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Ian Ziering's terrifying encounter with a bunch of biker brutes in Hollywood is now under police investigation ... and cops have some early leads.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there are surveillance cameras all up and down the section of Hollywood Blvd. where Ian got into it with the bikers, as well as cell phone footage of the incident, so investigators have a lot to work with here.

Our sources say this group of bikers bumped Ian's car and when he got out of the vehicle, things got heated and the attack ensued ... which backs up what Ian's claiming.

Cops tell us this is not an isolated incident and it's happened before with large groups of motorcyclists, and bicyclists too.

Police recommend anyone finding themselves in Ian's shoes should stay in their car, call 911 and remain calm ... because mob mentality can escalate very quickly in these situations.

The way cops see it ... it's better to let insurance handle things as long as it's just property damage and it's not worth getting into it with a large group of people.

One angle from the attack shows bikers using their helmets to beat the crap out of Ian's car ... damaging his windshield while his 10-year-old daughter was inside.

Our sources say the case will most likely be turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney because it's a case of felony vandalism with over $1,000 in damage.

As for the battery aspect of the case, we're told any criminal charges there would likely be misdemeanors, because there were no major injuries.

Our sources say LAPD is aware of an Instagram post one of the bikers allegedly published on social media ... and they're looking into it.

Jimmy Kimmel and Aaron Rodgers are beefing ... and it's all over Jeffrey Epstein's soon-to-be unmasked list of associates.

The late-night TV talk show host is now threatening the New York Jets quarterback with legal action after Aaron suggested on live TV, Jimmy might be one of Epstein's associates.

Jimmy just fired back on social media, ripping Aaron -- who he addresses with "Dear Aassh***e," saying the QB's "reckless words put my family in danger."

In case you missed it ... Aaron was doing his scheduled Tuesday hit on "The Pat McAfee Show" when he said he would be celebrating the release of Epstein's associates.

Aaron said ... "A lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, are really hoping that doesn't come out."

Jimmy's vehemently denying having anything to do with Epstein whatsoever ... and he's blasting Rodgers as a "soft-brained wacko" who "can't seem to distinguish from reality."

On the heels of Paula Abdul's lawsuit, veteran TV producer Nigel Lythgoe finds himself facing a second lawsuit, claiming he sexually assaulted and harassed 2 contestants 20 years ago on a reality competition show.

Both women were contestants on the show, "All American Girl" -- which aired for one season back in 2003 -- and Lythgoe was a producer on the program. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, the women allege he would repeatedly show up on the set, and in dressing rooms, when they were wearing dance costumes ... and "openly swatted and groped" their butts.

In the suit, which the plaintiffs are filing as Jane Does, they say production hosted a party to celebrate the end of filming ... but at the end of the party, they claim Lythgoe insisted one of the women ride with him back to the studio where everyone else on the cast was going.

The second plaintiff insisted on going with them to protect her fellow contestant -- but they allege Lythgoe drove them back to his home, where he made sexual advances on both of them. In the suit, they allege he lifted up the sweater she was wearing, and "engulfed" one of the women while trying to kiss her ... and she immediately rejected him.

The other plaintiff claims he got aggressive with her by pushing her against a grand piano and forcing his mouth and tongue on her ... all of which she protested.

The women are suing Lythgoe and an unnamed production company for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.

As we said, they've filed anonymously, and the suit only identifies the defendant as "John Roe N.L." and the show as "AAG" -- but TMZ has confirmed through sources with knowledge ... they're referring to Nigel Lythgoe and "All American Girl."

The plaintiffs cite California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act ... which they believe allows for the revival of their claims even though the statute of limitations would have otherwise run.

TMZ broke the story ... Paula Abdul also cited that Act when she sued Lythgoe last week for allegedly sexually assaulting her while they were working together on "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Lythgoe called Paula's lawsuit "wholly untrue" -- adding the allegations are "deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for."

New footage of Ian Ziering's battle with bikers on Hollywood Blvd shows the extensive damage to his car's windshield ... and new details from the scene make it all the more terrifying.

In new video obtained by TMZ, bikers violently kick and pound their helmets on Ian's car ... and we're told his 10-year-old daughter, Penna, was alone inside the vehicle at that very moment.

While bikers attacked the car with Penna inside, we're told Ian was on the other side of the street fighting off other bikers.

These new details validate just how terrified Penna must've been ... with a previous clip from the aftermath showing Ian consoling the weeping youngster after the bikers fled.

