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"The Bachelorette" alum Kaitlyn Bristowe is opening up about her split from Jason Tartick ... and she's hinting at the possibility of a second chance between them.

Kaitlyn shared her post-breakup thoughts Monday at LAX, admitting she's holding up alright in the days following their called-off engagement ... and says it's been easier because they have so much respect for each other.

She was asked who made the call to split up, and says it was a mutual decision ... but then quickly raises this interesting possibility -- she says all hope for reconciliation isn't lost, and the door "isn't permanently closed."

As for their 2 dogs, Ramen and Pinot, Kaitlyn says she'd take full ownership if it was up to her ... but admits she and Jason are happily co-parenting the pups, for now.

You'll recall, Kaitlyn and Jason announced their breakup Sunday on social media, saying they'd called off their engagement after 4 years together.

There's a big downside to sleeping naked in the jungle, and these "Naked and Afraid" contestants are experiencing it firsthand ... ticks absolutely love genitals!!!

The painful lesson unfolds on the upcoming episode of Discovery's "Naked And Afraid: Castaways" ... when one castaway wakes up to find a handful of ticks attached to his penis!!!

Ya gotta see the video, obtained by TMZ ... Andrew Shayde is just waking up when he discovers the unwanted visitors making camp on his dong ... and he counts them off, one at a time.

Andrew's clearly rattled ... he says he's super worried about his "little castaway" and is freaking out.

For Andrew, it's the latest painful encounter with ticks ... in a past challenge, the parasites got in his butt crack.

Sounds like fellow contestant Patrick French dodged a bullet ... he says ticks embedded between his legs, but they avoided the "prime real estate."

Rachel Leviss' possible return to "Vanderpump Rules" remains shrouded in mystery ... but as filming keeps rolling along, her costars are becoming convinced she won't join the fold.

Sources connected to the hit reality show tell TMZ ... 'VPR' cast members are now feeling more than confident Rachel will NOT return for Season 11.

There's reasoning behind the consensus ... the cast has been filming since late June and Rachel hasn't shot a single scene, either solo or with any other 'VPR' stars.

Bottom line ... it's going to be hard to integrate Rachel into the storylines.

What's more, we're told none of the cast, aside from Tom Sandoval, has been in touch with Rachel since they saw her at the emotional reunion show in late March, which was shot just before Rachel checked into a mental health facility, which she recently left after a lengthy stay.

However, never say never ... we're told 'VPR' stars wouldn't be shocked if Rachel shows up to film at the 11th hour to tell her side of the story about the Scandoval.

Still, our sources say other cast members strongly believe Rachel's therapists convinced her to steer clear of the show and the accompanying drama that led her to seek professional help in the first place.

Paul Reubens was a busy man before his sudden passing this week -- as he privately battled cancer, the guy was hard at work almost right to the end ... and there'll be something to show for it in the near future.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the 'Pee-wee Herman' star had been actively involved in various different film/TV projects in the final months of his life, including an upcoming HBO documentary (focused on his titular character) that was announced in 2021.

The doc is being helmed by the Safdie brothers, and we're told producers were able to get all of the interviews and insights from Paul himself before he died Monday.

Our sources say Paul had good and bad days toward the end, but when he was feeling up to it ... he was able to get quite a bit done ... spending upwards of 40 hours on interviews he did for the HBO doc. Between that and other interviews from over 25 different friends/collaborators, our sources say the 'Pee-wee' doc has over 1,000 hours of footage.

In addition to this documentary ... we're told Paul was working on his memoir ... a first draft of which Paul completed prior to his death. So, yes ... we'll get to hear his story from his POV somewhere down the line.

Bethenny Frankel and her powerhouse attorneys have reportedly been hearing from dozens of angry NBC reality stars ... this after they fired off a legal threat to the company, detailing allegations of horrible treatment on their shows.

According to the New York Post ... roughly 80 cast members -- both men and women -- have reached out to Bethenny and lawyers Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos about the alleged abuse by the Peacock Network and its subsidiary Bravo, which broadcasts many of the reality programs. Bethenny -- who shot to fame on the 'Real Housewives of New York' -- is spearheading the fight against NBC, but there's no word yet on next legal steps.

