Carole Baskin's Missing Husband Don Lewis Family Triggered Again ... By Resurfaced 'Still Alive' Report
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Don Lewis' family says they're being re-traumatized simply because someone just discovered a nearly 18-month-old, unproven report claiming Carole Baskin's missing first husband is alive and chillin' on a beach.
Jack Smith, spokesperson for the Lewis family, tells TMZ ... Don's daughters firmly believe he's dead, and it's been extremely triggering for them to deal with the fallout of the resurfaced report, which they say is bogus.
We're told Don's daughters are being flooded with calls from strangers and even family members congratulating them on finding their father ... which brings back bad memories.
Social media started buzzing Wednesday over a 2021 interview with Carole about an alleged report the Dept. of Homeland Security found Don living in Costa Rica. As we reported -- back then and now -- that purported report was featured in the second season of 'Tiger King,' so Don's family has already been down this road.
Don's daughters tell TMZ ... "While we would certainly welcome the good news of our Dad being found alive, it's just simply not true."
The Lewis family says in late 1997, after Don went missing, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office -- which is in charge of Don's missing person's case -- told them a report existed from U.S. Customs stating Don had been seen in Costa Rica.
The family says that prompted Don's oldest daughter, Donna, and her husband to travel to Costa Rica in November 1997, but they never found him.
We're told the Customs report is the same one shown in 'Tiger King' -- the family believes it was doctored to reference DHS instead of Customs in order to support a false narrative about what happened to Don.
As we previously reported ... Don's still listed as a missing person on a national database, and, as a legal matter, has been presumed dead since 2002.
The family just wants folks to stop bugging them over the resurfaced report.
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Luka Doncic Drops Over $250k ... For Custom Hellfire Truck
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NBA superstar Luka Doncic's new MASSIVE whip came with a hefty price tag ... 'cause TMZ Sports is told the Dallas Mavericks hooper paid more than a quarter million bucks for his fully decked-out Hellfire Apocalypse truck!!!
The 3-time All-Star had social media buzzing when he showed up to American Airlines Center for Wednesday night's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks in his new 6-wheeler ... and as it turns out, it's even more epic than you could imagine.
Luka pulled up in a TANK ahead of tonight's game 😳🚛
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 18, 2023 @BleacherReport
(via @MarkJonesESPN) pic.twitter.com/uOIKJ5IDgv
The folks at Apocalypse Manufacturing tell us Luka reached out to get a truck of his own after seeing their vehicles all over TikTok ... and the finished product was personally delivered to him in Texas.
AM says Luka is now the proud owner of the most fully-loaded Hellfire ever built ... and it comes with thermal and night vision cameras, a locomotive five blast train horn, nitrous kit, 850 horsepower and even a built-in safe!!
And, in case Luka wants to have a jam session before his games, he can use his 10,000-watt custom audio system!!!
The truck has six 10-ply, 40-inch tires ... and 22-inch anthracite rims.
Just look at the thing in action -- the car looks like a cartoon bull with the way it can shoot smoke out of its grill!!!
Luka's new wheels didn't come cheap -- we're told he paid more than $250k for the whole thing -- but considering the guy has made over $69 million in five seasons, he can most certainly afford it.
Enjoy the whip, Luka!!!
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Suki In '2 Fast 2 Furious' 'Memba Her?!
American actress and model Devon Aoki was 20 years old when she was cast as Suki -- the skilled driver and leader of the all-female street racers and a key member of the Miami crew -- in the 2003 action film "2 Fast 2 Furious."
Aoki shared the big screen with Paul Walker as the charming and brave undercover cop, Brian O'Conner, Tyrese Gibson as the childhood friend and former prisoner, Roman Pearce, Eva Mendes as the sexy customs cop who uses her looks to gain info, Monica Fuentas, and Ludacris as Suki's humble boyfriend and ex-mechanic, Tej Parker.
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BRITTANY SNOW FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM HUBBY TYLER STANALAND
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Brittany Snow is officially waving the white flag on her marriage ... because she just filed for divorce from her reality TV star husband.
The "Pitch Perfect" star beelined it to court Wednesday and filed to divorce Tyler Stanaland, who appears on "Selling the OC," after nearly three years of marriage.
Brittany is citing the usual irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split ... and she says there is a prenup.
The divorce filing is not out of left field ... as we reported, the pair announced in September that they had separated.
