TMZ.com

8:32 AM PT -- We got Gypsy Rose Blanchard out in NYC today where she arrived to tape an interview for "The View." She walked alongside her husband, Ryan Scott Anderson, and was surrounded by a camera crew and security.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is opening up about her time in prison, telling the world she feels out of sorts now that she's free while claiming she only killed her mom, Dee Dee, to get out of her precarious situation.

Blanchard sat down for her first interview that aired Friday on "Good Morning America" after her release last week from Missouri's Chillicothe Correctional Center, where she served 7 years of her 10-year sentence.

In the wide-ranging interview, Blanchard first reminisced about what it was like to step out of the penitentiary after so many years, saying she "felt a little bit like I was dropped in a different world because you don't realize how much you're restricted in prison."

She added, "I felt like I was in a black-and-white world and I just stepped into technicolor. It was amazing."

Gypsy then discussed what led to her incarceration, accusing Dee Dee of abuse for subjecting her to unnecessary surgeries and parading her around in a wheelchair with a feeding tube when she wasn't even sick.

Medical professionals determined that Blanchard was a victim of a condition known as "Munchausen syndrome by proxy," where a parent tries to gain sympathy by falsely claiming their child is ill.

Blanchard told 20/20" co-anchor and ABC's senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts that life with her mom in Springfield, MO, was similar to prison, which was actually less restrictive. She said, "Honestly [it] wasn't that much of a difference. But I also had more freedom in prison than I ever had with my mother."

Roberts then showed Blanchard a photo of herself when she was younger, prompting the now 32-year-old to respond, "I don't even associate with that little girl anymore. Like, I know that's me. But at the same time, that isn't me anymore."

Blanchard said she didn't think her mom was a "monster" despite public perception, explaining, "She had a lot of demons herself that she was struggling with. I didn't want her dead. I just wanted out of my situation. And I thought that was the only way out."

She also addressed her co-defendant and former boyfriend in the case, Nicholas Godejohn, who was convicted of fatally stabbing Dee Dee on Blanchard's orders and is currently serving a life term. Blanchard said, "I'm sure that we both have a lot of regrets. All I can really say is that I did my time. He's doing his time for his part. And I wish him well on his journey."

One regret Blanchard didn't have while behind bars was regularly listening to music from her "inspiration" Taylor Swift, who got her through the toughest of times.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard says she had plenty of dudes lining up to be her boo while she was locked up, but none held a candle to the guy she ended up with ... her hubby Ryan Scott Anderson.

In an exclusive first look at the Lifetime series, "The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard," the former convict pulled back the curtain on the kind of support she was getting, specifically from men, while doing time in prison.

According to her, there was an overwhelming amount of guys trying to grab her attention, but she had her sights set on Ryan. As she put it, no one could compare to him ... and she goes even further by saying no one ever will.

She made that apparent Tuesday night when Ryan was facing the heat from trolls, telling him to block out the haters -- adding, "they jealous because you are rocking my world every night…yeah I said it, the D is fire🔥."

For those unaware, Ryan first reached out to Gypsy in 2020 after telling a female coworker he'd write to her, if the coworker agreed to send a letter to Joe Exotic from "Tiger King."

Gypsy Rose Blanchard says she's a totally different person from when she started her prison stay, but reveals she's become the woman she always dreamed she'd be.

ABC News' "Good Morning America" scored the first TV sit-down interview with the famous felon, who says she got tons of life experience during her 7 years behind bars.

In the clip, obtained exclusively by TMZ, Gypsy tells "20/20" co-anchor and ABC's senior national affairs correspondent, Deborah Roberts that prison time taught her life lessons, and she's super proud of the woman it helped to shape post-prison life.

The way Gypsy sees it ... she matured through trial and error in prison just like everyone else, even those people outside prison walls.

Of course, most of her personal life from behind bars is now public ... especially her romance with husband, Ryan, who she married during lockup. As we reported, haters attacked Ryan and Gypsy, but she stood by her man ... and his game in the bedroom.

Ryan also joined Gypsy for the GMA interview.

Nigel Lythgoe is in the crosshairs of an investigation by the studio that produces his long-running show "So You Think You Can Dance" ... with his job possibly hanging in the balance.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the embattled EP of the hit reality competition show is at the center of an internal probe being conducted by Sony Pictures Television -- which co-produces 'SYTYCD' under its subsidiary 19 Entertainment, alongside Dick Clark Productions.

We're told Sony's looking into recent claims of sexual assault and harassment made against Nigel -- who created 'So You Think' with Simon Fuller, and has served as an executive producer since its inception, not to mention a consistent judge until he stepped away in '22.