TMZ broke the story Friday ... Freedman and Geragos sent the letter to NBC execs, accusing production employees of subjecting cast and crew to a litany of torment. Among their grievances were distributing porn, exploiting minors, covering up acts of violence, plying cast members with booze and denying them food, sleep and mental health treatment.

Freedman talked all about it Friday on TMZ Live ... saying there's been hundreds of mentally ill people exploited by these reality shows, and he finds it "deplorable."

A spokesperson for NBC issued a statement, claiming they're “committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew on our reality shows.”

It's becoming more clear why the death of Angus Cloud's father hit the actor so fast and hard ... his dad was suffering from stage 4 cancer leading up to the actor's own death.

The late "Euphoria" star's dad, Conor Hickey, died from fluid buildup around his lungs and heart, with stage 4 cancer in those same organs ... this according to his death certificate.

The doc, obtained by TMZ, shows Angus' dad had stage 4 mesothelioma ... which may explain why his sudden passing hit Angus like a ton of bricks.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus' family says he struggled in the wake of his dad's very quick cancer battle, laying his father to rest in Ireland a week before he died in the family's Oakland home.

The circumstances of his dad's death could explain how serious things were for Angus mentally ... and it brings some insight into his final days.

Remember ... a source close to the family told us Angus had been struggling with thoughts of suicide since returning home from his dad's funeral ... and he was staying in the family home as he tried to work through the grief of losing his father.

As we first reported ... Angus' mom called 911 about a "possible overdose," claiming her son didn't have a pulse.

Since Angus' death, a mural went up down the street from his home ... and a candlelight vigil was held at the same spot, which has become the central gathering place for people wanting to pay their respects.

Mark Margolis -- popular for his roles in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" as "Tio" Hector Salamanca -- has died.

A statement from his team Friday revealed the actor died at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC Thursday after a short illness. Mark's wife and son were at his bedside when he died.

"Breaking Bad" fans will know Margolis as Hector Salamanca on the show -- the silent and wheelchair-bound drug lord who could only use a bell to communicate.

Margolis was praised for the role, and Nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2012. Mark also played Salamanca in "Better Call Saul."

While he seemingly left his biggest mark on television, Mark's career spanned several decades -- with roles in "Scarface," "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Black Swan."

Mark is survived by his wife, Jacqueline -- who he was married to for 61 years -- his son Morgan, Morgan's wife Heide and his three grandsons.

He was 83.

"Euphoria" star Javon Walton is remembering his late costar Angus Cloud as one of the most genuine people he's ever met ... telling us there's not a lot of folks like Angus out there.

Javon and Angus played brothers on the hit HBO series for two seasons ... but their brotherly bond runs deeper than the "Euphoria" script. Javon says Angus had "the purest soul ever" and it's still tough to process just how suddenly Angus died.

Javon, who recently signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, tells us Angus took him under his wing from the beginning, and always wanted to see him thrive and succeed.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus died Monday at his family's home in Oakland, CA, where his mom called 911 to report a potential overdose.

Angus Cloud got an emotional send-off ... in the form of a candlelight vigil in his hometown.

The vigil went down Wednesday night at the Oakland mural that just went up honoring the late "Euphoria" star.

Local artist Darin Balaban, who painted the 9-foot-tall mural on the wall of an Oakland car wash, tells TMZ ... around 50 people showed up to the mural for a candlelight vigil, with many bringing flowers and pictures of Angus and placing them at the base of the wall.

Others brought liquor and Guinness beer, and the group played music and sang songs together ... swapping stories and even adding to the Angus mural.

We're told some shed tears, but there were also a lot of smiles as people remembered the young actor.

Video from the vigil shows the group singing Ben E. King's famous song, "Stand By Me."

TMZ broke the story ... Darin and a group of Angus' friends collaborated on the mural, mashing up 3 photos of the late actor, and the artwork is already becoming a gathering place for those wanting to pay their respects.

As we first reported, Angus died Monday at his Oakland home, where his mom reported a possible overdose ... and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Some of Angus Cloud's pals in Oakland came together to honor their late friend in a pretty spectacular way ... working with a local artist to create an awesome tribute.