On the same day the couple announced their separation, Tyler was spotted getting up close and personal with his "Selling the OC" costar Alex Hall ... but he says they are just friends.
But a few days later Tyler and Brittany were hanging out, and even spent the night together.
Nevertheless, it appears reconciliation is not in the cards ... because Brittany is forging ahead with a divorce.
Brittany and Tyler tied the knot March 14, 2020 ... just as the pandemic was shutting the world down ... and they did not have any kids together.
We reached out to Tyler ... so far no word back.
Good news for Tyler, it was announced this week “Selling the OC” got picked up for 2 more seasons. It's unclear if the divorce will be covered on the show, but fans can hope!
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PETE DAVIDSON, CHASE SUI Locks Lips On Theme Park Day Date
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JANUARY 2023
Pete Davidson's love for Chase Sui Wonders is universal ... as in, he couldn't stop kissing his new girlfriend on a date to Universal Studios.
The "Bodies, Bodies, Bodies" stars hit up Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday ... and TMZ obtained video of the two smooching on an escalator.
Pete and Chase seemed to be trying to keep their outing low-key, he was wearing a hoodie, hat and sunglasses, but they couldn't resist a little PDA between rides.
The costar couple enlisted a private guide to whisk them around the theme park -- and they picked a good day to go -- Universal's previewing its new Super Nintendo World.
Pete going to theme parks with his love interests has become a theme as of late.
Remember, Pete and Kim Kardashian went to Knotts Berry Farm with a big group back in October 2021, right before their romance really ratcheted up.
Pete also went to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey with Kaley Cuoco in August 2021, when they were filming a rom-com together, but they were only lovers on the big screen.
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Kelly Clarkson Gets Permanent Restraining Order Against 2 Creeps Who Wouldn't Leave Her Alone
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Kelly Clarkson now has some long-term legal protection against two individuals who continued to show up at her house uninvited and cause disturbances.
Clarkson was granted permanent restraining orders Thursday for the next 5 years against Victor Fernandez and Huguette Nicole Young. Both Young and Fernandez are prohibited from making contact of any kind with Kelly or her kids and must stay at least 100 yards away.
TMZ broke the story ... Fernandez pulled up to Kelly's home in a semi-truck on Thanksgiving, peering over her security gate and stating he was there to see Kelly. He returned to the home on more than one occasion.
Not only did Fernandez ask to talk to Kelly, but Clarkson's security team says he also took photos of a vehicle carrying her kids.
TMZ was also first to report Kelly's issues with Young, who, according to Kelly's security, showed up at her home more than 18 times -- often leaving gifts and notes. Young continued to come to Clarkson's home even after a temporary restraining order was issued.
Of course, it's now the hope the permanent restraining order will work to deter the two from bothering the "American Idol" winner ever again.
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Buffalo Bills Gifted '3' Pendants For Damar Hamlin ... Ahead Of Playoff Game
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The Buffalo Bills were surprised with special gifts in honor of Damar Hamlin ahead of their playoff game against the Bengals ... receiving "3" pendants for the entire team.
Von Miller -- whose season ended prematurely after he tore his ACL on Thanksgiving Day -- showed off the new jewelry on social media ... and the team is clearly pumped about the gesture.
NYC-based jeweler Gabriel Jacobs of Rafaello and Co. gifted 80 pendants to the team and Damar's family ... which feature a 2.5-inch, 14k gold #3 and a heart.
We're told Damar will be getting his very own customized pendant ... which will also feature diamonds.
The backs of each pendant feature one of Hamlin's viral quotes -- "If you get a chance to show some love today do it! It won’t cost you nothing."
Jacobs explained his decision to gift the pendants ... saying, "Like many others, when I saw what happened to Damar Hamlin, I couldn’t help but feel connected thinking that this could happen to a family member of mine."
"I was extremely moved by all the outpouring of love and donations that came from all across the world. Being a jeweler, I wanted to give back in my own way by gifting these pendants as a way for the Buffalo Bills team to continue to honor Hamlin."
24-year-old Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Monday Night Football ... a moment that shook the sports world.
Hamlin was since released from the hospital after spending time in the ICU ... and head coach Sean McDermott said Wednesday the Bills safety has been at the practice facility "almost daily."
McDermott said Hamlin is still taking things day by day ... and is trying to get back into a routine suitable for his current stage in recovery.
