Gerad Butler in Rehab
Gerard Butler is being treated for substance abuse at the Betty Ford Center. Butler's problems were triggered by the physical demands of shooting "300" in 2006.  The actor began struggling with pain management, and the problem became exacerbated while filming "Of Men and Mavericks," when Butler was badly hurt on December 18 during a surfing accident. Butler realized he was relying too much on prescription drugs and decided to head off a full-blown addiction by entering Betty Ford 3 weeks ago. Butler also developed issues with cocaine, but the root problem appears to be the injuries and pain management.


Chris Brown Steals Fan's iPhone
Chris Brown faces new potential troubles with the law after allegedly snatching a woman's iPhone as she tried to snap his picture outside a Miami Beach nightclub. "B----, you ain't going to put that on no website," the singer, 22, angrily told the fan as he reached through his Bentley window around 4 a.m. Sunday and took the phone from her hands, according to a police report. No charges have yet been filed as the case remains under investigation. "My prosecutors are currently speaking with witnesses and reviewing all of the materials supplied by Miami Beach Police," says Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "Only after these reviews have been completed would any type of action be considered or taken." The Miami Beach police incident report provided by Christal Shanae Spann accuses the R&B star of "robbery by sudden snatching" outside the Cameo nightclub. Brown was sentenced to five years probation after assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna before the 2009 Grammy Awards. The pair have become friendly again and recently collaborated on songs.


Brooke Mueller Charged with Felony Possession
Brooke Mueller has been charged with felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute stemming from her December 2 arrest in Aspen, Colorado. Brooke has been charged with one count of having MORE than 4 grams of cocaine  ... but prosecutors have covered themselves by filing another count -- possessing LESS than 4 grams, in case there's a problem with the measurement. The amount of coke Brooke allegedly possessed determines the penalty ... if she's convicted.  For more than 4 grams, Brooke could face 6 years in prison.  For less than 4 grams, she'd face 18 months in prison.  But the reality is ... since she would be a first time offender, she'd almost certainly get probation. Brooke is also charged with assaulting a woman earlier that night ... which allegedly resulted in bodily injury.




TV NEWS
FX has greenlit a Season 4 for the Emmy-nominated Archer. The animated espionage series’ third season — airing Thursdays at 10/9c, with the finale set for March 22 — has been enjoying gains of 32 percent in total viewers and 44 percent in the 18-49 demo, compared to its sophomore run.


TLC has ordered to series its one-time special Extreme Cheapskates.


Josh Hopkins is venturing out beyond the cul-de-sac to spend some time with Mary Shannon. The Cougar Town star has landed a multi-episode arc on the final season of USA Network’s In Plain Sight, playing a single father who attempts to romance the U.S. Marshal before she crosses paths with her former fiancé Raph


Interested in being America’s Next Top Model? Well, now (maybe) you can. Through March 11, The CW’s long-running reality series is holding open casting calls across the nation for its upcoming college-themed season. For full details and locations, head to CWTV.com.


CMT has doled out Season 2 orders to Bayou Billionaires and My Big Redneck Vacation, both slated to launch in June.


CBS just closed deals with Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis to star in a period piece about a real-life rodeo cowboy-turned-sheriff. Quaid will make his series debut as Las Vegas lawdog Ralph Lamb in this untitled drama from writers Nicholas Pileggi and Greg Walker. Chiklis gets to chuck the white hat for a change and play a Chicago mob fixer named Johnny Lamb whose vision for building up Sin City doesn’t exactly gel with Lamb’s law-and-order approach.


Former Prison Break baddie Robert Knepper has joined The CW’s Cult. Knepper (who most recently appeared on Heroes and Stargate Universe) will play both naughty and nice on Cult as Roger Reeves, an actor who portrays a charismatic cult leader in the series’ show-within-a-show


Both Roselyn Sanchez (Without a Trace) and Judy Reyes (Scrubs) are set to join Ana Ortiz and Dania Ramirez on Marc Cherry’s new ABC sudser Devious Maids, which follows four women working for the rich and powerful in Beverly Hills. Sanchez will play an aspiring singer who does housework for a famous pop star, while Reyes is a senior maid who works alongside her teen daughter.


CBS has inked a deal that keeps the Kennedy Center Honors special airing on the network through 2018.


Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live) and Danny Comden (Urban Legend) have joined the cast of the NBC comedy pilot Lady Friends. The potential series features two friends, Nicole (Andrea Anders) and Jen, who have very different lives but can’t live without each other. Dratch is their newest pal, while Comden will play Jen’s ex-husband.

