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Alec Baldwin says he didn't pull the trigger on the gun that killed Halyna Hutchins, the first time we've heard him make the new claim, and leaving many more questions to be answered.

The actor is speaking out about the 'Rust' tragedy in his first sit-down interview, which will air Thursday on ABC. The network just released a teaser for what is to be discussed, and there's a lot to unpack -- including his claim that he didn't squeeze the trigger.

In a nearly 2 minute clip, you hear anchor George Stephanopoulos peppering Baldwin with questions -- and it sounds like he's asking everything that most everybody has wondered about this story ... and Alec seems to respond to much of it, oftentimes in emotional terms.

One question revolves around the alleged fact that Alec pulling the trigger during the rehearsal that day was not called for in the script ... at least according to people who've sued over this so far.

Immediately in response, Alec is heard saying ... "Well, the trigger wasn't pulled. I didn't pull the trigger." GS seems stunned, but AB insists he'd never point a gun at someone and fire. Of course, this would mean Baldwin is suggesting the gun misfired on its own.

There's not much clarity on what Alec means exactly -- but we suppose everyone will get the answer when this chat hits the airwaves tomorrow.

The NHL has suspended Los Angeles Kings winger Brendan Lemieux for 5 games ... after the league ruled he did, in fact, bite his opponent last weekend.

Lemieux was involved in a scrum with Senators star Brady Tkachuk last Saturday at Staples Center ... when, at one point, Tkhachuk accused the L.A. player of ripping into his hand with his teeth.

Video from the play shows Tkachuk was pissed over the incident -- showing his bloody hand to refs and screaming, "He f***ing bit me!"

After several days of investigating, the NHL announced Tuesday night Lemieux did take a chunk of skin out of Tkachuk -- and now, he'll have to pay for it.

The league revealed Lemieux will be forced to sit out 5 games, and he'll also have to cough up around $40k of his salary.

Lemieux -- the son of ex-NHLer Claude Lemieux -- had been having a solid season for the Kings, scoring 4 goals in 14 games.

Travis Scott offered to pay for burial costs for the deceased of Astroworld Fest -- but more families of those who died are giving him the cold shoulder ... turning down his cash.

TMZ has spoken to attorneys repping the families of 14-year-old John Hilgert and 27-year-old Danish Baig -- both of whom perished during the event. In each of their cases ... the families have opted to snub TS, with one family suggesting it's a slap in the face.

Attorney Michael Lyons -- who's representing Baig's family in a civil lawsuit against Travis and others -- tells us ... "We received a written offer from Travis Scott's attorney Dan Petrocelli indicating that he would pay $7,500 in funeral burial costs and my clients are rejecting that."

As for why ... Lyons says the Baig family wants Travis nowhere near their son's burial, adding ... "[Y]ou can infer that when a parent has to bury their child that they're not really interested in people who may have contributed to that being involved."

Ditto for the Mithoff law firm, which is representing Hilgert's family in a similar lawsuit against Travis -- although, they didn't explain why they're rejecting the offer -- only saying they turned it down. No word on whether it was also in the amount of $7,500.

Speaking of these lawsuits, we asked Lyons what he and the family hope to gain going forward (besides damages) -- and he tells us his clients are hopeful for legislative reform so that this can never happen again.

As we reported ... the family of 9-year-old Ezra Blount also rejected Travis' offer for burial costs. While it's unclear if any family has taken him up on the offer -- we wouldn't be surprised if all of them forgo his dough.

Tupac Shakur's right-hand man/bodyguard has a treasure trove of Pac-related gems that are seeing the light of day for the first time ... and are expected to fetch a pretty penny.

The late rapper's ex-bodyguard, Frank Alexander -- who has also since died -- once had a computer hard drive in his possession that's said to contain an unspoken amount of content covering all things Tupac ... including unseen photos, unheard music and legal docs giving new insight into his life.

The 83 GB drive -- which is being auctioned off by GottaHaveRockandRoll.com starting Wednesday -- will have an opening bid of $10,000 ... but we're told by people in the know that auction heads think someone will throw down way more for it -- about $600k or beyond.

Why's this thing so dang valuable, you may ask??? It's pretty simple actually ... especially when you get a gander at what's inside.

Among the digital files ... a sea of pics showing Pac and his pals behind the scenes, either hanging out and/or working on music and other projects.

