ESPN Exec Calls Rodgers' Kimmel Jabs 'Dumb' ... But He'll Be Back On 'McAfee Show'

ESPN is distancing itself from Aaron Rodgers' recent comments about Jimmy Kimmel ... chalking his controversial appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" up to a bad attempt at comedy.

The New York Jets quarterback sparked an intense feud with the ABC late-night host earlier this week ... when he suggested Kimmel could be among the famous names on Jeffrey Epstein's client list.

Kimmel was furious with Rodgers ... firing back by claiming the comments could put his family in danger -- and threatening to take legal action if he continued to bark up that tree.

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BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY
ESPN

Mike Foss -- ESPN's senior vice president of digital and studio production -- addressed the whole issue in an interview with Front Office Sports on Friday ... and he said the comments never should have came out of Rodgers' mouth.

"Pat announced today that he’s planning on Aaron joining the show Tuesday," Foss told the outlet. "Aaron made a dumb and factually inaccurate joke about Jimmy Kimmel."

Wheelin' and Dealin'
ESPN

"The show will continue to evolve. It wouldn’t surprise me if Aaron’s role evolves with it."

Based on the latter part of that statement, it certainly sounds like the network won't step in and prevent Rodgers from going back on the show ... but on Friday's show, Pat accused ESPN exec Norby Williamson of sabotaging his program amid the drama.

Of course, the beef between Rodgers and Kimmel is complicated -- McAfee and the TV personality are both in the Disney family and wildly popular in their respective fields.

But as McAfee said on Thursday, it appears everyone involved is looking to move forward in peace -- without going to court.

Jonathan Majors I'm Ready To Talk After Guilty Verdict ... ABC Lands Interview

Jonathan Majors is ready to talk after his high-profile guilty verdict ... and he's going with ABC News for his first sit-down interview since his trial ... TMZ has learned.

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MAJORS LEAVING COURT
AP

The embattled actor -- who was convicted on assault and harassment charges last month in his Manhattan criminal trial -- will break his silence with ABC News Live 'Prime' anchor Linsey Davis.

The network tells us their exclusive interview with Jonathan will premiere Monday on 'Good Morning America' ... and the extended interview will stream on ABC News Live‘s “Prime with Linsey Davis” Monday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

It will be interesting to see what Jonathan has to say here ... he's been mum since a jury found him guilty of assaulting and harassing his ex, Grace Jabbari.

We've seen Jonathan alone in New York City and with girlfriend Meagan Good another time landing in Los Angeles since the guilty verdict came down.

It's interesting Jonathan is going with ABC here ... ABC is a division of Disney, which dropped JM from his big movie role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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HOLDING STRONG
TMZ.com

Meanwhile, Jonathan is awaiting sentencing.

Jonathan Majors Estoy listo para hablar después del veredicto... En entrevista con ABC

Jonathan Majors está listo para hablar después de su veredicto de culpabilidad y decidió hacerlo con ABC News para una primera entrevista frente a frente desde su juicio.

12/18/23
Majors dejando el tribunal
AP

El actor, que fue condenado por cargos de agresión y acoso el mes pasado en Manhattan, hablará con ABC News Live 'Prime' y su presentador Linsey Davis.

La cadena nos dice que la entrevista exclusiva con Jonathan se emitirá el lunes en "Good Morning America" y la entrevista ampliada se emitirá en "Prime with Linsey Davis" de ABC News Live el lunes por la noche a las 19:00 EST.

Será interesante ver lo que Jonathan tiene que decir ... El actor ha estado mudo desde que un jurado lo declaró culpable de agredir y acosar a su ex, Grace Jabbari.

Desde que se conoció el veredicto, hemos visto a Jonathan solo en la ciudad de Nueva York y en otra oportunidad con su novia Meagan Good en Los Angeles.

Es interesante que Jonathan haya decidido ir con ABC.... ABC es parte de Disney, quien lo despidió de su gran papel en la película del universo cinematográfico Marvel.

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Aguantando fuerte
TMZ.com

Mientras tanto, Jonathan está a la espera de sentencia.

