TMZ Behind The Bar

By TMZ

What's TMZ Behind The Bar about?

TMZ's lawyers Jason Beckerman and Derek Kaufman loiter at the intersection of law and entertainment, where they look closely at the personalities, events and trends driving the world of celebrity — and how the law affects it all. You might learn something… then again you probably won’t… but either way it will be a fun ride!

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TMZ Behind The Bar episodes:

02.15.2018
082- Battle of the Exes – Why Blake Griffin Stands to Pay Millions to Support His Ex-GF… For the Rest of Her Life
Blake Griffin may have left L.A., but his ex is hauling him back to a California court for allegedly breaking a promise to support her forever. But can she win if the couple never walked down the aisle? We break...
02.08.2018
081 - #HeToo — How Men Are Surviving the #MeToo Maelstrom
Hollywood’s most powerful men have been running scared for months, drowning in a torrent of #MeToo accusations. But some are now fighting back. Do they stand a chance? We explore surviving in a post-Weinstein world on this week’s Behind the...
02.01.2018
080 - The Glee Curse – How Mark Salling’s Suicide Screwed Over His Victims
Facing prison and a lifetime of shame for a child porn conviction, former ‘Glee’ star Mark Salling took his own life before the judge banged the final gavel. But what does it mean for victims of his crimes? We break...
01.26.2018
079 - Larry Nassar – Who Else Is Responsible for the Bad Doctor’s Crimes?
USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar will spend the rest of his life in prison for sexually assaulting more than 100 young athletes over his 20-year career. But who’s to blame for letting it happen? We break it down on...
01.11.2018
078 Breaking the Ice – Is It Finally Time to Forgive Tonya Harding?
More than 20 years after Nancy Kerrigan was kneecapped before the 1994 Winter Olympics, Hollywood seems to be embracing Tonya Harding. Is it too soon, or has she suffered enough? We revisit the “Whyyyy” Heard Round the World … on...
01.04.2018
077 They Sued for WHAT?!? A Year End Reflection on 2017’s Most Preposterous Lawsuits
Absurd lawsuits are nothing new, and 2017 saw some real doozies. From slippery donkeys and sugary jelly beans, to a man who sued his date for texting too much, Derek and Jason reflect on their frivolous favorites… on this week’s...
12.28.2017
076 The Apple of Our Ire – Is the Tech Giant in Trouble for Slowing Down Our Old iPhones?
Apple just fessed up – older iPhones ARE slower, and the company did it on purpose! But was it just to preserve your old battery, or an illegal ploy to force you into a pricey upgrade? We get to the...
12.21.2017
075 The End of Net Neutrality – Who Wins, Who Loses, and What the Hell Is It?
The FCC just slashed internet regulations, and the Left thinks Armageddon is upon us. But is this really the end of the internet as we know it? We cover the broad spectrum of possibilities with a former FCC insider...
12.14.2017
074 Bitcoin Bonanza — The Promise and Peril of a Digital Currency Revolution
Cryptocurrency is booming, and investors are making tens of millions overnight. But is it just a financial bubble about to pop, or is Bitcoin about to change everything we know about money? An expert breaks it all down, on this...
12.07.2017
073 Behind the Bar – Mailbag Edition
We were flooded with questions this week about everything from Rob Gronkowski’s cheap shot to the sudden resignation of Al Franken. Rather than picking one story, we empty the ol’ inbox and answer some of your questions on this week’s...
11.30.2017
072 When Harry Met Meghan – What Happens When a British Royal Marries an American Divorcee?
Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle caused ripples of excitement on both sides of the pond. But could their “I Do’s” actually reunite the Crown and the Colonies? We unpack the royal possibilities on this week’s Behind the Bar.
11.23.2017
071 Scott Peterson: From Family Man To Murderer
It’s been 15 years since Lacy Peterson was murdered. Her husband Scott is on death row for the murders, but questions remain about his motives and the bizarre method of execution. We dive deep into the mystery… on this week’s...
