Ariana Madix Back in L.A. After Mexico Wedding ... Leaning on a Friend Amid 'Scandoval'

Ariana Madix is back in L.A. after a weekend of cutting loose in Mexico ... and she's super tight with a male friend, but we're told it's not what you think.

AM was at LAX Monday with the guy who was her plus 1 for the wedding she attended in Oaxaca, Mexico -- and they seem to be getting along well with each other, hugging quite a bit while waiting for their ride.

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JUST FRIENDS
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However, a source close to Ariana tells TMZ ... the man she traveled out of the country with is just one of her best friends. No rebound here, folks.

TMZ broke the story ... Tom Sandoval was invited to the wedding too, but couldn't go due to a prior commitment -- and his decision was made before his cheating came to light. With Tom out, it seems her BFF stepped in to take his place.

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MADIX IN MEXICO
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FYI -- Ariana was looking as happy as she could be over the weekend in Mexico ... dancin' up a storm and giving off tons of good energy.

Of course, her happy times came shortly after all the Scandoval drama -- and with her back in town, it's likely she's once again going to face the music.

Ariana Madix Viviendo Mi Vida en Mexico!!! Amid Cheating Scandal

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MADIX IN MEXICO
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Ariana Madix doesn't seem to have a care in the world amid the cheating scandal that Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss have thrust her in ... just take a look at these pictures!

The "Vanderpump Rules" star was down in Mexico this weekend for a friend's wedding, and based on what we're seeing here ... she couldn't be happier among the guests and locals ... showing nothing but smiles and dance moves that certainly telegraph she's in good spirits.

AM is also dressed to the nines and looking great as well ... seems she's been able to keep her mind off the drama back home with a little vacay south of the border. Good for her!

Of course, things are still pretty restless here in L.A. ... especially for Tom and his orbit of friends -- including his biz partner, Tom Schwartz, who says their restaurant ventures have suffered a bit amid this whole mess. There's a lot of backlash aimed at the Toms right now.

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IT'S ALL BAD ...
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As we reported ... Tom has apologized for the affair a couple different times now, as has Raquel. Despite this, we've been told Ariana isn't accepting his mea culpa -- and that, for now, there's no chance of reconciliation.

Lisa Vanderpump herself has said their sorrys won't cut it, and suggests a proper sitdown interview might be the best way to clear the air. And yes, camps have been forming within the show's walls, with different cast members doing a lot of finger pointing through it all.

Time will tell how this all shakes out once the dust settles ... but at the moment, it sure looks like Ariana is single and ready to mingle. She seems pretty radiant in these shots.

In the meantime ... Tom, Raquel and everyone else will just have to weather the storm here in Tinseltown, figuratively and literally. The weather's been pretty crap lately.

Man, Mexico sounds really, really good right about now.

AMY ROBACH, T.J. HOLMES BESAME MUCHO!!! Make Out Sesh In Mexico

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes can't keep their lips to themselves down in Mexico ... their getaway south of the border keeps heating up, with some steamy PDA by the beach.

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BEACH DAZE
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The former 'GMA3' cohosts enjoyed a romantic stroll along the coast in Puerto Vallarta, showing off their toned beach bodies and kicking back with some cold cervezas at an oceanfront bar.

Amy soaked up the sun in a black bikini as she walked arm in arm with a topless T.J. ... and by the time they threw back a couple Pacificos at the cantina, they couldn't hold back any longer and started making out.

The lovebirds shared a bunch of laughs too ... and they're definitely putting the fun in funemployment.

Remember ... Amy and T.J. recently excited ABC with nice little payouts from their contracts after their affair forced them off the air ... and they've spent the last week locking lips all over Puerto Vallarta.

As we first told you, Amy and T.J. popped up in Mexico on Wednesday, attached at the hip as they strolled the streets, shopping and even stopping to talk with fans.

No word how long Amy and T.J. plan to stay in Puerto Vallarta, but no matter where they go, there's a pretty good chance they're going to make out.

Richard Gere Hospitalized in Mexico ... Hit with Pneumonia, But OK

Richard Gere is recovering in Mexico this weekend after he caught a case of pneumonia -- this while vacationing with his family -- but the good news is ... he's gonna be alright.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... the actor is down near Nuevo Vallarta this week -- where he's celebrating the 40th birthday of his wife, Alejandra Silva, with their kids. Alejandra posted a photo Thursday showing her and the kiddos walking toward a beach.

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We're told that, before the trip, Richard developed a bad cough ... and it continued while he was there as well. Our sources say it got so bad, he had to check himself into a hospital ... where we're told he was diagnosed with pneumonia and treated in an overnight stay. Unclear what day he went in, but we're told it was during his vacay -- which is ongoing.

