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Ashleigh Banfield just opened up about Katie Couric's memoir, in which the former "Today" show host revealed she was threatened by the rising star ... and Ashleigh clearly thinks Couric's jealously may have derailed her career at NBC ... and she's still not over it.

Ashleigh appeared Friday on "TMZ Live" and reacted to a passage from Couric's new memoir, in which she wrote, "For a minute there, Ashleigh Banfield was the next big thing; I'd heard her father was telling anyone who'd listen that she was going to replace me. In that environment, mentorship sometimes felt like self-sabotage."

Fact is ... Ashleigh was a big star at the Peacock network. Her 9/11 coverage stood out from the pack, and NBC rewarded her with her own primetime show.

But suddenly, without explanation, in 2002 her show was canceled and she says things just unraveled from there, to the point they took away her office and put a desk in a tape closet, which is where she sat until NBC got rid of her.

Listen to her speak ... it's very clear she's still not over it, telling us "It broke my heart, it broke my soul."

As for whether she believes Katie was behind the sabotage, Ashleigh's a class act and wouldn't say directly, but she did say she heard rumors that's exactly what happened ... as she said, "I got a sense" Katie was the culprit.

Kelly Clarkson is now poised to boot her ex-husband from the Montana ranch they once shared, because a judge just made it clear ... it's all hers.

Brandon Blackstock argued the ranch -- where he's living now -- is "marital property" -- meaning it's as much his as hers. But, the judge begged to differ, saying the ranch falls within the prenup, which essentially means whatever Kelly bought with the money she earned is hers and hers alone.

BTW ... she's the sole titleholder for the ranch.

TMZ broke the story ... after a trial on the validity of the prenup -- something Brandon was hotly contesting -- the judge ruled it was valid. As such, any money Kelly earned during the marriage is hers ... and that's a lot. She rakes in around $1.9 mil a month!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kelly wants Brandon off the ranch, but he's not moving. We're told Kelly believes Brandon is pretty much just a squatter at this point, and she's contemplating action to get him out.

Dog the Bounty Hunter's putting his money where his mouth is -- he wants Brian Laundrie found so badly, TMZ's learned he's adding $10k in rewards for info leading to Brian's arrest.

A rep for Dog the Bounty Hunter tells us ... Dog, Francie and the Chapman family are adding $10,000 to the standing reward. We're told Dog and his family are determined to bring closure to Gabby Petito’s family, and they hope upping the reward helps to uncover Brian’s whereabouts.

Prior to Dog's donation, the reward money sat at $170,000 -- much of that was donated by private individuals supporting the Petito family.

As we've reported ... last week, Dog joined the nationwide manhunt for Brian -- and earlier this week he alerted cops to a possible sighting. Dog and his team are currently on a remote island off Florida looking for Brian.

Dog had said he felt he was THIS close to capturing him, but the island terrain has slowed down the search.

Dog's gesture comes on the heels of new bodycam footage from a second police officer showing Gabby telling a Utah cop that Brian hit her during their Aug. 12 dispute, but she walked it back, and instead said he had grabbed her face after she hit him first.

Britney Spears and her fiance, Sam Asghari, are ready to start their new lives together ... but they wanna do it under a new roof and without the constraints of a conservatorship.

Sources close to Britney tell TMZ ... she and Sam are planning to take their relationship to the next level by landing a place, but won't make the move until Britney has full control of her own finances.

We're told Britney's looking to move out of the valley and head closer to the Hollywood/L.A. area with Sam ... but they're keeping their options open as far as exactly where or what type of property they wanna buy.

Our Britney sources say one thing's for certain though -- she's more than ready to move out of her current home ... because there are too many bad memories there of being controlled in the conservatorship. She has said she felt like she was being held hostage at her current home, so the move makes a lot of sense.

As for price ... well, she'll make money off her current home and she has $60 mil in the bank, so money won't be a problem.

As you know ... Britney and Sam have been together for years, but back in June when she gave her explosive testimony at a hearing about her conservatorship, she claimed she was kept from marrying him and having children with him.

Though this was refuted by both her father, Jamie, and the conservator of her person, Jodi Montgomery, it raised serious red flags about how she was being treated.

