Wendy Williams Sobbing Over Having 'No Money' ... First Documentary Trailer

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A new documentary about Wendy Williams is alarming fans -- 'cause she seems to be signaling she's been going through a lot of financial hardships, among other issues.

The first trailer for the Lifetime doc -- "Where is Wendy Williams?" -- dropped Friday ... and it shows the reclusive TV personality apparently saying she has "no money" before pulling a throw pillow close and letting the tears flow.

Remember ... Wendy Williams was placed in a financial guardianship back in 2022 after Wells Fargo claimed she was a "victim of undue influence and financial exploitation" -- a move her family repeatedly rails against in the clip ... including WW's sister who demands to know how she's not fit to take care of her sis.

On the other hand, her son Kevin Hunter Jr. says he thinks she's surrounded by "yes people" in this trailer -- people he says don't actually look out for her best interests ... so there's clearly a difference of opinion among Wendy's own family, at least that's what the doc suggests.

Members of her inner circle are also seen in this trailer expressing other concerns, including one man who confronts Wendy with a nearly-empty bottle of booze ... one Wendy appears to admit she downed in a single day while stretched out in bed, bathrobe still on.

Williams also comes across as confused at her surroundings at times in the doc's first trailer ... apparently causing concern among the people around her she's losing her memory. Her wide-eyed, almost surprised look at times adds further fire to these speculations.

Wendy's overall health does, in fact, seem to be poor at times, too ... she's wheeled out of a hospital on multiple occasions in the trailer and seems almost incapable of walking by herself when stepping out of an SUV.

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Ultimately, the trailer seems to end on a hopeful note ... Williams seemingly expresses interest in reconnecting with her estranged family and recognizing the detriment of having certain business associates in her life. The full thing airs in a two-part special on Lifetime later this month ... Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 8 PM ET/PT, so more will be answered then.

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We haven't seen Wendy out much in the past year or so ... outside of a paparazzi interaction last February where Williams claimed she was 138 pounds -- a moment that makes it in the trailer BTW -- and a couple pics of her on the street, she's mostly stayed out of the public eye.

Wendy dropped out of several speaking engagements in May ... before reportedly heading to treatment to deal with issues she was allegedly battling.

Wendy doesn't appear to have addressed what's been revealed in the trailer just yet -- but considering her exit from showbiz was so abrupt and tumultuous, ya gotta imagine people are gonna tune in to find out ... "Where is Wendy Williams?"

SOFIA VERGARA DATE NIGHT W/ DOC JUSTIN SALIMAN ... Post-Joe Prescription!!

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Sofia Vergara couldn't wipe the smile from her face, and for good reason ... 'cause it looks like things with her new fella are going swimmingly!

The "Griselda" star headed on a romantic date night Thursday with the dashing orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman at Beverly Hill's Cipriani -- and they looked happy as hell. The couple turned heads, not only with their palpable chemistry but their synced-up 'fits too.

Sofia, of course, looked incredible in her sheer black corset top and coat -- while Justin exuded laid-back charm in a black leather jacket. Must say, they complement each other well.

The duo seemed to be having a blast in each other's company ... laughing, smiling and interacting with the paps while exiting the upscale Italian eatery. It's interesting that we're seeing them out right now ... for one big reason.

For starters, we haven't seen Sofia with Justin in a while -- at least not publicly -- and there's some who thought they might've split. Clearly, that's not the case ... they're going strong.

S&J were first linked in October when they were spotted on a date ... and the fact that months later, they're still going strong rubbishes whispers he was just a rebound for Sofia post-Joe Manganiello.

Remember ... the "Modern Family" star and "Magic Mike" hunk split in July 2023 ... mainly cause of their differences in wanting kids. Joe wanted 'em, she didn't.

Hopefully, Joe will be on the same page with his new squeeze, Caitlin O'Connor -- they went public as a couple in December. Each of them seems to be moving on just fine.

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In the meantime, Sofia is riding high on her Netflix debut ... things are looking up for her.

Taylor Swift Played Sandy in Kid Version of 'Grease' Cute New Pics Revealed!!!

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Taylor Swift has had performing in her blood for a long, long time -- evident in the fact that she once played Sandy in a kid-version of "Grease" ... and the photos are adorable.

Actor/comedian Tobin Mitnick threw up some photos he has in his possession that show him acting alongside Tay Tay in a children's version of the famed musical/film -- and TM seems to be playing Danny Zuko, whereas Taylor is playing Olivia Newton John's character.

There's 3 pics total, and it looks like Tobin/Tay were good pals during this production way back in the day -- it also seems like they were giving their all, in rehearsal or otherwise.

