Alec Baldwin Attorney Disputes FBI Findings ... He Speaks to Chris Cuomo

UPDATE

7:49 AM PT -- Alec Baldwin is speaking for himself amid new mixed findings about his potential culpability in the fatal 'Rust' shooting -- and while it seems he did so before any of it came out ... it's interesting, nonetheless.

UPDATE

AB recently did an interview with none other than Chris Cuomo -- who's got his own little network now -- and the sit-down aired Tuesday. In the video, Chris asks Alec about all the fallout and how he deals with it ... and Alec says definitively, he's not the victim here.

UPDATE
UPDATE

He emphasizes Halyna is the victim, and he'll likely recover from this saga ... sooner or later. But with that said, he does again defend himself -- saying he knows what happened, as do the people who were on set that day. Alec suggests all the speculation and armchair analysis from the media and others is meaningless ... and he's certain his name will be cleared.

UPDATE

Again, this interview seems to have been done before the FBI issued its report ... which says he must've pulled the trigger. In his chat with Cuomo, Alec says that did not happen -- so he's sticking to his story here, and seems content letting the chips fall where they may.

The FBI is wrong about Alec Baldwin pulling the trigger on the set of 'Rust' -- so says the actor's attorney, who thinks the Bureau's report is flawed.

Luke Nikas, AB's lawyer, gave his take to Fox News Monday -- this as Halyna Hutchins' death was officially deemed an accident the same day -- saying the feds are incorrect to conclude Alec pulled the trigger ... because the testing they did doesn't show that.

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TRIGGER PULLED

Nikas says, "The FBI report is being misconstrued." He adds, "The gun fired in testing only one time -- without having to pull the trigger -- when the hammer was pulled back and the gun broke in two different places. The FBI was unable to fire the gun in any prior test, even when pulling the trigger, because it was in such poor condition."

Essentially, Nikas seems to be suggesting either the report's findings are misrepresented -- seeing how they've only been reviewed/reported on by ABC -- or the FBI simply misstated what they actually did in the lab to get to the bottom of this. Either way, he claims it's bunk.

You'll recall ... the FBI, per ABC, said there was no way the gun Alec used went off without him pulling the trigger, as they tried firing it by just manipulating the hammer -- which is what Alec said he did. They insisted ... when the gun's working properly, that's impossible.

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I AIMED AS DIRECTED
ABC News

While it was unclear from ABC's report (and the language cited from the report) whether the FBI had actually tested the old revolver in question, Nikas appears to be implying they did.

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MOMENTS AFTER ...
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Here's another thing ... Nikas says the FBI's report on the gun doesn't even matter, big picture, because the Santa Fe Medical Investigator's Office came back with its own pivotal finding over Halyna's death ... and they've officially deemed it an accident.

Nikas says, "The critical report is the one from the medical examiner, who concluded that this was a tragic accident. This is the third time the New Mexico authorities have found that Alec Baldwin had no authority or knowledge of the allegedly unsafe conditions on the set, that he was told by the person in charge of safety on the set that the gun was ‘cold,’ and believed the gun was safe."

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THE FBI WEIGHS IN

All of these findings -- the FBI's and the medical investigator's -- have been sent off to New Mexico officials for further consideration. The D.A. has yet to make a decision on criminal charges.

Alec, of course, has already been dragged into court civilly ... but denied any responsibility.

Originally Published -- 6:31 AM PT

Ryan Garcia Defends AB Calling Off Figueroa Fight ... 'You Got My Support'

Ryan Garcia is coming to the defense of Adrien Broner -- who pulled out of his scheduled bout with Omar Figueroa Jr. citing mental health issues -- applauding the former champ for the decision, despite how fans may react.

"Love you AB, i know it’s not easy to step back and take time from the ring, but no doubt taking this time you will come back healthier and stronger," Garcia wrote on Twitter.

"Focusing on your mental health is not weakness it’s strength. You got my support #MentalHealthAwareness" he added.

Of course, Garcia has publicly dealt with mental health issues himself. In February, Garcia revealed he was battling depression, even admitting things got so bad, "I wanted to kill myself at one point."

Like Broner this week, Ryan withdrew from his fight with Javier Fortuna in April (they eventually fought in July -- Ryan won via KO in 6th Rd.).

