Former child star Lance Kerwin has been placed on five years’ probation after pleading guilty to a theft charge in Kauai, Hawaii. Kerwin, who played the title role in “James at 15” in the late ‘70s, was given credit during last Thursday’s sentencing for 90 days served and ordered to perform 300 hours of community service for the second-degree theft charge. Prosecutors say Kerwin was caught falsifying documents in order to get state medical assistance and food stamps. His defense lawyer says Kerwin omitted in the benefits application that he owned three properties on the mainland. Kerwin, a pastor at Calvary Chapel in Kapaa and a U-Turn for Christ program leader, says he’s paid about $22,000 in restitution.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
‘Glee’ Guys Helping Host Teen Choice Awards
Katy Perry will have some help when she hosts the Teen Choice Awards. “Glee” stars Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Cory Monteith and Mark Salling will join her as co-hosts. The cast of “Glee” has 13 Teen Choice Award nominations. The awards will be taped August 8th and air August 9th on FOX.
Rycroft Strickland Pregnant
Reality television personality Melissa Rycroft Strickland announced she is pregnant on yesterday’s “Good Morning America.” Rycroft Strickland – a “GMA” correspondent who competed on “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars” – married insurance agent Tye Strickland last December. Their first child is expected to be born in February.
More Mel Gibson Tapes Leaked
RadarOnline has released more purported audio of Mel Gibson ranting at ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. This time, the audio is said to come from a series of eight voice mail messages he left on Grigorieva’s answering machine. Like the previous seven recordings released by Radar, yesterday’s release features a man identified as Gibson insulting and cursing at his ex. Gibson reportedly called Grigorieva up to 30 times the night she ended their relationship. According to RadarOnline, the series of phone calls spanned 10 hours, allegedly starting at 8 p.m. on February 18th.
Roasting The Hoff
David Hasselhoff is starring in a spoof commercial to promote an upcoming Comedy Central “Roast Of David Hasselhoff.” The Hoff has appeared in a series of hilarious promos that spoof his public troubles, including the infamous drunken burger eating episode. He is also spoofed for being “Germany’s most beloved singer” and is seen posing with the “Knight Rider” car. The roast tapes on Sunday and airs August 15th. Jerry Springer, George Hamilton, Jeffrey Ross and others are joining Hasselhoff’s “Baywatch” costar Pamela Anderson as official roasters. Seth MacFarlane has signed on as emcee for the event.
Brinkley Puts NY House On Market
Christie Brinkley has put one of her properties on New York’s Long Island up for sale for $15.75 million. The five-bedroom house is on 4 1/2 acres in Sag Harbor on the island’s eastern end. Brinkley bought the house in 2004 for $7.15 million. She owns other properties in the area as well.
Next ‘Survivor’ Pits Youth Against Age
CBS says the upcoming edition of the “Survivor: Nicaragua” will divide contestants into two tribes, young vs. old – with “old” defined as starting at 40 for the so-called Espada Tribe. The La Flor Tribe will be made up of people 30 and younger. “Survivor: Nicaragua” will debut September 15th.
Chris Tucker Owes BIG Money To The Tax Man
The IRS is after Chris Tucker for $11 million he owes in back taxes, dating back to 2001. That amount is added on to the $3.5 million he owes California in state taxes for the same period. The IRS says Chris owes $4 million for 2001, $5 million for 2002, $55,000 for 2004, $660,000 for 2005 and $1.8 million for 2006. In addition to his tax problems, Tucker is also taking a bath on his mansion in Florida. The actor is trying to sell the home for $2 million, even though he paid $6 million for it three years ago. The house includes 5 bedrooms, a wine cellar, a pirate ship-themed home theater and a library with a secret room. It is located in Montverde, a suburb of Orlando. Tucker also owns multiple properties in California, but it's not clear if he's looking to unload any of those as well.
No ‘Dancing’ For Kate
All of the celebrities for Season 10 of “Dancing With the Stars” are planning to reunite in about three weeks in Los Angeles – except for Kate Gosselin, who was not invited. “Her invite must have gotten lost in the mail,” one “Dancing” insider told Popeater.com. “Of course she was not invited! We all became close during and after the show except Kate, who hasn’t returned anyone’s calls or e-mails. You know it’s bad when even creepy bachelor, Jake Pavelka, gets invited but she doesn’t.” Season 10 participants like Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Niecy Nash, winner Nicole Scherzinger and even Shannon Doherty plan to gather together to reminisce.
Wyclef Jean’s Uncle Running For President
Wyclef Jean’s uncle, who is Haiti’s ambassador to the United States, says he will run for president of Haiti this autumn. Ambassador Raymond Joseph says that he will formally announce his candidacy next week, hinting he would be campaigning alongside his popular nephew, the hip hop singer.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Results
The “America’s Got Talent” results show last night revealed four more contestants making it to the semi-finals. Robotic dancer Haspop, dance crew Studio One Young Beast Society, singer Debra Romer and bicycle acrobat Jeremy Vanschoonhoven all made it through. South Philly Vikings, CJ Dippa, Chipps Cooney, Paulina Volchek, Strange Familiar, Luigi, Harmonica Pierre and belly dancers Kaya and Sadie were sent packing.
‘Idol’ Reject Sues For $300 Million
“American Idol” reject Ian Benardo, who infamously rushed the stage during the talent search’s 2010 finale, claims producers encouraged the stunt and then discriminated against him. He’s seeking $300 million in a complaint filed with the New York State Human Rights Division that alleges the “Idol” set “was permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, insults and hostile and offensive comments.” Benardo, who is openly gay, auditioned for the show in 2007 and became a sensation after he flipped out on Simon Cowell. He claims producers invited him back for last season’s finale – then pelted him with anti-gay epithets and asked him inappropriate questions about his sexuality. He also says producers gave him the go-ahead to grab the mike from Dane Cook during the May 26th finale. Since the finale, Benardo said he has suffered panic attacks and can’t live a normal life.
Oprah Winfrey Taps Celebrity Friends For Documentary Series
Julia Roberts, Forest Whitaker, Goldie Hawn, Mariel Hemingway and Gabriel Byrne have signed deals with Oprah Winfrey to develop documentaries for her new network. The celebs will produce documentaries for Winfrey’s new OWN TV network, set to launch next year. The shows will be part of a monthly Documentary Film Club.
Investigators Interview Mel Gibson
Los Angeles sheriff’s investigators interviewed Mel Gibson on Sunday – but they didn’t grill him about allegations he punched his ex-lover. “We did talk to Mel Gibson on Sunday. It had nothing to do with the domestic violence investigation. It only concerned the allegations of extortion,” a sheriff’s spokesman said yesterday. Gibson claims Oksana Grigorieva tried to shake him down over a series of damaging phone recordings. The actor turned over e-mails and text messages as evidence. He reportedly declined to discuss the alleged assault, citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Detectives have opened a criminal probe into Grigorieva’s claim that Gibson punched her in the left temple and mouth as she held their infant daughter, Lucia, at his Malibu home January 6th. Gibson’s camp denies the actor ever hurt Grigorieva or the baby.
Actor Maury Chaykin Dies
New York-born actor Maury Chaykin died in his adopted home of Toronto yesterday, which was his 61st birthday. Chaykin, who played the sleuth in A&E’s “A Nero Wolfe Mystery” series, had been battling a kidney ailment and died in a Toronto hospital surrounded by loved ones. Chaykin appeared in more than 150 movies and TV shows since he began his career in the 1970s.