 In a controversial move, National Enquirer has published a photo of Whitney Houston in an open coffin with the headline, "Whitney: The Last Photo!" The picture was reportedly taken during Houston's private wake, held Friday inside Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J. Only close friends and family were invited to the service, and it's unclear who took the photo. The Enquirer is known to pay large sums of money for private photos. According to the Enquirer, Houston is pictured wearing her favorite purple dress, more than $500,000 in jewelry and gold slippers. On the inside liner of the casket, Houston's famous nickname "Nippy" is visible and surrounded by music notes. Reactions on Twitter have been flooding in, with users alleging that the Enquirer "crossed the line" and "disrespected" the late Houston by running such a private photo. It's not the first time the Enquirer has published a picture of a late entertainer in their casket: The tabloid ran a similar photo of Elvis Presley after he died in 1977. Houston passed away on Feb. 11, 2012, in a bathtub at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the age of 48. She was celebrated during a funeral service on Feb. 18 at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark and was laid to rest the following day in a plot next to her father.

Aretha Franklin Denies Rift with Whitney Houston's Mother

Aretha Franklin angrily denies reports that she was barred from attending Whitney Houston's funeral because of comments she made about parenting last Friday on NBC's Today show. The Queen of Soul, 69, did not attend Saturday's funeral, citing leg spasms. But some reports said Houston's mother Cissy told her not to attend, after Franklin said on Today that "parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home." In a statement Wednesday, Franklin said she was speaking generally, not about the Houstons, and that NBC cut a line where she said, "This is no reflection on Cissy or Nippy's upbringing." She then slammed media reports of a rift between her and Cissy. "Extra TV, the New York Post and Newsday (New York) should stop the BS," Franklin said in a statement "Cissy Houston and I have been longtime friends for almost 50 years. I have four invitations and parking passes that were sent to me for the funeral. Extra TV, the New York Post and Newsday (New York) are more interested in sensationalism and negative speculations than the truth." She added: "Cissy does not need ridiculous speculation and neither do I – particularly at this time … Knowing Cissy as well as I do, I know Whitney left home right and properly. I was generalizing and it was a well-intended statement for any young adult coming into the music industry. I was not speaking of anyone specifically."
 Actor Daniel von Bargen, who played George Costanza's boss Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld, was hospitalized this week after a failed suicide attempt in Ohio. Von Bargen, 61, shot himself in the temple in his Cincinnati apartment on Monday morning and then called the police. "I've shot myself in the head … and I need help," he tells the operator. The actor, who is diabetic, says he was distraught because he was scheduled to go to hospital to have "at least a few toes" amputated. Von Bargen was said to be in critical condition at an Ohio hospital.

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria Has a Baby Girl

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, welcomed a baby girl on Thursday – an infant who will one day be queen. The baby weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was born at 4:26 a.m. local time at Stockholm's Karolinska Hospital. Her grandfather, King Carl Gustaf, is expected to announce her name on Friday. As the first-born child of the king, Victoria, 34, is first in line to the Swedish throne. Her baby daughter is now second in line.

Kourtney Kardashian Is Expecting a Girl

There's another little lady on the way for the Kardashian clan! Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick shared their happy news Wednesday, saying, "We feel so blessed to be having a little girl and to be able to share this new experience with Mason." Kardashian, 32, and Disick, 28, announced her second pregnancy in November. Their son Mason turned 2 on Dec. 14.

Heidi Klum & Seal: No Plans to Get Back Together

As Seal turns 49 on Sunday, it seems unlikely that Heidi Klum will be celebrating by his side. although the couple originally hoped to reconcile, a reunion might not be in their future after all. "They had both been wearing their wedding rings and had mutually thought they might be able to work it out," one source says. "But it doesn't look like it's going that way." In fact, less than a month after the couple confirmed they were separating after nearly seven years of marriage, Seal was spotted sans wedding ring earlier this week in Australia – a contrast from his earlier sentiment that he had "no intention of taking [his ring] off anytime soon." Klum has been spotted out without her ring as well.

Supreme Court rejects Phil Spector appeal

The Supreme Court has rejected Phil Spector’s appeal of his conviction for killing actress Lana Clarkson. The court did not comment Tuesday in declining to take up the music producer’s argument that his constitutional rights were violated by the trial judge. Spector attorney Dennis Riordan argued that the prosecution’s use of Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler’s videotaped comments and his picture during prosecution summations was improper. The same arguments were made to state appellate justices, who refused to consider them because of a belated filing. They upheld Spector’s second-degree murder conviction. The California Supreme Court also declined to review the case. Spector is serving 19 years to life in prison.

