Rep. Tulsi Gabbard just slapped a lawsuit on Hillary Clinton, claiming the former Secretary of State attacked her character simply because Tulsi refused to back her in 2016.

The current presidential Democratic candidate and Congresswoman claims in new court docs that Clinton was out to ruin her campaign this year ... and took deliberate steps to torpedo her chances. Specifically, Tulsi mentions the "Russian asset" comment HC made.

You'll recall ... Hillary said on a podcast, "She's the favorite of the Russians. They have a bunch of sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far."

Terry Jones -- beloved comedy icon and founding member of the "Monty Python" comedy troupe -- has died after battling dementia.

Jones died Tuesday with his wife, Anna Soderstrom, by his side, according to his family. He'd been diagnosed in recent years with primary progressive aphasia -- a rare form of dementia that left him unable to speak.

Terry's family says, "Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London."

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."

Jones is known for playing a variety of roles for "Monty Python," including female characters often with hilarious falsetto voices. Terry's the one who screamed the iconic line in 1979's 'Life of Brian' ... "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy," while playing the mother of the title character.

The line was twice voted the funniest in film history in the UK.

Along with starring in Monty Python -- though rarely receiving the same acclaim as the other members -- he also directed the famous movies "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with Terry Gilliam and 'The Meaning of Life' and 'Life of Brian' on his own.

He was regarded in the comedy group as its passionate heart ... who drove the early innovation on its BBC show that led to stardom -- "Monty Python's Flying Circus."

All hell broke loose at the end of the Kansas vs. Kansas State game on Tuesday ... with the players getting in a bench-clearing brawl.

It all got started in the closing seconds of the Jayhawks' 81-60 win ... when K. State's DaJuan Gordon stripped the ball from Kansas' Silvio De Sousa to try for a last-second bucket.

De Sousa ended up catching up with Gordon, stuffed his layup attempt ... and then proceeded to stand on top of his opponent.

The 2 players started going at it -- and then both teams rushed over to defend their teammates.

That's when MAYHEM ensued ... with players, coaches and other staff members getting involved. Punches were thrown, kicks and even one player thought about using a stool before an assistant coach yanked it from him.

Cops on the scene eventually broke up the fight after several minutes ... and both teams went to the locker room to cool off.

The craziest part??? The teams ended up having to come BACK out on the court to finish the last 0.1 seconds left in the game so K. State could shoot technical free throws.

Jenelle Evans' ex-BF, Nathan Griffith, got into a nasty spat with his mom over a car accident ... and when he left she feared for his safety.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops were called to Nathan's home on New Year's Day and when they got there Nathan said his mother had driven her car into his. The accident happened on private property, so cops told Nathan they couldn't take a report ... and he and mom would have to hash it out on their own.

That's when things kicked up a notch. Sources close to Nathan tell us he and his mother got into an argument and exchanged harsh words. Nathan locked her out of the house until she apologized. When he finally let her in, Nathan bolted and threatened he might take his life.

The parents of Botham Jean -- the Dallas man murdered by an off-duty police officer -- are opening up about his life to save others, and to drive home a point ... that police shouldn't assume "our black boys" are threats.

Botham's mother, father and sister spoke out for this PSA -- produced by Roc Nation and the NFL -- explaining why the world "lost a great man" the night Amber Guyger walked into his apartment and shot him.

In the video, Bertram and Allison Jean say their son was "destined for greatness," and was everything to them -- but his father adds, "Life is not sweet anymore."

Their heartwrenching story is the latest project from the "Responsibility Program" -- launched by Jay-Z's Roc Nation. It's produced multiple PSAs, highlighting victims of police brutality -- but this is the first one sponsored by the NFL.

As for why Botham's folks are speaking out for the PSA -- his mom says, "What I hope to see happening is that our black boys are not seen as a threat." His sister, Alisa Findley, adds, "The color of my skin can be perceived as a weapon, and it's not."

You'll recall the tearful courtroom scene last October when Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Botham's brother shockingly said he forgave Guyger, before hugging her.

Botham's parents reference that extraordinary moment, saying there is no need for hatred.

Similarly, Michelle Kenney -- whose son, Antwon Rose Jr., was shot by a Pittsburgh police officer -- told TMZ ... she hoped the PSAs would "open eyes and bring them into our world," so America can have "more compassion" when these tragedies happen.

