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The judge who presided over Casey Anthony’s murder trial thinks prosecutors made a strong enough case to win a conviction ... but he's giving her lawyers props for their strategy.

Judge Belvin Perry Jr. joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live," and we asked if he was surprised the jury acquitted Casey of murder, manslaughter and child abuse following 2-year-old daughter Caylee's death. Casey was only found guilty of lying to cops.

Perry Jr. says he thought prosecutors presented enough evidence for the jury to convict Casey ... but still, he wasn't shocked when the jury acquitted her, because he's learned there are no locks when it comes to criminal trials.

Judge Perry Jr. is now retired from the bench, and told us a lot of what Casey's saying in a new Peacock documentary is the same "crap" she floated during the trial. Of course, she was acquitted, but Perry says that doesn't mean the jury bought what Casey was saying back then.

Instead, he gives credit to her defense attorneys, Jose Baez and Cheney Mason, who "littered that case with as much reasonable doubt as they possibly could."

Casey didn't take the stand during the trial and is now giving her version of events in an upcoming Peacock documentary -- but the former judge told us there are all sorts of problems with her claims, the new ones and the old ones.

Police in Idaho are reportedly on the hunt for a Rambo-like knife in the ongoing investigation of the killing of 4 college students ... and the department's now saying they've learned 2 other roommates were in the home during the attack ... yet no one called 911 for hours.

Cops in Moscow, ID are looking into a very specific type of knife ... according to the Idaho Statesman. The owner of a building supply store says officers showed up several times this week, asking about the sale of a KA-BAR brand combat knife.

Scott Jutte reportedly told them his shop doesn't sell the specific type of knife they're looking for ... but described it as a blade used by Marines in the 1940s. It looks similar to the one Sylvester Stallone used in "Rambo."

Police Chief James Fry also gave an update on the horrific events Wednesday ... 2 roommates of the slain students were also inside the home at the time of the attack. Cops say the victims were murdered in the early morning hours Sunday, yet no one called 911 until noon.

The roommates were unharmed and cooperating with investigators, according to a spokesperson for the department.

4 University of Idaho students, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves were all found dead in their 6-bedroom home over the weekend ... and Fry calls the killings the "worst they've ever seen." It appears there was no forced entry.

The judge who presided over Casey Anthony’s criminal trial isn't buying her latest explanation for the death of her daughter.

Judge Belvin Perry Jr. tells TMZ … he doesn't think Casey's version of the events — namely, that her father George was responsible for 2-year-old Caylee's death — adds up based on what he remembers from the case.

Perry Jr. thinks Casey's story hasn't been consistent and believes she was caught in a few lies that undermine her credibility. He says she blamed a babysitter for kidnapping Caylee earlier. The judge also said there's some damning evidence ... namely, the smell of death inside Casey Anthony's car trunk at the time Caylee disappeared.

Judge Perry Jr., now retired from the bench, also notes there was no hard evidence Caylee drowned in the pool or that Casey's dad sexually abused her.

Long story short ... the judge also doesn't think her new story lines up with the facts of the case.

Taylor Swift fans are outraged after waiting hours and shelling out big money just for a shot at getting tickets -- and they've griped enough to spark a new antitrust investigation into Ticketmaster.

Ever since Tuesday, Swifties have been sounding off about the disastrous presale for Taylor's upcoming tour, but Tennessee's attorney general thinks this might go beyond whining Gen Zers ... it could be a crime.

TN AG Jonathan Skrmetti says antitrust violations "could be an issue" for Ticketmaster. He's concerned the company lacks competition ... and with that, customers are left with sky-high prices and a poor experience getting tix.

Skrmetti questions Ticketmaster's lack of preparation -- he says given the company's size, it should've been ready for the "unprecedented demand" from Taylor's legion of fans. The woman commanded the Billboard Hot 100's entire top 10, after all!!!

As we reported ... Ticketmaster was in shambles as fans attempted to get their hands on a ticket to "The Eras Tour." Potential buyers were left in limbo after the website crashed ... and frankly, Ticketmaster's explanation of why things went wrong didn't make it any better.

Skrmetti's concern is Ticketmaster doesn't worry about pissing off fans -- of Taylor or any other artist -- because if they want to see a concert, there's typically no avoiding Ticketmaster.

The A.G.'s office has received a number of complaints from customers who experienced a severe lack of customer support, while others said Ticketmaster told them to wait 5 days for a response.

