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9:20 PM PT -- Hardwick's attorney just fired back at Cadence13, telling us, "Cadence13 is the only party in breach - the company owes Chris $3 million - and filing this lawsuit is their last ditch, desperate attempt to try and avoid fulfilling their obligations to pay him."

Chris' lawyer continues, "The truth is that Chris has delivered over 30 podcast episodes since October 2018 and hasn't been paid a dime, while Cadence13 has collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in ad revenue during that period."

In an interesting twist ... Hardwick's attorney says, "There is extraordinary irony in the fact that the law firm representing C13 in this action is the same one which conducted a comprehensive investigation and exonerated Chris of the baseless allegations (of emotional and sexual abuse) referenced in the filing."

"Chris and his team will take all appropriate steps to recover the millions of dollars which C13 contractually owes him."

Chris Hardwick is being accused of bowing out of a deal to produce a weekly podcast and failing to pay back the rest of his $1 million cash advance ... this according to a new lawsuit.

In legal docs, obtained by TMZ, podcast company Cadence13 claims Chris signed a two-year deal in early 2018 to create four podcasts per month ... but the company claims Chris stopped making new episodes in June of last year after an actress accused him of emotional and sexual abuse.

As we've reported ... Chris' ex-girlfriend, Chloe Dykstra, accused him of sexual and emotional abuse during their relationship. Hardwick denied the accusations.

In the suit, Chris' podcast partner claims it paid the comedian $1 million in advances, but claims he's yet to pay the full amount back after stopping his weekly "ID10T" podcast.

Sophie Turner says fame caused serious problems for her mental health ... and mounting criticism over her role in "Game of Thrones" led her to consider suicide.

In a revealing interview Tuesday on Dr. Phil's podcast, the 23-year-old actress admits she's battled depression for several years ... saying she, "used to think about suicide a lot when I was younger."

While Sophie says she doesn't believe she was actually capable of hurting herself ... she says suicide was "just a weird fascination I used to have."

Sophie, whose rise to fame began at age 14 when she was cast to play Sansa Stark on 'GoT,' says her popularity came at a price ... because negative comments about her character started wreaking havoc on her mental health.

Sophie says she started giving in to her social media bullies, and she started doubting her acting chops and physical appearance. She says her insecurity led to symptoms of depression -- and simple tasks like getting dressed would make her burst into tears.

As a result, she started therapy and treatment ... adding she's on medication and loves herself more than ever now. She credits fiancee Joe Jonas with helping her find happiness.

6:48 PM PT -- Kim Foxx has responded to the release of her messages, stating, "After the indictment became public, I reached out to Joe to discuss reviewing office policies to assure consistencies in our charging and our use of appropriate charging authority."

She continues, "I was elected to bring criminal justice reform and that includes intentionality, consistency, and discretion. I will continue to uphold these guiding principals."

State's Attorney Kim Foxx called Jussie Smollett a "washed up celeb" just 2 weeks before dismissing all charges against him for allegedly triggering a massive police investigation based on a big, fat lie.

Foxx sent text messages to certain staff members -- this according to CBS2 in Chicago. The upshot -- she seems to be saying the Grand Jury grossly overcharged the "Empire" actor, especially relative to another celebrity defendant -- R. Kelly.

Foxx wrote ... "Pedophile with 4 victims 10 counts. Washed up celeb who lied to cops, 16." As we reported, Kelly was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

As you know ... the State's Attorney dismissed all 16 counts against Jussie and suggested he had performed community service -- which he did not. Point of fact ... he worked at Jesse Jackson's charity for a few hours the weekend before charges were dismissed, but it was not court ordered or monitored.

The City of Chicago is now suing Jussie for all the investigative costs and various penalties, which could amount to half a million bucks.

Foxx says in the texts this was a clear case of overcharging ... as she put it, charging Jussie with 16 counts on a minor felony "becomes exhibit A."

The texts were first reported by CBS Chicago's Charlie De Mar.

Originally Published -- 4:51 PM PT

"Full House" creator Jeff Franklin says he was double-crossed by one of his co-workers ... leading to Jeff getting fired from the show ... according to a lawsuit.

Franklin says he hired Bryan Behar to be a writer and co-executive producer on "Fuller House" ... but he allegedly spread lies about him to create a "false narrative" that Franklin was a sexist pig around women with whom they both worked.

In the suit, Franklin accuses Behar of taking advantage of the "Me Too" movement and telling Warner Bros. execs that Franklin told female writers to "dress provocatively," commented on their looks and discussed his sex life with them.

One of the most damaging falsehoods -- according to docs obtained by TMZ -- involved a pool party for show writers at Franklin's home. Behar allegedly told execs Franklin demanded female writers all wear bikinis at the event. Franklin insists he merely made suits available for anyone who forgot to bring one.

As for Behar's motive? In the suit, Franklin says Behar was out for his job, and "began plotting a scheme ... by secretly keeping a self-described "little black book'" filled with events he could twist or distort to make Franklin look bad.

