TMZ Live

RZA has broken his silence ... condemning Azealia Banks for the confrontation with Russell Crowe ... claiming Russell was simply trying to prevent her from intentionally cutting another guest with a glass.

RZA came on "TMZ Live" and told us ... Russell did indeed spit at Azealia like she claims, but he didn't choke her ... nor did he hurl the n-word. He also said she was out of control and violent ... and hinted she was wasted.

Racing legend Mario Andretti says he's still a full pedal to the metal Donald Trump supporter -- even though he had dinner with President Obama at the White House Tuesday night.

Andretti appeared on "TMZ Live" and spilled his guts about the State Dinner to honor Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi ... a dinner that included huge stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Chance the Rapper.

So, we had to ask if the Obama event swayed his vote one way or the other -- and he made it very clear he's Team Trump all the way.

He did appear on "Celebrity Apprentice" after all ...

R&B singer Michel'le and Lifetime refuse to change a frame of her upcoming TV movie ... despite Dr. Dre's threat to sue if it makes him look like a woman abuser.

"Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le" depicts the singer's past relationship with Dre -- they have a 25-year-old son together -- and includes her allegations of domestic violence. Michel'le came on "TMZ Live" Wednesday and basically told her ex to bring it on in court.

She insists Dre's cease and desist letter is an empty threat because she has the truth on her side.

Check out the clip, and in case you hadn't heard it before ... yes, that's her real speaking voice.

Karl Becker didn't have high hopes when he asked Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to say something nice about each other ... but it ended up being one of the debate's best moments.

Karl came on "TMZ Live" to discuss Sunday night's most popular question ... and he thinks it was a game changer. He told us it was something he needed to ask to help undecided voters make their choice ... but he was surprised by the outcome.

As for who won the debate -- he still seems a little unsure.

The army vet who got his arm broken in two by Larry the Cable Guy says it didn't hurt much ... which is remarkable/totally unbelievable.

John O'Connell came on "TMZ Live" Friday to display the bruises from his spiral fracture. Gnarly, for sure.

In case you didn't see ... here's the video.