Then, earlier this month after weeks of speculation, Sam did propose to Britney ... and she said "yes."

And, of course, then there was the monumental court hearing this week ... in which Jamie was removed from Britney's conservatorship and wheels were put in motion to dissolve the conservatorship completely.

G-Eazy's gotta be careful the next time he goes out for a drink in NYC -- he's been ordered to keep away from the guys with whom he allegedly brawled with in a nightclub.

The rapper just left a Big Apple courtroom where he was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a guy in the head at the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.

The judge ordered G-Eazy to steer clear of his alleged victim, plus the man who claims G's entourage smashed a glass bottle over his head in last month's altercation.

G-Eazy was released without bail, and was in no mood to talk when we got him leaving the courthouse.

TMZ broke the story ... G-Eazy was arrested in September after he and his crew allegedly got violent with another group of guys in a bar.

Joe Rogan believes Joe Biden did NOT get a COVID vaccine booster shot on live TV this week ... saying, "I don't think they would take the chance."

The comedian and UFC commentator delivered the wild claim on his "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast Thursday ... explaining he believes the President faked it all when he claimed to have received his third dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Monday.

“I think if they were going to give him a booster shot," Rogan said, "the last thing they would do is give it to him live on television.”

“What if he dies?" Rogan added. "What if he blacks out? What if he like gets it and faints? Like, because people have had very bad reactions like in the moment for whatever reason."

For his part, Biden says the shot was, in fact, very real ... writing on Twitter after getting the jab, "just like my first and second dose, it was safe and easy."

"Get vaccinated," Biden added. "Together, can we save lives and beat this virus."

It's not the first (or second) time Rogan's been involved in a COVID controversy. He previously suggested young people shouldn't get the vax. He also kicked up a stir when he revealed he was taking controversial medication, Ivermectin, when he had the virus.

Biden, doctors and health officials across the country have insisted COVID vaccines are safe ... and risks of extreme side effects are very rare.

Gabby Petito told a Utah police officer that Brian Laundrie hit her during their August 12 dispute in Moab, but then quickly walked it back and said he actually grabbed her face after she hit him first.

New bodycam footage from a second police officer sheds new light on the incident, in which Gabby and Brian were separated after cops were called because they were seen fighting in public.

The new video is far more audible than the one released earlier ... and this one provides a much more detailed account by Gabby ... the key moments can be clearly heard.

The officer notices various marks on Gabby -- on her face and her arm, and gently asks what happened.

Listen for yourself -- when the cop asks Gabby bluntly if Brian hit her, she says "I guess, yeah, but I hit him first." She then explains he grabbed her face and demonstrates how his fingernail may have scratched her cheek.

Gabby says Brian did not punch or hit her in the face, though.

As we reported ... two 911 callers did report that Brian struck Gabby's face. However, in the initial police report released a couple weeks ago ... police wrote that both Gabby and Brian claimed that she began slapping him first, and he grabbed her face and pushed her away.

There's another eerie video ... where 2 cops involved in the incident try to determine if it rises to the level of domestic assault, but ultimately seem to decide on the spot that it doesn't.

One of the officers even implies that Brian may be the one at risk of becoming a "battered man" ... but he doesn't think that's the case.

A security guard claimed Jon Jones' fiancee was bleeding from the nose and mouth -- and was scared to return to the hotel room where the UFC champ was staying -- in a 911 call before his arrest.

"We've got a possible DV call. Domestic violence call. Female is bleeding from the nose and mouth," a Caesars Palace security official told Las Vegas Metro PD dispatch around 4:30 AM on September 24.

Security almost immediately informs dispatch the male suspected of being involved in the incident is "professional MMA fighter, Jonathan Jones."

FYI, Jones was in Vegas because his epic 2013 fight against Alexander Gustafsson was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Despite the alleged injuries, security tells the 911 operator the woman has not accused Jones of getting physical with her ... but he's clearly suspicious.

The caller says the woman was asking for help, but didn't want to grab her stuff from the room, despite an escort from security.

"She's trying to get assistance, but she's refusing to go back up to the room."

Jon's fiancee -- who was with her 3 daughters -- received first aid ... but refused any further medical assistance.

