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The season finale of "Vanderpump Rules" delivered the long-awaited showdown between Tom Sandoval and his ex Ariana Madix over Tom's affair with Raquel Leviss ... and the scene was every bit as dramatic as everyone predicted -- and then some!!!

Wednesday's epic show was actually filmed back in March after news broke in the press about Tom and Raquel's romance, blowing up Tom's 9-year relationship with Ariana.

Ariana confronted Tom about the media reports and the two got into a tense -- and at times nasty -- back and forth while sitting across from one another in their L.A. apartment.

Gazing at Tom, Ariana remarked, "Still haven't said sorry for what you actually did." Tom responded, "Every time I tried to apologize to you, it just makes you more angry."

Ariana snapped, "Good! Let me be angry. You should still f***ing apologize."

At that moment, Tom apologized, saying he didn't mean to hurt Ariana. But, Ariana wasn't buying it, pointing out that Tom continued to sleep with Raquel over and over again.

Not true, says Tom, insisting that he hadn't been cheating with Raquel "for a while."

Of course, Ariana didn't believe Tom and blamed Raquel for becoming enamored with him. She then accused Raquel of looking to "f*** one of her best friend's life partners," i.e. Tom.

Tom explained that he and Raquel became "really good friends" before admitting that he was "seeking something that I wasn't getting here." He added, "And that's selfish. That's really selfish."

Suddenly, Ariana hit the roof, screaming, "I don't give a f*** about f***ing Raquel! Your friendship is f***ing bulls***!"

The conversation only got worse as Tom and Ariana drilled down on their deteriorating relationship before the affair. Tom admitted, "We had no sex life. I lost all my mojo."

Ariana mocked Tom, saying, "So f*** my friend then, get your mojo back." Tom answered, "Once I turned 40, I was like, 'This can't be the rest of my life.'"

More angry words were exchanged between the two before the discussion came to a close with all their emotions pouring out.

Ariana said, "I regret every moment that I stood up for you, defended you, supported you. You're worth nothing. And I want you to feel that deep in your soul."

She continued, "I want you to hear those words coming from the mouth of the woman that f***ing stood by you and loved you and was ready to build the rest of my life around you. Hear my words and know that that's how I feel about you. I regret ever loving you."

Defeated, with tears in his eyes, Tom could barely bring himself to say, "I never thought this would happen. I thought we'd be together forever."

Ariana, also crying, ended with this..."I would have followed you anywhere. I would have changed any part of whatever you weren't happy with. I was 100% committed to you as of literally two days ago."

All that was just the opening for the show. The rest of the episode dealt with the fallout from Tom and Ariana's break up with the other cast members getting involved and gossiping about it.

But, you'll have to sit down and watch it for yourself. Bring the popcorn.

A clip of Jerry Springer has gone viral on Twitter, showing him reading a last will and testament with a bunch of juicy details ... and some fans think it's the real deal, but it turns out to be more fiction than fact.

The vid shows Jerry in a Zoom call, divvying up his assets to his children ... more specifically, leaving a good portion to 2 Black kids he had out of wedlock -- of course, this is in no way rooted in reality.

It's actually a pandemic-era virtual play called, "Blood Money." Jerry made a cameo in the production, which was featured in "REFRAMED 2020: A Festival of New Plays on Social Justice," presented by Tulane University ... the school where he once was a student.

It's a pretty interesting piece, but gullible folks online took it and ran ... with one saying, "Only Jerry Springer could go out like this."

Another person said Jerry "wrote" the best episode of his drama-filled reality show yet.

As if the evidence against this being legit wasn't enough, a source connected to Jerry tells us this obviously isn't real, adding he only had one daughter throughout his life.

You'll recall, Jerry was laid to rest earlier this month in a Chicago suburb ... after dying from pancreatic cancer.

Hollywood writers striking for fair pay and protections against artificial intelligence are getting some air support ... in the form of a funny banner flying over the major studios.

The banner reads ... "Pay the writers, you AI-Holes" ... and on Monday, a small plane towed it above Amazon, CBS, FOX, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros.

On the ground, writers continue to pack the picket lines as the strike enters its third week ... with neither side showing signs of ending the stalemate.

The strike is definitely getting ugly ... in addition to the airplane banner, a massive, inflatable rat popped up outside Amazon Studios ... the huge rodent is holding bags of money, wearing a tuxedo and smoking a cigar. The messaging here is anything but subtle.

As for who is funding the plane and the banner ... we're told the money is coming from donations from various unions supporting the striking writers.

