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D. L. Hughley says Serena Williams absolutely has a point about women getting unfairly penalized for things men do all the time ... pointing to Martha Stewart as a prime example.

The comedian was strolling through LAX Sunday when our photog asked if Serena was justified in her epic outburst against an umpire overseeing her and Naomi Osaka's match Saturday at the US Open finals -- after the guy took a point away from her, and then a whole game.

She called him a thief at the time, and later said male players have said just as harsh things --- if not worse -- and are hardly reprimanded as severely as she was.

D.L. agrees with that, citing historic outbursts from Andre Agassi and, of course, John McEnroe ... who once called an umpire a "jerk" and demanded he be replaced mid-game.

Then there's Martha Stewart, who D.L. notes went to jail for illegally pocketing around $40,000, she was sentenced to 5 months in prison in 2004. He insinuates that a high-profile man who might've been caught up in a similar case probably wouldn't have seen jail time.

12:45 PM PT -- Colin Kaepernick has expressed support for Stills and Wilson, tweeting "My Brothers @kstills and @ithinkisee12 continue to show their unwavering strength by fighting for the oppressed! They have not backed down, even when attacked and intimidated. Their courage will move the world forward! 'Love is at the root of our resistance!'"

Not a ton of players took a knee in protest during the NFL's fist week of regular season games ... but the first to do so were from The Miami Dolphins.

Miami wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson quietly took a knee during the anthem of Sunday's contest against the Tennessee Titans. Their teammate, Robert Quinn raised a fist during the song.

You'll remember ... prior to the season, NFL owners approved a rule that required players to either stand or wait in the locker room while the anthem was played. The rule was put on hold after significant backlash from the players.

Both Still and Wilson also took a knee during the preseason and stated they'd continue to do so during the regular season.

President Trump took a shot at the NFL and player protests before Sunday's games, saying, "Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison. Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back? Otherwise worse!"

As we reported -- Nike named Colin Kaepernick the face of the "Just Do It" campaign's 30th anniversary -- a move hit with a ton of praise and controversy too.

7:25 PM PT -- Les Moonves has issued a statement in the wake of his ouster from CBS, saying in part ... "Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am. Effective immediately I will no longer be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS. I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees."

4:30 PM PT -- It's just been announced Moonves is out at CBS, and the network is implementing a big shakeup on its board of directors through a company-wide settlement. Interestingly, CBS says $20 million will be donated on Moonves' and the network's behalf to an org that supports #MeToo, which is set to be made immediately. The cash will come out of any severance benefits owed to Moonves following a pending investigation into his alleged misconduct. The company also notes that Moonves will not be getting any type of severance package at this point, but may receive further payment once its investigation is wrapped and after a final evaluation from the Board.

CBS's longtime CEO, Les Moonves, is reportedly resigning from his position as head of the network after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, CNN's Brian Stelter reported Sunday that Moonves would be stepping down and that the official announcement would be made either Sunday night or early Monday morning. This comes on the heels of a second New Yorker article by Ronan Farrow where six additional women accused Moonves of sexual misconduct.

The allegations range from Moonves allegedly forcing oral sex on certain women, exposing himself without permission to others ... and allegedly using physical violence or intimidation against them.

He'd already been accused of sexual misconduct from 6 separate women earlier this summer -- including allegations of sexual assault from the 1980s ... for which he will not face criminal charges. Ronan wrote that earlier piece as well.

Moonves has worked at CBS since 1995, where he first served as president of CBS Entertainment. He served as CEO of CBS Television from '98 to 2003, and was eventually bumped up to chairman and CEO of the entire company in 2003. He's responsible for greenlighting series like 'CSI,' 'Without a Trace,' 'NCIS,' 'Survivor,' 'Cold Case' and many, many other hit shows.

Reports have recently said that Moonves and the CBS board were negotiating an exit package for him somewhere in the ball park of $100 million. Stelter says exit talks have been finalized, but did not report on any specific figure.

AJ McLean says Mac Miller's death was premature and tragic -- and he hopes more deaths can be prevented with a potentially life-saving measure he'll be rolling out soon.

We got the Backstreet Boys member in Bev Hills where he was participating in the Ante Up! for a Cancer Free Generation poker tournament -- which raises money for cancer research -- and he gave us his thoughts on Mac dying Friday from an apparent overdose.

While he's never met Mac himself, it's clear AJ's shaken up over his passing -- explaining people need to realize how big an issue drug addiction really is ... and how to overcome it.

He then tells us about a new detox kit he's working on that he says will help people kick drugs safely ... particularly, opioids. AJ says his kit includes non-narcotic medication -- unlike other drugs often used in opioid treatment, like methadone -- that won't get 'em hooked.

