Credit dogged TMZ.com with flushing out the true nature of Michaele Salahi's disappearance Tuesday. When the noted White House state dinner crasher and "Real Housewives of D.C." star disappeared, her husband, Tareq, feared kidnapping. But no, TMZ found, Michaele had run off to join Journey guitarist Neal Schon in Nashville -- and didn't want to be found.

A day later, TMZ has another thought: "The Salahi Situation: Tragic Break-Up ... Or Ultimate Publicity Stunt?" The viewpoint that matters is Warren County Sheriff Daniel T. McEathron, whom the devastated Tareq called for help. The sheriff believes his report was genuine, the Associated Press says, but: