Rockers Def Leppard have laughed off speculation of a split, insisting they couldn't "imagine doing anything else" if they ditched the band.
The Hysteria hit-makers prompted rumors of a break-up in October after they cancelled 23 dates on their North American tour, citing "unforeseen personal matters," and failed to reschedule the gigs.
However, singer Joe Elliott insists the trek was only cancelled so he could tend to his wife Kristine, who was expecting their first child.
He tells TheStar.co.uk, "There wasn't any mystery to it really. My wife was pregnant and needed a bit of attention from me, which she wasn't getting. There was a lot of things (sic) in our private lives that needed attending to. We're not splitting. Not at all. We often joke, what else would we do? You just can't imagine doing anything else."
The 50 year old became a dad earlier this year.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sandra Bullock, Jesse James Selling House
Jesse James and Sandra Bullock have put their Orange County home on the market ... a sign their divorce is in full swing.
TMZ got the shot of a top realtor in the O.C., Chuck Buscemi of First Team Real Estate, going to the house today. Buscemi got the listing today and confirmed with TMZ the house is now on the market for $5,995,000.
We're told the house will be sold discretely ... it will not be in the Multiple Listing Service and potential buyers must pre-qualify.
TMZ got the shot of a top realtor in the O.C., Chuck Buscemi of First Team Real Estate, going to the house today. Buscemi got the listing today and confirmed with TMZ the house is now on the market for $5,995,000.
We're told the house will be sold discretely ... it will not be in the Multiple Listing Service and potential buyers must pre-qualify.
Catherine Bach's Husband Found Dead
Peter Lopez -- the husband of Catherine Bach from "The Dukes of Hazzard" -- was just found dead in Los Angeles ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
Paramedics responded to a report of a shooting at Lopez's home in Encino at around 11:30 AM. Cops tell TMZ his death is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Bach married Lopez -- who was one of Michael Jackson's music attorneys -- in 1990. They have two children together.
Paramedics responded to a report of a shooting at Lopez's home in Encino at around 11:30 AM. Cops tell TMZ his death is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Bach married Lopez -- who was one of Michael Jackson's music attorneys -- in 1990. They have two children together.
Lance Armstrong Expecting Fifth Child
Cycling legend Lance Armstrong has announced — via Twitter — that he’ll be a father for the fifth time.
It’s the second child together for the seven-time Tour de France champ, 38, and girlfriend Anna Hansen – and the baby already has a social media presence. On Thursday night, Armstrong Tweeted:
“Getting ?’s today about someone I’m following, a certain @Cincoarmstrong. What to say? Yet another blessing in our lives. I cannot wait!”
@Cincoarmstrong’s first post? “I got 2 arms, 2 legs, a nickname, and [I’m] 2 inches long. See y’all in October.”
Armstrong confirmed the news to his hometown paper, the Austin American Statesman, which also reported the new baby could be named Jack or Olivia once he or she arrives this fall.
The new baby will join 10-month-old Maxwell Edward, Armstrong’s son with Hansen, as well as twins Isabelle and Grace, 8½, and son Luke, 11, his children with ex-wife Kristin.
Halle Berry, Boyfriend Reportedly Split
Actress Halle Berry and model Gabriel Aubry have broken up, according to several media reports.
Berry and Aubrey dated for five years and have a 2-year-old daughter, Nahla. Celebrity gossip website TMZ reported that the two have worked out a "very short-term custody arrangement."
Meanwhile, a source told RadarOnline.com the age difference between the two played a role in the split. Aubry is 34 and Berry is 43.
"Gabriel just felt it wasn't working anymore," the source said. "When they were first together the 9-year age difference between them didn't phase (sic) him, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever dated and he was totally in love. But as time went on he started feeling it more and more."
The source also said that the split has been amicable, but that Berry has taken it pretty hard. "She truly loved Gabriel and thought she had found the one," RadarOnline.com quoted the source as saying.
Berry has been divorced twice. Her first marriage was to former baseball player David Justice and her second was to singer Eric Benet.
Lindsay Lohan defends gun photo as ‘art’
‘It’s not softcore porn hunny, it’s called ART,’ star says in response to critics
Video
Lindsay Lohan on Thursday defended as "art" a photo of herself holding a gun to her mouth that sparked alarm about the former A-list actress whose life and career have spiraled downward in recent years.
Lohan, 23, said the photo that she posted on Twitter was from a shoot for a book about the dark side of glamour by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields.
"It's not softcore porn hunny, it's called ART," the "Mean Girls" actress said on Twitter, responding to criticism on the micro-blogging website.
Lohan, who is currently on probation for 2007 drinking and drugs offenses, has been setting celebrity websites abuzz in recent weeks with stories and pictures of hard partying and erratic behavior.
The gun photos came a week after reports that Lohan was dropped from the movie "The Other Side" because producers were reluctant to finance the film with her in a lead role.
Last week, her estranged father brought police to her Los Angeles apartment and threatened to seek a court protection order like the one that handed control of pop star Britney Spears' personal and business affairs to her father in 2008, after Spears' was hospitalized when her life seemed to be near disaster.
Michael Lohan issued a statement earlier this week saying he "intends to do everything in his power to prevent Lindsay from becoming another Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, Michael Jackson or Heath Ledger" — all of whom died in tragic circumstances.
Lohan has fired back in a series of angry tweets, calling her father "the devil's advocate."
Still, her nights of clubbing have attracted the attention of producers on the TV show "Celebrity Rehab" which, according to celebrity website TMZ.com, offered her $1 million to enter treatment and be filmed undergoing counseling. Lohan refused.
"I don't know why I am such a target, but I think there's a big misconception of who I am as a person," Lohan told a Los Angeles radio station in an interview on Wednesday.
"I am doing a clothing line, I am starting a movie soon, I'm producing some shows. I've just been working a lot, and it's not a crime to go out and have fun with your friends."
Lohan shot to fame in 1998 as a cute, freckle-faced 11-year-old in the Disney movie "The Parent Trap". As a teenager, she scored a hit with 2004's "Mean Girls" and won fans among critics in 2006's "A Prairie Home Companion."
But her last movie, "Labor Pains," went straight to television in 2009, and she won a Golden Raspberry award for worst actress for playing a stripper in the 2007 low budget thriller "I Know Who Killed Me".
Video
Lindsay Lohan on Thursday defended as "art" a photo of herself holding a gun to her mouth that sparked alarm about the former A-list actress whose life and career have spiraled downward in recent years.
Lohan, 23, said the photo that she posted on Twitter was from a shoot for a book about the dark side of glamour by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields.
"It's not softcore porn hunny, it's called ART," the "Mean Girls" actress said on Twitter, responding to criticism on the micro-blogging website.
Lohan, who is currently on probation for 2007 drinking and drugs offenses, has been setting celebrity websites abuzz in recent weeks with stories and pictures of hard partying and erratic behavior.
The gun photos came a week after reports that Lohan was dropped from the movie "The Other Side" because producers were reluctant to finance the film with her in a lead role.
Last week, her estranged father brought police to her Los Angeles apartment and threatened to seek a court protection order like the one that handed control of pop star Britney Spears' personal and business affairs to her father in 2008, after Spears' was hospitalized when her life seemed to be near disaster.
Michael Lohan issued a statement earlier this week saying he "intends to do everything in his power to prevent Lindsay from becoming another Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, Michael Jackson or Heath Ledger" — all of whom died in tragic circumstances.
Lohan has fired back in a series of angry tweets, calling her father "the devil's advocate."
Still, her nights of clubbing have attracted the attention of producers on the TV show "Celebrity Rehab" which, according to celebrity website TMZ.com, offered her $1 million to enter treatment and be filmed undergoing counseling. Lohan refused.
"I don't know why I am such a target, but I think there's a big misconception of who I am as a person," Lohan told a Los Angeles radio station in an interview on Wednesday.
"I am doing a clothing line, I am starting a movie soon, I'm producing some shows. I've just been working a lot, and it's not a crime to go out and have fun with your friends."
Lohan shot to fame in 1998 as a cute, freckle-faced 11-year-old in the Disney movie "The Parent Trap". As a teenager, she scored a hit with 2004's "Mean Girls" and won fans among critics in 2006's "A Prairie Home Companion."
But her last movie, "Labor Pains," went straight to television in 2009, and she won a Golden Raspberry award for worst actress for playing a stripper in the 2007 low budget thriller "I Know Who Killed Me".
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Robert Downey Jr. Confirms 'Iron Man 3'
Robert Downey Jr. has confirmed Iron Man will return for a third time - but the sequel will have to wait until after The Avengers movie is completed.
The actor returns as entrepreneur-turned-superhero Tony Stark in Iron Man 2, opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson.
Downey, Jr. will reprise the character for comic book collaboration The Avengers, which will see Iron Man team up with The Hulk, Thor and Captain America on the big screen, but the star already has ideas for Iron Man 3.
He tells MTV news, "I think it's (Iron Man 3) going to go down. (Although The Avengers is) supposedly first on (Marvel Entertainment's) docket. I have some pretty strong ideas, but they never seem to be too discordant with what the creative execs at Marvel are thinking anyway. It's all there (in the comic books). There's a little bit of a bunch of different storylines from different decades."
Jenna Jameson Withdraws Allegations Against Tito Ortiz
Former porn star Jenna Jameson has withdrawn the allegations against her boyfriend Tito Ortiz that led to his arrest on felony domestic violence charges earlier this week.
Jameson claimed the mixed martial arts champion attacked her after she said "something very hurtful to his ego" following his arrest at the couple's California home on Monday.
Ortiz claimed he confronted her because he believed she was high on painkiller OxyContin and harbored a secret prescription drug addiction. Jameson passed a drug test on Tuesday.
Ortiz' lawyer has dismissed the incident as "a big misunderstanding." And Jameson has moved forward with plans to reconcile with Ortiz by withdrawing her accusations.
She tells TMZ.com, "What actually happened has now been dramatically distorted and misinterpreted and remarks that both Tito and I made after the police arrived reflect the state of shock that we were both in."
Jameson claimed the mixed martial arts champion attacked her after she said "something very hurtful to his ego" following his arrest at the couple's California home on Monday.
Ortiz claimed he confronted her because he believed she was high on painkiller OxyContin and harbored a secret prescription drug addiction. Jameson passed a drug test on Tuesday.
Ortiz' lawyer has dismissed the incident as "a big misunderstanding." And Jameson has moved forward with plans to reconcile with Ortiz by withdrawing her accusations.
She tells TMZ.com, "What actually happened has now been dramatically distorted and misinterpreted and remarks that both Tito and I made after the police arrived reflect the state of shock that we were both in."
Jessica Simpson Looking To Date Someone Famous?
Jessica Simpson has hinted she's looking for love with a celebrity boyfriend, insisting anyone she dates must "understand her lifestyle."
The singer was married to former boy-band star Nick Lachey, and has since dated singer John Mayer and football star Tony Romo. Simpson has been single since splitting with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Romo last summer, and she admits she's ready to give love another go.
However, any potential suitor must be able to cope with her fame. She says, "They definitely have to understand my life and what I put up with and what I deal with. Being scrutinized publicly... that can definitely make or break a relationship and you have to have that strong foundation... so I have to have somebody that understands that kind of lifestyle."
The singer was married to former boy-band star Nick Lachey, and has since dated singer John Mayer and football star Tony Romo. Simpson has been single since splitting with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Romo last summer, and she admits she's ready to give love another go.
However, any potential suitor must be able to cope with her fame. She says, "They definitely have to understand my life and what I put up with and what I deal with. Being scrutinized publicly... that can definitely make or break a relationship and you have to have that strong foundation... so I have to have somebody that understands that kind of lifestyle."
Mark McGrath Welcomes Twins With Fiancée
Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath is celebrating a double bundle of joy after welcoming a twin boy and girl with his fiancée, Carin Kingsland.
Kingsland gave birth to the couple's son Lydon Edward and daughter Hartley Grace in Los Angeles on Thursday morning. McGrath tells People.com, "We are so lucky. I don't think you can prepare for the love we are feeling."
McGrath, 42, and 37-year-old Kingsland, an aesthetician, celebrated their engagement last New Year's Eve after dating for 16 years.
They confirmed in April they were expecting twins thanks to in vitro fertilization.
Kingsland gave birth to the couple's son Lydon Edward and daughter Hartley Grace in Los Angeles on Thursday morning. McGrath tells People.com, "We are so lucky. I don't think you can prepare for the love we are feeling."
McGrath, 42, and 37-year-old Kingsland, an aesthetician, celebrated their engagement last New Year's Eve after dating for 16 years.
They confirmed in April they were expecting twins thanks to in vitro fertilization.
O'Brien: I wouldn't have done what Jay Leno did
Conan O'Brien says he wouldn't have done what Jay Leno did and take back the "Tonight" show. O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" that he could not have publicly handed over the "Tonight" show and wished his successor well, then displace him less than a year later. He made his first remarks about his acrimonious January departure from NBC in a "60 Minutes" interview to be broadcast Sunday.
O'Brien says he decided to leave NBC rather than accept an offer to move back a half hour in late-night because he saw no point in giving his all to a relationship that seemed to have no future.
O'Brien has signed a contract with TBS to begin a talk show there in November.
O'Brien says he decided to leave NBC rather than accept an offer to move back a half hour in late-night because he saw no point in giving his all to a relationship that seemed to have no future.
O'Brien has signed a contract with TBS to begin a talk show there in November.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Ricky Gervais to Host Golden Globes...again
Get ready for another round of jokes from Ricky Gervais. The British funnyman will take on hosting duties at the Golden Globes in 2011, his second year in a row as the show's emcee.
Gervais broke the news on Ryan Seacrest's 102.7 KIIS-FM radio show Wednesday morning, admitting he was shocked to find out that he was invited back to helm the awards show.
"I suppose it is flattering, to be honest, and it was a surprise," Gervais, 48, told Seacrest. "I had so much fun [last year]."
The comedian, who, during the 2010 ceremony, cracked some jokes "thinking I'd never be invited back," says he's taking a different approach to his hosting duties this year.
PHOTOS: They Said What? 10 Best Quotes of Globes Night
"I'm going to go all out this time," he explains. "I'm going to make sure they're never going to invite me back!"
The 68th Annual Golden Globes will air Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live on NBC
People: Bullock Is Divorcing James, Adopting Baby
Sandra Bullock has filed for divorce from her husband, Jesse James, and is adopting a baby boy as a single parent, a story posted Wednesday on People magazine's website said.
"Yes, I have filed for divorce," the 45-year-old Oscar-winning actress said in an interview. "I'm sad and I am scared."
Bullock and James, 41, began the adoption process four years ago, the report said, and brought 3 1/2-month-old Louis Bardo Bullock home in January but decided to keep the news to themselves until after the Oscars.
In the interview, Bullock said she is savoring her new maternal status.
"You wake up, you feed, you burp, you play, you do laundry," she said. "I'm still in that stage where I'm just amazed with him and at life."
"All I said when I met him was, 'Oh, there you are.' It was like he had always been a part of our lives."
The baby, called Louie, is named after jazz great Louis Armstrong, who had particularly touched her with his classic song, "What a Wonderful World," said Bullock. The child was born in New Orleans, a city where Bullock and James had both spent time after Katrina.
Bullock said she and James sought to pull no strings as they submitted to the typically time-consuming screening process, with no thoughts to the gender or background of the child they might receive.
"We somehow knew the right little person would come," she said.
Bullock said she got the call that a baby might be available for adoption during what she described as "the media craziness of the awards season."
Deciding to shield Louis from that turmoil, she kept his existence hidden from all but a few trusted associates and loved ones. Her life (and his) became an ongoing process of secrecy and diversion.
"Just the doctors' visits were filled with decoys and dark cars," she said. "People that I had worked with for years couldn't understand why I wouldn't let them into my house for (Oscar ceremony gown) fittings."
James and Bullock separated in March after five years of marriage, following reports that James had been unfaithful.
Bullock won the Oscar for best actress for her role in the blockbuster hit "The Blind Side" on March 7. Within days of her win, the cheating allegations became public and Bullock went into seclusion.
The motorcycle mogul publicly apologized to Bullock and his children, Sunny, 6; Jesse Jr., 12; and Chandler, 15.
He recently returned home after a 30-day stay in a treatment facility where he sought help for "personal issues," the story said.
When asked about whether James had cheated, Bullock said she "had no idea about anything."
"I did the only thing I could do, and that was to pack enough clothes to live on, get all of Louis' things and get out of town. My main concern was Louis."
When asked whether James will have any formal parenting role, she replied: "I will be adopting as a single parent. Anything else will be taken day by day."
She said of her relationship with Jesse's three children: "I don't want to know what life is like without those kids. ... Whatever we need to do, in the healthiest way, we are going to be co-parenting."
Looking ahead to life without James, Bullock said, "I really don't know how our paths will intersect in the future, but the father I have known Jesse to be with all the kids is one that I hope Louis can experience one day, no matter how Jesse and I go on with our lives."
News of the adoption quickly seized the attention of fans of Bullock and fellow celebrities alike.
On Wednesday morning's "Live! with Regis and Kelly," host Regis Philbin held up a copy of People magazine, which shows Bullock smiling at her baby son as she holds him high over her head.
"It's not very easy to adopt a baby," Philbin said.
He's cute, chirped co-host Kelly Ripa.
"Lucky little guy, too," said Philbin.
And on Twitter, early entries saluted the new mother: "Sandra Bullock is a true role model," posted judyavanness. "True grace under pressure."
"Good for Sandy! Soo cute! The best love is from your child!"
Bill Condon to direct fourth `Twilight' film
Director Bill Condon, who already knows a little something about gods and monsters, is set to direct the fourth and final film in the "Twilight" series, "Breaking Dawn."
Summit Entertainment, which is releasing the wildly popular vampire franchise, said Wednesday that Condon would take the helm for the latest installment. The script is being written now, with stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner returning.
Condon won an Oscar for the screenplay of his 1999 film "Gods and Monsters." He also directed "Dreamgirls" and "Kinsey" and produced the 2009 Academy Awards ceremony with Hugh Jackman as host.
The third film in the series based on Stephenie Meyer's books, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," is set to come out June 30.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Courtney Love: Gavin cheated on Gwen with me
On "The Howard Stern Show" on Sirius XM Radio Monday, the Hole rocker, 45, said she had a "vision of marrying Gavin Rossdale one time ... We were like, 'Let's go spend our rock star money!'"
During their eight months together, "we had a really good time ..." she said. "He was lovely."
She said she took heat because many thought Rossdale, 44, was too much like her ex, late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
"Everyone gave me so much s--- because Gavin sounded like a lot like Kurt...." Love said. "But man, he was such an Adonis in his day! He got good in bed ... something happened. Maybe Gwen taught him, for all I know."
Stern then asked her, "You were [having sex] him while he was with Gwen Stefani?"
"Yes," Love replied. "She does know."
Stern continued: "You mean he was having sex with you while he was with her?"
"Everyone ... yeah ... and a few other people," Love said. "We didn't have a lot of pressure on each other, but we did like each other quite a bit."
Rossdale has yet to comment on Love's claims.
This isn't the first time Rossdale has been in a scandal.
In 2004, DNA tests revealed that he had a secret lovechild. Stefani, 40, was said to be "devastated."
The two, who wed in 2002, have two sons together: Kingston, almost 4, and Zuma, 1 1/2
During their eight months together, "we had a really good time ..." she said. "He was lovely."
She said she took heat because many thought Rossdale, 44, was too much like her ex, late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
"Everyone gave me so much s--- because Gavin sounded like a lot like Kurt...." Love said. "But man, he was such an Adonis in his day! He got good in bed ... something happened. Maybe Gwen taught him, for all I know."
Stern then asked her, "You were [having sex] him while he was with Gwen Stefani?"
"Yes," Love replied. "She does know."
Stern continued: "You mean he was having sex with you while he was with her?"
"Everyone ... yeah ... and a few other people," Love said. "We didn't have a lot of pressure on each other, but we did like each other quite a bit."
Rossdale has yet to comment on Love's claims.
This isn't the first time Rossdale has been in a scandal.
In 2004, DNA tests revealed that he had a secret lovechild. Stefani, 40, was said to be "devastated."
The two, who wed in 2002, have two sons together: Kingston, almost 4, and Zuma, 1 1/2
Seinfeld star Alexander hits 14-year-old biker
Los Angeles police say "Seinfeld" actor Jason Alexander struck a 14-year-old bicyclist while driving, but the boy wasn't seriously injured.
Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman says Alexander hit the biker Tuesday along Wilshire Boulevard in the Mid-City area.
Eisenman says Alexander stopped and waited for police and wasn't cited.
She says the boy suffered minor injuries and was in stable condition when he was taken to a hospital for examination.
Alexander's publicist Ron Hoffman says the actor acknowledged responsibility and acted properly by waiting for police and paramedics to arrive. He says Alexander is grateful that the boy wasn't seriously hurt.