Jack Hanna Repels Bear With Pepper Spray
Animal expert Jack Hanna used pepper spray to fend off a charging grizzly bear on a Montana hiking trail. Hanna was hiking late Saturday with his wife, on a narrow cliff trail in Glacier National Park with three other hikers close by when they noticed a mother grizzly and her two cubs walking toward them in the opposite direction. The bears started toward Hanna, his wife, and three other nearby hikers, and that’s when Hanna says one of the yearlings started charging. Hanna acted fast, unloading his pepper spray three times, hitting the bear in the face on the third spray. He said the animal ran away. Hanna said he has carried pepper spray while hiking for 15 years but this was the first time he used it.
Oliver Stone Apologizes For Anti-Semitic Remarks
Director Oliver Stone has apologized for remarks he made in a recent interview with Britain’s Sunday Times to promote his upcoming “Secret History of America” TV series. Stone talked about the Holocaust saying, “Hitler was a Frankenstein, but there was also a Dr. Frankenstein – German industrialists, the Americans and the British. He had a lot of support … Hitler did far more damage to the Russians than the Jewish people.” Stone also referred to “Jewish domination of the media.” After Jewish groups took offense to his remarks, Stone said, “In trying to make a broader historical point about the range of atrocities the Germans committed against many people, I made a clumsy association about the Holocaust, for which I am sorry and I regret. Jews obviously do not control media or any other industry.”
Rainn Wilson Countersues Over Website
“The Office” star Rainn Wilson had countersued a Portland company in a website development dispute. Wilson is seeking at least $400,000 in damages from Think Brilliant, accusing the company in a recent federal court filing of fraud and breach of trust. Think Brilliant sued Wilson earlier this month, seeking $11.3 million, alleging the actor failed to properly compensate the company for website development work. Think Brilliant also claims Wilson hacked into its database and accessed confidential materials. Think Brilliant helped develop Wilson’s whimsical website, SoulPancake.com.
Nigel Lythgoe May Return To ‘Idol’
“So You Think You Can Dance” judge Nigel Lythgoe is in talks to come back to “American Idol” next season in the producing role he left two years ago. Fox declined comment on Lythgoe’s possible return or whether his judging role on “So You Think You Can Dance” would be affected. Lythgoe is also co-creator and an executive producer of “SYTYCD.” Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake joins Elton John, Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr. on the list of possible and rumored replacements for Simon Cowell on “Idol.” The new judge would join current judges Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi – unless Lythgoe has his way. He said he would replace all four judges to refocus the show on the performers. Lythgoe also noted that he would select three judges rather than four, and that he would choose Paula Abdul, Elton John and Usher as the show’s ideal judges.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Carell Leaving ‘The Office’ Next Season
Steve Carell is definitely leaving “The Office” after this coming season. Despite Carell’s departure, the show will continue. Carell has said in interviews that he plans to leave the series to better balance his work and family life.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Tour
Fans of the NBC series “America’s Got Talent” will get to see a number of the show’s current contestants up close and personal during the talent competition’s first-ever tour. Scheduled to kick off on the West Coast in October, the show’s inaugural road trip will be hosted by Jerry Springer and will feature the yet-to-be-named champion of the competition’s in-progress fifth season, as well as “other dynamic finalists and fan favorites,” NBC said. Tickets for the outing – which is due to hit more than two-dozen cities by early November – go on sale Friday.
Eric Roberts In ‘Rehab’ To Kick Rx Marijuana Habit
Eric Roberts moved into Dr. Drew Pinsky’s Pasadena Recovery Center last week for a crippling addiction to prescription marijuana, his wife has revealed. The actor has been off hard drugs and alcohol for 15 years, Eliza Roberts tells E! News. “He has no interest in anything, other than marijuana.” Roberts has anxiety issues, so he turned to doctor-prescribed weed for relief after traditional medication did not agree with his body. He had no such issue with the marijuana. “However, a dependency is a dependency and he doesn’t want to be dependent on it anymore,” Eliza said.
Another Mel Tape
In another angry phone call – the seventh in a series of recorded rants – Mel Gibson allegedly tells ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva he regrets having a baby with her and flies into a jealous rage over her ex, actor Timothy Dalton. “Did you get my last message about me being a bad father and Tim being a great dad?” Gibson allegedly asks Grigorieva on the tape released by RadarOnline. “You didn’t hear that one? Well, you should go [expletive] him … because I don’t care,” he says. Oksana has been leaning on Dalton, with whom she has a 12-year-old son, for support during her bitter custody battle with Gibson.
Michael Lohan Asks Police To Investigate Lindsey’s Drug Docs
Michael Lohan has reportedly handed over a list of doctors that “over-prescribed” drugs to his daughter, Lindsay Lohan, to the L.A. Sheriff’s Department. Michael took the list to police on Friday, saying the doctors had prescribed the drugs under false names. The list could prove useful in a massive prescription drug investigation currently being conducted by California’s Attorney General. Lindsay is currently serving a 90-day jail sentence after violating probation stemming from a 2007 DUI arrest. She has been ordered to attend rehab after her release.
Gwyneth Paltrow Releasing New Single
Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing a single titled “Country Strong” on August 23rd. Vince Gill and Patty Griffin provide background vocals. The title is the same as an upcoming movie, which stars Paltrow as Kelly Canter, a country star trying to make a comeback. The film is scheduled to open December 22nd. The soundtrack will be released October 26th. The film also stars Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester.
Wesley Snipes’ Lawyers Want To Question Jurors
Attorneys for Wesley Snipes say they want to question jurors who convicted him of not filing his income tax. The lawyers want to find out if any of the jurors made up their minds about his guilt before the trial began. The motion filed Friday in Florida federal court says an unnamed juror sent one of Snipes’ lawyers an e-mail saying three other jurors had presumed Snipes was guilty. The motion says if it’s true, that would violate Snipes’ constitutional right to a fair trial. Snipes was convicted two years ago of three misdemeanor counts of not filing income tax returns. He is free on an appeals bond. Federal prosecutors in Florida have asked a judge to revoke the bond and order Snipes to begin serving his three-year sentence.
Hugh Laurie Recording Music Album
“House” star Hugh Laurie is working on a blues album to be recorded this summer and released later this year. Laurie said he was “drunk with excitement” after signing the deal with Warner Music Entertainment.
Chris Klein Pleads Not Guilty To Drunk Driving
Chris Klein has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of drunk driving. The pleas stem from his arrest June 16th on a Los Angeles freeway. Klein is charged with DUI and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher. Prosecutors say he already has a misdemeanor DUI conviction from 2005 in San Diego County.
Jay Leno Hosting Biloxi Fundraiser For Gulf Coast
Jay Leno is headed to Biloxi, Mississippi, next month to raise money for people affected by the Gulf oil spill. His August 21st performance at the Beau Rivage Casino and Resort is being called “Stand Up for the Gulf Coast: A Special Evening with Jay Leno.” It’s a benefit for the Mississippi Oil Spill Recovery Fund. Details can be found at www.beaurivage.com.
‘The Price Is Right’ Getting Funny
When the new season of “The Price is Right” starts in September, Drew Carey will add improv to his hosting duties. After six seasons, the current “Price is Right” announcer, Rich Fields, is being replaced with three rotating guest announcers. Two of the new announcers are Brad Sherwood and Jeff Davis, who were on “Whose Line is It Anyway?” with Carey and appeared on “The Drew Carey Show.” The third is J.D. Roberto, the behind-the-scenes correspondent for “American Idol Extra” on the Fox Reality Channel. He also occasionally hosts “The Price is Right Live” at Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Fields, who is a meteorologist, has started doing the weather at L.A.’s CBS station.