Not just that, but we're told there's also a plethora of legal docs that pertained to Tupac that Frank owned ... such as depositions he gave, lawsuits he was named in, among other paperwork. Bottom line ... it's a very valuable collector's item for any hardcore fan.

China says Peng Shuai is okay, but the European Union ain't buying it -- with the organization demanding "verifiable proof" the tennis star is not in harm's way.

Peng disappeared earlier this month after accusing powerful Chinese politician Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault ... but popped back up recently during an interview with the International Olympic Committee and making an appearance at the Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger Finals.

There are still many questions surrounding Peng's well-being ... and on Tuesday, the EU made it clear it's not satisfied with the current "proof" that's been provided thus far.

"Her recent public reappearance does not ease concerns about her safety and freedom," an EU spokesperson said Tuesday, according to the AP.

"The EU joins growing international demands, including by sport professionals, for assurances that she is free and not under threat." the EU said.

"In this spirit, the EU requests the Chinese government to provide verifiable proof of Peng Shuai’s safety, well-being and whereabouts.

The EU also calls for a full and thorough investigation into Peng's claims against Zhang.

"The EU strongly opposes the use of the practice of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention...and calls upon China to comply with its human rights obligations under national and international law."

Travis Scott's seemingly genuine gesture of wanting to cover burial costs for those killed as a result of his Astroworld Festival has been turned down by the show's youngest victim.

The family of 9-year-old Ezra Blount -- who was allegedly trampled at the concert, and later died from his injuries -- is rejecting the rapper's offer to pay for the funeral ... this according to their attorney, Bob Hilliard, who just filed suit against Scott on behalf of the Blounts.

In a letter, obtained by Rolling Stone, Hilliard writes ... "Your client’s offer is declined. I have no doubt Mr. Scott feels remorse. His journey ahead will be painful. He must face and hopefully see that he bears some of the responsibility for this tragedy."

Blount was laid to rest in a private ceremony last week ... after he was taken off life support a few weeks following the tragedy in early November. Ezra became the 10th person in the death toll, with hundreds more injured.

This rejection came in response to an olive branch extended by Travis' attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, who sent the Blounts the funeral expense offer on behalf of his client, writing ... "Travis is committed to doing his part to help the families who have suffered and begin the long process of healing in the Houston community. Toward that end, Travis would like to pay for the funeral expenses for Mr. Blount’s son."

Imagine finding out you're getting broken up with from social media, getting confirmation of the split via text ... and then having to wake up at 7 AM to get officially dumped with in person.

That's pretty much how it reportedly went down for Notre Dame players Monday night ... when coach Brian Kelly sent a short text to his players saying he's taking the LSU gig.

Kelly is getting a MASSIVE 10-year, $95 million contract to coach in Baton Rouge ... a shocking move, considering the Irish are 11-1 this season.

To rub salt in the wound, Kelly didn't text his team until AFTER the news was out about his new job ... and then he asked them to meet with him at the crack of dawn.

"Men ... Let me first apologize for the late night text and, more importantly, for not being able to share the news with you in person that I will be leaving Notre Dame," Kelly told players, according to Matt Fortuna.

"I am flying back to South Bend tonight to be able to meet with you in the morning but the news broke late today and I am sorry you found out through social media or news reports."

He added ... "I will have more to share when we meet tomorrow at 7 AM but for now, just know that my love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished."

"Our program is elite because of your hard work and commitment and I know that will continue."

Kelly apologized again for not being the one to share the news of his departure first ... but man, at least the guy coulda let them sleep in a little bit, considering it reportedly lasted a whopping 11 minutes.

Kelly finishes his career at Notre Dame with a 113-40 record ... making the College Football Playoff twice and winning coach of the year numerous times.

An episode of "The Simpsons" that lasers in on oppression in China has mysteriously disappeared from Disney+ in Hong Kong ... but there are clues as to who caused it to be yanked.

The episode -- titled "Goo Goo Gai Pan" -- aired in 2005, chronicling the Simpsons' trip to China. One of the main plotlines .... Marge's sister, Selma, is there to adopt a baby, but the infant is yanked from her arms by a Chinese official.

In another scene, the fam visits Tiananmen Square ... the legendary scene of protest, violence and defiance. A sign in the Square reads, "On this site, in 1989, nothing happened."  It's a not-so-subtle dig at China trying to sanitize what actually went down.