TMZ broke the story ... the frightening confrontation ignited when Ian's car was hit by bikers who were weaving in and out of traffic.

Other footage shows Ian exchanging punches with one of the bikers before getting jumped by others in the violent brawl.

Bachelor Nation's track record of successful couples continues to dwindle ... with 'Bachelorette' star Rachel Lindsay's husband Bryan Abasolo pulling the plug on their marriage.

Bryan beelined it to court Tuesday and filed for divorce after 4 years of marriage ... according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ.

In the docs, Bryan lists their date of separation as Dec. 31, 2023 ... and he's citing the boilerplate "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split.

Bryan, a chiropractor, is requesting spousal support. They did not have any children together.

Rachel's estranged husband also shared an official statement Tuesday ... saying "loving himself and his partner meant he had to let go and start anew."

The pair fell for each other on season 13 of "The Bachelorette" in 2017 ... when Rachel made history as the first Black person to lead an ABC reality dating show.

Rachel and Bryan got engaged during the finale ... then tied the knot in August 2019 during a ceremony in Mexico.

In terms of 'Bachelor' years, Rachel and Bryan made it last for a while ... though Rachel has previously mentioned their difficulties navigating their relationship in the public eye.

Rachel went on fellow "Bachelorette" Kaitlyn Bristowe's "Off the Vine" podcast last year, explaining they both felt constant pressure showing fans how they were both doing.

British police are moving into uncharted waters with a new investigation ... they're looking into an alleged gang rape in a virtual reality game.

The landmark investigation involves a group of avatars allegedly raping a young girl's avatar in the Metaverse ... in what is believed to be the first probe of its kind, according to the Daily Mail.

The alleged victim is said to be a girl under the age of 16 who was wearing a virtual reality headset while playing an immersive game using her avatar -- a digital character.

Cops in the United Kingdom told the outlet the alleged victim did not suffer any physical injuries but she may have suffered psychological and emotional trauma similar to rape victims.

There's a backlog of real-life rape cases in the UK and some folks across the pond are being critical of this virtual gang rape investigation ... viewing it as a waste of time and police resources.

Mama June scored a legal victory in her custody battle over Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's oldest daughter ... she's been awarded temporary custody of Kaitlyn.

The reality TV star is duking it out in court with Michael Cardwell for custody of 11-year-old Kaitlyn, and a judge just ruled she should be with her grandmother, at least until a future court hearing on the matter ... according to new legal docs.

Michael -- who did have a daughter, Kylee, with Anna -- is not Kaitlyn's biological father.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Mama June says Kaitlyn does not have a legal father, and her biological father is unknown.

Mama says she's been caring for Kaitlyn since Anna's death, and says Kaitlyn moved in with her a month before Anna died from cancer.

As we reported ... Michael filed legal docs last month seeking custody of Kaitlyn, claiming he's taken a parental role in her life over the years despite not being her biological dad.

While there's no battle over 8-year-old Kylee -- she's living with her father -- June's vowed to continue fighting Michael for custody of Kaitlyn ... and so far she's winning.

Abigail Ratchford had a terrifying situation unfold this weekend -- when cops say 3 goons broke into her freaking house ... this while she was still INSIDE!

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the longtime Instagram model -- who has over 9 million followers -- was hanging out at her L.A.-area property Saturday evening when her house alarm went off while she was in there.

We're told 3 men had attempted to burglarize her home ... smashing through a large window from her backyard and slinking on in -- but running away before having their way with the place. Our sources say it appears either the alarm or the sounds from inside scared them off.

Cops took a report and are now investigating. BTW, this was all caught on surveillance video taken from a camera Abigail set up on her patio ... and the footage, obtained by TMZ, is wild. You can see these dudes brazenly smash the glass, and all enter the premises.

Now, in terms of how AR herself experienced all this -- sources close to her tell us she's totally freaked out and for good reason ... as this could've gotten ugly fast.

We're told Abigail was upstairs at her house and watching a movie when the guys came crashing through her sliding glass door ... but she luckily never came face to face with them. Still, our sources say the idea of her coming downstairs for a drink that evening and running into the three men absolutely terrifies her.

Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean is starting fresh in the new year ... he says he's getting divorced after previously separating from his wife.

AJ and Rochelle DeAnna McLean just released a joint statement on social media, announcing their plans to divorce.