Sugarland blame act of God, careless fans in Indiana stage collapse -- then release clarifying statement

Sugarland’s response to a negligence suit filed against them following the fatal collapse of a stage at the Indiana State Fair last summer have caused an internet furor today. According to documents obtained by local Indiana news station WRTV, the band (or more accurately, their legal team) placed responsibility for the seven deaths and more than 50 injuries on “gust of wind of unprecedented intensity” and “a true accident, or act of God.” The civil suit claims that the concert’s promoters and the companies responsible for building the stage allowed it become overloaded, failed to take note of the dangerous weather conditions, and then failed to promptly and properly evacuate the venue once the 60 to 70 mph winds became dangerous. The band responded that “they had nothing to with the construction of the venue” or therefore its safety. The statement that has garnered the band the most headlines today, however, is their claim that “some or all of the plaintiffs failed to exercise due care for their own safety” and further that “some or all of the plaintiffs knowingly and voluntarily assumed and/or incurred the risk of injury to themselves.” The band’s manager Gail Gellman attempted to clarify the band’s earlier statement, saying: “Sadly when a tragedy occurs, people want to point fingers and try to sensationalize the disaster. The single most important thing to Sugarland are their fans. Their support and love over the past nine years has been unmatched. For anyone to think otherwise is completely devastating to them.” The main issue at stake is whether Sugarland was asked to delay the show, and whether they subsequently complied or failed to do so.  A state fair official has said in a deposition that the band was approached twice about the fair’s desire to delay the show, and the band wanted to go on. But Sugarland’s tour manager reportedly told investigators that there was no such discussion.
 Sienna Miller, who is reportedly expecting her first child this summer with boyfriend Tom Sturridge, stepped out Tuesday night in Hugo Boss‘s form-fitting black dress, which clung tightly enough to reveal the British actress’s baby belly. Miller, 30, was attending a fashion video exhibit by Solve Sundsbo in New York City.

Baby No. 3 on the Way for Jason Lee

Jason Lee will welcome his third child — a boy — in June, his rep says. The actor, 41, and wife Ceren are already parents to daughter Casper, 3½, as well as son Pilot, 8, from his prior relationship. Lee — who wed his wife in July 2008, and renewed his vows last November — is currently guest-starring on NBC’s Up All Night, playing opposite Maya Rudolph as Ava Alexander’s love interest Kevin.
 Joe Nichols is expanding his family! The country crooner, 35, and wife Heather are expecting their first child together this spring, his rep says.  After trying to have a baby for so long, we are thrilled to announce that I am pregnant,” Heather says. Adds Joe, “I have to give all the credit to my wife — she has been a trooper through all of this, and I am so happy.” The “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” singer married his wife in September 2007 in Georgia, although the couple knew each other since age 19, when Joe performed in Heather’s father’s Texas club. The Grammy nominee is already father to daughter Ashelyn, 13, from a prior relationship.



TV NEWS
Great news for Community fans! The comedy is returning to NBC’s Thursday night lineup. The not-so-great news: It’s going right back into 8 p.m. against CBS’ Big Bang Theory. Community will return on Thursday, March 15. Then 30 Rock shifts to 8:30 p.m., followed by The Office and Up All Night. Parks & Recreation will come back on April 19 to finish its run after Up All Night concludes its 24 episodes.


Modern Family ingenue Sarah Hyland’s real-life boyfriend, Matt Prokop (High School Musical 3), has booked a gig on the ABC comedy playing (duh) Haley’s new love interest.


Four days after blasting his Two and a Half Men replacement Ashton Kutcher, Charlie Sheen posted an open letter of apology to Kutcher on his website: Dear Ashton-
My bad. I was disrespectful to a man doing his best. I got excited and threw you into a crossfire. The rest of my statement I stand behind. You, however, deserve better. Safety in your travels good sir.
- The “late” Charlie Harper


Kyle Gallner (aka Veronica Mars‘ “Beaver” Casablancas) and Madeleine Martin (Californication) will play delusional siblings in an upcoming episode of Criminal Minds, to be directed by star Matthew Gray Gubler.


Tim Guinee, who as of late has been doing some sleuthing on The Good Wife, has booked a guest-starring role on ABC’s Castle. The actor will appear in this season’s 19th episode, titled “47 Seconds,” as an activist who is critical of an anti-Wall Street movement and witnesses a bombing of a protest rally in a New York City Plaza.


Original Desperate Housewives cast member Steven Culp will reprise his role as Bree’s late husband Rex in an upcoming flashback-filled episode. Lupe Ontiveros, who played Carlos’ mom Juanita, will also return for the episode, which is set to air before the series ends in May.


Charles Shaughnessy (The Nanny) will reprise his role as ISA agent Shane Donovan on Days of Our Lives beginning May 2.


Heroes grad Milo Ventimiglia is (finally) returning to the small screen, with a starring role in Walking Dead creator Frank Darabont’s new TNT drama pilot L.A. Noir. Described as a fast-paced period thriller (based on the acclaimed novel by the same name), the project centers on the 1940s/50s-era epic battle between Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and boxer-turned-mobster Mickey Cohen. Ventimiglia will play Ned Stax, a former marine who served during WWII and is now an up-and-coming lawyer who has been groomed to be a “fixer” for the mob,

Judi Dench diagnosed with degenerative eye condition
Dame Judi Dench is severely struggling with her vision, and says that she has been diagnosed with macular degeneration, which can cause loss of eyesight. The 77-year-old Academy Award-winning actress (Shakespeare in Love) said “I can’t read scripts anymore because of the trouble with my eyes. And so somebody comes in and reads them to me … The most distressing thing is in a restaurant in the evening I can’t see the person I’m having dinner with.” Dench is now shooting the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, reprising her role as M. Dame Judi Dench released a statement about her degenerative eye condition, downplaying reports that she will go blind. “In response to the numerous articles in the media concerning my eye condition — macular degeneration — I do not wish for this to be overblown … This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with. It’s something that I have learnt to cope with and adapt to — and it will not lead to blindness.”