The local artist is Darin Balaban. He and a group of Angus' friends collaborated and chose 3 photos of the "Euphoria" star as inspiration for a new mural. Darin mashed up the 3 pics to create the artwork, painted on a 9-foot high wall of a car wash in Oakland, Angus' hometown.

Darin knew Angus and says he was always "smiling and calm," and the artist wanted that reflected on the wall.

One of Angus's best friends -- Kalani -- is also an artist who helped Darin create the work. A bunch of other friends were there to help ... Kalani said it turned out to be good therapy as they all dealt with their loss. Another artist friend M27 helped paint the portrait.

It ended up being a community event, with pizza, beer and candles as they told stories about their good friend.

Darin's surprised the mural has become the central gathering place for people who wanted to pay their respects ... fans, friends and strangers. There were tears, laughter and lots of hugging.

The mural is located on Park and E. 19th St. not too far from where Angus lived.

As we reported, Angus died at his Oakland home on Monday ... his mom reported a possible overdose, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Angus Cloud may have been struggling ahead of his surprising death, but it didn't affect his mood while with his closest friends ... and he was actually offering them support before he passed.

The "Euphoria" star was outwardly celebratory and uplifting to his pals at the MacArthur Maze album release party 3 days before his death, according to group members D.Bledsoe and Champ Green.

As we reported, Angus seemed to be in great spirits at the event, and the rappers tell us he was congratulating everyone involved in the album. We're told Angus was getting a lot of attention from partygoers ... but he wasn't there for attention, he just wanted to show love.

D.Bledose says Angus had to soothe his lips with lip balm mid-conversation that night at the party, and Angus laughed and apologized for making things awkward. It was a funny interaction, and one D is remembering fondly today.

A few weeks ago, Angus gave the rap group a big endorsement by sharing one of their music videos on his IG page. We're told Angus slid into the group's DMs and offered to shoot a music video for them -- alongside MacArthur Maze's videographer, who was close friends with Angus.

Of course, everyone involved with the group is now just in complete shock about his death.

Zendaya is finally speaking out on the death of her costar, Angus Cloud ... and it sounds like she's just as heartbroken as the rest of the "Euphoria" family.

The actress posted a photo of Angus, writing ... "Words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus (Conor). I'm so grateful I got the chance to know him in this life, to call him a brother, to see his warm kind eyes and bright smile, or hear his infectious cackle of a laugh (I'm smiling now just thinking of it)."

She adds, "I know people use this expression often when talking about folks they love…"they could light up any room they entered" but boy let me tell you, he was the best at it. I'd like to remember him that way. For all of the boundless light, love and joy he always managed to give us. I'll cherish every moment."

Finally, Zendaya ends with this ... "My heart is with his mother and family at this time and please be kind and patient as grief looks different for everyone."

As you may know, Angus memorably played Fez on the show ... who was Zendaya's character's drug dealer and, at times, guardian angel. They spent a lot of time on camera together and shared a lot of memorable scenes -- several of which were quite poignant.

In fact, you could argue some of the scenes they did probably helped her snag a few of the accolades she has from "Euphoria" -- including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Interestingly, growing up both Zendaya and Angus attended the same performing arts high school in California, Oakland School for the Arts.

Other "Euphoria" cast and crew have paid tribute to Angus, including the series creator and director Sam Levinson, who said Angus was "too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon."

Sydney Sweeney also penned a heartfelt tribute on IG saying, "This is the hardest thing ive ever had to post, and im struggling to find all the words. You will be missed more than you know, but I'm so blessed to have known you in this lifetime, and I'm sure everyone who has ever met you feels the same."

Several stars from the show sent their condolences as well.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus was found unresponsive at his Oakland home Monday, where first responders characterized the call as a possible overdose -- only to proclaim him DOA.

His family has suggested he may have taken his own life. Angus was only 25 years old.

RIP

Stephen Amell is explaining why he supports his union, SAG-AFTRA, but doesn't support leadership's decision to strike ... he believes that's not the only way to hammer out a good deal.

The "Arrow" star joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live," and shared his thought process behind opposing the strikes in Hollywood, and admitted he's walking a fine line between supporting his union and wanting to work.

Stephen says SAG-AFTRA absolutely should fight for a better contract for its members ... but instead of marching in picket lines outside studios, he recommends getting back to the table to negotiate with the studios.