Brittney Griner Releasing Doc On Russia Drug Case ... Scripted Series On Life

Brittney Griner's story is getting the Mickey Mouse treatment -- the WNBA superstar just inked a deal with Disney, ESPN and ABC for multiple upcoming projects ... including a documentary about her Russian drug case.

"The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world," Griner said in a statement on Thursday.

"I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that."

The partnership also includes the development of a scripted limited series on Griner's life, which is said to already be "in the works."

Griner was arrested at a Russian airport in February 2022 for cannabis possession. She was sentenced to nine years in prison ... before the U.S. government made a deal to get her back in Dec. 2022 that involved Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Since Griner's release, the center signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury -- averaging 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season -- and has become an advocate for Americans who have been detained in another country.

"Brittney is an exceptional athlete whose hardship and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary," ESPN president Burke Magnus said. "We are thrilled to be working with her to tell the nuances of her story and feel confident that this documentary will captivate audiences everywhere."

The documentary will feature previously unreleased footage, records and letters from Griner's time in prison.

The release date is to be determined.

Ben en "Baby Daddy" ¿Lo recuerdas?

El actor canadiense Jean-Luc Bilodeau tenía 22 años cuando empezó a interpretar a Ben Wheeler, el soltero de Nueva York que se queda atónito cuando su ex deja a su bebé en la puerta de su casa, en la serie de ABC "Baby Daddy" en 2012.

Junto a Bilodeau en la comedia estaban Chelsea Kane como Riley, la amiga inteligente de Ben, Derek Theler como Danny, el hermano mayor de Ben y jugador profesional de hockey, y Melissa Peterman como Bonnie, la madre de Ben y Danny que adora su vino.

La estrella de "Mean Girls" Lacey Chabert también participó en la serie e interpretó a la Dra. Amy Shaw.

¡Adivina qué aspecto tiene ahora!

Ben In 'Baby Daddy' 'Memba Him?!

Canadian actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau was 22 years old when he first started playing Ben Wheeler -- the New York City bachelor who is stunned when his ex leaves his baby at his doorstep -- on the ABC show "Baby Daddy" back in 2012.

Joining Bilodeau on the sitcom included Chelsea Kane as Ben's close on-and-off girlfriend and intelligent friend, Riley, Derek Theler as Ben's older brother and professional hockey player, Danny and Melissa Peterman as Ben and Danny's mother who loves her wine, Bonnie.

"Mean Girls" star Lacey Chabert was also on the show and played Dr. Amy Shaw.

Guess what he looks like now!

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes 1st Public Event as Couple ... Good Evening, L.A.!!!

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes have been out in public together a lot since getting the boot from their morning anchor jobs -- but never quite like this ... and boy, do they look happy.

The former 'GMA3' hosts -- who left ABC after word of the relationship got out last year -- stepped out in front of cameras Friday night for iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball 2023 ... where they were front and center and smiling ear to ear as they posed for pics and the press.

Not only did they embrace on the carpet ... but they also smooched -- so, like we said, they ain't hiding the fact they're together any longer, even though it was well-established.

Even before they got there, T.J. was advertising the fact they were in town and rolling as a pair -- posting a pic to his Instagram Story, showing Amy in a car as she fired off a selfie.

Of course, their attendance for the iHeart event was no coincidence ... they have a new podcast they're launching next week -- called 'Amy & T.J.' -- and they're pushing people to iHeart Radio to catch it.

It's their first joint venture since they unceremoniously exited ABC ... at least as far as media's concerned.

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FRIDAY FEELING
ABC

Fact is, they've been tied at the hip since their ousting -- and have vacationed all over the place as a couple. The only difference now is ... we'll be seeing them talking shop again, as opposed to just cuddling and making out.

The takeaway though is that they're united and going strong ... so it wasn't just a fling.

More Amy and T.J. coming to a streamer near you ... stay tuned.

Guess Who This Smiling Sweetie Turned Into!

Before this sweet gal with an even sweeter smile was both smiling (and crying) on ABC's "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor In Paradise", she was just hangin' with her sis in Great Falls, Virginia and attending James Madison University.