President Obama Headed For ‘The View’
President Barack Obama is scheduled to appear on “The View,” according to executive producers Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie. Obama will be the featured guest Thursday. “This marks the first time in history a sitting United States President has visited a daytime talk show,” ABC said in a statement. “President Obama’s unprecedented appearance is part of the show’s continuing ‘Red, White & View’ campaign, which is committed to political guests and discussions.”
Auditions Begin For Abdul Dance Show
The audition process for Paula Abdul’s upcoming reality-competition series “Got to Dance” has started. Prospective dancers can go to www.cbs.com/dance for an application and further details about the nationwide search, which is open to all U.S. residents. There is no age limit and dancers can perform any type or style of dance, as an individual or in a group.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Julia Roberts’ Brother Checks Into ‘Celebrity Rehab’
Actor Eric Roberts, Julia Roberts’ older brother, is joining the cast of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab 4,” RadarOnline.com reports. Roberts, 54, has moved into the Pasadena Recovery Center. No word on what Roberts is getting treated for, but he was arrested in 1987 for cocaine possession and allegedly battled a cocaine problem in the ‘90s. The “Celebrity Rehab” cast also includes reality TV star Jason Wahler, Tiger Woods’ mistress Rachel Uchitel and “Party of Five” star Jeremy London.
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ Reject Sues Cowell
A woman who was rejected from “Britain’s Got Talent” is suing Simon Cowell for public humiliation. Emma Czikai says Cowell was responsible for broadcasting her audition clip, despite writing to him and explaining that health problems had affected her performance. At a pre-hearing review in London, the woman said she filed the case so she could retain her “self-respect and dignity.” She says her performance of Westlife’s “You Raise Me Up” last year was affected by an ailment that caused painful swelling all over the body. Czikai wants $3.8 million in the lawsuit. You can see her performance on YouTube.
Orlando Bloom Gets Married
Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr have gotten married. Nobody is saying where or when they got hitched. Kerr first met Bloom backstage at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York in 2006. They began dating in late 2007 and confirmed their engagement last month.
Nerd Arrested In Scuffle At Comic-Con
Authorities say a man was arrested at Comic-Con in San Diego for injuring another man with a pen amid a crowd of thousands awaiting a film preview. Police said the two men got into an argument over sitting too close to each other. One man was struck with a pen and hospitalized with a minor cut around his eyelid; the other was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Convention-goers were awaiting previews and panel discussions for the films “Paul” and “Cowboys and Aliens.” The disturbance delayed the presentations for about 45 minutes. Officials said such incidents have been very rare at Comic-Con, San Diego’s annual sci-fi and comic book convention.
‘Facebook’ CEO To Guest Star On ‘Simpsons’
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to play himself on an upcoming episode of “The Simpsons.” Facebook’s 26-year-old creator will lend his voice to the animated version of himself on an installment of “The Simpsons” this fall. The FOX show is going into its 22nd season.
Live-Action ‘Fairly OddParents’ On Its Way
Live-Action ‘Fairly OddParents’ On Its Way
Nickelodeon has green-lit a live-action television movie adaptation of its animated series “The Fairly OddParents.” “A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!” will premiere next year. The TV movie will combine live-action with computer-generated animation and follow the adventures of a now 23-year-old Timmy Turner who refuses to grow up so he can keep his attentive, magical fairy godparents. Drake Bell of the series “Drake & Josh” will play Timmy. The cast also includes Jason Alexander as the live-action Cosmo, Daran Norris as the animated Cosmo, Cheryl Hines as live-action Wanda and Susanne Blakeslee as animated Wanda.
Lohan May Be Released From Jail In July
Lindsay Lohan, who began her 90-day jail sentence in Los Angeles last week, will be leaving Lynwood Correctional Facility in late July, according to RadarOnline. The 24-year-old actress was expected to be released from jail in less than 90 days, perhaps as early as August 1st or 2nd, due to prison overcrowding. However, RadarOnline was told that the judge overseeing Lohan’s case cut her stay even shorter by agreeing to grant her two days credit for time she was previously in custody. Lohan was jailed for skipping an alcohol education class, which was part of her probation for a 2007 DUI conviction.
‘Bling Ring’ Convict Released Early
Alexis Neiers, the 19-year-old star of reality TV show “Pretty Wild,” has been released from jail after serving less than 30 days of her 6-month sentence for burglary. Neiers, implicated in the “bling ring” celebrity burglary spree this spring, was released Friday from the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood. She pleaded no contest in May but was released early because of overcrowding. Neiers was incarcerated for breaking into Orlando Bloom’s house. For the past few days, Neiers had been Lindsay Lohan’s cell neighbor at the jail. Ironically, she was also accused of robbing Lohan. Neiers still has three years of probation and was ordered to pay up to $600,000 in restitution.
Producer Sues Casey Affleck For Harassment
Movie producer Amanda White is suing Casey Affleck in Los Angeles Superior Court for $2 million, claiming the actor sexually harassed her. In court documents filed Friday, White says she was forced to endure “uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace” in 2009 during production of “I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix” and was denied her $50,000 production fee. White claims the actor and director hired prostitutes, got a crew member to expose himself, and locked her out of her own bedroom while he and Joaquin Phoenix romped with girls inside. Affleck says he’ll counter-sue. His lawyer said, “Ms White was terminated from the production over a year ago. The complaint will be vigorously defended and cross claims will be filed against her.”
Leno, Iacocca, Petty Honored By Chrysler
Car buff Jay Leno, racer Richard Petty and former Chrysler chief Lee Iacocca were honored before 570 guests at the Auburn Hills Chrysler Museum in Michigan. They were inducted into Chrysler’s “Legacy Circle” during the Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Gala celebrating the automaker’s 85 years Saturday night. Silent and live auctions included prizes such as spending time with Petty, a tour of Leno’s Big Dog Garage and tickets to “The Tonight Show.” Funds will go toward keeping the museum in the Detroit suburb open
Gabor Has Surgery
Zsa Zsa Gabor’s husband says his wife is “doing a little bit better” in a Los Angeles hospital where she underwent hip surgery last week. Gabor, 93, fell at home and had hip surgery last Monday at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Her husband, Frederic von Anhalt, said his wife spoke a few words Saturday but was still in critical condition. Gabor fell out of bed while trying to answer the telephone on July 17th.
Amanda Bynes Comes Out Of Retirement
Amanda Bynes says she is re-entering showbiz after retiring last month. 24-year-old actress, who got her start on Nickelodeon’s “All That” followed by “The Amanda Show,” tweeted her retirement last month saying, “I don’t love acting anymore, so I’ve stopped doing it.” However, Bynes reversed the decision Friday, tweeting to her fans: “I’ve unretired.” Bynes will next been seen on the big screen September 17th in the comedy “Easy-A.”
More Sookie On The Way
Author Charlaine Harris told Comic-Con in San Diego she was on the verge of wrapping up her 11th book in her smash “Sookie Stackhouse” series. “Maybe even tomorrow,” the writer said about her next installation in the vampire series that has been adapted for television on HBO’s “True Blood.” She also downplayed critics’ stabs at attaching symbolism and social commentary to the adventures of her vampires.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sixth Purported Mel Gibson Tape Surfaces
RadarOnline has released a sixth tape of Mel Gibson purportedly yelling at ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. In the recording, Grigorieva alleges that Gibson had hit their 8-month-old daughter Lucia. Gibson’s camp has not yet commented on the recordings. The L.A. Sheriff’s department has launched a domestic abuse investigation against Gibson.
