Reality TV

Monday night's 'Bachelor' had all the usual stuff -- cocktail party, a group date, and a couple rose ceremonies -- but there was NO reference to the fact host Chris Harrison is stepping away.

'Bachelor' Matt James went about his reality dating show biz as usual, and there was no statement -- from producers, ABC or Harrison -- addressing Harrison's alleged excusing of historical racism.

As we've reported ... Harrison has stepped away from his 'Bachelor' duties amid the backlash he's received since his Extra interview last week with former 'Bachelorette' Rachel Lindsay, during which many people believe he downplayed current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's past. She was photographed at a southern plantation-themed party in 2018.

Now, most of Matt's season has already been filmed -- so Harrison's absence won't be felt on camera until the 'After the Final Rose' episode. Still, many fans expected a statement added either before or after last night's episode.

Many fans and even its current cast have vowed to not watch the rest of this season in solidarity with the perceived mistreatment of cast members of color. Then again, the presence of Kirkconnell -- who advanced to next week's hometown visits -- might attract more viewers.

Teresa Giudice and her boyfriend just took a big step in their business relationship ... they bought a home together ... so Joe who?

The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star and her BF, Luis Ruelas, are listed as the owners on the property record for a $3,350,000 for a pad in Montville, NJ.

A source close to Teresa tells us Luis invests in real estate, and the couple's latest venture is an extension of that. We're told Luis plunked down the cash for the home and Guidice will likely act as the property manager.

The home is 7,728 square feet with 7 bedrooms plus a library, theater, gym, 6-car garage and a pool decked out with waterfalls, a slide and a cabana.

Teresa didn't have to look far for the nearly 6-acre estate ... it's just 3 homes down from the property her brother, Joe, and sister-in-law Melissa recently sold.

Our sources tell us Teresa and Luis are NOT currently living in their new home, and it's unclear if they plan to move in at some point or try and flip it. Real estate's generally a solid investment.

Chris Harrison excusing historical racism has left former Black contestants from the franchise divided on how to proceed with the host's future -- some say he needs teaching, others want him gone for good.

We spoke to several Black 'Bachelor' and 'Bachelorette' alums from recent years, and the consensus is they're disappointed with the longtime host's downplaying of Rachael Kirkconnell's past ... which many have called straight up racist.

We're told Chris' apparent lack of interest in understanding why Rachael's prior actions were upsetting ... came off as him talking down to the Black community.

So, what does that mean for his future on the shows? Well, Marshana Ritchie ('Bachelor,' Season 12) and Leslie Hughes ('Bachelor,' Season 17) tell us Harrison needs a long break, and a lot education on Black history ... plus, sensitivity training before he returns.

Marquel Martin ('Bachelorette,' Season 10) and Robyn Jedkins ('Bachelor,' Season 17) both think Chris should be given a second chance -- and probably shouldn't be burned at the stake, but they add ... he needs to do better at understanding the Black perspective before speaking on these issues again.

Fan fave Mike Johnson ('Bachelorette,' Season 15) says he wants to see Chris do work in the African-American community before coming back, while genuinely attempting to connect to Black viewers ... who might see the show as skewed toward white audiences.

Now for some of the harsher takes, courtesy of DeMario Jackson ('Bachelorette,' Season 13) and Jubilee Sharpe ('Bachelor,' Season 20) ... they both want Chris gone permanently.

DeMario and Jubilee tell us they don't think Chris should be allowed to return as host, and that 'Bachelor' execs should turn the page entirely ... both in a new host, and a new environment within the franchise that's more inclusive of POC, from the top-down.

Jubilee says she sensed producers tended to focus more on the white, blue-eyed/blonde contestants more than anyone else. DeMario echoed that to us, and went on to say it was time 'Bachelor' producers truly cater to Black people if they really want to make them part of the fan base. Up to now, he feels it's been a lot of pandering.

Tammy Slaton, one of the stars of "1,000-lb. Sisters" has come out as pansexual.

Producers released a clip of an upcoming show, in which Tammy opens up to Jerry, her boyfriend of 2 years, saying, "It means love is love," adding, "I would date anybody, whether they're transgender, straight, gay."