Remember, Jones was ultimately arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery and tampering with a vehicle ... for allegedly smashing his head into a cop car while handcuffed. The damage is said to be north of $5,000, making it a felony.

It's unclear what started the alleged incident, but Jon's fiancee told police he returned to the hotel room from a night at the strip club, and was in a bad mood.

Days after his arrest, Jon broke his silence, saying he was swearing off alcohol from now on.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were back to being Kimye ... at least for one night.

Kim and 'Ye reunited Thursday night for dinner at Nobu in Malibu. They weren't there alone. They joined by Kim's gal pal and CMO of SKIMS, Tracy Romulus, and her Grammy winning music producer hubby, Ray Romulus.

While she wasn't trying to keep a low-pro, Kim still looked kinda mysterious in her Balenciaga getup ... a purple gloved catsuit and a long maroon leather coat.  And, THAT has Ye written all over it.

We're told despite the way things looked (romantic dinner at Nobu?!?) things remain status quo -- they're still on good terms and trying to figure out their relationship.

Chrissy Teigen and her family are honoring the spirit of the family member they lost last year -- their son, Jack.

Chrissy and her husband, John Legend, along with their kids, Luna and Miles, held a memorial in remembrance of Jack ... the baby who passed away just over a year ago.

Teigen shared a photo of what appears to be an at-home ceremony held with monks. She said ... "took me a year but finally honored his little spirit with some blessings today. hopefully some closure in my heart will happen now."

As you know ... Jack died following major complications with Chrissy's pregnancy -- she'd been hospitalized for severe bleeding and Jack was never able to get the fluids he needed to survive.

Chrissy was open about the grief she was still feeling this week.

The Supreme Court has a breakthrough ... Justice Brett Kavanaugh has COVID-19.

Kavanaugh's result was announced Friday following a routine COVID test. A spokesman for the high court says the Justice is okay, though ... he's been fully vaccinated since January, and isn't experiencing any symptoms.

All of the Justices were tested on Monday, and all of them, including Kavanaugh, tested negative. What's interesting is that on Wednesday Kavanaugh participated in a race -- the ACLI capital Challenge 3 Mile Team Race in D.C.'s Anacostia Park. It's an annual event for charity that also includes other judges, elected officials and government workers.

Unclear how many, if any, other participants have tested positive. Justice Kavanaugh's wife and daughters, who are also vaccinated, tested negative on Thursday.

After crossing the finish line ... Kavanaugh posed a mean mug for the cameras ... all in good fun, of course.

The timing of his positive test couldn't be worse. In-person arguments at the Supreme Court were set to begin Monday, following an 18-month hiatus due to the pandemic. They'd previously been hearing arguments via telephone.

Kylie Jenner's $40M mansion became the epicenter of an unplanned and unwanted fireworks display after cops say one man set them off in the street and hopped her fence!!!

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops were called to Kylie's L.A. property around 10 PM Wednesday because a man was buzzing her security and asking for Kylie. We're told Kylie's armed guards told the man to get lost -- which he did at first -- but returned a short time later.

When he came back, our sources say the man started setting off fireworks outside her property, and then jumped the fence. Luckily, cops were quick to arrive and apprehend the man before he could make it within the inner perimeter of her security barriers.

A source with direct knowledge tells us the man kept reaching into his pockets to simulate he may have had a weapon ... Kylie was not home at the time of the incident.

We're told the suspect -- a pretty big dude, around 6'4" and 240 lbs. -- carried a suitcase containing a hammer, rubber mallet, a lighter and fireworks. Cops say he did about $1,200 in damage to Kylie's security gate ... and they booked him for felony vandalism. He's being held on $20,000 bail.

The incident comes just weeks after another scary arrest at Ariana Grande's home, in which a man allegedly brandished a knife and threatened to kill the singer. And, of course ... the entire Kardashian crew's all too familiar with cases like this as well.

Now that it appears Britney Spears will probably not be living under a conservatorship by year's end, members of the #FreeBritney movement say their focus will shift to the second-most famous conservatee ... Amanda Bynes.

TMZ spoke with several "Free Britney" supporters this week as they held a rally for her outside the L.A. courthouse amid the monumental hearing in her case.