Fortunately, he was out the following day ... and we're told Richard was given antibiotics to help keep the illness at bay. For now, our sources say he seems to be doing much better.

Interestingly, Alejandra herself alluded to a sickness that apparently continued to dog Richard. In the IG post from Thursday ... she said the whole family had been ill for 3 weeks.

However, her IG Story post from Saturday seems to confirm what we're hearing about RG's condition -- namely, that he's okay. You can see her, Richard and one of their kids walking ... and she notes it's another beach day for them. Richard is seen wearing a mask.

We've reached out to Richard's rep ... so far, no word back. Also, here's to a speedy recovery.

Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes Funemployment in Mexico ... This Love's International!!!

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes continue to be attached at the hip, even after getting the boot -- taking their romance south of the border ... and still looking very much in love.

The former 'GMA3' cohosts -- who recently exited ABC with compensation packages -- are in Mexico enjoying a little baecation in Puerto Vallarta, where we're told they were spotted early Wednesday by some fans ... and even stopped for a little facetime and chitchat.

In these photos, obtained by TMZ, they're standing shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand -- looking pretty chipper, as they greeted folks in the street. And, of course, as they strolled away ... they showed off some PDA, holding on to each other's waists.

It's more of the same from these two ... whether they're in NYC or just about anywhere else -- they always seem to be together and maintaining good attitudes amid a somewhat tumultuous time ... at least professionally, anyway.

Remember, they recently got shown the door at their former network ... and, for now, they're without jobs -- although, we know they got nice little payouts from their contracts.

Based on their outings, it would appear they don't have a care in the world and are very much enjoying one another's company -- that's certainly how they come across from the outside looking in ... this despite reports indicating that their friends and inner circles are concerned they're being a little too cavalier about the directions their lives have taken.

No problemo here ... or so it seems.

NASCAR Star Kyle Busch I Was Detained In Mexico Over Gun 'I Apologize For My Mistake'

NASCAR star Kyle Busch says he was detained by authorities in Mexico last month ... after he says they found a handgun in his bag at an airport.

Busch said it all happened following the conclusion of his vacation with his wife, Samantha, in late January.

According to the 37-year-old driver, he was going through airport security screening ... when he realized he accidentally brought his firearm in his luggage.

Busch claims he has a valid concealed carry permit for it -- but its discovery still alarmed authorities, who detained him over it all.

"I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico," he said in a statement on his social media page Monday.

"When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with the authorities, accepted the penalties, and returned to North Carolina."

Prosecutors in Quintana Roo appeared to address the incident in a statement released over the weekend. Officials said the defendant, ID'ed only as "Kyle Thomas 'B'" from the state of Nevada, was detained following the discovery of a firearm on Jan. 27. They noted that following an investigation, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison as well as a fine.

Busch made no mention of a prison sentence in his statement Monday.

"I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter," Busch said. "My family and I consider this issue closed."

Busch raced in the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles on Sunday ... finishing in third place.

Kylie Jenner Am I Driving You Crazy, Travis??? Flaunts Hot Bod in T&C

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott may well be dunzo, but she's keeping her wits about herself -- heading down to the Caribbean for a little R&R ... and a lot of made-ya-look.

The beauty mogul was down in Turks and Caicos Sunday, where she hit the beach in a black two-piece bikini for what looks to be a solo outing where she caught rays and waves all at the same time ... and all for the camera's benefit, too, of course.

KJ walked up flaunting her toned physique, with a green wrap covering her lower body as she set up shop on the sand. Eventually, the makeshift skirt disappeared ... and her derriere was out in full view. A friendly reminder that she is, indeed, Kardashian-adjacent.

There's much to marvel at here ... a spray down in the shower, and then a dip in the ocean. There's even a nice shot of a tattoo she's got inked on her booty, which reads "sa-nə-tē" ... the phonetic pronunciation of "sanity." She's said it keeps her grounded.

Of course, Kylie hasn't really exposed her bod like this in quite a while -- not so out in the open, anyway. It makes one wonder if the split rumors about her and her baby daddy are true.

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If they are ... Kylie's showing what's being left on the table. A whole lot of jelly and cake.

Polish Tourist In Mexico Climbs Sacred Pyramid, Gets Beaten With Stick

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INSTANT KARMA

A Polish tourist in Mexico got a crash course in Mayan history after climbing a sacred pyramid ... locals were waiting for him when he got down, and one beat him with a stick.

The wild scene, which was captured on video, played out over the weekend at the famous Chichén Itzá archaeological site in Mexico's Yucatan.

