T.J. & Amy ABC Tells Staffers About Exit ... 'A Distraction for So Many of Us'

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T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are officially out at ABC, as we first told you, and now, the network has filled in its entire staff on the decision to let them go.

In a company-wide email sent Friday and obtained by TMZ, ABC News President Kim Godwin told staffers, "I want to share with you that we've reached a decision about T.J. and Amy."

It then includes the statement the network sent wide minutes later, "After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News. We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions."

Godwin informs employees that a decision as to who will co-anchor "GMA3" and "20/20" will come at a later date.

She concludes by saying, "I know that this has been a distraction for so many of us, but let's not forget all the great work that continues to make ABC News the #1 news network in America, and that's because of you. I want to thank you again for your patience and professionalism during this time."

TMZ broke the story, T.J. and Amy came to an exit agreement after an "extremely contentious" mediation went through the night Thursday into Friday morning. Both were given compensation packages.

We're told ABC execs made it clear -- the couple did not handle their romance the right way -- waiting too long to disclose it to higher-ups and that their "behavior on set" was "uncomfortable" to some staffers.

ABC also accused Robach of having liquor in her dressing room -- bottles we're told were gifted by ABC honchos -- and being drunk after attending the National College Football Championship game.

One staffer tells us, "They got what they deserved. It didn’t help that they had few friends in the building to go to bat for either of them.”

T.J. Holmes & Amy Robach Out at ABC ... Officially Sign Exit Agreements

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UPDATE

2:55 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell us both T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach have officially signed their exit agreements -- which include compensation packages -- though we don't yet know the amount.

T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are both out at ABC ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the network tell us, after a marathon mediation session Thursday, ABC and the 2 'GMA3' anchors have severed ties, and both will receive payouts per their contracts.

We're told the mediation was "extremely contentious," with ABC reps accusing both Amy and T.J. of various forms of misconduct, which one source characterized as "a witch hunt."

We're told one of the accusations is that Amy had liquor in her dressing room, which the ABC folks said was a violation of policy. One source called the accusation "ridiculous," noting some of the bottles were sent from top ABC News execs. The source said those execs sent other on-air talent liquor as well, so this just looked like a way to justify getting rid of her.

We're told another accusation was that Amy went to the College Football National Championship game a year ago, and came to work the next day drunk. One source called that "insane," adding she was simply tired.

As for Amy and T.J., we're told it became clear in mediation they did not handle their romance appropriately ... waiting too long to disclose it to ABC execs. ABC also made it clear ... their "behavior on set" was "uncomfortable" for some ABC staff.

Our sources say the mediation will continue as both sides negotiate the fine points of Amy and T.J.'s exit.

It's a stunning change from what the network initially said when the relationship was made public -- stating the two had not broken any rules -- as they were essentially considered equals at the show in position.

It was December 2 when both T.J. and Amy were last together on "GMA3" desk. ABC honchos pulled them as they investigated whether the couple's relationship had violated company rules -- or if company resources had been used in keeping it a secret.

We don't yet know what the two will do career-wise moving forward ... but they certainly haven't slowed anything down in the relationship department, our sources say they've remained a united front throughout the entire ordeal.

Originally Published -- 8:05 AM PT

Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes Mediation with ABC Thursday ... Network Wants them Separated

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T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are at an impasse with ABC and they will go into what promises to be a contentious mediation session with ABC Thursday -- a session that will almost certainly involve race -- sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

Our sources say ABC has made it clear to reps for the anchors -- they do not want the 2 of them back together on the same set. We're told ABC has not played its hand on whether they want one or both of them gone entirely. Our sources say once the network made it clear it doesn't want Amy and T.J. working together, their lawyers called for a mediation, and ABC agreed.

Our sources further say Amy and T.J. are coming to the mediation as a united front. It appears ABC views T.J. as more problematic than Amy, but we're told she will not accept a harsher outcome for T.J. than her own. We're also told their lawyers, Andrew Brettler (who reps Amy) and Eric George (who reps T.J.) have been working closely together.

We're told race "will become an issue" if T.J. is disciplined or fired ... especially if the punishment has no precedent with similarly situated white employees.

We're told Amy and T.J., along with their lawyers, will appear on zoom during the mediation.

The mediators' recommendations will not be binding, but it could end with some sort of resolution or compromise.

Stay tuned.

ABC Not Looking for T.J. & Amy Replacements

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ABC does not yet have eyes on potential replacements for T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, despite speculation the 'GMA3' anchors are on the way out ... TMZ has learned.