This brunette/brown-eyed babe made her 'Bachelor' debut back in 2015 with Bachelor Chris Soules. She also made her presence known on season 2 and 3 of "Bachelor In Paradise". Although she had quite the journey of finding love, she ultimately sealed the deal with a ring in Mexico!

Need one more clue? Talk to her hubby, Jared Haibon!

Can you guess who she is?

ADIVINA EN QUIÉN SE HA CONVERTIDO ESTA PEQUEÑA SONRIENTE

Antes de que esta dulce chica con una sonrisa aún más dulce estuviera sonriendo (y llorando) en "The Bachelor" y "Bachelor In Paradise" de ABC, pasaba el rato con su hermana en Great Falls, Virginia y asistía a la Universidad James Madison.

Esta morena de ojos marrones debutó en "Bachelor" en 2015 con el soltero Chris Soules. También se dio a conocer en las temporadas 2 y 3 de "Bachelor In Paradise". Aunque tuvo un largo viaje para encontrar el amor, ¡finalmente selló el trato con un anillo en México!

¿Necesitas alguna pista más? Habla con su marido, Jared Haibon.

¿Adivinas quién es?

Patrick Dempsey Good Genes Or Good Docs?!

Patrick Dempsey's looks have been SERVING for years!

Here is a 39-year-old version of the "McDreamy" star taking his enchanting looks to the lens during the ABC Upfronts back in 2005 (left). This was THE year he started playing and slaying as Dr. Derek Shepherd on "Grey's Anatomy."

And, 18 years later the handsome actor was looking suave on the streets of NYC where he was recently doing press for his current starring role in "Thanksgiving" (right) ... Dempsey plays the town's hot sheriff alongside Addison Rae.

Giving thanks to ALL the good looks PD continues to bless us with ...

The question is ...

Patrick Dempsey ...

Patrick Dempsey ¡¿Buenos genes o buenos doctores?!

Patrick Dempsey lleva años, ¡siendo un bombón!

Aquí tenemos una versión a los 39 años de la estrella de "McDreamy", llevando sus encantadores atuendos a la primera línea de ABC allá por 2005 (izquierda). Ese fue EL año en que empezó a interpretar y arrasar como el Dr. Derek Shepherd en "Anatomía de Grey".

Y 18 años más tarde, el guapo actor lucía muy distinguido en las calles de Nueva York, donde recientemente estuvo haciendo prensa para su rol protagonista en "Acción de Gracias" (derecha). Dempsey interpreta al atractivo sheriff de la ciudad junto a Addison Rae.

Damos las gracias por TODOS los looks con los que Patrick Dempsey nos sigue bendiciendo. La pregunta es...

Patrick Dempsey...

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Niece Defends Epic Reality Meltdown ... My Unc Ain't Trippin'!!!

REAL AND RAW EMOTIONS
TMZ.com

Tom Hanks had a relative go on national TV and melt down in dramatic fashion -- but the woman herself has no shame to her game ... and she says her uncle doesn't either.

We talked to Carly Reeves -- Tom and Rita Wilson's niece -- on "TMZ Live" Wednesday ... this after her freak out for the ages was caught on camera and aired Monday on a new ABC show called "Claim to Fame," which is all about finding who's related to a celeb.

Unfortunately for her, Carly was found out in episode one ... and when she got the boot, she didn't take it particularly well -- with her exit playing out in a full-blown temper tantrum.

You gotta see it for yourself ... she's cursing, hurling insults at fellow contestants and blasting showrunners for what she believes was a raw deal in exposing her connection to TH.

In the aftermath of this explosion of rage, Carly caught a lot of flak online -- with many people calling her entitled, overly dramatic and a bit of a drama queen/crybaby ... and some felt it, perhaps, even reflected poorly on Tom and Rita -- who are the real stars here.

Welp, we asked Carly about all of that ... and her response was essentially -- I am what I am, and this was what it was. As she explains to us, her emotions here were raw and authentic ... and she wasn't hamming it up for the cameras.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Carly does regret the way things played out in hindsight, but all things considered ... she says she's not ashamed -- because this is simply who she is sometimes ... something she says her famous uncle and aunt were well aware of when they cosigned her appearance.