In the viral footage, you see the tourist coming down the Kukulkan pyramid's steps ... and when he gets to the bottom, he's confronted by an angry mob ... including a shirtless man with a huge stick who bonks the tourist on the head as others show their displeasure.

The issue for locals ... the Mayan temple is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and it's illegal to climb the pyramid.

The tourist is reportedly from Poland, and was arrested Saturday and released after 12 hours in custody.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Adding insult to injury, the tourist was also slapped with a fine of $5,000 pesos ... but the stick to the head's gotta hurt worse.

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BREAKIN' THE RULES
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Climbing the pyramid for clout appears to be part of a disrespectful trend ... back in November, a female tourist climbed the same sacred structure and was assaulted by an angry mob.

Yung Gravy I Recorded 2 Albums with Quavo ... Prepare for Tibetan Treat!!!

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TIBETAN TRACKS
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Yung Gravy is excited about his 2023 music career trajectory, especially because he says he's getting ready to drop a pair of album collabs ... with Quavo!!!

Gravy was out Monday night in West Hollywood, and disclosed he'd just gotten back from Tibet, of all places, where he and the Migos rapper created 2 albums worth of material.

The Asian country is renowned as a place of mediation and peace ... so, it seems likely Quavo was there decompressing his mind after being front and center when Takeoff was fatally shot in November.

Gravy says fans can expect the new music to drop in the next 2 months -- which would mark Quavo's first full-length release since dropping the joint album "Only Built For Infinity Links" with Takeoff last year.

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He recently cut a tribute song -- the somber "Without You" -- but Gravy seems to be stoked about their upcoming tunes.

The last few months have been a rough ride for Quavo ... it'll be great to hear him making fun music again!!!

Deshaun Watson Cozies Up W/ Bikini-Clad Jilly Anais ... On Tropical Vacation

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LOVE IN PARADISE
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Deshaun Watson's out of the NFL playoffs, but don't feel too bad for the guy ... the quarterback is now on a tropical vacation, cozying up with his smokin'-hot girlfriend, Jilly Anais.

While the league's last remaining teams are duking it out for a spot in Super Bowl LVI, the Cleveland Browns star's mind couldn't be further from a football field ... as he hit a boat on Monday with Anais in an exotic location -- and clearly enjoyed the free time.

In video that Anais shot and posted on her social media page ... you can see she and Watson got really close on the ship's deck -- sippin' what appeared to be some champagne while soaking in the warm weather.

The two also got some up-close-and-personal time in the water ... when Anais hopped on Watson's back while he was cruisin' around in the ocean on an underwater sea scooter.

The couple seemed to be wearing some matching bathing suits, too ... and at one point, Watson even got close to Anais' bikini bottoms with a bottle of Veuve.

The vacation is a much-needed one for Watson, who had a rough season. After serving an 11-game ban following allegations he was inappropriate with female massage therapists, he came back rusty, completing just 58.2 percent of his passes while throwing five interceptions in six starts.

Maybe a little R&R can begin to turn things around for him Cleveland? Browns fans can only hope.

Celebs Start 2023 With a Shore Thing New Year ... Same Sunny Selfies

While most of the world is back on the grind and working on their resolutions, Hollywood's hottest celebrities just wanna have fun sun. That's right, the stars are hitting tropical beaches like it's their day job, giving them quite the sunny start to 2023.

Alessandra Ambrosio was a total beach babe under the Mexico sunset, and Bella Hadid has been soaking up the new year by reading and lounging beachside. And, as for the gents ... Toddy Smith was hyped AF consuming large doses of vitamin sea, and DJ Khaled opted for anotha' massage right on the Caribbean shore.

All in all, 2023 has already been a real beach ... check out our gallery of stars just playing in the sand!

SZA 'SOS' Break in Hawaii ... Vacay with Her Producer!!!

SZA is riding high with her new album "SOS" -- which has topped the Billboard 200 for 3 weeks in a row now -- so it's only right she's taking a lavish vacation with the guy who helped her make it.

The "Kill Bill" priestess was spotted out in Hawaii, grinning ear-to-ear with producer ThankGod4Cody, who's credited on 7 songs on the history-making R&B album.

SZA and Cody have been collaborators for years, but appear to be closer than ever ... judging from the video he posted of SZA taking a scantily clad dip in the Pacific Ocean, fueling the situation for fans even further.

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SZA also took to Instagram to put her body-ody-ody-ody on display ... after shocking fans with her plastic surgery revelation the moment they pushed play on the album!!!

On the titular track, SZA crooned "So classic, that ass so fat, it look natural, it's not" and successfully put audiences into a frenzy with her honesty.