Tibet is also part of the show -- where religious oppression reigned supreme at the hands of Beijing.

The recent string of mass shopliftings in retail, high-end and jewelry stores has corporations desperate for a way to stop thieves, and one new strategy seems to have done just that ... resulting in several arrests.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Lululemon Athletica has been putting tracking devices on store merchandise -- not necessarily to stop the theft from happening, but to recover lost goods after the crime takes place.

We're told as a result of the trackers, police were recently able to track down several women in a vehicle in Orange County, shortly after they'd hit a Lululemon store in Los Angeles.

Cops recovered around $15,000 worth of stolen Lulu gear when they pulled over the vehicle ... along with another $5,000 in goods stolen from other stores in the area.

As we've reported, it was just last week when a Louis Vuitton store was ransacked in a San Francisco smash-and-grab that looked like it was out of a movie ... with the alleged thieves scrambling to waiting vehicles.

Another flash-rob happened at an L.A. area LV store recently as well.

Count Affion Crockett among those who are big fans of Rihanna's trailblazing pajamas ... he says her new ass-out offerings are perfect for couples snuggling up in the cold.

We got the comedian at LAX and asked him about SavageXFenty's latest offering in loungewear -- the Tied Up Tartan Open-Back PJ Pant -- and its wide-open bottoms.

Affion says he's all for ladies showing more booty, and thinks the PJs are great for anyone cozying up by a fireplace on a chilly winter's night.

Naturally, some folks are wondering how people will utilize these unique PJs when going to the bathroom -- but Affion tells us it's not a good idea to cross streams between sexy time and toilet time.

We also asked him if men can pull off this look and he says, yes!!! Well, ONE guy could, anyway.

GWAR shows are known for being hardcore ... but things got so crazy for one fan, he found himself without his prosthetic leg and desperate for the performers to help him out.

The heavy metal band had a show in L.A. last week and everything came to a halt when a fan named Baron Vidar, who has a prosthetic leg, was apparently crowd-surfing and lost his limb. Vidar made it to the front of the stage, and somehow was able to get the attention of GWAR members to get his leg back.

The band's guitarist stopped the show, and announced to the crowd, "If anybody's got a fake leg out there, or got an extra fake leg, send it this way cuz this guy needs his f****** leg."

Then, almost instantly, the leg pops up in the hand of a member of the crowd about 50-feet back, and is passed back to Baron.

Baron was able to get his prosthetic fitted back on, and presumably enjoyed the rest of the show without incident.

Matthew McConaughey is finally speaking clearly about his intentions on Texas politics -- saying he won't be running for Governor after all ... despite him being a favorite to win.

The actor made the announcement Sunday with a video he posted to his social media, starting out by pointing out all the problems he sees with the modern-day political landscape ... and after some philosophizing on his ultimate purpose, he finally says it flat out.

MMC says of political leadership, "It's a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I am choosing not to take at this moment."

As for what he WILL do ... Matt says he'll keep supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, establishments and orgs he considers leaders and which can better propel people onto the road of righteousness (as he sees it) which starts with building trust among people.

It's pretty interesting ... his stance on things seems to come through loud and clear here, and it sounds like his vision for America (and Texas) is prosperity interlocked with service and community.

Even though McConaughey has led poll after poll when pitted against the incumbent, Greg Abbott, as well as Democrats who are for sure running, like Beto O'Rourke, it sounds like he finally went with what he alluded to in a rambling interview from a few months ago.

At the time, Matt said he was still "measuring" a run -- which really sounded like he wasn't going to run -- and now, it sounds like he's out of tape and came to a decision.

Rihanna is dishing out a new line of pajamas for the holidays -- with a pair of bottoms that show off, well, your bottom ... but it seems she's making a push for bigger girls to buy 'em.

The fashion and beauty mogul took to IG this weekend to plug SavageXFenty's latest offering in loungewear -- the Tied Up Tartan Open-Back PJ Pant, plus the accompanying bralette and sleep short ... which feature a checkered pattern and come in a couple color schemes.

Indeed ... she showed off her rockin' bod with the demonstration, including a sneak peak at her derriere, which is partially exposed with the open-back design. Quite the show!

