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Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham is recovering after emergency open heart surgery ... and while it likely saved his life, it also damaged his vocal cords.

Lindsey's wife, Kristen, shared the surprising and sad news Friday -- revealing Lindsey went under the knife last week. She says he's recovering at home, and getting better each day.

As for the vocal cord ... Lindsey's wife says it's unclear if the damage is permanent. If it is, it would be an astounding loss for the world of rock 'n' roll. As you know, Lindsey not only played guitar for Fleetwood Mac, but also sang many of their classics like "Don't Stop," "Go Your Own Way" and "The Chain."

You'll recall he was kicked out of the band last year. Lindsey sued his ex-bandmates, but announced in December they'd reached a settlement.

His wife says he's fortunate to be alive, and adds Lindsey's family has a history with heart issues. His father and brother both died from heart-related illnesses.

Get well soon.

Katherine Schwarzenegger's praise for fiance Chris Pratt is obviously something their fans are here for, but one "like" in particular stands out among tens of thousands -- the one from Joseph Baena.

Katherine's brother from another mother made it clear he's a fan of her engagement to Chris Friday, with a double-tap on her IG post. Kat was shouting out Pratt and encouraging fans to go check out his new film, 'The Lego Movie 2.'

Joseph's "like" could signal a big shift in the House of Schwarzenegger. As far as we know, Arnold's kids with Maria Shriver -- Katherine, Christopher and Patrick -- have never had a relationship with Joe ... whose mom is the housekeeper with whom Arnold had an affair.

It's possible they've connected away from the spotlight -- or it could just be that Joseph's using social media to extend an olive branch.

Kanye West had good intentions when he asked a mom for permission to sample a viral clip of her daughter praying -- the only problem is ... he asked the wrong mom, according to a lawsuit.

Andrew and Shirley Green say they are the legal guardians of the little girl, Natalie, whose voice you hear in the opening seconds of Kanye's track, "Ultralight Beam." The audio was taken from a viral video of Natalie excitedly reciting a prayer when she was 4.

However, in docs obtained by TMZ, the Greens say they adopted Natalie in December 2012 -- but Kanye's team reached out to Natalie's biological mom, Alice Johnson, to get permission to use Natalie's voice. The Greens say Alice has no legal right to give Kanye the green light.

What's more ... the Greens say Kanye's team was supposed to send a written license agreement and payment to Alice, but never did.

The Greens are suing Ye to get a slice of his profits from 'Ultralight' -- featured on his 'Life of Pablo' album -- and other damages.

We've reached out to Kanye's team for comment, so far no word back.

3:17 PM PT -- T.I. just weighed in on the controversy, saying he's going to stop buying Gucci and also calling on people to boycott the brand. The rapper says he's been spending seven figures on Gucci for several years, but that ends now.

T.I. went on a long rant, saying he's not accepting Gucci's apology and accusing the company of purposefully being disrespectful and racist. He ended his rant by saying, "I Don't Give a F*** if I gotta wear Target brand s***."

Spike Lee's had it with Prada and Gucci's racist blackface blunders ... so he's boycotting the luxury brands until they hire some black designers to keep them in check.

The "BlacKkKlansman" director announced he's no longer going to wear either Prada or Gucci Friday in wake of yet another blackface controversy from the Italian Fashion houses. If you missed it, Gucci got dragged this week over an $890 blackface sweater.

Spike says he's done with both brands "Until They Hire Some Black Designers 'To Be In Da Room When It Happens.''' He added ... "It's Obvious To Da Peoples That They Don't Have A Clue When It Comes To Racist, Blackface Hateful Imagery. WAKE UP."

Gucci apologized for its ridiculously offensive balaclava jumper and says it's been pulled from all stores. It also vowed to increase diversity across the company ... but Spike's clearly taking a wait and see approach.

As for Prada, you might recall its high-end Manhattan shop put a purse in its window in December with this "Sambo" figurine attached. It was also quickly pulled after cries of racism.

Still, both incidents beg the question ... who the hell's watching the shop???

Spike thinks he knows the answer, and says more black staffers have to be on board to help end the "coonery and buffoonery."

We reached out to both brands -- Prada has no comment and Gucci has yet to reply.

Pusha T is just like his partner in music, Kanye West, because we've learned he just signed a new partnership deal with Adidas that will line the rapper's pockets with stacks of cash.

Our sources say Pusha T is signing a new multi-year deal with the sportswear company, and we're told it's worth millions of dollars.

Pusha T and Adidas will continue working together developing products and content ... and it's the next big step for the rapper in his longstanding relationship with the stripes.

As you know ... his good buddy Kanye also hooked up with Adidas -- after Pusha, for the record -- and Ye famously said he's the "single highest paid person in footwear" ... claiming he's pulling in more cash than even Michael Jordan!

Pusha and Adidas started working together back in 2012, but the Grammy-nominated rap artist is gearing up to make an even bigger splash. Adidas says Pusha will be heavily involved with their EQT footwear series.