Franklin was fired earlier this year, and he points out in the suit ... Behar got promoted to executive producer and showrunner for "Fuller House." Franklin gloats in his lawsuit, highlighting the fact the show's going off the air after its upcoming 5th season.

Here's a little something to make your day a bit brighter -- or a lot -- Jeff Goldblum and his wife, Emilie Livingston, acting like high school sweethearts who are deeply in love.

Jeff and Emilie were strolling down Melrose Ave. Tuesday in L.A., hand-in-hand and smiling gleefully while doing it. He's rocking the perfect shirt, too -- a rose-patterned button-down on Melrose. Works for him!!!

Em looked great too, but Jeff's in a baller class of his own.

As for why the couple was so damn happy -- well, they have lots of reasons. Jeff's about to get his own docuseries on Disney's new streaming service, aptly called the "The World According to Jeff Goldblum." He dives into the history and science of everyday objects.

Remember when Le'Veon Bell posted one of his new rap vids, asked people what they thought about it ... and Keenan Allen hit him back with the brutal "this ain't it" response??

Well ... here's Bell's chance to get revenge ... 'cause the L.A. Chargers star posted a video of himself dabbling in music -- singin' a Daniel Caesar song and playing the piano!!

The initial exchange between the 2 NFLers got personal -- with Bell calling Allen a troll, and KA claiming he was just keeping it real.

Now, Allen has posted a video in croonin' to the Caesar and H.E.R. hit, "Best Part" ... while playing the piano himself.

As for Allen's performance, it's not bad though he acknowledges he needs to keep working -- adding the caption, "Practice Makes Perfect."

Plus, that ain't an easy song to sing -- especially with the high notes -- but Allen didn't do a bad job.

Blac Chyna's landlord has major beef with her for allegedly bailing on her lease 5 months early, and even worse ... NOT paying a dime since she bolted.

Chyna just got sued by the landlord for a home in Studio City, CA that she'd been renting since April 2017. In the suit, the landlord says Chyna's lease called her to be there through March 2019 ... but for some reason, she upped and moved back in November 2018.

We're guessing he wouldn't care about her leaving IF she paid the remaining rent. Well, guess what? According to the suit, Chyna owes $55,546 for about 5 months of rent. The landlord subtracted her $25k deposit, but tacked on $18k in damages -- he claims she removed "fixtures and equipment" from the pad.

All told, Blac Chyna is $48,546 in the red ... according to the docs, obtained by TMZ.

1:20 PM PT -- Reports that Kevin Hunter has been fired are not accurate. He has not been fired, but as we reported, it's just a matter of time. He WILL be gone from the show ... but it hasn't happened yet.

Wendy Williams' estranged husband will not be an executive producer on the show for long ... production sources tell TMZ.

Our sources say the deal-breaker for Kevin Hunter is not about his duties on the show ... it's about Wendy's mental and physical health. We're told she's doing great now, but our sources say it's apparent Kevin's presence on the set causes her stress.

Case in point ... a week ago there was a major blowup on the set between Wendy and Kevin. We're told security had to step in between them and Kevin was temporarily removed from the area. And, our sources say there have been several other blowups as well.

We're told Wendy and Kevin are close to reaching "an accord" whereby he'd step down as executive producer.

As for Kevin -- who allegedly just fathered a baby with his mistress -- he released a statement Tuesday, saying, "I am not proud of my recent actions and take full accountability and apologize to my wife, my family and her amazing fans."

Kevin goes on to say ... "I am going through a time of self-reflection and am trying to right some wrongs."

Wendy filed for divorce last week and on her show Monday said she was focused on the future, saying, "I have a whole new life that I planned for myself and my son."

As the end of 'Avengers' looms ... the directors behind the blockbuster movie are begging fans to shut the hell up so they don't spoil the ending for everyone.

"Avengers: Endgame" arrives in theaters this week, and directors Anthony and Joe Russo are getting out in front of the problem ... cajoling moviegoers into keeping their mouths shut after they see the flick.

In a letter addressed to "the greatest fans in the world," the directors promise a "surprising and emotionally powerful conclusion to the Infinity Saga" ... and then ask for silence.

"Because so many of you have invested your time, your hearts, and your souls into these stories, we're once again asking for your help. When you see Endgame in the coming weeks, please don't spoil it for others, the same way you wouldn't want it spoiled for you."

If that wasn't serious enough ... the Russo bros. close with this chilling warning, "Remember, Thanos still demands your silence."

Mark Ruffalo, who plays The Hulk, is on board with his directors' message ... tweeting a picture of the letter.

The lead-up to the highly-anticipated film has been shrouded in secrecy, but earlier this week some leaked 'Endgame' footage started appearing online ... and now the directors sound a little ticked.

Tyga's flaunting some incredibly expensive new bling that serves as a reminder to his haters ... you've been defeated, JUST LIKE SATAN!!!

The rapper dropped a whopping $500,000 for this insane Archangel chain ... featuring St. Michael trampling on Satan. Straight outta the New Testament! Tyga commissioned Ben Baller and IF & Co. Jewelry for the 18k white gold masterpiece, which weighs a little over 4 pounds.

