Television veteran Ed Asner is coming back to series TV with the first scripted sitcom for CMT.
On the new show, "Working Class," Asner will co-star as the crusty but lovable neighbor to the blue-collar single mom played by series star Melissa Peterman.
The network announced Monday that the 12-episode multi-camera comedy will premiere in January on CMT.
Asner, who turns 81 next month, is beloved for his signature role as cranky journalist Lou Grant. His return to TV follows recent successes for two fellow cast-mates from the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show": Betty White on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland" and Cloris Leachman on Fox's "Raising Hope."
Peterman previously appeared on the sitcom "Reba" and hosts CMT's "The Singing Bee."
CMT is a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks.
Monday, October 18, 2010
'Jackass' gang pulls biggest stunt with $50M debut
Johnny Knoxville and his "Jackass" gang are even bigger hits in three dimensions.
"Jackass 3D," their latest big-screen collection of crazy stunts and antics, opened with a whopping $50 million, soaring past the debuts of their first two movies, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the third-straight No. 1 opening for Paramount's franchise, which launched with a $22.8 million opening for 2002's "Jackass: The Movie" and continued with a $29 million debut for 2006's "Jackass Number Two."
This was the first 3-D outing for Knoxville and his pals, and it was a natural for "what they do. They don't use it as a gimmick. It's seamless in their stunts," said Don Harris, Paramount executive vice president for distribution. "When some guy gets hit in the crotch with a baseball in 2-D, it's one thing, but when he's kind of up in your face and it happens, it's another experience."
"Jackass 3D" set a record for biggest October debut, topping the $48.1 million opening weekend for "Scary Movie 3" in 2003. "Scary Movie 3" sold more tickets than "Jackass 3D," though, factoring in ticket-price inflation and the premium charge for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D movies.
Premiering at No. 2 with $22.5 million was Summit Entertainment's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker in the tale of retired black-ops agents targeted by the CIA.
While "Jackass 3D" cornered the market for young crowds, with two-thirds of viewers under 25, "Red" drew an older set, with 58 percent of the audience over 35.
"Between their audience and ours, I think we've covered the spectrum of potential movie-goers this weekend," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "What was amazing about this cast was the chemistry and the obvious fun they had making the movie. Older guys and women are really capable of doing things more than sitting in rocking chairs and pushing the remote control."
Despite the huge opening for "Jackass 3D," Hollywood was unable to pull out of a box-office slide that has persisted this fall.
Overall revenues totaled $133 million, down 4 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Where the Wild Things Are" led with a $32.7 million debut and "Law Abiding Citizen," ''Paranormal Activity" and "Couples Retreat" combined to add nearly $60 million to the till.
"When you've got a $50 million gross and still can't eke out a win over the same weekend last year, that says a lot," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We've been in a slump since Labor Day and even really before that, because we saw kind of a slow end to the summer."
So far this year, domestic revenue is at $8.5 billion, 3.2 percent above 2009's record pace. But adding in higher ticket prices, attendance is down 2.3 percent from 2009, according to Hollywood.com.
Sony's acclaimed Facebook drama "The Social Network," which had been No. 1 the previous two weekends, held up well as it slipped to third-place with $11 million. The film raised its three-week total to $63.1 million.
In limited release, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon's "Hereafter" opened strongly with $231,000 in six theaters. That gave it an average of $38,500 a theater, compared with $16,228 in 3,081 cinemas for "Jackass 3D."
"Hereafter" follows three characters with unusual connections to the afterlife. Distributor Warner Bros. expands the film to nationwide release this Friday.
Hilary Swank's legal drama "Conviction," based on the real-life story of a woman who put herself through law school to clear her brother on a murder rap, opened with $110,000 in 11 theaters, for a $10,000 average.
Distributor Fox Searchlight expands "Conviction" to about 70 theaters on Friday.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Jackass 3D," $50 million.
2. "Red," $22.5 million.
3. "The Social Network," $11 million.
4. "Secretariat," $9.5 million.
5. "Life as We Know It," $9.2 million.
6. "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," $4.2 million.
7. "The Town," $4 million.
8. "My Soul to Take," $3.2 million.
9. "Easy A," $2.7 million.
10. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," $2.4 million.
"Jackass 3D," their latest big-screen collection of crazy stunts and antics, opened with a whopping $50 million, soaring past the debuts of their first two movies, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the third-straight No. 1 opening for Paramount's franchise, which launched with a $22.8 million opening for 2002's "Jackass: The Movie" and continued with a $29 million debut for 2006's "Jackass Number Two."
This was the first 3-D outing for Knoxville and his pals, and it was a natural for "what they do. They don't use it as a gimmick. It's seamless in their stunts," said Don Harris, Paramount executive vice president for distribution. "When some guy gets hit in the crotch with a baseball in 2-D, it's one thing, but when he's kind of up in your face and it happens, it's another experience."
"Jackass 3D" set a record for biggest October debut, topping the $48.1 million opening weekend for "Scary Movie 3" in 2003. "Scary Movie 3" sold more tickets than "Jackass 3D," though, factoring in ticket-price inflation and the premium charge for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D movies.
Premiering at No. 2 with $22.5 million was Summit Entertainment's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker in the tale of retired black-ops agents targeted by the CIA.
While "Jackass 3D" cornered the market for young crowds, with two-thirds of viewers under 25, "Red" drew an older set, with 58 percent of the audience over 35.
"Between their audience and ours, I think we've covered the spectrum of potential movie-goers this weekend," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "What was amazing about this cast was the chemistry and the obvious fun they had making the movie. Older guys and women are really capable of doing things more than sitting in rocking chairs and pushing the remote control."
Despite the huge opening for "Jackass 3D," Hollywood was unable to pull out of a box-office slide that has persisted this fall.
Overall revenues totaled $133 million, down 4 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Where the Wild Things Are" led with a $32.7 million debut and "Law Abiding Citizen," ''Paranormal Activity" and "Couples Retreat" combined to add nearly $60 million to the till.
"When you've got a $50 million gross and still can't eke out a win over the same weekend last year, that says a lot," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We've been in a slump since Labor Day and even really before that, because we saw kind of a slow end to the summer."
So far this year, domestic revenue is at $8.5 billion, 3.2 percent above 2009's record pace. But adding in higher ticket prices, attendance is down 2.3 percent from 2009, according to Hollywood.com.
Sony's acclaimed Facebook drama "The Social Network," which had been No. 1 the previous two weekends, held up well as it slipped to third-place with $11 million. The film raised its three-week total to $63.1 million.
In limited release, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon's "Hereafter" opened strongly with $231,000 in six theaters. That gave it an average of $38,500 a theater, compared with $16,228 in 3,081 cinemas for "Jackass 3D."
"Hereafter" follows three characters with unusual connections to the afterlife. Distributor Warner Bros. expands the film to nationwide release this Friday.
Hilary Swank's legal drama "Conviction," based on the real-life story of a woman who put herself through law school to clear her brother on a murder rap, opened with $110,000 in 11 theaters, for a $10,000 average.
Distributor Fox Searchlight expands "Conviction" to about 70 theaters on Friday.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Jackass 3D," $50 million.
2. "Red," $22.5 million.
3. "The Social Network," $11 million.
4. "Secretariat," $9.5 million.
5. "Life as We Know It," $9.2 million.
6. "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," $4.2 million.
7. "The Town," $4 million.
8. "My Soul to Take," $3.2 million.
9. "Easy A," $2.7 million.
10. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," $2.4 million.
Randy and Evi Quaid Face Arrest Warrants – Again
Another case, another missed court date.
Randy Quaid and his wife Evi once again face arrest warrants after failing to show up for a Santa Barbara, Calif., hearing on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned.
Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter tells the Associated Press that $50,000 warrants were issued after the couple failed to appear for the arraignment Monday on residential burglary charges.
As in their previous case, in which they were charged with defrauding an innkeeper and routinely missed schedule court dates, the two are free to turn themselves in before their case will be called again on Oct. 26.
Randy Quaid and his wife Evi once again face arrest warrants after failing to show up for a Santa Barbara, Calif., hearing on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned.
Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter tells the Associated Press that $50,000 warrants were issued after the couple failed to appear for the arraignment Monday on residential burglary charges.
As in their previous case, in which they were charged with defrauding an innkeeper and routinely missed schedule court dates, the two are free to turn themselves in before their case will be called again on Oct. 26.
Tyra Banks Sued for Featuring Girl in 'Sex-Addict' Episode
When 15-year-old Jewel Ciera Washington appeared on Tyra Banks's talk show in October 2009 as a self-proclaimed "sex-addict," no one was more shocked than her mother Beverly McClendon.
McClendon filed a $1 million lawsuit against Banks, 36, alleging negligence and violating a right of privacy. The lawsuit claims the mom never consented to have her daughter appear on the show. In fact, she says her daughter hasn't even been diagnosed as a sex-addict.
Stating McClendon "suffered damages as a result of the defendants' negligence," the court papers, filed Oct. 8, also allege the Atlanta-based mother "filed a missing person's report with the local police department" once she realized her daughter secretly fled her home.
A rep for Banks was not immediately available for comment.
McClendon filed a $1 million lawsuit against Banks, 36, alleging negligence and violating a right of privacy. The lawsuit claims the mom never consented to have her daughter appear on the show. In fact, she says her daughter hasn't even been diagnosed as a sex-addict.
Stating McClendon "suffered damages as a result of the defendants' negligence," the court papers, filed Oct. 8, also allege the Atlanta-based mother "filed a missing person's report with the local police department" once she realized her daughter secretly fled her home.
A rep for Banks was not immediately available for comment.
Is Mel Gibson Getting a Cameo in The Hangover 2?
This may be just what Mel Gibson needs. With his personal life in turmoil recently, spending some time with the guys from The Hangover might do him some good.
According to the New York Post Gibson, 54, is set to do a cameo in The Hangover 2. A source also confirms to PEOPLE the actor will appear in the movie.
The film will feature the same crew from the original smash hit – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis and Justin Bartha and, notably, Ken Jeong as the wacky gangster – and will bring the pals to Thailand where the find danger lurking in Bangkok. Mike Tyson's cameo in the first installment tickled audiences and showed a comedic side to the controversial boxer.
According to the New York Post Gibson, 54, is set to do a cameo in The Hangover 2. A source also confirms to PEOPLE the actor will appear in the movie.
The film will feature the same crew from the original smash hit – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis and Justin Bartha and, notably, Ken Jeong as the wacky gangster – and will bring the pals to Thailand where the find danger lurking in Bangkok. Mike Tyson's cameo in the first installment tickled audiences and showed a comedic side to the controversial boxer.
NBC gives full-season pickup to 'Event,' 2 others
NBC is giving three freshman series, including "The Event," a full-season pickup.
Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."
None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.
But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.
NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."
None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.
But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.
NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
Lance Armstrong Welcomes Fifth Child
He's created his own cycling team! Lance Armstrong Tweets that he's welcomed his fifth child, a daughter.
"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.
"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"
This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.
Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.
"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.
"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"
This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.
Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.
Céline Dion Enters Hospital
Céline Dion is preparing for the birth of her twin boys by checking into the hospital on the advice of her physicians, the singer's rep confirms to PEOPLE.
In a statement issued Monday morning, the hospital says, "Ms. Céline Dion has been admitted to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida for observation at the recommendation of her doctors. She has been admitted to prevent the early delivery of her babies, which is the standard of care for any patient with twin pregnancy in this clinical setting."
The statement makes clear this is a preventive measure, "done to ensure the patient can be in close contact with their doctors and clinical resources, leading up to their birth," it says.
Last week, Dion's husband, René Angélil, told PEOPLE that, contrary to reports, his wife had not scheduled a C-section to deliver her twins on Oct. 22 – nor had she made outrageous demands of the hospital.
"There is nothing scheduled," he said. "We do not have a date" for the babies' birth.
Backs Husband's Statement
St. Mary's reiterated Angélil's statement, saying: "Céline and René have placed the health of their babies as their highest priority. Recently, rumors have circulated that Ms. Dion has made certain demands of St. Mary's Medical Center regarding the birth of her children. All of these rumors are false."
The hospital statement continued: "At no time did Ms. Dion or her husband make any special demands or requests of the hospital. She is not scheduled at any predetermined date for her delivery She has not requested or selected any particular staff or accommodations not available to other patients The patient is being treated as any other OB patient who comes to St. Mary’s Medical Center."
The medical facility also noted, "Although the family did not ask us to do so, the hospital has chosen to enhance our security efforts during this time for the convenience and safety of all our patients and their families within this same area of our facility."
In closing, the hospital said, "We look forward to the day of Ms. Dion's delivery of her twins. During this time, we ask the public and the media respect the privacy of all of our patients and their families at our hospital."
In a statement issued Monday morning, the hospital says, "Ms. Céline Dion has been admitted to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida for observation at the recommendation of her doctors. She has been admitted to prevent the early delivery of her babies, which is the standard of care for any patient with twin pregnancy in this clinical setting."
The statement makes clear this is a preventive measure, "done to ensure the patient can be in close contact with their doctors and clinical resources, leading up to their birth," it says.
Last week, Dion's husband, René Angélil, told PEOPLE that, contrary to reports, his wife had not scheduled a C-section to deliver her twins on Oct. 22 – nor had she made outrageous demands of the hospital.
"There is nothing scheduled," he said. "We do not have a date" for the babies' birth.
Backs Husband's Statement
St. Mary's reiterated Angélil's statement, saying: "Céline and René have placed the health of their babies as their highest priority. Recently, rumors have circulated that Ms. Dion has made certain demands of St. Mary's Medical Center regarding the birth of her children. All of these rumors are false."
The hospital statement continued: "At no time did Ms. Dion or her husband make any special demands or requests of the hospital. She is not scheduled at any predetermined date for her delivery She has not requested or selected any particular staff or accommodations not available to other patients The patient is being treated as any other OB patient who comes to St. Mary’s Medical Center."
The medical facility also noted, "Although the family did not ask us to do so, the hospital has chosen to enhance our security efforts during this time for the convenience and safety of all our patients and their families within this same area of our facility."
In closing, the hospital said, "We look forward to the day of Ms. Dion's delivery of her twins. During this time, we ask the public and the media respect the privacy of all of our patients and their families at our hospital."
Friday, October 15, 2010
MTV Host Critically Injured in Dirt Bike Crash
Pro BMX dirt bike rider TJ Lavin is currently in critical condition at a Las Vegas hospital after attempting a dangerous stunt Thursday evening.
Lavin, an X Games star who hosted MTV's Real World Road Rules Challenge for 10 seasons, was attempting a "nac nac" jump combination and couldn't return his feet to the pedals before landing, ESPN reports.
The 33-year-old was competing in the Dew Tour Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., when the accident happened. He suffered a shattered right wrist and broken ribs and was knocked unconscious, it was reported.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a rep for MTV says, "Our thoughts are with TJ. He is an important part of MTV's extended family and we're all praying for him."
Lavin, an X Games star who hosted MTV's Real World Road Rules Challenge for 10 seasons, was attempting a "nac nac" jump combination and couldn't return his feet to the pedals before landing, ESPN reports.
The 33-year-old was competing in the Dew Tour Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., when the accident happened. He suffered a shattered right wrist and broken ribs and was knocked unconscious, it was reported.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a rep for MTV says, "Our thoughts are with TJ. He is an important part of MTV's extended family and we're all praying for him."
Rapper T.I. headed back to prison for 11 months
A federal judge revoked rapper T.I.'s probation Friday and ordered him back to prison for 11 months, according to a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.
The Atlanta native, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was in federal court here following his arrest last month in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession. He was on probation after serving 10 months behind bars on federal weapons charges.
During the hearing, T.I. begged U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. not to send him back to prison, saying he needed to get help for drug addiction. He told the judge he "screwed up" and pleaded for mercy.
"I want drugs out of my life. If I can get the treatment and counseling I need ... I can beat this," T.I. told the judge, according to U.S. attorney spokesman Patrick Crosby. "I need help. For me, my mother, my kids, I need the court to give me mercy."
The Associated Press was relying on information from the spokesman because the judge closed the courtroom after it was filled and several media outlets, including AP, were not allowed in.
The Grammy Award-winning artist walked out of court with family and friends. Crosby said he will be allowed to voluntarily surrender.
As a condition of T.I.'s release earlier this year, he was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, or to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Before heading to prison, T.I. spent dozens of hours of community service talking with inner-city children and juvenile offenders about the dangers of drugs and guns.
"While he was telling kids to obey the law, he was breaking it," U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates told the judge Friday, according to Crosby. "There has to be a significant consequence for undermining the (plea) agreement."
Yates urged the judge to consider a sentence of two years in prison. She said T.I. submitted diluted urine samples and told his probation officer he had used ecstasy at least three times since leaving prison.
"He was supposed to be living what he was preaching," she said, according to Crosby.
During the hearing, T.I's attorney told the judge that his office had reviewed nearly 250 cases with similar charges and that none of the people were sent back to jail for violating probation, Crosby said.
The Atlanta native, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was in federal court here following his arrest last month in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession. He was on probation after serving 10 months behind bars on federal weapons charges.
During the hearing, T.I. begged U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. not to send him back to prison, saying he needed to get help for drug addiction. He told the judge he "screwed up" and pleaded for mercy.
"I want drugs out of my life. If I can get the treatment and counseling I need ... I can beat this," T.I. told the judge, according to U.S. attorney spokesman Patrick Crosby. "I need help. For me, my mother, my kids, I need the court to give me mercy."
The Associated Press was relying on information from the spokesman because the judge closed the courtroom after it was filled and several media outlets, including AP, were not allowed in.
The Grammy Award-winning artist walked out of court with family and friends. Crosby said he will be allowed to voluntarily surrender.
As a condition of T.I.'s release earlier this year, he was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, or to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Before heading to prison, T.I. spent dozens of hours of community service talking with inner-city children and juvenile offenders about the dangers of drugs and guns.