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DEEP IN IT
Boxing Live with Dan Canobbio

As we reported yesterday, 33-year-old Broner called off his bout against Figueroa on Aug. 20 in Hollywood, FL. ... saying he's not in the right frame of mind to compete.

"Man, I'm going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain't go give up I set some more goals and UI ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting #August20th," Broner wrote.

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Broner also said, "I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when In all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody" ... adding he needed to overcome this obstacle before he risked his life inside the squared circle.

32-year-old Figueroa, however, wasn't buying AB's reasoning for withdrawing at the last minute ... and ripped the 34-4-1 fighter, challenging him to prove he's seeking help, and not pulling out for other reasons (OF accuses AB of not being in shape).

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"Not saying you DON'T suffer from mental health issues as WE CAN ALL tell you do, just don't use it as an excuse now after you've been undisciplined and not taking this fight/training camp seriously," Figueroa wrote on social media.

"If it really IS mental health, PLEASE SHOW US THE PROOF THAT YOU WENT AND SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL HELP," Omar added.

Sadly ... this isn't the first time Broner and Figueroa were set to clash. In 2018, it was Figueroa who pulled out of their scheduled fight ... due to an injury.

Omar will be fighting Sergey Lipinets (16-2-1) in place of Broner.

Eric & Eliza Roberts Scary Intruder Escapes Into the Darkness

Eric and Eliza Roberts had a frightening encounter with an intruder who apparently set his sights on her as she walked up her driveway in the dead of night.

Eliza tells us ... her daughter drove her to San Fernando Valley home Friday night at around 9 PM. Eliza got out of the car at the curb, said goodbye to her daughter and entered the code on her security gate. It opened and she walked up the long driveway to the home.

Just as Eliza walked inside, Eric walked outside and came face-to-face with the intruder, who was just feet from the front door.

The man looked at Eric and said, "I know you" ... presumably the guy recognized Eric from his work in film. Eric was taken aback and asked the guy why he was there. The man didn't give a clear answer and Eric was alarmed, telling the guy to beat it.

The man went back down the driveway in the dark, and Eric went inside. He and Eliza then realized the guy might still be lurking in the bushes so they called the cops.

Police arrived a short time later but there was no sign of the intruder.

Eliza is one lucky woman, because all signs point to an intruder who was up to no good.

Anne Heche One Of Her Final Films Says Goodbye ... Adding 'In Memoriam'

Anne Heche's death came just before the release of her final movie, and the director tells us he's dedicating the film to her.

The film is "Wildfire: The Legend of The Cherokee Ghost Horse" ... director Eric Parkinson tells TMZ he's adding an "In Memoriam" as the movie's final shot, right before the final credits.

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BEHIND THE SCENES
Hannover House

Eric tells us Anne was superb in the movie, which started filming back in 2019 before being delayed by the pandemic, and the entire cast and crew are devastated by her death.

Anne plays a rodeo trainer in the film, and Eric says during negotiations to hire her for the role, her agent cautioned she was not an experienced rider, so producers decided they needed a stunt double for some barrel racing scenes.

The plan for those riding scenes, we're told, was for Anne to slowly ride up on the horse and then cut to the stunt double ... but once they were on location in Oklahoma, Anne surprised everyone.

We're told Anne politely asked the stunt double to get off the horse, then climbed in the saddle and told Eric to roll ... and that's when she took off on the horse in a full gallop, executing the barrel turn and racing to the finish in record time.

Shocked, Eric says he went up to Anne and told her what her agent said about her not being an experienced rider ... to which Anne responded, "I'm not ... but my character is a champ!"

The movie is being released in theaters in November ... about 3 months after the car crash that caused her death.

Jimmie Allen Surprise, Vegas!!! Joins Cheat Codes on Stage

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WORLDS COLLIDE

Jimmie Allen and Cheat Codes are inching closer and closer to the release day of their new single, and some lucky fans in Vegas were treated to a sneak peek.

Cheat Codes was playing at Zouk Nightclub inside Resorts World Las Vegas last month when the country superstar hopped onstage. Fans went wild when Jimmie announced he'd be performing "Lose You" ... a new track he recorded with the DJ tio.

Cheat Codes has a bunch of collabs on their upcoming album with some country music heavyweights. We're told Dolly Parton, Lady A, Lee Brice and Russell Dickerson are all to be featured.