The estranged couple says ... "As you all know we have been separated for over a year now. While we have hoped for reconciliation we have decided to officially end our marriage."

AJ and Rochelle continue ... "It is with deep love and respect that we have made this decision. Our focus now is moving forward in the healthiest way possible with friendship and co-parenting our girls at the forefront of this next chapter."

TMZ broke the story ... AJ and Rochelle told us back in March 2023 they were "temporarily" separating to work on themselves and their marriage. At the time, they told us they were planning to come back together.

In the wake of the separation, AJ told us he was using the time apart to work on his own demons and become a better version of himself.

Sounds like there will be no reconciliation though ... and it will be interesting to see who files divorce docs first.

AJ and Rochelle got hitched back in 2011 after 6 years of dating ... with his Backstreet Boys crew attending their wedding at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

We've got a look at what's on the docket for Danny Masterson for at least his first 90 days in prison ... and it looks like the disgraced actor will be on a short leash.

According to the official procedures for the prison, Masterson has to go through a reception and classification process that started Wednesday when he entered North Kern State Prison in Delano, CA -- a process that could take up to 90 days.

TMZ has learned ... during this time, Masterson will be in what's called privilege group U, and there are strict restrictions ... including no family visits, limited entertainment access and no access to personal property.

According to the CA Department of Corrections, he also gets one phone call within the first week of entering the facility, and then for the remainder of his time in group U he only gets one call per month.

He still has access to things like the yard and recreation services, but he won't get his full prison privileges until the classification process has finished.

Sources close to the situation say Masterson demonstrated "exceptional strength of mind and spirit" during his time in the L.A. County jail ... prior to his transfer to North Kern, and he's feeling hopeful about his chances of winning his appeal.

James Bond has pissed off Uncle Sam in Big Sky Country -- allegedly trespassing into an area of Yellowstone National Park that was off-limits ... and the proof might be in this pic.

You might have heard about Pierce Brosnan getting dinged this past week with two federal citations accusing him of going off-trail near the Mammoth Hot Springs and venturing into a restricted thermal area ... all while violating closures, per court docs filed in Wyoming.

There wasn't much detail in the filings, other than to claim he waded a little too deep in the Mammoth Terraces by foot on Nov. 1. Now, he has to appear in court there by late Jan.

No word on how exactly the feds might know Pierce might've (allegedly) been at this specific location they're accusing him of being at -- but the clues might be on social media, including his own IG ... where he was documenting his Montana trip in early November.

There's also a photo that was posted to a popular aggregation page right around the same time that purportedly shows PB standing in the exact area park rangers say he was in. The IG page is called TouronsOfYellowstone (tourist/morons) and they highlight people screwing up while navigating the park. Here, you see a man standing near snow-covered springs.

Unclear where they snagged this pic -- but it sure looks like Bond based on what else he posted/was wearing that day. If it is in fact him, the evidence might be clear as day here.

Paula Abdul's claims of sexual assault against 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe are wholly untrue, and they'll be fought off vigorously in court ... so says the man himself.

Nigel tells TMZ ... "To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear -- and entirely platonic -- friends and colleagues."

He adds, "Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for."

NL finishes by saying ... "While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have."

Nigel doesn't elaborate on the "erratic behavior" he's referring to -- but it does seem to be a thinly-veiled jab at her alleged affair with ex-'Idol' contestant Corey Clark from way back in the mid-2000s ... which she's always maintained did not happen.

TMZ broke the story ... Paula filed her bombshell suit against Lythgoe Friday, alleging she'd been sexually assaulted by him on at least two occasions -- not to mention allegedly being harassed by him on others.

She claimed that in the early seasons of 'Idol,' Lythgoe grabbed her breasts and genitals in an elevator they were in while out on the road for regional auditions ... this while allegedly tying to kiss her. She also claims he forced himself onto her at some point during her judging stint on 'So You Think You Can Dance' after inviting her to his home to talk shop.

Welp, Nigel is denying all of it ... and says Paula's making the whole thing up. None of the other talent from either show has spoken up on this just publicly ... at least not yet anyway.

Paula Abdul claims one of the "American Idol" executive producers, Nigel Lythgoe, sexually assaulted her multiple times while she was judging 'Idol' and "So You Think You Can Dance" ... according to a new lawsuit she's filed.

