Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was searching online for answers about symptoms Gene was experiencing just days before dying from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a new investigation shows.

The new report released by New Mexico officials, obtained by TMZ, revealed Betsy had bookmarks open on her computer from Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12 — the day she died — showing she was searching whether COVID could cause symptoms like dizziness or nosebleeds.

An email to her masseuse revealed Gene woke up on Feb. 11 with flu or cold-like symptoms. His COVID test came back negative, but Betsy said she’d reschedule her appointment “out of an abundance of caution.”

Unfortunately, an environmental assessment by the New Mexico Department of Public Health found Gene and Betsy’s property was infested — dead rodents and nests were scattered throughout eight detached outbuildings.

Mickey Rourke may have gotten booted off “Celebrity Big Brother” …  but he’s not going down without a fight, as he’s exploring legal action against the show for allegedly withholding money he feels entitled to, TMZ has learned.

Kimberly Hines, Rourke’s rep, tells TMZ … Mickey’s team is currently speaking with lawyers in the UK and are weighing a lawsuit against ITV, the company that produces the show.

Hines says Rourke is being “unjustly” denied a major payday … claiming ‘CBB’ producers deliberately removed him this past Saturday, just one day before he would have become contractually eligible to receive a lot more money.

Hines claims Rourke was contractually promised first-class accommodations for him and his team upon arriving in London. But, en route, ITV honchos apparently informed them they’d only cover hotel rooms up to $300 per night.

The problem is, Rourke had already booked a super swanky hotel for himself and his team, costing around $50K altogether … and now he’s stuck footing the bill.

Rourke’s rep is taking no prisoners … saying the reality show’s producers are well aware Mickey’s a verbal loose cannon, and they got exactly what they wanted from him before “sending him out with barely a ride to the airport.”

Sources with knowledge tell TMZ … Mickey only did the show because he’s in serious financial troubles and needed a check to pay off some debts. We’re told Mickey has stayed silent thus far because “he has dignity and is proud.”

As we reported … ‘CBB’ released a statement on Saturday announcing Mickey and showrunners agreed to part ways due to his inappropriate language and poor behavior. Rourke had made several offensive comments aimed at JoJo Siwa, which led to him receiving a formal warning — and the final straw came when he aggressively confronted fellow housemate Chris Hughes.

However, Hines says Mickey did NOT agree to leave the show and claims the show’s statement is being used by ITV to “strategically not have to fulfill their financial obligations.”

Mickey’s rep says he wants to put all of this behind him, focus on making quality films, and make “his final comeback” … but first, ITV needs to do the right thing and pay the money Rourke deserves.

The judge who reduced Karmelo Anthony‘s bond this week is getting some added security, TMZ Sports has learned, after law enforcement said she’s been the recipient of threats following her key decision in the murder case.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office told us Tuesday it’s beefed up protection around Judge Angela Tucker in the wake of her Monday choice to lower the alleged H.S. track meet killer’s bail from $1 million to $250,000.

The CCSO said “court staff and concerned citizens” reported the menacing remarks made against the official … and now, its team of investigators, as well as the FBI are probing the matter.

“If the individual responsible is identified,” the CCSO said, “potential charges could include Unlawful Disclosure of a Residence Address or Telephone Number and Obstruction or Retaliation.”

It’s unclear exactly what the contents of the comments made against Tucker were … but the judge reportedly turned her X page private shortly after Monday’s hearing, presumably due to them.

An attorney for Anthony — the 17-year-old who’s facing one count of first-degree felony murder after he allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf during a dispute over a seat on April 2 — had argued to Tucker a $1 million bond was unnecessary … due his client’s lack of criminal activity history.

However, prosecutors asked for it to remain in place, calling it the standard for murder cases in Collin County.

After lowering it, Tucker ordered Anthony to wear an ankle monitor and be confined to his home.