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Lindsay Lohan ain't no slacker -- TMZ has learned, the actress is studying up hardcore for her new movie role ... doing everything she can to accurately portray a young Elizabeth Taylor.

In case you haven't heard -- Lindsay just inked a deal with Lifetime to play Liz Taylor in the network's new made-for-TV biopic called "Liz and Dick." Production is scheduled to kick off late March, after Lindsay's probation is terminated.

Lindsay is telling friends, she's taking her new gig extremely seriously -- "obsessing over getting the part right" for the film.

According to sources, Lindsay is doing nothing but watching old Liz Taylor movies to help her recreate the Hollywood icon's posture, speech, and every other little detail.

We're told Lindsay has also been watching old Liz interviews online and reading a bunch of Liz biographies.

Two women who were sued because they blasted their ex on liarscheatersrus.com -- calling him "scum" -- have been vindicated by a judge.

The court threw out the case filed by Matthew Couloute, a New York lawyer, who claimed Amanda Ryncarz and Stacey Blitsch -- a former roller derby star -- ruined his career by calling him various names on the website, including a "liar" and a "cheater."

But a federal district judge ruled the statements were just opinion -- and no one would mistake them as fact. The judge also said Matthew couldn't point to a single business relationship of his that was harmed by the 2 chicks.

Gloria and the girls held one of Gloria's patented press conferences ... where we asked Amanda and Stacey if they thought the whole ordeal would have a negative impact on their dating lives.

Bobby Brown was asked to leave Whitney Houston's funeral today ... after he got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him ... TMZ has learned.

Brown was spotted going into the church today in Newark, NJ ... but was seen leaving shortly thereafter.

According to our sources, Brown was invited, plus two, but instead showed up with an entourage of nine people. We're told Bobby became upset when he found out they would not seat his whole party.

Our sources say Bobby wanted to sit with his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, but Whitney's family was not having it.

We're told Rev. Jesse Jackson tried to smooth things over ... but to no avail.

Rev. Al Sharpton spoke of the incident with Bobby as he left the church, saying, "He showed nothing but love and respect for Whitney. I wish people would leave Bobby alone" (see video below).

Brown issued a statement later on, saying, "My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions."

He continued, "I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene."

Chris Brown was so paranoid about keeping his attendance at Rihanna's birthday party a big fat secret -- he actually tried to FORCE partygoers to sign confidentiality agreements ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us, Chris refused to enter the private party Monday night at the famous Hearst Mansion in Beverly Hills until everyone signed an NDA -- sending his henchmen in beforehand to gather every partygoer's signature.

We're told although they didn't get EVERYONE to sign -- Chris eventually walked in ... and spent a huge chunk of the night nuzzling up against Rihanna.

According to sources, the two got real intimate -- sitting next to each other, talking, and holding hands ... all perfectly legal ever since the restraining order was lifted.

As for the rest of the party -- we're told it was jam-packed with celebs including Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and Chris Martin (no Gwyneth).

Rihanna's cake was pretty badass too -- a giant spliff ... with a small Rihanna made out of icing, riding it like a horse.

Eat your heart out, Miley.

Chris' rep tells TMZ, confidentiality agreements were distributed only to workers at the party and anyone who was caught videotaping/snapping a pic of CB.

Bobby Brown is "extremely disappointed" after hearing that several members of Whitney Houston's family do not want him to attend the singer's funeral ... sources tell TMZ.

Sources close to Bobby tell us ... people connected to the Houston family have reached out to Bobby to warn him that he shouldn't attempt to attend the funeral because the family isn't fond of him.

However ... we're told Bobby has not received any OFFICIAL word from the family about his invite status.

Sources tell us ... Bobby WANTS to attend the funeral so he can support his daughter Bobbi Kristina, but he hasn't decided on a plan of action yet.

Whitney Houston's funeral service will take place in the very same New Jersey church where Houston used to sing as a child ... and TMZ has learned there WILL be a guest list.

The service will take place Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark ... where Whitney honed her skills singing with her mother Cissy Houston and her cousin Dionne Warwick.

Sources tell TMZ ... the family wants to keep the event super-private ... as in invite only.