Nicki Minaj was not the first person to fall victim to a wicked shoe hurling attack from Cardi B ... the "Bodak Yellow" rapper has done the heel heave-ho before.

Check out the clip, Cardi was on the Love & Hip Hop NY reunion show last year when she got into it with Asia. Cardi didn't like the explanation Asia gave when she was asked why she didn't like Cardi -- and without hesitation -- Cardi kicked off her shoe -- and a red one at that -- and chucked it straight at Asia.

As expected, a huge fight broke out.

TMZ broke the story, Cardi went wild on Nicki Minaj Friday night at the NYFW Harper's Bazaar party. Cardi charged Nicki and her team -- cussing her out for shots Nicki's taken at Cardi and her family -- and when security intervened, Cardi took off her shoe and hurled it Nicki's way.

Cardi was booted from the party, and left without her shoes and a giant lump above her left eye.

Post Malone has jumped back on the horse -- in this case the Rolls -- just a day after his other Rolls got T-boned.

Post chowed down at Mastro's Saturday in Bev Hills and showed off his bigger and better whip -- a $420k Phantom that resembles a WWII tank.

Post decided to upgrade after a Kia tore into his $320k Wraith Saturday night in the San Fernando Valley, severely damaging it.

Post had more to say about the tragic death of his buddy, Mac Miller. TMZ broke the story ... Mac died of a drug OD Friday. Post was supposed to do an album with Mac and his death really tore him up.

On another subject -- the epic shoe-down between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj Friday night at a NYC Fashion Week party -- Post is strictly Switzerland.

Serena Williams won't just leave the US Open with a loss in the Championship ... she'll leave a little lighter in the wallet too.

Williams will be fined $17,000 for 3 separate code violations during the tennis tournament's final.

-$4,000 for a coaching violation.

-$3,000 for smashing her racquet.

-$10,000 for verbal abuse towards the umpire.

As we reported ... Serena was penalized several times during Saturday's match against Naomi Osaka.

Williams approached the umpire and heavily disputed the violation, saying she'd rather lose than cheat. Williams' coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, did admit to coaching after the match, but said he didn't think Serena was paying attention to him.

Osaka received her trophy to a chorus of boos from the crowd ... and Williams was obviously upset during the press conference after the match ... saying she felt that she was only penalized because she was a woman.

Chelsi Smith -- who took the crown of Miss USA in 1995 -- and went on to win Miss Universe has died.

Shanna Moakler -- who was runner up to Smith in the 1995 Miss USA Pageant -- shared a tribute to the beauty queen after learning of her death, "I am heartbroken. Godspeed beautiful. You were my friend and a light. I love and will miss you more then you will ever know. The epitome of a Queen."

Reports say Smith fought a battle with liver cancer before passing away.

Smith competed in her first pageant -- Miss Texas in 1994 -- and became the first biracial woman to win the pageant.

In 1995, Smith traveled to Namibia to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant where she won the crown, becoming the first woman from the United States to do so in 15 years.

Smith was 45.

Beyonce and Jay-Z are still in the midst of celebrating the singer's birthday ... squeezing in some time for a private photo shoot too.

The pair hit the beach on the Italian island of Sardinia Saturday for a boat tour followed by some cute couple pics shot by a private photog. It's no secret, Jay is crazy about his wife ... and the photo shoot proves it.

Beyonce turned 37 last week, and the pair has been in Italy celebrating -- seemingly sans kids -- ever since.

The singer posted a message Thursday recapping 36 and sharing her hopes for the year ahead, saying, "I became a new mother of 3. I breastfed twins. I renewed my vows with my husband of ten years. I came back home to the stage to do Coachella, after pregnancy. Then my husband and I released our album together, Everything Is Love."

Rich the Kid has apparently decided New York City's economy needs a shot in the arm, because dude boarded a plane bound for the Big Apple with $100k cash!!!

We got Rich Sunday at 5:30 AM at LAX and he flaunted his stacks for TMZ. Rich is on his way to New York Fashion Week ... he was mum on what he's gonna do with the stash.

And, check this out ... we did a little digging, and there's no limit to how much cash you can carry on a plane, but TSA can ask questions to make sure you're not up to no good.

Fact is ... the cash pales in comparison to the rapper's watch, which he says is worth $120k.

And, speaking of Rich showing off his riches, he might want to think about roaming the airport with all that loot, looking for snacks without his bodyguard anywhere in sight. He was robbed at gunpoint back in June by several guys who broke into his apartment.