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BANGERS WITH THE BOYS

Dickerson actually popped up at a recent Cheat Codes gig to play his song "I Remember" with the group.

Byron Allen I'm Getting Next Available NFL Team!!! ... After Losing Broncos Bid

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I GOT NEXT!!!
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Byron Allen is callin' dibs on the next available NFL team -- telling TMZ Sports that after losing out on the Broncos this year, he's "highly confident" he'll "get the next one."

We got the TV mogul out in Beverly Hills just days after he officially lost his bid to buy Denver's NFL franchise to Rob Walton, and he told us he ain't sad about it at all.

In fact, Allen was in a playful mood about missing out on the $4.65 billion purchase ... saying, "When you lose to the richest family in the world, it's not a bad day in the office."

Allen says he's now already turned his sights onto the next available team -- explaining he's absolutely undeterred by how the Broncos sale ended up.

"Listen," the 61-year-old said. "Buying an NFL football team is a process and we had the pleasure of being a part of that process. We didn't get this one, but I'm highly confident we'll get the next one."

Allen said owning a team is very important to him -- telling us that becoming the first-ever Black controlling owner in the league is a huge goal of his.

Allen credited Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell for giving him the tools necessary to one day accomplish that feat ... and added that he's in no hurry whatsoever to give up on the dream.

"We gon' find something," Allen said. "We're going to get it done. It's just a matter of time."

Guess Who This Capped Kid Turned Into!

Before this bold blondie was waving her golden hair on TV screens as a big-name soap star, she was a child actress hustling her way through the entertainment industry with small roles in Hollywood ... and growing up in sunny Los Angeles, California.

This cute kid has spent many of her adult days hosting television shows such as 'The Biggest Loser.' When she's not in front of the cameras, she enjoys spending time with her hubby and two kiddos and even gives her Instagram followers an inside peek.

Need one more hint? It is said that she will make a return to her soap opera days.

Can you guess who she is?

Ex-NFL Star Aqib Talib Near Gunman During Fatal Youth Football Shooting ... New Video Shows

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MOMENTS BEFORE

Former NFL star Aqib Talib was just feet from the gunman -- allegedly his older brother, Yaqub Talib -- when a fight at a youth football game turned into a fatal shooting over the weekend, new video obtained by TMZ Sports shows.

We've chosen not to publish the actual shooting, but the original clip shows the moment five shots were fired at a man at a kid's football game, with several of the shots coming as the man retreated. The man falls to the ground while running away.

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SHOTS FIRED
TMZSports.com

In the moments immediately following the shooting, 36-year-old Aqib appears to make a beeline for the shooter -- allegedly his 39-year-old brother -- before both men seemingly turn to leave the field.

The video then ends as everyone scatters.

Although Aqib was in the middle of the incident, he is never seen participating in the violence.

On Monday, Yaqub, turned himself in to authorities in Lancaster, Texas, where he was booked for murder.

Aqib's attorney tells us ... "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life."

"He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."

Aqib has not been charged with any crimes.

A$AP Rocky Charged With Assault ... For Alleged Shooting

A$AP Rocky is now facing criminal charges for an alleged shooting in Hollywood, where he's accused of firing multiple shots at a former friend.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday his office has charged the rapper with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

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ON THE SCENE
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Prosecutors say Rocky pointed a gun at a man during a heated discussion in Hollywood back in November ... and during a follow-up confrontation, Rocky pulled the trigger and fired two shots in the direction of the alleged victim.

Remember ... Rocky was arrested for the alleged shooting in April at LAX, where cops were waiting for him to get off his private jet with Rihanna.

Rocky is also being sued for assault and battery by former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli, who says he is the alleged victim in the shooting. Relli says he was hit with bullet fragments and suffered injuries.

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ROCKY SITUATION

Meanwhile, the LAPD is continuing to investigate the case.

Teresa Giudice Catchin' More Rays In Mykonos ... As Honeymoon Continues

"Real Housewives" star Teresa Giudice's is going all out on her honeymoon ... as she continues to have fun in the sun in Mykonos with her new husband, Luis Ruelas.

Teresa was spotted having a blast in her 2-piece with Luis on the sand Sunday, as the two took another stroll along Alemagou Beach. The New Jersey native is really lovin' her man, all smiles as he grabs her butt!!!