Bobby Brown Explains Why He Left Whitney Houston’s Funeral

Bobby Brown left Whitney Houston’s funeral at Newark, N.J.’s New Hope Baptist Church shortly after the service began. In a statement put out by his representative, he explained, “My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston.  We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. “I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move,” he said.  “Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”



Chris Tucker Owes IRS $12 Million
Chris Tucker is up to his ears in debt as he owes the IRS $11.5 million in back taxes. One of his Florida homes was about to be taken away from him, but luckily, Chis was able to do negotiate a short sale just before the bank foreclosed on it. He owed $4.4 million on the home, but the bank accepted a $2 million bid, which was a major score for the homebuyer who snatched it up, considering the home was worth about $6 million. And in October, Chris sold his other Florida mansion for $1,050,000, still under the amount the home was worth. But, hey, there's good news! A Friday sequel is back on!
 Jessica Simpson is ready to pop.

Rihanna and Chris Brown release simultaneous remixes, guest on each others' new tracks

Most people blow out a few candles on their birthdays, but Rihanna, who turns 24 today, seems determined to start a full-on fire. In the wake of Chris Brown’s controversial return to the Grammy stage last week (many people — like Miranda Lambert — were uncomfortable that Brown, who pled guilty to felony assault after a fight with Rihanna the night before the 2009 Grammys, was welcomed back to the show and given two performance slots), the “We Found Love” singer has been playing awfully nice with her ex. Earlier today, Chris Brown tweeted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN” (Rihanna’s real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty), to which she quickly replied “Thanks!” The small exchange was enough to launch a thousand blog posts asking whether Rihanna should be interacting so benevolently with her former beau, whom many feel has not demonstrated adequate or genuine remorse about his past iniquities. But a moment ago, Rihanna took the reconciliation (and thus the controversy) a step further when she tweeted out a remixed version of Chris Brown’s single “Turn Up The Music” that features her own vocals as well. She wrote, “Turn up the music remix #RihannaNavy #Teambreezy enjoy!!!”

Adam Lambert singing with Queen again for one show

He's not the new frontman, but it's certainly a start. Adam Lambert and Queen have announced that they will perform one show together this summer at the 2012 Sonisphere rock 'n roll festival in England. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor confirmed that Glambert will be the vocalist with for the band's headlining set during the second day of the festival, July 7 at Knebworth Park in Stevenage, which is north of London.
 Scott Porter is engaged! The Hart of Dixie actor and his girlfriend Kelsey Mayfield, who he's been dating for four years. Mayfield, who is currently a casting director on ABC's The Revolution, met Porter on the set of Friday Night Lights, where the actor played the role of Jason Street.


Nick Jonas and Delta Goodrem break up
Broadway's "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" star Nick Jonas has ended his relationship with Australian singer Delta Goodrem. Goodrem and Jonas hooked up last year after she ended her engagement to Brian McFadden. Jonas, eight years Goodrem's junior, is currently on Broadway opposite "Ugly Betty's" Michael Urie. "Nick and Delta have decided mutually to end their relationship," Goodrem's representatives said in a statement. "At this point in time, they are both focused on their careers as they go on different paths. They remain friends and wish each other the best for the future."

Glee Annual Summer Concert Tour Scrapped

The Glee machine is taking the summer off. The show’s cast will not be embarking on their traditional summer tour this year. To give Gleeks their concert fix, Glee producers are said to be considering a one-time benefit show at the Hollywood Bowl this fall.


TV NEWS
Chad Michael Murray is swinging back through One Tree Hill for one last episode this Wednesday at 8 p.m.


Stephen Colbert returned to The Colbert Report last night after a week away, listing some of the rumors he — “the hub around  which the Republic turns” — heard about his absence. They included that he was canceled by the FCC at the request of the Federal Election Commission because he was about to announce his candidacy and that his show was canceled because he offended the Catholic church when he compared the pope’s “hat” to a giant prophylactic.But then he added, “Oh, one more thing. Evidently, having 11 children makes you tough as nails,” a reference to his 91-year-old mother, Lorna Colbert, who is reportedly ill. (Colbert is the youngest of 11.)


Ugly Betty alumna Ana Ortiz is headed back to ABC with a starring role on Marc Cherry‘s latest sudser, Devious Maids. Ortiz has been tapped to play Marisol, a housekeeper with a secret: She’s actually a college-educated woman who is working in an upscale Beverly Hills neighborhood in hopes of uncovering the truth behind her son’s recent murder conviction.


Lindsay Lohan has made a date with Saturday Night Live. The actress/tabloid magnet will serve as host on March 3.