Rich and his GF, Tori Brixx, were injured -- she was pistol whipped -- and both ended up in the hospital.

Drake's been taking some not-so-subtle jabs at Kanye West recently -- but if Ye follows through on his word to see a Drake show -- Drizzy won't turn him away.

Kanye went on Twitter earlier this week to apologize to Drake for leaving him off "Lift Yourself" ... adamantly denying he spilled the beans about Drake's secret son to Pusha T. Kanye's olive branch -- a promise to attend a Drake concert. Ye praised Drake, saying, "the images (from the show) look incredible online."

Our sources say Drake won't stop Kanye from attending and has made it clear to security ... Ye is not to be banned.

Our sources say Kanye hasn't reached out for tix -- and there's a very good chance he'll just buy his own -- but you gotta imagine, it'll be no secret if Ye is in the building.

As for the fans ... don't bank on any onstage Yeezy guest spots during the show.

Joe Biden is back and in the running to grab the top spot among politicians ... on Instagram!

Biden returned to the social media platform Friday and his former boss, Barack Obama, heralded his return by posting, "My brother and friend @JoeBiden is back on Instagram. Welcome back, Joe -- you'll always be on of the rare exceptions to my no-selfies rule."

The photo of the 2 was taken back in July.

People clearly liked what they saw, because the former Veep already snagged 900k followers in just 2 days.

It's not that hard to do the math. The 75-year-old former Senator and Vice President has been mulling over the possibility of throwing his hat in the ring in 2020. He was a fan fav in 2016, but decided not to run ... in part because one of his son's, Beau, died from brain cancer at 46.

8:17 PM PT -- Drake just brought Meek out and as expected, the crowd went insane. Beef officially squashed

It might seem like a long, long time ago when there was no greater beef in the hip hop world than Drake vs. Meek Mill, but tonight that's all officially ancient history ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Meek tell us ... the rapper will join Drake on stage during his show at Boston's TD Garden Saturday night. Drake is currently touring with Migos, and we're told Meek's set to go on in a matter of minutes.

As you'll recall ... the 2 rappers went at it in 2015 after Meek criticized Drizzy and accused him of using ghostwriters. Drake responded with a couple diss tracks, including the huge hit "Back to Back."

Since then, Meek's gone to prison and been released, and publicly stated his beef with Drake was over in May because Drake supported his release. Still, the 2 haven't got together to officially squash it ... 'til now.

BTW, Meek's friend and Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin -- who played a big part in helping him get released from prison -- is stoked about the rappers performing together too ... and shared this pic of Meek's wrist with his credentials.

4:21 PM PT -- Charlie was not in attendance for Denise's wedding, but issued a statement through his rep saying he "wishes them both nothing but happiness!"

Denise Richards is the newest cast member on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," but she's already getting the most attention ... thanks to her wedding!!

Denise -- rocking a stunning, leggy dress -- tied the knot with actor Aaron Phypers Saturday in Malibu in front of family, friends ... and the cast and crew of 'RHOBH.' The couple's big day was filmed for the upcoming 9th season of the show, which Richards will be joining.

So obviously, guests in attendance included housewives like Lisa Vanderpump and Camille Grammer ... along with other familiar faces like Rebecca Romijn and her hubby, Jerry O'Connell.

As for Richards' new husband, we broke the story ... he's fresh off his divorce from "Desperate Housewives" star, Nicollette Sheridan, even though she filed for it back in 2016.

Denise and Aaron began dating in September 2017, recently announced their engagement ... and they already have their TV wedding.

No word yet if Charlie Sheen was there, but he too might make an appearance on Season 9 of 'RHOBH.'

Ex-MMA star War Machine insists he's no longer the woman-beating maniac he used to be -- he's found Jesus and changed his life ... and he's begging his ex-GF for forgiveness.

War Machine's story made national headlines -- he was a super talented UFC fighter who lost it all in 2014 when he viciously attacked his then-girlfriend, Christy Mack, when he caught her with another man.

Mack's injuries were horrific -- 18 broken bones, broken eye socket, broken nose and a lacerated liver. The other victim, Corey Thomas, was choked out and bitten before escaping.

War Machine was eventually convicted on 29 felony counts and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 36 years.

Now, the imprisoned fighter -- real name Jon Koppenhaver -- is speaking for the first time from behind bars as part of a documentary by Jon Bravo ... and he's expressing serious remorse.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't regret that, and I hate it," he says.

"Nobody hates me as much as I hate the man that I used to be."

Machine says he initially blamed Christy for the incident because she was cheating on him -- but has now realized none of it was her fault ... he was the bad guy, period.

"From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to Christy. I'm sorry, Christy."