Here's the interesting thing, though -- on Sunday, RiRi posted a link to her SxF site where folks could buy the clothes she just showed off ... but she selected a specific page that appears to highlight plus-size models, for L and XXL.

There are four models that appear in the promo shots, and sure enough ... they too got their asses out as they showcase Rihanna's PJ line. What you don't see (at least for this color option) are models for small sizes, like M, S and XS -- even though you can buy those sizes.

If you click on the lighter color option for the open-back pants ... you see models that appear to be more on small side of frames ... with XS and S demonstrated, but there's also a medium-size model and yet another 2X model.

For the darker shades of the pants, it looks like Ri and co. decided to prominently feature the bigger women, and even gave another plus-size model some shine in the light option. Just to keep track ... that's 5 larger models to 3 others whom some might consider a more traditional model-like figure -- at least for this pants sale, that is.

Bottom line ... you don't necessarily have to look exactly like Rihanna to look good in her clothes or lingerie, and she appears to be hitting that point home with this latest campaign.

A man hitched a ride on a plane to get out of his home country in hopes of landing stateside ... somehow surviving the mile-high journey in the underbelly of the aircraft.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody Saturday after Miami-Dade Airport crew members found this dude exhausted and sprawled out on the tarmac, near the tires of an American Airlines flight that had just touched down from Guatemala City ... about 3 hours away.

Apparently, the guy snuck his way into the landing compartment of the plane -- where the wheel tucks in, it seems -- and hung tight until it reached its final destination.

As you can see from video taken from folks on the ground, this man is out of it ... but many simply can't believe he was able to live through the ordeal, as the oxygen levels must've been damn near untenable, not to mention the sheer logistics of finding space in there.

Clearly, it's doable ... as there've been other notable stowaway stories like this -- although, most who take to the skies like this do end up losing their lives. Only a handful survive.

Naturally, the authorities swarmed the scene ... including first responders who checked on the guy. The feds also got involved, with Customs and Border Protection agents taking him into their care while they figure out his situation. They're investigating the case further.

If your short stack has been feeling a little dry lately due to a lack of (affordable) syrup -- that's all about to change ... because Canada is tapping its stockpile of sweet nectar.

Quebec Maple Syrup Producers -- a quasi-government-sanction agency accounting for over 70% of the world's maple syrup production -- just announced they're going to start draining upwards of 50 million pounds of syrup from barrels they have in their strategic reserve.

Yes, strategic reserve ... just like the ones we're about to tap to help lower gas prices here in the States. Apparently, Canada has a sea of this condiment at the ready for emergencies.

Welp, that emergency is here ... as the global economy deals with a supply crisis -- due, in part, to the pandemic among other factors -- QMSP says it's time to dip into what they have on hand to make sure countries around the world, especially its #1 customer in the U.S., can keep on drizzling their waffles and pancakes with ease and within reasonable price ranges.

Word is ... this harvest season made for a bad batch of syrup, meaning not nearly enough was produced due to a warmer/shorter spring season ... the ideal conditions for which are needed to see a solid yield. Add in the fact more people are cooking from home right now -- and you have a lopsided supply/demand equation ... hence them going to the reserves.

This will be the most syrup they've tapped since 2008. A rep for the org says, "The reserve is there to make sure that we are always able to sell and offer this product."

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson traveled to the Hills of Beverly Saturday, and ran into a Dutch journalist who dutifully snapped a photo!

It seems Pete's been living in the City of Angels lately ... this time K&P went for some breakfast chow at the Bev Hills Hotel.

As the newly-minted couple broke bread, a Dutch music journalist named Paul Barewijk eyed them. Paul, who lives in Amsterdam, was sipping tea as he spoke with his mom by phone, and maybe his mom told her son there was a vacay pic that everyone back home would surely admire.

Paul told PEOPLE, he took a couple of selfies with Kim in the background ... then sheepishly showed her the photo and said his encounter with them was sheer coincidence.

He says he then asked for a proper photo, and Kim obliged. Then he asked Pete for the same, and smartly flattered him by saying the Netherlands digs Pete on 'SNL.' That did the trick!

Pete and Kim have been inseparable, or at least so it seems. They hit up Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica last week, as Pete displayed a teen badge of honor -- a hickey.

Meanwhile, Kanye is pulling out all the stops -- even invoking God's name -- to win Kim back. He's posted old photos of them, as he told the world he's had failures as a husband.