"While he was telling kids to obey the law, he was breaking it," U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates told the judge Friday, according to Crosby. "There has to be a significant consequence for undermining the (plea) agreement."
Yates urged the judge to consider a sentence of two years in prison. She said T.I. submitted diluted urine samples and told his probation officer he had used ecstasy at least three times since leaving prison.
"He was supposed to be living what he was preaching," she said, according to Crosby.
During the hearing, T.I's attorney told the judge that his office had reviewed nearly 250 cases with similar charges and that none of the people were sent back to jail for violating probation, Crosby said.
Singer Alicia Keys gives birth to baby boy
It's a boy Alicia Keys and her husband, music producer/rapper Swizz Beatz (Swiss Beats).
Keys gave birth Thursday night in New York and the couple have named their son Egypt Dean. It's the first child for the superstar singer and the fourth child for Beatz, whose real name is Kaseem (KAH-seem) Dean. The couple was married July 31.
Swizz Beats took time to tweet on Friday: "I'm so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww!
Singer Mary J. Blige also tweeted her congratulations on the birth.
Keys gave birth Thursday night in New York and the couple have named their son Egypt Dean. It's the first child for the superstar singer and the fourth child for Beatz, whose real name is Kaseem (KAH-seem) Dean. The couple was married July 31.
Swizz Beats took time to tweet on Friday: "I'm so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww!
Singer Mary J. Blige also tweeted her congratulations on the birth.
Neil Patrick Harris Welcomes 'Happy, Healthy' Twins
It's a boy and a girl!
Neil Patrick Harris and partner David Burtka are officially fathers. The actors welcomed twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace on Oct. 12, the How I Met Your Mother star announced on Twitter Friday.
"All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey," he wrote.
Harris, 37, announced that he and Burtka, 35, were becoming parents in August. "We're super excited/nervous/thrilled. Hoping the press can respect our privacy," he wrote on Twitter at the time.
According to reports, the babies were born with the help of a surrogate.
At the Emmy Awards that month, Harris said he was getting excited about his new role – and doing research. "I'm trying to read as much as I can, and prep as much as I can," he said at the time. "But there's only so much you can do because each baby is super individual and totally their own person."
Neil Patrick Harris and partner David Burtka are officially fathers. The actors welcomed twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace on Oct. 12, the How I Met Your Mother star announced on Twitter Friday.
"All of us are happy, healthy, tired, and a little pukey," he wrote.
Harris, 37, announced that he and Burtka, 35, were becoming parents in August. "We're super excited/nervous/thrilled. Hoping the press can respect our privacy," he wrote on Twitter at the time.
According to reports, the babies were born with the help of a surrogate.
At the Emmy Awards that month, Harris said he was getting excited about his new role – and doing research. "I'm trying to read as much as I can, and prep as much as I can," he said at the time. "But there's only so much you can do because each baby is super individual and totally their own person."
Hilary Duff: We Want Kids – Just Not Yet
Hilary Duff has been married since August – but she has a few things to cross off her list before she considers expanding her family.
Asked if she and husband Mike Comrie are talking about parenthood, Duff said on the Valentine in the Morning radio show Friday, "We're not. We're not thinking about it at all."
But, she added, that doesn't rule out a big brood down the road.
"We're excited to have kids," Duff, 22, said. "But we don't want to do it now. We've been married for six weeks. We haven't sent thank-you notes out yet. Can we get that out of the way before?"
Duff and Canadian hockey player Comrie, 29, exchanged vows in Santa Barbara, Calif., in August.
The singer, who started her career as a child star working with Disney, also spoke about the challenges today's young stars face. "It's hard," Duff said of the entertainment business. "I would never just march up to Miley Cyrus and say, 'I got some stuff to share with you.' I think they're doing a good job."
Asked if she and husband Mike Comrie are talking about parenthood, Duff said on the Valentine in the Morning radio show Friday, "We're not. We're not thinking about it at all."
But, she added, that doesn't rule out a big brood down the road.
"We're excited to have kids," Duff, 22, said. "But we don't want to do it now. We've been married for six weeks. We haven't sent thank-you notes out yet. Can we get that out of the way before?"
Duff and Canadian hockey player Comrie, 29, exchanged vows in Santa Barbara, Calif., in August.
The singer, who started her career as a child star working with Disney, also spoke about the challenges today's young stars face. "It's hard," Duff said of the entertainment business. "I would never just march up to Miley Cyrus and say, 'I got some stuff to share with you.' I think they're doing a good job."
Friday, September 24, 2010
Nancy Wilson files for divorce from Cameron Crowe
Court records show rocker Nancy Wilson has filed for divorce from writer-director Cameron Crowe after more than 20 years of marriage.
The Heart singer-guitarist cited irreconcilable differences for the divorce, which was filed Sept. 16.
The court filings say Wilson and Crowe separated in 2008.
They were married in 1986 and have twin 10-year-old sons. Wilson is seeking joint custody.
Crowe is known for directing films such as "Jerry Maguire" and "Say Anything." He won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the film "Almost Famous."
The Heart singer-guitarist cited irreconcilable differences for the divorce, which was filed Sept. 16.
The court filings say Wilson and Crowe separated in 2008.
They were married in 1986 and have twin 10-year-old sons. Wilson is seeking joint custody.
Crowe is known for directing films such as "Jerry Maguire" and "Say Anything." He won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the film "Almost Famous."
CNN replaces its US chief
CNN's continued struggles with its prime-time lineup led to the firing Friday of Jon Klein, the U.S. network's top executive, less than two weeks before a schedule revamp he engineered was about to launch.
Klein has been replaced by Ken Jautz, who currently runs HLN, said Jim Walton, CNN Worldwide President. CNN is also seeking another executive who will serve as executive vice president and managing editor of CNN Worldwide.
CNN slipped behind MSNBC into third place this year in its prime-time ratings, where Fox News Channel remains a dominant number one. Cable news viewers have increasingly become interested in hearing news filtered through strong, partisan viewpoints and CNN has resisted that approach for fear it would hurt its brand as an impartial news source.
The image of CNN as hurting particularly frustrates Walton, who noted that prime-time advertising accounts for only 10 percent of the company's revenue. CNN has been profitable for seven consecutive years during a disastrous time for the news industry, he said.
"CNN is not broken," he said. "While we're not satisfied with the ratings at CNN prime time and they clearly need to get better, CNN as an organization and a business is thriving."
Klein has held his job for six years, overseeing more aggressive news coverage and the development of Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta as major personalities. The former CBS News executive said he's confident CNN is better today than when he arrived in December 2004.
"I'm disappointed, but these things happen in the media business," Klein said, "and they happened to me this time."
The timing was odd given that Klein's reboot of two-thirds of CNN's prime-time schedule was to begin on Oct. 4. That's when an 8 p.m. ET show hosted by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and newspaper columnist Kathleen Parker is to debut.
In December, Larry King will leave CNN's prime-time lineup after a quarter-century, to be replaced in January by British tabloid veteran and "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan.
"I'm just disappointed that I didn't get a chance to work more closely or longer with Eliot and Kathleen and Piers," Klein said. "I was really looking forward to getting these shows up and running and fully prepared for being held accountable for their quality and their ratings and their profits. The surprise to me was that I never got a chance to do this."
Walton said he made the move now to avoid disruptions to these programs after they started, and so that the executive change not be interpreted as any dissatisfaction with them.
Klein received praise from a competitor on Friday.
"Jon is a respected journalist and an expert in the digital realm," said Roger Ailes, Fox News chairman and CEO. "We've enjoyed competing with CNN during his tenure and I'm confident he'll be an asset to any news organization he joins in the future. I look forward to continuing our personal dialogue."
Prime-time viewership is down at all the cable news networks this year, but the drop is largest at CNN. Its weekday average of 640,000 viewers is down 36 percent from 2009. Fox is averaging 2.43 million viewers, down 5 percent. MSNBC is down 11 percent to 846,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Co.
HLN, formerly CNN Headline News, is averaging 554,000 viewers in prime-time. Jautz was in charge of a transformation of that network, once known for its continuous "wheel" of half-hour newscasts. Its shift to a prime-time opinionated lineup began with current Fox personality Glenn Beck, and now features Nancy Grace, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Joy Behar.
Jautz is a "smart, talented executive with the right personality and skill set to restore CNN's position in the cable news space," said Princell Hair, a former CNN executive now senior vice president for news operations at Comcast Sports.
Frank Sesno, a former CNN Washington bureau chief and now a professor at George Washington University, said Klein's departure isn't surprising but the timing was odd.
"CNN is an incredible franchise with what should be an incredible product brand and it's still trying to find itself," he said. "Jon Klein is just the latest. If you telescope the whole thing, CNN has been going through this for 10 years. The real question is what is Ken Jautz going to do."
Walton said that CNN will not move in the same direction as Fox and MSNBC.
"It's critical for the entire business of CNN Worldwide that we remain nonpartisan," he said. Walton appointed Scott Safon, CNN's chief marketing officer, to become HLN's chief executive. Despite Safon's non-news background, his role in Walton's inner circle exposed him to all facets of the business, Walton said.
Klein has been replaced by Ken Jautz, who currently runs HLN, said Jim Walton, CNN Worldwide President. CNN is also seeking another executive who will serve as executive vice president and managing editor of CNN Worldwide.
CNN slipped behind MSNBC into third place this year in its prime-time ratings, where Fox News Channel remains a dominant number one. Cable news viewers have increasingly become interested in hearing news filtered through strong, partisan viewpoints and CNN has resisted that approach for fear it would hurt its brand as an impartial news source.
The image of CNN as hurting particularly frustrates Walton, who noted that prime-time advertising accounts for only 10 percent of the company's revenue. CNN has been profitable for seven consecutive years during a disastrous time for the news industry, he said.
"CNN is not broken," he said. "While we're not satisfied with the ratings at CNN prime time and they clearly need to get better, CNN as an organization and a business is thriving."
Klein has held his job for six years, overseeing more aggressive news coverage and the development of Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta as major personalities. The former CBS News executive said he's confident CNN is better today than when he arrived in December 2004.
"I'm disappointed, but these things happen in the media business," Klein said, "and they happened to me this time."
The timing was odd given that Klein's reboot of two-thirds of CNN's prime-time schedule was to begin on Oct. 4. That's when an 8 p.m. ET show hosted by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and newspaper columnist Kathleen Parker is to debut.
In December, Larry King will leave CNN's prime-time lineup after a quarter-century, to be replaced in January by British tabloid veteran and "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan.
"I'm just disappointed that I didn't get a chance to work more closely or longer with Eliot and Kathleen and Piers," Klein said. "I was really looking forward to getting these shows up and running and fully prepared for being held accountable for their quality and their ratings and their profits. The surprise to me was that I never got a chance to do this."
Walton said he made the move now to avoid disruptions to these programs after they started, and so that the executive change not be interpreted as any dissatisfaction with them.
Klein received praise from a competitor on Friday.
"Jon is a respected journalist and an expert in the digital realm," said Roger Ailes, Fox News chairman and CEO. "We've enjoyed competing with CNN during his tenure and I'm confident he'll be an asset to any news organization he joins in the future. I look forward to continuing our personal dialogue."
Prime-time viewership is down at all the cable news networks this year, but the drop is largest at CNN. Its weekday average of 640,000 viewers is down 36 percent from 2009. Fox is averaging 2.43 million viewers, down 5 percent. MSNBC is down 11 percent to 846,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Co.
HLN, formerly CNN Headline News, is averaging 554,000 viewers in prime-time. Jautz was in charge of a transformation of that network, once known for its continuous "wheel" of half-hour newscasts. Its shift to a prime-time opinionated lineup began with current Fox personality Glenn Beck, and now features Nancy Grace, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Joy Behar.
Jautz is a "smart, talented executive with the right personality and skill set to restore CNN's position in the cable news space," said Princell Hair, a former CNN executive now senior vice president for news operations at Comcast Sports.
Frank Sesno, a former CNN Washington bureau chief and now a professor at George Washington University, said Klein's departure isn't surprising but the timing was odd.
"CNN is an incredible franchise with what should be an incredible product brand and it's still trying to find itself," he said. "Jon Klein is just the latest. If you telescope the whole thing, CNN has been going through this for 10 years. The real question is what is Ken Jautz going to do."
Walton said that CNN will not move in the same direction as Fox and MSNBC.
"It's critical for the entire business of CNN Worldwide that we remain nonpartisan," he said. Walton appointed Scott Safon, CNN's chief marketing officer, to become HLN's chief executive. Despite Safon's non-news background, his role in Walton's inner circle exposed him to all facets of the business, Walton said.
`Judge Judy' topples `Oprah' from top daytime spot
"Judge Judy" won a ratings verdict over "Oprah" last season to rank No. 1 among daytime series.
According to Nielsen figures, Judy Sheindlin's courtroom show averaged 6.3 million daily viewers, compared with 5.7 million for Oprah Winfrey's talk show. "Judge Judy" became the first show to knock "Oprah" out of the top spot in a decade — and it was "Judge Judy" that did it the last time, too.
Winfrey relied on more reruns than usual last season, which affected her ratings.
Sheindlin is in her 15th year with the legal show. Winfrey, who's in the 25th and final season of her syndicated show, will launch a new cable network in January.
"Judge Judy" has been renewed through 2013.
According to Nielsen figures, Judy Sheindlin's courtroom show averaged 6.3 million daily viewers, compared with 5.7 million for Oprah Winfrey's talk show. "Judge Judy" became the first show to knock "Oprah" out of the top spot in a decade — and it was "Judge Judy" that did it the last time, too.
Winfrey relied on more reruns than usual last season, which affected her ratings.
Sheindlin is in her 15th year with the legal show. Winfrey, who's in the 25th and final season of her syndicated show, will launch a new cable network in January.
"Judge Judy" has been renewed through 2013.
Jennifer Lopez Slams 'Sell Out' Accusations
Jennifer Lopez is adamant she didn't join American Idol just for the multi-million dollar pay check - she agreed to become a judge for the sake of her children.
Bosses behind the hit TV show ended months of speculation this week by announcing Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler as the latest additions to the panel, replacing exiting judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.
Lopez is adamant it wasn't the rumored $12 million salary that attracted her to the role, but the thought of staying in Los Angeles for six months with her husband Marc Anthony and their two young twins. And the singer/actress hopes little Max and Emme will be able to finally get into an everyday routine when their mother starts working regular hours.
She says, "We're really happy that we get to be in one place with the babies. This is going to put us here for like six months. It's unheard of for us. The babies can do dance class and soccer practice. We're excited about being a little bit of a normal family for a little while."
Lopez also admits she was reluctant to join the reality TV show at first, but Anthony talked her into it. She adds, "I don't know that we ever thought I'd do something like this. But when I was a dancer, was I going to be an actress? Yeah. When I was an actress, was I going to be a singer? Yes. I just think this is another evolution of that - and (Marc) explained it to me like that."
Bosses behind the hit TV show ended months of speculation this week by announcing Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler as the latest additions to the panel, replacing exiting judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi.
Lopez is adamant it wasn't the rumored $12 million salary that attracted her to the role, but the thought of staying in Los Angeles for six months with her husband Marc Anthony and their two young twins. And the singer/actress hopes little Max and Emme will be able to finally get into an everyday routine when their mother starts working regular hours.
She says, "We're really happy that we get to be in one place with the babies. This is going to put us here for like six months. It's unheard of for us. The babies can do dance class and soccer practice. We're excited about being a little bit of a normal family for a little while."
Lopez also admits she was reluctant to join the reality TV show at first, but Anthony talked her into it. She adds, "I don't know that we ever thought I'd do something like this. But when I was a dancer, was I going to be an actress? Yeah. When I was an actress, was I going to be a singer? Yes. I just think this is another evolution of that - and (Marc) explained it to me like that."
NBC Universal CEO to leave when Comcast takes over
NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker, who rose from a youthful producer at the "Today" show to run the multifaceted media business, said he would step down after cable provider Comcast takes control of the company later this year.
Zucker, the company's CEO, told employees of his planned departure in an e-mail he sent Friday, and Comcast's chief executive said that he wished him well.
"It has been a great run and I've been incredibly fortunate," Zucker said in his e-mail.
The possible change-in-command had been looming since last December when Comcast Corp. agreed to buy a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. That deal still hasn't cleared regulatory hurdles, but that is expected around the end of the year.
Zucker said in an interview with The New York Times that Comcast's chief operating officer, Steve Burke, had made it clear in a meeting two weeks ago that the company sought to move on with new leadership.
Zucker presided over the downfall of the flagship NBC's prime-time lineup from its 1990s dominance in the "Friends" era to where it has been the fourth-place broadcast network. Yet NBC News has remained the strongest broadcast news division and the network continues to dominate in late-night programming.
NBC Universal has done well financially with its owned networks; Zucker has said that NBC Universal is essentially a cable company now. NBC Universal owns the NBC and Telemundo television networks along with 26 TV stations; cable channels USA, Bravo, Oxygen, Syfy, CNBC and others; the Universal Pictures movie studio and Focus Features; theme parks in California, Florida and Japan; and has part ownership of online video site Hulu.
In the most recent quarter through June, financial results improved at the company mostly because of a rebound in advertising. Operating profit grew 13 percent to $607 million, with advertising, an improving performance by movies and theme park sales responsible.
Zucker's contract had been renewed last year to run through January 2013 with an annual salary of $6.3 million and a guaranteed annual bonus of $1.5 million. If he leaves by January, he can expect at least a $15.6 million check.
General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt said in a note to some GE leaders on Tuesday that Zucker has been "creative and composed" during turbulent times.
"Jeff has been a tough-minded, inclusive and innovative leader of NBC Universal," Immelt wrote. "He has always stepped up when the company needed him. He never blinked when it came to tough decisions."
NBC's experiment last season putting Jay Leno in prime time proved a spectacular failure, blowing up further when Conan O'Brien refused to move to a later time slot to accommodate Leno's return to late night. The Winter Olympics in Vancouver last year, while a ratings winner for NBC, cost the company a $223 million loss because rights negotiations were concluded in a different economic climate.