Alexander played neurotic friend George Costanza on "Seinfeld."
Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman says Alexander hit the biker Tuesday along Wilshire Boulevard in the Mid-City area.
Eisenman says Alexander stopped and waited for police and wasn't cited.
She says the boy suffered minor injuries and was in stable condition when he was taken to a hospital for examination.
Alexander's publicist Ron Hoffman says the actor acknowledged responsibility and acted properly by waiting for police and paramedics to arrive. He says Alexander is grateful that the boy wasn't seriously hurt.
Alexander played neurotic friend George Costanza on "Seinfeld."
Matt Damon and Wife Expecting Another Baby
Matt Damon and his wife Luciana are set to welcome a fourth child to the family.
Luciana, 34, is due in the fall. "Everybody's really happy," a rep for Damon, 39, tells PEOPLE.
The couple already have three daughters: Alexia, 11, who is Luciana's child from a previous marriage, Isabella, who will be 4 in June, and Gia, 20 months.
Damon is a "phenomenal" father, his close friend George Clooney told PEOPLE in 2007. "He absolutely adores those kids. He's doing it really well."
Damon and his wife were married in 2005. After Isabella was born, PEOPLE's 2007 Sexiest Man Alive told a British newspaper that having a family had transformed his life.
"I really used to have no life outside movies. I'd work all day, go to the gym and go to sleep," he said. But once Isabella arrived, "that was it for me and working out because I wanted to get home to see my daughter before she went to sleep."
Luciana, 34, is due in the fall. "Everybody's really happy," a rep for Damon, 39, tells PEOPLE.
The couple already have three daughters: Alexia, 11, who is Luciana's child from a previous marriage, Isabella, who will be 4 in June, and Gia, 20 months.
Damon is a "phenomenal" father, his close friend George Clooney told PEOPLE in 2007. "He absolutely adores those kids. He's doing it really well."
Damon and his wife were married in 2005. After Isabella was born, PEOPLE's 2007 Sexiest Man Alive told a British newspaper that having a family had transformed his life.
"I really used to have no life outside movies. I'd work all day, go to the gym and go to sleep," he said. But once Isabella arrived, "that was it for me and working out because I wanted to get home to see my daughter before she went to sleep."
Boyfriend accuses Jenna Jameson of drug use
Mixed martial arts star Tito Ortiz claims his ex-porn star girlfriend is addicted to Oxycontin, and he blames Jenna Jameson's drug use for his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.
Ortiz was arrested Monday in Huntington Beach, California, at the home he shares with Jameson and their twin sons. Several hours after posting bail, Ortiz and his attorney accused Jameson of drug addiction and claimed Ortiz never struck her.
"Jenna Jameson has been fighting an ugly battle with an addiction to Oxycontin for well over a year, and this morning, she had a relapse," attorney Chip Matthews said. "We're here because Tito was trying to help her. Tito Ortiz never laid a hand on Jenna."
Ortiz wept openly at the hastily arranged news conference at an Italian restaurant in North Hollywood, saying the support of his family and Jameson's father "just means the world to me."
"My parents have gone through an addiction, and I'm seeing a mirror of that," Ortiz said. "I hold everything dear to my heart that Jenna will be OK."
Ortiz is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion whose celebrity has eclipsed his mixed martial arts accomplishments since he began a relationship in 2006 with Jameson, perhaps the world's most famous adult film actress. Jameson, who crossed into the mainstream after publishing a popular autobiography in 2004, gave birth to the couple's twin sons, Jesse and Journey, in March 2009.
Matthews said the 35-year-old Ortiz found drugs in their home Monday morning, leading to the confrontation that ended with Ortiz's arrest. Matthews also claimed the 36-year-old Jameson has made emergency calls threatening suicide over the past year, but Ortiz stuck with his partner of four years in hopes of salvaging their relationship.
A call to Jameson's representatives went unanswered late Monday night. Jameson posted one message on her Twitter account Monday, saying she planned to quit Twitter.
"I cant take any more abuse from ANYONE.. To my sweet fans...thank you," the message read.
Jameson and her father, Larry, spoke to celebrity website TMZ.com and other reporters outside the home earlier Monday. Wearing a wrap on her right elbow, Jameson described herself as "completely shocked" by the incident, saying Ortiz had "lashed out" at her, leaving her feeling "betrayed."
Matthews said Jameson's father initially called police after the couple's argument, but provided support to Ortiz after learning of his daughter's drug abuse, even bringing clothes to Ortiz after he made bail. Matthews said a restraining order is keeping Ortiz away from Jameson.
Police Lt. Mike Reynolds said Ortiz was taken to the Huntington Beach jail and released after posting $25,000 bail. Reynolds said police can't make an arrest on suspicion of domestic violence unless there's a "visible injury," and the unnamed victim's injuries met that standard.
Matthews said Jameson has "a scratch on her elbow, and oftentimes when people are on Oxycontin, they don't have the best balance."
Although his career has waned, Ortiz is among the most decorated and popular fighters in mixed martial arts history. Ortiz, whose nickname is the Huntington Beach Bad Boy, is a former collegiate wrestler and has been competing in the growing sport since 1997.
He was the UFC's light heavyweight champion from 2000 to 2003 during the formative years of the sport's dominant promotion, making five title defenses before losing his belt to Randy Couture. After his career declined amid several injury problems, including major back surgery, Ortiz left the UFC in 2008 in a bitter dispute with president Dana White, his former manager.
Ortiz re-signed with the UFC last year, losing a split decision to Forrest Griffin in his return fight last November. Despite his celebrity and business ventures, including a clothing line, Ortiz is winless in his last four UFC fights since October 2006.
Ortiz served as a coach on the most recent season of "The Ultimate Fighter," the UFC's popular reality television show currently airing on Spike. Yet he apparently was forced to drop out of the show during its taping earlier this year, and the UFC already has announced it will replace him with Rich Franklin for the show's traditional season-ending bout with fellow coach Chuck Liddell.
Amy Winehouse bruises ribs in fall at home
Amy Winehouse is being treated for bruised ribs at a London clinic after falling at home.
The soul diva's spokesman says Winehouse also suffered a cut above her eye after she tripped and fell at her north London house on Saturday.
Spokesman Chris Goodman said Tuesday that the 26-year-old singer is recovering at a private clinic, and is expected to be fine.
Winehouse shot to stardom with the Grammy-winning album "Back to Black" in 2006, but her music has been overshadowed by drug use, legal run-ins and a tempestuous marriage that ended in divorce last year.
Goodman says she has been recording new material with producer Mark Ronson.
Hugh Hefner Saves the Hollywood Sign
Hugh Hefner just pulled a rabbit out of his hat to save Hollywood – the iconic sign, that is.
The Playboy founder has donated the final $900,000 needed to preserve 138 acres behind the film capital's most famous visual symbol on Mount Lee, just as time was running out.
"It would have been a real shame after having restored it if it wound up sold," Hefner, 84, told PEOPLE on Monday at the Hollywood premiere of Iron Man 2, with the legendary 45-foot white letters looming in the background. "It's become something iconic and represents not only the town but represents Hollywood dreams, and I think that's something worth preserving."
Developers have been eyeing the hillside, once owned by Howard Hughes, for luxury mansions, but a nonprofit land-conservation group was given the chance to buy the land for $12.5 million. As an April 30 deadline neared, the group was nearly $1 million short.
"I was aware of the fact that they were raising the money, but I only learned about a week ago that they were running out of time," said Hefner. "They only had about a week and a half left to go."
The sign was built in 1923 as part of a real-estate promotion, originally spelling out "Hollywoodland" (the "land" was removed in 1949). In 1978, after years of neglect, Hefner was one of a number of patrons who donated funds to restore it.
Meanwhile, Hefner continues to develop his own Hollywood fantasy: a feature film chronicling his life, with Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. potentially in the lead role.
"It would be my hope and dream," said Hefner. "Right after Iron Man first came out, he called me the following week and said, 'When are we going to start the Playboy film?' So, we have to get a good screenplay."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ortiz Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges
Mixed martial arts star Tito Ortiz, who lives in Huntington Beach with adult film actress Jenna Jameson, was arrested today on suspicion of domestic violence.
Ortiz was taken into custody this morning at the couple's home in the 16700 block of Baruna Lane, Huntington Beach police Lt. Mike Reynolds said.
Jameson's father called police about 9:50 a.m., according to TMZ.com.
Reynolds said he could not identify the victim, but Jameson said in a video interview posted on TMZ that "of course" she will press charges against Ortiz, with whom she has twin sons.
Ortiz was taken into custody this morning at the couple's home in the 16700 block of Baruna Lane, Huntington Beach police Lt. Mike Reynolds said.
Jameson's father called police about 9:50 a.m., according to TMZ.com.
Reynolds said he could not identify the victim, but Jameson said in a video interview posted on TMZ that "of course" she will press charges against Ortiz, with whom she has twin sons.
Jesse James Back from Rehab Without Wedding Ring
After a month at a treatment facility to deal with "personal issues," Jesse James was spotted back at his Los Angeles area home Monday. He was not wearing a wedding ring as he took his children to school.
James, 40, checked into the treatment center last month after his marriage to Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock went into a crisis amid reports that he had multiple affairs.
Bullock, 45, had remained out of sight until earlier this month when she was photographed hiking in Northern California, also not wearing her wedding ring.
James, 40, checked into the treatment center last month after his marriage to Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock went into a crisis amid reports that he had multiple affairs.
Bullock, 45, had remained out of sight until earlier this month when she was photographed hiking in Northern California, also not wearing her wedding ring.
Randy Quaid and Wife Sent to Jail
Randy and Evi Quaid pressed their luck with a Santa Barbara, Calif., court – and lost.
The eccentric couple were sent to jail Monday by Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa for missing multiple hearings in their felony case. They had been wanted as fugitives.
"They came to court this morning hoping that Judge Ochoa would forgive them for not showing up a couple weeks ago, but the judge said they showed disrespect by prior failures to appear and by flashing Randy's Golden Globe award in court the last time around," Santa Barbara District Attorney Arnie Tolks said, referring to the couple bringing to a hearing Randy's best-actor trophy for the 1988 miniseries LBJ: The Early Years. "They both apologized to the court, but the judge obviously didn't take it lightly."
Bail was set for $100,000 each, with their next court date set for Wednesday.
The pair originally were arrested in Marfa, Texas, in September 2009 after allegedly skipping out on a more than $10,000 bill at the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara.
Although they have since paid their outstanding bill, prosecutors say a crime was still committed.
Their lawyer, Robert Sanger, had no comment.