Tobin writes, "Thank you mom for digging these pics of @taylorswift and I harmonizing like buttah on summer nights twenty five years ago out of storage. Also trav the note is an f-sharp if youre interested. June 2000."

Of course, everyone saw these and is losing their minds over the fact that Taylor as a child is cute as hell -- not to mention the fact that this low-key telegraphed her future ... obviously, she went on to become one of the biggest pop stars ever.

Funny enough, Tobin seems to have alluded to this play last year -- and he says it didn't get nearly as much attention at the time. Welp, if he didn't have pics back then, that's probably why.

Anyway, it's cool stuff -- but the obvious question with this is ... who has the video???

Seeing how this "Grease" play went down in the early aughts, ya gotta figure one of the parents from back then had their giant camcorder out and was rolling from inside an auditorium somewhere.

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Taylor has actually addressed the fact she was in "Grease" as a kiddo -- not to mention other musicals/plays -- and now ... here's the proof! Based on what we can see, she was a natural and then some.

The late ONJ probably would've been proud to see the great Taylor Swift doing her best Sandy. Lots of good songs for her to belt out, and we're sure she absolutely crushed.

As it turns out, she was the one everyone wanted!

Michael Bublé Sorry, Everyone ... I'm On Shrooms!!!

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NOT A MICRODOSE

Michael Bublé was seemingly feeling too good during NHL All-Star Weekend festivities on Thursday ... and he's chalking it all up to taking way more mushrooms than he signed up for.

The 48-year-old Canadian musician -- who's a celebrity captain for the All-Star Game -- spoke with the media following the Player Draft at Scotiabank Arena ... and as he fielded questions, he abruptly claimed he was spaced out on psychedelics.

"My buddy told me, this is just a microdose of mushrooms and he was LYING," Bublé said ... adding the drugs made him feel like he was in a Will Ferrell movie.

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"So, I’ll be honest, I thought I was in 'Blades of Glory' for most of the time that I was out there, until it sort of settled down and then I realized, 'Holy s***, I am in the NHL All-Star Game."

Actor Will Arnett -- who was up onstage with Bublé -- took it all in stride ... and the two joked his admission lost him a lot of endorsement money.

Despite the hilarious moment, Bublé later backtracked on his statement at dinner after his All-Star appearance ... saying the whole thing was an attempt to be funny.

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JUST BREAD, HOLD THE MUSHROOMS

"It was a joke," Bublé said alongside YouTuber Steve Dangle. "Of course I wasn’t [on mushrooms]! I'm sitting here at dinner. I do have a problem with bread. When I get anxious, I can’t stop eating it. But no, not mushrooms."

The NHL is pulling out all the stops with the star power this All-Star Weekend ... with Justin Bieber and Tate McRae also joining in on the event.

Mariah Carey Dresses In Hot Lingerie For L.A. Awards Show

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Mariah Carey practically gave everyone a peek at her most private of parts Thursday, showing off her covered-up crotch as she posed for photos at an L.A. music event.

The singer hit the third annual Recording Academy Honors last evening while dressed in a caramel-colored corset with a sheer wrap-around that left her somewhat exposed below the belt. Luckily, Mariah was covered up down there, or it would have turned into an X-rated affair.

Still, the superstar looked stunning in her sexy ensemble, accentuating her breasts, banging bod and toned legs.

Mariah was clearly proud of her appearance, allowing the paparazzi to snap a multitude of shots highlighting her smokin' hot hourglass figure.

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After she was done with the photogs, Mariah sauntered inside the Fairmont Century Plaza to enjoy the awards show presented by The Black Music Collective. During the ceremony, Mariah snagged a Global Impact Award, along with Lenny Kravitz.

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REAL GRAMMY MOMENT

Other celebs who attended the event included ... Tori Kelly, Charlotte Lawrence, Rhea Ghosh, Andra Day, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Jordan Sparks, Miss Diddy, Babyface, Flavor Flav, Halle Bailey and boyfriend, DDG, and Niecy Nash Betts and wife Jessica Betts.

Darius Rucker Ex-GF Kate Quigley Roasts Him Over Drug Arrest ... You're A Douchebag!!!

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Darius Rucker's ex Kate Quigley is rubbing his nose in his Tennessee arrest for drug possession ... calling it "karma" and him a "d-bag."

The comedian posted a message on the social media app X hours after Rucker was booked into the Williamson County jail for three misdemeanor offenses Thursday and his mugshot spread across the national media.

Quigley wrote,  "Yes. I’ve heard. All I can say is Karma."

