Joaquin Phoenix has an ally on the Hollywood battlefield — the historic advisor from his movie, “Napoleon” is leaping to his protection following some biting criticism from Brian Cox.

Lorris Chevalier tells TMZ … Joaquin did the very best with what he was given on-set — despite the fact that he himself needed to take “Napoleon” in a distinct, distinctive, path … however he confronted stiff opposition.

Regardless of his concepts being shut down, Lorris says Joaquin actually threw himself into the position … hitting up spots like Napoleon’s non-public fort, the Malmaison and a number of other different Napoleonic websites round Paris for some hands-on character analysis.

Lorris acknowledges the frustration behind “Napoleon” is comprehensible … however so far as the historic nitpicking goes, the film was meant to be a visible expertise, not a documentary.

On the finish of the day, he says his job is to juggle accuracy with storytelling … and he felt as if he may lean on Joaquin’s stellar appearing, and Ridley‘s knack for jaw-dropping visuals to deliver Napoleon to life.

As for Brian’s declare he may’ve performed Napoleon higher than Joaquin — Lorris says BC may slip into an older model of the emperor’s boots, particularly since he possesses the identical charisma Napoleon did amongst his troopers.

Ex-NBA hooper and present weed entrepreneur Al Harrington has some strong recommendation for any newbies seeking to rejoice the 4/20 vacation this yr … telling TMZ Sports activities it is fairly easy — “get excessive as f***!!!”

Harrington is aware of his stuff — the man constructed a complete firm round his love for Mary Jane … serving because the CEO of the Viola model.

He is doing fairly nicely for himself, too … with the corporate valued at over $100 million.

Harrington — who performed 16 seasons within the league for plenty of groups — instructed us he’ll be in NYC for a three-day “4/20 Tour” this weekend … ‘trigger apparently, the dude wants far more than 24 hours to point out his love for hashish.

Harrington has been an enormous advocate for the advantages of marijuana — in 2017, he sat down with former NBA commish David Stern … and the dialog helped the league finally take weed off the banned substances checklist.

The man Kanye West allegedly punched within the face was one half of a set of twins who’re huge photographs within the restaurant scene right here in L.A. — and we’re informed he hit the incorrect one.

Eyewitnesses who have been on the scene Wednesday morning on the Chateau Marmont lodge inform TMZ that what Kanye’s group mentioned about what occurred — particularly, Bianca herself had been assaulted by the person who bumped into her — is completely off base and easily not correct.

Here is what our sources inform us about how this went down, from their perspective … a person unintentionally ran into Bianca within the lodge foyer, which they are saying was busy on the time. We’re informed it occurred shortly, and the person went on about his manner.

The man went exterior and sat at a desk with mates, and we’re informed it was at that time Kanye approached them … to confront the person.

O.J. Simpson‘s Financial institution of America bank card has hit the public sale block … and let’s simply say the vendor is banking on it raking in some severe money.

Jonathan Lepore is promoting the enterprise account card over at Goldin Auctions … telling TMZ he snagged the piece of plastic, which expired in 2023, on eBay final summer time for a steal at $70, including it to his trove of sports activities memorabilia.

Later, Jonathan deliberate to present the cardboard to his pal’s dad, who apparently used to sit back with O.J. and Nicole Brown Simpson within the Hamptons through the ’80s and early ’90s.

However he tells us he hadn’t ran into him since … and kinda, sorta forgot he even had it — till, that’s, the information of O.J.’s passing over every week in the past jogged his reminiscence.

As for the cardboard itself, it shows delicate peripheral put on and small spots of sunshine discoloration — additionally it hasn’t been signed on the reverse aspect.

Goldin founder & CEO Ken Goldin attracts on O.J. being answerable for a number of the most memorable/horrific moments in our lifetimes, telling TMZ, “With OJ’s current passing, this card is a small piece of that story and we might see some thrilling numbers at public sale.”

Jennifer Lopez had her former costar Ryan Guzman faux his relationship standing to hype up their film virtually 10 years in the past — so claims the man’s ex-girlfriend, who was with him then.

Melanie Iglesias known as out J Lo on the “No Chaser” podcast for a way she claims Jen acted through the 2015 “The Boy Subsequent Door” press run … alleging she would maintain arms with Ryan at after-parties and act like they have been an merchandise — realizing totally effectively he had a GF.

The Maxim mannequin says she even met Jennifer at an awards present whereas she was courting Ryan … claiming she gave her an awkwardly agency handshake, and an intimidating once-over — one thing Melanie says she was disillusioned over seeing how she seen Jen as a hero.

Melanie additionally identified when Ellen DeGeneres straight requested on her present, “Does not he have a girlfriend?” … J Lo performed dumb … claiming she did not know. That is not precisely what Jennifer stated, BTW — however sure, she positively made it look like she wasn’t positive.

