Reality TV

Jamie Lynn Spears is being put to the test, on not just by her sister, Britney ... she's one of 16 celebrities tapped for a new reality show where contestants go through challenges straight out of special forces training.

The former 'Zoey 101' star is competing in a new show on FOX, "Special Forces: The Ultimate Test," in what figures to be quite the celebrity experiment.

Jamie Lynn and her 15 famous counterparts will try to survive demanding special forces training exercises out in the desert ... with ex-special forces operatives running the camp, where toilets are literally just holes in the ground and beds consist of only a sheet over a metal bar.

The reality show challenges will simulate the special forces selection process, and the only way for the celeb contestants to leave is by giving up, getting injured, or being kicked out by staff sergeants ... there are no votes and no eliminations, it's all about survival.

Britney Spears' little sister will be joined on the show by Mel B, Hannah Brown, Montell Jordan, Kenya Moore, Dr. Drew, Anthony Scaramucci, Tyler Florence, Beverley Mitchell and Kate Gosselin.

A bunch of former and current athletes are competing as well, including Danny Amendola, Dwight Howard, Gus Kenworthy, Carli Lloyd, Nastia Liukin and Mike Piazza.

Discovery+ is scrapping an image from their latest Armie Hammer documentary that allegedly showed a gnarly bite mark ... and they're doing away with it because viewers are convinced it looks all too similar to a tattoo found online.

"House of Hammer" dives deep into the actor's sexual abuse allegations ... and features interviews with some of his former partners, including Courtney Vucekovich, who claimed he was a really hard biter.

As she goes into details, a picture of the alleged bite mark is shown ... she claims Hammer took the picture himself, although people online were quick to call out the familiar photo.

Viewers believe the mark looks identical to a tattoo that's on Pinterest -- not only do people see matching teeth marks, but they also think the fading lines going away from the center are the same, too.

Diana Jenkins is contributing a boatload of cash to a good cause -- one that actually hits home for her costar, Erika Jayne.

The 'Real Housewives' star, who's on her first season of 'Beverly Hills,' announced Wednesday she'd donated $100,000 to immediate family members of those who perished on the 2018 Lion Air 610 flight that went down in the Java Sea ... killing all 189 people onboard.

DJ is doing this through her new charity, The Sunela Foundation, which is partnering with nonprofit GVNG.org to raise funds for those in need around the world.

As for why she's doing this good deed ... she says, "I was not aware of this tragedy until it became a topic of conversation on 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.'"

She adds, "I feel so much sympathy for the widows and orphans left behind. I know firsthand the pain and suffering that accompanies the loss of a family member, having lost my brother in the closing days of the Bosnian War. I want to do what I can to support those people who suffered so much."

Here's why this is a big deal -- Erika and her estranged husband, Tom Girardi, were sued last year by 4 of the victims' families, claiming they'd misappropriated funds from a settlement that Tom's law firm had scored for them. A judge reportedly entered a $2 million judgment against the defendants.

Since filing for divorce, Erika has repeatedly said she was ignorant of how Tom was handling his business/their wealth.

Sanjaya Malakar says he wants to be involved in the LGBTQ community in a big way after coming out as bisexual ... years after he was advised to hide his sexuality to not lose fans.

The former "American Idol" contestant -- who was a polarizing figure on season six -- tells TMZ ... he wants to help LGBTQ youth who are experiencing the same struggles he faced as a teen, with his main message being, "no one can navigate your sexuality but you."

Sanjaya, now 32, stepped out of the limelight years ago and now works as a pastry chef in Montana. He's ready to come back to Hollywood but is treading lightly, as he's not looking to become a punchline and only wants to focus on positive messages benefitting kids and teens.

He tells us some of the ways he envisions himself helping LGBTQ youth is by working with kids one-on-one, singing at fundraisers dedicated to helping the LGBTQ community and making TV show appearances where he can elaborate on how he navigated his sexuality during "American Idol."

Sanjaya says some of the most rewarding work he's done has been working with kids ... following 'AI', he volunteered at an after-school program helping kids with stage fright.