Lucy Lawless has joined Mad Men‘s Elisabeth Moss and Oscar winner Holly Hunter in BBC Worldwide’s upcoming seven-part miniseries Top of the Lake, which will air stateside on the Sundance Channel. Co-directed and co-written by Piano-helmer Jane Campion, the New Zealand-set Lake chronicles one detective’s (Moss) tireless search for a missing 12-year-old pregnant girl who just so happens to be the daughter of a local drug lord (Peter Mullan).


Taylor Kinney‘s career is heating up! The Vampire Diaries alum has scored a lead role in NBC’s Dick Wolf-produced firefighter pilot Chicago Fire. The hour-long drama follows the complex and heroic men and women of the Chicago Fire Department. Kinney will play adrenaline-junkie Squad Lieutenant Kelly Severide. He joins recently-cast Eamonn Walker, who co-stars as the captain.

Sony Apologizes After Raising the Price on Whitney Houston Albums

Whitney Houston Fans To Follow Funeral On Internet

They won’t be there in person, but singer Whitney Houston’s millions of fans worldwide will be able to share in her homecoming service Saturday as they watch her private funeral on the Internet. Houston’s funeral will be at New Hope Baptist Church, where she sang as a child. Her eulogy will be given by gospel singer Marvin Winans, a Grammy Award winner and longtime family friend. Afterward, Houston will be buried in Fair View Cemetery in Westfield, N.J., according to her death certificate. Her father, John Russell Houston Jr., was buried there in 2003.


Bobby Brown reportedly invited to Whitney Houston’s funeral
Bobby Brown has been contacted about attending Whitney Houston’s funeral Saturday. It was reported that Brown was “disappointed” that members of Houston’s family had objected to him attending the service, which will be by invitation only, but ABC’s source called this “inaccurate.” Brown’s rep said, “We are not focused on reports, stories or false reports for that matter.” Brown is in California with his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who has been hospitalized twice since her mother’s death. In a statement Brown said his daughter “is dealing with the tragedy of her mother’s death and would prefer to do it outside of the public eye. I ask again that our privacy be respected.”
 Like father, like son. From the flat top to the ears to the full mouth, Jaden Smith is growing up to look just like his dad Will Smith. The 13-year-old has come a long way since playing Dre Parker in the Karate Kid remake in June 2010. Looking significantly more mature and mirroring all of his handsome 43-year-old dad's features, Jaden posted a WhoSay photo on Tuesday from the set of his latest film After Earth, which is set for a 2013 release.

Sony Apologizes After Raising the Price on Whitney Houston Albums

Whitney Houston's albums have had a big resurgence in sales since her passing on Saturday and it has meant a windfall for Sony. An even bigger windfall than would have been expected. In England, the price of two of Houston's albums on iTunes shot up from 25% to 60% after her death. Her Ultimate Collection went from $7.85 to $12.50 while The Greatest Hits jumped from $12.50 to $15.67. The jumps caused a huge outcry on the net over Sony's gouging of the fans during a time of mourning, forcing the company to make an official statement; however, they didn't admit to an intentional scheme. Instead, they simply said. Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the U.K. iTunes store on Sunday. When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected. We apologize for any offense caused.Two executives of Sony talked "off-the-record" to the New York Times, telling them that it was a mistake by an employee in Britain and that the company hadn't ordered the increase. The increase was, indeed, Sony's and not an iTunes move as the company increased the wholesale price for the downloads by £3 ($4.71) which triggered an automatic increase in iTunes' system.

 

 

Michael Bay will direct the next 'Transformers'

Michael Bay announced on his website late Monday night that he had signed a two-picture deal with Paramount Pictures that puts him back in the director’s chair for the next Transformers movie. Shia LaBeouf has said rather adamantly he will not make another film in the billion-dollar grossing franchise, and much of the cast from the previous three films are not expected to return. But producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, and Ian Bryce; and executive producers Steven Spielberg, Bay, Brian Goldner, and Mark Vahradian are coming back for the fourth film. The film is already set to inundate theaters on June 27, 2014.
  This weekend, First Lady Michelle Obama, known for mixing low price off-the-rack items with designer duds, was spotted wearing a $39.99 Jason Wu for Target dress while doing a press event in Florida. The designer's line for Target went on sale Feb. 5 and flew off the shelves almost as soon as it went on sale, but it looks like the first lady was able to snatch up the Sleeveless Chiffon Dress in Navy Floral with Gold Belt. Obama, of course, added her own sense of style to the ensemble swapping the gold belt for a red one and cinching it over a blue cardigan. Obama has a history with the designer: She put Wu on the map in 2009 when she wore an ivory gown he designed at her husband's inaugural ball.

