Exclusives

John Branca (above) and John McClain quietly cashed in the policy -- reports it was worth upwards of $20 million are simply not true. It was a $3 million payout. And here's why it was a swift move -- the coroner hasn't even released the autopsy report yet.

Some life insurance companies are hinky about paying out proceeds until the cause of death is known. Remember Heath Ledger's death, when the life insurance company wouldn't promptly fork over the $10 million because Heath allegedly lied about drug use on the application?

Fear not Aerosmith fans, the 'Demon of Screamin' is alive and kickin' -- at least according to Steven Tyler's daugher.

Tyler's daughter Mia just gave TMZ one of the greatest statements we've ever received from anyone -- describing Steven's condition after that nasty fall he took on stage the other night:

"THE DEMON OF SCREAMIN IS NOT DEAD.

Yes it's true my dad walked the wrong way and landed on his head. He broke his left shoulder and had to get a few stitches on his noggin.

He is now at home resting and will be back on his feet just as soon as he can to rock the world once more."

Multiple law enforcement sources tell us the toxicology report in the Michael Jackson case shows Jackson had a lethal amount of the anesthetic Propofol in his system -- but that wasn't the only drug.

We're told the toxicology findings show there was also alprazolam -- also known as Xanax -- in Jackson's system. Xanax is used to treat anxiety.

But our sources say Propofol was -- as one source put it -- "front and center in terms of why [Jackson] died."

A judge just gave the okay to the special administrators of Michael Jackson's estate to market M.J. all over the place -- the re-publication of "Moonwalk," the merchandising, and the release of Jermaine Jackson's rendition of "Smile" at Michael's memorial.

The administrators wanted to strike the deal quickly because of "a heightened demand for such products due to Jermaine Jackson's moving performance during the memorial service, which may diminish over time."

The deal also includes various memorabilia, such as a 2010 calendar, commemorative coins, school supplies, cardboard cutouts, posters and buttons.

Sources tell us Paula Abdul will make a deal with "American Idol" if the price is right -- and we're told that price is $10 million a year.

We've already reported well-connected "Idol" sources say they haven't closed the door on bringing Paula back for season 9. We're told they have not communicated with Abdul since she tweeted her goodbye, and auditions start Friday -- without Paula.

But here's the deal. Our sources say Paula was not happy with the "Idol" offer but willing to sign -- just days before her deal-breaking tweet. She had a sudden change of heart, largely because she felt "disrespected" by "Idol" execs who had offered Simon and Ryan a lot more than they offered her. We're told the show offered her around $4 million a year.

In the end, we're told the magic number is $10 mil. If "Idol" antes up, they can buy a loose cannon.

**Check out yesterday's TMZ Live -- when Harvey and Charles answered your questions about Paula's fate and Debbie Rowe showing up to Dr. Arnie Klein's office again.

Tyler injured his head, neck and shoulder from the spill -- and although he couldn't ruuuun away, ruuuun away from the pain ... he was able to make it to the hospital by helicopter.

UPDATE: Joe Perry's wife Twittered that Steven broke his shoulder and had to get stitches in his head and back.

According to the docs, filed by a member of her security team in Superior Court of Chatham County, GA, Mark McLeod "shall not harass, threaten, molest, contact or attempt to contact, or in any other manner interfere with Cyrus, any member of her family, her friends, and fellow employees."

During a brief court appearance yesterday, McLeod -- who told cops he was receiving "secret messages" from Miley through her TV show -- had his bond set at $50,000 and was served with the restraining order.

He was on the bubble for a while -- but now Wrigley is "formally terminating" their relationship with Chris Brown.

The chewing gum company had previously "suspended" their campaign with Brown in February after the incident with Rihanna, saying they "believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen."

But last month, Brown pled guilty to felony assault -- and now Wrigley has given him the permanent heave-ho ... which means you're more likely to hear that "Double Your Pleasure" song at a wedding than on TV.

61-year-old Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler tried to entertain crowds with a crazy, spinning chicken dance last night in South Dakota -- and ended up flying off the stage.

