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Laugh Factory Owner Michael Richards Ban Could End ... Need Proof He's Reformed

Michael Richards' Laugh Factory ban could come to an end ... 'cause the owner's open to having him back -- if he's truly learned the error of his ways.

Jamie Masada -- owner of the iconic comedy joint in Hollywood -- tells TMZ ... he booted the actor-comedian for good after his infamous 2006 rant at the club because he believes hate speech isn't acceptable, so Michael earned himself the ban for his racist remarks.

But, Masada says he believes in second chances and doesn't want to hold a grudge, so Michael could make a return to the venue ... but, only if he's truly a reformed man.

TMZ TV Hot Takes Cassie Speaks Out On Diddy ... Britney Spears, Victor Wembanyama

An eventful Thursday full of some of the biggest stories in entertainment ... and, TMZ's got you covered with the best clips from our day in television.

TMZ Live

CASSIE SPEAKS OUT
TMZ.com

On "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles look at Cassie breaking her silence over the video of Diddy assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.

Scott Disick Weight Loss Meds Caught on Camera

FRIDGE CAN'T LIE
Hulu

Scott Disick's subtly confirming his use of weight loss drugs to achieve his drastic physical transformation ... all while touting his healthy new lifestyle.

During Thursday's season 5 premiere of "The Kardashians," Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner swung by Scott's home ... where they explored the contents of his fridge, which included almond milk, fruit and other low-calorie items.

Khloe praised Scott for making healthy choices ... but noticeably glossed over the boxes of Mounjaro -- a popular weight loss drug -- which were totally visible in his butter compartment.

BILL MAHER I SEE BOTH SIDES OF ABORTION ARGUMENT

NO HOLDING BACK
TMZ.com

When it comes to Bill Maher, you can bet your bottom dollar he's not shy about diving into the chaotic mess that is America's deeply divided society -- abortion included.

Bill swung by "TMZ Live" to break down a quick snippet from his new book, "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You" ... where he mentioned understanding some folks' POV of seeing abortion as murder -- but he also made it clear he was still okay with the procedure.

He mentioned how he thinks abortion should be legal up until the third trimester -- quipping it's not necessarily because he's gung-ho about his pro-choice stance, but mainly because he's just not a big fan of kids.

Michael Strahan Daughter Suffers Memory Loss During Cancer Treatment

MEMORY STRUGGLES

Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella is facing a new hurdle in her cancer battle -- an unfortunate side-effect of her medical treatment.

Isabella shared her health update on YouTube, discussing what she's been experiencing while undergoing chemotherapy for a medulloblastoma -- a rare malignant tumor located at the base of her brain. The 19-year-old says she's suffering some memory loss due to the meds she has to take.

She explained ... "I'm given this drug to protect my hearing and just because I have a reaction to it, they give me Ativan. And for some reason, this happened last time too, I can't remember a single thing about that day."

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN URGENT FETAL SURGERY FOR LIL ROCKY TERRIFIED ME!!!

TRAUMATIC SURGERY EXPERIENCE
Hulu

Kourtney Kardashian has shed light on the emergency fetal surgery she had last year that saved her baby's life -- an ordeal that left her panic-stricken.

During "The Kardashians" season 5 premiere Wednesday, Kourtney -- who welcomed her and Travis Barker's little dude Rocky in Nov -- said she felt grateful 'cause a doctor caught something worrisome during a scan 2 months ahead of giving birth.

Kourt said, "Something caught his eye where he wanted me to see a couple of specialists and I had to go in for fetal surgery where they do surgery on the baby, which was terrifying."

Charles Barkley Rips TNT Bosses As 'Clowns' ... Amid 'Inside The NBA' Uncertainty

"IT SUCKS RIGHT NOW"
Dan Patrick Show

Charles Barkley is giving his blunt reaction to the rumors surrounding the future of "Inside The NBA" ... admitting morale is at an all-time low amid reports the show is on life support.

The rumors have been swirling for weeks -- TNT is on the verge of losing its broadcast deal with the Association to NBC ... which, as a result, would mean the end of the wildly successful basketball program starring Chuck, Ernie Johnson, Kenny "The Jet" Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.

Barkley opened up about the situation on "The Dan Patrick Show" Thursday ... and he certainly didn't sugarcoat anything -- but admitted even he has been left in the dark.

Celine Dion Tears Flow in New Documentary ... Determined to Get Onstage

Celine Dion's giving fans a raw look at her health crisis in a new documentary ... letting them in on a couple particularly gripping moments where she's left in tears.

The trailer for "I Am: Celine Dion" -- the new Amazon Prime doc following the singer-songwriter -- dropped Thursday and features several heartbreaking scenes ... including one where she opens up about not being able to perform anymore due to her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.

Check out the clip ... Celine says she misses connecting with her audience -- adding it's not hard for her to perform for a sold-out stadium, but it's definitely hard to cancel on one.

Michael Richards Not Looking For a Comeback, Denies He's a Racist

"Seinfeld" star Michael Richards is not looking for a redemption arc -- even though he's finally coming out of hiding -- but he does want to clarify a few things related to his infamous Hollywood Laugh Factory incident.

