'GMA' T.J. & Amy Our Lovin' Won't Slow Down ... Just 'Cuz Everyone Knows

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'GMA' hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach may have stunned the public and gained a whole lot of unwanted attention when their relationship was revealed to the masses ... but they've got no plans to slow down on their romance.

Sources close to the couple tell us ... while both T.J. and Amy, as well as their estranged spouses, are less than thrilled about the heightened scrutiny, they know it's only temporary. For that reason, we're told, T.J. and Amy remain committed to growing their relationship.

Our sources also say the pair's coworkers at 'GMA3' have remained unchanged in their day-to-day interactions with the anchors ... so there's not an issue there either.

Funny enough, Amy's parents are in NYC visiting this weekend -- a trip that was booked before the story of their relationship became public -- so we're told there's a good chance they'll hang with T.J.

Both Amy and T.J. have deleted their social media accounts, but our sources say it's not because they're ashamed of their relationship ... it's more to blunt the online harassment and nasty comments from trolls.

T.J. and Amy have, mostly, remained silent ... but T.J. joked Friday about wanting to extend the week, while Amy said he was speaking for himself ... sounds like she's more than ready for the weekend.

TMZ broke the story -- ABC does not plan on disciplining either anchor -- they're both adults in a consensual relationship with the same role at 'GMA3.'

'GMA's T.J. HOLMES Joke About Relationship on Air ... It's Been a 'Great Week!!!'

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'GMA3' host T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are apparently playing into their now-public relationship on air ... cracking a joke about the week during the broadcast.

T.J. made the comment during 'GMA3' Friday ... telling Amy he's hoping the week would just keep "going and going and going." Of course, the whole statement is dripping with sarcasm.

Amy, while smiling, then told T.J. he was speaking for himself ... so it's clear she needs a much-needed break this weekend from the attention.

As you know, T.J. and Amy's secret relationship was exposed this week after Daily Mail claimed the 2 married anchors have been romantically involved for months.

Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ Amy went to ABC execs several YEARS ago to dispel rumors she and T.J. were a thing. She knew the building was abuzz with talk they had hooked up, but Amy assured her bosses they were just friends -- though best friends.

We're told Amy and T.J. planned to make their relationship public in the next few weeks, because Amy's divorce from Andrew Shue is set to finalize in 2 weeks.

One thing's certain, though ... T.J. and Amy certainly aren't losing that on-screen chemistry.

Carnival Cruise Passenger Who Fell Off Ship Swam with Sharks ... How Many Drinks Before Falling into the Ocean?!?

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MAN OVERBOARD!!!

The man who fell off a Carnival ocean liner and treaded water for 20 hours before being rescued literally swam with sharks and miraculously survived, but there's one big mystery -- how many drinks did this dude consume before going overboard?!?

James Michael Grimes had an amazingly entertaining chitchat Friday on 'GMA,' where he described the harrowing experience last week in the Gulf of Mexico.

He concedes he had been drinking the day of the fall, although he can't remember how much he had. He remembers downing a few, and winning one in an air guitar contest.

The 28-year-old told a family member he was going to the bathroom, and that's the last anyone saw of him. He doesn't remember going to the bathroom, falling off the ship or hitting the water.

The first thing he recalls is that he was in the ocean with no boat in sight. He was actually passed out in the water after the fall. Unreal!

James was treading water in an area known as a feeding ground for sharks, and it appears he encountered at least one. You gotta watch the video and hear how he survived that.

Eventually, he saw a freighter and swam with the little energy had left ... heading toward the vessel. When a Coast Guard chopper lifted him out the water, the first thing he did was warn one of the military guys he was naked!

This guy wins most entertaining person of the year ... and most amazing survival story.

T.J. Holmes, Amy Robach Won't Face 'GMA' Discipline ... Say Relationship Started in August

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T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, coanchors of 'GMA3,' will not be disciplined over their romantic relationship ... TMZ has learned.