The good news for Swifties is you can still get Taylor tix, but the bad news is it's probably gonna cost ya a lot more on sites like StubHub.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's wife testified at Harvey Weinstein's L.A. sexual assault trial Tuesday ... and was STUNNINGLY asked to recreate how she faked an orgasm with the disgraced film producer.

Former actress, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, looked horrified on the stand after Weinstein's defense attorney questioned how she “indicated her pleasure” during what she claims was a 2005 rape by Weinstein at the Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills.

Siebel Newsom fired back, "This is not 'When Harry Met Sally.' I'm not doing that," referencing a famous scene in the 1989 film where Meg Ryan's character faked a loud orgasm in a crowded NYC restaurant. She then broke down in tears, saying, "I was making noises to get him to finish. He had already raped me. … This is so gross. I'm sorry."

Moments earlier, Siebel Newsom testified she had scheduled a business meeting with Weinstein at his hotel room. But, once she arrived there, things quickly turned ugly. She said Weinstein changed out of his suit and into a robe before masturbating in front of her and threatening her.

She claimed Weinstein penetrated her with his finger and then raped her with his "deformed penis." She described his genitalia as "kind of fish-like, the penis — something was distorted in the testicles … Lots of skin, lots of skin down there."

Siebel Newsom is the fourth woman to testify at the trial that Weinstein sexually assaulted her. She said she first met the producer at the Toronto International Film Festival when she was a bit part actress and he was at the height of his career.

Marilyn Manson says Evan Rachel Wood and other women accusing him of sexual abuse have sent his career down the drain ... and he claims he's getting death threats too.

In new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the shock rocker lays out all the ways he thinks his Hollywood career's being affected by what he says is a false portrayal as a rapist, abuser and child pornographer.

As we reported ... ERW, who Manson dated way back in 2007, has made very public allegations of abuse against the rocker, which he denies.

Marilyn says his music is suffering as a result of the accusations, claiming he's unable to tour and was dropped by his record label and talent agency.

Manson also says his film and TV career is in the gutter, because he was pulled from two TV shows, including one where he had a recurring role.

MM claims his art work is being negatively affected too ... he says his book release and art shows are indefinitely postponed, and claims his paintings have been devalued.

What's more, Marilyn says he's getting countless death threats online ... and he's feeling anxious, distraught, depressed, worried, frantic, sleepless and fearful for not only his own physical safety, but also his wife's.

Marilyn says the allegations, which he's always denied, have made him persona non grata in Hollywood circles ... claiming he's being excluded from countless social and business gatherings.

TMZ broke the story ... Marilyn's sexual assault case is winding down, and criminal charges appear unlikely.

Darlene Love won't be assuming the title of "Queen of Christmas" after Mariah Carey lost her bid to trademark the phrase, because she's got a problem with anyone doing it!

Len Evans, rep for Darlene tells TMZ ... Darlene won't be going after 'QOF' trademark, although its technically fair game, considering Mariah won't be able to own it either.

Len says, Darlene doesn't think one person should be able to legally own the title by trademarking it. Instead, the music legend feels the phrase should be free for everyone to use  ... considering there are a lot of folks who call themselves the Queen, and have had huge success in the holiday music genre.

What's more, she notes Mariah only has one hit Christmas song ... when there are folks with several holiday hits, who have not tried to get exclusive rights to the phrase.

For the record, Darlene's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is an absolute holiday banger, as are her versions of "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" and her 'Home Alone 2' track, "All Alone on Christmas."

As we've reported, MC's request to trademark the phrase was denied Tuesday by the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Darlene was among others, like singer Elizabeth Chan, who were turned off when MC filed for the title back in March 2021 ... and it's fair to say she still disagrees with it now.

We're told Darlene also doesn't like the fact Mariah didn't acknowledge her comments about it ... and took it as a snub when MC responded to Dolly Parton's thoughts instead of hers.

Despite this, Darlene's rep says she has no beef with Mariah and would be happy to work with her fellow holiday queen.

Mariah Carey won't be getting everything she wants for Christmas this year ... her attempt to trademark the phrase "Queen of Christmas" was just rejected, TMZ has learned.

The U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board denied MC's attempt to trademark "Queen of Christmas" on Tuesday ... along with her attempts to lock down the rights to "Princess Christmas" and "Christmas Princess," according to a release given to TMZ.