11.16.2017
070 About a Roy – What Republicans Can Do To Solve Their Roy Moore Problem.
Roy Moore’s Senate run is failing due to claims he hit on young girls. Win or lose, the GOP knows it’s screwed. But can they really remove him from the ballot or, if he wins, expel him from the Senate?...
11.09.2017
069 Shark Attack – Is Robert Herjavec Predator or Prey?
Shark Tank star and multi-millionaire Robert Herjavec is in a nasty legal battle with an ex-GF, who claims he sexually assaulted her years ago. But is he a monster, or a victim of extortion? We chum the waters on this...
11.02.2017
068 Celebrity Sexual Harassment and Assault – What If Some of the Claims Are Untrue?
The #MeToo movement has cast a long overdue spotlight on the scourge of sexual misconduct in the entertainment biz, and the media is all too happy to print the lurid accusations. But who will pay the legal price when someone’s...
10.26.2017
067 Put a Corker In It – Can Trump Be Taken Down by Members of His Own Party?
Just 9 months into his presidency, prominent Republicans have defected from their own party to take a stand against Trump. Just hollow words, or a harbinger of impeachment? We take a look back to discuss Trump’s chances of serving his...
10.19.2017
066 The NFL’s Existential Threat – Why Colin Kaepernick’s Lawsuit May Bring Down America’s Most Popular Sports League
Colin Kaepernick still hasn’t found a QB job and now alleges team owners are in cahoots to blackball him. Is it just a desperate man’s futile Hail Mary, or a legit threat to NFL hegemony? We scramble to find the...
10.13.2017
065 Harvey Weinstein – How the Fall of a Legendary Producer Exposed the Hypocrisy of Hollywood
Harvey Weinstein’s swift demise triggered a long overdue conversation about the sexual politics of Hollywood. But has the belated outrage also revealed how years of complicity actually enabled his monstrous misdeeds … on this week’s Behind the Bar.
10.05.2017
064 The Vegas Massacre: Eighty Years of Failure To Control Gun Violence
The carnage in Vegas has again spurred a public outcry for gun control, but the right is pushing back. Have we reached a tipping point, or is this just another chapter in America’s failed efforts to rein in gun violence…...
09.28.2017
063 March Sadness — The Scandal That Rocked College Sports and Shamed the NCAA
Coaches and sportswear execs have been arrested for funneling cash to players. But are the accused actually guilty of crimes deserving of jail time, or sacrificial lambs paying for the sins of a broken and corrupt NCAA… on this week’s...
09.21.2017
062 Broken Hart: The Botched Extortion of a Movie Megastar
Kevin Hart cheated and it was caught on tape. He refused to pay $10 mil in hush money and issued a mea culpa instead. The FBI thinks they know who did it, but how long will the extortionists serve? All...
09.14.2017
061 Mel B’s Divorce – Did Scary Spice Really Threaten Witnesses to Help Her Case?
Mel B’s nasty divorce just got even nastier with 2 women accusing the former Spice Girl of badgering them into falsely testifying on her behalf. But could she actually get in real legal trouble? We dive into witness tampering on...
09.08.2017
060 President Trump: Dream Killer or Law and Order President? Breaking Down the DACA Debate
The President pulled the plug on Obama’s program to protect young, undocumented immigrants from deportation. Is it racism, or a necessary reversal of an illegal policy? We strip out the politics and just look at the facts on this week’s...
08.30.2017
059 America Trans-Formed: Why a Judge Gave the National Enquirer a Free Pass to Falsely Claim Richard Simmons is Becoming a Woman
An LA judge dismissed Simmons’ defamation suit against the Enquirer, holding that modern society wouldn’t hold such a thing against the fitness guru. But have we really come that far, or is this just a Pollyannish overreach by an activist...
08.25.2017
058 All’s Fair in Love and War … And Maybe YouTube