And, Angella and Danroy Henry told us their PSA effectively showed the world who their son, DJ Henry, REALLY was ... beyond the news headlines about the Pace University student-athlete killed in 2010 by a police officer.

We're told the NFL will run a social justice themed PSA -- about ex-WR star Anquan Boldin's murdered cousin -- during halftime of the Super Bowl.

That spot is part of the league's non-profit initiative, Inspire Change.

Henry Winkler wants his rumored feud with Tom Hanks to be buried in the same graveyard the dog from "Turner & Hooch" is in, 'cause it just ain't true ... despite his own words.

We ran into the "Barry" star Tuesday in L.A. and asked about the bad blood between Tom and him, which allegedly dates back to '89. That's when Henry got fired from directing "Turner & Hooch" -- and the story goes it was due to his beef with the lead star. The human one.

Naturally, the Fonz played it super cool, telling us there's nothing to the rumors -- which is all fine and dandy now!!! Fact is, he was singing a different tune back in October on "Watch What Happens Live" -- when Henry strongly hinted there really was some kinda issue with Tom.

Watch the clip, 'cause we called him out for so obviously fueling the rumors. Henry had an explanation, and it's hard not to believe him ... he's so freakin' nice.

Just to squash it once and for all, Henry told us there's photo proof out there somewhere he and Tom are on good terms. He says the moment went down at a Bruno Mars concert, but we haven't seen it to confirm.

Now, Tom did make a "Happy Days" cameo with Henry -- but that was pre "Turner & Hooch." Still cool to see it.

Either way, it sounds like Henry's buried the hatchet ... and says he'd even get on camera again with TH if the opportunity presents itself.

Netflix's doc about a Texas cheerleading program lacks professional shots of THE big competition, and that's the studio's own damn fault ... so says the gatekeeper to the event.

Varsity Spirit -- which is briefly featured in the docuseries -- tells TMZ ... they did, in fact, shoot down Netflix's request to film the competition with their own cameras, but offered a compromise they insist Netflix wasn't interested in ... event footage from Varsity itself.

ICYMI, the streaming giant's new docuseries, "Cheer," is all the rave ... but at one point -- SPOILERS AHEAD!!! -- producers switched to iPhones to capture the Daytona cheer tournament that their subjects, Navarro College's cheer team, work toward through 6 episodes.

The reason (per Netflix) ... Varsity denied them access to film on the grounds. No official reason was offered, despite Varsity somewhat alluding to it.

They spelled it out for us, however, and basically say they don't allow outside production teams to film during the proceedings, mostly to avoid unnecessary distractions for the athletes. As for why Netflix and co. allegedly turned down Varsity's own footage ... unclear.

There is good news though for fans of the breakout series -- there seem to be signs of future installments. Varsity tells us they've been in talks with Netflix since this little headbutt -- and apparently, the two behemoths have already discussed working together again.

And now, TMZ Sports Presents: Terrible Clip, Great Soundbite ... starring Robert Kraft!!!

Here's the Patriots owner out in NYC on Tuesday ... giving Pats fans hope Tom Brady ain't done in New England yet -- all while piling himself into the back of his chauffeured ride on a busy street!!!

We know, not exactly Zapruder footage -- but the exchange is DEFINITELY gonna make Pats nation happy!!!

TMZ Sports: "Are we going to keep Tom in New England, Bob?!?"

Kraft: "We plan to!"

BOOOOOOOM!!!

New Jersey-native Priscilla Anne Barnes is best known for her role as the super-smart, blonde nurse and Jack's final roommate, Terri Alden, in the '80s seasons of the long-running, ABC sitcom, "Three's Company."

Although Priscilla Barnes was never seen alongside Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow (because Priscilla replaced her) ... Barnes still shared the screen with other classic cast members including Joyce Dewitt as the reliable roommate and plant lover, Janet Wood ... and of course John Ritter as the straight navy vet and aspiring chef, Jack E. Tripper Jr.

Vanessa Hudgens is moving on from Austin Butler by sitting down for dinner with another tall and handsome hunk ... and Kyle Kuzma seems like he's ready to grab a rebound.

Check out these pics of the newly-single actress and the Los Angeles Lakers star forward ... the two were spotted Tuesday night enjoying a fancy Italian dinner at Lilia in Brooklyn.