As they celebrated Britney's father Jamie being removed from the conservatorship, we asked what they will put their energy toward once Brit's case is over, and the response was unanimous -- freeing Amanda.

Though we received varying explanations from the Britney fans on why they'll rally for Bynes next, it's clear many of them feel she's stuck in a similar, unfair situation ... even if there are different circumstances.

Further, the #FreeBritney movement has fired up folks to raise awareness about conservatorship pitfalls ... and Amanda's case seems to be the next logical move.

Megan Radford, one of the #FreeBritney organizers, tells TMZ the movement will definitely help Bynes next and similarly fight to end her conservatorship ... but also aims to keep educating the general public on conservatorship abuse with events and rallies.

However, Radford says her group also wants to help anyone who's experiencing conservatorship abuse ... and makes it clear they're still focused on Britney until she's officially free.

As we have reported, Amanda was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She was in desperate shape before the conservatorship was put in place. At one point she doused her dog with gasoline and almost lit it on fire. Her parents have worked as conservators over the years, and by all accounts, she is doing much better.

NeNe Leakes is looking to part with her massive estate outside Atlanta ... and make a pretty penny doing it, too.

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star recently listed her 5-bed, 7-bath mansion in Georgia for $4 million ... nearly double the $2.1 mil she paid when she snagged it up in 2015.

The Mediterranean home is nearly 10,000 sq. ft. with a resort-style pool with waterfall features on the main level ... and boasts all the amenities you'd expect the 'RHOA' powerhouse to have -- including a massive walk-in closet.

We're told Nene bought the house as a shell and poured a ton of money into it.

The property's also nestled in a gorgeous, gated country club community right next to a golf course ... so the views and the landscaping are top-notch. Elaine Richardson with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty has the listing.

Claressa Shields isn't playin' around when it comes to Jake Paul ... the boxing and MMA superstar is throwing down the gauntlet, challenging The Problem Child to a fight, and promising to beat his ass.

TMZ Sports talked to the 26-year-old 2x Olympic gold medalist who just recently vowed to NEVER fight on a Paul undercard, claiming it'd be disrespectful to her incredible career.

"I wasn't talking s**t about Jake Paul yesterday. What I was speaking was facts. Jake Paul gets inside a boxing ring with me, he's getting his ass whooped!"

And, Shields is down to put her money where her mouth is ... and if the YouTuber turned boxer doesn't want to a real, sanctioned fight -- Claressa is down to spar and let his cameras roll the entire time.

"I bet you Jake Paul would get hurt, he probably get dropped, he would have a newfound respect for me if we spar or fight," Shields says.

"I'm not calling Jake Paul out because I know how the world looks at women fighting men, they look at it like 'oh no, ew' but I spar men daily and that's the truth."

Claressa -- the only fighter, male or female, to hold all 4 major titles in multiple weight classes -- also took issue with Paul addressing female boxing star Amanda Serrano -- who he just signed to his MVP promotions -- as the greatest female fighter ever.

"I'm the motherf***kin' GWOAT! I saw him make that post today with Amanda Serrano. He needs to know that I'm the GWOAT."

(BTW, there's ZERO beef between Claressa and Amanda. In fact, Shields says she has "love and respect" for Serrano.)

Bottom line, Shields -- who returns to the PFL MMA cage October 27 -- has a message for Jake ... and anyone else who thinks she can't handle herself in the ring because she's a woman.

"Cut the s**t! Don't disrespect my skills. Look, just because a man is a man and he's in boxing doesn't mean that they can beat me and there's a lot of guys who's been in boxing for years who cannot do nothing with me, let alone Jake Paul".

Los Angeles local Alanna Ubach was only 25 years old when she was cast as the loyal brunette best friend and sorority sister Serena McGuire -- who lived alongside Elle at the Delta Nu house and supported her sister in her legal endeavors -- in the 2001 classic comedy "Legally Blonde" and the 2003 follow film "Legally Blonde: Red, White & Blonde."

Alanna shared the big screen role with some other awesome actors including Selma Blair as Warner's old/new girlfriend, Vivian ... and of course Reese Witherspoon as the law school success, Elle Woods.

Ubach has widened her scope to an impressive career in voiceover work on animated entertainment like "Puppy Dog Pals" and "Monsters At Work."