But Quigley wasn't done. About an hour later, she twisted the knife in his back, sharing a photo of herself smiling in a bikini with a snarky caption, "Mood when u hear your d-bag ex got arrested. #Karma."

As we first reported ... Rucker was busted for simple possession/casual exchange of a controlled substance and violation of the state’s vehicle registration law.

He was released from jail after posting a $10,500 bond. Police have not released details on the case. His lawyer, Mark Puryear, told TMZ ... Rucker is fully cooperating with the investigation.

As for Rucker and Quigley, their relationship ended in the toilet.

You may recall, Quigley survived an accidental overdose after allegedly using cocaine laced with fentanyl in September 2021. Three other comedians with her also overdosed, but died.

At the time, Rucker -- the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish -- issued a statement to TMZ, saying he had not dated Quigley for a while after they first hooked up the year before.

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Quigley later posted two messages on X, telling Rucker not to publicly comment on her well-being and shaming him for not reaching out to see how she was doing.

She also admitted Rucker's statement "stung" and joked that he was probably creating a song called, "Let Her Die," referring to the Hootie & the Blowfish tune by a similar title, "Let Her Cry."

Lenny Kravitz I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING LISA BONET ... As Friends, Though!!

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Lisa Bonet will always have Lenny Kravitz's heart, and although they've been apart for 3 decades ... he says his ex-wife still has a heavy influence on him.

The 59-year-old singer says Lisa is a massive part of his life -- telling People they never lost their connection because he is who he is today "'cause of our experience, because of everything that I was, everything that she was, and everything that came together."

Lenny got all philosophical about love and stuff ... as he believes romance can end, but love for one another never truly leaves, it just finds a new way to funnel into your life -- something he says he and LB both made a conscious effort to do.

He added she'll "never leave his heart, soul or my spirit." Heavy.

Lenny's early years with Lisa -- after meeting in 1985, backstage at a New Edition concert -- inspired his iconic bohemian look.

He explains when they were moving in together, he brought his instruments and other things with him but somehow forgot his comb -- basically, he never planned on having dreadlocks, but Lisa was digging his matted hair after a few months.

The duo married in 1987, when Lisa was starring on "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World" ... but he didn't mind being labeled Mr. Bonet by the press 'cause he was paying attention to his music, not the fact he was married to the most "beautiful woman on the planet."

Daughter Zoë came along in 1988, a time he recalls as beautiful and all about peace, love and spirit.

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Despite his marriage with Lisa ending in 1993, the era obviously left a lasting impact on him ... inspiring his upcoming album "Blue Electric Light" -- which is all about "positive energy, God, spirit, light."

Deep, bro.

Groundhog Day 2024 P. Phil Ain't Scared to Go Outside ... Early Spring's A-Comin'!!!

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An oversized rodent was apparently comfortable taking a look at the outside world this week -- which, according to an East Coast legend, means ... winter's starting to wind down.

Indeed, it's Groundhog Day (again) -- and per usual, the good people of Punxsutawney, PA put on their top hats and old-timey clothing to trot out a literal groundhog -- otherwise known as Phil -- to see how skittish he is in early February.

It's a long-running tradition -- basically, if this animal sees its shadow and goes scurrying away to hide ... that means 6 more weeks of winter. If not, spring is fast approaching.

On Friday, the groundhog apparently was leaning toward the latter ... which means it predicts spring is coming sooner than later. Whether that's actually true or not is anyone's guess -- and if we're being honest, nobody takes the big gerbil's forecast seriously anyway.

With that said ... Phil guessing on an early spring is somewhat notable -- 'cause it's the first time he's landed on that for a while. 2020 was the last time it thought winter was ending soon ... since then, he's been "predicting" longer winters.

BTW, there are other critters around the country that are due to make these sorts of calls today -- in Ohio, they have "Buckeye Chuck" ... and in GA there's "General Beauregard Lee."

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These East Coasters sure do love their quirky customs and rituals. Anyhoo ... happy Groundhog Day to all those who celebrate -- even privately.

Alyssa Milano Doubles Down on Defending GFM ... I'm Like Every Parent!!!

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Alyssa Milano is once again defending herself over her GoFundMe move to raise cash for her kid's baseball team -- pointing out that even though she's a celeb ... she's a parent too.

The actress is still facing backlash from an attempt to fundraise for her pre-teen son's trip to Cooperstown -- something she made evident with some screenshots of people apparently attacking her boy on social media, with the kid having to stick up for himself and his mom.

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She added a lengthy caption, writing ... "Every parent raises money for their child’s sports teams and many of them do so through GoFundMe. I am no different."

