TMZ Live

Paula Deen's doing damage control ... giving us a new explanation for why she used the n-word -- and she's basically blaming the South and her old age. Does that excuse hold water for you? Plus, James Gandolfini's sudden death -- we'll tell you what we know about how he died ... as well as reflect on how cool of a guy he was.

Paula Deen admitted using the n-word, but in the same breath claims she's not a racist. Is that possible ... for a white person? Plus, what's worse -- Serena Williams' shocking comments about the Steubenville rape victim ... or her half-assed apology? And, we all scoffed at Maxim magazine for making Miley Cyrus #1 on its hottest list -- but her new music video may have finally proved us wrong.

Ex-NFL star Chad Johnson was scolded for taking his domestic violence case lightly in court ... and now the photos of her face after the crime are a harsh reminder of just how serious it was. Is Chad getting the message? Plus, rapper J. Cole is the victim of one the most screwed up Twitter plots ever -- when a fan threatens to shoot his little sister if Cole didn't re-tweet his post. Should the crazy tweeter be prosecuted? And, Miss USA Erin Brady joins us to talk about winning the crown -- then totally schools Miss Utah (this year's pageant fodder) by not screwing up the answer to the same question.

Lil Wayne does a dance on Old Glory for a new music video! Lots of people are pissed Weezy chose to disrespect the U.S. Flag -- but some people believe he's totally justified. Plus, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's bundle of joy arrives ... a month early, and right in the middle of her dad's promotional tour for his new album. It drops tomorrow ... should Kanye get back to work, or stay with Kim and the baby? And, Chad Johnson's ass slapping days seem to be over -- do you think he has really turned over a new leaf ... or is he just playing nice because he's scared to death of the judge?

The Michael Jackson death trial just took a huge turn -- AEG Live honcho Randy Phillips made a huge mistake on the stand ... but will it be enough for Katherine Jackson to claim victory? And, Charlie Sheen rips Farrah Abraham a new you-know-what... but some people think he's a huge hypocrite considering he'd finish last in a Mr. Morality competition. Plus, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe is under fire for dressing her son up like a girl -- but people in the newsroom are ready to fight for her right to doll him however she wants.

Paris Jackson has been acting out for a while -- and we know the cause of it all. We'll tell you why a few weeks away from L.A. with her biological mother Debbie Rowe could be her best option. Plus, we have videos of 2 Chainz fleeing from gun-toting robbers -- and some people actually believe he loses his street cred for not standing up to the GUN-TOTING guys! For reals? And, Farrah Abraham calls in to explain why she started texting porn-aficionado Charlie Sheen -- but her shocking claim about how rich she is really takes the cake.

Justin Bieber gets flirty with Miley Cyrus at a club -- but she swears she's still engaged to Liam Hemsworth. Could this just be a ploy to make their Liam and Selena Gomez jealous ... or are they really doing it? Plus, Kanye West has officially lost his mind -- comparing himself to Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Michael Jordan, and Walt Disney. But even more shocking ... some people actually agree with him. And, famous helicopter pilot Bob Tur -- who shot video of O.J. Simpson's Bronco chase -- calls in to explain why he's becoming a woman ... and his story is interesting ... and quite controversial.

Kanye West snaps on another photographer -- who was simply wishing him a happy belated birthday. But by the looks of it ... happy isn't something Kanye does well. Plus, while Paris Jackson's recovering from her suicide attempt, the battle lines are being drawn -- who will be her legal guardian when the dust settles? Plus, the chilling 911 call from the night Paris was hospitalized. And, UFC Tonight's Leeann Tweeden joins us to explain why she decided to take nearly nude photos of herself while she's six months pregnant. Baby or not ... this woman is beautiful.

Chad Johnson was shockingly and suddenly thrown in jail for 30 days after playfully slapping his MALE attorney's ass. We think the judge is way outta line -- but "People's Court" Judge Marilyn Milian called in to explain why she thinks the judge was justified! Plus, Miley Cyrus puts on a twerking clinic live on stage ... but it might not have happened without Amber Rose! Whiz Khalifa's fianceé joined us to weigh in on the question of the day -- is Miley a real deal twerker? And, Justin Bieber's bodyguards are now accused of flashing a gun during their alleged robbery of a photographer. You gotta see why Harvey thinks this is the official sign Justin's "circling the drain."

Paris Jackson got a shout-out from Marilyn Manson last night -- during the concert she desperately wanted to attend. But is the rocker doing more harm than good ... especially after he feigned cutting his wrist on stage? Plus, Brandi Glanville's pooch ... stolen right out of her home! The 'Real Housewives' star joins us with the devastating details on the search to find little Chica. And, serial killer Richard Ramirez is dead -- Harvey recounts a chilling time when he came face-to-face with the man they call "The Night Stalker" ... which still haunts him to this day.

Paris Jackson remains hospitalized after cutting her wrist -- and we have new details on what's been happening in her life. Plus, why is Conrad Murray reaching out to her from behind bars?? Also ... video and audio of Justin Bieber and his crew attacking a paparazzo! It's Justin's third tussle with paps in Miami this week, but this time there's overwhelming evidence a crime may have taken place. Plus, Kerry Kennedy laughs at a comparison of her family to the Kardashians -- which erupts a war in the newsroom between our resident Kardashian sympathizer ... and the rest of the world.

Paris Jackson's hospitalization overnight for a possible suicide attempt was a shocker to the world -- but TMZ has learned people in her life have seen some troubling signs. Was Michael Jackson's daughter getting enough help? Plus, singer Miguel's leap at the Billboard Music Awards -- did producers know he was going to attempt the dangerous move that allegedly injured a woman? We have new details from Miguel's camp and from insiders on the production. And, Joe Francis calls in to explain why his sex tape will never be released -- then we totally bust him for letting his girlfriend win the "Girls Gone Wild" contest for "Hottest Girl in America."

Singer Miguel's Billboard Music Awards performance was unforgettable ... for the woman he landed on -- because now she's claiming serious brain damage. The question: should Miguel pay up ... or is this the risk you run when you sit in the front row? Plus, Miley Cyrus controversial new song has lyrics about doing lines of coke -- is this just typical rock and roll ... or is she going too far? And, Is Playboy taking advantage of Amanda Bynes by offering her a radio show? Playboy radio hosts Jessica Hall and Bob Guiney call in to explain why that's not the case.

Michael Douglas thinks he got throat cancer after contracting HPV through oral sex -- we talk to "The Doctors" expert Dr. Bill Dorfman to figure out if MIchael's claims hold up. Plus, Amanda Bynes erratic behavior -- should we cover it ... or leave her be? And, Kim Kardashian calls out her step dad Bruce Jenner for saying he's only met Kanye West once. Is there a huge Kardashian family rift developing between Yeezy and his in-laws-to-be?

Keyshawn Johnson puts Justin Bieber on blast for driving through their neighborhood at breakneck speeds -- you gotta hear the former NFL star unload on him! Plus, Steve Nash ignites a huge war in the newsroom -- after he said Los Angeles is a terrible place to raise your kids compared to Phoenix. This means war! And, rapper Lil Dicky's new song "White Dude" is unquestionably hilarious -- but some people say it's lil too racial. Dicky joins us to explain why his critics need to calm down and learn how to laugh.