Network sources tell TMZ ... Amy and T.J. did nothing to warrant punishment. They are 2 consenting adults on equal levels in the company and have a right to date who they want. One network source adds ... the fact they were on the air Thursday -- the day after DailyMail broke the story -- should telegraph to everyone, neither will suffer any consequences.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Amy actually went to ABC execs several YEARS ago to dispel rumors she and T.J. were a thing. She knew the building was abuzz with talk they had hooked up, but Amy assured her bosses they were just friends -- though best friends.

As for the timeline, we're told both T.J. and Amy separated from their spouses in August, just weeks apart from each other, and "shortly thereafter" began a romantic relationship.

We're told Amy and T.J. planned to make their relationship public in several weeks, because Amy's divorce from Andrew Shue will become final in around 2 weeks. They were blindsided by the DailyMail photos that were published Wednesday.

Until the DailyMail story broke Wednesday, they had told no one about their relationship, including execs at ABC.

Our sources say both Amy and T.J. will be on the air Friday, but we're told there are no plans for them to talk about their relationship.

Both T.J. and Amy have deleted their social media accounts after rumors spread.

Ye I'm Sorry For the Stress, Kim ... Says Co-Parenting & Biz Struggles Similar

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Kanye West says he's fighting to be heard as a parent since splitting from Kim Kardashian ... but he's also apologizing for the headaches he's caused her up to this point.

The artist was candid about his co-parenting struggles when he told Linsey Davis on 'GMA' his ability to have a voice in the relationship with Kim -- once they divorced -- was something for which he fought.

He recalls his time butting heads with Kim about what kind of clothes their kids can wear -- even saying it feels similar to his recent battles with Gap and Adidas.

As you know, Kanye pulled the plug on his partnership with Gap last week, claiming the company double-crossed him with empty promises.

And, while he apologized directly to Kim, saying he's sorry for stressing out her and the family -- he also claimed he's being discriminated against ... in business and as a parent.

Ye's point is he's a co-creator -- of his products at Gap and Adidas, and also of his 4 children with Kim -- so, he deserves to be heard on all matters regarding them. Watch the clip ... there's one major outstanding issue with the children, at least for him.

Hayden Panettiere Secret Opioid & Alcohol Addiction 'Cycle of Self-Destruction'

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Hayden Panettiere is opening up for the first time about a secret addiction to opioids and alcohol ... saying it took a huge toll on her life and career.

The "Nashville" star, in an interview on "Good Morning America," says she struggled with substance abuse, as well as a battle with postpartum depression after having her 7-year-old daughter, Kaya, saying, "I was on top of the world and I ruined it."

Hayden says at one point, her addiction to alcohol got so bad that she was hospitalized, suffering from jaundice, and the docs warned her liver was going to give out. Now, she says, trauma therapy and inpatient treatment over the last year has brought her to a place of peace ... but it's taken a lot of work.

As a childhood star, she says someone on her team gave her "happy pills" before she appeared on red carpets, "They were to make me peppy during interviews. I had no idea that this was not an appropriate thing, or what door that would open for me when it came to my addiction."

She says as the addiction got worse, she did have one place of sobriety, "My saving grace is that I couldn't be messy while on set and working ... But, things kept getting out of control [off set]. And, as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn't live without."

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OUT OF CONTROL BRAWL

The last time we saw Hayden, she was in a massive brawl with her boyfriend Brian Hickerson, back in March. Now, she seems to be better than ever, happy to be getting a second chance.

Sam Asghari Being Married to Britney ... 'It's Just surreal'

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Sam Asghari says he's still getting used to the fact Britney Spears is his wife, and to wearing a wedding ring -- but he's also keenly aware marriage has its benefits when it comes to his career.

Sam opened up about tying the knot with the pop star, calling their wedding day everything they'd imagined. He told 'GMA' ... he and Britney wanted a fairytale and that's exactly what they got.

The couple got hitched earlier this month at their former Thousand Oaks, CA home, and Sam says the intimate guest list of about 50-70 people was perfect -- "We wanted to celebrate with, you know, our loved ones, our close people. We wanted to just celebrate, and that's what we did."

As for why SA was doing this 'GMA' interview ... well, call it one of the perks of marrying Britney Spears -- he was promoting his role in an action film, where he costars with Mel Gibson.