Censored ‘Family Guy’ Episode To Be Released On DVD
A controversial episode of “Family Guy” dealing with the topic of abortion that Fox refused to air will be distributed on DVD in September as a stand-alone episode by corporate sibling Fox Home Video. In a statement, Fox declined to state why it had chosen not to air the episode. It added, however, that it supported “the producers’ right to make the episode and distribute it in whatever way they want.” In the episode, entitled “Partial Terms of Endearment,” Lois debates whether or not to keep the child she’s carrying as a surrogate for friends who are then killed in a car accident.
Jesse James Court Action
The judge in the Jesse James/Janine Lindemulder custody battle ruled yesterday that Jesse can take daughter Sunny to live in Texas. Lindemulder had tried blocking the move so she could visit her. The judge ruled Jesse and Janine will have joint legal custody, but Jesse will have physical custody. The judge did allow Lindemulder to have physical custody of Sunny in California until school starts in Texas. Meanwhile, James also scored a partial victory yesterday in a civil lawsuit filed against him by a clothing line claiming he cut the company out of a clothing deal with Walmart. James was ordered to pay Fortune Fashions Industries $167,607.75, much less than the $6 million FFI had wanted.
Broadway At The White House
Monday night at the White House, Nathan Lane hosted a special evening of Broadway performances for President Obama and the White House staff. Lane joked that theatergoing hasn’t been popular for presidents since Abraham Lincoln. He also pointed out that the Obamas do enjoy a night at the show. Before the performances, the president praised Broadway music as a “truly American art form.” He said whether or not people like to admit it, everyone has the lyrics of a few Broadway shows stuck in their head. Some of the Broadway stars who performed were Idina Menzel, Elaine Stritch, the cast of “Hairspray” and others. The event was taped and will air October 20th on PBS.
Schwarzenegger Names Geena Davis To California Panel
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Geena Davis to a California commission established to promote women’s equality. Schwarzenegger named the 54-year-old actress to the Commission on the Status of Women. The nonpartisan panel advocates for women and girls in areas such as education and access to health care. The appointment lasts four years and requires Senate confirmation. The 17 commissioners receive a $100 per diem.
Ice-T Busted For Driving On Suspended License
Police in New York City arrested rapper-actor Ice-T for driving with a suspended license. Police say the entertainer was driving a 2009 Cadillac yesterday when officers stopped him for not wearing a seat belt. They ran a check and discovered his license was suspended. The NYPD said he would be given a ticket and released. Ice-T denied wrongdoing via Twitter. He says he has a valid New Jersey license and calls the police’s allegations against him a “lie.”
Dennis Hopper’s Estate To Go On Sale
Dennis Hopper’s sprawling estate in Venice, California, is going on sale this Friday for about $6.2 million. The property, where Hopper lived for more than 20 years, is located a few blocks from the Pacific and spans 15,550 square feet. The compound contains the late actor’s 4,900 square-foot corrugated-steel house and three townhouses that Hopper used as office space and family residences.
Starz To Honor Hopper
Starz is planning a tribute to Dennis Hopper, who died of cancer last May. The Academy Award-nominated actor, director, artist and photographer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame shortly before his death on May 29th at the age of 74. He currently has an exhibit of his art at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Hopper played fictitious record producer Ben Cendars on Starz’s first original drama series, “Crash,” for two seasons. Starz is to show five episodes from the show, supplemented by interviews with Hopper and other “Crash” cast members. His photography and art will also be shown.
Lindsay Behind Bars
Lindsay Lohan was booked into an all-female jail in Los Angeles yesterday for violating her probation on two 2007 drunk-driving and cocaine possession charges. The actress is likely to serve just 14 days of her 90-day sentence, said a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He said nonviolent female inmates generally serve about 25% of their sentence. Good behavior and jail overcrowding could also reduce her time in the pokey. The judge ordered Lohan must not be released to house arrest or electronic monitoring after her release from jail. Robert Shapiro, who agreed to defend the actress last week, resigned Monday. Lohan had been staying in a sober-living facility Shapiro founded since last week. It is unclear when she left the facility or why he quit. Lohan was represented yesterday by longtime attorney Shawn Chapman Holley, who had resigned earlier but never filed a formal motion with the court. Lohan's next movie. “Machete,” is due for release on September 3rd.
Monday, July 19, 2010
‘Idol’ Nashville Auditions Draw 16,000
Nashville drew 16,000 “American Idol” hopefuls – the second largest turnout in the show’s history – FOX officials said. The thousands of aspiring singers started lining up downtown at dawn on Saturday.
‘Speed Racer’ Dies
Peter Fernandez, who lent his voice to the title character in the U.S. version of the Japanese-originated “Speed Racer” cartoon, has died of lung cancer. Fernandez died Thursday at his home in Pomona, New York. He was 83. In addition to voicing Speed Racer, Fernandez also voiced Racer X and other characters on the 1960s animated series. He penned the lyrics to the show’s theme song and lent his voice to characters in the “Astro Boy,” “Ultraman,” “Gigantor” and “Star Blazers” cartoons.
Chile’s Bites Back At Steve Carell
Steve Carell betrayed Chili’s for Outback Steakhouse’s Bloomin’ Onion last week, but Chili’s President Wyman T. Roberts is focusing on the chain’s loyal fans. “You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal that was displayed the other night and you’re worthy of so much more,” Roberts wrote in a letter posted on Facebook to “United States and Chili’s Guests.” Roberts was responding to the spoof of the LeBron James/ESPN press conference that aired during the 2010 ESPY awards. In the skit, Carell – a longtime Chili’s fan – detailed his gut-wrenching decision to take his appetite to the Outback. Carell said he and Chili’s “had a good run,” but that the 2,000-calorie deep-fried Vidalia was just too enticing. Roberts, rocked by Carell’s “heartless and callous actions,” offered a thinly-veiled threat of slapping Carell with the “curse” until he “does right by Chili’s guests.” Chili’s continued its good-natured assault on Carell for his wandering appetite with a video posted on YouTube.
VH1 Checks Back Into Rehab With Dr. Drew
VH1 has partnered with Dr. Drew Pinsky for a fourth season of the hit reality series, “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” The series is slated to premiere later this year. The fourth season will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center. The show will include Jeremy London, Rachel Uchitel, Janice Dickinson, Leif Garrett, Keyshia Cole’s mother Frankie Lons, Jason Wahler and Jason Davis.
Bruce Willis Sued Over Dirty Rug
Bruce Willis is being sued by rug owners claiming he spilled wine on a rug he was test driving in his home. Willis admits having the rug in his home for two months, but says he never spilled wine on it. Willis offered to get the rug cleaned, but the owners refused. They’re now taking the case to court, asking for $27,700. Willis wants the judge to toss the suit and wants the rug company to pay his legal bills.
AT&T Agrees To Deal Just In Time For ‘Mad Men’ Premiere
AT&T has reached an agreement with the company that owns AMC, IFC and We TV, keeping the channels on AT&T’s U-verse service. The new deal between AT&T and Rainbow Media prevents a lockout that could have kept the season premiere of AMC’s “Mad Men” from showing in 22 states on July 25th. The telecom giant had initially refused to renew their contract with Rainbow, claiming the network charged excessive fees.