Rapper may regret tweeting about killing people

It can be difficult to discern if a rapper's tales of crime are confessions or boasts. In the case of Brooklyn rapper Ronald "Ra Diggs" Herron, his tweets about how he "beat a body" and claims of leading a "murder team" turned out to be bone-chillingly real, according to prosecutors. Herron, already imprisoned on federal drug charges, was recently indicted on three murder charges, with evidence coming from his Twitter and YouTube accounts. Herron allegedly took part in three killings from 2001-09, including one charge he beat when two witnesses refused to testify.
  One Tree Hill is nearing its long-awaited series finale -- and not a moment too soon for CW star Sophia Bush, 29. The actress has split with her on-and-off beau of six years, Austin Nichols, 31 -- the third guy she's dated from the just-wrapped TV hit. Bush broke it off with Nichols (who plays her husband) "because she didn't think he was the one," explains a source. "She's moving on." The actress was wed to Chad Michael Murray in 2005 and dated James Lafferty in 2009. The final episode of One Tree Hill airs April 4 on The CW.

 

TV NEWS
Ali Larter has landed the lead role in Fox’s buzzy spy drama, The Asset. The Heroes alumna will play a New York-based CIA agent living a “normal life” as a photojournalist.


Kal Penn (House, How I Met Your Mother) has joined the cast of Prairie Dogs, a comedy pilot being developed for ABC. Penned by That ’70s Show‘s Jackie and Jeff Filgo, the show follows an uncool cubicle worker — aka “prairie dog” — named Neil who is the victim of identity theft. Said corporate drone ultimately discovers the thief created a much more fulfilling life with his identity than he ever did — and thus he engages the con man to help him improve his prospects.


TBS has ordered 35 additional episodes of Tyler Perry’s latest comedy, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, which premiered last November.


Live! With Kelly is in for a lively hour when, on Feb. 29, 30 Rock‘s Alec Baldwin drops by to guest co-host. Also set to fill Regis Philbin’s former seat during the last week of the month are How I Met Your Mother‘s Neil Patrick Harris (for a special post-Oscar show), Southland‘s Lucy Liu and ABC News’ Dan Abrams.


Behind the Music returns to VH1 beginning Thursday, March 15 with the first of six new episodes. This season’s featured artists include Pitbull, Game, T-Pain, Akon, Brandy and Nas.


Perfect Couples‘ Hayes MacArthur and Better Off Ted‘s Malcolm Barrett have joined the cast of Fox’s comedy Rebounding, playing members of a pickup basketball league who help the series’ leading man recover from the death of his fiancée.


One Life to Live‘s Kearran Giovanni (ex-Vivian) will co-star on TNT’s upcoming Closer spinoff, Major Crimes. The actress will play an ambitious undercover detective.


Discovery has renewed one of The Soup‘s favorite shows, Gold Rush, for a third season


Two Lost vets have booked guest spots in the same episode of USA Network’s upcoming drama Common Law. Jeff Fahey (who played Lapidus) will appear as a “hard-drinking narcotics detective” who was a mentor of sorts to Michael Ealy’s character, while Kevin Tighe (who played John Locke’s dad) is a detective who helped jumpstart the career of Warren Kole’s cop.

 Singer Whitney Houston's family has decided against a public memorial for her at a New Jersey sports arena, and will hold an invitation-only service at the church where she first sang publicly, and where her mother, singer Cissy Houston, still attends services. On Monday, it was reported that the Houston family was considering a wake and funeral at Newark's Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils and temporarily of the New Jersey Nets. That facility can seat up to 20,000. But Carolyn Whigham, owner of the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, told the press that there will be no wake, and instead a private funeral at noon Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where Houston first publicly showcased her powerful voice. The church seats about 2,000, but those without invitations will not be admitted. Whigham also said the family had completed arrangements and that no details would be released. There will be no public viewing of any kind.


Whitney Houston's Death Won't Halt 'Waiting To Exhale' Sequel
Those of you who have been patiently waiting for a "Waiting to Exhale" sequel since falling in love with the original in 1995 might soon have a reason to "Exhale" again, despite the tragic death of co-star Whitney Houston.  Fox wants to make something positive of the tragedy and is planning on moving forward with the project in honor of Houston. "I don't think she would want it to [be shelved]," Fox 2000 Pictures president Elizabeth Gabler told . "It's almost in her honor that we think to soldier on." Gabler, who worked on the original film, said the feel-good movie about four middle-class African-American women dealing with love and loss in the suburbs was a ground-breaker. Although Houston's co-stars have not yet commented on their intentions to continue plans with the sequel, they did express their extreme sadness upon hearing the news of their friend and former co-star's death.

Whitney Houston's Medical Records Sought by Investigators

Following the death of Whitney Houston, investigators are looking into the singer's medical history. "Prescription medication was recovered from the scene" of where Houston, 48, was found unresponsive in her Beverly Hilton hotel room, L.A. Coroner Asst. Chief Ed Winter says, "We are trying to locate some of her doctors to get all possible medical records." Winter declined to comment on what drugs were found in Houston's room, but he does say investigating the records "is normal procedure for us." Asked if the case appears to be similar to the Dr. Conrad Murray investigation, he says, "It doesn't appear so." Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death.

