MIKE&TRICIA'S HOLLYWOOD DIRT REPORT

STEPHEN COLLINS' ESTRANGED WIFE DENIES EXTORTION CLAIMS: Police are investigating claims that former "7th Heaven" actor STEPHEN COLLINS molested three girls years ago, after a tape of him discussing the incidents, recorded in 2012 by his estranged wife Faye Grant, was made public Tuesday.

Grant is denying having any part of the leak. She claims she turned over the recording to authorities two years ago. She's also refuting allegations made by Collins's attorney to TMZ that she "repeatedly threatened to give this audiotape to the media unless Stephen agreed to pay her millions of dollars more than that to which she was legally entitled."

In a statement released to ABC News, Grant said, "I am seeking no more than that to which I am legally entitled under the laws of the State of California. The recording of Mr. Collins' statements has not been part of family court proceedings or any negotiations related to that action at any time."

Grant's lawyer reiterated her claim, adding, "It is offensive and outrageous that Mr. Collins' lawyer is now attempting to deflect focus away from the disturbing content of the recording and away from Mr. Collins' admissions by attacking the victims, including Faye, who Mr. Collins' lawyer is attempting to portray as the 'villain' in this tragic situation."

Grant also maintains she turned over the recording to the LAPD and NYPD around the time of the couple's split over two years ago, "after Mr. Collins refused to address and get help with regard to his reprehensible conduct."

Collins and Grant are scheduled to begin their divorce trial next week. At stake is over 14 million dollars in assets.

Meanwhile ... There are some scandals even the show "Scandal" can't support. Collins was due for a return guest appearance as a TV reporter in an upcoming episode, but ABC announced yesterday that's not happening anymore.

Earlier this week Collins was dropped from the movie "Ted 2," and the TV Guide Network as well as the family-friendly cable channel Up have pulled "7th Heaven" reruns.

JENNIFER GARNER CONFIRMS SHE HAS A BABY BUMP, BUT ...: JENNIFER GARNER verified rumors on the Internet; yes, she's rockin' a "baby bump". But, no, she's not pregnant.

Garner confirmed to applause on Wednesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show there is a bump, and that "it's not going anywhere."



"I have a bump. Its name is Violet, Sam, Sera," Jennifer said, referencing her three kids with husband BEN AFFLECK. "But I see you guys are really eager for us to pop out another one. Gosh, you're exhausting!"

On a different Garner note ... Thanks to a gust of wind, Jen's Spanx made an appearance at the premiere of her new movie "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." (PHOTO)

GAYLE KING DID NOT OUT HERSELF ON NATIONAL TELEVISION: Yesterday on "CBS This Morning" GAYLE KING said something that sounded a lot like "I'm gay."

She was joking about getting together with co-host CHARLIE ROSE at the time, and it sounded like she said, "I'm just kidding. I'm gay." Not that it really matters, but the reason people are making such a big deal about it is because she's Oprah's best friend, and there have been rumors for years that they are lovers.

Page Six reached out to King’s rep to gain clarification on her actual comments, and the rep provided the following transcript of the exchange:

GK: O! MAXIMIZERS AND SATISFICERS MAKE GOOD COUPLES.

::LOOKS AT CHARLIE::

GK: HELLO, MAXIMIZER.

::EVERYONE LAUGHS/CHARLIE KISSES GAYLE’S SHOULDER::

GK: I’M JUST KIDDING. I’M-I’M KIDDING. (LAUGHTER)

TMZ later caught up with Gayle King outside of the CBS News studios. “If I was gay, I would tell you,” she said. She claims she simply stuttered.

JENNIFER LOPEZ DINES WITH EX - ARE THEY GETTING BACK TOGETHER?!: Just because they broke up doesn't mean they can't still enjoy each others company. JENNIFER LOPEZ was spotted grabbing dinner with ex Casper Smart Monday night, E! Online reports.

This isn't the first time the two have been spotted hanging out since their split in June, but multiple sources claim the pair is not getting back together and simply "remain great friends."