Gabriel Aubry is being watched ... watched by a monitor whenever he's with Nahla ... 'cause a judge ruled he can't be trusted with the child alone, at least for now.

TMZ broke the story ... Halle Berry's baby daddy was ordered into Dependency Court today after the L.A. Department of Children and Family Services concluded its investigation. As we reported, DCFS not only looked at an incident in which Gabriel allegedly pushed a nanny while she was holding Nahla, but other incidents as well.

We're told DCFS had information that Gabriel had yanked the baby from the nanny's arms on at least one occasion and screamed at Nahla multiple times.

We're told DCFS had extensive information that it had reviewed and then recommended a monitor for Gabriel when he has Nahla.

Snooki and Jwoww will be on some seriously thin ice when they begin shooting their new reality show in Jersey City ... because the cops will be assigned to watch their asses AT ALL TIMES.

TMZ has learned ... officials in Jersey City refused to a grant a permit to shoot the show UNLESS they agreed to some seriously strict rules.

1) The show must allow at least four Jersey City PD officers to be stationed at Jwoww and Snooki's home at all times.

2) The cops will stay with the cast and crew when they leave the home. Cops have agreed to keep an appropriate distance from the operation, so they don't get in the way of production.

3) If MORE cops are called in to handle an incident due to events related to the show, producers MUST reimburse Jersey City for all related costs.

Officials have also made it clear ... cops are taking the situation very seriously and will take action ... even on the cast ... if any state or city laws are broken.

Estranged husband and wife Ben Harper and Laura Dern may not be so estranged after all ... the former couple kicked it together in Bev Hills yesterday ... more proof they're trying to get back together.

TMZ broke the story ... Harper blindsided Dern with divorce papers back in 2010 ... after 5 years of marriage and two children.

But last month, the two were spotted arm-in-arm at a Golden Globes after party ... and yesterday they looked pretty coupley strolling around Beverly Hills.

2nd time's the charm?

8:57 AM PST -- Sources connected to the couple tell us ... THEY'RE OFFICIALLY BACK TOGETHER!!!

Paula Abdul got the ax from "X Factor" ... TMZ has learned.

It's a stunning development, given that Simon Cowell personally recruited Paula after she was booted from "American Idol."

Sources also tell TMZ ... Paula got the news from a lawyer connected with the show, and has yet to hear from Simon.

Paula's pink slip now sits on top of those delivered to Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones.

Our sources say Simon has not found replacements for the cast members who got booted.

Paula just issued a statement, claiming she harbors no hard feelings toward Simon over the split -- "Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation."

Paula adds, "Simon is, and will remain, a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season."

While her ex-boyfriend Kasey Kahl deals with the aftermath of his drunk-and-disorderly arrest -- Vienna Girardi hung out in a bikini with her other ex-boyfriend Jake Pavelka Lee Smith in Miami on Tuesday.

In case you forgot -- Vienna stormed off "Relationship Rehab" last month, where she was hammering out issues with Kahl. Vienna was pissed because producers blindsided her with a surprise sit-down with Lee, an ex at the time.

But now, sources close to the couple tell us Vienna and Lee have since been talking and working on their relationship.

Fun fact: Lee was also the guy that allegedly sent Vienna flirty emails back when she was engaged to "Bachelor" Jake Pavelka.

Say what you want about Rihanna's new "THUG LIFE" tat -- because she's already getting props from "Machete" star and tattoo connoisseur, Danny Trejo ... who calls RiRi the "most beautiful thug in the world."

Danny was in the LA tattoo parlor last night when Rihanna came in to get her art -- and tells us she "didn't stop saying thug life the whole time she was getting it done."

Danny -- who was getting his own impressive back tat of his kids touched up -- says he has no problem with Rihanna's Tupac tribute because she is "one of the downest female thugs in the world." A sentiment he must have been feeling when he and Ri took this pic.

Danny says he just kept thinking, "If I was 40 years younger she would be in a lot of trouble."

Rapper Tyga was locked up in Las Vegas this weekend ... after cops discovered the 22-year-old had an active warrant out for his arrest ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Tyga -- real name Michael Stevenson -- was initially flagged on a routine traffic violation ... but during the stop, cops discovered the warrant stemming from 4 other traffic incidents.

According to KSNV in Nevada ... Tyga's prior issues include driving without a license, registration violations and unlawful acts of financial responsibility.

The "Rack City" and "Coconut Juice" rapper was hauled to the Clark County Detention Center where he was booked and tossed behind bars. He was released the next day on his own recognizance.

Story developing ...

Snoop Dogg isn't the only canine with a nose for weed ... TMZ has learned the rapper was ARRESTED in Texas this weekend after a drug-sniffing dog uncovered marijuana on his tour bus.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Snoop's tour bus was stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca -- a small town in West Texas where Willie Nelson was popped for weed back in 2010.

It's all pretty ironic -- considering Snoop RAILED against cops in 2010 for arresting the country singer, claiming, "They better leave Willie the f**k alone." (video below)

We're told the border patrol ran a standard inspection of the bus with the dog ... when the animal alerted the agents to a possible hit in a waste basket in the back of the vehicle.

The agents claim they found a red prescription bottle with several joints inside. We're told the bottle contained under a half-ounce of weed.

Cops say Snoop admitted the dope belonged to him. Snoop has a prescription for cannabis in California, but law enforcement tells us, there is a zero tolerance policy for weed in Texas ... regardless of his status in other states.

Snoop was issued a citation for misdemeanor drug possession and released.

Attempts to reach the rapper's rep were unsuccessful.

1:25PM PT: The Justice of the Peace in Hudspeth County, TX tells TMZ, Snoop can resolve the entire matter by paying a $537 fine ... unless he wants to challenge the citation, in which case he can make his case in court.

Kiptyn Locke -- a contestant on "The Bachelorette" who jumped to the show "Bachelor Pad" -- just underwent 4 1/2 hours of emergency surgery to repair severely ruptured discs in his neck ... that were perilously compressing against his spine.

Neck injuries are no joke ... but we're told Locke -- who is currently dating former "Bachelor" contestant Tenley Molzahn (left) -- is expected to make a full recovery. It's unclear how Kiptyn injured himself.

David O. Russell -- the Oscar-nominated director behind "The Fighter" -- is under investigation in Florida for copping a feel of his 19-year-old transgender niece ... but Russell told cops it was totally consensual.

The Broward County Sheriff's Dept. has confirmed ... Russell has been accused of inappropriately grabbing his niece's breasts during a workout session at a South Florida hotel gym on Dec. 30.

According to the police report taken 3 days after the incident, Russell's niece ... who was born a man and is currently in the preoperative phase of her transition ... told cops the two had been doing abdominal exercises when he asked questions about her transformation.

The niece -- who does NOT have a blood relation to Russell -- told cops they began to talk about her breasts ... and how certain hormones she's taking have made them larger.

According to the report, the niece claims Russell then "put his hands under [her] top and felt both breasts."

Cops say the woman said she felt "uncomfortable" ... but admitted she "did not ask him to stop at any time."

Investigators later contacted Russell ... and according to the report, the director confirmed he DID touch his niece's breasts ... but only after she gave him permission.

Cops say Russell explained that during the conversation about her chest, the niece informed him that one of her breasts was bigger than the other. The official report says ... Russell told cops his niece then "allowed [him] to feel both of [her] breasts."

According to the report, Russell told cops his niece asked him to "pinky swear" that he would never tell anyone about the incident.

In the report, cops say Russell insisted he repeatedly asked his niece if she was ever uncomfortable during the incident ... and claims she gave consent.

In the police report, one of the investigators notes, "Russell stated [his niece] is always causing drama since the transgender transformation and has become very provocative and seductive."

TMZ spoke to a source extremely close to the family who said the niece only filed the report because she felt "violated by someone who was very close to her" ... and she wants to make it clear that even powerful people should be "held accountable for their actions."

Cops tell TMZ ... the case is currently under investigation and authorities plan to re-interview both parties. The case will eventually be submitted to the Florida State's Attorney's Office, which will decide if criminal battery charges will be filed.