The actor's rarely been seen since the 2006 rant when he shouted the n-word and other racial insults at an African-American man who was heckling him during his standup routine.

Michael told People Mag he was immediately sorry in the aftermath of that meltdown -- and nearly 2 decades later he insists ... "I'm not racist. I have nothing against Black people. The man who told me I wasn’t funny had just said what I’d been saying to myself for a while. I felt put down. I wanted to put him down."

'Simpsons' Showrunner Show Didn't Predict Diddy Slams Viral Image as AI Fake

"The Simpsons" may have a reputation for making pop culture predictions that come to fruition, but in the case of Diddy's downfall, the Fox cartoon made no such prophecy.

The cartoon's showrunner, Matt Selman, explained it all to TMZ after an "AI fake" of Diddy drawn as a 'Simpsons' character fleeing cops in a pink suit made the rounds online.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

The TV producer tells TMZ ... "In the current era of digital misinformation, The Simpsons 'predictions' (or, more accurately, 'coincidences') have become meaningless. Any goofball can whip up an AI image based on a current event and say 'The Simpsons predicted it!' — and decent-but-easily-misled folks will believe it because they so very want it to be true."

Jermaine Dupri 🍎 Music List BEYOND Disrespectful To R&B

disrespectful to R&B
TMZ.com

Jermaine Dupri is incensed over Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list ... specifically, the lack of R&B inclusion.

The So So Def hitmaker joined "TMZ Live" Wednesday and groused that several iconic R&B acts, such as Mariah Carey, TLC, Diana Ross, and Jodeci ... didn't make Apple's cut.

JD, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, notes the music that influenced him and his peers was shockingly ignored.

Matthew Perry Death U.S. Postal Service Joins DEA, Cops In Investigating Drug Source

Matthew Perry's death is mobilizing multiple federal agencies -- TMZ has learned the DEA's now getting assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in its efforts to find the person who gave the actor the ketamine that killed him.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... the USPS' federal investigatory authorities are now involved in the probe, and looking into whether Matthew acquired any drugs through the mail. We're told the postal inspectors are offering their expertise -- including their ability to track packages and other mail-related investigation tools.

DECEMBER 2023
SURGERY-LEVELS OF KETAMINE
TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story ... local police and the DEA have been investigating the circumstances surrounding MP's passing for months -- after the toxicology report found the actor died from acute effects of ketamine.

'GMA3's DeMarco Morgan New Bike Shorts, No Bulge in Sight!!!

DeMarco Morgan is apparently turning a new leaf on the bike trail -- and by that, we mean he's changed up his bike short colors ... and you can see a lot less bulge this time!

ICYMI ... the new 'GMA3' anchor -- who replaced T.J. Holmes after his exit over his Amy Robach affair -- sent the Internet into a tizzy by posting pics of himself in bike shorts ... where there his package was seriously noticeable.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

At the time, we were told ABC staffers were rattled over the photos ... and it looks like DeMarco has taken note, as he's debuted some new workout pics -- which are far safer for work, at least in terms of what you can (or can't see).

'Prison Break' Sarah Wayne Callies Claims Male Costar Spat in Her Face ... Rampant Misogyny in '00s

Sarah Wayne Callies claims one of her male costars on "Prison Break" spat in her face -- just one example, she says, of the rampant misogyny she had to deal with as the only gal.

The actress went on the 'Broad Ideas' podcast Monday, with SWC explaining that playing Sara Tancredi on the FOX series -- which aired from 2005 to 2009 -- was a double-edged sword ... 'cause she faced harsh realities, including an alleged ugly incident she recounts.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson

Sarah says that a male actor on the show hawked one onto her mug -- and while she doesn't get into specifics, including any names, she says it was emblematic of the vibe on set.

COURTENEY COX MATTHEW PERRY STILL VISITS ME ... Guides Me Through Life

HE VISITS ME A LOT
CBS Sunday Mornings

Courteney Cox says her late "Friends" costar Matthew Perry is still paying her visits 7 months after his untimely passing ... all in a spiritual form, of course.

The actress said on 'CBS Sunday Morning' that she was thankful to work so closely with MP on the sitcom, where her character Monica Geller ends up with his character Chandler Bing -- adding they're still close to his very day as, "he visits me a lot, if we believe in that."

CC's spirituality runs deep -- she explains she still engages in heartfelt conversations with her late mother, father and even Matt ... going on to say they guide her through her daily life.

Nina Dobrev Recovering After E-Bike Crash ... Posts Pic From Hospital Bed

Nina Dobrev's active lifestyle has taken a hit -- 'cause she landed in the hospital ... this after an accident on an electric bike.

The 'Vampire Diaries' alum shared this unfortunate news Monday by posting a photo from her hospital bed on Instagram ... where she was hooked up to a monitor while sporting a knee brace AND a neck brace.

Nina appeared to blame an e-bike for her current state ... as her first slide in the upload featured her posing on the vehicle in a little black outfit -- looking as happy as can be.

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