Miller Tabak analyst David Joyce said Zucker's departure was expected because of the active role of Burke, a former ABC executive. While Joyce didn't see NBCU's performance as a reason for removing Zucker, "one could question who was responsible for the NBC network's ratings slippage over time."
Zucker, 45, was an NBC wunderkind who started at the company in 1986 as a researcher for its Olympics coverage. He moved to the "Today" show and became its executive producer before the age of 30. The show dominated in the ratings behind Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel, then Matt Lauer, becoming hugely profitable for the company.
In an unexpected move, Zucker was sent to Hollywood to oversee NBC's entertainment division. He alienated many in California with his efforts to cut costs, but he remained a favorite of G.E. executives, who continued to move him up the company's corporate ladder.
Zucker, in his e-mail, recalled the first day coming to work at NBC in August 1986. "It was humid and my shirt was soaking by the time I got there," he said. Zucker survived two bouts of cancer while at the "Today" show.
"Sure, there have been ups and downs in the last quarter century," he said in his e-mail. "But when I step back and think about what we've been through, I feel nothing but pride and joy. It has been a great run and I've been incredibly fortunate."
Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, said Zucker has "led the company with integrity and purpose.
"The success of NBC Universal puts us in a wonderful position as we plan our joint venture with GE," Roberts said. "We wish Jeff well in his future endeavors."
Comcast has been tightlipped in its plans for NBC Universal when it takes over. One name that has surfaced as a potential new executive there is Robert Greenblatt, the successful programming chief at Showtime who stepped down when his contract ended this summer.
Zucker, the company's CEO, told employees of his planned departure in an e-mail he sent Friday, and Comcast's chief executive said that he wished him well.
"It has been a great run and I've been incredibly fortunate," Zucker said in his e-mail.
The possible change-in-command had been looming since last December when Comcast Corp. agreed to buy a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. That deal still hasn't cleared regulatory hurdles, but that is expected around the end of the year.
Zucker said in an interview with The New York Times that Comcast's chief operating officer, Steve Burke, had made it clear in a meeting two weeks ago that the company sought to move on with new leadership.
Zucker presided over the downfall of the flagship NBC's prime-time lineup from its 1990s dominance in the "Friends" era to where it has been the fourth-place broadcast network. Yet NBC News has remained the strongest broadcast news division and the network continues to dominate in late-night programming.
NBC Universal has done well financially with its owned networks; Zucker has said that NBC Universal is essentially a cable company now. NBC Universal owns the NBC and Telemundo television networks along with 26 TV stations; cable channels USA, Bravo, Oxygen, Syfy, CNBC and others; the Universal Pictures movie studio and Focus Features; theme parks in California, Florida and Japan; and has part ownership of online video site Hulu.
In the most recent quarter through June, financial results improved at the company mostly because of a rebound in advertising. Operating profit grew 13 percent to $607 million, with advertising, an improving performance by movies and theme park sales responsible.
Zucker's contract had been renewed last year to run through January 2013 with an annual salary of $6.3 million and a guaranteed annual bonus of $1.5 million. If he leaves by January, he can expect at least a $15.6 million check.
General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt said in a note to some GE leaders on Tuesday that Zucker has been "creative and composed" during turbulent times.
"Jeff has been a tough-minded, inclusive and innovative leader of NBC Universal," Immelt wrote. "He has always stepped up when the company needed him. He never blinked when it came to tough decisions."
NBC's experiment last season putting Jay Leno in prime time proved a spectacular failure, blowing up further when Conan O'Brien refused to move to a later time slot to accommodate Leno's return to late night. The Winter Olympics in Vancouver last year, while a ratings winner for NBC, cost the company a $223 million loss because rights negotiations were concluded in a different economic climate.
Miller Tabak analyst David Joyce said Zucker's departure was expected because of the active role of Burke, a former ABC executive. While Joyce didn't see NBCU's performance as a reason for removing Zucker, "one could question who was responsible for the NBC network's ratings slippage over time."
Zucker, 45, was an NBC wunderkind who started at the company in 1986 as a researcher for its Olympics coverage. He moved to the "Today" show and became its executive producer before the age of 30. The show dominated in the ratings behind Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel, then Matt Lauer, becoming hugely profitable for the company.
In an unexpected move, Zucker was sent to Hollywood to oversee NBC's entertainment division. He alienated many in California with his efforts to cut costs, but he remained a favorite of G.E. executives, who continued to move him up the company's corporate ladder.
Zucker, in his e-mail, recalled the first day coming to work at NBC in August 1986. "It was humid and my shirt was soaking by the time I got there," he said. Zucker survived two bouts of cancer while at the "Today" show.
"Sure, there have been ups and downs in the last quarter century," he said in his e-mail. "But when I step back and think about what we've been through, I feel nothing but pride and joy. It has been a great run and I've been incredibly fortunate."
Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, said Zucker has "led the company with integrity and purpose.
"The success of NBC Universal puts us in a wonderful position as we plan our joint venture with GE," Roberts said. "We wish Jeff well in his future endeavors."
Comcast has been tightlipped in its plans for NBC Universal when it takes over. One name that has surfaced as a potential new executive there is Robert Greenblatt, the successful programming chief at Showtime who stepped down when his contract ended this summer.
Lindsay Lohan Returns to Calif. Jail in Handcuffs
Lindsay Lohan returned to jail in handcuffs Friday after a judge refused to set bail and ordered her to remain in custody for failing a drug test until another hearing nearly a month away.
Bailiffs escorted the troubled starlet from the Beverly Hills courtroom immediately after the hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes. It will be Lohan's third jail stint for a three-year-old drug and drunken driving case filed after a pair of high-profile arrests in 2007.
Before the hearing, the "Mean Girls" star chatted with her attorney, smiling and laughing. But moments before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden S. Fox took the bench, she began fidgeting with her earrings and looking to the back of the courtroom, where two bondsmen sat in the courtroom, prepared to post the actress' bail.
Lohan's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, asked Fox whether Lohan's full probation revocation hearing could be delayed a week.
"I think your client would rather have it on Oct. 22," Fox said, giving the first hint that he intended to send the actress to jail.
Holley rose to argue that bail should be set. "Nope," Fox replied.
"Oh God," Michael Lohan said as bailiffs moved in his daughter rose and was handcuffed.
Lohan has twice been released early because of overcrowding, with her longest jail stay a 14-day stint on a 90-day sentence earlier this summer.
But this time, the judge's order diminishes the likelihood that Lohan will be released before the Oct. 22 hearing, when her positive drug test will be discussed.
"When you put the judge in a tight spot, he has no alternative," said Barry Gerald Sands, a defense attorney who has represented celebrity clients in drug cases. "She will not get out now."
The previous judge handling Lohan's case had said she had to set bail for Lohan because she was facing misdemeanors.
"This judge feels he didn't have to set bail," Sands said, adding that Fox's orders are rarely overturned.
Fox said Lohan had a "positive test for a controlled substance," but did not name the substance. He said probation officials are also reviewing Lohan's compliance with other aspects of her probation, which included frequent meetings with counselors.
Holley was not immediately available for comment. Court spokesman Allan Parachini said she remained in the courtroom to confer with Lohan.
Lohan's mother, Dina, walked into the courtroom about 45 minutes after the hearing. By then, Los Angeles television stations were following a car said to be carrying her daughter to jail.
The two women had arrived at the courthouse together an hour before, while the actress's father ? with whom she's publicly sparred ? arrived earlier.
The actress acknowledged failing a court-ordered drug screening last week in a series of Twitter postings.
It was the star's first appearance before Fox, who had said at a previous hearing he would sentence her to a month in jail for each drug test she skipped or failed.
The actress wasn't present for that hearing, which was held hours after her release from rehab.
Lohan seemed to acknowledge an addiction problem after news of her positive drug test broke last week.
"Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night," Lohan posted on her Twitter feed last Friday. "I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps.
"This is certainly a setback for me but I am taking responsibility for my actions and I'm prepared to face the consequences," her posts said.
The actress remains on probation for a reckless driving and two driving under the influence charges, all misdemeanors. Fox dropped two drug cases at a hearing in August during which he announced Lohan's release from rehab and set out a strict outpatient treatment schedule that included random drug screenings.
Fox has sealed Lohan's court file, but a source familiar with the case has told The Associated Press that the actress' failed test came roughly two weeks after her release from rehab.
Bailiffs escorted the troubled starlet from the Beverly Hills courtroom immediately after the hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes. It will be Lohan's third jail stint for a three-year-old drug and drunken driving case filed after a pair of high-profile arrests in 2007.
Before the hearing, the "Mean Girls" star chatted with her attorney, smiling and laughing. But moments before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden S. Fox took the bench, she began fidgeting with her earrings and looking to the back of the courtroom, where two bondsmen sat in the courtroom, prepared to post the actress' bail.
Lohan's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, asked Fox whether Lohan's full probation revocation hearing could be delayed a week.
"I think your client would rather have it on Oct. 22," Fox said, giving the first hint that he intended to send the actress to jail.
Holley rose to argue that bail should be set. "Nope," Fox replied.
"Oh God," Michael Lohan said as bailiffs moved in his daughter rose and was handcuffed.
Lohan has twice been released early because of overcrowding, with her longest jail stay a 14-day stint on a 90-day sentence earlier this summer.
But this time, the judge's order diminishes the likelihood that Lohan will be released before the Oct. 22 hearing, when her positive drug test will be discussed.
"When you put the judge in a tight spot, he has no alternative," said Barry Gerald Sands, a defense attorney who has represented celebrity clients in drug cases. "She will not get out now."
The previous judge handling Lohan's case had said she had to set bail for Lohan because she was facing misdemeanors.
"This judge feels he didn't have to set bail," Sands said, adding that Fox's orders are rarely overturned.
Fox said Lohan had a "positive test for a controlled substance," but did not name the substance. He said probation officials are also reviewing Lohan's compliance with other aspects of her probation, which included frequent meetings with counselors.
Holley was not immediately available for comment. Court spokesman Allan Parachini said she remained in the courtroom to confer with Lohan.
Lohan's mother, Dina, walked into the courtroom about 45 minutes after the hearing. By then, Los Angeles television stations were following a car said to be carrying her daughter to jail.
The two women had arrived at the courthouse together an hour before, while the actress's father ? with whom she's publicly sparred ? arrived earlier.
The actress acknowledged failing a court-ordered drug screening last week in a series of Twitter postings.
It was the star's first appearance before Fox, who had said at a previous hearing he would sentence her to a month in jail for each drug test she skipped or failed.
The actress wasn't present for that hearing, which was held hours after her release from rehab.
Lohan seemed to acknowledge an addiction problem after news of her positive drug test broke last week.
"Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night," Lohan posted on her Twitter feed last Friday. "I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps.
"This is certainly a setback for me but I am taking responsibility for my actions and I'm prepared to face the consequences," her posts said.
The actress remains on probation for a reckless driving and two driving under the influence charges, all misdemeanors. Fox dropped two drug cases at a hearing in August during which he announced Lohan's release from rehab and set out a strict outpatient treatment schedule that included random drug screenings.
Fox has sealed Lohan's court file, but a source familiar with the case has told The Associated Press that the actress' failed test came roughly two weeks after her release from rehab.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Lohan again faces jail after arrest warrant issued
Another warrant, another court hearing for Lindsay Lohan.
Lohan has been ordered to appear at a hearing on Friday after a judge issued an arrest warrant for failing a drug test less than a month after she was released from inpatient rehab.
Superior Court Judge Elden Fox revoked Lohan's probation in her three-year-old drug case Monday and issued a bench warrant which was immediately stayed, allowing her to remain free until the hearing to determine if she violated her probation.
Previously, Fox had threatened the actress with 30 days in jail for each violation. He must now decide whether to send her back to jail or into treatment.
Lohan confirmed on her Twitter page last week that she failed the court-ordered drug and alcohol screening.
"Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test," she tweeted.
She also said, "substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it."
Lohan often posts updates on her verified account.
A message left with Lohan's attorney Shawn Chapman Holley was not immediately returned.
Lohan was released from jail on Aug. 2 after serving 14 days of a 90-day sentence for violating her probation in the 2007 case involving drug use and driving under the influence.
Fox took over the case last month and laid out a path paved with therapy sessions and 12-step meetings that could have finally brought Lohan's drug case to an end.
Another judge had required her to begin a three-month stint in rehab at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Fox, however, agreed on Aug. 25 to release her from inpatient rehab after reviewing reports by her doctors and medical records from a three-year period.
Despite ordering an intense regimen of counseling and therapy, Fox gave Lohan some incentives to succeed. He dismissed two drug counts to which the actress pleaded guilty in 2007.
Lohan also dropped her $100 million lawsuit over a Super Bowl ad for E-Trade that featured a "milkaholic" baby named Lindsay, according to documents filed Monday in a Manhattan court.
Lohan has been ordered to appear at a hearing on Friday after a judge issued an arrest warrant for failing a drug test less than a month after she was released from inpatient rehab.
Superior Court Judge Elden Fox revoked Lohan's probation in her three-year-old drug case Monday and issued a bench warrant which was immediately stayed, allowing her to remain free until the hearing to determine if she violated her probation.
Previously, Fox had threatened the actress with 30 days in jail for each violation. He must now decide whether to send her back to jail or into treatment.
Lohan confirmed on her Twitter page last week that she failed the court-ordered drug and alcohol screening.
"Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test," she tweeted.
She also said, "substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it."
Lohan often posts updates on her verified account.
A message left with Lohan's attorney Shawn Chapman Holley was not immediately returned.
Lohan was released from jail on Aug. 2 after serving 14 days of a 90-day sentence for violating her probation in the 2007 case involving drug use and driving under the influence.
Fox took over the case last month and laid out a path paved with therapy sessions and 12-step meetings that could have finally brought Lohan's drug case to an end.
Another judge had required her to begin a three-month stint in rehab at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Fox, however, agreed on Aug. 25 to release her from inpatient rehab after reviewing reports by her doctors and medical records from a three-year period.
Despite ordering an intense regimen of counseling and therapy, Fox gave Lohan some incentives to succeed. He dismissed two drug counts to which the actress pleaded guilty in 2007.
Lohan also dropped her $100 million lawsuit over a Super Bowl ad for E-Trade that featured a "milkaholic" baby named Lindsay, according to documents filed Monday in a Manhattan court.
Japan officials delay Paris Hilton from entering
Japanese officials delayed Paris Hilton at Narita Airport while they decide whether she will be admitted to the country after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in Las Vegas.
An e-mailed statement by Hilton's rep, Dawn Miller, said the 29-year-old was stopped by immigration authorities upon her arrival in Japan on Tuesday, one day after her plea.
Hilton was scheduled to appear at a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday to promote her fashion and fragrance lines, but that appearance was canceled.
Narita Airport's immigration office questioned Hilton "for hours" to determine if she should be allowed to enter the country, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau said, according to Japan's Kyodo news agency.
Authorities adjourned questioning and asked Hilton to stay at a hotel in the airport so they could continue immigration procedures Wednesday, Kyodo reported. There was no answer at the immigration office early Wednesday.
Under Japanese law, immigration authorities are empowered to deny entry to those who have been convicted of drug-related offenses.
Tokyo was the first stop on Hilton's planned Asia tour, during which she planned to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and open a new retail store in Jakarta, Indonesia. Both countries have strict anti-drug laws and immigration procedures, and it was unclear whether Hilton would continue her travels.
Miller's statement said Hilton was disappointed with the scrutiny by Japanese authorities.
"Paris was contractually bound to her business trip and didn't want to let down her brands and many Asian fans," the statement said. "She intended on fulfilling her contract and is trying hard to do the responsible thing, but this is beyond her control. She is very disappointed by tonight's events."
Hilton rose to fame after appearing with Nicole Richie on the series "The Simple Life" and has since starred in another reality series and minor films.
The Asia trip had been planned before Hilton's arrest last month in Las Vegas, when an officer found a small amount of cocaine in her purse. She pleaded guilty Monday to drug possession and obstructing an officer and was placed on informal probation for one year.
The terms of her sentence did not restrict travel overseas.
"We have no legal basis to restrict her from traveling throughout the United States or throughout the world," Clark County District Attorney David Roger said.
Hilton's sentence also requires her to complete a drug program, pay a $2,000 fine and serve 200 hours of community service. Her attorney said Monday that she planned to complete the service by volunteering with animal advocacy groups and children's hospitals.
Hilton served 23 days in a Los Angeles-area jail in 2007 after she was found to have violated her probation on an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
She also was detained in South Africa in July during the World Cup on suspicion of marijuana possession, but the allegation was dropped when another woman in her group pleaded guilty to carrying the drug.
An e-mailed statement by Hilton's rep, Dawn Miller, said the 29-year-old was stopped by immigration authorities upon her arrival in Japan on Tuesday, one day after her plea.
Hilton was scheduled to appear at a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday to promote her fashion and fragrance lines, but that appearance was canceled.
Narita Airport's immigration office questioned Hilton "for hours" to determine if she should be allowed to enter the country, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau said, according to Japan's Kyodo news agency.
Authorities adjourned questioning and asked Hilton to stay at a hotel in the airport so they could continue immigration procedures Wednesday, Kyodo reported. There was no answer at the immigration office early Wednesday.
Under Japanese law, immigration authorities are empowered to deny entry to those who have been convicted of drug-related offenses.
Tokyo was the first stop on Hilton's planned Asia tour, during which she planned to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and open a new retail store in Jakarta, Indonesia. Both countries have strict anti-drug laws and immigration procedures, and it was unclear whether Hilton would continue her travels.
Miller's statement said Hilton was disappointed with the scrutiny by Japanese authorities.
"Paris was contractually bound to her business trip and didn't want to let down her brands and many Asian fans," the statement said. "She intended on fulfilling her contract and is trying hard to do the responsible thing, but this is beyond her control. She is very disappointed by tonight's events."
Hilton rose to fame after appearing with Nicole Richie on the series "The Simple Life" and has since starred in another reality series and minor films.