"SOS" was certified Gold just days after it was released and owned the biggest streaming week ever for an R&B album!!!

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We reached out to SZA and Cody to learn if they're more than just beach buds ... stay tuned!!!

Leonardo DiCaprio Livin' It Up On A Yacht In St. Barts ... With Tons of Chicks

Leonardo DiCaprio continues to be one of the most eligible bachelors in Hollywood, spending time on a luxury yacht surrounded by a ton of hot women in bikinis.

A shirtless Leo was spotted in St. Barts Monday while getting some serious vitamin D and chatting it up with multiple models on board before taking a dip and then laying in the sun.

Unclear who all of Leo's female friends are ... but one of the bikini-babes was Madison Headrick, Leo's pal Joe Nahmad's fiancee.

Of course, Leo recently ended his relationship with Camila Morrone, after several years together.

He's been linked to several others since the split, including Gigi Hadid and more recently has reportedly been spending time with 23-year-old actress Victoria Lamas.

Clearly, he's not ready to settle down again any time soon.

Dana White Nightclub Fight with Wife on NYE ... Dana Says, 'There's No Excuse'

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THE INCIDENT
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Dana White and his wife got physical with each other on New Year's Eve, stunning onlookers in a crowded Cabo San Lucas nightclub ... an incident Dana says was, regretfully, fueled by booze.

The UFC honcho and Anne White, who've been married for 26 years, were celebrating Saturday night with friends in El Squid Roe ... but things took a turn shortly after they all welcomed in 2023 at midnight.

The couple and their group were in a VIP area above the dance floor, and when Dana leaned over to say something to Anne ... she reacted by slapping him across the face. Dana immediately slapped her back in the face, before friends jumped in and pulled them apart -- and it all played out in plain view of patrons down below.

Eyewitnesses in the club tell TMZ Sports ... Dana and Anne both seemed heavily intoxicated prior to the violence, and the video seems to bear that out, because things went from zero to 100 in an instant -- seemingly for no reason. Further, we're told the conflict was all over in less than a minute.

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'NO EXCUSE'
TMZSports.com

We spoke to Dana about the incident, and he admits he and Anne had been drinking heavily -- but quickly adds that's no excuse for him getting physical. He told us, "You've heard me say for years, 'There's never ever an excuse for a guy to put his hands on a woman,' and now here I am on TMZ talking about it."

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LAMAR OPENS UP

He says he's embarrassed by this "horrible" incident, and he and Anne have apologized to each other. He says they're "good," but their biggest concern now is for their 3 kids ... with whom they've already discussed the fight.

Meanwhile, Anne tells TMZ Sports ... "Dana and I have been married for almost 30 years. To say this is out of character for him is an understatement -- nothing like this has ever happened before. Unfortunately, we were both drinking too much on New Year’s Eve and things got out of control, on both sides. We’ve talked this through as a family and apologized to each other. I just hope people will respect our privacy for the sake of our kids."

Mark Wahlberg Hits The Beach & The Weight Room During Barbados Vacation

Mark Wahlberg is all sun, smiles and muscles this holiday season -- hitting the beach with his family in tow.

Mark and his wife, Rhea Durham, were spotted in Barbados this week getting a little rest and relaxation before hitting the water to cool off. The two seem to be recharging before 2023 -- and what better spot to do it than on the Caribbean island.

Always a health junkie, the 51-year-old recently revealed he's altered his workout routine ... now waking up at 2:30 in the morning instead of 3:30 to complete his daily exercise.

No word on if he slows things down at all while on vacation, but judging by his pump on the beach -- it's probably safe to assume a must-have on his hotel amenities list is a solid gym.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Ski-Son's Greetings! ❄ ... Hit Aspen Slopes

Jeff Bezos and his boo Lauren Sanchez are living their best lives this holiday season ... tacklin' the slopes in the snow as a couple!

Jeff and Lauren strapped on some ski boots and took to Aspen, CO Tuesday -- enjoyin' each other's company, no doubt ... as they tried their luck on some of the many slopes in the area.

We're told the couple was on the slopes for about an hour and a half before comin' back down around lunchtime. JB and LS were also a part of a big group with an instructor -- unclear if any of Jeff's high-profile pals tagged along, though.

As you know, Jeff and Lauren have been inseparable for the last 3 years, traveling the world and essentially living together. Lauren even revealed she's planning on blasting into space on Bezos' Blue Origin rocket next year, and it's gonna be an all-female crew.

Sounds like this is another trip for the books ... BTW -- unclear what's bein' passed out on the ski lift here, but Lauren's making it look like her card just got pulled out of a deck! What a magical time.