If you missed it, Sanjaya recently appeared on "The Adam Sank Show," where he explained during his time on 'AI' his publicists encouraged him to keep his sexuality secret, after fans speculated he was gay. Sanjaya says the experience was traumatizing ... but feels compelled to take control of his narrative now that he's comfortable with his sexuality.

Kelly Clarkson is fully back in the saddle of the show that made her famous ... after a long period where she wanted no association with the show.

Kelly posted an homage to "American Idol" Sunday ... marking a big anniversary ... "20 years ago today I won American Idol and it forever changed the course of my life. That moment was the door that opened up so much access and opportunity, and creative partnerships that I will be grateful for all of my days."

As you know Kelly won the competition in Season 1, helping launch the show into orbit and cementing her status as a star.

She went on ... "The family and friendships I have created over these 20 years in music and TV are priceless to me. We only get so many trips around the sun and while I am proud and feel abundantly blessed of the successes and failures that I have learned from, I am most proud and grateful for those friends that have become my family, and for their arms that have held me when I needed it and their hearts that listened to me when I felt lost. Without them I would not be where I am. I would probably not be here at all."

Austin Victoria from "Selling the OC" wasn’t always just a realtor slangin' homes ... he got a sweet gig with Hollister growing up, putting his face -- and abs -- in their stores.

We're told Austin got his big break in 2003 when he landed a poster boy spot for the company -- he was just a freshman at Glendora High when he picked up the job.

We're told he flew out to FL to do the shoot ... snappin' pics at the home of famed photographer Bruce Weber -- he's shot numerous campaigns for Abercrombie, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein.

Not only was the reality star featured in stores, but they printed him on shopping bags, too -- could be some sweet memorabilia now!!!

Fans of the "Selling Sunset" spin-off know Jason Oppenheim, owner of Oppenheim Group in WeHo, expanded their company ... opening up a 2nd office in Newport Beach, where Austin and 10 other realtors are gunning for real estate fame.

A couple of Stephanies from "90 Day Fiancé" don't seem like they're ready to settle down ... because their idea of a date night includes a strip club and a porn star!!!

Stephanie Matto and Stephanie Davison hit up Larry Flynt's Hustler Club Las Vegas for an intimate date, dining at a new rooftop restaurant and spending time in the VIP suite with XXX actress Alexis Monroe.

Matto is known for selling anything, from farts in jars to her boob sweat, so naturally, she found a way to make money at the strip club ... without getting onstage.

This time, Matto auctioned off the chance for someone to hang with her, SD and Alexis in the club's largest VIP suite ... and she says an NBA player dropped $100,000 for the honor.

Date auctions are becoming Matto's latest hustle ... remember, she auctioned off a virtual candlelight date earlier this summer, which Davison won with a $2,700 bid.

As you see, the Stephanies dressed to the nines ... wearing plunging satin dresses and high heels, and showing more skin than their porn star third wheel.

Caitlyn Jenner is getting put on BLAST by a transgender artist who's getting ready to step in the ring ... and she's calling Caitlyn out to be her next victim.

CJ was challenged by recording artist BraydBunch at a recent face-off event for the Fake Drake celebrity boxing match, which is set to go down in October.

As Brayd faced off against Mike Mazza, she says she hopes her courage will bring others like her into the boxing scene -- even saying she'd love to take Caitlyn down next.

The insults were FLYING -- calling her an oldie whose Olympic status won't mean squat once she's done with her ... she's craving the opportunity to "shut her up," and thinks she can get it done in the ring.

Caitlyn has some experience in the ring, but it might not have been as legit as it looked -- she fought and "beat" bodyguard Mark Behar back in '09 for a charity match ... Mike later claimed the fight was staged for their reality show.

FYI -- the Fake Drake boxing event was supposed to end the night with a big brawl between the imposter himself and Lamar Odom, but the basketball star recently backed out and was replaced by YouTuber M2thaK.

Dr. Will Kirby, known as the "Big Brother 2" champ, is a single man once again ... because his divorce from Erin Brodie has been officially finalized.