YouTubers can breathe a sigh of relief after H3H3 scored a huge victory in their copyright battle with Bold Guy. But is this really the death knell for artists looking to protect their creations? We break down “fair use” on...
08.17.2017
057 Charlottesville Carnage – Bringing the Killer to Justice
The President’s response to the Charlottesville mayhem distracted attention from the victims of James Alex Fields’s rampage and their need for justice. But could he pay the ultimate price for his ruthless slaughter … on this week’s Behind the Bar.
08.10.2017
056 He Got It Bad … Or Does He? – The Rise and Fall of the House of Usher
Music superstar Usher is facing an onslaught of lawsuits for allegedly spreading herpes to sexual partners. But is he in any serious trouble? All this – and can the author of the infamous Google memo sue over his firing –...
08.03.2017
055 A “Dog” Day Afternoon: Weighing The Costs And Benefits Of NJ Bail Reform
Dog The Bounty Hunter is suing Governor Chris Christie over NJ bail reform and we invite him on this week’s episode to discuss the controversial policy changes.
07.27.2017
054 Trans-parent Bigotry: The President’s Irrational Justifications for Barring Transgender Military Service.
Citing health care costs and “distractions” to the armed forces, Donald Trump banned transgender people from military services. But it looks like the facts – and military history – expose the Prez’s true motivations on this week’s Behind the Bar.
07.20.2017
053 Bump n’ Mind Control – Is R. Kelly Really the Next David Koresh?
R. Kelly is facing new allegations of preying on young women’s hopes for stardom to completely control their lives. But is he breaking any laws? All this – and can a YouTube star lose his home over his fans’ behavior...
07.13.2017
052 Fame, Fortune, and Felonies – Why Reality Stars Always Seem To Be Getting Into Trouble
Abby Lee Miller and Haley Reinhart are the latest victims of the reality show curse. Derek and a special guest host dig into the BTB archives to find out why our favorite TV characters end up on the wrong side...
07.05.2017
051 Rob’s Revenge – Will Leaked Nudes of Blac Chyna Land a Kardashian Behind Bars?
Rob Kardashian lashed out in a big way this week, posting naked pictures of Blac Chyna after learning of her alleged affairs. Looks like classic revenge porn, but did Chyna inadvertently spoil any chance he’ll go to jail … on...
06.29.2017
050 Legalizing Sports Betting: Who Wins, Who Loses, And Why It Has Taken So Long?
The Supreme Court may strike down laws barring sports betting. It’s a $135 billion industry, and politicians like Chris Christie are licking their chops. We break down the winners and losers when sports books go national on this week’s episode.
06.22.2017
049 A New Slant: How a Band’s Free Speech Victory Could Unleash a Torrent of Hate for Profit.
When the Feds denied “The Slants” their trademark, the band took the fight to the Supreme Court… and won! But are we ready for a world where everyone— oppressed and oppressors alike —can exploit hate speech for profit, on this...
06.16.2017
048 Bill Cosby’s Last Stand – The Comedy Legend’s Struggle to Avoid Spending the Rest of His Life in Prison
Bill Cosby allegedly sexually assaulted over 50 women. But the only chance for justice rests with one victim and an obsessive DA. As jurors ponder Cosby’s fate, we ask how we got here and why the deck is stacked against...
06.09.2017
047 Bullied to Death: The Texting Suicide Case
A young woman is on trial for manslaughter for coaxing her boyfriend to commit suicide. But can you really be responsible for killing someone with words alone? Jason and Derek break down the moral and legal implications on this week’s...
06.02.2017
046 Slouching Tiger – What the DUI Means For His Freedom, His Paycheck, and His Parental Rights
Tiger Woods’s career is in shambles, and the recent DUI may threaten his endorsement deals. But could the courts take away his kids, as well? We sort through the wreckage of a golfing god’s broken life on this week’s Behind...
05.25.2017
045 The Manchester Menace: Government Crack Downs On Internet Freedom in the Age of Terror