Miranda Lambert: Chris Brown at the Grammys 'not cool'

Country star Miranda Lambert was far from impressed with Chris Brown's performances at Sunday's Grammy Awards, because she feels the R&B singer had no place at the ceremony -- on the third anniversary of his assault on ex-girlfriend Rihanna. In a series of Twitter posts on Monday, Lambert wrote, "Chris Brown twice? I don't get it. He beat on a girl... Not cool that we act like that didn't happen." Lambert, whose parents ran a shelter for abused women when she was growing up, even suggested Brown listen to her country song about a woman preparing to murder her abusive husband upon his release from jail -- to put him "back in his place" after his night at the Grammys. She later appeared to backtrack on her outrage, posting, "As for my tweets 'it's just one clowns opinion'. I love music and that's what it's all about." The singer made a big return to the prestigious awards show on Sunday as he took to the stage to sing his new track "Turn Up the Music" and take part in a dance tribute to late "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius. He also won the night's Best R&B Album prize.

Whitney Houston estate seeing post-mortem boost
Whitney Houston‘s career is getting a post-mortem boost, but it isn’t likely to be as big as the one that enriched the King of Pop’s estate after his death. Like the late Michael Jackson, Houston was in the midst of an attempted career revival. She was found dead at age 48 on Saturday in her Los Angeles hotel room on the eve of the Grammys, a stage she once ruled. It could be weeks before the coroner’s office completes toxicology tests that could establish the cause of death. In an outpouring of grief — and a desire to remember her soaring voice and upbeat personality — Houston’s fans have propelled her decades-old recordings to the top of sales charts on iTunes and Amazon.com. Twitter recorded more than 2.5 million Tweets about her within two hours of her death. In the day and a half after she died, U.S. sales of Houston’s albums skyrocketed. Weekly sales through Sunday jumped nearly 60 times the previous week’s level to 101,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Radio airplay soared and her best-selling single, “I Will Always Love You,” jumped to 195,000 downloads in the week through Sunday, up from just 3,000 the week prior. Online music service Spotify said Houston’s songs were streamed 2.4 million times between Saturday and Sunday alone. Not unlike Jackson’s posthumous star turn in the movie “This Is It,” Houston will star in a film that is set for release this fall. In addition, dozens of the six-time Grammy-winner’s unreleased recordings may someday be released to a public grieving her loss.


TV NEWS
Encore will pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston this Friday, Feb. 17 by airing her films Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife beginning at 8/7c.


Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal project just got a direct-to-series order. NBC has picked up 13 episodes of the thriller TV series based on Thomas Harris’ classic cannibal serial killer. Logline: “One-hour contemporary thriller series featuring the classic characters from Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon – FBI agent Will Graham and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter – who are re-introduced at the beginning of their budding relationship.”


Comedy Central has ordered a 10-episode second season of its sketch comedy series Key & Peele just two weeks into its freshman run.


Alana De La Garza has landed a lead role in NBC’s medical drama pilot Do No Harm. The Law & Order/CSI: Miami alumna will play a confident neurosurgeon who has loads of chemistry with the series’ yet-to-be-cast top doc.


Kelli Williams has been promoted to series regular on Army Wives. The Practice/Lie to Me alumna nabbed what was initially the recurring role of General Kevin Clarke’s wife. Season 6 of the Lifetime drama premieres March 4.


Outsourced‘s Parvesh Cheena has joined the cast of Friend Me, CBS’ Groupon-themed comedy, playing a new pal of the series’ two leads.

Authorities: Whitney Houston was found underwater in tub

Whitney Houston was underwater and apparently unconscious when she was pulled from a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub, and she had prescription drugs in her room, authorities said. The regal pop star's family made arrangements to fly her body home to New Jersey for a funeral at the end of the week.Authorities said that there were no indications of foul play and no obvious signs of trauma on Houston's body but that it could be weeks before the coroner's office completes toxicology tests to establish the cause of death. The 48-year-old singer had struggled for years with cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her behavior had become erratic. Houston was found underwater Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel by a member of her staff about 3:30 p.m., hours before she was supposed to appear at a pre-Grammy Awards gala, police Lt. Mark Rosen said. She was pulled from the tub by members of her staff, and hotel security was promptly notified, Rosen said. She was pronounced dead about a half-hour later. "As of right now, it's not a criminal investigation," Rosen said, refusing to release further details. "We have concluded our portion of the investigation at the hotel."

Whitney Houston's Daughter Bobbi Kristina Recovering, Says Bobby Brown

After suffering what a source said was an emotional breakdown over her mother's death, Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina is on the mend with the help of those closest to her. "My daughter did visit with doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," her father Bobby Brown says in a statement. "She has been released and is presently with my family including her siblings." A heavily distraught Bobbi Kristina was taken to the hospital on Saturday night after Houston, 48, was pronounced dead in her hotel room. The 18-year-old then returned to Cedars the next morning.