The judgment, obtained by TMZ, shows neither party will pay any spousal or child support -- he and Erin will share joint legal and physical custody of their 2 kids.

According to the docs, Will gets to keep his dermatology practice ... as well as his jewelry, artwork, and -- most importantly -- the dog, Wriggley. Erin walks away with all her personal items.

They'll continue to co-own their L.A.-area property ... and the docs indicate they plan to hold onto the spot until their young daughter graduates from high school, at which point they'll look to lease or sell the pad.

As we reported, the dermatologist filed for divorce last year after nearly 4 years of marriage.

"Naked and Afraid" contestant Melanie Rauscher accidentally died from sucking in a lethal amount of compressed air used in cleaning products, this according to her autopsy report.

35-year-old Melanie was found dead near cans of dust cleaner in Prescott, AZ, on July 17. The report, obtained from the Yavapai County Medical Examiner, says that Melanie inhaled the toxic propellant, leaving her unresponsive.

Her official cause of death was listed as difluoroethane toxicity, which is commonly known as "huffing" among young adults looking for a quick and cheap way to get high. The report noted that drugs and alcohol did not play a role in her death.

As we reported, Melanie was dog-sitting at a residence whose owners returned home from vacation to find her deceased on the bed in the guest room.

Bethenny Frankel says no one can keep up with the Kardashians when it comes to editing pics ... accusing the family of photoshopping so much, it's become a detriment to "regular" women.

We got the ex-'RHONY' star in NYC, and asked her to expand on her recent statements against photoshopped social media posts ... and she went nuclear on the Kardashians.

Bethenny says Kim, Khloe and Kylie are making American mothers feel terrible about their natural bodies by using their wealth to get cosmetic surgeries and hire professionals to edit their pictures in a way that makes people compare themselves to unattainable beauty.

For Bethenny, she says the Kardashians' social media pages are slowly tricking people into thinking what they post is an accurate representation of women's bodies ... she says the more folks see the edited photos, the more the lines are blurred.

Bethenny says the practice is hardly inspirational or aspirational to millions of mothers who she says are insecure about their bodies.

This isn't your typical anti-Kardashian rant -- she says this is a serious issue, and worries the edited photos might cause her 12-year-old daughter to develop an eating disorder or become depressed.

BF posted some photoshopped pics on her social media to shine a light on what's going on with celeb accounts ... telling us it took her an entire day to get the photo edited just right.

There's a war going on within the Zeus Network ... stemming from "Love & Hip Hop" star Masika Kalysha dragging Hazel-E to court over their televised fight.

TMZ broke the story, Masika wants $6 million for injuries sustained from the brawl, as well as sexual battery after claiming the security guard who broke them up touched her butt ... but their fellow "L&HH" alum Spice doesn't seem so convinced.

We caught the dancehall queen in NYC this week promoting her raunchy "Tape Measure" single ... and while Spice admits she hasn't seen this particular scuffle, Spice thinks punches and kicks sorta complement their particular brand of reality TV.

Spice says certain odds and ends are detailed in TV series contracts, although they might not read as explicitly as "user beware ... may get your ass beat!"

As far as the "touchy-feely" security guard, Spice says there's going to be inadvertent contact when it comes to breaking up a fight. Those hands have to land somewhere!!!

We're still waiting to hear back from Zeus ... but this case will probably be solved by the fine print in the contract!!!

The Aspen home Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke, Crystal Kung Minkoff and Sheree Zampino stayed in on 'RHOBH' is available for rent ... but it's gonna cost ya.

Our real estate sources say the villa featured in Wednesday's episode of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" goes for $12,500 per night ... and it's one of the most exclusive properties in all of Aspen.

The place is 6,750 square feet and it boasts 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and expansive views of Shadow Mountain, plus all the amenities one might expect ... including a hot tub, game room and home theater.

The 3-story villa also features a walk-out patio with a gas grill, plus several lounge areas with fireplaces ... and there's an elevator to get around.