The Asia trip had been planned before Hilton's arrest last month in Las Vegas, when an officer found a small amount of cocaine in her purse. She pleaded guilty Monday to drug possession and obstructing an officer and was placed on informal probation for one year.
The terms of her sentence did not restrict travel overseas.
"We have no legal basis to restrict her from traveling throughout the United States or throughout the world," Clark County District Attorney David Roger said.
Hilton's sentence also requires her to complete a drug program, pay a $2,000 fine and serve 200 hours of community service. Her attorney said Monday that she planned to complete the service by volunteering with animal advocacy groups and children's hospitals.
Hilton served 23 days in a Los Angeles-area jail in 2007 after she was found to have violated her probation on an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
She also was detained in South Africa in July during the World Cup on suspicion of marijuana possession, but the allegation was dropped when another woman in her group pleaded guilty to carrying the drug.
Actress Elisabeth Moss files for divorce
Court records show actress Elisabeth Moss has filed for divorce from her comedian husband after less than a year of marriage.
The "Mad Men" star filed for divorce from Fred Armisen on Monday in Los Angeles.
Her filing cited irreconcilable differences for the breakup.
The two were married in October but separated in June. The court filings did not offer any additional details.
Moss portrays career-oriented Peggy Olson on AMC's Emmy Award-winning "Mad Men." Armisen has appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" since 2002 and parodies President Barack Obama on the show.
The "Mad Men" star filed for divorce from Fred Armisen on Monday in Los Angeles.
Her filing cited irreconcilable differences for the breakup.
The two were married in October but separated in June. The court filings did not offer any additional details.
Moss portrays career-oriented Peggy Olson on AMC's Emmy Award-winning "Mad Men." Armisen has appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" since 2002 and parodies President Barack Obama on the show.
Wyclef Jean leaves Haiti politics to promote album
Wyclef Jean has officially ended his bid for Haiti's presidency.
A statement sent Tuesday by his publicist says the singer is leaving Haitian politics to promote a new album.
Jean's candidacy ended last month when the Caribbean country's eight-member provisional electoral council left him and more than a dozen other hopefuls off the ballot. Nineteen candidates were approved.
No official reasons were given for the exclusions. Jean is presumed not to have met constitutional requirements including living in Haiti. He lives in New Jersey.
The announcement ends speculation the singer would contest the disqualification, though the council does not allow appeals.
The election is slated for Nov. 28.
A statement sent Tuesday by his publicist says the singer is leaving Haitian politics to promote a new album.
Jean's candidacy ended last month when the Caribbean country's eight-member provisional electoral council left him and more than a dozen other hopefuls off the ballot. Nineteen candidates were approved.
No official reasons were given for the exclusions. Jean is presumed not to have met constitutional requirements including living in Haiti. He lives in New Jersey.
The announcement ends speculation the singer would contest the disqualification, though the council does not allow appeals.
The election is slated for Nov. 28.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Hogan ready to wed after leaving hospital
HULK HOGAN has announced plans to marry his girlfriend following his release from hospital on Thursday.
The celebrity wrestler has been battling "excruciating back pain" after injuring himself while picking seashells last weekend (04-05Sep10) and he checked into a medical center in Florida on Monday (06Sep10).
Upon his discharge, Hogan insisted his hospital stay had given him a new lease of life and he told reporters the news that he's ready to wed his fiancee, Jennifer.
He told TMZ.com, "Now that I've had a close encounter with the other side, I'm going to move this wedding up. I want to get married to Jennifer right away. It's true.
"I was so far on the other side with all that negative energy... I'm all the way back to the good side. (I want to get) married immediately."
The celebrity wrestler has been battling "excruciating back pain" after injuring himself while picking seashells last weekend (04-05Sep10) and he checked into a medical center in Florida on Monday (06Sep10).
Upon his discharge, Hogan insisted his hospital stay had given him a new lease of life and he told reporters the news that he's ready to wed his fiancee, Jennifer.
He told TMZ.com, "Now that I've had a close encounter with the other side, I'm going to move this wedding up. I want to get married to Jennifer right away. It's true.
"I was so far on the other side with all that negative energy... I'm all the way back to the good side. (I want to get) married immediately."
Danica McKellar Welcomes a Son
Here's some new math for Danica McKellar's next book: one plus one equals three.
The former Wonder Years star and bestselling author gave birth to her first child Tuesday night, a boy named Draco Verta. He weighed in at 7 lbs., 2 oz. and takes his moniker – which means dragon – from the constellation of the same name.
"We are humbled, overjoyed and so grateful for this miraculous gift," McKellar and husband Mike Verta tell PEOPLE in a statement. "It's like we've only now just learned the true meaning of love."
McKellar, 35 – now a mathematician and author of three books on the subject, including current HOT X: Algebra Exposed – wed composer Verta in March 2009. They announced the pregnancy one year later.
The former Wonder Years star and bestselling author gave birth to her first child Tuesday night, a boy named Draco Verta. He weighed in at 7 lbs., 2 oz. and takes his moniker – which means dragon – from the constellation of the same name.
"We are humbled, overjoyed and so grateful for this miraculous gift," McKellar and husband Mike Verta tell PEOPLE in a statement. "It's like we've only now just learned the true meaning of love."
McKellar, 35 – now a mathematician and author of three books on the subject, including current HOT X: Algebra Exposed – wed composer Verta in March 2009. They announced the pregnancy one year later.
Foxy Brown pleads not guilty to NY court violation
Rapper Foxy Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges of violating a court order stemming from a 2007 confrontation with her neighbor in New York City.
Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, entered the plead Friday to a charge of criminal contempt. She could face up to one year in jail.
Prosecutors say Brown violated the order in July by screaming at neighbor Arlene Raymond before bending over, baring her buttocks and showing her underwear while shouting an obscenity.
The 31-year-old Brown was issued the order of protection after pleading guilty in 2008 to menacing Raymond with her cell phone.
The two had been in a dispute over Brown blasting her car stereo outside their Brooklyn building.
Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, entered the plead Friday to a charge of criminal contempt. She could face up to one year in jail.
Prosecutors say Brown violated the order in July by screaming at neighbor Arlene Raymond before bending over, baring her buttocks and showing her underwear while shouting an obscenity.
The 31-year-old Brown was issued the order of protection after pleading guilty in 2008 to menacing Raymond with her cell phone.
The two had been in a dispute over Brown blasting her car stereo outside their Brooklyn building.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Arrested In Vegas
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has been arrested for grand larceny related to an alleged domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend, Las Vegas police have confirmed.
Police were called to Mayweather, Jr.'s Las Vegas home on Thursday after Josie Harris reported an alleged fight. The fighter was not present when cops arrived.
On Friday, he was tracked down and arrested for allegedly taking personal items belonging to Harris from the residence, according to police. Authorities have not arrested Mayweather Jr. for domestic violence and are expected to submit that case to the District Attorney's office.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Mayweather, Jr. was booked into the Clark County Detention Center at about 10:45 a.m. local time. A temporary protection order filed by Harris on Thursday suggests the boxer punched her in the head, pulled her hair and tried to break her arm after entering her home as she slept.
Harris also accuses Mayweather, Jr. of threatening to kill her and threatening their three children in the documents, obtained by TMZ.com. Harris previously accused Mayweather, Jr. of punching and kicking her while she was seated in a car in Las Vegas in 2003. Charges were filed but dismissed in 2005 after Harris recanted her statement.
Police were called to Mayweather, Jr.'s Las Vegas home on Thursday after Josie Harris reported an alleged fight. The fighter was not present when cops arrived.
On Friday, he was tracked down and arrested for allegedly taking personal items belonging to Harris from the residence, according to police. Authorities have not arrested Mayweather Jr. for domestic violence and are expected to submit that case to the District Attorney's office.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Mayweather, Jr. was booked into the Clark County Detention Center at about 10:45 a.m. local time. A temporary protection order filed by Harris on Thursday suggests the boxer punched her in the head, pulled her hair and tried to break her arm after entering her home as she slept.
Harris also accuses Mayweather, Jr. of threatening to kill her and threatening their three children in the documents, obtained by TMZ.com. Harris previously accused Mayweather, Jr. of punching and kicking her while she was seated in a car in Las Vegas in 2003. Charges were filed but dismissed in 2005 after Harris recanted her statement.
Justin Bieber's Soggy Brush with the Law
Contrary to Justin Bieber's hit single, "U Smile," Maryland state troopers were anything but grinning at the singing sensation before he took the stage at the state fair last Sunday.
According to a state police spokesperson, while the hair-flipping wonder boy, 16, was "horsing around with members of his staff" outside his trailer, he chucked water balloons at two troopers, reports Baltimore's WBAL-TV. One balloon hit a trooper's gun belt before it burst, and the other balloon sideswiped a trooper on the chest.
The troopers were monitoring crowd control at the concert, which was sold-out. Police did not file an incident report and will take no further action, said the spokesperson about Bieber's "inappropriate behavior."
According to a state police spokesperson, while the hair-flipping wonder boy, 16, was "horsing around with members of his staff" outside his trailer, he chucked water balloons at two troopers, reports Baltimore's WBAL-TV. One balloon hit a trooper's gun belt before it burst, and the other balloon sideswiped a trooper on the chest.
The troopers were monitoring crowd control at the concert, which was sold-out. Police did not file an incident report and will take no further action, said the spokesperson about Bieber's "inappropriate behavior."
Roger Ebert to appear on movie review show
Film critic Roger Ebert, who lost his ability to speak and eat after cancer surgeries, said Friday that he is returning to television on a movie review show that he is producing for public television.
And, Ebert says, the thumbs up and thumbs down reviews made famous with his late partner Gene Siskel will return.
"This is the rebirth of a dream," Ebert said in a statement.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Sun-Times film critic is producing "Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies" with his wife, Chaz Ebert. The weekly, half-hour review program will debut in January and be syndicated nationally on public television stations.
The show will feature co-host Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and contributing critic Elvis Mitchell of National Public Radio and former movie critic for The New York Times. Ebert will have his own segment on the show called "Roger's Office," during which he will use his computer voice to review new movies or talk about the state of film.
In a pilot of the new show, Ebert is shown sitting behind a desk, typing his review of a documentary. The computer voice says his words as he discusses the film. As Ebert finishes his review, he says: "I think it's a real discovery on DVD and I give it a big thumbs up." And he does.
"(Roger Ebert) felt that there's still a need for a straight forward movie review show to tell you whether or not a critic thinks the movies are worth seeing," Chaz Ebert said in an interview. "Christy and Elvis sat in for Roger at various times in his absence and we thought they were smart and vibrant and exciting critics."
Earlier this year, Disney-ABC Domestic Television announced the cancellation of "At The Movies," the successor to Ebert's review programs with Siskel of the Chicago Tribune and later with the Sun Times' Richard Roeper.
The new show features Lemire and Mitchell sitting in red movie theater seats debating back and forth about a movie before issuing a thumbs up or thumbs down review, not unlike Siskel and Ebert years before.
Lemire said Siskel was an inspiration when she was starting out as a film critic and she finds it humbling to be on the same show as Ebert.
"He's better than ever," she said. "Viewers who love the show and watched it for decades will be thrilled to see him back."
She also says her goal is to expose viewers to movies they might not have heard of before.
"We're elated that Christy has been picked to help lead this new show," said Lou Ferrara, AP's managing editor for entertainment. "Christy's insightful reviews are read by millions worldwide — movies still matter — and we believe she is a great match for this program."
Rich Moskal, head of the Chicago Film Office, said Ebert's return to the small screen will be welcomed by his loyal fans and followers.
"He has forged new territory with film criticism throughout his career and taken it places it hasn't been before in popularizing it and making it accessible," Moskal said. "This is just another step in that direction."
And, Ebert says, the thumbs up and thumbs down reviews made famous with his late partner Gene Siskel will return.
"This is the rebirth of a dream," Ebert said in a statement.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Sun-Times film critic is producing "Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies" with his wife, Chaz Ebert. The weekly, half-hour review program will debut in January and be syndicated nationally on public television stations.
The show will feature co-host Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and contributing critic Elvis Mitchell of National Public Radio and former movie critic for The New York Times. Ebert will have his own segment on the show called "Roger's Office," during which he will use his computer voice to review new movies or talk about the state of film.
In a pilot of the new show, Ebert is shown sitting behind a desk, typing his review of a documentary. The computer voice says his words as he discusses the film. As Ebert finishes his review, he says: "I think it's a real discovery on DVD and I give it a big thumbs up." And he does.
"(Roger Ebert) felt that there's still a need for a straight forward movie review show to tell you whether or not a critic thinks the movies are worth seeing," Chaz Ebert said in an interview. "Christy and Elvis sat in for Roger at various times in his absence and we thought they were smart and vibrant and exciting critics."
Earlier this year, Disney-ABC Domestic Television announced the cancellation of "At The Movies," the successor to Ebert's review programs with Siskel of the Chicago Tribune and later with the Sun Times' Richard Roeper.
The new show features Lemire and Mitchell sitting in red movie theater seats debating back and forth about a movie before issuing a thumbs up or thumbs down review, not unlike Siskel and Ebert years before.
Lemire said Siskel was an inspiration when she was starting out as a film critic and she finds it humbling to be on the same show as Ebert.
"He's better than ever," she said. "Viewers who love the show and watched it for decades will be thrilled to see him back."
She also says her goal is to expose viewers to movies they might not have heard of before.
"We're elated that Christy has been picked to help lead this new show," said Lou Ferrara, AP's managing editor for entertainment. "Christy's insightful reviews are read by millions worldwide — movies still matter — and we believe she is a great match for this program."
Rich Moskal, head of the Chicago Film Office, said Ebert's return to the small screen will be welcomed by his loyal fans and followers.
"He has forged new territory with film criticism throughout his career and taken it places it hasn't been before in popularizing it and making it accessible," Moskal said. "This is just another step in that direction."
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Britney Spears denies bodyguard harassment claims
Britney Spears denied a bodyguard's accusations that she sexually harassed him and abused her children, saying Thursday in a statement on her website that authorities looked into his claims but found no reason to act.
The statement said the pop singer and her attorney expect Fernando Flores' sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress lawsuit to be dismissed.
"This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read. "The Department of Children and Family Services conducted a proper investigation surrounding Mr. Flores' accusations and have closed the case without further action."
Spears did not say when the investigation was conducted and the department doesn't release details of its inquiries.
Flores claimed in his lawsuit that Spears repeatedly exposed herself to him and made other unwanted sexual advances. He also claimed she used his belt to discipline her young sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and acted inappropriately in front of them.
The bodyguard's employment with Spears appeared to be brief — his court filings state he started working for her in February, and by June he was no longer on her security detail.
Flores also sued his former employer, Advanced Security Concepts Corp. A woman who answered the company's phone Wednesday declined to comment and refused to be identified.
Flores is seeking unspecified damages.
Spears' ex-husband, Kevin Federline, has also denied through his attorney that any abuse occurred and called Flores' accusations "baseless."
Attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan told The Associated Press on Wednesday that if Federline believed the children were in danger, he would have stepped in already.
"He is satisfied that the allegations are a product of economic motives," Kaplan said. "They are as baseless as they seem."
Federline has custody of the former couple's sons, but Spears has substantial visitation with the boys.
Spears remains under a court-ordered conservatorship in which her personal and financial affairs are controlled by her father and an attorney, and monitored by a judge. The conservatorship has prevented Spears from being deposed or testifying during previous cases in which she was sued.
Despite a high-profile custody battle, Spears and Federline reached an agreement in 2008 and neither side has sought changes to the custody arrangement in nearly a year, court records show.
The first hearing in Flores' case is scheduled for January 25.
The statement said the pop singer and her attorney expect Fernando Flores' sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress lawsuit to be dismissed.
"This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read. "The Department of Children and Family Services conducted a proper investigation surrounding Mr. Flores' accusations and have closed the case without further action."
Spears did not say when the investigation was conducted and the department doesn't release details of its inquiries.
Flores claimed in his lawsuit that Spears repeatedly exposed herself to him and made other unwanted sexual advances. He also claimed she used his belt to discipline her young sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and acted inappropriately in front of them.
The bodyguard's employment with Spears appeared to be brief — his court filings state he started working for her in February, and by June he was no longer on her security detail.
Flores also sued his former employer, Advanced Security Concepts Corp. A woman who answered the company's phone Wednesday declined to comment and refused to be identified.
Flores is seeking unspecified damages.
Spears' ex-husband, Kevin Federline, has also denied through his attorney that any abuse occurred and called Flores' accusations "baseless."
Attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan told The Associated Press on Wednesday that if Federline believed the children were in danger, he would have stepped in already.
"He is satisfied that the allegations are a product of economic motives," Kaplan said. "They are as baseless as they seem."
Federline has custody of the former couple's sons, but Spears has substantial visitation with the boys.
Spears remains under a court-ordered conservatorship in which her personal and financial affairs are controlled by her father and an attorney, and monitored by a judge. The conservatorship has prevented Spears from being deposed or testifying during previous cases in which she was sued.
Despite a high-profile custody battle, Spears and Federline reached an agreement in 2008 and neither side has sought changes to the custody arrangement in nearly a year, court records show.
The first hearing in Flores' case is scheduled for January 25.
Jessica Simpson is `Project Runway' finale judge
Jessica Simpson took her seat as guest judge at Thursday's "Project Runway" show at New York Fashion Week in a super-short, sparkly silver minidress, but she had nothing on the models, who wore an extraordinary number of hot pants.
Ten aspiring designers showed their collections to Simpson, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, although several knew they already didn't make the cut and won't be the Season 8 winner. But because the Lifetime show takes advantage of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week backdrop for its finale, extra designers needed to participate to keep secret the winners and losers of episodes that haven't yet aired.
"Project Runway" was one of the big events on the day's roster at Lincoln Center, the new home for the seasonal fashion previews. Christian Siriano, an alum of the show, was to show his spring styles later in the day.
Opening the show, Klum, wearing a bright red menswear-style pantsuit and blouse, said she was particularly fond of this group. "I have never gotten so emotional or attached to the designers."