Britain’s P.M. is exploiting European terror attacks to restrict internet freedom – from the sites you visit, to the posts you share, and even to the porn you watch. Too far, or a necessary evil in the age of terror?...
05.19.2017
044 The Impeachment of Donald J. Trump – Legal Reality or Fevered Dream of the Left?
After his first 100+ days in office, Donald Trump is on the ropes and drawing unfavorable comparisons to a certain former president. But is this another Watergate or a witch hunt by his foes? Two Nixon experts give their take...
05.11.2017
043 The Terrorism Blame Game: Will Twitter Have To Pay the Victims of the San Bernardino attacks?
Twitter, Facebook and Google are responsible for terror attacks around the world… so say plaintiffs taking the tech giants to court. But are the platforms at fault, or just blameless instruments being exploited by very bad people – on Behind...
05.03.2017
042 Death on a Country Road - Should Bachelor Chris Soules Go To Prison for Killing a Man?
Chris Soules fled the scene of a wreck that left a man dead, and there’s evidence the former Bachelor may have been boozing. But was this really a crime, or just a tragic accident that has devastated an Iowa farm...
04.27.2017
041 Censory Overload – The Liberal Crackdown on Conservative Speakers At Universities.
Berkeley caved to student outcry, cancelling speeches by Ann Coulter and Milo Yiannopolous. The University cited safety concerns, but the Right’s not buying it. Leading conservative voices, Gavin McInnes and Tomi Lahren, join Behind the Bar to discuss.
04.20.2017
040 UnPatriotic – The Strange Timing and Lasting Damage of Aaron Hernandez’s Death
Just when there was a glimmer of hope, Aaron Hernandez hanged himself. But was this the last act of a psychopath, or a final “f you” to his victim and former team? All this, and why Hernandez – technically –...
04.14.2017
039 United We Sue – The Case Against United Airlines and the Chicago PD.
United Airlines is under fire after video surfaced of cops brutally dragging a man off a flight for no. But did they really do anything wrong, and how much (if anything) will they pay? Jason and Derek wade through the...
04.06.2017
038 Revisiting Casey Anthony The Murder, the Lies, and the Implausible Not-Guilty Verdict.
Callie Anthony was murdered six years ago, and all the evidence damns her mother as the killer. Despite proof that Casey misled cops, concocted suspects, and had the “smell of death” in her car, a jury set her free. Behind...
03.30.2017
037 Illegal Use of the Hands - The Fine Line Between a Little Bit of Fun, and a Whole Lotta Jail Time
Ezekiel Elliot and Cuba Gooding may be prosecuted for yanking clothes off unsuspecting women. But are charges warranted, or just politically correct? All this - and how a woman’s “no” may lead to “yes” when prosecuting sex crimes - on...
03.23.2017
036 The Tom Brady Affair - How the FBI Cracked the Case of the Stolen Super Bowl Jersey … With a Little Help from the Mexican Federales
Federal agents found Tom Brady’s Super Bowl jersey. But why were the Feds involved at all, and at what cost to taxpayers? A former FBI bigwig explains. All this – and why the culprit may get a life sentence –...
03.16.2017
035 Express Yourself … At Your Own Risk – Did Snoop Dogg and Madonna Cross the Line With Their Trump Criticism?
Celebs are threatening the Prez in songs and speeches. But did Snoop and the Material Girl cross the line from artistic expression to a crime? All this – and what’s the law say about publishing stolen tax returns – on...
03.10.2017
034 War of the Words – Can ESPN Fire Someone Over Possibly Misplaced Twitter Outrage?
An ESPN commentator learned the hard way that words really matter when it comes to describing Venus Williams. But should he have been fired? Van Lathan joins to discuss the sticky issue of word choice in the modern era on...
03.03.2017
033 Hollywood Discriminates! – And Here’s Why We Wouldn’t Want it Any Other Way
Hollywood has a history of discrimination, and the law has always been on its side. But there’s a darn good reason the “industry” isn’t subject to anti-discrimination laws, and why you wouldn’t want it any other way — on this...

