TV

Here's a frightening application for artificial intelligence ... a system where human brains are implanted with memories of things people never actually experienced, which may be happening now ... or perhaps in the near future.

TMZ Studios' new series, "Strange & Suspicious," is looking at unexplained and downright weird stories ... like the possibility of computers being used to replace prison guards -- or outright prison time. Stay with us here ... it's not as far-fetched as it may seem.

Technology companies are working on A.I. projects where people have false memories implanted deep inside their brains ... which, in theory, could be used on convicted criminals.

"Survivor: Africa" star Kim Johnson has died ... this according to her family.

The 'Survivor' alum's daughter, Kerry Johnson Tichi confirmed the sad news on Monday, as she shared with People that her mother had passed away. Kerry remembered the reality TV competitor as "the coolest mom and grandmother in the word," but did not share a cause of death.

Kerry added ... "Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity. She wore her rose colorized glasses right up until the end ... We will miss her forever."

Actress Erica Ash -- famous from one of the 'Scary Movie' films and "Survivor's Remorse" -- has died ... this according to her family.

Her mother, Diann Ash, tells TMZ ... "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024). After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones."

She adds, "Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts. In honor of Erica’ memory, the family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice. We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time."

Phaedra Parks is picking back up her peach ... 'cause the Bravo personality just announced her official return to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" -- this amid Kenya Moore's exit.

The reality TV star -- who appeared on 'RHOA' seasons 3 through 9 -- took to Instagram on Monday to confirm her return to the Bravo hit.

In the new IG upload, Phaedra can be seen holding the show's iconic token -- a Georgia peach -- while dressed to the nines in front of a private plane. She added ... "You called. I answered 🍑#RHOA #S16"

Here's Jennifer Aniston filming some new scenes for the upcoming season of "The Morning Show" ... smack in the middle of a climate change protest, and it's getting messy.

JA was in character over the weekend as fictional TV anchor Alex Levy, reporting live from a massive demonstration and taking a bucket of fake oil to the body ... with the black "tar" ruining her fancy outfit.

As you can see, Jennifer's got the black substance all over her white top and khaki pants ... with the sludge is streaking down her arms, and she's looking not too pleased -- in the scene, that is.

Candace Cameron Bure is sticking to her guns and doubling down on her critique of the Last Supper-inspired drag show at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.

The "Full House" actress, known for being a devout Christian, went on an IG rant over the weekend ... blasting the drag production as "completely blasphemous" and downright "disgusting."

Candance explained she wasn't just mad about it, but she was sad for the souls involved -- saying her heart broke for what broke God’s heart, and she felt bad for those who've rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Donald Trump's Secret Service security detail was flush with women the day he was grazed by a bullet ... and one former agent says the brass was more interested in optics than security.

TMZ Studios has a new special, "TMZ Presents: Under Fire: The Trump Assassination Attempt," where we explore the many, stunning security failures that lead to the attempt on Trump's life at his fateful Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

Richard Staropoli, a top former Secret Service Special Agent, is strongly suggesting the women assigned to protect Trump that day should shoulder a lot of the blame.

Donald Trump's security details didn't communicate with other law enforcement in the lead-up to the attempt on his life ... this, according to another law enforcement org.

Beaver County SWAT team members assigned to protect the former president during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania earlier this month sat down for an interview with ABC News airing Monday morning.

In a small clip shared on Good Morning America Sunday, eight members of the SWAT team say they had no contact with the Secret Service prior to the shooting ... and, no way to contact the former president's detail either.

Rob Rausch -- the controversial player from the most recent "Love Island USA" season -- may have found a connection off-camera ... 'cause he's hanging out in L.A. with a new lady.

TMZ obtained photos and videos of Rausch hanging out with internet personality Tarayummy in Calabasas -- home to some of Hollywood's biggest A-Listers -- last week.

While you can't see their faces, there are a couple telltale signs it's Rob and Tara ... starting with their famous ink lining up with these photos.

Kamala Harris didn't make a new video appearance at Comic-Con Saturday despite reports ... with sources telling TMZ it's an old, resurfaced clip.

According to reports  ... 'Simpsons' creator Matt Groening introduced Harris' clip -- saying it came from a super fan -- at the end of the show's panel Saturday.

VP Harris apparently then appeared in the clip ... quoting a popular "Treehouse of Horror" -- the name for "The Simpsons" Halloween specials -- episode from years ago which centered around the 1996 election between then-Prez Bill Clinton and Republican nominee Bob Dole.

Kamala Harris' presidential run may have given "Veep" viewership a boost ... but, the show's creator says any links between her and the show's main character weren't intentional.

Armando Iannucci -- the man who created the 17-time Emmy-winning saga -- sat down for a recent interview with The Guardian ... and, he quickly put any doubts to rest, adamantly saying KH didn't inspire Julia Louis Dreyfus' Selina Meyer.

He says he understands where people see the connection -- a female senator, elevated to the vice presidency before they have to step into the president's shoes after he steps down -- but, it's all just one big coincidence.

"The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening is getting dragged to court ... as he's being sued over an alleged sexual assault involving two people who worked for him and his wife.

According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, a woman named Giavanna Scotto claims she used to work as Matt's house manager at his Santa Monica estate a few years back, and she says complaints about sexual harassment at the hands of a fellow coworker fell on deaf ears.

In her suit, Scotto claims the sexual harassment started early in her tenure ... she says a male coworker aggressively grabbed her butt and breasts, and kissed her on the mouth multiple times ... all without her consent, she alleges.

Charles Barkley is finally speaking out on the NBA's breakup with TNT ... and it's clear as day, he's pissed over the split.

The former Phoenix Suns superstar unloaded on the Association in a statement on Friday morning ... nearly two days after Adam Silver's league decided to move on from Turner Sports in favor of a new media rights deal with Amazon Prime Video.

Barkley -- who's been a part of TNT's wildly popular "Inside the NBA" program for decades -- called the league's decision greedy ... while accusing its officials of never really giving TNT a fair shake in the negotiation process.

Comic-Con is in full swing in San Diego, and the cosplay game is on fire! From "Diablo 4"'s Lilith to Orin the Red ... attendees are bringing their A-game with their epic looks.

Check out the pics ... we've got everything from Elphaba from "Wicked" and Professor Garlick from "Harry Potter" to Springtrap from "Five Nights at Freddy’s."

Whoever said playing dress-up can't be glamorous was clearly wrong -- because these mega fans look great! Check out this fem Captain America outfit ... definitely a super-powered dose of style, not to mention the other costumes.

Winston Nguyen, a NYC math teacher-turned-"Jeopardy!" champ, has surrendered himself to authorities over child porn charges ... according to multiple reports.

The educator -- who worked at the swanky Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn Heights -- turned himself over to Brooklyn prosecutors on Thursday ... a month after he was accused of catfishing minors and sharing X-rated images with them through social media.

Now, he is facing child porn charges and is expected to be arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Thursday afternoon .... where he'll be charged with using a child in a sexual performance and for promoting a sexual performance by a child.

Kit Harington is playing a "Game of Abs" ... trading in Westeros for a play on London's West End -- and, the guy's looking ripped in a backstage pic.

The actor appeared sans shirt in a photo posted by Jeremy O. Harris, the writer of "Slave Play" -- a show currently running in England's capital costarring Kit. And, check out the photo for your daily fitness inspiration.

Harington's wearing just pants backstage, chiseled six-pack on display for everyone in the changing room. No smile on KH's face, but it looks like he's got the smolder down.