She promised the audience, which included singer Jordin Sparks and designer Betsey Johnson, that they'd see color and fantasy on the catwalk. The crowd also saw an uneven mix of runway-ready, masterful looks and gimmicky ones — especially those micro mini shorts that don't typically garner the best reviews when top-tier designers bring them back.
Sparks, now starring in Broadway's "In the Heights," said before the show that she couldn't imagine what was running through the designers' heads even though she was essentially in the same position on "American Idol." The difference, she said, was that she felt in control of her destiny because she was being judged on her voice.
In fashion, there were other players, including models, makeup artists and hairdressers, all contributing to the final product.
"I wish them all luck," Sparks said.
Johnson, a guest judge this season, said she saw "sparks of talent" among the designers but none of them quite captured her own signature flirty-girl look when they went off on a challenge to incorporate party supplies into wearable clothes. "It was not up my alley, but there definitely was talent."
Ten aspiring designers showed their collections to Simpson, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, although several knew they already didn't make the cut and won't be the Season 8 winner. But because the Lifetime show takes advantage of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week backdrop for its finale, extra designers needed to participate to keep secret the winners and losers of episodes that haven't yet aired.
"Project Runway" was one of the big events on the day's roster at Lincoln Center, the new home for the seasonal fashion previews. Christian Siriano, an alum of the show, was to show his spring styles later in the day.
Opening the show, Klum, wearing a bright red menswear-style pantsuit and blouse, said she was particularly fond of this group. "I have never gotten so emotional or attached to the designers."
She promised the audience, which included singer Jordin Sparks and designer Betsey Johnson, that they'd see color and fantasy on the catwalk. The crowd also saw an uneven mix of runway-ready, masterful looks and gimmicky ones — especially those micro mini shorts that don't typically garner the best reviews when top-tier designers bring them back.
Sparks, now starring in Broadway's "In the Heights," said before the show that she couldn't imagine what was running through the designers' heads even though she was essentially in the same position on "American Idol." The difference, she said, was that she felt in control of her destiny because she was being judged on her voice.
In fashion, there were other players, including models, makeup artists and hairdressers, all contributing to the final product.
"I wish them all luck," Sparks said.
Johnson, a guest judge this season, said she saw "sparks of talent" among the designers but none of them quite captured her own signature flirty-girl look when they went off on a challenge to incorporate party supplies into wearable clothes. "It was not up my alley, but there definitely was talent."
Mike Tyson to welcome eighth child
Former boxing champion MIKE TYSON is set to be a dad for the eighth time - his wife is expecting a baby boy in January.
The star sparked baby rumors when he was spotted rubbing his wife Lakiha Spicer Tyson's belly over dinner at Ago restaurant in Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel at the weekend.
And Tyson's spokesperson has now confirmed the happy news to People.com, stating, "They are very happy and everyone is doing great."
The couple also shares a 21-month-old daughter, Milan.
The new baby announcement comes more than a year after Tyson's four-year-old daughter, Exodus, died in a freak exercise machine accident in May, 2009. The sportsman wed Lakiha two weeks after the tragedy.
Tyson shared Exodus and with his second wife Monica Turner, who is also mother to his 10-year-old son. He has five other children from previous relationships.
The star sparked baby rumors when he was spotted rubbing his wife Lakiha Spicer Tyson's belly over dinner at Ago restaurant in Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel at the weekend.
And Tyson's spokesperson has now confirmed the happy news to People.com, stating, "They are very happy and everyone is doing great."
The couple also shares a 21-month-old daughter, Milan.
The new baby announcement comes more than a year after Tyson's four-year-old daughter, Exodus, died in a freak exercise machine accident in May, 2009. The sportsman wed Lakiha two weeks after the tragedy.
Tyson shared Exodus and with his second wife Monica Turner, who is also mother to his 10-year-old son. He has five other children from previous relationships.
Rascal Flatts' Rooney, wife welcome daughter
Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney and wife Tiffany Fallon have a new baby.
Fallon gave birth to a healthy girl named Raquel Blue early Tuesday morning. A statement from Rascal Flatts' publicist says mother and daughter are doing well.
Rooney says he and his wife "feel blessed and are ready for the sleepless nights ahead."
The couple's first child, big brother Jagger Donovan Rooney, was born in 2008.
The next several months promise to be busy for Rooney and his bandmates. They return to the road later this month and release a new album in November. Bassist Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, are expecting their first child in January.
Fallon gave birth to a healthy girl named Raquel Blue early Tuesday morning. A statement from Rascal Flatts' publicist says mother and daughter are doing well.
Rooney says he and his wife "feel blessed and are ready for the sleepless nights ahead."
The couple's first child, big brother Jagger Donovan Rooney, was born in 2008.
The next several months promise to be busy for Rooney and his bandmates. They return to the road later this month and release a new album in November. Bassist Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, are expecting their first child in January.
Kat Von D Is Not Pregnant with Jesse James's Baby
Kat Von D may be in love with boyfriend Jesse James – but she is not expecting his child.
"They've only been dating for a few weeks. She is not pregnant. That's absolutely absurd," her rep tells PEOPLE.
Earlier this week, online reports surfaced speculating that the L.A. Ink star could be pregnant after a photo revealed a possible baby bump.
While there is no baby on the way, the couple are serious about their relationship. Asked if she thinks the motorcycle mogul is "The One" for her, Von D told PEOPLE recently: "I believe he is."
"They've only been dating for a few weeks. She is not pregnant. That's absolutely absurd," her rep tells PEOPLE.
Earlier this week, online reports surfaced speculating that the L.A. Ink star could be pregnant after a photo revealed a possible baby bump.
While there is no baby on the way, the couple are serious about their relationship. Asked if she thinks the motorcycle mogul is "The One" for her, Von D told PEOPLE recently: "I believe he is."
Tom Brady Walks Away Unhurt After Car Collision
New England Patriots star Tom Brady emerged unscathed after a two-car accident in Boston early Thursday morning that sent a passenger in the other vehicle to the hospital, according to reports.
Boston police said a sedan and a passenger van collided at 6:34 a.m. at Commonwealth Avenue and Gloucester Street, the Boston Globe reports. Brady, 33, who was said to be driving the sedan, did not need medical treatment, sources tell the paper.
The quarterback, who is married to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, was able to continue on his way to report for work at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
A passenger in the van, meanwhile, was unconscious after the accident, had to be removed with the Jaws of Life and was transported to an area hospital, police said.
Brady is currently hammering out a contract extension with the Patriots, who open their 2010 season on Sunday at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Boston police said a sedan and a passenger van collided at 6:34 a.m. at Commonwealth Avenue and Gloucester Street, the Boston Globe reports. Brady, 33, who was said to be driving the sedan, did not need medical treatment, sources tell the paper.
The quarterback, who is married to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, was able to continue on his way to report for work at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
A passenger in the van, meanwhile, was unconscious after the accident, had to be removed with the Jaws of Life and was transported to an area hospital, police said.
Brady is currently hammering out a contract extension with the Patriots, who open their 2010 season on Sunday at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Danielle Staub: ‘There’s a Lot More of Me to Come’
Don’t worry, Real Housewives of New Jersey fans: Danielle Staub may have bid that show farewell, but she’s not planning to disappear from reality television altogether.
“I’ve been approached by some very large networks and production companies that are very happy to try to steal me away from Bravo,” she tells PEOPLE. “I’m keeping my options open now.”
As for a show format? It will be all Staub — all the time.
“It will be my own show but it will be a lot more of me,” she says, laughing. Also joining her prospective show: her daughters Christine, a model, and Jillian, who has recorded a song. “It will be everyone who is around me every day who loves me and cares about me and it will cover the relationships we have,” she says.
But don’t expect a completely lovey-dovey atmosphere if the show makes it to air. “We do fight. And we get into it. There’s a lot of drama in my life,” says Staub, 48. “But there’s also a lot of resolve. Wouldn’t it be great to have that?”
“I think people who want to see more of me might be careful what they wish for,” she says. “There’s a lot more of me to come! I’m the Susan Lucci of reality TV.”
“I’ve been approached by some very large networks and production companies that are very happy to try to steal me away from Bravo,” she tells PEOPLE. “I’m keeping my options open now.”
As for a show format? It will be all Staub — all the time.
“It will be my own show but it will be a lot more of me,” she says, laughing. Also joining her prospective show: her daughters Christine, a model, and Jillian, who has recorded a song. “It will be everyone who is around me every day who loves me and cares about me and it will cover the relationships we have,” she says.
But don’t expect a completely lovey-dovey atmosphere if the show makes it to air. “We do fight. And we get into it. There’s a lot of drama in my life,” says Staub, 48. “But there’s also a lot of resolve. Wouldn’t it be great to have that?”
“I think people who want to see more of me might be careful what they wish for,” she says. “There’s a lot more of me to come! I’m the Susan Lucci of reality TV.”
Las Vegas Jail: We Treated Paris Differently from Other Inmates
When Paris Hilton was booked into a Las Vegas jail for possession of cocaine, she was rushed through the booking process in order to get her in and out as quickly as possible, a jail official acknowledges.
In fact, Hilton's three-hour stay at the Clark County Detention Center was five to 21 hours shorter than that of someone else booked for the same offense.
Preferential treatment? Not necessarily. Was she treated differently from the average inmate because of her celebrity? Absolutely.
"Yeah, she was treated differently so I don't have a disruption of my process here at the county jail," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Jim Dixon, who runs the detention center, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "When you bring somebody in like that, everybody comes over and tries to look at them. I'd have officers attempting to keep inmates away from her. I'd have disruptions."
Following her Aug. 27 arrest, Hilton's booking process was expedited in order to get her into a separate room from other inmates and eligible to release.
"She was moved along out of the general area and put in isolation where nobody can actually get to her," Dixon said, claiming that Hilton couldn't be left alone with uncuffed inmates. "That wouldn't be fair to her. It wouldn't be fair to my officers. It wouldn't be fair to the other inmates ... To put Paris Hilton in an open dorm area with male inmates and female inmates would shut down my process."
Hilton, 29, was moved to several rooms during the process of her stay, including an isolation room – also known as a "drunk tank" – and even a sergeant's office.
The heiress was released on her own recognizance because she had no outstanding warrants and was determined not to be a flight risk. Also, prior to the Vegas incident, she had not been arrested for drug use in the United States – though she skirted drug accusations overseas in July.
An arraignment is set for Oct. 27 on the possession of cocaine charge.
In fact, Hilton's three-hour stay at the Clark County Detention Center was five to 21 hours shorter than that of someone else booked for the same offense.
Preferential treatment? Not necessarily. Was she treated differently from the average inmate because of her celebrity? Absolutely.
"Yeah, she was treated differently so I don't have a disruption of my process here at the county jail," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Jim Dixon, who runs the detention center, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "When you bring somebody in like that, everybody comes over and tries to look at them. I'd have officers attempting to keep inmates away from her. I'd have disruptions."
Following her Aug. 27 arrest, Hilton's booking process was expedited in order to get her into a separate room from other inmates and eligible to release.
"She was moved along out of the general area and put in isolation where nobody can actually get to her," Dixon said, claiming that Hilton couldn't be left alone with uncuffed inmates. "That wouldn't be fair to her. It wouldn't be fair to my officers. It wouldn't be fair to the other inmates ... To put Paris Hilton in an open dorm area with male inmates and female inmates would shut down my process."
Hilton, 29, was moved to several rooms during the process of her stay, including an isolation room – also known as a "drunk tank" – and even a sergeant's office.
The heiress was released on her own recognizance because she had no outstanding warrants and was determined not to be a flight risk. Also, prior to the Vegas incident, she had not been arrested for drug use in the United States – though she skirted drug accusations overseas in July.
An arraignment is set for Oct. 27 on the possession of cocaine charge.
Kat Von D Kisses Jesse James Goodbye ...
Kat Von D drops Jesse James off at LAX Monday
Facebook Twitter E-mail It's back to the real world for Jesse James and Kat Von D.
After spending Labor Day weekend joined at the hip, the couple shared a goodbye kiss when Von D dropped James at LAX Monday.
With their love apparently in full bloom, the pair packed the weekend with music, food and PDA.
On Friday, James and Von D ate lunch a deux and were later spotted filling up at a local gas station. The next day, the lovebirds soaked up the sun in Orange County, Calif., and were seen kissing and holding hands after hitting two music events – the Sutra5 and the Pacific Festival.
Saturday was casual, with lunch at Pinches Tacos before they headed back to the O.C.
James was presumably at the airport to fly back to Austin. He and his children moved to Texas so the kids could maintain the close relationship they've developed with their stepmother, Sandra Bullock) "and manage Austin Speed Shop, his custom car outfit." Since his move, James has also squired Von D around his new Texas turf.
Facebook Twitter E-mail It's back to the real world for Jesse James and Kat Von D.
After spending Labor Day weekend joined at the hip, the couple shared a goodbye kiss when Von D dropped James at LAX Monday.
With their love apparently in full bloom, the pair packed the weekend with music, food and PDA.
On Friday, James and Von D ate lunch a deux and were later spotted filling up at a local gas station. The next day, the lovebirds soaked up the sun in Orange County, Calif., and were seen kissing and holding hands after hitting two music events – the Sutra5 and the Pacific Festival.
Saturday was casual, with lunch at Pinches Tacos before they headed back to the O.C.
James was presumably at the airport to fly back to Austin. He and his children moved to Texas so the kids could maintain the close relationship they've developed with their stepmother, Sandra Bullock) "and manage Austin Speed Shop, his custom car outfit." Since his move, James has also squired Von D around his new Texas turf.
Niecy Nash Is Engaged!
Niecy Nash will be a spring bride.
The Style Network's Emmy-winning Clean House host is engaged to boyfriend Jay Tucker, PEOPLE has confirmed.
"They're very happy and are in love and are looking forward to sharing the rest of their lives together," her rep Joseph Babineaux says.
Nash, 40, a former Dancing With the Stars contestant, and her electrical engineer beau announced their plans to get married at a weekend party where guests included her Dancing partner Louis van Amstel. Tucker then surprised her by presenting her with a diamond engagement ring, according to Entertainment Tonight.
"I cannot believe that God has been this kind that he would gift me this man," Nash tells ET. She adds: "Falling in love was the easy part, planning a wedding – yikes!"
The wedding will be in May 2011. Nash was divorced from her first husband, Don Nash, in 2007. They have three children.
The Style Network's Emmy-winning Clean House host is engaged to boyfriend Jay Tucker, PEOPLE has confirmed.
"They're very happy and are in love and are looking forward to sharing the rest of their lives together," her rep Joseph Babineaux says.
Nash, 40, a former Dancing With the Stars contestant, and her electrical engineer beau announced their plans to get married at a weekend party where guests included her Dancing partner Louis van Amstel. Tucker then surprised her by presenting her with a diamond engagement ring, according to Entertainment Tonight.
"I cannot believe that God has been this kind that he would gift me this man," Nash tells ET. She adds: "Falling in love was the easy part, planning a wedding – yikes!"
The wedding will be in May 2011. Nash was divorced from her first husband, Don Nash, in 2007. They have three children.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Rapper T.I., wife arrested on drug charges
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. was arrested along with his wife on suspicion of possessing methamphetamines, five months after the hip-hop star finished a prison stint on weapons charges.
The 29-year-old rapper and his wife, Tameka Cottle, were arrested Wednesday night in West Hollywood after deputies smelled marijuana and pulled the couple over, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. They were released from jail at about 4 a.m. Thursday after posting $10,000 bail each, sheriff's Deputy Luis Castro said.
T.I.'s publicist declined to comment.
The Atlanta-based rapper is a multiplatinum hitmaker. Known as the "King of the South," he has emerged one of music's most profitable stars.
He also has a key role in the current top box office movie "Takers." The shoot-'em-up about an armored truck robbery that goes bad was released last week and topped the box-office chart.
Cottle, 36, sang with the 1990s group Xscape and has recently been the star of the BET reality series, "The Tiny & Toya Show," She and the rapper, who is a father of five, married in late July.
T.I. served seven months in an Arkansas federal prison and three months in a Georgia halfway house on federal weapons charges for possessing unregistered machine guns and silencers. He was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence ended in March.
He was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, and also ordered not to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Patrick Crosby, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney in Atlanta, had no immediate comment Thursday on whether the rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, violated the terms of the judge's order.
Since his release, the rapper, who previously spent time behind bars for drug offenses, has vowed to live a better life. He spoke to children about the dangers of drugs and guns, and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young was one of his supporters. As he prepared for his most recent sentence, he starred in the MTV reality show "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go."
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, T.I. talked about living a more positive life.
"Right now, it's all about moving forward and just acknowledging the blessing that are here today. ... Just moving past the regrets of yesterday — the things that could've been done better," T.I. said in a July interview.
The arrests follow last week's detention of socialite Paris Hilton, who is being investigated for felony cocaine possession after a motorcycle officer smelled pot wafting from her car.
The 29-year-old rapper and his wife, Tameka Cottle, were arrested Wednesday night in West Hollywood after deputies smelled marijuana and pulled the couple over, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. They were released from jail at about 4 a.m. Thursday after posting $10,000 bail each, sheriff's Deputy Luis Castro said.
T.I.'s publicist declined to comment.
The Atlanta-based rapper is a multiplatinum hitmaker. Known as the "King of the South," he has emerged one of music's most profitable stars.
He also has a key role in the current top box office movie "Takers." The shoot-'em-up about an armored truck robbery that goes bad was released last week and topped the box-office chart.
Cottle, 36, sang with the 1990s group Xscape and has recently been the star of the BET reality series, "The Tiny & Toya Show," She and the rapper, who is a father of five, married in late July.
T.I. served seven months in an Arkansas federal prison and three months in a Georgia halfway house on federal weapons charges for possessing unregistered machine guns and silencers. He was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence ended in March.
He was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, and also ordered not to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Patrick Crosby, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney in Atlanta, had no immediate comment Thursday on whether the rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, violated the terms of the judge's order.