The eccentric couple were sent to jail Monday by Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa for missing multiple hearings in their felony case. They had been wanted as fugitives.
"They came to court this morning hoping that Judge Ochoa would forgive them for not showing up a couple weeks ago, but the judge said they showed disrespect by prior failures to appear and by flashing Randy's Golden Globe award in court the last time around," Santa Barbara District Attorney Arnie Tolks said, referring to the couple bringing to a hearing Randy's best-actor trophy for the 1988 miniseries LBJ: The Early Years. "They both apologized to the court, but the judge obviously didn't take it lightly."
Bail was set for $100,000 each, with their next court date set for Wednesday.
The pair originally were arrested in Marfa, Texas, in September 2009 after allegedly skipping out on a more than $10,000 bill at the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara.
Although they have since paid their outstanding bill, prosecutors say a crime was still committed.
Their lawyer, Robert Sanger, had no comment.
Justin Bieber's Australian Concert Cancelled Over Security Fears
Teen sensation Justin Bieber was forced to cancel his only Australian gig on Monday after chaos broke out among fans.
Scores of supporters camped overnight at Sydney Harbor to see their idol perform and by Monday morning, thousands of youngsters were packed into the Circular Quay area. The frenzied crowd began to surge; prompting police to cancel the event after "more than 100 teens" became "distressed," according to officials.
Bieber was devastated about the cancellation and took to his personal Twitter.com page to apologize to his devoted fans who had waited so long to see him. He writes, "I love my fans and I am just as disappointed as everyone else with the news from this morning. I want to sing for my fans. I want to make this clear... I don't cancel... I woke up this morning to the police canceling (sic) the show for safety reasons. I'm very happy about the welcome and the love from around the world, but I want everyone to still remember my fans' safety comes first."
A police spokesperson adds, "Police at the event were concerned for the 4,000 excited people already in attendance with many more anticipated to arrive prior to the start of the performance. All those removed from the area have so far suffered only minor injuries and have been treated at the scene."
It isn't the first time the 16 year old has had to cancel an appearance - in November he caused chaos at a shopping mall in New York which resulted in one girl being hospitalized. His manager, Scott 'Scooter' Braun, pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, criminal nuisance and endangering the welfare of a child over the event.
Bieber, who later performed live on local TV, has promised to return to Australia.
Scores of supporters camped overnight at Sydney Harbor to see their idol perform and by Monday morning, thousands of youngsters were packed into the Circular Quay area. The frenzied crowd began to surge; prompting police to cancel the event after "more than 100 teens" became "distressed," according to officials.
Bieber was devastated about the cancellation and took to his personal Twitter.com page to apologize to his devoted fans who had waited so long to see him. He writes, "I love my fans and I am just as disappointed as everyone else with the news from this morning. I want to sing for my fans. I want to make this clear... I don't cancel... I woke up this morning to the police canceling (sic) the show for safety reasons. I'm very happy about the welcome and the love from around the world, but I want everyone to still remember my fans' safety comes first."
A police spokesperson adds, "Police at the event were concerned for the 4,000 excited people already in attendance with many more anticipated to arrive prior to the start of the performance. All those removed from the area have so far suffered only minor injuries and have been treated at the scene."
It isn't the first time the 16 year old has had to cancel an appearance - in November he caused chaos at a shopping mall in New York which resulted in one girl being hospitalized. His manager, Scott 'Scooter' Braun, pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, criminal nuisance and endangering the welfare of a child over the event.
Bieber, who later performed live on local TV, has promised to return to Australia.
Kate Gosselin's New TLC Show To Feature Her 8 Children
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry have granted child-labor permits for Kate Gosselin's twins and sextuplets to appear with their mother on a series of TLC specials, "Kate Plus 8."
The permits are good for six months and then must be renewed, according to AP news.
Producers should have obtained permits for "Jon & Kate Plus 8," which ended last year when the couple divorced. No legal action was taken.
The permits are good for six months and then must be renewed, according to AP news.
Producers should have obtained permits for "Jon & Kate Plus 8," which ended last year when the couple divorced. No legal action was taken.
Alicia Silverstone: 'I Can't Wait to Be Pregnant'
While starring – and earning great reviews – as the young lover in the hit Broadway play Time Stands Still this spring, Alicia Silverstone tapped into her maternal side with a little help from her wardrobe for the play.
"Wearing a pregnancy suit was so much fun," the actress, 33, tells PEOPLE. "I loved the feeling of pretending to be pregnant and having little arms and legs and this big belly."
But it wasn't just the suit that got her thinking about motherhood. "I've been wanting to have a baby since I was 2 years old – I'm destined to be a mother," says Silverstone, who will celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with musician-husband Christopher Jarecki on June 11. "I can't wait to be pregnant."
She'll hold off for now, though, since she's busy filming the upcoming comedy Butter with Jennifer Garner in Shreveport, La. "It's an interesting place, but you're working so much, so it's not like you're on vacation," she says.
Silverstone, whose vegan cookbook The Kind Life recently topped The New York Times bestseller list, will soon put her own personal eating habits aside to play a vampire in the upcoming comedy Vamps, directed by her Clueless writer-director Amy Heckerling.
"Amy came to see me in the play because we're friendly," says Silverstone, who starred as Cher in the iconic 1995 comedy. "But afterwards, we hung out and she introduced me to her producing partner … a few weeks later they called me and said I got the movie."
In addition to looking forward to playing a vampire ("It'll be so much fun," she declares), Silverstone is psyched to reunite with her former director.
"I was a baby when we met," she says. "It's crazy how long ago that was. Now it'll be great to be a grownup and work with her."
And yes, Silverstone says she still gets recognized "every single day." for Clueless Not that she minds. "It's never been a bother," she says. "I have nothing but joy when somebody says they love that movie."
Lindsay Lohan Fired From Movie 'The Other Side'
Sources say she got the boot because she's not 'bankable.'
Lindsay Lohan last appeared on the big screen in her 2007 flick "I Know Who Killed Me," and while she's been trying her best to stage a comeback, Lohan's career has hit another stumbling block. TMZ is reporting that Lohan has been asked to leave the film "The Other Side." Sources tell the Web site that Lohan was fired because she is not "bankable."
"Our team simply chose to move on from Lindsay and we'll soon be announcing a replacement," David Michaels, the writer/director of the film, told TMZ.
Sources close to the production say that the financial backers of the flick had reservations about Lohan's casting. However, USmagazine.com reports that financing difficulties for the film weren't connected to Lohan and that it had "nothing to do with Lindsay. It was because it was an unknown director. All the major stars in this film dropped out."
The film once reportedly had the late Brittany Murphy attached to it, and currently lists Woody Harrelson, Giovanni Ribisi, Dave Matthews and Alanis Morissette in its cast. Lohan would have reportedly played a grad student working on a deserted island.
Lohan will next appear in the Robert Rodriguez-directed flick "Machete." She was recently in India shooting a documentary about human trafficking for the BBC, and last summer she starred in the ABC Family flick "Labor Pains." Lohan's rep hadn't responded to MTV News' request for comment on the firing by press time.
In the past, Lohan has spoken publicly about her problems in Hollywood, noting that it's been hard for people to give her a second chance. "There's not much I can do about the fact that I've become a kind of tabloid obsession," she said. "I can't change that. And yes, the Web sites, the gossip pages, and all of that stuff have hurt my career — they're like the Burn Books of Hollywood."
Bret Michaels's Team Thanks Fans for Support
As Bret Michaels remains in critical condition in the hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the rocker has been in the thoughts and prayers of his fans.
"We can't thank everyone enough for all the well wishes and prayers being sent Bret's way," his management team writes in a new statement posted on Michaels's Web site Sunday evening. "Please remember Bret is, and always has been, a fighter and survivor and is under the best medical care possible."
The post also promises an update as soon as doctors find the cause of the bleeding in Michaels's brain.
Source: Bret Michaels Felt Like He'd Been 'Hit with a Baseball Bat'
"As of now Bret remains in ICU under 24 hour surveillance," the statement reads. "Further testing this week will help locate the source of the bleeding. Look for an official medical report from doctors this week here at BretMichaels.com."
Before he was transported to the undisclosed hospital, Michaels, 47, was suffering a massive headache, which he likened to "[getting] hit in the head with a baseball bat over and over again." According to a source close to the situation: "He still has the headache and is heavily sedated."
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Brooke Mueller and Charlie Sheen Living Apart
Brooke Mueller and Charlie Sheen’s marriage has hit another snag: The couple are living in separate homes, multiple sources tell PEOPLE.
"Sometimes when couples are trying to work things out, it's better if they don't reside under the same roof," says Sheen's rep. "There are no plans for either party to end their marriage."
A source says Mueller, who recently completed a 90-day rehab program, "needs to take a breather from Charlie. She is basically taking a break from the marriage. "
The couple’s twin sons, Bob and Max, are spending time with both parents. Mark Burg, Sheen’s close friend and executive producer on Two and a Half Men, says, "Charlie is at home with the boys and their nanny."
After theChristmas Day incident in Aspen, Colo., in which Sheen, 44, reportedly threatened his wife and was arrested on domestic violence charges, the couple tried to hold the marriage together for the sake of their kids, however, it has been a rocky road. Both Sheen and Mueller have spent time in rehab programs. While she went through inpatient and outpatient treatment, Sheen sought help as "a preventative measure" during a stressful time.
Now they are spending time apart and trying to determine the next step, say sources
"Sometimes when couples are trying to work things out, it's better if they don't reside under the same roof," says Sheen's rep. "There are no plans for either party to end their marriage."
A source says Mueller, who recently completed a 90-day rehab program, "needs to take a breather from Charlie. She is basically taking a break from the marriage. "
The couple’s twin sons, Bob and Max, are spending time with both parents. Mark Burg, Sheen’s close friend and executive producer on Two and a Half Men, says, "Charlie is at home with the boys and their nanny."
After theChristmas Day incident in Aspen, Colo., in which Sheen, 44, reportedly threatened his wife and was arrested on domestic violence charges, the couple tried to hold the marriage together for the sake of their kids, however, it has been a rocky road. Both Sheen and Mueller have spent time in rehab programs. While she went through inpatient and outpatient treatment, Sheen sought help as "a preventative measure" during a stressful time.
Now they are spending time apart and trying to determine the next step, say sources
Bret Michaels Told Fans He Was 'Not 100%'
Bret Michaels confessed to fans that he was not feeling "100%" the day before he suffered a massive brain hemorrhage.
"I'm feeling right about in the middle right now on a scale of 1 to 10," Michaels, who had undergone an emergency appendectomy on April 12, wrote on his Fancast blog. "I'm not 100% yet ... I have to get my blood sugar back in order, because it's been all over the place because every day I've been real active and you're not supposed to move around yet."