It's unclear if Hamlin will be at Highmark Stadium for the team's Divisional Round game against the Bengals ... but one thing's for sure -- he'll be on Bills Mafia's mind.
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Black Eyed Peas Poopsie Slime Surprise Sued Over 'My Humps' Parody
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A song-and-dance troupe of pooping toy unicorns could be in steaming hot trouble, legally speaking, all because the lil' stinkers did a send-up of a huge Black Eyed Peas hit.
Let us explain … a company called MGA Entertainment created a popular line of toys -- dancing unicorns that excrete sparkling slime called Poopsie Slime Surprise. Every kid's fantasy, right?
In order to market the lil’ poopers, MGA ran a bunch of ads with animated unicorns singing and dancing to a song called "My Poops" – featuring the catchy hook "my poops, my poops, my poops, my sparkly glitter poops!"
If that banger sounds familiar, that's because it’s a play on BEP's classic "My Humps," and that's what lead to a lawsuit. Will.i.am and co's record label and music publishing company, BMG, owns the majority of the copyright to the 2005 smash hit, and it claims "My Poops" clearly rips off the melody, tempo, chord progression, and even features a vocalist who sounds a lot like Fergie.
BMG says MGA never got the rights to use the song, and now it wants at least $10 MILLION in damages. If that sounds a bit high, it’s worth remembering that "My Humps" was a HUGE hit, garnering more than 700 million views on YouTube alone and taking home the award for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
If BMG ends up winning even a fraction of the $10 mil in court, this could be the most expensive poop joke in history! We reached out to MGA for comment … so far, no word back.
The real shocker -- as God is our witness we thought unicorns pooped rainbows. 🤷🏽♂️
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David Crosby Dead at 81
5:10 PM PT -- David was the biological father to Melissa Etheridge's 2 children, and she posted a tribute to her dear friend, thanking him for the "gift of family."
I am grieving the loss of my friend and Bailey’s biological father, David. He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure. pic.twitter.com/1e0vbvd2SN
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) January 19, 2023 @metheridge
David Crosby, the singer, songwriter and guitarist and member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, has died.
His wife, Jan Dance, told Variety Thursday, "It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us."
She continues, "His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Born in Los Angeles, David founded the band The Byrds in 1964, finding their first number one hit ... only a year later thanks to a cover of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man."
It was in 1968 when Crosby formed Crosby, Stills & Nash with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. The group won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969.
Over the years, members of the group were able to collab with other artists freely -- and did so with the likes of Neil Young at Woodstock.
Crosby was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a member of The Byrds and for his efforts with Crosby, Stills & Nash.
10/13/16
David Crosby was 81.
RIP
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Leslie Jordan Died from 'Cardiac Dysfunction' ... Before Crashing Car into Building
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Leslie Jordan was not killed as the result of a car accident, instead, he suffered a "sudden cardiac dysfunction" which resulted in his death and caused him to crash.
The L.A. County Coroner's Office just released its findings from the October 24 incident. TMZ broke the story -- first responders raced to the scene after Jordan had crashed his BMW into the side of a building in Hollywood.
At the time, investigators told us they believed Jordan suffered some sort of medical emergency before the crash ... and now that has been confirmed.
The coroner's report states Leslie was taking heart medication at the time of his death -- and his heart was in really bad shape -- with one of his arteries 80% blocked, and another 50% blocked.
We were first to report Leslie had complained of shortness of breath in the weeks leading up to his death, and had an appointment with a heart doctor scheduled in the near future.
Leslie's death left Hollywood stunned, including his costars on "Call Me Kat" -- the show he was driving to when he died.
10/22/22
Leslie was 67.
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LISA MARIE PRESLEY Honored At Graceland ... Ahead of Her Funeral
Lisa Marie Presley is being remembered at Graceland before she's laid to rest ... with folks flocking to the famous family compound to see her old photos, clothes and baby toys.
Graceland is buzzing with activity Thursday, just a few days before Lisa's celebration of life ceremony ... and, obviously lots of attention is being paid to the LMP exhibit.
As you can see, there are tons of items on display from Lisa's life ... including a bunch of photos with Elvis Presley, outfits and mementos from her childhood.
Elvis named his private plane after his only child ... and the jet is on display too.
Meanwhile, Graceland is preparing for Lisa Marie's memorial service, which is happening Sunday -- when a huge crowd is expected. Folks have already begun leaving flowers outside the grounds.