Since his release, the rapper, who previously spent time behind bars for drug offenses, has vowed to live a better life. He spoke to children about the dangers of drugs and guns, and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young was one of his supporters. As he prepared for his most recent sentence, he starred in the MTV reality show "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go."
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, T.I. talked about living a more positive life.
"Right now, it's all about moving forward and just acknowledging the blessing that are here today. ... Just moving past the regrets of yesterday — the things that could've been done better," T.I. said in a July interview.
The arrests follow last week's detention of socialite Paris Hilton, who is being investigated for felony cocaine possession after a motorcycle officer smelled pot wafting from her car.
Axl Rose tries Dublin's patience, sends crowd home
Axl Rose, it seems, needs a little more patience — and a much louder alarm clock.
The 48-year-old singer of U.S. hard-rock band Guns N' Roses irritated thousands of his Dublin fans at the 02 Arena on Wednesday night by showing up nearly an hour late — a recurring problem on his band's European tour — and then walking off after an unruly minority in the crowd hurled water bottles on the stage.
Most of the fans left, but Irish concert promoters MCD wouldn't let Rose leave until he finished the gig. The band went back on stage an hour later to a mostly empty venue and didn't stop playing until nearly 1 a.m.
MCD and the 02 issued a joint statement criticizing Rose for having "a long history for being late on stage," but emphasized that "no artist should be subjected to missiles and unknown substances being thrown at them."
Rose's patience snapped after he warned the crowd to stop throwing things on stage.
"Here is the deal. One more bottle up here and we go. We don't want to go. Your choice," he told the crowd during an abrupt break to the band's second song, "Welcome to the Jungle."
But when introducing his other band members before a following number, up came another bottle — and off Rose went to a chorus of boos. "OK, that's it. Good night. Have a nice evening," he said.
Politicians called on the promoters to refund tickets that cost an average of euro72 ($92). MCD declined to say whether anyone would get their money back.
"Reports say that the lights came on and the security people told concertgoers to go home. Confusion reigned and thousands of fans had left by the time the band came back again on stage to complete their set," Irish senator Michael McCarthy said.
Rose is the only remaining original member of Guns N' Roses, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1985 and achieved chart-topping successes with its first two albums, "Appetite for Destruction" in 1987 and the double-album "Use Your Illusion" in 1991.
The band effectively collapsed in the mid-1990s and Rose became a Malibu semi-recluse. He re-emerged in recent years with a completely new band that, after missing a decade of production deadlines, unveiled the album "Chinese Democracy" in 2008. It has received generally positive reviews but sold poorly compared to the band's heyday.
The European tour has been marred by late starts.
At the first stop Aug. 27, an open-air festival in Reading, west of London, Guns N' Roses arrived an hour late and had their microphones and amplifiers cut off by organizers during their encore.
Two nights later in the northern English city of Leeds, Guns N' Roses again was ordered to cut its performance concert a half-hour short because of an hour-late start. The tour has 22 cities in 13 more countries to go.
Such tardiness is nothing new for Rose. Guns N' Roses kept Irish fans waiting two extra hours during its 1992 European tour.
The 48-year-old singer of U.S. hard-rock band Guns N' Roses irritated thousands of his Dublin fans at the 02 Arena on Wednesday night by showing up nearly an hour late — a recurring problem on his band's European tour — and then walking off after an unruly minority in the crowd hurled water bottles on the stage.
Most of the fans left, but Irish concert promoters MCD wouldn't let Rose leave until he finished the gig. The band went back on stage an hour later to a mostly empty venue and didn't stop playing until nearly 1 a.m.
MCD and the 02 issued a joint statement criticizing Rose for having "a long history for being late on stage," but emphasized that "no artist should be subjected to missiles and unknown substances being thrown at them."
Rose's patience snapped after he warned the crowd to stop throwing things on stage.
"Here is the deal. One more bottle up here and we go. We don't want to go. Your choice," he told the crowd during an abrupt break to the band's second song, "Welcome to the Jungle."
But when introducing his other band members before a following number, up came another bottle — and off Rose went to a chorus of boos. "OK, that's it. Good night. Have a nice evening," he said.
Politicians called on the promoters to refund tickets that cost an average of euro72 ($92). MCD declined to say whether anyone would get their money back.
"Reports say that the lights came on and the security people told concertgoers to go home. Confusion reigned and thousands of fans had left by the time the band came back again on stage to complete their set," Irish senator Michael McCarthy said.
Rose is the only remaining original member of Guns N' Roses, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1985 and achieved chart-topping successes with its first two albums, "Appetite for Destruction" in 1987 and the double-album "Use Your Illusion" in 1991.
The band effectively collapsed in the mid-1990s and Rose became a Malibu semi-recluse. He re-emerged in recent years with a completely new band that, after missing a decade of production deadlines, unveiled the album "Chinese Democracy" in 2008. It has received generally positive reviews but sold poorly compared to the band's heyday.
The European tour has been marred by late starts.
At the first stop Aug. 27, an open-air festival in Reading, west of London, Guns N' Roses arrived an hour late and had their microphones and amplifiers cut off by organizers during their encore.
Two nights later in the northern English city of Leeds, Guns N' Roses again was ordered to cut its performance concert a half-hour short because of an hour-late start. The tour has 22 cities in 13 more countries to go.
Such tardiness is nothing new for Rose. Guns N' Roses kept Irish fans waiting two extra hours during its 1992 European tour.
Man in Letterman blackmail plot freed from NY jail
The former television producer who tried to blackmail David Letterman was freed Thursday after four months in jail for a plot that put a spotlight on the comic icon's office affairs, city Correction Department records show.
Robert "Joe" Halderman got time off for good behavior from his six-month term at the Rikers Island jail complex, but he isn't done with his sentence: He still has to complete 1,000 hours of community service, and he'll be on probation for five years.
"He survived this, and he's glad to be getting off the island," his lawyer, Gerald Shargel, said Wednesday. The former CBS "48 Hours" producer — who's up for a News and Documentary Emmy award this year — is looking for work, Shargel added.
Halderman, 52, pleaded guilty earlier this spring to attempted grand larceny. He admitted he demanded $2 million in hush money last fall to keep from revealing personal information about Letterman, presenting his threat in a somewhat colorful form: as an outline for a thinly veiled screenplay about the "Late Show" host being ruined by disclosures about his personal life.
The case spurred Letterman, who had married his longtime girlfriend about six months before, to reveal on-air that he'd had sex with women on his show's staff.
Halderman's scheme was fueled by both financial problems and romantic jealousy, his lawyer has said. Halderman had peeked in his former girlfriend's diary and read her account of a relationship with Letterman, her boss — information he used to bolster his threat to make the comic icon's world "collapse around him," authorities said.
Halderman, who was divorced at the time, remarried before going to jail in May, Shargel said. And while he no longer has his job at CBS' "48 Hours," he has been nominated for an Emmy for an April 2009 story about an American exchange student charged with murder in Italy. He was one of four producers cited for the story. The news Emmys will be presented Sept. 27 in New York.
CBS, also home to Letterman's show, has declined to discuss whether Halderman resigned or was fired.
His community service will entail providing job training to people who had been homeless and convicts getting out of prison.
While Letterman's popularity emerged unscathed from the scandal, the host has said it was an emotional blow. He and his wife, Regina Lasko, began dating in 1986 and have a 6-year-old son.
"You take a look at the explosion, and it knocks you down, and you wake up every morning, and you're scared and you're depressed and sad," he said on "Live! With Regis and Kelly" in April.
"And you kind of got to let that knock you down and knock you down, and then pretty soon you've got to start knocking IT down. And then, when that happens, you start looking at the pieces left of your life."
A spokesman for Letterman declined to comment on Halderman's release.
Robert "Joe" Halderman got time off for good behavior from his six-month term at the Rikers Island jail complex, but he isn't done with his sentence: He still has to complete 1,000 hours of community service, and he'll be on probation for five years.
"He survived this, and he's glad to be getting off the island," his lawyer, Gerald Shargel, said Wednesday. The former CBS "48 Hours" producer — who's up for a News and Documentary Emmy award this year — is looking for work, Shargel added.
Halderman, 52, pleaded guilty earlier this spring to attempted grand larceny. He admitted he demanded $2 million in hush money last fall to keep from revealing personal information about Letterman, presenting his threat in a somewhat colorful form: as an outline for a thinly veiled screenplay about the "Late Show" host being ruined by disclosures about his personal life.
The case spurred Letterman, who had married his longtime girlfriend about six months before, to reveal on-air that he'd had sex with women on his show's staff.
Halderman's scheme was fueled by both financial problems and romantic jealousy, his lawyer has said. Halderman had peeked in his former girlfriend's diary and read her account of a relationship with Letterman, her boss — information he used to bolster his threat to make the comic icon's world "collapse around him," authorities said.
Halderman, who was divorced at the time, remarried before going to jail in May, Shargel said. And while he no longer has his job at CBS' "48 Hours," he has been nominated for an Emmy for an April 2009 story about an American exchange student charged with murder in Italy. He was one of four producers cited for the story. The news Emmys will be presented Sept. 27 in New York.
CBS, also home to Letterman's show, has declined to discuss whether Halderman resigned or was fired.
His community service will entail providing job training to people who had been homeless and convicts getting out of prison.
While Letterman's popularity emerged unscathed from the scandal, the host has said it was an emotional blow. He and his wife, Regina Lasko, began dating in 1986 and have a 6-year-old son.
"You take a look at the explosion, and it knocks you down, and you wake up every morning, and you're scared and you're depressed and sad," he said on "Live! With Regis and Kelly" in April.
"And you kind of got to let that knock you down and knock you down, and then pretty soon you've got to start knocking IT down. And then, when that happens, you start looking at the pieces left of your life."
A spokesman for Letterman declined to comment on Halderman's release.
'The Officer' Producers Want Harvey Keitel
The producers behind hit TV show The Office want Harvey Keitel to take over from Steve Carell as the actor is "probably the only guy who can do it."
Carell won critical acclaim for his portrayal of embarrassing boss Michael Scott in the U.S. version of the British series, created by funnyman Ricky Gervais, but announced he will leave at the end of the current season. Gervais recently shot down rumors he would be stepping in to replace him, and now producer Paul Lieberstein has revealed they have another actor in mind for the part - Reservoir Dogs star Keitel.
Lieberstein tells E! News, "He's probably the only guy who can do it, and he's doing TV now. I haven't started any talks with his people, but Harvey would do a great job - a very different energy. And we don't want to bring in another Michael, having someone play a very similar character because we have such a high regard for Steve."
"He's (Keitel) a real tough guy, but I saw him in Life on Mars and I saw a lot more comedy in his work, just little slivers of it, little things he would do that made me think he's capable of a lot more than what (he's done)."
Carell won critical acclaim for his portrayal of embarrassing boss Michael Scott in the U.S. version of the British series, created by funnyman Ricky Gervais, but announced he will leave at the end of the current season. Gervais recently shot down rumors he would be stepping in to replace him, and now producer Paul Lieberstein has revealed they have another actor in mind for the part - Reservoir Dogs star Keitel.
Lieberstein tells E! News, "He's probably the only guy who can do it, and he's doing TV now. I haven't started any talks with his people, but Harvey would do a great job - a very different energy. And we don't want to bring in another Michael, having someone play a very similar character because we have such a high regard for Steve."
"He's (Keitel) a real tough guy, but I saw him in Life on Mars and I saw a lot more comedy in his work, just little slivers of it, little things he would do that made me think he's capable of a lot more than what (he's done)."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Conan O'Brien Announces Name Of New TBS Show
Conan O'Brien tweeted yesterday that he would announce the name of his new TBS show today - because he learned that The Return of Nanny McPhee was already taken. And the title is... CONAW!
Er, it's actually just "Conan." The titular host made the announcement via YouTube in a drab office during a single-take video. His writing was a bit off and his "N" looks more like a "W," so he went with it. Expect to see searches for "Conaw" to skyrocket, and for someone to buy Conaw.com to hope for a quick buck.
"I'm just using 'Conan' and dropping the 'O'Brien' because I want to get away from the whole Irish thing," the comic said in a press release. The show is set to premiere November 8 on TBS.
Er, it's actually just "Conan." The titular host made the announcement via YouTube in a drab office during a single-take video. His writing was a bit off and his "N" looks more like a "W," so he went with it. Expect to see searches for "Conaw" to skyrocket, and for someone to buy Conaw.com to hope for a quick buck.
"I'm just using 'Conan' and dropping the 'O'Brien' because I want to get away from the whole Irish thing," the comic said in a press release. The show is set to premiere November 8 on TBS.
Hilton banned from Wynn resorts after Vegas arrest
Paris Hilton was banned Wednesday from two Wynn resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, and her boyfriend was dismissed as a nightclub partner following their arrests in a vehicle that police said reeked of marijuana.
Wynn Resorts Ltd. spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne told The Associated Press that Hilton is barred from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
Meanwhile, boyfriend Cy Waits was "separated" from his job after less than a week as top managing partner of the Tryst Nightclub at Wynn and XS The Nightclub at Encore, Dunne said in a statement.
Waits and a lawyer and publicist for the 29-year-old Hilton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The moves come after Hilton was arrested Friday for investigation of felony cocaine possession. Waits was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Charges have not yet been filed.
Hilton was arrested inside the Wynn resort, where a police lieutenant reported a small plastic bag containing 0.8 grams of cocaine fell into his hand when Hilton reached for a tube of lip balm in a purse.
The celebrity socialite is scheduled for arraignment Oct. 27 and would face probation if convicted.
A police report made public Wednesday said the suspected butt of a marijuana cigarette was found in the Cadillac Escalade in which the couple was stopped in front of the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino.
Waits, 34, was driving. He had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol and wobbled as he failed balance and walk-and-turn field sobriety tests, the arresting officer said.
Attorney Richard Schonfeld, who represents Waits, said his client passed an eye test checking the dilation of his pupils. Schonfeld said he was troubled that Waits wasn't stopped because of a traffic infraction "or any other indication that he was impaired while driving."
Waits allowed blood to be drawn when he was booked into the Clark County jail in downtown Las Vegas, Officer Bill Cassell said. Results won't be released until the case reaches court.
Waits spent a night in jail on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence before being freed on $2,000 bail with a Nov. 29 court date.
Dunne said Waits' twin brother, Jesse Waits, is continuing as general partner of the Wynn resorts' Tryst and XS clubs.
The brothers were hired by Steve Wynn five years ago and became the casino owner's top club managers last week when Wynn bought out Victor Drai.
Wynn Resorts Ltd. spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne told The Associated Press that Hilton is barred from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
Meanwhile, boyfriend Cy Waits was "separated" from his job after less than a week as top managing partner of the Tryst Nightclub at Wynn and XS The Nightclub at Encore, Dunne said in a statement.
Waits and a lawyer and publicist for the 29-year-old Hilton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The moves come after Hilton was arrested Friday for investigation of felony cocaine possession. Waits was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Charges have not yet been filed.
Hilton was arrested inside the Wynn resort, where a police lieutenant reported a small plastic bag containing 0.8 grams of cocaine fell into his hand when Hilton reached for a tube of lip balm in a purse.
The celebrity socialite is scheduled for arraignment Oct. 27 and would face probation if convicted.
A police report made public Wednesday said the suspected butt of a marijuana cigarette was found in the Cadillac Escalade in which the couple was stopped in front of the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino.
Waits, 34, was driving. He had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol and wobbled as he failed balance and walk-and-turn field sobriety tests, the arresting officer said.
Attorney Richard Schonfeld, who represents Waits, said his client passed an eye test checking the dilation of his pupils. Schonfeld said he was troubled that Waits wasn't stopped because of a traffic infraction "or any other indication that he was impaired while driving."
Waits allowed blood to be drawn when he was booked into the Clark County jail in downtown Las Vegas, Officer Bill Cassell said. Results won't be released until the case reaches court.
Waits spent a night in jail on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence before being freed on $2,000 bail with a Nov. 29 court date.
Dunne said Waits' twin brother, Jesse Waits, is continuing as general partner of the Wynn resorts' Tryst and XS clubs.
The brothers were hired by Steve Wynn five years ago and became the casino owner's top club managers last week when Wynn bought out Victor Drai.
Celine Dion Is 'Healthy' in Pregnancy Homestretch
Celine Dion – and the twin boys she is expecting in November – are just fine, thank you very much.
Recent reports in a French tabloid claiming that the singer was rushed to the hospital following pregnancy complications are "completely fabricated," Dion's rep tells PEOPLE.
"She's never been in the hospital – her pregnancy continues to be healthy and she feels fantastic."
In fact, Dion has so far gained 33 lbs., and has continued with the acupuncture treatments she has credited with helping her have a successful pregnancy.
Dion, 42, who will return to Las Vegas for a new show at Caesars Palace next year, has been following doctors' orders to take it easy as she heads into her final two months.
"As with most women expecting multiples, her doctor wants her to stay off her feet as much as possible as she finishes her pregnancy," says her rep.
During what has been a very joyful time, Dion and husband/manager Rene Angelil were distressed by the reports of complications.
"They've gotten calls from friends worried that something is wrong. To be so happy and then to get these calls, it's been upsetting for them when they are in such a good place," says her rep.
"Their son Rene-Charles started the new school year last week, Celine's feeling great, and she and Rene are excited to meet the twins – they just can't wait."
Recent reports in a French tabloid claiming that the singer was rushed to the hospital following pregnancy complications are "completely fabricated," Dion's rep tells PEOPLE.
"She's never been in the hospital – her pregnancy continues to be healthy and she feels fantastic."
In fact, Dion has so far gained 33 lbs., and has continued with the acupuncture treatments she has credited with helping her have a successful pregnancy.
Dion, 42, who will return to Las Vegas for a new show at Caesars Palace next year, has been following doctors' orders to take it easy as she heads into her final two months.
"As with most women expecting multiples, her doctor wants her to stay off her feet as much as possible as she finishes her pregnancy," says her rep.