Rainn Wilson Sued By Website Developer
The Portland, Oregon, startup Think Brilliant has sued “The Office” star Rainn Wilson, alleging he didn’t properly compensate the company for helping to develop his website, SoulPancake.com. The suit seeks compensation of up to $11.3 million. Think Brilliant claims Wilson or someone from SoulPancake hacked into a database with an unauthorized administrator password. The person then sent e-mails to Think Brilliant employees, accusing them of fraud and other misconduct. The developer also accuses Wilson of failing to provide legal documents that formalized Think Brilliant’s ownership in SoulPancake.com.
Veteran Actor James Gammon Dies
Veteran stage and film actor James Gammon died at his home near Los Angeles on Friday following a bout with cancer. He was 70. Gammon had his highest-profile film role in “Major League,” in which he played baseball manager Lou Brown. He also had roles in “Cold Mountain,” “Urban Cowboy” and “Silverado.” His television career stretched from “Gunsmoke” to “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Daughter Will Get Lucille Ball Awards
An auction house selling Lucille Ball memorabilia says it is returning the star’s lifetime achievement awards to her daughter. Heritage Auction Galleries says a deal reached Saturday will return the awards to Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Ball’s daughter with first husband Desi Arnaz. A sale of dozens of other Ball-related memorabilia went under the hammer on Saturday. Items up for bid included a Rolls Royce and love letters to second husband Gary Morton. The deal ended a legal fight between Luckinbill and Susie Morton, who married Gary Morton after Ball’s death in 1989. A judge had agreed to stop the auction but imposed a high bond Luckinbill couldn’t meet.
Polanski Attends Swiss Jazz Fest
Roman Polanski has made his first public appearance since being released from house arrest, attending the Montreux Jazz Festival on Saturday to watch his wife perform. The 76-year-old director arrived at the Lake Geneva festival Saturday evening in an SUV with tinted windows. Polanski’s wife, actress and singer Emmanuelle Seigner, performed shortly after his arrival. Polanski was freed last week from seven months of house arrest at his Swiss chalet when Switzerland refused to extradite him to the United States. Before that, he served two months in prison as the Swiss government pondered whether he should be handed over to U.S. authorities to be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977. He still faces an Interpol warrant in effect for 188 countries.
‘Hawaii Five-0’ Gets Traditional Blessing
The new police series “Hawaii Five-0” kicked off production in Honolulu Thursday with a traditional Hawaiian blessing in honor of its host culture, CBS said. Series stars Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, as well as the producers and crew participated in the event. The show is a contemporary take on the classic TV series, which starred Jack Lord and ran from 1968 to 1980. It is set to debut this fall.
Ryan O’Neal Cleared In Drug Case
A Los Angeles judge has dismissed a felony drug charge against Ryan O’Neal after the actor completed an 18-month drug-awareness program. O’Neal, 69, was arrested in 2008 for alleged methamphetamine possession. The case was dismissed Friday.
Lohan Hires Shapiro
Celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro said Friday he’s agreed to help Lindsay Lohan fight her legal battles. Lohan was sentenced this month to 90 days in jail for violating her probation following a 2007 driving under the influence conviction. She’s expected to begin serving her sentence tomorrow, but experts say she’ll probably be released much sooner than 90 days since she did not commit a violent crime and because the jails are overcrowded. Last week, Lohan entered a sober-living facility founded by Shapiro after his son died of a drug overdose in 2005.
‘Lost’ Props And Costumes To Be Auctioned
An auction and exhibit featuring props, wardrobe and set decorations from “Lost “ will be held at the Santa Monica Airport beginning on August 12th. The series wrapped up its sixth and final season in May. Large set pieces from the show will be on display, including pieces of the plane wreckage from Oceanic flight 815. Other memorable props and wardrobe will also be featured. Tickets for the event will be available at www.Razorgator.com in early August, ABC said.
Paris Hilton Detained For Pot Possession
Paris Hilton was briefly detained by French police in Corsica after they allegedly found marijuana in her purse. Hilton was released without charges shortly after police said they found less than a gram of marijuana in her possession. Hilton was disembarking from a private jet on the French island of Corsica and was scheduled to board a yacht heading to Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy. Hilton was arrested earlier this month in South Africa during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Brazil and the Netherlands, where her friend was found with a joint. Hilton was not charged, and her arrest was chalked up to “mistaken identity.”
Celebrities Due Unclaimed Cash In New York
A New York state database of unclaimed cash says actress Angelina Jolie and ex-Yankees Manager Joe Torre are among those who have money coming to them. Torre has a credit with a water company from 2002 waiting to be collected, and Jolie has un-cashed checks from the state tax office for 2004 and 2005. Other notables who have cash waiting for them are Spike Lee and executives from Goldman Sachs. The state controller’s office has tallied $10.5 billion from around 25 million inactive bank, business and government accounts.
Fugitive Porn Star Nabbed In Chattanooga
A fugitive adult porn star wanted for murder in Florida was in custody in Tennessee yesterday, officials said. Jason Andrews was tracked down to a billiard parlor in Chattanooga, where he had recently landed a job. Andrews, who was picked up by U.S. Marshals and Chattanooga police acting on a tip, was wanted for the mid-May stabbing death of tattoo parlor owner Dennis “Scooter” Abrahamson. Authorities say Andrews and his girlfriend, porn star Amanda Logue, planned to rob Scooter after stabbing him to death during an all-night sex party at his Port Richey, Florida, home. Logue had been hired to work as a prostitute at the event. She was arrested shortly after the slaying.
Zsa Zsa Gabor To Have Hip Surgery After Fall
Zsa Zsa Gabor’s husband says a fall from her bed in Los Angeles left his 93-year-old wife with a broken hip yesterday. Gabor was taken to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she was to undergo surgery, Hubby, Prince Frederic von Anhalt, said his wife was reaching for the phone and wound up on the floor. Gabor has been largely confined to a wheelchair since a 2002 auto accident.
Snipes Appeal Denied
Wesley Snipes has lost his appeal of a prison sentence he received in 2008 for three misdemeanor tax charges. A court in Ocala, Florida, sentenced Snipes to three years in jail for willfully failing to file tax returns from 1999 to 2004. In the appeal, Snipes said he should have been considered for probation and that the lower court should have allowed him to argue for a change of venue from Florida, where Snipes has a home, to New York, where he was born. The ruling did not specify where Snipes would be serving his sentence. No word on when the actor will officially check in behind bars.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Roy Rogers’ Dog Sold At Auction
Roy Rogers’ stuffed and mounted dog, Bullet, has fetched $35,000 on the second day of an auction of the movie cowboy’s belongings in New York City. The preserved remains of Rogers’ wife’s horse, Buttermilk, also were auctioned yesterday. Buttermilk sold for $25,000 – less than a tenth of the price of Rogers’ horse, Trigger, which was sold Wednesday. No word on Bullet’s and Buttermilk’s new owners. But Trigger is heading for Omaha, Nebraska, after being purchased by the rural cable TV network RFD-TV. The Rogers auction included more than 1,000 items from the now-closed Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri.
Gibson’s Wife Says No Past Abuse
Mel Gibson’s estranged wife has reportedly filed a court declaration stating she and her children never experienced any abuse by the actor. Robyn Gibson filed the statement in a custody hearing between her husband and his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. Robyn filed to divorce her husband of 28 years in April 2009. The divorce is ongoing. In her 1-page declaration, Robyn admits that she is divorcing Mel but says he “was a wonderful and loving father.” The courts ruled yesterday that Mel will continue to have visitation with his daughter, Lucia, one afternoon and one overnight visit a week.