While Stephen's been one of the only actors to speak out against the strike, he tells us dozens of his colleagues are privately reaching out to him ... and he says his fellow actors agree with his strike outlook, even if the outside noise is against him.

Stephen's also caught the attention of SAG leadership ... and he said he's meeting with them later on Tuesday. He told us his goal for the meeting is to show union leaders he supports them while also offering up alternatives to striking.

It's becoming more clear why Angus Cloud's family says he was struggling so much with the loss of his dad ... because his father's life was cut short after a very quick battle with cancer.

65-year-old Conor Hickey, Angus' dad, passed away on May 18 -- a social media post reshared by the "Euphoria" star's mom, Lisa, said he died "after a brief fight with cancer."

Lisa shared her own thoughts in June after his memorial service -- saying, "His cancer moved quickly which was devastating to all who loved him, but there is comfort in the fact that his pain wasn't prolonged."

TMZ broke the story, Angus died at his family home Monday, with Oakland PD and Fire Dept. responding to a 911 call from Lisa about a "possible overdose," claiming her son didn't have a pulse.

Angus' family told us he's been struggling with the loss of Conor, whom they say was his "best friend," adding Conor was buried just 1 week before. Angus posted about his dad a couple of weeks ago, letting him know he's missed.

A source close to the family told us Angus had been struggling with severe suicidal thoughts after getting back from the burial in Ireland ... and he was staying with his family to try and work through the grief.

Angus' cause of death has yet to be determined.

Angus Cloud was nothing but smiles a few days before he died -- which is unsettling considering he appears to have died from an overdose.

The "Euphoria" actor attended a local album release party for rap group MacArthur Maze there in the Bay Area Friday -- and he was photographed and filmed at the shindig having a good time and seemingly enjoying himself with a bunch of other people.

You never hear Angus talk in these clips ... but there's no doubt the guy was in good spirits, or at least that's how he appeared from the outside looking in any way.

The Sun reports that eyewitnesses at the party say AC was there for a few hours, and that he didn't outwardly show signs of angst or discomfort. One pal is quoted as saying Angus was happy to be home, as he'd just been in Ireland for his father's funeral.

The friend says Angus had told him he was sad. No more than 72 hours later, he was found unresponsive at his family's home in Oakland.

TMZ broke the story ... Angus died, and police had reason to believe it may have been a result of a possible overdose.

His family also hinted at him maybe taking his own life, telling us he'd been struggling to cope with his dad's passing.

We'd also been told by close family sources that he was, in fact, having suicidal thoughts prior to his passing. Angus was a rising star in Hollywood thanks to his breakout role in "Euphoria."

He was only 25.

Stephen Amell's clarifying some of his comments, telling us some of what he said was taken out of context. Stephen says he absolutely supports his union, but doesn't like the act of striking.

He continues, "What I said: "I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating." Telling us, "In full context: I’m an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. I emote, but I certainly don’t think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job, and I am grateful for all that they do. Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I’m not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved."

He was not plugging his "Heelz" show this weekend, despite online reports.

Stephen Amell is a bit of a walking contradiction -- on the one hand, he says he backs his union amid the ongoing strike, but on the other ... he doesn't approve of them actually striking.

The "Arrow" star made the controversial comments during a recent promotional appearance in North Carolina, where he was plugging a new season of his Starz show 'Heels' ... and breaking with SAG-AFTRA's strike protocol in doing so.

Actors aren't supposed to be promoting projects during the strike, but there was Stephen plugging away, and not holding back his opinion on the work stoppage ... calling it unproductive and unnecessary.

Take a listen for yourself ... his disdain for how SAG is handling things is clear, although he does say he supports them as an org. What he doesn't condone is its decision to shut down the industry to get what they want.

He calls it a "reductive negotiating tactic" ... but doesn't really elaborate much more beyond that. Amell also said he found the entire ordeal incredibly frustrating and myopic.

Of course, his remarks here are not sitting well with other actors in the biz ... and Amell is getting dragged on social media right now as a would-be traitor and scab. A lot of folks are pointing out his sentiment doesn't actually make sense -- arguing it's all or nothing.

Amell appears to have responded ... taking to IG to shout out everyone who came to see him, and promising to keep going during a workout. Seems he's telegraphing something.