What's TMZ Behind The Bar about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

TMZ Behind The Bar episodes:

082- Battle of the Exes – Why Blake Griffin Stands to Pay Millions to Support His Ex-GF… For the Rest of Her Life

081 - #HeToo — How Men Are Surviving the #MeToo Maelstrom

080 - The Glee Curse – How Mark Salling’s Suicide Screwed Over His Victims

079 - Larry Nassar – Who Else Is Responsible for the Bad Doctor’s Crimes?

078 Breaking the Ice – Is It Finally Time to Forgive Tonya Harding?

077 They Sued for WHAT?!? A Year End Reflection on 2017’s Most Preposterous Lawsuits

076 The Apple of Our Ire – Is the Tech Giant in Trouble for Slowing Down Our Old iPhones?

075 The End of Net Neutrality – Who Wins, Who Loses, and What the Hell Is It?

074 Bitcoin Bonanza — The Promise and Peril of a Digital Currency Revolution

073 Behind the Bar – Mailbag Edition

072 When Harry Met Meghan – What Happens When a British Royal Marries an American Divorcee?

071 Scott Peterson: From Family Man To Murderer

070 About a Roy – What Republicans Can Do To Solve Their Roy Moore Problem.

069 Shark Attack – Is Robert Herjavec Predator or Prey?

068 Celebrity Sexual Harassment and Assault – What If Some of the Claims Are Untrue?

067 Put a Corker In It – Can Trump Be Taken Down by Members of His Own Party?

066 The NFL’s Existential Threat – Why Colin Kaepernick’s Lawsuit May Bring Down America’s Most Popular Sports League

065 Harvey Weinstein – How the Fall of a Legendary Producer Exposed the Hypocrisy of Hollywood

064 The Vegas Massacre: Eighty Years of Failure To Control Gun Violence

063 March Sadness — The Scandal That Rocked College Sports and Shamed the NCAA

062 Broken Hart: The Botched Extortion of a Movie Megastar

061 Mel B’s Divorce – Did Scary Spice Really Threaten Witnesses to Help Her Case?

060 President Trump: Dream Killer or Law and Order President? Breaking Down the DACA Debate

059 America Trans-Formed: Why a Judge Gave the National Enquirer a Free Pass to Falsely Claim Richard Simmons is Becoming a Woman

058 All’s Fair in Love and War … And Maybe YouTube

057 Charlottesville Carnage – Bringing the Killer to Justice

056 He Got It Bad … Or Does He? – The Rise and Fall of the House of Usher

055 A “Dog” Day Afternoon: Weighing The Costs And Benefits Of NJ Bail Reform

054 Trans-parent Bigotry: The President’s Irrational Justifications for Barring Transgender Military Service.

053 Bump n’ Mind Control – Is R. Kelly Really the Next David Koresh?

052 Fame, Fortune, and Felonies – Why Reality Stars Always Seem To Be Getting Into Trouble

051 Rob’s Revenge – Will Leaked Nudes of Blac Chyna Land a Kardashian Behind Bars?

050 Legalizing Sports Betting: Who Wins, Who Loses, And Why It Has Taken So Long?

049 A New Slant: How a Band’s Free Speech Victory Could Unleash a Torrent of Hate for Profit.

048 Bill Cosby’s Last Stand – The Comedy Legend’s Struggle to Avoid Spending the Rest of His Life in Prison

047 Bullied to Death: The Texting Suicide Case

046 Slouching Tiger – What the DUI Means For His Freedom, His Paycheck, and His Parental Rights

045 The Manchester Menace: Government Crack Downs On Internet Freedom in the Age of Terror

044 The Impeachment of Donald J. Trump – Legal Reality or Fevered Dream of the Left?

043 The Terrorism Blame Game: Will Twitter Have To Pay the Victims of the San Bernardino attacks?

042 Death on a Country Road - Should Bachelor Chris Soules Go To Prison for Killing a Man?

041 Censory Overload – The Liberal Crackdown on Conservative Speakers At Universities.

040 UnPatriotic – The Strange Timing and Lasting Damage of Aaron Hernandez’s Death

039 United We Sue – The Case Against United Airlines and the Chicago PD.

038 Revisiting Casey Anthony The Murder, the Lies, and the Implausible Not-Guilty Verdict.

037 Illegal Use of the Hands - The Fine Line Between a Little Bit of Fun, and a Whole Lotta Jail Time

036 The Tom Brady Affair - How the FBI Cracked the Case of the Stolen Super Bowl Jersey … With a Little Help from the Mexican Federales

035 Express Yourself … At Your Own Risk – Did Snoop Dogg and Madonna Cross the Line With Their Trump Criticism?

034 War of the Words – Can ESPN Fire Someone Over Possibly Misplaced Twitter Outrage?

033 Hollywood Discriminates! – And Here’s Why We Wouldn’t Want it Any Other Way