Stars Celebrate An Eventful Independence Day

By Michael Lopez

We know, it's tough getting back into the normal grind after a fun-filled holiday weekend. This past 4th of July delivered big fireworks, smoky BBQs and plenty of lounging in the summer sun. And for the paparazzi, it brought celebrity hookups, star-studded bikini shots, and lots of Tuesday morning chisme.

One of the most interesting snaps posted on gossip sites over the weekend was of Paris Hilton and Hangover Part II director Todd Phillips. The newly-single socialite and the 40-year-old filmmaker were caught smooching at a private beach party in Malibu, CA.

Also spotted together in Malibu were "besties" Ashley Tisdale and Zac Efron. The two High School Musical stars were seen hugging, dancing, and playing in the waves at a party that DID NOT have Efron-ex, Vanessa Hudgens, on the invitee list. Reps for both stars continue to assert that the two are "just friends."

Over on the east coast, celebrity couple Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez partied in a 155-foot yacht off the coast of New York. As special guests of music mogul Russell Simmons, the two seemed to have the run of the ship and, according to eyewitnesses, relished every minute of it.

"They were messing around. They showed affection," a gossip spy told ContactMusic.com. "[Bieber] took off his shirt [and began] playing patty-cake with Selena."

As expected, the Independence Day tweets were in full-effect too. Dozens of celebs sent out patriotic posts to their millions of followers.

"Happy 4th of July to my home! Be back soon to kiss you USA! Off to Singapore. Thank you to the 40,000 monsters who gathered to see our show," Lady Gaga wrote.

"Happy Independence Day! What are you doing today?" came from J. Lo's Twitter account.

"Happy 4th of July everyone!!!! Have fun today and be safe!!! Xoxo," Kim Kardashian tweeted.

Other 4th well-wishers included The Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears, and Eva Longoria. But perhaps our favorite tweet came from Sofia Vergara, who wrote,

"Feliz 4th of July!!" along with the very sexy twitpic you can see above.

How did you spend 4th of July weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 4th Of July, Ashley Tisdale, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Chisme, Holidays, Independence Day, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, Selena Gomez, Todd Phillips, twitter, Zac Efron