Artificial intelligence is a hot-button issue in Hollywood, with writers seeking guardrails so their jobs and livelihoods aren't negatively impacted by the recent AI innovations.

Netflix is lookin' to cash in on its hit dating show, "Love Is Blind" by making a move to lock up rights to sell new products branded with a clever twist.

According to docs obtained by TMZ, Netflix is requesting the rights to sell items using the words "Love Is Wine." Cheeky and we can totally see future 'LIB' watch parties buying into it.

The streaming company's trademark application says it wants to slap the phrase on things like cake molds, glassware, napkin holders, plates, tea infusers, flasks, and several types of drinking glasses.

It's also looking to use it on things like wines and spirits, cocktail mixes, and even prepared cocktails. Given the fun name, this stuff could sell like hotcakes.

Netflix appears to be going all in on the 'LIB' craze ... also looking to secure the rights to brand bakery goods, snacks, frozen treats, pizza kits, chips, and salads. There's even mention of salt -- yes, just simple salt.

Of course, there's no doubt as to why it's full steam ahead on an idea like this -- the record-breaking series recently wrapped its fourth season and has even produced versions of the show in places like Japan and Brazil, with a handful of other locations in the works.

As we reported, millions of fans were waiting to tune into the live reunion special last month, but it never happened. Everyone ended up having to stream a prerecorded version the next day after technical glitches left fans looking at error codes on their TVs.

Britney Spears makes a lot of news for her mental health struggles ... but, as Dr. Drew says, behind it all is a caring woman and brilliant performer who is struggling to restart her life.

Dr. Drew, Dr. Charles Sophy and others appear in Monday night's documentary, which explores Britney's life in the year and a half since the conservatorship ended.

Dr. Drew makes it clear ... it's typical for people like Britney to minimize the need for help, and it's also typical and OK for people to stumble as they try and find their way.

Dr. Sophy echoes the sentiment, saying Britney feels helpless and that when she acts out, she is screaming for help.

Kim Kardashian's ready for her close-up, and is one step closer to getting on camera in one of the biggest and most popular shows on TV ... 'cause she's got her lines at the ready.

Check out these photos that were taken Friday, which show KK heading into a meeting in Beverly Hills ... with something of note in her arm. That would be the script for the new 'American Horror Story' season, in which Kim has been cast as a major character.

BTW, it doesn't just look like a generic script or outline ... this appears to be the script for a specific episode in the upcoming 12th entry of the series, which has been dubbed 'Delicate.'

On a zoomed-in shot, you can see it's been watermarked as Kim's copy -- and you can even make out a bit of the title of this episode. To us, it seems to read ... "When the Bough Breaks," and it has the lead writer's name featured (Halley Feiffer), as well as the director.

As we reported ... Kim was announced as being attached to 'AHS' last month, and she'll be acting opposite Emma Roberts ... among other cast members. Her exact role hasn't been declared just yet -- but there's a hint based on the source material, a forthcoming novel.

The book that this season is said to be based on is called "Delicate Condition," by Danielle Valentine. It's described as a story about an expecting mother who becomes convinced evil forces are trying to torpedo her pregnancy ... almost in the vein of "Rosemary's Baby."

Some have speculated Kim might be playing the pregnant mom, and that Emma could perhaps play another villain-adjacent character. Cara Delevingne was also recently cast.

BTW, if you're wondering how 'AHS' is moving forward amid the writers' strike ... it would appear Ryan Murphy and co. might already have some scripts in the can. When Kim was first tied to the new season, the word at the time was production was scheduled to begin shortly thereafter ... and that a summer premiere was likely, with an exact date upcoming.

Nothing about Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin screams nearly divorced less than a year ago -- instead, the couple is loving and playful with as they celebrate their new reality show. What a difference 8 months make!!!

Jennifer and Sly posed for photos with their daughters Sistine, Sophia and Scarlet at the NYC premiere of their Paramount+ series, "The Family Stallone."

At one point during the photo op, Jennifer playfully wrapped her hands around Sly's neck as if to choke him -- perhaps flashing back to that tattoo disaster.

It was a cute but poignant moment given that she filed for divorce in August after 25 years of marriage. But cooler heads prevailed, Jennifer decided not to go through with it ... and they look tighter than ever now.

After the event, the Stallones moseyed inside Torrisi Bar & Restaurant in Manhattan to keep the party going.

We got some video of the whole fam working the room with their guests.

Of course, Sly was the center of attention, with people coming up to the movie legend to chat and snap selfies with him -- but even he'd say his daughters are about to become big stars in their own right.