Tammy's sister, Amy, and her husband, Michael, are seated at the restaurant along with Tammy and Jerry.

Tammy explained in another interview how she came to her realization ... "I always thought I was bisexual, and then I started talking to one of my friends and she told me she was pansexual, and I asked her kind of what it meant."

She goes on ... "It means you love everybody, not just the same sex. And I was like, 'Well, I guess I am too," because I wouldn't mind being with someone who's transgender, or whatever."

Chris Harrison is stepping away from 'Bachelor' duties -- including moderating the 'After the Final Rose' ceremony -- and is once again apologizing for defending a contestant's alleged racist past.

The longtime 'Bachelor' host issued a new, lengthier apology Saturday ... this after he posted a quick one on Instagram a couple days ago that many felt was not up to par in addressing his recent remarks. Some said he was dismissive and excusing of racist behavior alleged against Rachael Kirkconnell -- one of the final few women vying for Matt James' heart.

Chris' statement is much more heartfelt than perhaps his initial remarks. He says ... "I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues and strangers alike."

He goes on to say by excusing historical racism, he defended it ... and now realizes that was wrong, especially doing so in an interview with none other than Rachel Lindsay, the franchise's first Black 'Bachelorette.' He says he's been educated and open to being taught more about this topic, and promises to be more mindful about these issues in the future.

That said, Chris also broke some news about his time on camera ... saying, after consulting with ABC execs, he's decided it's best if he skips the 'After the Final Rose' ceremony, where the lead man/woman gets to reflect in front of a live studio audience.

It's unclear how long Chris plans to be absent from the series -- usually, 'The Bachelorette' starts taping immediately after 'The Bachelor' wraps. In any case, he's taking some time off.

Now, as for what the heck this is really all about ... Chris basically stepped up to defend Kirkconnell after old photos of her at a college antebellum party surfaced -- which many say celebrates the South's racist past, and is part of Confederate culture. It's a bad look.

There's also a TikTok video out there that chronicled Kirkconnell's social media history -- including stuff she'd posted and liked in recent years ... and there appears to be a lot of pro-Trump stuff, Confederate flag backdrops, MAGA shots and Blue Lives Matter posts.

She's also alleged to have made fun of white friends of hers in high school for dating Black guys -- but the evidence for that seems to be a little thin and less documented.

She'd been mostly silent over all the outrage that had been building, until Friday ... when she issued this statement and an apology -- copping to some of the social media activity, but not all of it.

Kirkconnell says a lot of the posts and behavior she engaged in occurred when she was young, and says she's a different person now ... realizing the hurt she inflicted. She notes her apology doesn't mean she's deserving of forgiveness, but she's asking for it anyway.

Bam Margera just went on a nearly 10-minute tirade -- about his own suicidal thoughts, and about being pissed he's been shut out of "Jackass 4."

Bam railed against the studio and producers behind the 'Jackass' franchise ... claiming they used his ideas for the new film, but didn't include him in it. He begged fans, "If anybody cares about me don't go see their movie" -- and asked for money to make a competing project.

As you can see in the series of videos Bam posted, which have since been deleted, things took a very serious turn when he talked about previously having suicidal thoughts. He said things got so bad ... his wife, Nikki Boyd, found him online searching how to tie a noose. At one point in one of the videos ... he appears to almost throw up.

Bam, who in the past has struggled with substance abuse, said 'Jackass' put him through hell for a year and a half ... and he claims he was forced to take anti-depressant pills while filming past projects. He says he found happiness again after moving to San Diego and getting off those meds.

Now, it's highly relevant that Bam admitted to chugging a glass of wine and 7 beers before posting these videos, he said he found it ironic he couldn't be in "Jackass" because he claims he was told he was being a jackass on TMZ. He also referred to himself as a villain.

Kim Kardashian sent a flowery token of appreciation to hospital staff who've been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year now.

Sources with knowledge tell TMZ ... Kim had a photoshoot earlier this week for an upcoming project, with an abundance of gorgeous flowers on a set designed by celeb florist Jeff Leatham.