Sources at the network tell us the main focus for honchos is still completing a full investigation into whether or not T.J. and Amy's relationship violated company protocols. They're also looking into additional reports of affairs Holmes might have had while employed at 'GMA' -- including one with an intern -- and any potential issues there.

While some reports have speculated DeMarco Morgan -- who has been at the 'GMA 3' desk during T.J. and Amy's leave -- has already been tapped to fill Holmes' spot permanently, our network sources say that just isn't the case, and he isn't currently being "tested" to take over the position.

The same is true for Rhiannon Ally, Gio Benitez and Stephanie Ramos -- who have all covered the show's anchor desk in Amy and T.J.'s absence.

We're told if and when ABC looks to fill spots, it'll be after the investigation has totally wrapped and Amy and T.J.'s fates are decided.

TMZ broke the story ... both T.J. and Amy have lawyered up in recent weeks -- Amy with Andrew Brettler and Holmes with Eric George -- to possibly take legal action against ABC.

We're told if the anchors are shown the door, their attorneys are ready to file suit, and raise the issue of race -- asking the network, "Has ABC ever used the morals or conduct clause to fire or discipline 2 consenting adults at equal levels when both were white?"

Of course, we've seen T.J. and Amy out and about living their lives as a couple since getting pulled off the air ... spending the holidays together and even hanging out the day before he filed to divorce his estranged wife.

Maya Moore WNBA Champ, UCONN Legend Retires ... Officially

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OFFICIALLY RETIRED

Maya Moore is hangin' up her jersey ... the 4-time WNBA champ and UConn legend announced Monday she's retiring from the game of basketball.

The former Minnesota Lynx guard broke the news on "Good Morning America," saying she's officially leaving basketball after a 7-year WNBA career.

"I think it is time to put a close on the pro basketball life,' the 33-year-old told 'GMA' host Robin Roberts.

"I walked away four seasons ago but I wanted to officially retire."

FYI, Maya last played in the WNBA in 2018.

Of course, Moore stepped away from basketball to focus on criminal injustice reform and Jonathan Irons ... who she helped free after he was wrongly convicted of burglary and assault in Missouri and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

The two got married shortly after his release in July 2020 and welcomed their first child in 2022.

In fact, Moore was on 'GMA' to promote her new book "Love & Justice" which is set to be released on Tuesday. It's about Maya and Jonathan's love story.

"This is such a sweet time for us and our family and the work that we've done -- I want to continue that in the next chapter," Moore said.

"I want to continue to be present at home, for my community, for my family, [for my] little baby, for Jonathan but also doing work with Win With Justice, our nonprofit, to continue to bring awareness about prosecutorial reform."

Before Moore's criminal justice advocacy, she was considered one of the best female basketball players to ever hit the court.

While playing under Geno Auriemma at UCONN from 2007 to 2011, the McDonald All-American won two NCAA championships, two Naismith College Player of the Year and broke several records including the most points (678) in a single season for the Huskies.

Moore was drafted as the overall #1 pick in 2011 and played for the Minnesota Lynx for seven seasons. She became a 6-time WNBA All-Star, a 4-time WNBA champ, WNBA Finals MVP, the WNBA's season MVP ... and the list goes on.

Maya also won two Olympic gold and FIBA gold medals ... making her one of only 11 women to win Olympic gold, an NCAA title, FIBA World cup gold, and a WNBA championship.

Congratulations and good luck!!

T.J. Holmes, Amy Robach Lawyer Up for Possible Lawsuit ... Race Could Be a Factor

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ABC could be staring down the barrel of a lawsuit if it fires or pushes T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach out of their anchor jobs ... because we're told the 2 have lawyered up big time and if it comes to litigation ... race might be an issue.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... ABC has not clued in T.J. or Amy as to why they were taken off the air a month ago ... after their romantic relationship surfaced. We're told they're confused and frustrated why the ABC News brass at first told people internally there would be no disciplinary action, and then the company did an about-face.

Our sources say Amy has hired Andrew Brettler, one of the best civil lawyers in Hollywood, and T.J. has lawyered up with Eric George, a legal force who has handled numerous celebrity cases.

We're told Brettler and George want answers, which they are not getting so far. Our sources say if ABC keeps T.J. and Amy off the air or fires them, the lawyers are ready to file suit, and one of the issues involves race.

We're told the lawyers will pose this question to ABC ... "Has ABC ever used the morals or conduct clause to fire or discipline 2 consenting adults at equal levels when both were white?" The sources go on to say it would be telling if this is the first time ABC invoked the morals clause under these circumstances ... with a Black and a White anchor.