The rocker and current Celebrity Apprentice contestant, 47, also addressed fan questions about his diabetes and alcohol.
"I know people have been asking about drinking and being diabetic, and it's a very honest question," he blogged. "Here is the honest answer, and this is the truth: when I say 'party' and 'let's have fun,' I'm one of those guys that just likes to have a great time. I'm not a belligerent drunk. I don't need to drink. ... For a diabetic ... it's a double whammy because here's what happens with alcohol: when you're hung-over then you don't eat right, you don't take your insulin right. So it's best to stay away. But, I pick and choose my times when I'm going to have fun."
Still, in the wake of his appendectomy, Michaels acknowledged the need to slow down. "This was a wake-up call to be a little bit more diligent on keeping control of my health," he told fans. "I want to still have a great time, but ... I need to find something healthier to do on my day off then going out and finding a club to go hang out at. It's part of finding balance in my life."
Update on His Condition
While Michaels remains hospitalized under "intense observation" and further testing following his brain hemorrhage, his rep updated PEOPLE Saturday: "There are several incorrect reports on Bret's condition. Bret remains in critical condition at an undisclosed location. Further tests are being ran and information will be updated in the coming days."
His Apprentice boss, Donald Trump, also issued a statement that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Michaels' s condition.
"He's a great competitor and champion," said Trump, "and I hope he will be fine."
"I'm feeling right about in the middle right now on a scale of 1 to 10," Michaels, who had undergone an emergency appendectomy on April 12, wrote on his Fancast blog. "I'm not 100% yet ... I have to get my blood sugar back in order, because it's been all over the place because every day I've been real active and you're not supposed to move around yet."
The rocker and current Celebrity Apprentice contestant, 47, also addressed fan questions about his diabetes and alcohol.
"I know people have been asking about drinking and being diabetic, and it's a very honest question," he blogged. "Here is the honest answer, and this is the truth: when I say 'party' and 'let's have fun,' I'm one of those guys that just likes to have a great time. I'm not a belligerent drunk. I don't need to drink. ... For a diabetic ... it's a double whammy because here's what happens with alcohol: when you're hung-over then you don't eat right, you don't take your insulin right. So it's best to stay away. But, I pick and choose my times when I'm going to have fun."
Still, in the wake of his appendectomy, Michaels acknowledged the need to slow down. "This was a wake-up call to be a little bit more diligent on keeping control of my health," he told fans. "I want to still have a great time, but ... I need to find something healthier to do on my day off then going out and finding a club to go hang out at. It's part of finding balance in my life."
Update on His Condition
While Michaels remains hospitalized under "intense observation" and further testing following his brain hemorrhage, his rep updated PEOPLE Saturday: "There are several incorrect reports on Bret's condition. Bret remains in critical condition at an undisclosed location. Further tests are being ran and information will be updated in the coming days."
His Apprentice boss, Donald Trump, also issued a statement that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Michaels' s condition.
"He's a great competitor and champion," said Trump, "and I hope he will be fine."
Dina Lohan: Lindsay Is Not a Bad Influence on Her Sister
Dina Lohan is furious that her ex-husband Michael brought the Los Angeles Country Sheriff's Department to daughter Lindsay's apartment Thursday – and disputes his claim that the starlet is a bad influence on her younger sister, Ali.
"They scared the hell out of my girls," Dina tells PEOPLE. "Ali called me hysterically crying. They were hysterical and petrified of him. I spoke to the [police officer] and said, 'You don’t have a warrant, get out!'
Michael says he called the cops to perform a "welfare check" on daughter Ali, 16, because he was concerned about her safety. "Ali is being exposed to nightlife and the people Lindsay is surrounding herself with," he told Hollyscoop at the time. She's 16 and she doesn't belong there. She's a minor."
But Dina says Ali and Lindsay, 23, are perfectly safe.
"Lindsay is absolutely, 100 percent, not [a bad influence]," she says. "Ali is amazing. She loves her sister. Would I let my daughter go anywhere that's dangerous? I mean, come on, Ali and Lindsay need to be protected from their ex-father. That's the dangerous situation."
Though Michael says he wants to help his daughters, Dina thinks that by going public with his concerns, "he's creating a worse situation for everyone."
"Michael's not well," Dina says. "Nothing he does surprises me. He's dangerous. He's not going to be able to [intrude] again and get that close. Ali doesn't want to see him again. She has a block on her phone because she was so petrified of him"
Bottom line? "He needs to pay child support and leave his kids alone," Dina says. "I'm not going to sit idle and watch bad things happen to my kids."
"They scared the hell out of my girls," Dina tells PEOPLE. "Ali called me hysterically crying. They were hysterical and petrified of him. I spoke to the [police officer] and said, 'You don’t have a warrant, get out!'
Michael says he called the cops to perform a "welfare check" on daughter Ali, 16, because he was concerned about her safety. "Ali is being exposed to nightlife and the people Lindsay is surrounding herself with," he told Hollyscoop at the time. She's 16 and she doesn't belong there. She's a minor."
But Dina says Ali and Lindsay, 23, are perfectly safe.
"Lindsay is absolutely, 100 percent, not [a bad influence]," she says. "Ali is amazing. She loves her sister. Would I let my daughter go anywhere that's dangerous? I mean, come on, Ali and Lindsay need to be protected from their ex-father. That's the dangerous situation."
Though Michael says he wants to help his daughters, Dina thinks that by going public with his concerns, "he's creating a worse situation for everyone."
"Michael's not well," Dina says. "Nothing he does surprises me. He's dangerous. He's not going to be able to [intrude] again and get that close. Ali doesn't want to see him again. She has a block on her phone because she was so petrified of him"
Bottom line? "He needs to pay child support and leave his kids alone," Dina says. "I'm not going to sit idle and watch bad things happen to my kids."
James Cameron Slams 'Clash Of The Titans'
James Cameron is calling for movie bosses to put together a special organization to regulate the quality of 3D films - following the "stupid" decision to add effects to Clash Of The Titans.
The director embraced the technique when making his hugely successful sci-fi epic Avatar, and he's been championing 3D movies ever since. And he is convinced industry officials need to form a new organization to publicize and protect 3D films - because poor quality effects will harm the new genre.
Cameron says, "What I'd love to do is put together some kind of a forum with the DGA (Directors Guild of America), let's say, and maybe the ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) and we'd have to do it in Canada, too. I think some quality standards do need to be discussed. I think the studios and big distribution companies need to be included in that dialogue. Let's not do stupid stuff that's going to hurt this burgeoning marketplace."
And Cameron uses the Clash Of The Titans remake as an example, because movie bosses behind the film delayed its release so they could add 3D effects at the last minute.
He adds, "They worked against themselves with that film. I've heard people say that they couldn't watch (Clash of the Titans) in 3D and thought it looked better in 2D and they enjoyed the film more. I haven't seen the film, so I don't want to say too much, but I heard from enough sources that it was borderline unwatchable. And I have to say, I predicted that. When they said they were going to try to convert it to 3D in seven weeks, I said it's not possible. You can't do it. You can slap a 3D label on it and call it 3D, but there's no possible way that it can be done up to a standard that anybody would consider high enough."
The director embraced the technique when making his hugely successful sci-fi epic Avatar, and he's been championing 3D movies ever since. And he is convinced industry officials need to form a new organization to publicize and protect 3D films - because poor quality effects will harm the new genre.
Cameron says, "What I'd love to do is put together some kind of a forum with the DGA (Directors Guild of America), let's say, and maybe the ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) and we'd have to do it in Canada, too. I think some quality standards do need to be discussed. I think the studios and big distribution companies need to be included in that dialogue. Let's not do stupid stuff that's going to hurt this burgeoning marketplace."
And Cameron uses the Clash Of The Titans remake as an example, because movie bosses behind the film delayed its release so they could add 3D effects at the last minute.
He adds, "They worked against themselves with that film. I've heard people say that they couldn't watch (Clash of the Titans) in 3D and thought it looked better in 2D and they enjoyed the film more. I haven't seen the film, so I don't want to say too much, but I heard from enough sources that it was borderline unwatchable. And I have to say, I predicted that. When they said they were going to try to convert it to 3D in seven weeks, I said it's not possible. You can't do it. You can slap a 3D label on it and call it 3D, but there's no possible way that it can be done up to a standard that anybody would consider high enough."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Melanie Griffith: Antonio Was 'Amazing' During My Health Struggle
Having said she's beaten back the "monster" she calls her 30-year-old substance-abuse problems, an elegant Melanie Griffith looked the picture of health at her husband Antonio Banderas's side for Wednesday's opening of New York's Tribeca Film Festival. It was certainly a cause for many celebrations.
"He did everything," Griffith 52, told PEOPLE about Banderas's help during her struggle. (Last August, Griffith entered rehab for the third time, following stints in 1988 and 2000.) "He has been an amazing man."
"It's tough," Banderas, 49, admitted to PEOPLE, as he and Griffith appeared on the red carpet for the animated feature Shrek Forever After, in which the handsome Spaniard is not seen but heard – as the swashbuckling feline Puss in Boots.
Of his wife's return to health, he said, "The entire family participated in the process of rehabilitation. We went to the place where she was doing it, we participated in all the therapies … everything, everybody in the family. It's tough, but at the same time, very rewarding."
Besides Banderas, Griffith's family includes her mother, '60s screen star Tippi Hedren, 80; son Alexander (whose father is Griffith's second husband, actor Steven Bauer), 24; daughter Dakota (with her former husband Don Johnson), 20; and daughter (with Banderas) Stella, 14.
Having Griffith back in top shape must be wonderful, Banderas was asked. "Absolutely," he told PEOPLE, beaming as he spoke. "We are stronger right now than we were."
Melanie Griffith: Antonio Was 'Amazing' During My Health Struggle
Having said she's beaten back the "monster" she calls her 30-year-old substance-abuse problems, an elegant Melanie Griffith looked the picture of health at her husband Antonio Banderas's side for Wednesday's opening of New York's Tribeca Film Festival. It was certainly a cause for many celebrations.
"He did everything," Griffith 52, told PEOPLE about Banderas's help during her struggle. (Last August, Griffith entered rehab for the third time, following stints in 1988 and 2000.) "He has been an amazing man."
"It's tough," Banderas, 49, admitted to PEOPLE, as he and Griffith appeared on the red carpet for the animated feature Shrek Forever After, in which the handsome Spaniard is not seen but heard – as the swashbuckling feline Puss in Boots.