LA Detectives Receive Gibson Audio Recordings
Detectives investigating Mel Gibson for a possible domestic violence case have received audio recordings from a court deciding the actor’s child custody case, authorities said yesterday. Officials said CDs were turned over during a closed session in the custody case. The hearing was attended by several investigators, including detectives who look in possible child abuse. Detectives will now work to authenticate the recordings released by the court. It was not reported how many recordings were included or how long they were. It was also unclear whether the recordings include those that have been posted by RadarOnline.com. The site has posted more than 20 minutes of recordings of arguments between a man who sounds like Gibson and a woman the site says is Grigorieva.
Couple Convicted In Stamos Extortion Case
A Michigan couple was convicted yesterday of trying to extort $680,000 from John Stamos by threatening to sell old photos of him with strippers and cocaine to the tabloids unless he paid up. Allison Coss and Scott Sippola were found guilty of conspiracy and using e-mail to threaten a person’s reputation – charges that could land them in prison for up to five years. The two were arrested in December in an FBI sting after Stamos’ lawyer complained that the actor was the target of an extortion attempt.
Shaquille O’Neal Takes On More Competition
Shaquille O’Neal’s TV show, “Shaq Vs.,” is coming back for a second season. ABC says the program will feature the NBA star taking on people in areas other than sports. Among those Shaq will compete with is singer Justin Bieber. He will also have a cook-off against Rachael Ray and a hot dog eating contest against Joey Chestnut. The second season of “Shaq Vs.” begins August 3rd.
Melissa Gilbert Treated For Broken Back
Melissa Gilbert says she is scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken back. Gilbert, 46, recently wrapped the stage musical tour of “Little House on the Prairie” in which she played the character of Ma. She had starred as Laura in the TV series of the same name in the 70s and 80s. The actress said she suffered back pain during the production of the musical, but didn’t consult a neurosurgeon until the show had ended. Gilbert is set to undergo surgery July 22nd to replace a disc with a plastic implant and fuse a vertebra in her lower spine. How she sustained the injury was not reported.
Ryan Reynolds Hurt On ‘Lantern’ Set
Ryan Reynolds separated his shoulder while working on the New Orleans set of the superhero flick “The Green Lantern.” Reynolds, who plays the title role in the film, suffered the injury Monday.
Lopez To Star In New VH1 Reality Show
Mario Lopez is set to star in a new reality series on VH1 about his transition from bachelorhood to fatherhood. Lopez’s girlfriend, Courtney Mazza, is pregnant with their first child. Their series, as yet untitled, is expected to feature eight half-hour episodes and is set to premiere this fall.
White Lands Guest Spot On ‘Community’
Betty White has signed on to guest star in the Season 2 premiere of the NBC sitcom “Community.” She is set to play Professor June Bauer, “an esteemed, but slightly unhinged anthropology professor.” White was recently nominated for an Emmy for her work as host of a “Saturday Night Live” program in May. The former star of “The Golden Girls” is now a regular cast member of TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.”
‘Arthur’ Remake Begins Filming
Principal photography has begun in New York on the romantic comedy “Arthur,” starring Russell Brand and Helen Mirren. Co-starring Nick Nolte, Jennifer Garner and Greta Gerwig, the film is being directed by Jason Winer, a 2010 Directors Guild Award recipient for the hit ABC comedy “Modern Family.” The original movie, starring Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli and John Gielgud, was a box-office smash, raking in $82 million in U.S. theaters.
Film About Joaquin Phoenix’s Hip-Hop ‘Career’ Set For Release
Magnolia Pictures says it has acquired world rights to a portrayal of a tumultuous year in the life of Joaquin Phoenix. “I’m Still Here” is his brother-in-law Casey Affleck’s directorial debut. The film follows Phoenix as he announces his retirement from a successful film career in the fall of 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip-hop musician. The movie is due in theaters September 10th.
Lohan Staying In Sober-Living House
Lindsay Lohan has signed herself into a Los Angeles sober-living facility. The 24-year-old actress is scheduled to start serving a 90-day jail sentence on Tuesday for violating her probation in a 2007 driving under the influence conviction. However, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman said women sent to jail for non-violent crimes usually serve 25% or less of their sentences because of overcrowding in the prison system. Lohan checked into Pickford Lofts, a sober-living house founded by famed defense attorney Robert Shapiro, on Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Vince Vaughn To Be A Dad
Vince Vaughn’s wife of six months is pregnant. Vaughn wed Kyla Weber in January, and now the realtor is expecting the couple’s first child, the actor’s publicist confirms.
Grigorieva’s Son To Help Police Build A Case Against Gibson
Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva has reportedly given police permission to question her 12-year-old son about her volatile relationship with Mel Gibson. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators want to interview Alexander Dalton, whose father is actor Timothy Dalton. Officials believe the boy may have seen alleged fights between Gibson and his mother and they believe he was present when Gibson allegedly knocked out Grigorieva’s tooth during a fight in January. Meanwhile, Grigorieva’s dentist, Dr. Ross Shelden, has reportedly handed over photos of his client’s mouth the day after her fight with Gibson. Grigorieva reportedly told the dentist that Gibson had knocked her tooth out, but he didn’t report the incident to authorities as required by law because he promised to honor his patient’s confidentiality.
Penn Knighted In Haiti
Sean Penn has received a top honor from Haiti’s president in recognition of his work to boost relief efforts in the aftermath of January’s devastating earthquake. The actor has been a regular visitor to Haiti and a major part of the recovery effort, helping to set up relief camps for more than 1.5 million Haitians still homeless six months after the tremors. He was among 23 honorees, including former U.S. president Bill Clinton and CNN reporter Anderson Cooper, lauded on the site of the presidential palace in Haiti’s capital of Port-Au-Prince on Monday. They were “knighted” and presented with medals and certificates by President Rene Preval. The award ceremony took place exactly six months after the earthquake, which struck Haiti on January 12th.
Tony Curtis Hospitalized
Tony Curtis has reportedly been hospitalized since last week after experiencing breathing problems during a local appearance near Las Vegas. Sources close to the actor tell TMZ that Curtis, who suffers from COPD, was at a Henderson, Nevada, Costco on Wednesday debuting his latest artwork when he began having trouble breathing. He was taken to a local hospital, where he remains. Sources say Curtis is in stable condition and will be released soon.
Polanski Victim Says Case Should End
The woman who was the teenage victim in the Roman Polanski sex case says he is not a threat to anyone and charges should be dismissed. Samantha Geimer says that the case should have been resolved 33 years ago when it happened. “Enough is enough,” she said. She was barred from talking about her civil suit settlement with the director but said it didn’t influence her views. “I’ve felt this way from the beginning.” Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with her in a plea bargain that has been the subject of controversy. Swiss authorities refused to extradite the director to the United States on Monday.
Brad Pitt Beardless
Brad Pitt has been photographed without the scraggly beard he’s been sporting for nearly a year. People magazine said the 46-year-old actor and father of six trimmed the beard last week and was seen Monday on the Los Angeles set of “Moneyball” with no facial hair. Pitt is playing Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane in the movie, which also stars Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Wright.
‘Predator’ Director Pleads Guilty In Wiretap Case
Film director John McTiernan has pleaded guilty to making false statements in the Anthony Pellicano wiretap case. Pellicano, a former private investigator, is serving a 15-year prison term for wiretapping people in the entertainment industry. McTiernan, director of “Die Hard” and “Predator,” entered his guilty plea Monday and is expected to be sentenced on October 4th. He admitted to lying to the FBI about hiring Pellicano. He also confessed to making false statements to a judge when he tried to withdraw a previous guilty plea.