AM elaborated by saying ... "As much as I’d love to pay for the entire team and their families for travel, transportation, hotel, food and beverage, uniforms, trading pins and all the things teams do for this kind of trip—I can not afford to do so. Maybe someday."

She also points out that if she hypothetically did pay for everyone -- as the public has strongly suggested she do -- then she believes trolls would find a way to criticize her for that too ... and Alyssa's probably right.

One final sentiment from her on this issue ... "Leave the kids alone. Let them play baseball. If you are against donating—don’t donate. If you’d like to donate to help the team’s families — we appreciate it—the link is in his bio."

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Amen, sister ... you tell 'em!

IG Model Gracie Bon I'm Serious About Bigger Plane Seats ... We Need the Space!!!

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Gracie Bon's goal to get bigger seats in airplanes to accommodate her huge ass might've gotten a laugh on social media -- but she's not chuckling ... telling us she's dead serious.

We talked to the Instagram model about her recent viral "petition" about rejiggering the configuration of flights -- so that seating areas are larger, for people of size to fit comfortably -- and while she admits it was half-jokey ... there was some truth to what she was arguing for.

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As she explains to us here ... this issue is actually quite pervasive, and it often gets turned into one big punchline at the expense of people who are truly struggling with it.

Yes, she's got a big butt ... something she says she can't help, and for which she shouldn't be punished either -- that's her argument anyway.

She also says people chiming in with mean/hurtful comments aren't helping either ... and she thinks companies should be more thoughtful about customers of shapes and sizes.

Gracie says she's actually used to buying two seats to deal with this problem -- and figured a first-class flight would solve it -- but to her dismay, it didn't ... and she now realizes that some major changes need to be instituted to address this very real problem. No, she's not kidding.

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BTW, on the question that everyone's wondering -- whether her body is "real" -- she provides some clarity on that front too. Check it out ... apparently, it's all natural. Well, sorta.

RICKEY THOMPSON UMG/TIKTOK MUSIC Dispute IS SAD ... Dance On Your Own Now!!!

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It's happening ... huge hitmakers are being wiped from TikTok after the app failed to reach a deal with UMG -- something Rickey Thompson calls a game-changer, and a bummer.

We chatted with the social media star Wednesday in Bev Hills, and he told us the unfortunate development creates a massive dent in TikTok content ... 'cause the platform's best known for turning average folks into overnight stars with viral clips of them dancing to music from Taylor Swift, Drake and more.

As one of the most popular apps in the world, Ricky also acknowledges TikTok's a place many users go to discover their fave artist's new music -- so losing that is disappointing for fans and musicians alike.

The most positive spin on this upheaval is newer artists won't have to compete with established superstars to get their music out there -- but Rickey isn't entirely convinced that'll be the case.

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On a positive note, he tells us the decision won't completely ruin the app ... it'll just limit what videos people can create without using music. So, for those who enjoy a little boogie on TikTok, he advises them to just do it on their own time.

For a quick rundown: Universal Music Group is yanking its artists' music off the platform after a tense standoff ... saying TT needed to pay more cash to license the tunes.

For its part, TikTok's accusing UMG of spinning a "false narrative" and says it has healthy 'artist-first' agreements with every other label and publisher.

Matters were clearly never resolved -- but Rickey says the whole thing doesn't actually affect him ... cause he's just there to make people laugh. No music needed!

For more viral news, check out TMZ Verified, available on all podcast platforms.

Justin Turner Hey, Shohei Ohtani ... Here's How You Win Dodger Fans Over!!!

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Swing For The Fences!!!

Grab a pen and paper, Shohei Ohtani -- former Dodgers star Justin Turner has some solid pointers on how the MLB superstar can succeed with his new team ... telling TMZ Sports there's one simple way to win the fanbase over (if he hasn't already).

Turner -- who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason -- will forever have a special place in the hearts of Dodger Nation ... after all, he was part of the World Series-winning squad in 2020 and also secured the NLCS MVP when they made it to the Fall Classic in 2017.

With Ohtani deciding to join the "real" L.A. team after spending his first six seasons with the Angels, we asked Red what the two-way athlete would have to do to get the diehard fans on his side ... and he pointed out everyone's probably already over the moon about the historic signing.

"I think he's doing a pretty good job with that already," Turner said this week.

When we asked for one thing in particular that could earn the fanbase's trust ... his solution was simple.

"Hit homers."

There's a ton of hype surrounding Ohtani's move to the Dodgers following his record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal ... but it's clear Turner thinks he'll fit right in.

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We also asked for some L.A. recommendations -- considering Anaheim is NOT the same thing -- and Turner thinks Ohtani's got it all figured out by now.