As for how Forrest Gump reacted ... sounds like it ain't no thing for Tommy boy. She says this isn't gonna hurt his image -- and that's probably accurate. He's proven to keep it pretty real himself in recent years ... including his rare flash of anger at fans bombarding his wife.

BUGGIN' BUDDIES
SplashNews.com

When it comes to Carly's future ... something tells us she's got a career in the making for reality TV. All that drama is a network's dream come true -- and she's open for business.

Tyler James Williams 'I'm Not Gay' But Guessing Game Is 'Dangerous' to LGBTQ Members

"Abbott Elementary" star Tyler James Williams is responding to rumors about his sexuality ... and warning that the culture of trying to out people is creating a "dangerous" culture.

Tyler posted a message saying, "I'm not gay," but then quickly explained he's only taking time to address the topic because, "Overanalyzing someone's behavior in an attempt to 'catch' them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth."

It's clear Tyler's read social media posts claiming he exhibits some gay "behavior," and he says that the practice of trying to find some "hidden trait" makes it harder, if not dangerous, for closeted LGBTQ members to be themselves.

His full message is pretty eye-opening, and obviously comes from a place of wanting to remain an ally. He wished everyone "Happy Pride," and added, "I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month."

ARIANA MADIX I'M PUTTIN' MY DANCING SHOES ON!!! ... JOINING 'DWTS:' REPORT

Ariana Madix is using her new-found super fame to expand her brand ... apparently joining "Dancing with the Stars" in Sept., according to a new report.

"ABC is in late stage conversations with [Madix] to be a contestant to join 'DWTS' this fall" ... a show insider told Page 6.

It's a bit complicated, since "Vanderpump Rules" is on Bravo -- owned by NBC -- and 'DWTS' is on ABC, but these things get worked out all the time.

It's an interesting move .... 'DWTS' won't air until September, and the highly-anticipated reunion 'VPR' show will air months before. But ABC clearly thinks the Scandavol has legs.

Ariana has reached the status of a heroine, at least among her fellow cast. This is a huge opportunity for her ... going from bartender to, as she hopes, actress. 'DWTS' could be a gateway to her goal as she's also set to appear in a Lifetime movie.

Stay tuned.

Jeremy Renner I Feared I'd Just be a Brain and Spine ... ... After Snowplow Accident

FEARING THE WORST
ABC

Jeremy Renner's incredible recovery has him in high spirits, but just after his horrific snowplow accident, he worried he would live his life as a shell of a human being.

Jeremy tells his emotional story of coming back from the edge of life to a point where he is mobile again ... with the help of a walker.

He worried in the days following the accident he would live the rest of his life as a brain and a spine, but not much else.

The "Avengers" star teared up as he spoke with Diane Sawyer about the pain he suffered and how he felt so sorry that his family was suffering as well. Jeremy was on the verge of tears as he told Diane he told his family he was sorry in sign language.

WRITING MY LAST WORDS
ABC

He looks amazing ... it defies what he went through. Jeremy is looking forward and says he refuses to be haunted by the accident that almost took his life.

He still has a ways to go, but all signs point to a return to normal life, which has gotta include acting.

ROAD TO RECOVERY
Twitter / @jeremyrenner

Diane's special airs Thursday night on ABC.

Hayden Panettiere Breaks Silence on Brother's Death ... Says He Died from Enlarged Heart

Hayden Panettiere has broken her silence on the death of her younger brother, Jansen, thanking everyone for their love and also revealing how they're told he died.

In a statement to ABC News Monday, the Panettiere family says, "Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications."

They continue, "We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss, and ask that we be gifted our privacy during this time of mourning," the family said. "We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever."

TMZ broke the story, Panettiere was found dead inside his apartment in Nyack last weekend. According to a police report, obtained by TMZ, the 28-year-old's friends became alarmed after he no-showed a business meeting.

Jansen's friends raced over to this apartment, found him unresponsive in a chair and started CPR, but it was too late.

The medical examiner has not publicly declared a cause of death for Jansen.

Old news is old news!
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