Teresa and Luis have spent a lot of time on the sand and in the surf of Principote Beach -- we got pics of them out earlier, and she was wearing a different bikini ... so she must've done a wardrobe change at some point.

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THIS HONEYMOON IS BEACHIN'
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Eyewitnesses said they weren't really bothered by those around them -- it's unclear if anyone even recognized them, but all the better.

The sunny retreat comes just one week after they tied the knot ... saying "I Do" in front of 200 family and friends.

Kim Zolciak Daughter Denied Drinking During DUI Bust... Admitted to Smoking THC

Kim Zolciak's daughter, Ariana, denied drinking and driving after crashing into another vehicle ... but cops say she did admit to vaping the night before.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, the 20-year-old reality star denied drinking any alcohol during her DUI bust over the weekend. Officers informed Zolciak they could smell alcohol on her breath and she allegedly stated the smell could be coming from her clothing.

Cops say Ariana admitted she "smoked a THC vape pen the night before but did not drink." During the back and forth, she maintained she had not been drinking -- but cops say she had a "noticeable sway" during field sobriety tests.

TMZ broke the story -- Ariana was arrested in Forsyth County, GA, Saturday, and booked on 3 charges ... misdemeanor DUI, misdemeanor improper/erratic lane change, and misdemeanor underage alcohol possession/purchase of alcohol.

The whole thing happened after she allegedly hit another vehicle.

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KIM SPEAKS OUT

Ariana's attorney, Justin Spizman tells us, "Despite Ariana’s constant invocation that she was upset and anxious from the minor accident, the officer incorrectly concluded she was impaired by alcohol. That was not the case. She wholly denies these allegations and intends to fight these charges because she is not guilty of them.”

She was released on bond shortly after the incident.

Comedian Teddy Ray Died in Apparent Drowning Found in Pool by Maintenance Man

Comedian Teddy Ray's death this past week shocked the entertainment industry, and we've learned his cause of death was an apparent drowning.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office tells TMZ they responded to a call Friday morning around 10 AM at a private residence in Rancho Mirage, where a maintenance worker reported finding a man floating in the swimming pool.

Cops arrived and discovered Teddy dead in the pool. RCSO tells us there were no obvious signs of foul play. It's unclear whose pool the comedian drowned in -- the Coroner says he lived in Gardena, CA -- a good 2 1/2 hours away from the desert.

We're told investigators will wait for all results from Teddy's autopsy before determining an official cause of death.

Ray was known for appearances on 'Wild 'n Out,' 'How to Be Broke' and 'Pause with Sam Jay' on HBO ... plus his work on MTV's 'Messyness.' He was an all-around funny guy, and had great timing and delivery with his jokes and gags. TR did both scripted and unscripted work to aplomb -- and tributes were pouring in all weekend upon word of the sad news.

Comedy Central wrote, "Teddy Ray was a hilarious and beloved performer. He’ll be deeply missed by the entire comedy community.

Teddy was a comedian of man talents -- improv, skits/sketches and old-fashioned stand-up at a very high level. He'd been in showbiz dating back to 2011. He has 17 credits to his name, scattered across multiple projects.

Teddy was 32.

RIP

Saweetie Long Live Nipsey Hussle ... Make Memorial The World’s 8th Wonder!!!

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MARATHON CONTINUES FOREVER
TMZ.com

Proud L.A. rapper Saweetie was on hand for the bittersweet moment where Nipsey Hussle posthumously received his Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame ... and thinks the honor should serve as one of the most important in the world.

Saweetie spoke with our TMZ Hip Hop team Tuesday at the ceremony, telling us before she actually got her own taste of big time music success, she worked as a Marathon model girl for Nip’s clothing line.

The grand ceremony to honor Nip served as a full-circle moment for Saweetie, calling the festivities “overwhelming” at times as she bottled her emotions.

On the bright side, she says Nip’s star -- in addition to his flagship Marathon store and now, his own day in the city of L.A. -- will attract positive tourism to California and the West Coast and in her mind, should qualify for the title of “8th Wonder in the World!!!”

The Icy Girl wasn’t the only rapper on hand for the ceremony, as Nipsey’s All Money In crew, Roddy Ricch and YG also turned out to celebrate the late Crenshaw rapper's life and accomplishments.