Instead of just tossing the flowers out after the shoot was over, we're told they whipped up dozens of bouquets and delivered them to frontline workers at the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital ... along with a thank-you note.

Hospital CEO Keith Hobbs presented the early Valentine's Day gifts to his staff, including RN Catherine Pradt and several others.

The folks at "American Idol" know gold fell in their laps when Claudia Conway auditioned ... and they're, very wisely, milking it even before the season begins.

Kellyanne Conway's headline-grabbing teen got the front-and-center tease treatment Monday night in a new trailer for the upcoming 'AI' season on ABC ... and they didn't pussyfoot with the big name they had in their midst. Claudia's appearance was cut as its own TV spot.

You hear Ryan Seacrest talking about how she's a social media sensation, but perhaps more importantly ... she's the kid of 2 very famous political figures, which CC herself alludes to on camera.

We also get to see what the judges have to say about her, at least momentarily.

It's a great hook into the season, and folks online seemed genuinely shocked the gal was involved at all. Guess they weren't paying attention, because Claudia herself revealed she was trying out back in November 2020 -- she posted some behind-the-scenes footage.

We'd also spoken to Ryan himself about her audition, asking if she'd be getting through on talent or her name.

Ray J and Princess Love might have just needed a change of scenery ... they're working on reuniting as a couple down in Miami, where they're planting some island roots.

The 'Love & Hip Hop' star joined us on "TMZ Live" to talk about tonight's 'L&HH' reunion show, and he dropped a few bombshells about his tumultuous relationship.

Ray J says he and Princess are living together with their children despite being in the middle of a divorce ... and while he stops short of declaring they're back together, he makes it clear they're really close to it.

Lots of the family drama went down in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and it seems Ray's leaving their baggage back West -- because they're in Miami now and loving the vibe.

As for the 'L&HH' family reunion mini-series, premiering tonight on VH1, Ray says it's going to be like an atomic bomb with so many outspoken personalities from all the franchises under one roof.

The 'Real Housewives of New York' are set to resume production next week, but not everyone's happy. Our sources say some of the cast members are pissed at Ramona Singer over her reckless behavior, traveling maskless all over the world.

Production sources tell TMZ ... some cast members are livid after seeing Ramona hitting up St. Barts and parts of Florida while production was on hiatus. Making matters worse ... we're told the cast's fuming over the fact she threw caution to the wind and visited these places without practicing COVID guidelines ... like wearing a face mask.

Production has been shut down for nearly a month after a 'Housewife' and several crew members tested positive for COVID. We're told frustration mounted when Ramona was seen galavanting at tropical spots over the last few weeks ... even after the cast was specifically asked to stay in NY.

For what it's worth ... a source close to Ramona -- who in the past had been dragged over her quarantine behavior -- tells us the network was well aware she had been traveling. Our sources say Ramona will take a COVID test before she resumes filming.

And, speaking of filming ... we're told the cast will film in and around Manhattan early next week and in a couple of weeks head to Ramona's Southhampton, NY pad to film what was originally supposed to be a cast trip to upstate NY.

The security guard seen on video accosting 'Bachelorette' alum Michael Garofola last month is now facing 3 charges, including one for allegedly committing a hate crime.

TMZ's learned cops picked up the guard, a man named Ernest Anwuri, and he's been charged with felony battery, and felony vandalism for allegedly damaging Michael's cell phone during the altercation.

Beyond the physical action, Anwuri's words also got him in trouble. We've learned he's been hit with a misdemeanor hate crime charge. You’ll recall ... Garofola said Anwuri went on a rant about Jewish people during the incident. For what it's worth, Michael isn't Jewish.

Some of that is referenced in the video Michael was able to shoot.

We broke the story ... Garofola started recording when the guard allegedly flew into an anti-Semitic rage after Michael told him he should be wearing a mask. In the video, you see the guy charging toward Michael while spewing something about "the Jews."

Michael claims Anwuri then snatched his iPhone, threw it down and punched him in the head.