Whoopi Goldberg Says Mel Gibson Is Not A Racist
Whoopi Goldberg is defending Mel Gibson, who is under fire again for making racist and sexist comments toward his ex-girlfriend. During a recent edition of “The View,” Goldberg said that she has had a long friendship with Gibson and that he’s not a racist. “I know Mel, and I know he’s not a racist,” Goldberg said. “I have had a long friendship with Mel. You can say he’s being a bonehead, but I can’t sit and say that he’s a racist.”
Oprah Bio Film In The Works
A TV movie based on Kitty Kelley’s “Oprah: A Biography” is in the works. Producer Larry Thompson has reportedly optioned the tell-all in a six figure deal. In the past, Thompson has produced bio-pics on such stars as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. There’s been some controversy surrounding “Oprah: A Biography,” which was published last April. Sections of the book claimed that Winfrey had been a teenage prostitute, questioned her sexuality and also claimed that she had exaggerated her middle-class upbringing to make it sound like she had grown up poor. The movie is reportedly slated to premiere in September 2011, the same month that Oprah will end her popular daytime talk show.
3rd ‘Harold & Kumar’ Begins Shooting
Filming has started in Michigan on the third installment of the “Harold & Kumar” franchise. Jon Cho and Kal Penn are reprising their roles of Harold and Kumar in the as-of-yet-untitled movie, which will be the first 3D film in the series. The cast also includes Neil Patrick Harris, Paula Garces, Danneel Harris, Bobby Lee, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Tom Lennon and Danny Trejo.
John Stamos Lawsuit Goes To Trial
John Stamos is in a legal tussle following accusations that he had a fling with a 17-year-old girl in 2004. Allison Coss, who is now 24, made the claims in a trial held in Michigan on Monday. She is accused of trying to extort a large sum of money from the 46-year-old actor. Allison’s lawyer claims his client and Stamos had previously been romantically linked in an encounter while Coss was still in high school. Stamos’ lawyer says the allegation is untrue. The judge ruled that testimony about any romantic liaison will not be admitted. The trial is now based on trying to figure out whether Coss and her friend, Scott Sippola, 31, were trying to extort $680,000 from Stamos after telling him they had lewd pictures of him with cocaine and strippers.
It’s Official – Sela Ward Joining ‘CSI: NY’
Sela Ward has signed on to join the cast of “CSI: NY,” CBS said yesterday. She’ll play an investigator from Washington, the network said. Ward will make her first appearance in the show’s Season 7 premiere this fall. The announcement was made a day after CBS confirmed series regular Melina Kanakaredes is leaving “CSI: NY” after six seasons.
Monday, July 12, 2010
LeBron’s ‘Decision’ Watched By Nearly 10 Million People
The Nielsen Co. estimates that 9.95 million people watched LeBron James announce on ESPN that he’s leaving Cleveland to play for the Miami Heat, making it the third-most-watched program on cable television this year. “The Decision” that aired Thursday night ranks behind the 12.3 million who watched the NFL Pro Bowl and 11.2 million who watched an episode of “ICarly” on Nickelodeon in January. An estimated one in four Cleveland homes with televisions tuned in.
LiLo Hires New Attorney
Lindsay Lohan has reportedly hired criminal defense attorney Stuart V. Goldberg. Lindsay’s lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, either walked out or was dismissed last week after Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three months in rehab for violating probation. Lindsay is expected to surrender for her jail sentence on July 20th. But Goldberg says they will fight the sentencing. Legal experts have said that while the 90 day sentence was a harsh one for probation violation, Lindsay is probably not going to stay out of jail.
James Buys Mansion In Bullock’s Texas Hometown
Jesse James has bought a $1,980,000 mansion in his ex-wife Sandra Bullock’s home town of Austin, Texas. His new seven acre estate boasts several swimming pools, landscaped gardens, private movie theater, home gym, and a six-car garage and workshop. James vowed to remain close to Bullock after she divorced him for his infidelities. Their divorce was official in June.
Jesse James’ Ex To Release New Porn Movie
Jesse James ex Janine Lindemulder is set to release a new porn video. “Dirty Desires” features her in an all-girl scene. Lindemulder says, “Without any other skills I went back to what I knew ... and that’s having sex on film.” Jesse James’ sister, Julie James England, says Janine is also planning to start stripping again, and that will no doubt lead to more drug and alcohol abuse. James and Lindemulder are currently involved in a custody war over their daughter, Sunny.
Anthony, Vazquez Married
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and actress LaLa Vazquez tied the knot in New York City. A publicist for Vazquez confirmed the wedding took place Saturday night at the Manhattan restaurant Cipriani. The couple was escorted down the aisle by their 3-year-old son, Kiyan. Vazquez, a former MTV VJ, and Anthony, an All-Star forward, were engaged in 2004.
Naomi Campbell To Testify At Taylor Trial
Naomi Campbell has agreed to testify at the trial of former Liberian strongman Charles Taylor, who allegedly once gave her diamonds. The public relations company Outside Organization announced the decision late Friday. In a statement, a spokeswoman said Campbell has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Taylor, who was ousted as president of Liberia in 2003, is on trial in The Hague on war crimes charges. Prosecutors say Taylor used diamond sales to fund a civil war in Sierra Leone. Campbell is scheduled to appear in court on July 29th.
Detroit Pawn Shop To Be Featured In Reality Show
Reality TV fans have a choice of pawnshops on Monday nights, with TruTV’s “Hardcore Pawn” up against the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars.” “Hardcore Pawn” premieres August 16th on TBS. Two pilot episodes were shown in December. The show features American Jewelry and Loan in Detroit and its owner, Les Gold, who runs the store with his wife Lili and children Seth Gold and Ashley Broad.
Krasinski, Blunt Wed In Italy
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were married in Como, Italy, on Saturday. “It was an outdoor ceremony and absolutely beautiful,” a source told Us magazine, adding that the couple had been staying at George Clooney’s estate in Lake Como since the Fourth of July. After about a year of dating, Krasinski, star of the NBC sitcom “The Office,” proposed to Blunt, 27, with a $100,000, 3-carat Edwardian diamond and platinum ring from Neil Lane.
Martin Lawrence Marries
Martin Lawrence married longtime girlfriend Shamicka Gibbs at his home in Beverly Hills. Lawrence, 45, and Gibbs, 35, exchanged vows in his back yard Saturday. The couple’s daughters, Lyana, 9, and Ameria, 7, and Lawrence’s daughter Jasmine, 14, were flower girls at the ceremony before 120 guests, including Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington.
Bobby Spillane Falls To His Death
Actor Bobby Spillane, son of the late Mickey Spillane, died Saturday in a fall from his six-floor apartment in New York. A family member said the 45-year-old actor’s death was witnessed by his brother Michael, who was across the street. Authorities were investigating the death but it appeared to be accidental. Bobby Spillane appeared on screen in “Law & Order” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.”
Talent Agency Drops Mel Gibson
The William Morris Endeavor Entertainment talent agency has reportedly dropped Mel Gibson as a client. The news follows the death of Gibson’s longtime agent, Ed Limato. It also comes in the wake of reports claiming the actor was caught on audio engaging in a demeaning, racist tirade during an argument with Oksana Grigorieva, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his infant daughter. Gibson went public with his relationship with Grigorieva as Robyn Moore, his wife of 30 years, filed for divorce April 2009. Gibson and Moore have seven children together.