Saweetie’s been steadily working hard at finalizing her debut album … and today’s events could likely provide a jolt of inspiration.

Ben & Jen Wedding Party Going Down This Weekend!!! ... At Ben's GA Estate

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are celebrating their marriage in style this weekend, TMZ has learned ... with a group of their closest peeps getting the invite to party with them.

Sources close to the couple tell us the two are inviting family and close friends to Ben's home in Georgia this weekend for the big bash -- unclear what the total headcount is, or which special guests might stop by.

We're told it can best be described as a big celebration for the two ... safe to say it'll be a blast for all in attendance.

As we reported, Ben and Jen picked the actor's Riceboro home as the spot for the big bash last month, which is located just an hour outside Savannah ... we were told Jen went right into party-planning mode soon after the wedding.

The 87-acre property was exactly where they were supposed to tie the knot 20 years ago when they were first engaged ... we learned everything was in place for their big day back then, before the couple decided to call off the engagement a couple years later.

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BEN'S BIRTHDAY BASH

Kobe Bryant Photo Trial Ex-LA Co. FD Cpt. Claims He Was Forced To Take Pics ... Of Crash Site

A former LACFD member claims he was ordered to take photographs of the Kobe Bryant crash scene ... this according to new testimony in the trial.

Brian Jordan -- an ex-captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department -- testified that while he doesn't recall being at the actual site of the crash due to memory issues, he clearly remembers being told to take pictures by high-ranking officials.

"I followed many instructions that day but was told 'take pictures, take pictures, take pictures,'" Jordan said. However, a Chief from LA Co. FD vehemently denies instructing Jordan to capture images from the scene.

Jordan -- who retired from LA Co. FD in 2021 in part due to the mental anguish he suffered as a result of this ordeal -- needed to leave the courtroom multiple times at different points as he was probed with hard-hitting questions surrounding the specifics of the trial.

When asked if any of the pictures he captured contained images of body parts, Jordan said, "Thank you, now I see intestines in my head." Brian was so distraught over the proceedings that, at one point, he turned and said to the judge, "I don't want to hear this drama."

Raul Versales, a deputy with the LA Sheriff's Department, testified that he never made it to the crash site ... adding that he received approximately 30 photos from Deputy Doug Johnson. As we previously reported, Johnson said during the trial he had no regrets about taking photos of the remains, claiming higher-ups with LACFD ordered him to do so.

Versales told the courtroom that none of the photos were close-up body parts ... but did say there's a possibility arm could be visible in the distance. An investigation by the Sheriff's Dept. determined that there were violations of the use of communication protocols in Versales' cell phone.

Still, he did not receive discipline, nor was he suspended for his actions.

Rafael Mejia -- another member of the LA Sheriff's Department -- testified that he was sent the sensitive photographs and sent them to Versales. Mejia sent approx. 15-20 photos to Versales, according to his testimony.

As previously reported, Vanessa Bryant is currently embroiled in a contentious lawsuit with the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. among others .. after she learned 8 deputies took photos of the remains of Kobe and her late daughter, Gianna, and shared them with family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.

Mejia is the man who sent the photos to Joey Cruz. Cruz is accused of showing the photos at a bar.

Nipsey Hussle Honored with Star on Walk of Fame Lauren London, Family Speak At Ceremony

Nipsey Hussle’s birthday will now be known as Nipsey Hussle Day in Los Angeles for years to come ... an announcement made during the late rapper's Walk of Fame Ceremony.

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REMEMBERING NIPSEY
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Nip was honored Monday with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, right outside the famed Amoeba Music store. During the ceremony, Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced from here on out August 15 would be a day to remember the rapper.

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AMPLIFYING MOMENT
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Nipsey's partner, Lauren London, his sister, father, and grandmother all wished him a Happy Birthday from a podium during the ceremony to honor the L.A. native.

As for how Nipsey Day will be celebrated ... there will be Marathon events, much like the one planned at the upcoming opening of his flagship Marathon store.

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WELL DESERVED HONOR

Fellow Compton-bred rappers YG, Roddy Ricch, NBA stars Russell Westbrook, Isiah Thomas and Nip’s All Money In artists all attended the ceremony.

Nip, a native of South L.A. was murdered in 2019, his killer, Eric Holder was recently found guilty of murder but is awaiting sentencing.