The sources go on to say the damages could be enormous if their reputations and careers are ruined as a result of discipline by the network.

One source says the only thing T.J. and Amy can think of regarding what ABC thinks they did wrong was not informing them of the relationship in a timely fashion. To that, the sources say ... "Are you supposed to inform your boss when you catch feelings?"

We reached out to ABC ... so far, no word back.

Prince Harry My Brother William is My 'Archnemesis'

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11:35 AM PT -- Prince Harry and William's beef isn't about social justice or changing the monarchy, it's personal and it's commercial ... so says royal expert Shannon Felton Spence.

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UPDATE

Shannon joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday and broke down the fractured relationship between the royals ... and she says Harry purposefully saved some bombshell allegations about his brother for his book, and left it out of his recent Netflix special.

UPDATE

What's more, Shannon thinks Harry and Meghan Markle are wearing thin their goodwill with the public ... and she says his latest salvo at William makes Harry look like an "entitled brat."

Prince Harry says he has a true love-hate relationship with his royal brother, William, whom he calls his archnemesis.

In his much-anticipated memoir, "Spare," The Duke of Sussex refers to William as his "beloved brother and archnemesis" -- which is not so surprising given the bumpy road they've been on the last few years.

Harry sat down with 'GMA's Michael Strahan who asked, "What do you mean by this? Harry responded, "There is always been this competition between us. It really plays into, or is played by, the heir/spare.”

Harry insisted that only sharing "the truth" can repair the long fractured relationship between him and William.

"Ultimately, what this all comes down to is, I don't think that we can ever have peace with my family unless the truth is out there," Harry said. The full interview airs Monday on 'GMA,' coinciding with the release of Harry's book.

Harry is going in hard on his bro, accusing him of insulting Meghan Markle -- calling her "rude," "difficult" and "abrasive" -- and then grabbing him by the collar and knocking him to the ground.

He also shifts blame for wearing that Nazi uniform, saying William and Kate Middleton put him up to it.

Hard to imagine how this gets repaired ... given the Oprah interview, the Netflix documentary and now the book.

Originally Published -- 7:22 AM PT

T.J. Holmes Estranged Wife Breaks Silence ... Amy Relationship Lacks Discretion and Respect!!!

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T.J. Holmes's estranged wife, Marilee Fiebig, certainly isn't giving her estranged husband the stamp of approval on his relationship with Amy Robach ... instead skewering him for what she believes is disrespectful conduct.

Marilee's divorce attorney, Stephanie Lehman, spoke to us on her behalf, saying, "During the holiday season and in light of the challenging times, Marilee's sole focus has remained on the overall best interest of her 9-year-old daughter. To that end, T.J.'s lawyer and I have been working together to move their divorce forward privately, expeditiously and as amicably as possible."

Stephanie makes it clear, T.J. and Amy's relationship doesn't sit right with Marilee... considering all the PDA and trips around town.

She continues, "Notwithstanding, we continue to be disappointed by T.J.'s lack of discretion, respect and sensitivity toward Marilee and the party's daughter. Marilee has been touched by the outpouring of support and looks forward to a new beginning in this new year."

Lehman first gave the statement to Daily Mail.

As we reported, T.J. filed for divorce last week ... ending his 12-year marriage to Marilee. Amy is reportedly also in the process of divorcing her husband, actor Andrew Shue.

Amy and T.J. were spotted on a romantic getaway in Miami just a day before T.J. filed his divorce docs.

You'll recall, the cohosts' relationship leaked in late November while still married (though claiming to be split from their significant others) ... ABC eventually decided to take them off the air while honchos investigate whether or not they violated any company policy.

GMA3's T.J. HOLMES All Smiles With Amy Robach in Miami ... Right Before Divorce Filing

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T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach were 2 happy campers the day before he took the first legal step to end his marriage ... smiling and enjoying each other's company during their romantic escape to Miami.

Amy couldn't stop smirking while the lovebirds/'GMA3' anchors ran errands on a rainy Miami morning last Tuesday, and ya gotta imagine she knew T.J. was about to file his divorce petition.

As we reported ... T.J. filed divorce docs Wednesday after 12 years of marriage to his wife Marilee Fiebig. Meanwhile, Amy is said to be starting the process of divorcing her spouse, actor Andrew Shue.

The coworkers -- whose relationship leaked in late November while they were still married -- celebrated Christmas in Atlanta then went down to Miami to end the year with a bang ... metaphorically, we're sure.

