Dancing with the Stars

The 2 protesters who bum-rushed Ryan Lochte during his live season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" have cut a deal to avoid time behind bars ... but it cost them a fortune.

Sources tell us the judge and the L.A. City Attorney's Office dropped the case after the protesters agreed to pay BBC Worldwide Productions -- which owns 'DWTS' -- and CBS -- where the show was filmed -- $20,000.

Here's the way the law goes ... there's something called a "civil compromise." It means if someone is charged with certain crimes, they can have the charges dismissed if they work out a deal with the victims.

The protesters faced 6 months in jail after being charged with leaving a spectator area and entering upon a stage as well as interfering with a performance -- both misdemeanors.

As we first reported, the protesters went to 'DWTS' because they felt Ryan's bad behavior in Brazil was the reason one of their family members got busted for something unrelated ... out of revenge for the U.S.

'Bachelor' star Nick Viall's big rhumba finish on 'DWTS' with fiancée Vanessa Grimaldi was very revealing ... damn near TOO revealing.

Nick scored a new personal record for his dance to Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You". It's possible Vanessa helped him score a few extra points with their steamy makeout sesh at the end ... not to mention lifting her too high for her dress.

No hard feelings though based on the looks they were giving each other on their way out of the after-party. Next dance -- the horizontal mambo?

If anyone had doubts 'Bachelor' star Nick Viall and fiancee Vanessa Grimaldi were the real deal this footage from Sunday's "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsal should put those to bed.

Nick's dancing the rhumba to Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" Monday night and looks like Vanessa's gonna join him for part of it.

He pulls her out of her seat and, at least during rehearsals, he had a really hard time letting her go ... especially once their lips locked.

The moms of "Dance Moms" are absolutely thrilled with their new host, Cheryl Burke, and equally excited to throw dirt on Abby Lee Miller's metaphorical grave.

The longtime "Dancing with the Stars" pro showed up at 8 Count Dance Academy in L.A. to start working with her new students. She played it coy when paps compared her to Abby.

The moms, on the other hand, couldn't wait to blab about ditching Abby and upgrading -- in their eyes -- to Cheryl.

Damn. Body's not even cold.

'DWTS' bull rider Bonner Bolton is a gentleman ... according to Bonner Bolton.

Bonner was leaving the dance studio with pro dance partner Sharna Burgess Thursday when they set the record straight on Bonner's crotch grab. Both say it was inadvertent.

Sharna's had enough of it but Bonner clears the air.

Kristi Yamaguchi says she was NOT throwing shade at Nancy Kerrigan when she told her to "break a leg" on "Dancing with the Stars" ... explaining it was just an innocent tweet between friends.

Social media went crazy over the tweet in which she told her fellow ice skater, "So excited for you! Can't wait to see you grace that ballroom floor, break a leg! #DWTS"

Some people thought Kristi was taking a cheap shot.

But Kristi's rep tells us that couldn't be further from the truth -- they've been friends since they were 15 and she has nothing but love for her.

We also spoke with Nancy's rep who says the two spoke on the phone Wednesday night and laughed about it.

Sharna Burgess says pro bull rider Bonner Bolton made an innocent mistake when he nearly grabbed her crotch, but make no mistake about it ... she digs her "Dancing with the Stars" partner.

Sharna came on "TMZ Live" to defend Bonner, who she calls a Southern gentleman. But take a look ... the more she said, the more it seemed like Sharna wouldn't mind getting more touchy-feely with Bonner.

She definitely clears up the crotch incident, but as for any other "funny business" ... that remains to be seen. Or felt.

Professional bull rider Bonner Bolton knows how to rope 'em in ... but his move on "Dancing with the Stars" with partner Sharna Burgess may have crossed the line.

Cameras caught Bonner getting handsy below the belt during Monday's season premiere. Bonner brushed off the crotch grab saying it was an accident ... he was distracted and when she bumped into him he just randomly reached. Sharna gave him a pass too.

That said ... they have some serious chemistry.

Prince William needs help ... 'cause his dancing sucks ... and Indy legend Helio Castroneves (who also won "Dancing with the Stars") is offering up his expertise!

Helio joined the guy on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs tonight on FS1) ... and channels his inner-Bruno to help out the future King of England.

Watch. Listen. Take his advice!!!

Gabby Douglas in full BOSS MODE -- telling TMZ Sports she doesn't want to follow the typical celebrity path and compete on "Dancing with the Stars" ... she wants to be a JUDGE!

The U.S. Olympic legend was at LAX when we asked about fellow gymnast Simone Biles entering the ballroom this season ... and that's when Gabby told us she'd rather dish out scores than take them.

Simone Biles, Mr. T and Nancy Kerrigan better watch out (actually, Nancy should be watching out at all times) 'cause NFL player Rashad Jennings has a secret weapon to win 'DWTS' ... EMMITT SMITH!!

We got Rashad out in NYC and asked how he was preparing for his big chance as part of the new season ... and that's when he told us he actively picked the brain of Smith, a former winner.

It makes sense Jennings would be taking his dancing so seriously. When we got him a while back he told us being on the show was actually one of his dreams.

Still though, a Cowboy helping a guy most known as a Giant? Seems weird, right?

Mr. T damn near popped a vein breaking down why bodyguards aren't supposed to know how to dance ... which only fired us up more to watch him on "Dancing with the Stars."

We got the bodyguard-turned-actor Wednesday in NYC, and he explained why the rhythm never got him back in the day, and still hasn't. T just ain't about that life.

So, why is he doing 'DWTS'? Check out his plan to conquer.

After suffering her 3rd loss in a row, Holly Holm needs to take a break from UFC and try to get on "Dancing with the Stars" ... so says UFC champ Tyron Woodley.

35-year-old Holm hasn't won a single fight since KO'ing Ronda Rousey back in 2015 -- and after her latest loss at UFC 208 over the weekend, some people are saying her fighting career is over.

Woodley isn't ready to stick a fork in Holm -- but says she needs to focus on building her brand OUTSIDE of the Octagon while she's still famous ... and thinks 'Dancing' could be the perfect fit.

The only flaw in Woodley's logic ... is it too little, too late?

Enough with the sequins and the cha-cha ... Calvin Johnson needs to get his ass out of the ballroom and back into the NFL ... so says his ex-teammate, Nate Burleson.

The ex-WR -- who's now hosting "Good Morning Football" on the NFL Network -- was out in Houston Wednesday night when he stopped our guy and sent a personal message to the Detroit Lions legend.

He also shouted out Marshawn Lynch ... saying BOTH dudes still obviously have more gas in the tank.

Paige VanZant didn't hold a grudge after Michelle Waterson choked her out at UFC on FOX 22 this weekend -- and graciously congratulated her opponent backstage ... so says Michelle herself.

The Karate Hottie say she has the ultimate respect for Paige -- and thought it was classy when VanZant spoke with her after the fight. "She's a really sweet girl."

Waterson says she has 2 opponents in mind moving forward -- and also wants to capitalize on her high profile victory ... maybe even taking Paige's place on "Dancing with the Stars."

Check out the clip ... Michelle's awesome.

Erin Andrews is officially engaged -- she told us so -- and has the bling on her finger to prove it too.

We got Erin at LAX ... she just got back from watching the Packers beat down the Seahawks in Green Bay, and she's finally confirmed she's getting hitched to NHL free agent Jarret Stoll.

Erin played it coy when it comes to wedding day plans, but at least we have more details than emojis can provide ... like who she wants to cater the event.

#ErinRunsOnDunkin