Sam says he's grateful for any opportunities he gets because of Brit, but clearly doesn't want anyone thinking he's just riding her coattails. As he says, "Let's not take away from the fact I've been working hard, and I was already acting."

One thing's for sure ... whether it's the new wife, new mansion, new movie roles or the combo of all of the above -- newlywed life agrees with Sam.

Juror in Depp/Heard Trial We Didn't Buy Her 'Crocodile Tears'

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A juror in the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial says they just didn't buy what he says were Amber's emotional swings, from "crying" to "ice cold."

The juror, who wanted to stay anonymous, spoke to 'GMA' Thursday, saying he took umbrage at Heard's post-verdict statement that the jury ruled the way it did because of Depp's star status.

The male juror seemed to be swayed in no small part by Amber's demeanor on the stand, saying jurors were "uncomfortable" by what he seemed to say were dramatic outbursts they just didn't buy, saying ... "The crying, the facial expressions, the staring at the jury, all of us were very uncomfortable." He says some of the jurors called her sobbing "crocodile tears."

He went on to say the jury felt Amber was more the aggressor than the victim ... "A lot of her story didn't add up. The majority of the jury felt that she was the aggressor. She would answer one question and she would be crying and two seconds later she would turn ice cold."

He went on to say the jury felt Amber and Johnny were mutually abusive, but "he just seemed a little more real in terms of how he was responding to questions. His emotional state was very stable throughout."

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AGGRESSIVELY SEARCHED

As for Heard's comments on "Today," that Johnny won because he was a bigger star and more likable -- the juror insists they reached their decision based on evidence ... full stop.

He also took issue with the claim social media guided the verdict, saying at least 3 of the 7 jurors didn't even use Facebook or Twitter.

Hailey Bieber Justin's Getting Better Every Day After Facial Paralysis

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Hailey Bieber says Justin is on the path to recovery from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and believes the support from fans has played a big role in him getting better.

Hailey updated JB's condition Wednesday on 'GMA' ... where she said her husband's looking to make a full recovery from the condition that paralyzed half of his face. She says he's feeling better with each passing day.

She also thanked fans for being so understanding throughout his ordeal -- Justin had to pause his world tour -- and Hailey added they've been getting lots of advice from people who've dealt with RHS before.

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HIDDEN CONDITION

As we reported, Justin revealed a virus in his ear left the right side of his face paralyzed ... he posted a video Friday showing the effects and telling fans the condition was the reason he'd postponed several shows.

JB's battle with RHS comes on the heels of Hailey's own medical scare back in March when she suffered a mini-stroke ... and needed a medical procedure to close a hole in her heart. She says she's been giving her body the time it needs to recover.

TMZ broke the story ... Hailey was rushed to the hospital after suffering stroke-like symptoms. Doctors found a small blood clot in her brain, and also diagnosed something called PFO, a small opening in the heart.

Been a rough medical year for the Biebers, but Hailey says she's finally starting to feel like herself again.

Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Trans Athletes Are 'Not A Threat' ... To Women's Sport

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Transgender NCAA swimming champion Lia Thomas is firing back at those claiming her dominance is unfair to biological women ... saying trans athletes will not destroy women's sports.

The University of Penn athlete broke her silence on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday ... saying she knew she'd face backlash once she started competing against women, but no amount of scrutiny would stop her.

"I was prepared for that, but I don't need anyone's permission to be myself and do the sport that I love," she said.

Many have denounced Thomas' participation in women's sports after she finished first in the women's 500-yard freestyle back in March ... with everyone from Caitlyn Jenner to Florida governor Ron DeSantis to Joe Rogan, who called it "an assault on women's sports."

But, Thomas argues that shouldn't be the case ... saying, "Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors into our decisions."

"Trans women are not a threat to women's sport."

Thomas added, "Trans people don't transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves."

Despite the outrage, Thomas -- who started hormone therapy in 2019 -- still plans to compete in the Olympics in the future.

"It's been a goal of mine to swim at Olympic trials for a very long time and I would love to see that through."