Check out the gallery ... it's easy to see why Kyle Richards husband, Mauricio Umansky, said on the show it's one of his favorite homes in Aspen.

"Survivor" alum and "The Challenge: USA" contestant Tyson Apostol thinks he could wipe the floor with the OG's of the MTV program ... but series staple Johnny Bananas thinks he has no clue what he's talkin' about.

We got Johnny in New York Tuesday at RiseNY ... and he thinks Tyson's claims aren't holding up -- adding the reality star is a little too new to the series to be yappin' his mouth.

Simply put -- Johnny doesn't think TA's ready to run with the big boys.

In case you missed it, Tyson's been a standout contestant on the CBS spinoff, but last month he called out a majority of the cast on Twitter ... saying the face-off would be a cakewalk.

"The Challenge: USA" -- wrapping its first season -- takes recognizable faces from "Big Brother," "Survivor" and other CBS shows and pits them against each other, just like MTV's does.

Before this put-together teen turned into a prestigious businesswoman and a straight-up boss, she was just your average teenage girl ... dressing up, enjoying the '70s fashion and growing up in San Diego, CA.

This media personality-maven made a hard step into the entertainment industry when she began managing her then-husband, and that was just the start to racking in buttloads of cash. When she's not handling her business ventures and constantly putting out fires, you can enjoy her goofy personality on TV ... most likely with a dirty martini in hand!

Diana Jenkins has long been dogged by allegations she runs a prostitution ring, but she says it's BS and she's finally battening down by threatening legal action to clear her name.

We've learned the entrepreneur and philanthropist -- who was just added to the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast -- fired off 8 cease and desist letters to multiple parties she says continue to perpetuate this nasty lie about her.

TMZ has obtained those letters, drafted by her attorney, J. Erik Connolly, who makes her demands crystal clear ... stop the false statements, correct the record, and apologize.

We're told there are several bloggers and publications Diana is going after -- but 2 of the big fish she says bear most of the responsibility for ruining her rep are the magazine Jezebel, and a social media personality known as "Enty Lawyer."

Enty is an anonymous account run by someone purporting to be plugged into showbiz with inside knowledge. In Diana's scathing C&D, however, she says Enty Lawyer has anything but.

The attorneys write, "You have put yourself in a precarious and potentially ruinous position. Perhaps you believe that a 'get out of jail' card exists if you can persuade a court or jury that your statements about Ms. Jenkins and her companies are 'pure opinion.'"

They add, "That is not going to happen. You have held yourself out as someone that your audience can and should rely upon for uncovering facts. That is how you have built a following and a brand. That is why you have used the term 'lawyer' as part of your handle. You do not promote yourself as a purveyor of 'make believe.' You have branded yourself as something else for purposes of self-promotion and enrichment. Those facts foreclose the 'pure opinion' defense."

Enty has also suggested Diana has deep ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of sex trafficking by multiple women. Diana believes this all stems from something infamous she wrote in 2009 -- a coffee table book called "Room 23," featuring raunchy pics of models/celebs.

Since its publication -- not to mention a follow-up Jezebel article in '12 -- rumors had swirled about Diana's alleged involvement in Hollywood pimping at the highest levels ... and now that she's on 'RHOBH,' they have fired up anew.

We should note ... Diana has vehemently denied outright that she's ever been involved in anything like that whatsoever, and is once again reaffirming that in these letters.

Speaking of Jezebel, the C&D sent to them is quite forceful as well. Referencing 2012 and 2022 articles, Diana's team says ... "Beyond the obvious legal issues, what you have done to Ms. Jenkins is simply wrong. She is a mother, a philanthropist, and an entrepreneur. Her philanthropic endeavors are well known and have generated millions of dollars in assistance for victims of human rights violations, natural disasters, wars, and health epidemics. To characterize Ms. Jenkins as a prostitute, sex trafficker, and criminal is not just factually inaccurate, but sexist."

Diana hasn't actually filed any lawsuits just yet, but it sounds like she's strongly considering it if any of these entities don't change their tune and issue retractions.