Sports broadcasting legend Warner Wolf -- who coined the phrase, "Let's go to the videotape" -- was arrested in Florida after officials say he ripped the word, "Plantation," off a sign at a private community.

Long story short ... Wolf lives in a gated community called "Classics Plantation Estates" in Naples, Florida (about 60 miles from Miami) ... but he thinks the word, "plantation," is offensive and wanted it removed.

According to the police report, Wolf had lobbied the homeowners association to drop it for months -- but on Nov. 30, the 81-year-old finally took matters into his own hands.

Cops say Warner drove to the main community sign -- located in a fancy fountain -- and used a tool to remove the word himself.

Officials say they have video showing Wolf defacing the sign -- and after a lengthy investigation, he finally surrendered to police on Feb. 7.

Also, cops say Warner returned the letters from the sign to the community security guard.

Wolf was booked for causing criminal mischief that resulted in more than $1,000 in damage -- a felony. He was released on $5,000 bond.

So far, no comment from Warner.

Wolf is a sports broadcasting legend -- he worked for ABC Sports and called Monday Night Baseball, football and the Olympics. He also had a cameo in "Rocky IV."

Kourtney Kardashian's dialing her fashion all the way back to the Renaissance period ... a shout out to Leonardo da Vinci that may or may not have him rolling in his grave.

The reality star stepped out Friday in NYC wearing this catsuit with the famous image of Mona Lisa plastered from neck to toe. She also flaunted some old-school Doc Martens. So, maybe she's going for a grunge look ... elevated even further by a trench coat.

The "Fiji Water Girl" is full of herself and, instead of turning on the company that made her famous, she should have just enjoyed it and honored her contract ... that's how Fiji sees it, anyway.

Fiji filed a counter lawsuit Friday against model Kelleth Cuthbert -- real name Kelly Steinbach -- saying she's "bitten the hand that feeds her" and attempted to extort the company for half a million dollars. In docs, Fiji says Kelly's real motivation was getting a better deal ... aka more money.

As you know ... Cuthbert became a viral sensation after photobombing every celeb at the Golden Globes, and her likeness was later used on cardboard cutouts at various stores to promote the water. She sued, claiming she never gave Fiji her permission for that campaign.

Fiji's calling BS and, according to docs, it had a valid deal with Kelleth to be a brand ambassador for $90k, and claims it included using her likeness for its related ad campaign.

Fiji says she tried to skirt the deal by "suing the very company that is entirely responsible for providing her the opportunity and the means to capitalize on her fleeting 15 minutes of internet fame." Ouch. Body blow.

The company also says it has video and photo proof of Cuthbert signing her contract, which she claimed she never did.

Fiji's asking for Kelly's suit to be dismissed, and wants damages for its canceled cutout campaign.

12:30 PM PT -- Kelleth's lawyer, Kecia Reynolds, tells TMZ, "Kelleth will not be bullied by Fiji Water, the Wonderful Company, or its billionaire owners."

Move over, Patriots ... here's a team that's JACKED UP to visit Donald Trump's White House to celebrate their championship win -- the North Dakota State Bison!!!

NDSU football just won the FCS title for the 7th time in the last 8 years ... beating Eastern Washington 38-24 last month -- and they wanted a trip to 1600 Penn. Ave. to celebrate.

So, North Dakota state senator John Hoeven just got on the horn with No. 45 ... AND BOOM, THE WHITE HOUSE PARTY IS ON!!!

Hoeven says in a statement, a date for the celebration hasn't officially been set yet ... but it sure sounds like the squad is stoked for the invitation.

"With NDSU’s history of excellence, it is only fitting that they be honored at the White House," Hoeven says ... "and we look forward to working with the President to coordinate the visit.”

Remember, the last college football team to hit the White House for a championship dinner was treated to some fast food burgers and fries.

Wyatt Oleff isn't old enough to drive, but he can already afford any car he wants ... because we've learned the kid actor is raking in six figures for his next movie role.

Wyatt, who is playing young Stanley Uris in "It: Chapter Two," could make up to $500,000 for his work ... this according to Wyatt's minors contract, obtained by TMZ. That's a fat paycheck for anyone, but especially for a 15-year-old!

According to the docs, Wyatt is pocketing $150,000 in base pay, and has a chance to earn another $350k depending on how well the sequel does at the box office.

Of course, Wyatt will also get an on-screen credit during the movie's opening titles. Translation: the kid's a star, baby!

He's reprising the Stanley Uris role he played in the 2017 "It" reboot ... which, by the way, was a massive hit. It earned $327 million at the domestic box office, and $700 mil internationally.

Those numbers add up to the kid having a real good shot at his $350k worth of bonuses for the sequel.

Floyd Mayweather says he could get a 10-FIGURE CHECK from the UFC ... if he told Dana White he wanted a deal to fight in the Octagon right now.

