TMZ Live

"Buffy the Vampire" star Nicholas Brendon blames his recent string of arrests on a deep depression ... brought on by memories of being sexually abused as a child.

Brendon came on TMZ Live on Monday to explain why he was arrested Friday night in Tallahassee after trashing a hotel room in a drunken rage -- and revealed he's been dealing with his depression by drinking in excess and taking prescription meds.

He admits it's time for a better approach -- and says opening up about being a victim of sexual abuse ... is a start.

Brendon was arrested last February for a similar drunken incident, and in October for allegedly assaulting guests at an Idaho hotel.

Mo'Nique just did something remarkable ... fearlessly speaking out about her feud with Lee Daniels -- one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood -- for claiming she's been blackballed.

The 2010 Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress came on TMZ Live to reveal what went down when her "Precious" director Daniels -- who's also co-creator of "Empire" -- called her to say Hollywood execs think she's "difficult" ... and don't want to work with her.

Actors almost never take on a director in public, but this interview is different -- Mo'Nique did not back down to Daniels. As for what started the beef -- Mo'Nique thinks it's all because she didn't name drop someone during her Oscar speech. Check out the clip.

Dr. Robert Rey didn't just punch the guy who grabbed his balls -- he unleashed the full fury of his 2nd degree black belt ... and says he has no regrets about it.

The former "Dr. 90210" star came on TMZ Live ... and said this wasn't the first time he's been attacked this way -- in fact, he says men in Brazil frequently call him gay and grab his junk, or kiss, or blow in his ear. He says this weekend's incident was just the final straw.

Watch the video ... Dr. Rey breaks down the moves he used to subdue nut-grabber.