T.J. and Amy are still off the air as ABC looks into their relationship and contracts to see if any policies were broken ... but they didn't look too stressed about it, making a grocery run before heading back to their rental pad.

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MIAMI MAKEOUT

And when the clouds lifted on Wednesday, T.J. and Amy were back to their PDA ways.

'GMA 3' T.J. Holmes Files For Divorce From Wife Marilee Fiebig Amid Amy Robach Romance

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T.J. Holmes is officially pulling the plug on his marriage ... filing for divorce from his estranged wife Marilee Fiebig, weeks after his relationship with his 'GMA3' cohost Amy Robach went public.

The "Good Morning America" anchor filed docs Wednesday in NYC after 12 years of marriage and about a month after folks found out about his relationship with colleague Amy Robach. Interestingly enough, he and Amy were spotted traveling together over the holidays.

Amy and T.J. made major headlines after Daily Mail published a set of flirty photos of the two spending time out in NYC. It was later confirmed they'd been in a serious relationship for several weeks, but sources said it started once both had already split from their spouses.

While at first ABC kept them both on air, they were taken off after two days. Sources at the network told us honchos and ABC's legal team are conducting a review of their contracts and relationship to see if any policies were broken.

Marilee and T.J. tied the knot in March of 2010, and they welcomed a baby girl to the family in 2013 ... but it's now very clear, he's working on a future with Amy.

'GMA3' ROBACH & HOLMES Won't Deck the ABC Halls ... Till After the New Year

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There's a snowball's chance in hell ABC has Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes anchoring 'GMA3' again before the New Year.

Network sources tell TMZ ... ABC's internal review of their romantic relationship, coupled with Amy and T.J.'s previously scheduled time off for the holidays make an on-air return in 2022 next to impossible.

As you know ... Amy and T.J. haven't been on camera since a Dec. 2 broadcast ... because the network yanked them off the air while investigating their romance.

TMZ broke the story ... Amy and T.J. will remain off the air pending ABC's internal review, which we're told is ongoing.

Our sources say Amy and T.J. are not having direct conversations with network brass about the review ... instead, we're told the anchors are having their legal teams handle any communication with ABC.

However, our sources say Amy and T.J. are willing to talk personally with network execs if called upon ... though, for now, they're sitting back and urging the network to conduct the review so everything is aboveboard.

Sounds like Amy and T.J. have plenty of time for a romantic holiday getaway ... if they so choose.

UVA's Mike Hollins Shooting Survivor Says Campus Gunman Was Silent ... Looked 'Normal' Earlier

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UVA running back Mike Hollins says he isn't sure why a gunman opened fire on him and three other football players last month ... explaining this week the shooter was silent during his killing spree -- and had looked "normal" earlier in the day.

Hollins sat down with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" ... and gave some insight into the shooter's mindset -- while walking the ex-NFL star through how he was able to survive the terrifying Nov. 13 tragedy.

Hollins said he initially heard the gunshots ring out on the bus as it made its return to UVA's campus following a class field trip ... and he got off in a hurry -- unharmed.

But, he told Strahan that when he realized others weren't following him, he ran back in ... and that's when he said he locked eyes with suspected shooter Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.

"It was just a cold look," Hollins said, adding that the man said "nothing at all" to him. "It was, I don't know, it was just like a numb look."

Hollins said he turned to run again, and was shot in the back.

The football player said he didn't know Jones Jr. -- a former walk-on on the UVA football team -- "at all" ... and added that the guy had given him no indication that was upset earlier in the day.

"I had saw him that morning before we got on the bus," Hollins said. "He was looking normal to me."

Hollins suffered serious injuries in the shooting -- and required multiple surgeries to fix the damage. He told Strahan it wasn't until he came out of his initial surgery two days after the incident that he learned of the deaths of his teammates, D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler.

"I've never cried like that before," he said.

Hollins is expected to make a full recovery.

Jones Jr., meanwhile, has since been hit with six criminal charges, including three counts of second-degree murder. He's due in court for another hearing in the case in March.

'GMA3' Robach & Holmes to Stay Off the Air Pending Internal Review

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Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes aren't going to show their faces on camera for the foreseeable future -- because ABC wants to make sure it's able to do a full review of their relationship before bringing 'em back ... TMZ has learned.

Kim Godwin, the president of ABC News, fired off an email to staffers updating everyone on the status of Amy and T.J.'s return to the anchor's desk.

The email, obtained by TMZ, reads, "I want to take a moment to address the on-going matter involving GMA3 anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach. I understand that the continuing coverage can be distracting from the incredibly important work our team does here at ABC News."