As we reported ... Mariah Carey applied for the trademarks back in March of 2021 but quickly faced some backlash.

Despite having some support ... legends like Darlene Love and singer Elizabeth Chan pushed back on MC -- Elizabeth filed an opposition, arguing no one should "monopolize" the word "Christmas."

As for what Mariah wanted to TM for, in her filing she said she planned to use the title for fragrances, lotions, nail polish, jewelry, cups, mugs, chocolate milk, coconut water ... as well as ornaments, toys, dog clothing, masks, lingerie and sweatshirts.

NeNe Leakes' boyfriend is looking to close the book on his marriage ... all while his estranged wife remains embroiled in a lawsuit with his current girlfriend.

The 'RHOA' star's current SO, Nyonisela Sioh, just filed to divorce Malomine Tehmeh-Sioh -- who recently sued NeNe over her relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Nyonisela says he and Malomine have been married since 2016 and have a kid together ... citing their separation date as Sept. 19, 2021. The next part is interesting -- he says they lived separately and haven't resumed marital relations since then, noting the separation from the jump was meant to be permanent.

That could speak to her own legal battle with NeNe ... which boils down to her suing over what she claims was a homewrecker situation -- essentially, accusing NeNe of sleeping with her husband and ruining their marriage ... allegedly causing her emotional distress.

Nyonisela seems to suggest there was no overlap between his separation from Malomine and the new relationship with NeNe. It's unclear, though, when exactly he and NeNe officially hooked up ... they were photographed together as early as December 2021.

Frankie Grande was the subject of a scary situation on the streets of NY ... he got attacked and robbed by 2 teens.

NYPD sources tell TMZ ... Frankie was walking down an NYC street last week ... when he got punched in the back of the head -- the teens then jacked his bag and ran off.

A few hours after the attack, cops say a 17-year-old and 13-year-old attempted to use one of Frankie's credit cards at a nearby smoke shop.

Cops found out and beelined it for the shop, and swiftly arrested the 2. They were booked on assault, robbery, grand larceny and other crimes.

Megan Thee Stallion isn't letting anyone screw up her shot at an American Music Award -- not even her own label, and a Texas judge is backing her up by granting a restraining order.

Megan filed legal docs to get the restraining order against her label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, and her distributor 300 Entertainment. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Megan claims 1501 made "threatening and retaliatory" moves to block Megan from using her own music in connection with the AMAs ... which will be handed out this coming Sunday.

Of course, Megan's been battling 1501 on a bunch of fronts -- most notably, they're in a legal war over her contract. As we've reported, Meg believes she's satisfied the terms and should be a free agent, but 1501 insists she still owes more recordings.

She doesn't specify what 1501 and/or 300 Entertainment allegedly said or did to mess with the AMA broadcast on ABC -- but a judge heard enough to grant the temporary restraining order. Both companies are now blocked from interfering with her music being used on the award show.

Megan is up for Favorite Female Hip Hop Artist, and voting for the award ends tonight. It's interesting, there is a court hearing scheduled where the label will have a chance to tell their side of the story. Of course, that date is next Tuesday ... 2 days after the AMAs will have aired.

Anne Heche's fiery car crash into a Los Angeles home almost killed the woman who lived there with her pets, and now they don't have a home ... according to a new lawsuit.

The late actress' estate is being sued over her August car wreck by the woman who lived in the home where Anne crashed her Mini Cooper and ignited a huge blaze.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lynne Mishele says she was minding her business at home with her pets when suddenly Anne's car came barreling inside, allegedly stopping just a few feet away from the woman, her dogs and her tortoise.

Lynne claims she is still traumatized by the incident -- she says she's startled by loud noises, plagued by nightmares and flashbacks of the crash, terrified of walking outside ... and has no place to live.

In the suit, she claims the house and all of her possessions were completely burned and destroyed as a result of Anne's crash.

She notes Anne was driving erratically before crashing into her home ... remember, Anne also crashed into another home nearby, and also notes a blood analysis showed Anne had cocaine and fentanyl in her system at the time of the crash.

As we reported ... Anne was stuck in her burning car for at least 45 minutes after the crash, and she was transported to a hospital where she later died from smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

Lynne is going after Anne's estate for at least $2 million in damages.

