In a world exclusive jailhouse interview with RadarOnline.com, Josh Waring insists he's innocent of attempted murder charges, and blames Bravo for "putting a target on my back."

Ex Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson's son was charged with attempted murder after allegedly opening fire on two people in Costa Mesa and then leading cops on a wild car chase on June 20, 2016, as Radar has reported.

He was eventually captured and charged with three counts of attempted murder and several other felony and misdemeanor charges.

Jury selection began on Jan. 29, and Waring is still pleading not guilty. However, if found guilty, he could face several life sentences.

had substance abuse problems for years. In fact, he was hit with a felony possession of a controlled substance charge and accusations of being under the influence — while locked up behind bars!

Court records show Waring reportedly was busted with “pruno,” an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit, ketchup, sugar, bread and other ingredients.

Waring was hit with divorce papers from his wife Hannah while he was in jail after allegedly threatening to stab her. She said in legal docs that they split up in March 2015.

His estranged wife also noted Peterson adopted their daughter, Kennady Kaydence, 4, and both parents have no legal rights to her.

Waring told Radar despite his troubled past, his mom still has his back. "My mom knows I am innocent and she knows I am not perfect and I have a drug problem and I have had my faults and weaknesses. But she has also said, ‘you don’t understand, this isn’t him. If it was drugs there would be a 99 chance it’s true. But not this.’"

We pay for juicy info! Do you have a story for RadarOnline.com? Email us at [email protected], or call us at 800-344-9598 any time, day or night.