How's this for attention to detail ... St. Michael's halo features a pear-shaped solitaire of VVS clarity diamonds. Ben also added baguettes to the feathers of his wings. The Cuban link is also one-of-a-kind, featuring two different sized diamonds, and check out the vid -- the cross is a gem.

According to Ben ... Satan getting stomped represents Tyga's haters being defeated. Tyga's new chain is also a nice gift after his huge comeback in 2018 -- in the music world, anyway -- with his track "Taste" helping him climb the charts.

While he was at it, Tyga splurged on his boys too ... scooping up 10 extra smaller versions of his chain for his crew. It pays to roll with Tyga! Unless, of course, you're Ferrari or Rolls-Royce.

BTW ... Tyga just dropped a new single "Goddamn" and the track's cover art features him wearing the new bling.

"Happy Gilmore" star Christopher McDonald just got the equivalent of a penalty stroke in his DUI case ... TMZ has learned.

According to court records ... the actor pled guilty to driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher stemming from his October 2017 arrest near Lake Arrowhead, CA. He was sentenced to 35 hours of community service, 3-year summary probation, and an alcohol education program which he already completed ... and a day in jail.

The good news -- he got credit for time served in a jail cell following his arrest ... so he doesn't have to spend any additional time behind bars. His other misdemeanor DUI charge was dropped.

We broke the story ... Christopher, best known as Shooter McGavin, got busted after driving his Porsche off the highway, taking out a gas meter and crashing into an embankment.

He then posed for this disheveled mug shot, which could be explained by the fact he was seen chugging beer at an Oktoberfest earlier in the day.

McDonald was also arrested for DWI in 2013 in North Carolina.

R. Kelly may be jailed again, and soon ... after missing child support payments that have already landed him in jail once before.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the singer has missed his last 2 months of child support payments to his ex, Drea Kelly. He's required to pay $20,833 a month to his ex.

As you know, Kelly was jailed in early March after racking up a $161,633 delinquency ... this after he was arrested on sexual abuse charges.

Kelly was released after he cleared the debt after someone covered his tab. After getting out, Kelly went back to court and asked a judge to lower the $20k amount, claiming he could no longer afford it. The judge said he'd hear arguments but that won't happen until May 8. In the meantime, he owes $20k+ a month and it's clear ... the judge means business.

We broke the story ... Kelly was paid $22k for a 1-hour nightclub performance in Illinois earlier this month -- which Drea was totally cool with ... asking the media to take it easy on him while he tries to make some money. Turns out, he didn't turn over the loot.

Michelle Obama condemned President Trump but in doing so took a swipe at divorced dads ... and she's catching heat for it.

The former First Lady was promoting her new memoir "Becoming" in London when she struggled to find a metaphor describing America's fascination with Donald Trump -- a fascination that turned bad.

You hear Stephen Colbert -- who moderated Michelle's chat -- tee off first, and then she launches, equating America's troubles with that of a teenager who spends the weekend with his/her divorced dad who makes things fun at first and then gets the youngster sick.

The fallout from the video -- obtained by The Independent -- was immediate as people, especially divorced dads, took offense at the intimation divorced dads are somehow lesser than divorced moms.

Someone tweeted, "I admire @MichelleObama, but I really wish she wouldn't use divorced dads as a metaphor for Trump. I hear some of them are quite awesome." Someone else said, "As a divorced dad, I do my best to raise my son into a kind of man of which we all can be proud. Your comment doesn't help people see that I'm conscientious and competent to do a good job."

It gets worse ... someone who actually liked Obama and disliked Trump said, "You've shown that you can say just as rude and insensitive comments as Trump."

NBC4's David Ushery must have been listening to Snoop Dogg on his way into work today ... otherwise, he's got some explaining to do about this slip of the tongue on-air.

The NYC anchor was reporting Tuesday morning about a dog that was rescued 135 miles off the coast of Thailand. What David meant to say was "doggy paddle" ... but what came out of his mouth was a bit more, um ... sexual.

Check out the flub ... his co-anchor Stacey Bell's reaction says it all.

Bell couldn't stifle her laughter for long ... and Ushery knew he was screwed. To his credit, he owned it and made the situation even more hilarious with a perfect joke to wrap it up ... and through their LOL'ing they managed to get to a commercial.

Michelle Obama was living the good life -- sipping wine on a dinner cruise in Paris -- when the Notre Dame Cathedral fire totally changed the mood ... and the course of the cruise.

The former First Lady was smiling as she boarded the Ducasse sur Seine Monday night -- just across from the Eiffel Tower -- for a dinner cruise experience along the Seine River with famous chef Alain Ducasse and others.

Michelle looked fit for a fancy, fun night on the luxury ship ... but things took a turn for the worse when word got around Notre Dame was going up in flames. As you can see in the pics ... everybody's happy faces turn concerned for the famed cathedral and the people of Paris.

We're told the boat's captain ultimately made the decision to take a different route than planned for the cruise to avoid the Notre Dame fire ... and dinner was still served.

As we reported ... the cathedral is still standing after the massive fire, but the restoration process will be long and difficult.