Of course, what Sony's investigating here is Paula Abdul's allegations -- which she made in an explosive lawsuit ... claiming she'd been sexually assaulted by Lythgoe twice, once in the early 2000s during her 'Idol' stint and again in the 2010s while she judged on 'SYTYCD.'

Remember, as it pertains to the latter allegation -- which is what Sony's concerned with here -- she alleged Lythgoe invited her to his pad to discuss work opportunities ... only to allegedly pounce on her in an attempt to kiss her. PA also claimed Lythgoe groped one of her assistants during her time on the dance show.

Lythgoe denies Paula's claims, saying they're "deeply offensive" to everything he stands for and totally false.

Our sources say that while Sony digs into this matter, no decision has been made on whether Nigel will be allowed to stay on as an EP. It also remains to be seen if he'll serve as a judge -- this despite the fact he was announced to return to his chair last month for Season 18 ... which will start airing in March. He wasn't a judge during this past season.

New video in the motorcycle/Ian Ziering wild fight shows the "Beverly Hills, 90210" star is the first one to throw a punch that triggered an all-out brawl.

The video is shot from behind. You see Ian's Mercedes stopped on Hollywood Blvd. -- the car in front of him had stopped and blocked his path forward.

Members of the 605 Minibike Gang roll up behind Ian's car, with 2 of them stopping right in front of the vehicle. It seems as if they were trying to block him from moving. At that point, there is no physical contact between the bikers and Ian, or the motorcycle and the Mercedes.

Ian lunges out of the car and immediately shoves one of the bikers, which then sets off the brawl.

The mystery ... Why was Ian at a 10 when he stepped out of his car? It would seem something happened between Ian and the gang before the video starts rolling.

Ian broke his silence on Instagram saying he was "unscathed" with his daughter after the incident -- and called on L.A. officials to take action against what he describes as "hooliganism." We have repeatedly tried contacting him, to no avail.

We did get photos of Ian at a WeHo supermarket wearing a hat with the words "Good Vibes" emblazoned on it.

As we reported, the LAPD is conducting a felony vandalism/misdemeanor assault investigation.

Ian Ziering's trying his best to keep a positive attitude on the heels of his terrifying encounter with a mob of ruthless bikers in Hollywood ... as he gets out and about again for the first time since the street brawl.

The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star looked relaxed during a lunch outing at Bristol Farms Tuesday afternoon in WeHo ... donning a baseball cap branded with the oh-so zen message of "Good Vibes."

TMZ broke the story ... Ian's peace was massively interrupted Saturday as he ended up going toe-to-toe with a group of bikers, who he claims sideswiped his car while weaving through traffic on Hollywood Blvd.

Video footage we obtained shows the bikers violently kicking and pounding their helmets on Ian's car ... all while his 10-year-old daughter, Penna, was alone inside as Ian fought off others across the street.

The ordeal was frightening enough for onlookers ... let alone little Penna, who was seen weeping, and was consoled by her dad shortly after.

Ian Ziering is speaking out about his terrifying encounter with a bunch of biker brutes in L.A., saying that he emerged "unscathed" with his daughter, while calling on local officials to do something about the rising tide of "hooliganism" in the city.

The "Beverly Hills, 90210" actor posted a lengthy message on Instagram Monday, first calling the incident "alarming" before diving into what happened and giving his thoughts on what should be done to combat future lawlessness.

Ian explained that one of the mini bikers aggressively approached his car, leading to an "unsettling confrontation" when he got out to "assess any damage" to his vehicle parked on Hollywood Boulevard on New Year's Eve.

He said the encounter with the biker and others "escalated into a physical altercation," which he was forced to navigate to protect himself and his 10-year-old daughter, Penna, expressing relief they were "completely unscathed."

Then Ian took aim at L.A. officials, revealing he was "deeply concerned" about the "growing boldness of such groups," causing public safety issues and disturbing the peace.

He pointed out the broad daylight attack underscored a larger problem about "hooliganism on our streets and the need for effective law enforcement responses to such behavior."

Ian also wrote, "As a citizen and a parent, I find it unacceptable that groups can freely engage in this kind of behavior, causing fear and chaos, while the response from authorities seems insufficient."

He wrapped things up by urging city officials to take decisive action against this lawless behavior and provide more police resources to prevent it in the future.

A couple of "Survivor" fan favorites gave show loyalists an update on their personal lives ... and whether it was a coincidence or not, both announcements came on the same day.