Anyway, Melanie goes on to trace what she shared is simply the tip of the iceberg .. and the total story is much worse. She would not get into particulars — nevertheless it sounds messy, to say the least.

On its face, it appears J Lo’s method — as described by Melanie right here — labored, as media studies on the time fueled rumors the 2 have been a pair. Melanie, nonetheless, is now saying the entire thing was calculated on Jen’s finish … and she or he has exhausting emotions over all of it.

As she explains … she was courting Ryan on the time, and says Jen knew that full effectively.

As for Melanie and Ryan … they ended up breaking apart the identical yr, though it’s not clear if J Lo’s alleged actions have been the direct reason behind their break up.

Mel actually appears to assume so, although … that a lot we are able to hear. She additionally takes this shot at Jen — “Why do it’s a must to act such as you’re with everybody you are in a film with?”

Louis Gossett Jr. died from a lung situation … in accordance with his dying certificates.

TMZ obtained a replica of the doc … which cites persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD) as the principle explanation for dying. It additionally notes coronary heart failure and atrial fibrillation as contributing circumstances. It says he’d been battling COPD for years.

The dying cert additionally notes Gossett’s physique was set to be cremated — and it additionally lists his occupation as an actor who was working in leisure.

As we reported … Gossett — the primary Black man to win the Greatest Supporting Actor Oscar — handed away late final month in Santa Monica. On the time, no particulars about his dying had been launched.

Whereas he acquired popularity of his stage roles by means of the ’60s and early ’70s, Gossett’s breakthrough in Hollywood got here in 1977 when he performed Fiddler in “Roots” alongside LeVar Burton and John Amos.

His different credit embody … “Watchmen,” “Boardwalk Empire,” the ‘Iron Eagle’ movie sequence, “Enemy Mine,” “The Deep,” and final yr’s adaptation of the Broadway musical “The Colour Purple.”

He is survived by two sons Satie — from his second of three marriages — and Sharron who he adopted after seeing him on a tv phase about at-risk youngsters.

After we caught up with Louis again in 2021, he informed our photog he’d by no means cease appearing regardless of being 85 years previous … and, he definitely adopted by means of on that vow.

He was 87.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard‘s bodily transformation continues … and subsequent up for a makeover is her mouth …  TMZ has realized.

In new photographs obtained by TMZ … Gypsy shows her new porcelain caps, which she acquired to interchange the silver tooth she’s had for a few years. Witnesses say she was noticed Wednesday at a Walmart in Galliano, LA debuting her new smile.

Keep in mind, a number of of Gypsy’s tooth and salivary glands have been eliminated by her mom, Dee Dee, after she claimed GRB was affected by tooth decay.

Sources near Gypsy inform TMZ … she only in the near past started the lengthy technique of fixing her tooth, but it surely’s one thing she’s needed to do for years. And she or he’s acquired a number of affords from dentists following her December launch from jail — even Lamar Odom provided to hook up Gypsy along with his dentist workplace.

Nonetheless, Gypsy determined to go to a neighborhood dentist in Louisiana, the place she’s been dwelling post-prison. We’re informed she’s had a number of appointments over the previous month and a half, and her prime tooth have formally been fitted with porcelain caps.

Her backside tooth shall be tackled subsequent … over the course of some extra appointments. She at the moment has a brief bridge whereas ready for the brand new caps, however we’re informed she’s already thrilled with the outcomes of her dental work.

This makeover revelation comes weeks after Gypsy underwent a nostril job … getting a mixture rhinoplasty and septoplasty, which with she was equally joyful.

Gypsy additionally, notably, acquired a brand new tattoo, getting matching husky ink with ex-fiancé Ken Urker.

Adele followers are voicing their frustration with Rolling Stone after a author for his or her German version claimed Taylor Swift is the higher artist between the 2.

As Taylor’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Division,” hit cabinets and streaming providers Friday, author Ralf Niemczyk penned a assessment for Rolling Stone Germany — with a headline that learn, “Taylor Swift: ‘The Tortured Poets Division’ – the higher Adele.”

You possibly can learn the assessment for your self to know his bigger level — however the gist is … he believes Taylor’s new mission, all about heartbreak, is on the extent with Adele’s work.

He writes, “Of their mega stew of all fashionable pop components, the standard of the songwriting continues to beat the fabric of their colleagues from the R&B Champions League, like Adele.” That is translated from German, BTW … however his argument is crystal clear.

Value noting … the motive for the Rolling Stone remark could have one thing to do with the projected gross sales for ‘TTPD.’ Taylor’s new album is predicted to promote 2 million models within the U.S. … one thing she’s by no means achieved earlier than in her profession.

Adele famously bought over 3 million models in per week after the discharge of her album, “25.” However it does not appear Taylor shall be beating this report … additional proving the “higher Adele” remark was kinda unwarranted.

With that mentioned, we suppose we’ll pose the query … is Taylor, in actual fact, “higher” than Adele???