He was airlifted to a nearby hospital after the fall -- he suffered minor head, neck and shoulder injuries.

Klein's lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, told us last night outside Boa Steakhouse in West Hollywood he'll file legal papers on Klein's behalf sometime after the beginning of September.

Last Monday, Kaplan went before the judge and expressed Klein's concerns over parenting issues involving Jackson's three kids. There are reports Dr. Klein could be the biological father, but he's never acknowledged it. The judge checkmated Kaplan, noting that Klein had no legal standing to lodge objections to the custody settlement between Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe.

But clearly Kaplan has something up his sleeve ...

The DEA claims Michael Douglas' son Cameron is a big time crystal meth dealer -- one who moved "pounds" of the drug since 2006.

According to his federal complaint filed in New York, DEA agents claim they ran a 3-year investigation, proving the 30-year-old actor sold "multiple pounds" of crystal meth to several people -- many of whom are now cooperating in the prosecution of Douglas.

All three witnesses mentioned in the document have pled guilty to narcotics violations. They are cooperating in the hopes of receiving a reduced sentence.

Douglas has been charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of crystal meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of "Ice" -- which is the purest form of meth.

The DEA further alleges that Cameron deposited and withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in cash from the drug deals.

According to the indictment, Douglas was set up in New York after agents ran a sting operation-- in which they caught Douglas accepting $15,000 in cash in exchange for a promise to deliver a half pound of crystal meth.

Douglas later followed up with the drug buyer and had the following conversation, using drug code:

Buyer: "The bath salts are fabulous! Thank you so much."
Douglas: "Yeah, I thought you would like them my friend ... I was so excited for you to take a bath and see for yourself."

The docs say the sting hauled in somewhere around 215.2 grams of "ice."

If convicted on all counts, Douglas faces 10 years to life in prison.

The door isn't completely slammed on Paula Abdul ...

Multiple "American Idol" insiders are telling TMZ there is a chance Paula will come back to the show. Reality -- better than a good chance.

We're told the conflict is ultimately all about money ... and buzz leading up to season 9.

But for now, "A.I." is full speed ahead -- auditions for the show are set for tomorrow ... without Abdul.

The ex-judge was at JFK yesterday, where she called the situation "overwhelming" -- but insisted the drama wouldn't change her relationship with her former desk-mate.

Abdul also said she hadn't heard about producer Nigel Lythgoe's offer to be on "So You Think You Can Dance" -- but she might have another backup gig lined up anyway: Babysitting ... for Barack Obama's kids!

For the record -- we know Nigel offered Paula an opportunity to become a "guest judge" -- but nothing permanent ... at least not yet.

It's been 70 days since his last arrest -- and actor Tom Sizemore is already back behind bars!

TMZ has learned the former "Black Hawk Down" star was arrested in L.A. late last night after an argument with a woman allegedly became physical.

Sizemore was taken into custody and booked for misdemeanor domestic violence. His bail was set at $20,000.

As of now, he's still in custody.

Tom is no stranger to domestic violence -- back in 2003 he was convicted of hitting then-girlfriend Heidi Fleiss.

You -- wish you could take home a Hooters girl.
Jude Law -- did take home a Hooters girl!

Just last year, before the whole "carrying the child of a world-wide superstar" thing, a pre-Law Samantha Burke was slangin' chicken bones at a Pensacola Beach, Florida Hooters.

Hooters -- the official launching pad to your 15-minutes of fame.

It'll be hard to find anyone to fill that blue shirt quite like Billy Mays -- but the marketing company behind Mighty Brand products is prepping a nationwide search for a new pitchman to take his place.

Media Enterprises tells us the hunt will begin August 19 with auditions in Tampa, FL -- and will continue throughout the country. We're told Mays' image will remain on the Mighty products, but the company is looking for someone with as much enthusiasm as Billy to sell it.

The first product the new person would be pitching is the Mighty Sponge -- a sponge so strong it can allegedly absorb 2 liters of Coke.

The gig could end up being pretty lucrative for whoever nails it -- for one of his last commercials, Mays was paid seven figures for one day's work.

Talk about an easy sell.