Parvati Shallow, considered one of the all-time best to hit the Survivor islands and winner of Survivor: Micronesia back in 2008, posted a set of cute pics of herself with comedian Mae Martin Saturday with the caption, "We’re here. We’re queer. Happy new year," followed by several emojis including a rainbow.

It's seemingly the first time there's been any indication the two were an item ... Parvati was previously married to Survivor contestant, John Fincher, but they separated in 2021. The two have one child together.

A few hours before Pavarti's post went up, Erika Casupanan, winner of Survivor 41 made a special announcement of her own thanks to a funny TikTok video.

In the video, Erika joked she attempted to do a viral challenge of eating grapes under a table in hopes of scoring a boyfriend, but instead chugged a bottle of wine ... leading her to realize she was a lesbian.

Both announcements have been getting a ton of love and support from Survivor fans ... and both contestants seem super happy.

Jussie Smollett's legal troubles are far from over ... but it looks as though he's working overtime to get his career back on track.

The troubled actor was seen reuniting with "Empire" showrunner Brett Mahoney ... with the duo sharing a hug Thursday outside Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles.

The sighting triggered speculation of a possible future collab ... though any TV comeback is realistically a long way off for Jussie as he deals with his personal and legal worries.

Sources told us just before Xmas ... Jussie was still in the midst of a rehab stint for substance abuse ... after checking himself into an outpatient facility in back in October.

He recently lost his appeal after being convicted for lying to cops about the fake Chicago hate crime attack back in 2019.

Jussie's lawyers say they'll continue their fight in the Illinois Supreme Court, although there's no guarantee the Court will hear the case.

If the Court turns thumbs down on hearing the case, Jussie could return to jail as soon as January to complete his 150 day sentence ... he's only served 6 days.

Rihanna's fangirling just scored her a new BFF ... and it's Kyle Richards!!!

The singer -- who's been open about loving 'Real Housewives' -- finally got to meet Kyle during a shopping trip Thursday in Aspen ... which turned into a stroke of good luck for both of 'em.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Rihanna was shopping at Kemo Sabe -- after hours in a private room, because that's how she rolls -- and that's when Kyle strolled in to do her VIP shopping.

When a store employee mentioned RiRi was there, Kyle asked if they could meet ... and we're told Rihanna excitedly responded, "F*** yes!!!"

After all, our source says the whole reason Rihanna was shopping at Kemo Sabe in the first place was because she'd seen Kyle go there on 'RHOBH.'

We're told Rihanna and Kyle hugged it out and had a fun conversation ... then Mauricio Umansky and their daughters came up and met RiRi and A$AP Rocky.

Both families ended up hanging out inside the store for close to an hour ... and Kyle gifted Rihanna an $895 turquoise beaver hat.

Rihanna and A$AP had their kids in tow too as they did some big-time shopping -- we're told they bought a ton of items, including hats, boots, belts, and buckles ... plus the brown cowboy hat she wore out of the store.

Aspen's full of celebs this time of year, but it's pretty incredible when they run into each other, and they're both such big fans of each other -- like Kyle and Rihanna -- and they're not afraid to show it.

Joe Giudice is enjoying some quality time with his family this holiday season, because his ex-wife, Teresa, and their daughters flew to the Bahamas to celebrate New Year's together.

Joe shared the family pics Friday, showing him posing in front of a Christmas tree with his 4 daughters Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana ... as well as a pic of the kids with him and Teresa.

As you know, Joe was deported to his native Italy in 2019 after serving 3 years in prison for fraud ... so the ladies had no choice but to travel internationally to see him in the islands.

Teresa's new hubby, Luis Ruelas, also took the trip with the ladies ... with everyone cheesin' together in one of the pics.

Joe's daughters spent Christmas 2021 with him in Italy, but before you assume Teresa making the trek to see her ex is an awkward situation ... remember, they've kept things very copacetic.

The 2 still seem to have a great relationship, despite their divorce being finalized in 2020 -- Teresa told E! News last month that the family's plan was for everyone to spend the holidays with Joe ... and aying the kids were "so excited."

Chris Harrison has blasted the events surrounding his exit from 'The Bachelor' as 'toxic' ... which kickstarted following a racism scandal.

He says the backlash he endured after defending ex-'Bachelor' contestant Rachael Kirkconnell for attending a plantation-themed party while in college was tumultuous ... praying his worst enemy doesn't go through the same experience he went through 2 years earlier.

Speaking on Jason Tartick's "Trading Secrets" podcast, Chris says he initially thought the situation was something he could've figured out with show execs ... but things escalated to the point he knew he had to remove himself from the situation.

It was a bittersweet moment for Chris ... he wasn't ready to leave the show he'd been hosting since 2002 ... but he was ultimately proud of his decision to walk away.