Of his wife's return to health, he said, "The entire family participated in the process of rehabilitation. We went to the place where she was doing it, we participated in all the therapies … everything, everybody in the family. It's tough, but at the same time, very rewarding."
Besides Banderas, Griffith's family includes her mother, '60s screen star Tippi Hedren, 80; son Alexander (whose father is Griffith's second husband, actor Steven Bauer), 24; daughter Dakota (with her former husband Don Johnson), 20; and daughter (with Banderas) Stella, 14.
Having Griffith back in top shape must be wonderful, Banderas was asked. "Absolutely," he told PEOPLE, beaming as he spoke. "We are stronger right now than we were."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tori Spelling getting a talk show?
Tori Spelling has tackled a prime time drama, a sitcom, a reality show, and now she's making a move for her own daytime talk show. The LA Times reports that ABC is in the early stages of developing a show featuring Tori and a male co-host.
The co-host has yet to be cast, but the network is looking for someone to be Tori's new BFF. Apparently ABC wants Tori and her co-host to have a "Will and Grace" vibe, but we hope they're more like Karen and Jack.
The development begs the question of where the show will fit into ABC's current lineup. ABC now has four hours of daytime programming: "The View," "One Life to Live," "All My Children," and "General Hospital." With a new show moving into the lineup, one of the soaps may have to go.
In other daytime news, CBS is working on a daytime vehicle for Julie Chen. According to Page Six, the show will feature several hosts including Chen and possibly "Roseanne" star Sara Gilbert. The source says "It's a daytime panel show to take on 'The View,' targeted at women with children and hosted by celebrities, journalists and regular moms. A pilot will be shot in early May."
Heather Locklear Arrested for Hit-and-Run
It looks like Heather Locklear is in trouble again.
The actress was arrested for allegedly hitting a no-parking sign on a public street early Saturday morning near her gated-community home in Ventura County, Calif., and left without notifying anyone, police say.
The actress, who was driving a black 2005 BMW, was cited for misdemeanor hit-and-run after Ventura County Sheriffs examined debris left at the scene and traced it back to her car, sheriff's spokesman Ross Bonfiglio tells PEOPLE.
"While Locklear was technically arrested, she was not handcuffed or taken to a station because it was just a misdemeanor charge," Bonfiglio says. "She was cooperative, but I can't give any information about any statements she made. She was cited and released. She signed a document stating she would make a court appearance."
Her attorney, Blair Berk, says Locklear may not have been at the wheel at the time.
"Ms. Locklear was cited with a misdemeanor traffic ticket as she is the registered owner of the vehicle. She was never taken into custody," Berk says. "The matter is still being looked into as it is not yet clear who was driving the vehicle."
Police were alerted by a neighbor who heard a crash around 4 a.m., but didn't call police until later that evening.
"It appears she drove up on a curb and hit the sign," says Bonfiglio. "We don't have any hard evidence that alcohol was involved. We don't know if anyone was in the car with her at the time."
Her court date is set for May 17.
Locklear is currently serving a three-year probation term after she pleaded no contest to reckless driving following her DUI arrest in September 2008. The DUI charge was ultimately dropped in that case.
It's unclear whether a court will deem this latest incident as a violation of her probation. "If she's found guilty of this alleged crime, it would most likely be a violation of her probation, in which case she could be facing up to 90 days in jail," says Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter. "But we'll probably wait to see what the outcome of this latest case is."
Locklear’s rep had no comment.
Rihanna 'Okay' After Being Hospitalized for Injured Rib
Rihanna is feeling fine after being briefly hospitalized Monday night.
The singer, 22, who was taken to a private clinic after performing a concert in Zurich, Switzerland, "had an injured rib and went to have it looked at to be sure it was nothing serious, and it wasn't," her rep tells PEOPLE.
Rihanna continued the European leg of her "Last Girl on Earth" tour Tuesday night with a concert in Lyon, France, and is expected to play in Marseille on Wednesday, according to reports.
Adds the rep, "All is okay and the tour is going great."
Rihanna plans to kick off her North American tour in Seattle with pop star Ke$ha in July.
Kate Gosselin: I Was ‘Facing My Fears’ on DWTS
After tearfully bidding farewell to the Dancing with the Stars cast on Tuesday night, Kate Gosselin said she was glad she made it as far as she did in the competition.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said I wasn’t a dancer,” she tells PEOPLE. “I was facing my fears. I’m really thankful to have had such an incredible opportunity.”
The mom of eight was voted off the show along with partner Tony Dovolani after scoring 15 out of 30 points Monday night with their Breakfast Club-themed foxtrot — and after several weeks of low scores and disparaging reviews from the show’s panel of judges.
“This is a win for us,” said Dovolani. “Nobody gave her a chance past the second week. The fact that we made it past the second week is all thanks to the fans.”
Despite expressing frustration with continued bad reviews, Gosselin says she wasn’t ready to take off her dancing shoes. “I’m going to miss the excitement, I’m going to miss Tony,” she says. “I’m not going to miss the fear of a new dance or the scores.”
She also won’t miss the commute between Los Angeles and her home (and kids) in Pennsylvania. “I’m going to go home and start making dinner and hanging out with my kids,” she says. “I’m always looking forward to spending more time with my kids.”
Robert Downey Jr To Play Wizard Of Oz?
Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly set to team up with director Sam Mendes to bring the Wizard Of Oz back to life.
The original 1939 movie, starring Judy Garland, became a cinematic classic, while another film based on L. Frank Baum's books, Return To Oz, was released by Disney in 1985.
Now, movie-makers are preparing to return to the Emerald City on the big screen in a new picture about the wonderful wizard, titled Oz The Great and Powerful. The film will be a prequel to the Garland movie, based on Baum's work, and will tell the story of a young circus magician who ends up ruler of the magical country after crash-landing there in a hot air balloon.
Mendes, whose work on the next Bond film was put on hold indefinitely, is now in talks to direct the picture, while Downey Jr. has been lined up to play the wizard, according to Production Weekly.
The picture is one of a number of different Oz adaptations in the works, including a big screen version of hit stage musical Wicked, and Oz, which sees Dorothy's granddaughter sent to the Emerald City to "fight evil,"
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pink Is Really Not Pregnant, Says Rep
Pink has been coy about rampant rumors that she's pregnant, but a rep for the singer has a clear message: "Pink is not expecting."
Rumors began circulating earlier this month that the singer and her husband, Carey Hart, might be expanding their family after Pink was photographed appearing to have a slight baby bump.
In a move that had fans wondering if she was joking or dropping hints, Pink posted a message on Twitter last week, saying "Off to the gym. Lord knows when this 600-lb baby comes out that I've been growing for 8 years, i better be strong and physically prepared!!!" Good to know she has a strong sense of humor.
Kim Kardashian Defends Her Controversial Photo
No animals were harmed during this photo shoot with Kim Kardashian.
That's the reality star's message to fans who reacted negatively to a photo she posted online showing her holding a cat by the scruff of the neck during a shoot over the weekend.
Kardashian, 29, wrote in a blog post Monday: "Rest assured, the owner and vet were on set and showed me how to pick him up. The cat was not harmed in any way and is perfectly fine! I love animals and would never do anything to harm any animals."
Animal-rights groups didn't strongly condemn Kardashian – clearly she wasn't intentionally harming the cat – but did say her actions weren't ideal.
A rep for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals told the New York Daily News: "Kim Kardashian isn't the only person who mistakenly thinks that because a mother cat picks up her kittens by the scruff of the neck that a supportive hand under the rump isn't needed. But I'll bet plenty of fans have let her know – nicely, we hope!"
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' L.A. chapter said kittens can be held by the scruff for a brief amount of time but warned that "the manner in which Ms. Kardashian is holding the kitten could lead others to mishandle animals."
That's the reality star's message to fans who reacted negatively to a photo she posted online showing her holding a cat by the scruff of the neck during a shoot over the weekend.
Kardashian, 29, wrote in a blog post Monday: "Rest assured, the owner and vet were on set and showed me how to pick him up. The cat was not harmed in any way and is perfectly fine! I love animals and would never do anything to harm any animals."
Animal-rights groups didn't strongly condemn Kardashian – clearly she wasn't intentionally harming the cat – but did say her actions weren't ideal.
A rep for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals told the New York Daily News: "Kim Kardashian isn't the only person who mistakenly thinks that because a mother cat picks up her kittens by the scruff of the neck that a supportive hand under the rump isn't needed. But I'll bet plenty of fans have let her know – nicely, we hope!"
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' L.A. chapter said kittens can be held by the scruff for a brief amount of time but warned that "the manner in which Ms. Kardashian is holding the kitten could lead others to mishandle animals."
NBC renews "Parenthood"
NBC has picked up Parenthood for a second season!
The sublime family drama, from Friday Night Lights boss Jason Katims, has been averaging a solid 3.2 rating among adults 18—49 since debuting last month.
“We are so happy to welcome back this multilayered and compelling series about an extended American family for another season,” NBC prez Angela Bromstad said in a statement. “It’s gratifying that Parenthood continues to garner critical acclaim and is generating highly positive reaction from viewers, thanks to the fearless creativity of its producers and the extraordinary performances delivered by its ensemble cast.”
The sublime family drama, from Friday Night Lights boss Jason Katims, has been averaging a solid 3.2 rating among adults 18—49 since debuting last month.
“We are so happy to welcome back this multilayered and compelling series about an extended American family for another season,” NBC prez Angela Bromstad said in a statement. “It’s gratifying that Parenthood continues to garner critical acclaim and is generating highly positive reaction from viewers, thanks to the fearless creativity of its producers and the extraordinary performances delivered by its ensemble cast.”
'Octomom' tells Oprah she'll never do reality TV
Octuplets mother Nadya Suleman says being known as ``Octomom'' makes her feel like a ``carnival attraction.''
Appearing on ``The Oprah Winfrey Show'' Tuesday, the mother of 14 children told Winfrey that she will never do a reality television show and that ``a parent must provide for their kids, not the other way around.''
Last June, Suleman's lawyer said she had signed a deal to star in a reality TV series to be filmed by a Netherlands-based production company.
Suleman gave birth to six boys and two girls in January 2009. The oldest of her six other children is eight.
The Southern California woman also told Winfrey via satellite that she feels ``tremendous guilt'' when she holds one or two of her children and can't be there for the others.
Kelly Ripa: My Husband Pays Me to Keep My Clothes On
Kelly Ripa advised one couple on NBC's The Marriage Ref to get a stripper pole. But Ripa herself needs no such encouragement to spice things up at home – in fact, quite the opposite.