Will Forte says Hollywood writers might be on the picket line longer than anticipated if they can't get the kind of money they used to ... which has changed a lot due to technology.

The 'SNL' alum was showing support Wednesday with protesters outside of Sony's HQ in Culver City -- and he chopped it up with us about one of the key sticking points in the WGA's negotiations with studio execs ... namely, a sharp decrease in residuals earned in TV.

As Will explains, writers used to get extra cash every time their work aired -- that's on top of their going rate to do the job. However, in the era of streaming-first programming, those residuals have mostly gone down the drain.

Not just that, but Will says there are fewer episodes per season being made these days. Whereas a regular season on cable or a network back in the day used to run 20+ episodes -- streaming shows now are much shorter, clocking in at about 10 episodes a season or less.

Bottom line ... writers have gotten screwed on getting paid on multiple fronts -- which is one of the big reasons why this strike is happening ... among other factors, like AI, staffing, etc.

Considering the media landscape has changed drastically in the past 10-15 years ... Will predicts this impasse will last for a little while. There are some major corrections writers are demanding in any new agreement -- and the studios are gonna need to meet them halfway.

The question ... how long will this go on? Content is getting cranked out at a way faster pace than the last strike, so studios presumably have stuff in the vault and can hold a while.

The "Jeopardy! Masters" tournament has host Ken Jennings' arch nemesis back in the game, but don't expect Ken to give in to the trash talk being thrown his way -- he tells us he's hung up his buzzer for good.

Ken joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to respond to James Holzhauer, who's playing again in the 'Masters' tourney ... and who called out Ken during Monday night's episode. 'Jeopardy!' fans know Ken and James were long considered #1 and #2 in the all-time rankings -- they went head-to-head in 2020's 'G.O.A.T.' (Greatest of All Time) tournament, and Ken came out on top.

Last night, James playfully demanded Ken give him a rematch -- but KJ tells us it ain't gonna happen. He says he's happy just to have defeated James once ... plus he's digging being the host now, instead of playing.

For now, Holzhauer will have to settle for taking on 5 other champs for a $500K prize and a Trebek Trophy.

Ken says he's thrilled to be watching the action from his hosting podium, adding ... the competition is already really fierce.

"Deadliest Catch" is back with more wild twists and turns ... and we've got an exclusive look at the moment a deckhand blesses the fishing gear with her urine!!!

In a new episode of the crab fishermen series, Captains Wild Bill Wichrowski and Linda Greenlaw are met with an interesting request from deckhand Maria Dosal ... after repeatedly pulling in empty crab pots at sea.

Ya gotta see the clip! Maria tells the captains about her native culture's custom of throwing pee all over the fishing gear for good luck and prosperity. And, that's precisely what she wants to do.

Linda looks a bit startled ... but lo and behold Maria gets the green light and it all goes down on the boat!

It might sound pretty insane to folks on dry land, but they make it clear there's a ton of superstition and tradition at sea.

Jerry Springer's gravesite can now be seen for the first time ... and right off the bat, you might notice an adjacent plot for his wife -- although she's still very much alive.

TMZ has obtained photos of the late talk show host's final resting place -- which marks where he was buried a little over a week ago in a Chicago suburb. As you see, it's a relatively modest scene, with a large headstone and bench with his surname, "SPRINGER."

There's a separate slab with his first and middle name inscribed -- Gerald Norman. Right next to that is another space with a different headstone designated for Margaret 'Micki' Velton ... his wife of nearly 50 years.

We're calling Micki his wife because -- as sources with direct knowledge have explained to us -- all the reports of them having divorced in the '90s are complete BS. We're told they were never apart, and there weren't any marital issues as had been widely speculated.

As for why Micki's been labeled his ex-wife all these years without any correction from Jerry -- our sources say he was a very private person and didn't feel the need to address it publicly. In other words, they've been together as man and wife this whole time.

Now that that's cleared up ... let us clear up another thing in light of Micki's own headstone already being in the ground next to Jerry's -- there's nothing looming ... she's fine.

There's a larger 'SPRINGER' headstone that covers both plots -- the whole space is marked for Jerry and Micki. So, in other words ... he's just waiting for her.

As we reported, there are plans in place for a much larger public service/celebration of life on June 9 at a Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati. We're told organizers are anticipating a big turnout ... and they're planning to let around 500 people inside the venue.

Jerry died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, which he kept under wraps.

Jeremy Piven says Mark Wahlberg is the key to "Entourage" making a comeback.