Friday, July 2, 2010
LiLo Sued Over Shopping Bill
Lindsay Lohan defrauded an L.A. boutique out of thousands of dollars, according to a new lawsuit. Tough as Nails boutique claims Lindsay shopped at the store between November 2009 and February 2010. According to the suit, Lohan racked up a bill of $17,060.83 and convinced the owners her business manager would pay the bill. However, Lindsay’s business manager only paid $180. The suit alleges Lindsay “had no intention of causing her business manager to pay the entire balance.” The owners say Lindsay committed premeditated fraud and are seeking the balance, plus interest and punitive damages.
‘Heroes’ Star Avoids Jail For DUI
Actor Adrian Pasdar, husband of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines, pleaded no contest to a DUI charge and avoided jail at a hearing earlier this week. The “Heroes” star was arrested in February after he was spotted swerving and driving over 90 mph on a Los Angeles freeway. He was arrested and charged with DUI, as well as with a second charge for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test. Pasdar was sentenced to 36 months probation. He was also ordered to pay a $395 fine and penalties, attend one alcohol education program, and attend 10 AA meetings. The judge also dropped the second charge in exchange for Pasdar pleading no contest to the first set of charges.
Judd Apato, Pee-Wee Herman Team Up For New Movie
Pee-Wee Herman will be hitting the big screen again and Judd Apatow is helping bring the grey suited, red bow-tie clad character back to life. Apatow’s publicist said the director/producer/writer is developing a movie with Herman’s creator, Paul Reubens. Reubens is co-writing the flick, which has been described as “an on-the-road movie built around a big adventure.”
Forbes Says Tiger Woods Divorce Story Is Bologna
Forbes magazine says stories that Tiger Woods is about to pay wife Elin Nordegren $750 million in a divorce settlement is ridiculous. That figure has been tossed around for a couple of months in reports, with no named source, and the rumor picked up speed this week when the British tabloid The Sun recycled the story. Forbes says Woods can’t possibly be paying a $750 million settlement because his net worth is “only” about $600 million, though some say he’s worth $900 million.
Judge Rejects London’s Bid To Silence Mom, Brother
A judge rejected Jeremy London’s request to bar his mother and twin brother from giving interviews about him to the media. The judge said yesterday that the comments made by London’s family were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and he would not prevent them from giving future interviews. London sued his mother, Deborah Nielsen, and his twin brother, Jason, on Wednesday. He also named Jason London’s fiancée, Sofia Karstens, in the suit. The lawsuit alleges comments by the trio may jeopardize a police investigation into London’s alleged kidnapping in Palm Springs, California, on June 10th. One person has been arrested and London’s lawsuit states police are investigating two others. Jason London has cast doubts on his brother’s story that he was kidnapped while changing a flat tire and forced at gunpoint to buy alcohol and take drugs.
Mel Gibson Sells Connecticut Estate
Mel Gibson has sold his 75-acre estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $24 million. The property, known as Old Mill Farm, had been on the market since 2007, when it was listed for $39.5 million. It had recently been advertised for $29.7 million. The estate was bought by Cosette Property LLC. It includes a 16,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion that was built in 1926 for financier George Lewis Ohstrom. It also has a five-horse stable, log cabin, 60-foot swimming pool and a stream-fed pond. Gibson bought the property for $9.3 million in 1994.
Tori Spelling’s Husband In ICU After Dirt Bike Crash
Tori Spelling’s husband, Dean McDermott, was admitted to the ICU Wednesday with a punctured and collapsed lung after a dirt bike accident. Dean was taken to the intensive care unit at a Los Angeles-area hospital with severe bleeding from a puncture wound in his side. According to Tori, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Kelsey And Camille Grammer To Divorce
Kelsey and Camille Grammer are getting divorced after nearly 13 years of marriage. Camille’s lawyer filed the divorce petition on her behalf yesterday, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She’s seeking joint legal custody and primary physical custody of their two children. Camille is a member of the cast of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Kelsey can now be seen in the Broadway musical “La Cage Aux Folles.”
Mel Gibson’s Latest Racist Rant
Mel Gibson’s mouth is getting him into trouble again. The actor was reportedly caught on tape launching into a racist, profanity-laced tirade aimed at his ex-girlfriend. It’s just the latest development in the couple’s bitter legal battle. In tapes allegedly submitted under seal to the judge in Gibson’s custody fight with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, the actor reportedly uses the N-word and other derogatory phrases. The audio clips are also loaded with threats. Oksana’s people said she started taping Gibson after he started making threats.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
‘Glee’ Gets Reality TV Spin-Off
“Glee” is getting the reality TV treatment, with an unscripted spin-off reportedly set to debut next year. Oxygen has acquired syndication rights to FOX’s high school musical series, with plans to begin airing reruns in 2013. Details of the spin-off show have yet to be released.
Zoe Saldana Engaged
Zoe Saldana is engaged to longtime boyfriend, actor Keith Britton. Saldana has become a familiar face in film recently, with starring roles in “Star Trek” and “Avatar.” Britton’s credits include “Cold Case” and “As the World Turns.”
‘Ferris Bueller’ Actor Faces Felony Charge
“Ferris Bueller” actor Jeffrey Jones was charged yesterday with failing to update his sex offender registration status. Jones, 63, failed to update his information with California officials after his birthday in September. He was arrested by L.A. police on June 23rd and released after posting $20,000 bail. Jones pleaded no contest in 2003 to a felony charge of employing a 14-year-old boy to pose for sexually explicit photos. It is the second time the actor has been arrested for failing to keep his sex offender status current. He was arrested in Florida in 2004 for the same offense. He’s due for arraignment on July 14th.
John Stamos Extortion Case
The man charged with conspiring to extort $680,000 from John Stamos says there was nothing illegal about his plan to sell unflattering photos of Stamos. Prosecutors say no embarrassing photos ever existed, but Scott Sippola insists the FBI lost or destroyed the pictures he planned to peddle to magazines if Stamos didn’t buy them first. Sippola and a woman who’s also charged in the case are set to go to trial on July 12th in Marquette, Michigan. The woman met Stamos in Florida in 2004.
‘Eclipse’ Already Setting Records
“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” is already setting records. The film was released to 4,416 theaters, marking the widest domestic release in box-office history. That number beats the previous record of 4,380 theaters set less than two months ago by “Iron Man 2.” “Eclipse” took in more than $30 million from midnight screenings yesterday, surpassing the previous record of $26.3 million set on opening day last November by its predecessor, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” The huge start puts the movie on track for the biggest opening day ever. “New Moon” currently holds that record, taking in $72.7 million on its first day of release. The record five-day haul for a movie opening on Wednesday is $200 million, set last year by “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”
Campbell To Testify In War Crimes Trial
Naomi Campbell can be called to testify at the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, a court ruled yesterday. Campbell became linked to Taylor, on trial for his alleged role in Sierra Leone’s civil war, through a “blood diamond” he allegedly had his associates present to her at a 1997 charity dinner at Nelson Mandela’s home. Mia Farrow, who was also at the event, claims the model told her she was given the large, uncut stone. However, Campbell denies receiving the diamond. Prosecutors at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague contend Campbell’s testimony could disprove claims made by Taylor during his two-year trial. Taylor faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from the decade-long civil war that ended in 2001. He’s accused of arming rebels in return for diamonds illegally mined by kidnapped victims, including children.
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