"He actually pays me money to keep my clothes on!" Ripa, 39, joked to PEOPLE of husband Mark Consuelos at the Point Honors benefit on Monday night in New York, which she co-hosted with Bravo's Andy Cohen.
"I'm actually given money to put on a parka. 'Put your parka on! Here's another dollar. Put on that hat!' "
Consuelos doesn't agree – "Yeah, right," he says – but he isn't about to settle the argument, or any of their arguments, with a marriage ref of their own. "She always wins," he explains. "There's no use in having one!"
But as fearless as Ripa may be behind closed doors with her hubby, public speaking is a another animal.
"This is much scarier for me," the Live With Regis & Kelly co-host said of her duties at the gala, which honors lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders. "I always say I feel like the live morning show is just my living room and I'm just having coffee. Being at these important events where it matters what I'm saying – it's to raise money, and you want to give people a good show but still get the message out there."
Scarlett Johansson Finds Comfort in Marriage – and Cooking
She's long been considered one of Hollywood's bombshells, but at home, Scarlett Johansson relishes being a domestic goddess.
"He loves to eat," the May cover girl tells InStyle of playing wife and cooking for husband Ryan Reynolds.
"I like cooking alone – I find it very therapeutic," she says. "I put on some music, maybe have a glass of wine, and make something like a turkey Bolognese or a nice frittata."
Though the 25-year-old continues to remain tight-lipped when discussing Reynolds, Johansson does open up about the changes in her life after 18 months of marriage.
Tara Reid Changes Facebook Status To 'Single' - Ends Engagement?
Tara Reid has reportedly called off her engagement to businessman boyfriend Michael Axtmann after changing her status on social networking website Facebook to "single."
The "American Pie" star has been dating Axtmann since early last year, and the Internet entrepreneur proposed during a night out in Los Angeles in January.
The pair was reported to be planning a small summer wedding, but Reid has now taken to the internet to alter her relationship status, according to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.
The actress had already started making plans for her big day, and had reportedly enlisted wedding dress designer Rani Totman to style her.
She recently revealed, "I've always wanted that fairytale Cinderella look. There's only one moment in your entire life when you can dress like that, so I want to go over-the-top. A total princess."
She added, "Seeing myself and picturing Michael at the altar, I get butterflies in my stomach."
Cheryl Cole To Become A Disney Star?
British singer Cheryl Cole is in talks to land a role in a Disney TV movie, according to a U.K. report.
The Girls Aloud star, who is a judge on Simon Cowell's British talent contest The X Factor, is reportedly holding discussions with Disney producers to appear in a one-off show, similar to 2008's Camp Rock, which starred The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.
And executives are hoping to make Cole the next big Disney star, following in the footsteps of Miley Cyrus and Zac Efron, according to Britain's Daily Mirror.
A source tells the publication, "Cheryl is the full package. She's got it all - brains (and) beauty. It's unbelievable the level of interest she stirred up in the Disney studios following her recent trips to L.A., where she was making her recent music video. That Parachute video with (dancer) Derek Hough, who is massive in the States because of Dancing With The Stars, really showed just how graceful and dynamic she can be. From her experiences with Girls Aloud, she can also handle the high energy routines, so the plan is to incorporate her in a show. It's early... but a one-off like Camp Rock would be the way to go."
And Disney star Selena Gomez insists she'd love for the British beauty to be her co-star, gushing, "Oh my goodness, I'd love to work with Cheryl Cole on a Disney show. I've just seen that video Parachute. She is beautiful. I'd love to."
Monday, April 19, 2010
Carrie Underwood Not Stressing about Wedding Plans
With love, life and career going so wonderfully for Carrie Underwood, why get anxious about a little thing like a wedding?
That seems to be the country star's attitude, particularly after winning the coveted entertainer of the year prize for the second straight year at Sunday's 45th Academy of Country Music Awards.
"We're not people who stress about anything," Underwood, 27, told PEOPLE on Sunday about planning her nuptials with hockey player Mike Fisher. "We just focus on a few of the main things, and everything is like, whatever."
She added: "I don't care what color napkins are on the table. I don't care. We're just both really laid back. Family, food and fun, that's all we really need. And, oh yeah, get married."
PHOTOS: Country Does Vegas!
Fisher, 29, was playing for the Senators in Ottawa on Sunday and wasn't able to join his fiancée in Las Vegas. But he did text her during her acceptance speech – and she clearly felt the love from a distance.
"I couldn't ask for anything else in my whole life," she said. "So many things have been happening and being on tour and planning a wedding. Nights like this make life wonderful."
Isla Fisher Pregnant Again?
Newlywed actress Isla Fisher has fueled rumors she's expecting her second child with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen after she was snapped sporting a bulging belly.
The "Wedding Crashers" star exchanged vows with Cohen in a small, private ceremony in Paris, France, in March in front of close friends and family.
But the couple appears to be preparing for a new addition to its family after the Aussie star was spotted out in Los Angeles this weekend with what appears to be a distinctive baby bump.
Fisher and Borat actor Cohen, who have been together since 2002, are already parents to two-year-old daughter Olive.
Representatives for the stars had yet to respond to requests for a comment as WENN went to press.
"Dragons' Barely Beats 'Kick-Ass" At Box Office
Animated hit "How To Train Your Dragon" has narrowly beaten action comedy "Kick-Ass" to the top of the box office chart, according to early studio estimates.
The family film scraped ahead with a weekend gross of $20 million on its fourth week on release, compared to "Kick-Ass'" opening takings of $19.8 million.
But it will be another close call for the second week running - the two movies could easily switch positions when exact ticket sales for Sunday are calculated on Monday.
Meanwhile, romantic comedy "Date Night" is at three this week with $17.3 million, while "Death at a Funeral" entered the box office chart at four with $17 million.
"Clash of the Titans," which edged out Steve Carrell's "Date Night" to take the top spot last week, tumbled from number one to round out the new top five at five.
The family film scraped ahead with a weekend gross of $20 million on its fourth week on release, compared to "Kick-Ass'" opening takings of $19.8 million.
But it will be another close call for the second week running - the two movies could easily switch positions when exact ticket sales for Sunday are calculated on Monday.
Meanwhile, romantic comedy "Date Night" is at three this week with $17.3 million, while "Death at a Funeral" entered the box office chart at four with $17 million.
"Clash of the Titans," which edged out Steve Carrell's "Date Night" to take the top spot last week, tumbled from number one to round out the new top five at five.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Christina Applegate Is Getting Married!
Christina Applegate said last year that her goal was to find "happiness and joy" – and she has done just that with her new fiancé Martyn Lenoble.
"Christina Applegate and musician Martyn Lenoble are engaged," her rep confirmed to PEOPLE Friday. The couple, who have been dating for two years, got engaged on Valentine’s Day.
Applegate has been through a rough couple of years. The Samantha Who? star was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2008 and later underwent a double mastectomy, the reconstructive surgery.
This will be the second marriage for both Applegate and Lenoble. No date has been set for the wedding.
"Christina Applegate and musician Martyn Lenoble are engaged," her rep confirmed to PEOPLE Friday. The couple, who have been dating for two years, got engaged on Valentine’s Day.
Applegate has been through a rough couple of years. The Samantha Who? star was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2008 and later underwent a double mastectomy, the reconstructive surgery.
This will be the second marriage for both Applegate and Lenoble. No date has been set for the wedding.
Friday, April 16, 2010
State: Pamela Anderson Owes $493K in Income Taxes
California officials say former "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson has failed to pay $493,000 in personal income tax. Anderson is on the annual list of delinquent taxpayers released Monday by the California Franchise Tax Board.
The 42-year-old actress is currently competing on the television show "Dancing With the Stars."
Anderson is among 250 individual and business taxpayers that owe more than $100,000 in back taxes. State records show a tax lien for $493,144 was filed against Anderson in April 2009.
Her attorney, Robert T. Leonard of Woodland Hills, says he is representing Anderson in the matter but declined to comment further.
Reality TV star Tila Tequila is no longer pregnant
The colourful singer/model launched her new single I Love My DJ at New York's Greenhouse on Wednesday and looked nothing like a four-month-pregnant mum-to-be.
With a bleached blonde new do and a low-cut salmon pink mini-dress, Tequila bounced around the club at the Alma tequila-sponsored event.
And now her new publicist, Brad Taylor, has confirmed his client is no longer with child.
He tells WENN, "She's not pregnant. There were medical complications."
Tequila announced she was pregnant in January and prompted fears for her wellbeing and the welfare of her unborn baby a month later following a fall at her Los Angeles home.
The pin-up was admitted to hospital on 13 February after hitting her head in the fall.
In a panicked post on her Twitter.com blog, Tequila wrote, "I just fell off of my chair, slammed my head into the wall and heard the back of my skull crack. There's a dent in it now!"
She added, "Ambulance on the way to my house. I could have a brain concussion and die in a few hours."
She was diagnosed with a concussion and sent home, where she returned to Twitter.com to express fears about her baby's health after experiencing pains in her stomach.
In a series of bizarre blog posts, she wrote, "I just woke up in the middle of the night cuz (sic) I'm having these intense sharp pains in my belly... Something is definitely wrong. The hospital gave me a list of symptoms (of miscarriage) & this is one of them."
She then posted messages about taking her own life, writing, "I told my friend I would just kill myself if anything ever happened."
But she decided against calling emergency services and signed off with another note explaining she would try and sleep off the pain before boarding a flight to Australia.
Her new publicist has refused to go into details about the "medical complications" that ended Tequila's pregnancy, but added , "She's very healthy and going out."
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Rapper Denies Hitting Mom With Gun
A rapper from the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony said this week that he did not hit his mother with a gun more than a decade ago, a charge that led to his arrest during a recent concert in Ohio.
Flesh-N-Bone, whose real name is Stanley Howse, said he was unaware of the domestic violence and felonious assault charges from 1998 when he was taken into custody last month during a show in the group's hometown of Cleveland.
Sheriff's spokesman John O'Brien said then that deputies didn't wait until after the show because Howse seemed to notice them, invited audience members to the stage and tried to slip out. He was arrested backstage.
The 36-year-old rapper said Wednesday night before a concert in Atlanta that he did not remember the 1998 incident. He is accused of leaving a 1-inch gash on his mother's head. O'Brien said his mother and two witnesses described the incident.
"It didn't happen," Howse said while group members Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish Bone sat beside him. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is currently on a promotional tour for the upcoming album, "Uni-5: The World's Enemy," which will be released May 4.
Howse said he and his mother have a solid relationship and she is still very upset about his arrest. He said she lived with him for a year after he was released from a California jail in 2008 after he was sentenced for assault with an assault rifle and being an ex-convict with a gun.