TMZ broke the story ... Lisa Marie's gravesite is being excavated in the famous backyard fountain area where Elvis and his parents are buried. LMP's son is also buried there, and she will be buried next to him.
As you know, Lisa died last week after twice suffering cardiac arrest ... first, at her California home, and then later the same day while she was in the hospital. Her cause of death is deferred pending toxicology results.
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Ex-NFL DL Derek Wolfe Kills Massive Mountain Lion ... After Hunt In Colorado
Ex-Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe hunted a massive mountain lion in Colorado this week ... and at the end of the day, a wild photo shows the Wolfe got the better of the big cat.
The former NFL player detailed his insane journey to nab the mountain lion in Grant on his social media page Thursday ... saying it all started after he got a call on Tuesday that the animal was terrorizing a rural neighborhood in the city.
Wolfe said he was told the mountain lion had killed two of a woman's dogs ... and was "nervous what he might do next."
The 32-year-old avid hunter and fisherman said he then set out to kill it.
He explained on his IG that after discovering a ravaged mule deer that he assumed the big cat killed, he hiked up thousands of feet of rough terrain ... and eventually encountered the mountain lion.
"Exhausted, dehydrated, cramping," Wolfe said, "I drew back my [bow] and sent an [arrow] through him."
Wolfe said he then had to drag the beast's carcass back to his truck ... falling off a 10-foot rock face in the process.
Wolfe, who played in the NFL from 2012 through 2020, wrote in the comment section of his social media post that he estimated it weighed about 195 pounds. As for its height, Derek stands at 6-foot-5 ... and the cat seemed to be bigger than him.
Several ex-NFL players were astounded by Wolfe's catch ... with former Rams star Michael Brockers saying, "That’s Crazy bro."
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'American Idol' Alum Died of Heart Attack ... Won't Have Autopsy
CJ Harris, the former "American Idol" contestant whose sudden death left family members shocked died from a heart attack ... medical officials have confirmed.
The Walker County Coroner tells TMZ -- doctors at the hospital where Harris was rushed have listed his official cause of death as a heart attack -- and therefore, an autopsy is not necessary.
As we reported ... CJ was taken to a local hospital by ambulance in Jasper, Alabama Sunday night, after suffering what friends and family members believed was a heart attack at the time. Unfortunately, he didn't make it.
Fans will remember CJ as a contestant from season 13 of the hit singing competition series ... making it to the top 6 back in 2014.
His rendition of Allman Brothers Band's "Soulshine" got him a ton of buzz and attention from the show's judges.
After the show, he performed with Darius Rucker at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. CJ even played for audiences in 'American Idol's season 13 tour, which featured the top 10 finalists.
He was just 31.
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Aaron Carter Benefit Concert Raises Over $150K NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, O-Town & More!!!
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It was boy band heaven for Aaron Carter fans wanting to honor their favorite pop star while raising money for charity at the same time ... all thanks to an effort organized in part by Aaron's older siblings, Nick and Angel Carter.
Nick, alongside his Backstreet Boy bandmate AJ McLean, NSYNC's Lance Bass, 98 Degrees' Jeff Timmons, members from O-Town and LFO all gathered at HEART in West Hollywood.
Not only did the guys perform some fan favorites, the tribute show also raised $150k for On Our Sleeves -- a charity that works to help children facing mental and emotional health struggles -- with a goal to give every community in America access to free, evidence-informed educational resources, educating families and breaking stigmas.
We're told 100% of the proceeds raised at the show will benefit the charity.
TMZ broke the story, Nick penned a song for Aaron shortly after his death called "Hurts to Love You" ... and he performed it at Wednesday night's benefit show.
TMZ broke the story, Aaron Carter was found dead in the bathtub of his L.A.-area home back in November. His family recently told us an autopsy revealed Aaron did not have water in his lungs -- meaning he did not drown -- and, instead, they suspect it was an accidental overdose.
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Pete Davidson, Snoop Dogg We're Team Captains!!! ... For NFL Pro Bowl
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The NFL Pro Bowl captains have been announced ... but they're not superstar athletes like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes -- it's Pete Davidson and Snoop Dogg!!
TMZ Sports has confirmed ... the "Saturday Night Live" alum and rap legend will be going head-to-head when the festivities go down next month near Las Vegas ... with Pete representing the NFC, and Snoop leading the AFC.