Yeah ... that's $1 BILLION.

The legendary boxer made the revelation to Kevin Hart on the latest episode of "Cold As Balls" -- saying if he agreed to a contract with the fight company ... he'd get PAID.

"I can go get a deal right now from the UFC. Probably 3-fight, 4-fight, billion-dollar deal if that's what I wanted."

Of course, Floyd's flirted heavily with the idea in the past ... remember, he teased a possible MMA fight with Conor McGregor just last year -- even stepping into an actual cage!!!

For his part ... Dana admitted he did have LEGIT interest in inking the boxer to a fight deal -- and said they were actually in talks in December 2017.

So ... will it ever go down????

Doesn't seem like it ... Floyd says there's just no need for the cash right now, "I'mma be honest. My life is great. Smart investments. I can buy whatever I want to buy, every month."

Soulja Boy's getting a visit from cops to kick off his weekend -- deputies are at his house looking for evidence in that alleged "kidnapping" case ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... the Ventura County Sheriff's Department served a search warrant Friday morning at his crib in Agoura Hills, CA -- about 30 minutes outside of L.A. -- in connection with the allegation made by a woman named Kayla.

TMZ broke the story ... Kayla, who had dated Soulja, claims he tied her up in his garage for 6 hours last weekend. For his part, Soulja says she's full of it. Our sources connected to the rapper tell us he had broken up with Kayla, and she showed up wasted at his house Friday night.

They acknowledge Kayla got into a fight with one of Soulja's female managers, but vehemently deny she was held captive, and add ... Soulja never had any contact with her.

Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons took advantage of the NBA star's off day ... to spend some time all over each other on a romantic dinner date.

Bendall hit up Cipriani in New York City Thursday night. She was fully embracing him and kissing her boo's face as they snuggled up in a corner table.

As you know ... Kendall's been spending a lot of time with Ben lately, and even sat courtside with his mom at one of his Sixers games last month. They've been dating on and off since last May, or as Kendall put it to Ellen ... they've been official "for a bit now."

Five-time Oscar nominee Albert Finney has died.

A family spokesman said the actor died after a short, undisclosed illness. Finney had kidney cancer back in 2011, but it's unclear if it was related to his death.

Finney was at the forefront of a British invasion of sorts ... a wave of British actors who hit the big screen in the '60s in the U.S.

The actor received Oscar noms -- Best Supporting Actor for "Erin Brockovich," and Best Actor in "Under the Volcano," "The Dresser," "Murder on the Orient Express," and the titular role in "Tom Jones." He didn't win, but 5 nominations are pretty impressive. He did nab a Golden Globe and an Emmy for the 2002 miniseries, "The Gathering Storm."

Finney started his career onstage doing "Shakespeare," and his first movie -- "The Entertainer" -- hit big in 1960. That same year, he rose to fame playing Arthur in "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning."

He played the iconic role, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the 1970s film "Scrooge" ... for which he also won a Golden Globe.

Finney's most recent acting role was 2012's "Skyfall." He also had notable roles in the 'Bourne' franchise and "Big Fish."

His family says he passed away peacefully with friends and family by his side.

Finney was married 3 times and had 1 son.

Congressman Matt Gaetz is jammin' on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ... and not because of her politics.

The Florida Rep was on Capitol Hill Thursday afternoon when our photog asked how he felt being constantly referred to as the "Conservative AOC." He essentially calls it an insult ... to her!

Gaetz, who's sometimes charming and sometimes really controversial -- Wednesday he tried booting 2 parents from Stoneman Douglas High School from a congressional hearing on gun violence -- tells us the rookie Congresswoman from the Bronx is way more interesting, capable and attractive than him.

So, you ask ... how does a conservative Republican dare to praise someone whose views are the polar opposite of his Pensacola, Florida constituency? Well, watch and learn.

Ariana Grande's got the only accessories she needs to live her best life ... her smile, her boys and a brand new album.

The "7 Rings" pop star was rollin' deep Thursday night as she was leaving Nobu in Malibu ... where she, along with friends and family, celebrated the release of her new album, "thank u, next."

The highly-anticipated 12-track collection -- her second in the last 6 months -- has been out less than 24 hours and it's already being dubbed a masterpiece and, arguably, her most mature and revealing album to date.

There's a track on it called "Ghostin'" and many fans believe it's about her longing for Mac Miller while she's with Pete Davidson. One of the verses goes, "Though I wish he were here instead. Don't want that living in your head. He just comes to visit me. When I'm dreaming every now and then."

Of course, the first single -- the title track -- became a huge hit when Ariana dropped it back in November. Despite all the success ... Ariana's still dealing with drama over the Grammys.

As we reported ... she called out the show's producer, Ken Ehrlich, for lying about why she's not performing at the Grammys. He said she was too frazzled to pull it together in time for Sunday's broadcast -- but AG called BS, saying Ken stifled her efforts to perform "7 Rings" ... so she said deuces.