"I would never do anything like that to my mother," he says. "Anyone that thinks I would do something like need to check themselves."
The group won a Grammy in 1997 for best rap performance for the song "Crossroads."
Flesh-N-Bone, whose real name is Stanley Howse, said he was unaware of the domestic violence and felonious assault charges from 1998 when he was taken into custody last month during a show in the group's hometown of Cleveland.
Sheriff's spokesman John O'Brien said then that deputies didn't wait until after the show because Howse seemed to notice them, invited audience members to the stage and tried to slip out. He was arrested backstage.
The 36-year-old rapper said Wednesday night before a concert in Atlanta that he did not remember the 1998 incident. He is accused of leaving a 1-inch gash on his mother's head. O'Brien said his mother and two witnesses described the incident.
"It didn't happen," Howse said while group members Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone and Wish Bone sat beside him. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is currently on a promotional tour for the upcoming album, "Uni-5: The World's Enemy," which will be released May 4.
Howse said he and his mother have a solid relationship and she is still very upset about his arrest. He said she lived with him for a year after he was released from a California jail in 2008 after he was sentenced for assault with an assault rifle and being an ex-convict with a gun.
"I would never do anything like that to my mother," he says. "Anyone that thinks I would do something like need to check themselves."
The group won a Grammy in 1997 for best rap performance for the song "Crossroads."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
CNN's Larry King files for divorce from 7th wife
Larry King has filed for divorce from his seventh wife, court filings show. The 76-year-old host of CNN's ``Larry King Live'' filed Wednesday to end the couple's nearly 13-year marriage, citing ``irreconcilable differences.'' He married Shawn Southwick-King in a hospital room in 1997 three days before surgery to clear a clogged blood vessel.
The couple have two sons, ages 11 and 9. King is seeking joint custody of the boys. He is also asking a court not to award Southwick-King, 50, any spousal support.
`His major concern is the welfare of his children,'' said Howard Rubenstein, a spokesman for King.
He said Southwick-King filed for divorce moments after King's filing. Her filing was not immediately available.
Rubenstein said the talk-show host would not comment further on the divorce.
The filing was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.
King's nightly news and interview show has been a CNN mainstay for nearly 25 years.
He and Southwick-King started house-hunting in California shortly after their marriage and lived in Beverly Hills. He is a Los Angeles Dodgers season ticket-holder and announced the start of the team's home opener to fans Tuesday.
King has three children from previous relationships.
Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva Call It Quits
Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva have split after a year of dating, a source tells UsMagazine.com.
The source tells Us that the two, who met on the set of Edge of Darkness, called it quits "months ago."
"No one dumped anyone," the source says. "It's all very friendly."
Gibson and Grigorieva, a Russian musician, are parents to a 5-month-old daughter, Lucia. The source does not believe there will be a custody battle.
Last August, Grigorieva said she didn't know if she'd wed Gibson.
"We haven't really talked about it," she told CNN.
Gibson filed for divorce from his wife of 28 years, Robyn, last April. They are parents to seven children. The couple were worth $900 million and it was believed to be the most expensive divorce settlement in Hollywood history.
Grigorieva has a son named Alexander with her ex boyfriend, Timothy Dalton.
Filming of Seagal's ``Lawman'' suspended
Production of a television show featuring reserve deputy and movie star Steven Seagal will be suspended ``for the time being'' as Seagal faces sexual harassment allegations, a suburban New Orleans sheriff said Wednesday.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the continued video recording of the reality series, ``Steven Seagal Lawman,'' would be a distraction for the department in light of allegations made against Seagal by a woman in a California civil lawsuit.
Kayden Nguyen, a 23-year-old model, sued Seagal for $1 million on Monday in Los Angeles, alleging he sexually harassed her and engaged in sex trafficking. Her lawsuit claims Seagal hired her as an executive assistant and flew her to Louisiana while he was making the reality series and repeatedly groped and fondled her.
She claims she was kept at a house in Lafitte, La., for several days and that Seagal repeatedly fondled and groped her, touching her genitals and breasts without permission. She claims two other women were kept at the house and were used by the actor for sexual purposes.
She also claims Seagal forced her to take illegal prescription medications and that she repeatedly complained to others on Seagal's staff but wasn't allowed to leave the home. Nguyen states she fled the house after several days and borrowed money to return to Los Angeles.
Seagal's attorney, Marty Singer, denied the allegations and said in a statement that Nguyen was fired for illegal drug use.
``The claims in her lawsuit are a complete fabrication without a scintilla of truth,'' Singer wrote.
Normand, at a news conference Wednesday, said he does not plan an investigation of the allegations unless the woman makes a criminal or administrative complaint against Seagal with the sheriff's office.
Her attorney, William S. Waldo, said she talked to Seagal about the alleged abuse, but didn't report it to authorities. ``She reported it to Steven Seagal,'' Waldo said. ``In Jefferson Parish, Mr. Seagal is the police.''
Nguyen filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing and requested an immediate finding that she could sue Seagal. The agency granted that request and closed her case on April 1, court filings show.
Normand said he has informed A&E, the network that airs the show, and ITV Studios that it would be disruptive to continue making the show, in which cameras follow Seagal when he answers calls as a reserve deputy, with so much media interest in the Seagal case.
``I did not think it would be in our best interest to continue filming at the present time,'' he said.
``We are aware of Sheriff Normand's decision to halt production on 'Steven Seagal Lawman' at this time and we have no further comment,'' A&E spokesman Dan Silberman said.
Silberman confirmed that the show was in production when it was shut down by the sheriff and that there was no alternative plan to resume production at this time.
Although no action is planned against Seagal, Normand said he wouldn't get any special treatment.
A phone message left for Nguyen's attorney after the sheriff's news conference was not immediately returned.
Seagal's attorney also wasn't immediately available for comment.
Associated Press reporter Anthony McCartney contributed to this report from Los Angeles.
Filming of Seagal's ``Lawman'' suspended
Production of a television show featuring reserve deputy and movie star Steven Seagal will be suspended ``for the time being'' as Seagal faces sexual harassment allegations, a suburban New Orleans sheriff said Wednesday.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the continued video recording of the reality series, ``Steven Seagal Lawman,'' would be a distraction for the department in light of allegations made against Seagal by a woman in a California civil lawsuit.
Kayden Nguyen, a 23-year-old model, sued Seagal for $1 million on Monday in Los Angeles, alleging he sexually harassed her and engaged in sex trafficking. Her lawsuit claims Seagal hired her as an executive assistant and flew her to Louisiana while he was making the reality series and repeatedly groped and fondled her.
She claims she was kept at a house in Lafitte, La., for several days and that Seagal repeatedly fondled and groped her, touching her genitals and breasts without permission. She claims two other women were kept at the house and were used by the actor for sexual purposes.
She also claims Seagal forced her to take illegal prescription medications and that she repeatedly complained to others on Seagal's staff but wasn't allowed to leave the home. Nguyen states she fled the house after several days and borrowed money to return to Los Angeles.
Seagal's attorney, Marty Singer, denied the allegations and said in a statement that Nguyen was fired for illegal drug use.
``The claims in her lawsuit are a complete fabrication without a scintilla of truth,'' Singer wrote.
Normand, at a news conference Wednesday, said he does not plan an investigation of the allegations unless the woman makes a criminal or administrative complaint against Seagal with the sheriff's office.
Her attorney, William S. Waldo, said she talked to Seagal about the alleged abuse, but didn't report it to authorities. ``She reported it to Steven Seagal,'' Waldo said. ``In Jefferson Parish, Mr. Seagal is the police.''
Nguyen filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing and requested an immediate finding that she could sue Seagal. The agency granted that request and closed her case on April 1, court filings show.
Normand said he has informed A&E, the network that airs the show, and ITV Studios that it would be disruptive to continue making the show, in which cameras follow Seagal when he answers calls as a reserve deputy, with so much media interest in the Seagal case.
``I did not think it would be in our best interest to continue filming at the present time,'' he said.
``We are aware of Sheriff Normand's decision to halt production on 'Steven Seagal Lawman' at this time and we have no further comment,'' A&E spokesman Dan Silberman said.
Silberman confirmed that the show was in production when it was shut down by the sheriff and that there was no alternative plan to resume production at this time.
Although no action is planned against Seagal, Normand said he wouldn't get any special treatment.
A phone message left for Nguyen's attorney after the sheriff's news conference was not immediately returned.
Seagal's attorney also wasn't immediately available for comment.
Associated Press reporter Anthony McCartney contributed to this report from Los Angeles.
Rickey Minor replacing Eubanks on 'Tonight Show'
`American Idol'' music director Rickey Minor is headed for ``The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.''
Minor replaces longtime music director Kevin Eubanks, who on Monday's show made his May 28 exit date official.
In an announcement Tuesday, NBC said Minor is expected to debut at ``Tonight'' on June 7.
The current season of ``American Idol'' ends in late May, after which Minor will continue to consult with ``Idol'' creator Simon Fuller on various projects, NBC said.
Minor has also served as music director of the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and ``The NAACP Image Awards.''
His 2009 book, ``There's No Traffic on the Extra Mile,'' shares his recollections of collaborating with such performing artists as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles and Beyonce.
``We couldn't be more excited,'' said Debbie Vickers, ``Tonight'' executive producer. She said the show ``has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it's great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford (Marsalis).''
Eubanks has been aboard ``Tonight'' since Leno took over as host in 1992. He became music director when Marsalis left in 1995, with duties that included strumming the guitar and playing Leno's comic sidekick. In February, NBC said Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording.
NBC is owned by The General Electric Co.
Minor replaces longtime music director Kevin Eubanks, who on Monday's show made his May 28 exit date official.
In an announcement Tuesday, NBC said Minor is expected to debut at ``Tonight'' on June 7.
The current season of ``American Idol'' ends in late May, after which Minor will continue to consult with ``Idol'' creator Simon Fuller on various projects, NBC said.
Minor has also served as music director of the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and ``The NAACP Image Awards.''
His 2009 book, ``There's No Traffic on the Extra Mile,'' shares his recollections of collaborating with such performing artists as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles and Beyonce.
``We couldn't be more excited,'' said Debbie Vickers, ``Tonight'' executive producer. She said the show ``has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it's great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford (Marsalis).''
Eubanks has been aboard ``Tonight'' since Leno took over as host in 1992. He became music director when Marsalis left in 1995, with duties that included strumming the guitar and playing Leno's comic sidekick. In February, NBC said Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording.
NBC is owned by The General Electric Co.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