As for whether he wants to go up against his former team in the World Series this season ... Turner's answer is pretty interesting!!

TMZ TV Recap Timberlake vs. Spears (Again) ... Ye's New Musk, Lewis Leaves Mercedes

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Just one more day before we head into the weekend, and we're finishing strong at TMZ -- especially on the topic of TV coverage ... of which there was plenty on Thursday.

TMZ Live

Starting with 'TMZ Live,' we revisited an old feud that got kicked up all over again thanks to Justin Timberlake -- who took a not-so-subtle shot at his ex-girlfriend, Britney Spears.

You might've heard about his sorry-not-sorry moment in NYC this week, and Harvey and Charles have some opinions on whether he was right (or wrong) to be so brash here. Of course, BS fired back ... even though her diss was a little odd, focused on ... basketball?

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'TMZ on TV' kept the good times going, and Kanye West helped us get there with a whole new look that screams bloody murder -- from the movies, of course ... of the horror variety.

What we're even talking about here ... well, it's a mask. Just take a look for yourself.

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Finally we get to 'TMZ Sports,' where Lewis Hamilton made news by jumping ship at Mercedes and zooming over to Ferrari for the upcoming F1 season. Listen up, gear heads!

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

'Groundhog Day' Cast 'Memba Them?!

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It's been more than 3 decades since the American classic film, "Groundhog Day" hit theaters and became an instant box office hit back in 1993 ... with its repetitive life-loop and wacky love story featuring big Hollywood stars like Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

While Bill Murray played the cynical weatherman who couldn't escape reliving the same day over and over again, Phil Connors, there were a bunch of classic key players in the film that are sure to give you deja vu!

American actor Chris Elliott played the Channel 9 cameraman Larry ... who accompanied Phil and Rita to the Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney.

Stephen Tobolowsky played the annoying and aggressive insurance agent, Ned Ryerson who distracts Phil while he steps into that pesky pothole in the street over and over.

Dig through our gallery of then and now photos to see what all the iconic characters from the one-of-a-kind movie look like now!

Happy Groundhog Day!

President Biden I Need The Arab, Muslim Vote In Michigan ... ✈ In on Heels of Israel E.O.

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President Biden's seemingly trying to win over a key voting block in Michigan ... and a war going on a world away is playing a huge role, including some new policies he's enforcing.

POTUS is making a few stops in Michigan this week -- an important swing state in the 2024 presidential election -- and it looks like he's trying to win over Arab American and Muslim voters who are outraged over the war between Israel and Palestine.

Coincidentally or not, Biden's Michigan trip comes the same time he signed an executive order allowing the United States to sanction Israeli settlers, and potentially Israeli government officials, who are involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in Gaza.

Biden's been under fire in Michigan for his support for Israel ... and there's a huge Arab American population in the state, and they're threatening to pull the support at the ballot box.

There were even protests outside Biden's campaign stops in Michigan ... but it doesn't look like anything was disrupted, although the scenes were tense.

On its face, it looks like Biden might've timed the signing of this EO so he had something tangible to show voters in Michigan who support Palestine ... so he doesn't lose their vote to a third party, or worse, Donald Trump. That's how some are interpreting it, anyway.

At the same time, Biden's said to be running thin on patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ... so it seems the winds may be changing when it comes to Gaza.

Biden really needs Michigan to stave off Trump ... and it looks like the political posturing is in full swing as we march toward November.

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Time will tell if his moves help in the long run with this block of voters.

Darius Rucker Arrested for Minor Drug Offense in TN

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3:36 PM PT -- Darius Rucker's attorney, Mark Puryear, tells TMZ … "Darius Rucker is fully cooperating with authorities related to misdemeanor charges."

Darius Rucker got busted on a minor drug offense in Tennessee -- and from the sound of the charge he was booked on ... it basically amounts to an alleged handoff.

The country singer -- obviously famous from Hootie & the Blowfish -- was taken into custody Thursday in Williamson County, which is where he lives. He posed for this mug shot for the Sheriff's Dept. there ... and was booked on three separate charges, all misdemeanors.

Darius was arrested for two counts of simple possession/casual exchange of a controlled substance and one count of a violation of the state's vehicle registration law.

In terms of what DMV law cops think Darius broke ... they're saying he let his/tags expire on his car.

DR was brought into the jail around 10 AM PT, and he was released about an hour or so later -- we've confirmed Darius bonded out and is no longer in custody.

Unclear what exactly happened that led up to his arrest -- we're trying to get a hold of police now for further clarification.

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We've reached out to Darius' team for comment as well ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 3:21 PM PT