Michael's best known for finishing fifth on Desiree Hartsock's 'Bachelorette' season. He also appeared on "Bachelor in Paradise" and "The Bachelor Winter Games."

Michael tells us, "As a new resident of L.A., the last thing I expected was to be physically attacked in the parking garage of my own residential building ... While my injuries will eventually heal and my damaged property will eventually be replaced, I am just glad that a person who holds so much hatred in his heart for certain groups of people has been brought to justice and will no longer be a threat to anyone else he encounters.”

T.I. and Tiny's reality show is pressing pause as the couple faces allegations of sexual abuse, even though they've vehemently denied the claims.

Production on "T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle" came to a grinding halt Friday as MTV put things on ice. Network honchos said, "We are aware of the allegations, and while they are not connected to our show, we have reached out to T.I. and Tameka Harris, as well as local and state officials."

Last month several women posted allegations on social media -- claiming the couple had drugged or coerced them into having sexual encounters. As far as we know, none of the accusers have reported claims to law enforcement, or filed lawsuits.

Still, MTV says, "Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have decided to suspend production in order to gather more information."

T.I. has strongly denied the allegations, and threatened legal action against at least one accuser.

Gene Simmons has officially kissed his Hollywood Hills crib goodbye ... selling it for a cool $2 million.

The rock star sold his 3-story pad that sits in Laurel Canyon for just a tad under the $2.2 million asking price. The house, and its views, are a beaut ... with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and iconic 180-degree views of downtown L.A., the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Ocean.

As we reported ... the house offers a spacious deck and tons of living space ... with 2,345 square feet that's perfectly suited for any rock star.

As for his other crib ... the KISS singer and bassist's Beverly Hills estate remains on the market, but the price on that one is a tad higher ... at $22 million. That one's way more house!

Joe Giudice's about to have his mug back on TV ... the former reality dad is in talks for a new show ya might call, 'Real Single Guys of Italy.'

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Joe's currently in negotiations with a production company about creating the show, which we're told would focus on his new post-prison/post-divorce life in his homeland.

Nothing's been shot yet, and we're told neither Bravo nor his ex-wife, Teresa, are involved in the potential project. This is a Joe solo deal.

If Joe and the production co. can strike a deal, their next move would be shopping around the show to a network or streaming service to air it.

As you know, Joe was a central figure -- along with Teresa -- in "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."

He hasn't appeared on Bravo since October 2019, when he told Andy Cohen about his decision to opt-out of ICE detention and move to Italy.

Kelly Dodd's disdain for COVID-19 and the safety measures around it just cost her a job -- not her TV one ... but another that might've been just as important.

The 'Real Housewives' star was just dropped by a brand with whom she had an endorsement deal -- Positive Beverage, a natural energy and vitamins drink she'd been repping of lately. This isn't a coincidence -- PB canned her as a direct result of her behavior regarding 'rona.

They write, "Our core values of wellness, community, diversity and inclusion should be reflected by our brand and anyone associated with it," adding ... "it has become clear over the past few months that Kelly's controversial views and opinions have distracted from our primary objectives, so effective today, we are no longer affiliated with Kelly Dodd-Leventhal."

Positive Beverage goes on to say while it welcomes a mix of people with differing views on things, there's gotta be an underlying layer of respect ... and they feel Kelly's lost that, and thus -- she's lost them too. It's a big deal ... Kelly was a big deal for them, appearing in several sponsored posts.

We're sure she was collecting a nice check from them. You'd think she'd be pissed, but not so ... Kelly had a quick, snappy response to the news.

She writes, "I'm glad I could help put Positive Beverage on the map and wish them well. I’m also really excited about my next venture in the beauty industry, which is my real passion. Stay tuned!" Sounds like there's no love lost on her end either.

Of course, this comes directly on the heels of Kelly going out and recording herself dining with friends at an OC restaurant ... where a bunch of them jokingly called themselves "super spreaders" and mocked mask-wearing and the virus as well.

She's made other comments about the pandemic that were eyebrow-raising ... some for which she's apologized. KD kept at it though ... and this mighta been the last straw.