It's unclear what exactly their roles will be ... but we're assuming they'll be working alongside Peyton and Eli Manning, who were named the coaches for each conference.
Pete Davidson Returns to Instagram With Eli Manning, 'Stay Tuned'
Of course, Eli and Pete (a massive Giants fan) have built a tight friendship recently -- they even share a joint Instagram account -- so we take it their chemistry will certainly be a plus when the competition goes down.
As for Snoop, he's always had ties to the sport ... and he even has his own youth football league. On top of that, he gave a helluva performance at Super Bowl LVI last year.
Snoop spoke about his captaincy in a statement to People ... saying, "I'm comin' back to the NFL field, but this time, instead of performing, I'm going head-to-head with Pete and competing for the title of The Pro Bowl Games Champion."
"The competition is going to go off, but we all know that Peyton and our AFC squad are gonna do some big things. We'll end up on that podium."
Davidson kept it short and sweet ... adding, "I'm doing this to impress my Uncle Mike."
The game will look completely different this year ... as it'll be a non-contact flag football contest.
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Alec Baldwin To Be Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter In 'Rust' Shooting Death
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10:17 AM PT -- Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies says Alec Baldwin is being charged as both an actor and a producer on the movie ... she says he pulled the trigger as the actor, and had a duty to make sure the set was safe as a producer.
The D.A. says Alec definitely pulled the trigger, despite what he says, because she trusts the FBI's analysis ... and she says one of the reasons the investigation took so long was because prosecutors were waiting to see what the FBI concluded about the gun.
8:48 AM PT -- Alec Baldwin's attorney, Luke Nikas, released a statement saying, "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win."
Alec Baldwin will be prosecuted for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on his "Rust" movie set.
Prosecutors in Santa Fe County, NM made the announcement Thursday morning that Baldwin will be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The film's head armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Both face a maximum of 5 years in prison if convicted.
The Assistant Director, Dave Halls, has agreed to a plea deal for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. He will get a suspended sentence and 6 months probation.
Interestingly ... no charges will be filed in connection with the non-fatal shooting of director Joel Souza, who was hit in the shoulder by the same bullet that killed Halyna.
Attorney Brian Panish, who represents the Hutchins family, tells TMZ, "We want to thank the Santa Fe Sheriff and the District Attorney for concluding their thorough investigation and determining that charges for involuntary manslaughter are warranted for the killing of Halyna Hutchins with conscious disregard for human life."
Panish goes on ... "Our independent investigation also supports charges are warranted. It is comfort to the family that, in New Mexico, no one is above the law. We support the charges."
It's interesting ... Halyna's widower, Matthew Hutchins, settled with Baldwin and the production and actually became an Executive Producer on the film.
In announcing the charges, the special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, who was appointed by the D.A., said, "The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the 'Rust' film set. In New Mexico, there is no room for film sets that don't take our State's commitment to gun safety and public safety seriously."
Reeb said, "If any one of these three people - Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls - had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It's that simple."
Alec has all along denied any wrongdoing, insisting all he did was follow instructions during a rehearsal where he was practicing how to position the pistol for a "cross draw" scene in a chapel ... as director Joel Souza and Halyna figured out camera angles.
He's also repeatedly said Halls, the assistant director, handed him the prop firearm (something Halls denies) and said it was a "cold" gun ... meaning it was unloaded and safe.
While Gutierrez-Reed, the lead armorer, was not in the chapel ... Alec has suggested she bears some responsibility, as it was her job to prepare and check the props.
Alec was visibly torn up on set immediately after Halyna was shot. However, in subsequent interviews he went on the defensive, saying it was a tragic accident for which he bore no responsibility. He also insisted he did NOT actually pull the trigger on that fateful day.
The FBI disagreed with Alec's assertion ... after testing the weapon, it issued a report which concluded the pistol would not fire without someone pulling the trigger.
Halyna's death was eventually ruled to be accidental -- the medical examiner found no intent to cause harm in their official report.
Still, Halyna's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Alec and others involved in the production, saying he directly caused her death and that he was negligent in his handling of the gun -- not to mention safety protocols on the set.
They ultimately settled the lawsuit in October, and agreed to complete filming "Rust."
Alec also sued four crew members -- Gutierrez-Reed, Halls, Sarah Zachry and Seth Kenney - claiming they failed to safeguard the film set.
Originally Published -- 8:03 AM PT