Kevin Spacey Prepared To Appear In U.K. Court ... Following Sexual Assault Charges

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Kevin Spacey is ready to face his new legal trouble overseas, and is convinced he can clear his name of all sexual assault charges.

Spacey released a statement to "Good Morning America" Tuesday, saying he's going to "voluntarily appear in the U.K. as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges."

He says he's confident he can prove he's innocent, While he admits he's disappointed the court moved forward with the charges, he thanks the Crown Prosecution Service for reminding the public he's allowed a fair trial.

As we reported, Spacey is facing 4 criminal charges for alleged incidents involving 3 different men between 2005 and 2013. On top of sexual assault, he's also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

All 4 charges have been authorized, and he can only be charged formally upon arrest in Wales or England.

Spacey was also sued in 2020 by "Star Trek: Discovery" actor Anthony Rapp, who claims he sexually assaulted him at the age of 14.

Spacey's been called out by over 20 accusers who made similar allegations, but he's never been tried on criminal charges.

Cherelle Griner Pleads With Joe Biden ... Help Bring Brittney Back From Russia

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Brittney Griner's wife is urging Joe Biden to get more involved in the WNBA star's case in Russia ... hoping that'll ultimately help bring home the love of her life.

Cherelle Griner made the plea to the President during a sitdown interview with Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America" this week ... explaining she believes Biden could be the key to getting Brittney back on U.S. soil.

"I just keep hearing that he has the power," Cherelle said of Biden. "She's a political pawn -- so, if they're holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it."

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DETAINED IN RUSSIA

Brittney has been detained in Russia since mid-February ... after authorities claimed they found hash oil in her luggage.

Cherelle told Roberts she initially found out about it all through a panicked, early-hours text message from Brittney.

"She started texting me around 2 AM that morning," Cherelle said. "'Babe! Babe! Babe! Wake up! They have me in this room, I don't know what's going on.'"

Cherelle said Brittney told her the authorities were taking her phone and not to text anymore -- and she said outside of written letters, she has not been able to speak to Brittney since.

Cherelle said she has been in contact with Secretary of State Antony Blinken about ways they can bring home Brittney ... but she clearly feels more can be done by the U.S. government.

"I was grateful for their call," she said of the talk with Blinken. "You say she's top priority, but I want to see it. And I feel like to see it, would be me seeing BG on US soil."

Cherelle added being without Brittney -- who's expected to remain in custody in Russia until at least her next court hearing in June -- has been difficult ... and she even broke down in tears during the interview with Roberts.

She did explain, however, that Brittney has told her to remain strong.

"I'm OK because you have to be," Cherelle said ... adding, "I won't go down until she's back."

Naomi Judd Daughter Discloses Suicide by Gunshot Mental Illness was 'Catastrophic'

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Naomi Judd committed suicide by firearm, and her daughter Ashley Judd explains the catastrophe of mental illness and how her mom couldn't process the love her friends, family and colleagues felt toward her.

Ashley spoke with Diane Sawyer on 'GMA' about Naomi's death, the day before she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

She explained ... "Her brain hurt, it physically hurt and I'm tasked with an exceedingly difficult task in disclosing the matter in the way my mother chose to continue to live … because we don’t want it to be part of the gossip economy I will share with you that she used a weapon mother used a firearm so that's the piece of information that we are very uncomfortable sharing but understand."

Ashley said she was the one who discovered Naomi's body ... "It was a mixed day. I visit with my mom and pop every day when I’m home in Tennessee, so I was at the house visiting as I am every day. Mom said to me, 'Will you stay with me?' and I said, 'Of course, I will.' … I went upstairs to let her know that her good friend was there and I discovered her. I have both grief and trauma from discovering her."

Ashley said there was a disconnect, or better put a wall, between the feelings the outside world had for Naomi and the way she felt about herself. The mental illness wouldn't allow Naomi to process the love and worth others showed toward her ... she only felt self-doubt.

As she put it, "Our mother couldn't hang on until she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by her peers. That was the level of catastrophe of what was going on inside her."

As you know, Ashley and her sister Wynonna were at the HOF ceremony and tearfully paid tribute to their mom.