Actor Enzo Zelocchi stole a laptop with $8 million in cryptocurrency he can't access without a password, and he's trying to extort the man with the code ... according to a new lawsuit.

Zelocchi is being sued by Iris Au for attempted extortion ... she claims he swiped a laptop from her boyfriend, Adam Iza, which contains millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Zelocchi and Iza met back in 2018 when Zelocchi was looking for investors to produce a documentary on cryptocurrency. Au says that's when a nightmare scenario began.

Au claims once Zelocchi was hip to Iza's wealth, the actor began targeting him ... ultimately stealing a laptop with Iza's Bitcoin wallet.

Problem is ... Au claims Zelocchi didn't know the crypto passkey to the Bitcoin wallet on the laptop, so he couldn't access the cryptocurrency. Au says Zelocchi's been trying to cut deals with Iza to return the stolen laptop, in exchange for money and a hefty cut of the Bitcoin wallet.

In the suit, Au claims her boyfriend has paid Zelocchi more than $360k in an effort to get the laptop back, but Zelocchi never followed through with his promise to turn over the laptop.

What's more, Au claims Zelocchi's not only threatened her boyfriend's life, but also her children's. She says he's also tried to sully their reputations ... all in an attempt to gain access to the laptop's Bitcoin wallet.

Alec Baldwin has taken the offense in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins ... as he remains under the D.A.'s microscope for possible criminal prosecution, he's filed suit against some crew members, arguing they're to blame -- not him.

Alec's accusing 4 crew members  -- Chief Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, Assistant Director Dave Halls, Prop Master Sarah Zachry and the gun supplier Seth Kenney -- of failing to safeguard the film set.

According to the lawsuit, “This tragedy happened because live bullets were delivered to the set and loaded into the gun.”

It goes on, “Gutierrez-Reed failed to check the bullets or the gun carefully, Halls failed to check the gun carefully and yet announced the gun was safe before handing it to Baldwin, and Zachry failed to disclose that Gutierrez-Reed had been acting recklessly off set and was a safety risk to those around her."

Alec “seeks to clear his name” and hold the crew members “accountable for their misconduct.”

He also pointed a guilty finger at Kenney, the film's gun supplier, for “haphazardly” storing all the bullets, according to the suit. The lawsuit references an F.B.I report, stating prop specialist Zachry and armorer Gutierrez-Reed failed to monitor the live rounds on the New Mexico set of "Rust."

As we reported ... The DA in Santa Fe Mary Carmack-Altwies has made it clear she might charge Alec and others criminally. Carmack-Altwies is currently reviewing the matter after the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office recently turned over its investigative file.

Score 1 for Anna Wintour in the Vogue war with Drake and 21 Savage -- a judge is forcing the rappers to shut down all their album promotions using a fake magazine cover ... at least for now.

As TMZ Hip Hop first reported ... Vogue publishers Condé Nast slapped the duo with a lawsuit over the promos they plastered around several cities and online. The phony Vogue, featuring 21 and Drizzy, was used to hype their new album, "Her Loss."

Now, a federal judge is siding with Vogue by issuing a temporary restraining order to shut down all current and future use and display of the mocked-up cover. The order also blocks them from using Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's likeness.

Prior to the album's release, Drake had posted the fake Vogue, and even shouted out Anna ... thanking her for putting them on the cover. Of course, that was all made up ... and, in fact, Condé Nast says it had explicitly told Drake and 21 they did NOT have permission to do the Vogue stunt.

Drake's taken down that post in accordance with the restraining order.

Nikita Dragun was forced into the men's unit of the local jail after Monday's arrest in Florida, a decision her rep says could've been a recipe for disaster.

Nikita's rep, Jack Ketsoyan, tells TMZ ... "The situation with Nikita, who is legally female, being placed in a men's unit of a Florida jail is extremely disturbing and dangerous."

Ketsoyan continues, "This decision made by the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department directly violates their protocol, which mandates that transgender inmates are classified and housed based on safety needs and gender identity."

As we reported, the transgender influencer was arrested this week on a felony charge of battery on a police officer ... after allegedly causing a disturbance for a long period of time, walking around the pool area naked.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ ... when Nikita finally answered her hotel room door she allegedly swung an open water bottle, causing water to hit and spill on both a security guard and an officer, resulting in her arrest.

Nikita's rep adds she's since been released after being placed on a $5,000 bond. We've reached out to Miami-Dade County's Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center ... so far, no word back.