She adds, "Amy and T.J. will remain off-air pending the completion of an internal review, and there will be a rotation of anchors at GMA3 for the time being. It is my hope that we will continue to focus our energy on what we do best, and I want all of you to know how immensely proud I am of your hard work and professionalism."

We'd already broken a story about ABC's probe -- remember, we reported ABC brass wanted to get into the nitty-gritty to see if any company policies had been broken during their romance ... something that Godwin had gotten ahead of by saying this was all kosher.

While the conditions of the review might sound ominous from the outside looking in, we've been told by insiders that everyone at ABC, Amy and T.J. included, welcome this ... as they're confident a proper vetting will clear the couple's names and that they'll be back eventually.

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes We're Still Going Strong ... Just Not Out in Public

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There's growing suspicion T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are pumping the brakes on their relationship while ABC investigates their romance ... but we're told the couple's going full steam ahead.

The 'GMA3' anchors have not been spotted together publicly since one week ago today when they signed off for the weekend, causing some to believe they've split.

Sources connected to both Amy and T.J. tell us they're still "very much together," but have chosen to keep a low profile to not bring any more attention to the situation than what's already happened.

Obviously, photos of them as a couple would only generate more buzz and conversation about the relationship -- exactly what ABC execs said they didn't want -- so, for now, they're staying out of the public eye until things get sorted out with ABC.

Amy was out solo on Wednesday walking her dog ... and before that, she was seen shopping last weekend, at a T.J. Maxx, no less.

Meanwhile, T.J. Holmes has remained totally out of sight since getting benched from the 'GMA3' desk.

TMZ broke the story, ABC's human resources and legal departments are digging deeper into all aspects of the couple's relationship to ensure there were no violations of company policies or their individual contracts.

It's been a full week since they were last on air -- as we reported, ABC News' President Kim Godwin announced the decision on an editorial call Monday -- saying the relationship had become both an internal and external distraction.

Gayle King Amy, T.J. & 'GMA' All 'Very Sloppy' ... Concerned for Their Kids

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SLOPPY MORNING AMERICA

Gayle King is weighing in on the T.J. Holmes/Amy Robach drama, calling the whole situation a "sloppy mess" -- but insists she's not gloating about her morning TV competition's crisis.

The "CBS Mornings" cohost dropped her 2 cents Thursday night on 'Watch What Happens Live' ... after Andy Cohen teed it up by asking what she thinks about "all hell breaking loose" at 'GMA.'

Gayle said, "I look at the situation and I say it's very interesting what's happening over there. It's just gotten very messy and very sloppy."

She gave ABC and 'GMA' execs props for their initial stance of letting 2 consenting adults remain on the air, but then added ... "The more you read, it's just very messy."

Gayle stopped short of accusing Amy and T.J. of cheating on their spouses -- an allegation they've denied -- but she did say, "I think, to me, it's just a sad situation because you've got kids involved, you've got families involved, and I keep thinking about that."

TMZ broke the story ... T.J. and Amy are still a couple one week after getting benched ... as ABC takes a deep dive into their romance, and whether they violated company policies.

Interestingly, Gayle told Andy, "I was hoping you would not talk about this" -- but she sure had a lot to say!

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Romance Under Review!!! ABC Probing for Possible Policy Violations

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ABC is diving deeper into Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes' relationship to make sure the 'GMA3' co-anchors haven't violated any company policies during their whirlwind romance.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... ABC's human resources and legal departments are working together to look into all aspects of the high-profile co-workers hooking up. The goal is to determine if Amy and T.J. did anything to breach their contracts -- such as using company resources, like vehicles or drivers, to meet romantically ... or pressuring staffers to keep the relationship on the DL.

We're told some people at the network were upset about ABC News' President Kim Godwin's comments on Monday morning's editorial call -- when she said the couple did not violate company policies -- because the network hadn't yet taken a closer look.

Our sources say the review started to heat up internally last Friday when news broke of an alleged affair T.J. had with a former 'GMA' producer years ago.

We're told Godwin worked through the weekend with other executives before deciding to pull Amy and T.J. from the anchor's desk.

As we reported, Amy and T.J. were taken off the air Monday after Godwin called the situation an "internal and external distraction."

That part is clearly true, but again, other execs feel she went too far in telling the team there were no company policy violations -- we're told it was just too soon to know.

Our sources say everyone involved welcomes the review ... saying it's the best way to clear the anchors' names and confirm Godwin's original judgment.