latin phrase that means "with highest honor." Just make sure your safe search is on if you put it in Google ... (TMZ)
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