Vanessa and Kyle look like they're enjoying each other's company ... smiling and laughing over a bottle of red wine. It's a super-intimate setting too, with the small table and all.

Kyle's definitely making the most of his night off in the Big Apple ... the Lakers are in town to play the Knicks Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, fresh off a shellacking at the hands of the rival Celtics Monday night in Boston.

As you know ... Vanessa just broke up with Austin after 9 years of dating, and she's clearly ready for a new slate.

Kuz is a bit of a ladies man himself ... we've seen him grab a handful of cheeks in Miami, and hang on a yacht with Kendall Jenner ... so he's definitely got game off the court.

The real-life stars of Netflix's "Cheer" documentary want to put their newfound fame to good use ... and they've got ideas for potential movie adaptions and pitches for music videos!!!

We got the cheer squad from Navarro Community College in Texas after they touched down at LAX and asked how they're feeling about going Hollywood.

Coach Monica Aldama is hoping their story finds its way into a movie script ... and she wants Sandra Bullock to play her on the big screen!!!

As you know ... everyone is raving about the super fun doc, and the cheerleaders are getting shoutouts from all types of celebs and athletes.

Jerry Harris tells us his favorite famous fan, and his answer might surprise you ... sorry, JJ Watt, being the best defensive player in the NFL just ain't cutting it for Jerry.

Speaking of sports stars ... these cheerleaders say people better recognize -- they are definitely athletes.

A music video makes perfect sense for the cheer squad ... and while Lexi Brumback wants to collab with someone from the EDM world, her peers are pulling for Drake.

Aerosmith's drummer Joey Kramer -- who's been with the band since it formed in 1970 -- is being kicked around like a rag doll by the other members, who are unfairly blocking him from rejoining the band before some once-in-a-lifetime events ... according to a new lawsuit.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's life might be in danger behind bars, but the judge still isn't letting him out to serve his sentence at home.

A federal judge just denied Tekashi's motion to serve his 24 months under home confinement. In his decision, Judge Paul Engelmayer said doing the time behind bars is "necessary in this case ... [to] reflect the seriousness of his crimes."

In his request, Tekashi said he feared for his life because the facility where he's currently being held is filled with Bloods -- y'know, the people he snitched on to get his shortened sentence.

The judge said he's well aware the private jail where Tekashi's being held doesn't have all the rehabilitative programs of some other facilities. He added, granting the rapper's request would "eliminate the remaining prison component of his sentence in favor of lesser forms of confinement."

There are a TON of police officers in front of Antonio Brown's home in Hollywood, Florida, TMZ Sports has confirmed ... and we're being told it's an "active scene."

Unclear exactly what triggered the call but a neighbor told us there are a handful of squad cars in front of AB's home ... and there is someone in the back seat of one of the patrol units.

A police source tells us Antonio is NOT in custody but added, "at this time."

Two independent sources tell us it appears someone has been injured -- though the details are still unclear. We're working on it.

It's not the first time cops have been at AB's home in the past few months -- in fact, they've been there a lot to deal with issues involving child custody issues with Brown's ex, Chelsie Kyriss.

The last time cops were at Brown's home, he not only berated Kyriss in front of their children and threw a bag of gummy penises at her -- but also cussed out the responding police officers.

The Hollywood PD has since issued a statement saying they are ending their relationship with Brown and refunded a donation he made to help fund the Dept's 7-on-7 football league.

Scott Eastwood allegedly tried to pull a fast one and pose as a city official while taking down banners protesting a massive development project ... but he got caught in the act and it's all on video.

Here's the deal ... folks in Del Mar, CA are protesting a proposed luxury resort atop 16.5 acres of oceanfront land north of San Diego, and they're voicing concerns with signs and banners around the town.

Scott showed up to a demonstration Sunday at the Del Mar Plaza, telling protesters he was with the city and ordering them to take down signs and banners ... at least according to folks on the ground.

Check out this video ... protesters recognize Scott, who is busy screwing with a banner, and tell him they've got prior approval to keep the signs up. Clint Eastwood's son realizes he's been outed, and he smirks before hightailing it outta there as people start hurling insults.

It's interesting ... Scott owns a bar and some small businesses in the area, and protesters are under the impression he's an investor in the proposed resort.