On 'GMA' Ashley explained she wanted to put a spotlight on mental illness ... "My mother knew that she was seen and she was heard in her anguish, and she was walked home. When we're talking about mental illness, it's very important to be clear and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease. It's very real, and it lies, it's savage."

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Will Smith LAPD Was Ready to Arrest for Slap Show Producer Details Backstage Drama

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The LAPD was standing by and ready to arrest Will Smith for putting hands on Chris Rock at The Oscars -- but Chris waved them off, saying he was fine -- according to the show's producer.

In a preview clip for his interview with 'GMA,' Oscars' honcho Will Packer says LAPD officers were ready to arrest Will if Chris so wanted, detailing the conversation that happened backstage directly following the slap.

In the clip, Packer tells T.J. Holmes cops were prepared to go and get Will from the crowd and make an arrest for battery ... letting Chris know he could press criminal charges against Will.

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TAKIN' NO DISRESPECT

At one point, Packer claims Chris was being dismissive of what police were telling him ... and he says he told the comedian to let cops finish their spiel before making a decision.

In the end, Chris decided against pressing charges, and Will was allowed to remain front and center at The Oscars, where he won the award for best actor and gave a tearful speech.

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STILL PROCESSING IT ALL

Will's since apologized for the slap and foul language ... but at his show Wednesday night, Chris revealed he's still processing what went down and will talk about it later on his comedy tour.

Tune in tomorrow to "Good Morning America" for more of T.J. Holmes’ interview with Will Packer.

Michael Strahan Blasts Off into Space with Blue Origin

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WE HAVE LIFTOFF

Michael Strahan just went where no news anchor has gone ... to the edge of space!!!

It was a flawless flight after a short hold at 15 minutes. Blue Origin hurled into space with Strahan and 4 other astronauts on board, including Laura Shepard Churchley, the oldest daughter of America's first astronaut, Alan Shepard.

The capsule was atop the New Shepard rocket ... named, of course, after Alan.

When they experienced weightlessness, the astronauts were giddy with excitement ... you can hear the joy as they floated in space.

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FLOATING IN ZERO G

The New Shepard rocket was originally supposed to take off for the 10-minute flight on Thursday but Bezos gave it the yellow light, due to high wind.

This Blue Origin flight is the third launch with people on board. Astronaut Strahan and others had lots of training before they boarded. The TV host says he went to the Blue Origin facility for a week-and-a-half training prior to today's launch.

If taking a trip to space isn't already a good enough incentive, apparently all passengers get some sort of stipend... and Strahan says he is donating his to The Boys & Girls Club.

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SUCCESSFUL TOUCH DOWN

In October, William Shatner made headlines and history as the oldest person ever to go to space.

'Rust' Armorer Dad Defends Her Training Pushes Possibility of Sabotage

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Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the lead armorer on the set of "Rust" has one weapons specialist and Hollywood veteran on her side -- it's her dad, who is backing his daughter's training and claiming she was sabotaged.

Thell Reed, whose career in movies spans several decades says Hannah was raised around guns, and learned gun safety from an early age. Reed says his daughter complained she had to carry both armorer and prop duties on the movie, and it was because she was doing prop duties that she was unable to be inside the church set when Halyna Hutchins was killed.

Thell told "Good Morning America" Tuesday he believes if Hannah was inside the church during the fatal scene, she would've checked the gun's chamber one more time and discovered the live round, potentially saving Hutchins' life.

What's more, Thell echoes the same message Hannah's attorneys have previously claimed ... believing Hannah was somehow sabotaged on set with the live ammo. Though, he doesn't really get into how or why that might've happened.

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I AIMED AS DIRECTED

Of course, it was just last week when Alec Baldwin claimed he never pulled the trigger on the revolver that killed Hutchins. Alec claims he cocked the hammer back and when he released it, the gun went off.

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LEARNING ON THE JOB

"Rust" was only Hannah's second movie as lead armorer. TMZ discovered a podcast she was on just before taking the gig when she explained she almost didn't take her first job -- a Nic Cage movie -- because she was afraid she lacked experience.