During what has been a very joyful time, Dion and husband/manager Rene Angelil were distressed by the reports of complications.
"They've gotten calls from friends worried that something is wrong. To be so happy and then to get these calls, it's been upsetting for them when they are in such a good place," says her rep.
"Their son Rene-Charles started the new school year last week, Celine's feeling great, and she and Rene are excited to meet the twins – they just can't wait."
Nicolas Cage Settles Lawsuit With Accountant
Nicolas Cage has settled a lawsuit with the accountant he accused of sending him "down a path of financial ruin."
The actor filed suit against Samuel Levin in October, 2009, alleging the business manager misled him and overcharged for his services. The accusations stemmed from a $6.26 million tax lien Cage had been handed by America's Internal Revenue Service (IRS), alleging he failed to pay income tax on wages dating back to 2007.
Cage also faced other claims of unpaid tax related to his earnings between 2002 and 2004, while he was accused of defaulting on a $2 million loan last year. Levin filed a countersuit, claiming Cage squandered his cash on homes and luxury cars and was to blame for his financial missteps.
However, new court documents obtained by TMZ.com show the pair reached a settlement on Monday. Terms of the deal are confidential.
The actor filed suit against Samuel Levin in October, 2009, alleging the business manager misled him and overcharged for his services. The accusations stemmed from a $6.26 million tax lien Cage had been handed by America's Internal Revenue Service (IRS), alleging he failed to pay income tax on wages dating back to 2007.
Cage also faced other claims of unpaid tax related to his earnings between 2002 and 2004, while he was accused of defaulting on a $2 million loan last year. Levin filed a countersuit, claiming Cage squandered his cash on homes and luxury cars and was to blame for his financial missteps.
However, new court documents obtained by TMZ.com show the pair reached a settlement on Monday. Terms of the deal are confidential.
Ashton Kutcher Tweetin' Mad Over Cheating Claims
Someone's been punk'd here, and it's not Ashton Kutcher.
The Hollywood hunk went on a Twitter offensive today, ripping Star magazine over allegations he cheated on wife Demi Moore.
"I think Star magazine calling me a 'cheater' qualifies as defamation of character. I hope my lawyer agrees," tweeted Kutcher.
"STAR magazine — you don't get to stand behind 'freedom of the press' when you are writing fiction," he added.
The tabloid drew Kutcher's ire with a story citing an unnamed source who claimed to have witnessed the Valentine's Day star "kissing and groping" an unidentified blonde beauty outside a restroom at the Los Angeles Italian eatery Madeo. The magazine suggesting that the 15-year age difference between Kutcher and his movie-star missus was beginning to take its toll on their union.
Kutcher, 32, and Moore, 47, are due to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary on Sept. 24.
The Hollywood hunk went on a Twitter offensive today, ripping Star magazine over allegations he cheated on wife Demi Moore.
"I think Star magazine calling me a 'cheater' qualifies as defamation of character. I hope my lawyer agrees," tweeted Kutcher.
"STAR magazine — you don't get to stand behind 'freedom of the press' when you are writing fiction," he added.
The tabloid drew Kutcher's ire with a story citing an unnamed source who claimed to have witnessed the Valentine's Day star "kissing and groping" an unidentified blonde beauty outside a restroom at the Los Angeles Italian eatery Madeo. The magazine suggesting that the 15-year age difference between Kutcher and his movie-star missus was beginning to take its toll on their union.
Kutcher, 32, and Moore, 47, are due to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary on Sept. 24.
Sofia Vergara's TwitPic of Boyfriend in the Hospital
Sofia Vergara gushes about her hospitalized boyfriend, posting a TwitPic to prove that not even surgery after a serious car accident could rob Nick Loeb of his looks.
"How can someone look so handsome after 6 hrs in an operating room???!!!!" the Modern Family actress Tweeted Wednesday. "luv uuu♥♥♥."
Vergara, 38, is said to be tired but "doing better" as she copes with her 35-year-old beau's drive off a cliff last Tuesday that landed him in UCLA Medical Center's ICU.
"How can someone look so handsome after 6 hrs in an operating room???!!!!" the Modern Family actress Tweeted Wednesday. "luv uuu♥♥♥."
Vergara, 38, is said to be tired but "doing better" as she copes with her 35-year-old beau's drive off a cliff last Tuesday that landed him in UCLA Medical Center's ICU.
Jodie Sweetin Has a Baby Girl
Jodie Sweetin has a full house of her own.
The actress, 28, welcomed her second child, a baby girl named Beatrix, on Tuesday with her boyfriend Morty Coyle.
"Jodie was amazing and is doing great," Coyle tells PEOPLE. "We are now the proud, excited parents of Miss Beatrix Carlin Sweetin Coyle."
Beatrix, whom her dad is already calling "Bea," is the couple's first child together. Sweetin also has a 2-year-old daughter, Zoie, with ex-husband Cody Herpin.
Beatrix made her debut at 7 lbs., 4 oz. and 19 inches long.
"We're already madly in love with Beatrix and are so grateful for the support from our family and friends. And we can't wait for her big sister Zoie to meet her," the couple tell PEOPLE.
The actress announced her pregnancy in April, and spent her last few days as a mom-of-one enjoying the calm before the storm.
Shortly before giving birth, she joined her former Full House costar John Stamos at his star-studded birthday bash on Aug. 19 – the same day she Tweeted that Zoie "will be a fabulous big sister."
The actress, 28, welcomed her second child, a baby girl named Beatrix, on Tuesday with her boyfriend Morty Coyle.
"Jodie was amazing and is doing great," Coyle tells PEOPLE. "We are now the proud, excited parents of Miss Beatrix Carlin Sweetin Coyle."
Beatrix, whom her dad is already calling "Bea," is the couple's first child together. Sweetin also has a 2-year-old daughter, Zoie, with ex-husband Cody Herpin.
Beatrix made her debut at 7 lbs., 4 oz. and 19 inches long.
"We're already madly in love with Beatrix and are so grateful for the support from our family and friends. And we can't wait for her big sister Zoie to meet her," the couple tell PEOPLE.
The actress announced her pregnancy in April, and spent her last few days as a mom-of-one enjoying the calm before the storm.
Shortly before giving birth, she joined her former Full House costar John Stamos at his star-studded birthday bash on Aug. 19 – the same day she Tweeted that Zoie "will be a fabulous big sister."
Police Fatally Shoot Man Holding Hostages at Discovery Channel
A four-hour hostage standoff at the Discovery Channel's headquarters in Maryland ended Wednesday after snipers shot a man who officials say walked into the building with a handgun.
James Lee, a suspected environmental extremist who was also wearing what appeared to be metallic canister devices, died after he was taken into custody. The three hostages are safe, according to reports.
A police spokesman says Lee entered the network's offices in Silver Spring and pulled out a gun. Authorities had been negotiating with him after he made demands and expressed concerns with the Discovery Corporation, according to Capt. Paul Starks.
Bomb technicians from the FBI and ATF responded to the scene and almost all of the 1,900 employees inside were evacuated but "a few" remained on the upper floors, Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger told reporters.
Lee was previously arrested in 2008 for disorderly conduct after throwing money in the air during a rally outside the Discovery building, Maryland's Gazette reported. According to the paper, he spent almost two weeks in jail following the arrest and was evaluated by state psychiatrists.
A San Diego, Calif., native, Lee has been linked to an angry manifesto that was posted on a Web site that lists 11 demands and accuses Discovery's programming of "causing more harm than good."
Among his demands: "Saving what's left of the non-human Wildlife by decreasing the Human population" and taking shows that encourage "the birth of any more parasitic human infants" off the air.
James Lee, a suspected environmental extremist who was also wearing what appeared to be metallic canister devices, died after he was taken into custody. The three hostages are safe, according to reports.
A police spokesman says Lee entered the network's offices in Silver Spring and pulled out a gun. Authorities had been negotiating with him after he made demands and expressed concerns with the Discovery Corporation, according to Capt. Paul Starks.
Bomb technicians from the FBI and ATF responded to the scene and almost all of the 1,900 employees inside were evacuated but "a few" remained on the upper floors, Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger told reporters.
Lee was previously arrested in 2008 for disorderly conduct after throwing money in the air during a rally outside the Discovery building, Maryland's Gazette reported. According to the paper, he spent almost two weeks in jail following the arrest and was evaluated by state psychiatrists.
A San Diego, Calif., native, Lee has been linked to an angry manifesto that was posted on a Web site that lists 11 demands and accuses Discovery's programming of "causing more harm than good."
Among his demands: "Saving what's left of the non-human Wildlife by decreasing the Human population" and taking shows that encourage "the birth of any more parasitic human infants" off the air.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Lindsay Lohan Admits 'I Was Irresponsible'
Her youth, her absent father and her own poor choice of role models led Lindsay Lohan astray, the actress admits in a revealing interview conducted last month, shortly before she began to serve her jail term and stint in treatment.
"I was irresponsible. And I'm not making excuses," Lohan says, according to USA Today and the New York Post, quoting the 24-year-old from a new cover story in Vanity Fair.
In what she now considers "scary and sad," Lohan says part of her problem was that the tabloids were her single news source: "I would look up to those girls … the Britneys and whatever. And I would be like, I want to be like that."
Now, though, her clubbing days are over. "I see where that's gotten me now," she says, "and I don't like it."
Not that she finds her past reputation as a party girl entirely deserved. "If I were the alcoholic everyone says I am," she says, "then putting a [SCRAM] bracelet on would have ended me up in detox, in the emergency room, because I would have had to come down from all the things that people say I'm taking and my father says I'm taking – so that says something, because I was fine."
As for drug use, "I've never abused prescription drugs. I never have – never in my life. I have no desire to. That's not who I am," she says. "I've admitted to the things that I've done – to, you know, dabbling in certain things and trying things 'cause I was young and curious and thought it was like, okay, 'cause other people were doing it and other people put it in front of me. And I see what happened in my life because of it."
Going to Los Angeles for her career in her late teens, Lohan, a Long Island native, says, "These were my college years … but they were in the public eye. I was irresponsible. I was experimenting. I was doing certain things that people do 10 times more of when they're in college."
Points Finger at Father
The problem, she surmises, was "I didn't have any structure. In the beginning, I had structure, and then I lost all the structure in my life. I think a lot of it was because when I was doing my first slew of movies, it was very go-go, and I had a lot of responsibility, and I think just the second I didn't have [structure] anymore – I was 18, 19 – with a ton of money."
Largely at fault for her rocky foundation, she says, is father Michael Lohan, who was not there for his family.
"I think if anyone should be looked at medically it's him," says Lindsay. "He has such a big chemical imbalance at this point because of all the things he's done to himself. … The worst part of it is you turn around and you see your dad crying and normally you'd be, like, happy that your father's there. But then he has to go and do an interview right after."
Moving ahead, she says, "I want my career back. I know that I'm a damn good actress, and it's been my passion since I was a child, and I know that when I care about something, I put 100 percent and more into it. … I want the respect that I had when I was doing great movies. And if that takes not going out to a club at night, then so be it. It's not fun anyway. I don't care. It's the same thing every time."
"I was irresponsible. And I'm not making excuses," Lohan says, according to USA Today and the New York Post, quoting the 24-year-old from a new cover story in Vanity Fair.
In what she now considers "scary and sad," Lohan says part of her problem was that the tabloids were her single news source: "I would look up to those girls … the Britneys and whatever. And I would be like, I want to be like that."
Now, though, her clubbing days are over. "I see where that's gotten me now," she says, "and I don't like it."
Not that she finds her past reputation as a party girl entirely deserved. "If I were the alcoholic everyone says I am," she says, "then putting a [SCRAM] bracelet on would have ended me up in detox, in the emergency room, because I would have had to come down from all the things that people say I'm taking and my father says I'm taking – so that says something, because I was fine."
As for drug use, "I've never abused prescription drugs. I never have – never in my life. I have no desire to. That's not who I am," she says. "I've admitted to the things that I've done – to, you know, dabbling in certain things and trying things 'cause I was young and curious and thought it was like, okay, 'cause other people were doing it and other people put it in front of me. And I see what happened in my life because of it."
Going to Los Angeles for her career in her late teens, Lohan, a Long Island native, says, "These were my college years … but they were in the public eye. I was irresponsible. I was experimenting. I was doing certain things that people do 10 times more of when they're in college."
Points Finger at Father
The problem, she surmises, was "I didn't have any structure. In the beginning, I had structure, and then I lost all the structure in my life. I think a lot of it was because when I was doing my first slew of movies, it was very go-go, and I had a lot of responsibility, and I think just the second I didn't have [structure] anymore – I was 18, 19 – with a ton of money."
Largely at fault for her rocky foundation, she says, is father Michael Lohan, who was not there for his family.
"I think if anyone should be looked at medically it's him," says Lindsay. "He has such a big chemical imbalance at this point because of all the things he's done to himself. … The worst part of it is you turn around and you see your dad crying and normally you'd be, like, happy that your father's there. But then he has to go and do an interview right after."
Moving ahead, she says, "I want my career back. I know that I'm a damn good actress, and it's been my passion since I was a child, and I know that when I care about something, I put 100 percent and more into it. … I want the respect that I had when I was doing great movies. And if that takes not going out to a club at night, then so be it. It's not fun anyway. I don't care. It's the same thing every time."
Bristol Palin, The Situation among 'Dancing' stars
The mother of "The Brady Bunch," a former NFL quarterback, one of the self-proclaimed "guidos" from "Jersey Shore" and the daughter of Sarah Palin are among the celebrities who will cha-cha-cha on the 11th season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke, hosts of the ABC ballroom competition, announced the cast Monday.
"The Brady Bunch" matriarch Florence Henderson, retired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, "Jersey Shore" co-star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Bristol Palin are among the 12 celebrities who will be paired with professional dance partners and train before their prime-time premiere Sept. 20. How does Palin's mother feel about her dancing gig?
"She's excited for me," said Bristol. "She knows that this is going to be hard work, but she's excited."
Also competing for the mirrorball trophy will be: "When a Man Loves a Woman" singer Michael Bolton, comedian-actress Margaret Cho, former Los Angeles Lakers forward Rick Fox, "Dirty Dancing" actress Jennifer Grey, "Baywatch" actor David Hasselhoff, Disney Channel star Kyle Massey, singer-actress Brandy Norwood and "The Hills" co-star Audrina Patridge.
"I'm happy to be here," said Hasselhoff. "My two daughters love this show, and they convinced me."
The names of most of the celebrity contestants, save for 19-year-old "That's So Raven" and "Cory in the House" star Kyle Massey, had been widely rumored as competitors in the weeks leading up to Monday's official announcement, which was broadcast live during "Bachelor Pad." The first celebrity and their professional partner will be eliminated Sept. 21.
Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke, hosts of the ABC ballroom competition, announced the cast Monday.
"The Brady Bunch" matriarch Florence Henderson, retired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, "Jersey Shore" co-star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Bristol Palin are among the 12 celebrities who will be paired with professional dance partners and train before their prime-time premiere Sept. 20. How does Palin's mother feel about her dancing gig?
"She's excited for me," said Bristol. "She knows that this is going to be hard work, but she's excited."
Also competing for the mirrorball trophy will be: "When a Man Loves a Woman" singer Michael Bolton, comedian-actress Margaret Cho, former Los Angeles Lakers forward Rick Fox, "Dirty Dancing" actress Jennifer Grey, "Baywatch" actor David Hasselhoff, Disney Channel star Kyle Massey, singer-actress Brandy Norwood and "The Hills" co-star Audrina Patridge.
"I'm happy to be here," said Hasselhoff. "My two daughters love this show, and they convinced me."
The names of most of the celebrity contestants, save for 19-year-old "That's So Raven" and "Cory in the House" star Kyle Massey, had been widely rumored as competitors in the weeks leading up to Monday's official announcement, which was broadcast live during "Bachelor Pad." The first celebrity and their professional partner will be eliminated Sept. 21.
Kelsey Grammer Wants To Bring Back 'Frasier'
Kelsey Grammer is making plans to revive his most famous character Dr. Frasier Crane for a new TV show.
The actor found fame playing the pompous psychiatrist in hit 1980s TV show Cheers, and he went on to star in hugely successful spin-off series Frasier. He spent 20 years playing the beloved character before Frasier came to an end in 2004 after more than a decade on the small screen.
Grammer has since failed to replicate his success and has seen a number of new shows flop including Back To You and Hank, and he's now considering bringing back the cast of Frasier for a "reunion show". The funnyman shared the idea with his followers on Twitter.com and also pondered plans for a Frasier spin-off, focusing on the characters' children.
In a series of posts, he writes, "Maybe it is time for a Frasier reunion. (It's) very interesting to say the least... maybe a Frasier reunion on like a new show seriously thinking about that !!!"
He later adds, "I'm now really thinking maybe a spin-off of Frasier? How would u (sic) feel about that with like my son and (Frasier's fictional brother) Niles' sibling? Cameos by old cast?... Maybe an updated theme to be centered around social media. Now that would be powerful, include like Twitter... iPhones etc."
The actor found fame playing the pompous psychiatrist in hit 1980s TV show Cheers, and he went on to star in hugely successful spin-off series Frasier. He spent 20 years playing the beloved character before Frasier came to an end in 2004 after more than a decade on the small screen.
Grammer has since failed to replicate his success and has seen a number of new shows flop including Back To You and Hank, and he's now considering bringing back the cast of Frasier for a "reunion show". The funnyman shared the idea with his followers on Twitter.com and also pondered plans for a Frasier spin-off, focusing on the characters' children.
In a series of posts, he writes, "Maybe it is time for a Frasier reunion. (It's) very interesting to say the least... maybe a Frasier reunion on like a new show seriously thinking about that !!!"
He later adds, "I'm now really thinking maybe a spin-off of Frasier? How would u (sic) feel about that with like my son and (Frasier's fictional brother) Niles' sibling? Cameos by old cast?... Maybe an updated theme to be centered around social media. Now that would be powerful, include like Twitter... iPhones etc."