Paula filed the lawsuit Friday in L.A. County ... and in the docs, obtained by TMZ, she alleges the first assault happened during "one of Idol's initial seasons" while they were on the road for regional auditions. Paula claims she and Lythgoe got into an elevator at their hotel, and once the doors closed he shoved her against the wall and grabbed her genitals and breasts ... and tried to tongue-kiss her.

In the suit, Paula says she tried to push him away, and then ran to her room once the elevator doors opened. Paula says she immediately called one of her reps to inform them about the alleged incident -- but fearing she'd be fired in retaliation, she decided to keep quiet.

She says the second alleged encounter happened after she signed a new contract in 2015 to be a judge on 'SYTYCD' -- which was also executive produced by Lythgoe. According to the docs, at some point during her 2 seasons on the show, Lythgoe invited Paula to his house to discuss work opportunities ... and she says she accepted because she thought it was a professional situation.

However, she claims the evening ended with Lythgoe forcing himself on top of her while she was on a couch ... and trying to kiss her. In the suit, she says he was telling her they would make an "excellent power couple." Paula says she pushed him off of her, said she was not interested and immediately left.

Paula alleges there was another instance during her 'SYTYCD' that happened in 2015 -- she claims she witnessed Lythgoe grope one of her assistants.

Aside from the disturbing allegations of assault, Paula also claims Lythgoe "taunted" her by calling her at some point to say they should celebrate because it had been "7 years and the statute of limitations had run."

More broadly, Paula alleges she was the victim of harassment and discrimination -- in terms of compensation -- during her time judging 'Idol.'

She is suing Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.

Paula says she's coming forward now due to California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act ... which gives plaintiffs a window to file claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.

The driver behind the wheel of the truck that fatally struck Dixie Chicks founding member Laura Lynch last week is being investigated for potential criminal charges.

Texas Department of Public Safety PIO Sgt. Eliot Torres tells TMZ that because a life was lost, they're working to determine whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.

They confirm the driver had their blood drawn at the hospital for drug and alcohol testing ... and the results will only be released by the hospital once a judge signs off on the subpoena drawn up by investigators.

If the results come back positive for drugs and/or alcohol, investigators will potentially seek charges against the other driver.

The driver could also be charged with other offenses like reckless driving or unsafe lane change after scene analysis and speaking to witnesses -- but it all depends on what the investigation yields.

As we've reported ... an eye witness has already spoken out ... detailing the moment the truck entered Laura's lane while trying to go around 2 other cars and struck her vehicle head-on on Highway 62 outside of El Paso.

10:07 AM PT -- Kathy didn't wait long to respond to the news breaking, writing on X, "Well...s***. This sucks."

Kathy Griffin doesn't seem too nostalgic about anniversaries ... because she's decided to end her marriage, just as she and Randy Bick would have celebrated their 4th.

Kathy filed divorce docs Thursday in L.A. County, citing irreconcilable differences. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, she and Randy have a prenup ... which she wants the court to enforce. Translation: no need for the judge to grant spousal support.

Randy, who's a marketing exec, and Kathy didn't have any kids together ... so, no issues with child support either.

Whatever went wrong, the breaking point was recent -- in the divorce petition, she lists Dec. 22 as their date of separation.

The soon-to-be exes tied the knot in a surprise wedding on New Year's Day 2020, and Lily Tomlin officiated the ceremony. Although they wed in the middle of lockdown, you can't really call it a pandemic marriage.

Kathy and Randy had been together for a long time before that -- they started dating in 2011, broke up in 2018 and then got back together the next year. This will be her second divorce.

Coincidentally, Kathy's going back on the road in 2024 ... her new standup show is called "My Life on the PTSD-List."

"General Hospital" star Steve Burton has finalized his divorce ... TMZ has learned.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge signed off the settlement reached by Steve and his now-ex-wife, Sheree Gustin, on Wednesday ... agreeing to joint legal and physical custody of their two minor children, Jack and Brooklyn.

Steve's paying Sheree $12,500 per month for child support ... $10,000 for 9-year-old Brooklyn and $2,500 for 17-year-old Jack.

When Jack turns 18 at the end of March, Steve's child support obligations to him will go away ... but he’ll continue to fork over the $10K for Brooklyn until she turns 18.

Steve and Sheree also agreed to waive any and all rights to spousal support ... but he's going to pay her $50,000 in $ 2,500-per-month installments.

TMZ broke the story ... Steve filed for divorce in July 2022 after 23 years of marriage, only two months after he claimed Sheree was having a baby and he wasn't the father.