We got the OG star of the hit HBO series Monday at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker and asked him what Mark could do for a potential reboot.

Mark recently went on the record in support of an "Entourage" comeback, but he hasn't committed to starring in a potential series ... and Jeremy tells us Mark is the key to getting the idea off the ground.

The way Jeremy sees it ... all Mark needs to do for "Entourage" to return is to carve out time from his notoriously busy schedule and get on the phone with HBO.

Mark was a co-executive producer on the OG show and Jeremy says it's just a matter of Mark stepping up to the plate and giving fans what they're clamoring for.

While Jeremy doesn't know if Mark will ever sign on to get in front of the camera for a recurring role on "Entourage" ... he tells us what he thinks might bring Mark into the fold this time around.

Francia Raisa says she's been on the receiving end of some serious bullying since speaking out on her broken relationship with Selena Gomez after donating her kidney to the singer.

We got the "How I Met Your Father" star out in Studio City Saturday who shared some of the vile comments she's gotten in the wake of her interview where she dodged questions about Selena ... yet sort of threw shade at the same time.

Francia says things have gotten so bad, she's now suffering mentally. She tells us one of the most hurtful comments she's gotten was, "I hope someone goes up your p***y and rips out your other kidney you f***ing whore." So yeah, things have gotten pretty intense.

The two former childhood actors go way back, getting super close through the years ... Francia donated her kidney to Selena in 2017 after hers failed due to her battle with lupus.

Things went south when SG later told an interviewer the only person she was close to in Hollywood was Taylor Swift. Of course, this didn't sit right with FR who unfollowed Selena and the two haven't gotten on the same page since.

Francia says getting bullied by Selena's fan base doesn't make any sense ... especially since Selena's been a huge advocate against this kind of behavior.

Jerry Springer's sudden and surprising death resulted in a renewed interest in his iconic daytime talk show ... and a tribute marathon did huge numbers.

Honchos at Pluto TV tell TMZ ... Nosey, a Pluto TV channel where folks can watch Jerry's show, ran a bunch of episodes after his death and there was so much interest, viewership across the streaming platform doubled.

Pluto TV says tens of thousands of folks tuned in to watch the drama unfold on reruns of "The Jerry Springer Show" ... with folks spending 33% percent more time on the app than usual.

As you know ... Jerry's syndicated talk show aired for 27 seasons, racking up nearly 5,000 episodes from 1991 to 2018 and making him one of daytime TV's most recognizable figures.

Jerry died April 27 as a result of pancreatic cancer ... a diagnosis many of his closest friends in Hollywood didn't even know he was struggling with.

In the wake of his death, the internet came alive with posts from fans sharing their favorite Jerry Springer moments, many of whom said they were planning to rewatch their favorite episodes ... and it seems lots of folks found their fix on Pluto TV.

Alana Thompson, AKA Honey Boo Boo, has grown up right before our very eyes ... and now Mama June is getting ready to send her youngest kid off to college!

We caught up with the reality TV star in NYC and she gave us an update on a few of her daughters ... touching on Alana's plans now that she's reached the end of her high school years.

Mama June tells us, Honey Boo Boo will most definitely be going to college, however, she kept the school under wraps over privacy concerns.

Alana went all out for prom last month in Georgia ... posing with her date, 21-year-old BF Dralin Carswell. They made a grand entrance with the help of a horse and buggy. It's now the preferred mode of transportation ... Dralin was arrested for DUI a month before following a police chase in her car.

Mama June supports her daughter's choices whether it be college or boyfriends ... she can date as she pleases since she's not a kid anymore.

The MTV Movie & TV Awards are going on without a host ... and now there won't be a live audience anymore either.

The upcoming award show, set to air Sunday on a bunch of TV channels, is pivoting away from a live audience ... according to Paramount Global exec Bruce Gillmer.

Bruce, who is also executive producing the award show, tells TMZ ... "As we carefully navigate how best to deliver the fan first awards show we envisioned that our team has worked so hard to create, we're pivoting away from a live event that still enables us to produce a memorable night full of exclusive sneak peaks, irreverent categories our audience has come to expect, and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best of film and TV over the past year."

The change comes on the heels of Drew Barrymore bowing out as host in a show of solidarity with striking Hollywood writers.

Sources at MTV tell TMZ ... the show is not live, but it's still happening, there just won't be a live audience.

The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards are scheduled to air Sunday at 8 PM ET on MTV ... with simulcasts on BET, BET Her, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1.