Chad Lowe & Kim Painter Are Now Husband & Wife
It was a pretty little wedding for Pretty Little Liars actor Chad Lowe and his longtime girlfriend.
Lowe, 42, and film producer Kim Painter, were married Saturday in front of family and a small group of friends in an oceanside ceremony at Terranea Resort in Los Angeles.
Chad's brother Rob Lowe was best man. The couple's 15-month old daughter Mabel served as ring bearer.
Lowe and Painter began dating in January 2007. They welcomed Mabel in May 2009 – the first girl born into the Lowe family in nearly four generations.
Heidi Mayne of Red25 Events organized the wedding.
Lowe, 42, and film producer Kim Painter, were married Saturday in front of family and a small group of friends in an oceanside ceremony at Terranea Resort in Los Angeles.
Chad's brother Rob Lowe was best man. The couple's 15-month old daughter Mabel served as ring bearer.
Lowe and Painter began dating in January 2007. They welcomed Mabel in May 2009 – the first girl born into the Lowe family in nearly four generations.
Heidi Mayne of Red25 Events organized the wedding.
Rudy Guiliani's Daughter Ordered to One Day of Community Service
Caroline Giuliani, a Harvard senior whose father happens to be former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, was ordered on Tuesday to complete one day of community service with the Department of Sanitation – her penance for shoplifting about $100-worth of a Dior skin primer, Bliss moisturizer and a hair net from an Upper East Side Sephora store earlier this month.
Her work cleaning the streets of the city needs to be completed before her next court date on Nov. 4, reports New York's Daily News, noting that the 21-year-old, who never uttered a word in the courtroom, appeared before Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Schecter flanked by her mother, Donna Hanover, and stepfather, Edwin Oster. Rudy Giuliani was not present.
The New York Post called the one day of service part of a plea deal in which the young adult admitted no guilt.
Afterward, Caroline did not respond to reporters' questions about her motive or her possible intention to apologize.
"We are not going to have a comment for the press," said her lawyer, Isabelle Kirshner.
Caroline is scheduled to be back at Harvard to begin classes on Wednesday. She is a theater major.
Her work cleaning the streets of the city needs to be completed before her next court date on Nov. 4, reports New York's Daily News, noting that the 21-year-old, who never uttered a word in the courtroom, appeared before Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Schecter flanked by her mother, Donna Hanover, and stepfather, Edwin Oster. Rudy Giuliani was not present.
The New York Post called the one day of service part of a plea deal in which the young adult admitted no guilt.
Afterward, Caroline did not respond to reporters' questions about her motive or her possible intention to apologize.
"We are not going to have a comment for the press," said her lawyer, Isabelle Kirshner.
Caroline is scheduled to be back at Harvard to begin classes on Wednesday. She is a theater major.
Zsa Zsa Gabor Returns to Hospital
Zsa Zsa Gabor returned to the hospital on Tuesday for being "not responsive," her spokesman said, following a series of health-related setbacks since breaking her hip in July.
John Blanchette, a spokesman for the 93-year-old actress, told Reuters that Gabor's husband, Frederick Prinz von Anhalt, called emergency personnel to take his wife to the University of California Los Angeles because she was "not responsive" and "doctors want her in right away."
No further details were immediately available.
Earlier this month, Gabor was given last rites by a priest at the same hospital.
At that time, doctors wanted to perform surgery on her liver that would give her a 50-50 chance survival rate, but the couple decided "she wanted to spend her final days at home," according to Blanchette. She returned to her Bel Air mansion in mid-August.
John Blanchette, a spokesman for the 93-year-old actress, told Reuters that Gabor's husband, Frederick Prinz von Anhalt, called emergency personnel to take his wife to the University of California Los Angeles because she was "not responsive" and "doctors want her in right away."
No further details were immediately available.
Earlier this month, Gabor was given last rites by a priest at the same hospital.
At that time, doctors wanted to perform surgery on her liver that would give her a 50-50 chance survival rate, but the couple decided "she wanted to spend her final days at home," according to Blanchette. She returned to her Bel Air mansion in mid-August.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Patricia Arquette's 'Friendly' Divorce
Patricia Arquette has dismissed rumors she clashed with her estranged husband Thomas Jane over custody of their young daughter - calling their ongoing divorce "friendly" and "not weird".
The Medium star confirmed her split from The Punisher actor earlier this month and after filing for divorce, Arquette requested full legal and physical custody of their seven-year-old daughter, Harlow.
Subsequent rumors suggested the former couple disagreed over how they should split custody of the youngster, but the actress is adamant the legal proceedings haven't turned bitter.
She tells E! Online, "We're both really good. I don't think people would even imagine that it could be so friendly and not weird."
The Medium star confirmed her split from The Punisher actor earlier this month and after filing for divorce, Arquette requested full legal and physical custody of their seven-year-old daughter, Harlow.
Subsequent rumors suggested the former couple disagreed over how they should split custody of the youngster, but the actress is adamant the legal proceedings haven't turned bitter.
She tells E! Online, "We're both really good. I don't think people would even imagine that it could be so friendly and not weird."
Joe Perry Says Aerosmith's Future Is 'Up In The Air'
Aerosmith rocker Joe Perry fears the band will be over once its current tour comes to an end - insisting their future together is completely "up in the air."
Perry recently confirmed his bandmate Steven Tyler has been in talks to join the judging panel of American Idol, although an official announcement has yet to be made, and the guitarist criticized the singer for not sharing his plans with his colleagues.
The rocker is now adamant Tyler's new role is a done deal and he's convinced Aerosmith's future is uncertain once their Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock tour comes to an end in Canada next month.
He tells Cincinnati.com, "He (Tyler) told me just a couple of days ago he signed his papers to join the show. As far as he knew, everything's set to go. I think everybody's a little worn out. The tour is winding up, and we don't know when we'll work again as band. That part of it is up in the air, and it's starting to hit home."
Perry recently confirmed his bandmate Steven Tyler has been in talks to join the judging panel of American Idol, although an official announcement has yet to be made, and the guitarist criticized the singer for not sharing his plans with his colleagues.
The rocker is now adamant Tyler's new role is a done deal and he's convinced Aerosmith's future is uncertain once their Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock tour comes to an end in Canada next month.
He tells Cincinnati.com, "He (Tyler) told me just a couple of days ago he signed his papers to join the show. As far as he knew, everything's set to go. I think everybody's a little worn out. The tour is winding up, and we don't know when we'll work again as band. That part of it is up in the air, and it's starting to hit home."
Slash Files for Divorce
After almost nine years of marriage, Slash and wife Perla Ferrar are separating.
The former Guns N' Roses guitarist, 45, filed for divorce Monday in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences and July 15, 2010 as the date of separation, according to TMZ.com.
“I can confirm the divorce papers were filed and from Slash’s perspective the split is amicable," his rep tells PEOPLE.
The couple wed in October 2001 and have two sons, London, 8, and Cash, 4. Slash (real name: Saul Hudson) is seeking joint physical and legal custody of the children.
In March 2009, the rocker credited Ferrar and his family for helping him settle down, telling PEOPLE he got "rid of all the real hardcore stuff that I used to live on."
The former Guns N' Roses guitarist, 45, filed for divorce Monday in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences and July 15, 2010 as the date of separation, according to TMZ.com.
“I can confirm the divorce papers were filed and from Slash’s perspective the split is amicable," his rep tells PEOPLE.
The couple wed in October 2001 and have two sons, London, 8, and Cash, 4. Slash (real name: Saul Hudson) is seeking joint physical and legal custody of the children.
In March 2009, the rocker credited Ferrar and his family for helping him settle down, telling PEOPLE he got "rid of all the real hardcore stuff that I used to live on."
Paris Hilton's Explanation: I Thought the Cocaine Was Gum
When a little white baggie fell out of the purse she was carrying, Paris Hilton had an explanation for Las Vegas police.
"She had not seen it but now thought it was gum,” said an officer's report.
It turned out the baggie actually contained .8 grams of cocaine, and now Hilton faces felony drug-possession charges with a Oct. 27 arraignment.
While speaking to police following a weekend traffic stop, Hilton denied the baggie belonged to her. In fact, she said, the purse wasn't hers either; she had borrowed it from a friend.
But somehow, according to Hilton, the contents of the purse were split between hers and the friend's.
She claimed ownership of a broken Albuterol pill, Zig Zag wrappers commonly used to smoke marijuana, $1,300 in cash and credit cards. But, "She said several cosmetic items inside the purse were not hers," according to the police report.
"She had not seen it but now thought it was gum,” said an officer's report.
It turned out the baggie actually contained .8 grams of cocaine, and now Hilton faces felony drug-possession charges with a Oct. 27 arraignment.
While speaking to police following a weekend traffic stop, Hilton denied the baggie belonged to her. In fact, she said, the purse wasn't hers either; she had borrowed it from a friend.
But somehow, according to Hilton, the contents of the purse were split between hers and the friend's.
She claimed ownership of a broken Albuterol pill, Zig Zag wrappers commonly used to smoke marijuana, $1,300 in cash and credit cards. But, "She said several cosmetic items inside the purse were not hers," according to the police report.
Football Star Troy Polamalu’s Hair Now Insured for $1 Million
Opposing teams had better mind the hair pulling–Head & Shoulders has taken out a $1 million Lloyds of London policy protecting their spokesperson, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Troy Polamalu’s famous ringlets. “It’s like J.Lo’s insured butt!” he jokes, comparing the famous urban legend surrounding the singer’s derriere to learning about his own very real insurance policy. The beauty brand has reason to keep Troy’s 35″ tresses under lock and key: Women and men across America are desperate for the secret to those Samoan curls, with some of his manliest teammates even trying to score the secret. “One guy in particular… is stealing all of my Head & Shoulder products,” he laughs. Taking 45 minutes pregame to care for his hair has become a ritual for the all-pro safety, who explains, “It’s correlated to what a warrior in the past would do to prepare for war. You have the Mongolians, the Japanese Samurai, the Spartans–all of these warriors with long hair…and in that way you can almost get into the mind-way, preparing for some type of battle when you are doing your hair.” After eight years without so much as a trim, would Troy ever consider cutting his signature locks? “With this big hair insurance–I don’t think so!” he says.
Jesse James and Kat Von D Take Their Romance to Texas
No Tweet needed here – Jesse James and Kat Von D have confirmed they've taken their their relationship to the next level with a weekend getaway to Texas.
The tattooed twosome were spotted holding hands in Fredericksburg, Texas, near Austin where James has relocated for business purposes and so that his kids can be closer to their stepmom, Sandra Bullock.
"They’re definitely not hiding anything at this point," a source close to Von D tells PEOPLE. "Kat’s happy. She doesn’t really care what other people think. She’ll do what she wants regardless."
James and Kat Von D, who reportedly rode in on a motorcycle and visited a World War II museum during their time in the small tourist town, "didn't go unnoticed" by onlookers, according to RadarOnline.com.
The public outing comes two weeks after James, 41, and the LA Ink star, 28, were first spotted getting cozy in Las Vegas.
"Just because I have tattoos doesn't mean, 'Oh, you guys are a perfect match,' " Von D recently told a L.A. radio station. "I think that I'm [Jesse's] type on a different level than people would assume."
The tattooed twosome were spotted holding hands in Fredericksburg, Texas, near Austin where James has relocated for business purposes and so that his kids can be closer to their stepmom, Sandra Bullock.
"They’re definitely not hiding anything at this point," a source close to Von D tells PEOPLE. "Kat’s happy. She doesn’t really care what other people think. She’ll do what she wants regardless."
James and Kat Von D, who reportedly rode in on a motorcycle and visited a World War II museum during their time in the small tourist town, "didn't go unnoticed" by onlookers, according to RadarOnline.com.
The public outing comes two weeks after James, 41, and the LA Ink star, 28, were first spotted getting cozy in Las Vegas.
"Just because I have tattoos doesn't mean, 'Oh, you guys are a perfect match,' " Von D recently told a L.A. radio station. "I think that I'm [Jesse's] type on a different level than people would assume."
Sunday, August 29, 2010
'Exorcism' has slim box-office lead over 'Takers'
The fright flick "The Last Exorcism" and the heist thriller "Takers" were in a photo finish for the top spot at the weekend box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Lionsgate's "The Last Exorcism" had a thin lead with a $21.3 million debut, closely followed by Sony's "Takers" with a $21 million opening. They were close enough that rankings could change after final numbers are released Monday.
After two weekends in the No. 1 spot, Lionsgate's action romp "The Expendables" slipped to third place with $9.5 million, raising its total to $82 million.
Playing in narrower release, a 3-D special edition of "Avatar" pulled in $4 million, lifting the sci-fi sensation's domestic total to $753.8 million. The new version of the 20th Century Fox blockbuster adds nine minutes of footage.
Both "The Last Exorcism" and "Takers" debuted well above studio expectations, though the openings were modest compared with most big summer debuts.
Overall revenues came in at $115 million, down 8 percent compared with the same weekend last year, when the horror tale "The Final Destination" opened on top with $27.4 million, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.
"We've had two weeks of films being all stacked up very closely to one another, and that's a really tight margin between these two," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "But it's sort of a battle in a marketplace that really isn't setting the world on fire."
With summer blockbuster season generally over, late August often is a solid time to release scary movies such as "The Final Destination" and "Halloween II," which opened over the same weekend last year.
"You don't see many low-budget genre films released in June or July or even early August," said David Spitz, head of distribution for Lionsgate. "You don't want to put 'The Last Exorcism' up against 'Inception' or these big blockbuster films."
"The Last Exorcism," about an exorcist trying to cast out a demon from a teenager, cost just $2 million to produce, and Lionsgate bought domestic distribution rights for less than $1 million.
"Takers," which cost a modest $32 million to make, features Matt Dillon, Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker and Idris Elba in a thriller about bank robbers pursued by a tough cop.
Rory Bruer, Sony head of distribution, said he expected "Takers" to remain in second place, slightly behind "The Last Exorcism," once final figures are released Monday. Yet the two movies were pacing Hollywood to a strong finish to the summer season, he said.
"I do think both pictures were pretty terrific for ending summer with," Bruer said. "To have two pictures at $20-plus million at the end of August is a good thing."
The extended version of James Cameron's "Avatar" played in just 812 theaters, compared with 2,874 for "The Last Exorcism" and 2,206 for "Takers."
Besides $4 million domestically, the "Avatar" special edition added $4.3 million overseas. The extra revenue is mere icing for the biggest modern blockbuster, whose initial release took in $2.7 billion worldwide.
"There is no unhappy attached to 'Avatar,' because it's the greatest. It's always done business. It's the biggest picture in history," said Fox distribution executive Bert Livingston. "People bought tickets everywhere this weekend. There's no bad."
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Last Exorcism," $21.3 million.
2. "Takers," $21 million.
3. "The Expendables," $9.5 million.
4. "Eat Pray Love," $7 million.
5. "The Other Guys," $6.6 million.
6. "Vampires Suck," $5.3 million.
7. "Inception," $5.1 million.
8. "Nanny McPhee Returns," $4.74 million
9. "The Switch," $4.7 million.
10. "Piranha 3D," $4.3 million.
Lionsgate's "The Last Exorcism" had a thin lead with a $21.3 million debut, closely followed by Sony's "Takers" with a $21 million opening. They were close enough that rankings could change after final numbers are released Monday.
After two weekends in the No. 1 spot, Lionsgate's action romp "The Expendables" slipped to third place with $9.5 million, raising its total to $82 million.
Playing in narrower release, a 3-D special edition of "Avatar" pulled in $4 million, lifting the sci-fi sensation's domestic total to $753.8 million. The new version of the 20th Century Fox blockbuster adds nine minutes of footage.
Both "The Last Exorcism" and "Takers" debuted well above studio expectations, though the openings were modest compared with most big summer debuts.
Overall revenues came in at $115 million, down 8 percent compared with the same weekend last year, when the horror tale "The Final Destination" opened on top with $27.4 million, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.
"We've had two weeks of films being all stacked up very closely to one another, and that's a really tight margin between these two," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "But it's sort of a battle in a marketplace that really isn't setting the world on fire."
With summer blockbuster season generally over, late August often is a solid time to release scary movies such as "The Final Destination" and "Halloween II," which opened over the same weekend last year.
"You don't see many low-budget genre films released in June or July or even early August," said David Spitz, head of distribution for Lionsgate. "You don't want to put 'The Last Exorcism' up against 'Inception' or these big blockbuster films."
"The Last Exorcism," about an exorcist trying to cast out a demon from a teenager, cost just $2 million to produce, and Lionsgate bought domestic distribution rights for less than $1 million.
"Takers," which cost a modest $32 million to make, features Matt Dillon, Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker and Idris Elba in a thriller about bank robbers pursued by a tough cop.
Rory Bruer, Sony head of distribution, said he expected "Takers" to remain in second place, slightly behind "The Last Exorcism," once final figures are released Monday. Yet the two movies were pacing Hollywood to a strong finish to the summer season, he said.
"I do think both pictures were pretty terrific for ending summer with," Bruer said. "To have two pictures at $20-plus million at the end of August is a good thing."
The extended version of James Cameron's "Avatar" played in just 812 theaters, compared with 2,874 for "The Last Exorcism" and 2,206 for "Takers."
Besides $4 million domestically, the "Avatar" special edition added $4.3 million overseas. The extra revenue is mere icing for the biggest modern blockbuster, whose initial release took in $2.7 billion worldwide.
"There is no unhappy attached to 'Avatar,' because it's the greatest. It's always done business. It's the biggest picture in history," said Fox distribution executive Bert Livingston. "People bought tickets everywhere this weekend. There's no bad."
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Last Exorcism," $21.3 million.
2. "Takers," $21 million.
3. "The Expendables," $9.5 million.
4. "Eat Pray Love," $7 million.
5. "The Other Guys," $6.6 million.
6. "Vampires Suck," $5.3 million.
7. "Inception," $5.1 million.
8. "Nanny McPhee Returns," $4.74 million
9. "The Switch," $4.7 million.
10. "Piranha 3D," $4.3 million.
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