He adds there's no hard feelings because the show was a blessing  ... changing his life financially.

Tom Smothers -- one half of the famous singing comedy team the "Smothers Brothers" -- has died.

In a statement released Wednesday, Dick Smothers announced his brother's passing, saying Tom died at home as a result of cancer.

Dick went on to say “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner."

Continuing, Dick said, “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years."

Dick ended with, "Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”

In the late '50s, early 1960s, Tom and Dick often appeared on TV variety shows and released popular albums of their stage performances. In 1967, they finally landed their own variety show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," which instantly became one of the most hotly debated TV programs during the Vietnam War period.

The "Smothers Brothers" got canceled decades before cancellation became a thing. Tommy became super political when the show was in its second season, railing with satire against the Vietnam War. The Bros were especially critical of then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

On one show Tommy looked straight into the camera and said, "Okay, all you guys in Vietnam, come on home."

During one episode, Harry Belafonte sang, "Don't Stop the Carnival," and the backdrop on stage were images of the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, where then-Mayor Richard Daley ordered law enforcement to beat Vietnam protesters in the streets.

They took on other issues as well, but it was too hot for CBS. The network pulled the plug in 1969 at the end of season 3. People in the anti-war movement, along with free speech advocates, were outraged.

Tommy and Dick sued CBS for breach of contract and they eventually got $775,000. The 'SBCH' came back for a short-lived revival in 1988 but ended after one season

Think Dixie Chicks, but 40 years earlier.

One of the biggest "Jeopardy!" champs of all time says the show is in good hands with Ken Jennings ... but he doesn't want Mayim Bialik to vanish completely.

We got Austin Rogers -- who went on a major hot streak in 2017 -- at Gaf East, a bar he just bought in New York City, and we asked him about Mayim announcing her exit as one of the "Jeopardy!" hosts.

Austin says the show will be just fine with Ken taking on an even larger role. Ken's become synonymous with "Jeopardy!" and AR feels he's a big enough name now to soften the blow of Mayim's departure.

Another "Jeopardy!" champ, Amy Schneider agrees ... telling us Ken is the right choice for the everyday hosting gig, in part because he's a big hit with the contestants.

While Mayim says Sony brass told her she won't be hosting the syndicated daily show, the studio is leaving the door open for her to host special episodes ... like "Celebrity Jeopardy" and other primetime tournaments -- and Austin explains why she's a good fit there.

TMZ broke the story ... Mayim's absence during the writers' strike made Sony execs realize they didn't need 2 hosts, and ultimately her loss was Ken's gain.

Austin says Mayim was still right to stand in solidarity with the writers, and he hopes she remains involved ... even if it's not on a daily basis.

4:58 PM PT -- Charlie Sheen's neighbor, Electra Schrock, pleaded not guilty in Tuesday's arraignment ... and the court issued a criminal protective order, which requires her to completely stay away from the actor and his residence.

Charlie Sheen's neighbor has officially been charged with a felony after the cops accused her of trying to strangle the actor.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Electra Schrock with one count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury -- and she's now being held on $75,000 bail, pending her arraignment.

TMZ broke the story … cops were called to Charlie's L.A. apartment last Wednesday after he called 911 to report that Schrock barged into his home and attacked him when he answered her knock on his door.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Shrock ripped Charlie's shirt and attempted to strangle him before she returned to her own apartment on a higher floor.

Given the two are neighbors, police didn't have a tough time tracking down Shrock and arresting her. She was then booked into the L.A. County jail.

This may not have been the first time Shrock had a run-in with Charlie, who allegedly told officers the assault suspect recently squirted a sticky substance on his car.

Kim Zolciak showered her kids with gifts for Christmas despite her financial hardships.

Sources close to Kim tell TMZ ... she pulled together the dough she's made selling personal items online over the last few months ... ensuring the 4 kids she shares with Kroy Biermann didn't go without Xmas presents this year.

We're told the estranged couple's brood will always be their priority ... and despite the heightened drama between them, they chose not to travel for the holidays and instead were at home for the holiday at their Georgia mansion.

We don't know exactly what gifts she bought, but it must've been a pretty decent haul ... cause K&K have been making some serious $$$ selling designer goods online.

Earlier this month, Kim gave the boot to Kroy's shoe collection, selling them alongside her footwear and handbags ... tempting potential buyers with big names from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Valentino & more.

Of course, they decided to sell, sell, sell due to their mounting lawsuits over unpaid credit card bills.

They've also put their Georgia mansion on sale ... though they recently slashed the $6 mil price by $500K out of desperation.