Wife of Chargers' Harris dies
San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Tommie Harris was mourning the tragic death of his new wife at the age of only 29. Ashley Harris died Sunday night in an Oklahoma hospital, barely weeks after the couple married. She was admitted two days earlier following a suspected stroke or brain aneurysm. The couple wed in January, barely months after Ashley Harris gave birth to their second child. Family friend Bill Horn confirmed her death late Sunday. He earlier said loved ones were "holding out for a miracle" amid reports that she was placed on life support. Tommie Harris, 28, was named to three Pro Bowls during his seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, 2004-10. He had a brief spell with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Chargers in September. Several Bears players reportedly flew to Oklahoma to be with their former teammate, who was released by Chicago in February 2011.

 
Cissy Houston Speaks Out on Daughter's Death

Whitney’s mother, gospel singing sensation Cissy Houston, issued the following: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends.

 

Hugh Hefner's Son Arrested

Hugh Hefner's son Marston has been arrested after allegedly attacking his Playboy model girlfriend Claire Sinclair. Cops were reportedly called to the house Marston Hefner shares with Sinclair in Pasadena, California on Sunday night after one of her relatives alerted them to an alleged bust-up. Police officers witnessed visible injuries on model Sinclair, who has been dating Marston on and off since August 2010. The son of the publishing mogul admitted they'd gotten into an argument but denied striking her, although Sinclair reportedly claimed he had punched and kicked her and prevented her from leaving the property. Marston was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and later released on $20,000 bail.

 Matt Bomer, the star of USA's White Collar, quietly came out over the weekend, thanking his partner and children at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on Saturday. Bomer, 34, received the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the awards show, and paid tribute to his partner, publicist Simon Halls, and their three children in his acceptance speech. "I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," he said onstage at the show. "Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."

 

Oprah draws fire for asking Nielsen viewers to watch OWN instead of Grammys

Oprah Winfrey took to Twitter last night to ask Nielsen viewers to watch her cable network OWN, drawing criticism from some followers and investigative scrutiny from the ratings measurement company. “Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if u have a Nielsen box,” she tweeted Sunday evening at the start Oprah’s Next Chapter and the mega-rated Grammy telecast. She later added, “Commercial Grammy people..u can turn to OWN.” That tweets caused a backlash on the social networking site, with readers accusing her of “begging for viewers” and being “desperate.” Oprah followed up with a flurry of defensive replies that were apparently in response to reader criticism: “The word ‘please’ is used as courtesy not a beg … ‘desperate’ not ever a part of my vocab … ‘unethical’ a little harsh don’t u think? Seemed like it made sense to me. Sorry if u’re offended.” networks are not allowed to specifically target Nielsen subscribers. It’s policy prohibits “attempts to single out panel members … to change their viewing habits.” “In accordance with our policies and procedures, Nielsen is reviewing this incident with our clients and we may withhold, breakout and/or make a note in the ratings,” a Nielsen rep said. “We take any violation of our policy seriously and will work with clients to resolve the situation.” Of course, given that 39.9 million people watched the Grammys last night, with CBS crushing rivals, a more effective punishment might be releasing OWN’s ratings instead of holding them back. Oprah Winfrey released this statement: “I removed the tweet at the request of Nielsen. I intended no harm and apologize for the reference.”

TV NEWS

This Tuesday’s episode ofn Glee — which, coincidentally, finds Mercedes tackling Whitney Houston's beloved ballad, “I Will Always Love You” — will pay tribute to the late musical icon.

Spartacus‘ Peter Mensah is joining True Blood's upcoming fifth season in a recurring capacity. Mensah will play Kibwe, a ruling member of the Vampire Authority. What does this mean for his role as gladiator sensei Doctore on the Starz drama? Probably nothing. The show’s third season doesn’t go into production in New Zealand until April, leaving Mensah plenty of time to squeeze in a trip to Bon Temps.

Spike TV has ordered a 13-episode second season of Ink Master.

The Walking Dead is very much alive and kicking, resuming Season 2 this Sunday night with tallies that broke all-time records for a basic cable drama in key demos, including 5.4 million viewers in the coveted 18-49 category. The AMC drama also broke historical marks by drawing 4.4 million adults in the 25-54 range.

Bradly Whitford will guest star in an upcoming episode of Parks and Recreation, playing Pawnee’s departing city councilman whose seat Leslie is vying for. Unfortunately, the West Wing alum will not share any scenes with former co-star Rob Lowe.

Ving Rhames has been cast opposite Alfred Molina in David E. Kelley’s TNT medical drama pilot Chelsea General. He’ll play a pro-football player-turned-chief of trauma surgery. Bill Irwin, Jamie Bamber and Jennifer Finnigan are also tapped to co-star.

Perfect Couples alumna Christine Woods has joined the NBC comedy pilot Daddy’s Girls, playing a Harvard-educated doctor who returns home to discover her father is dating the mean girl from her high school.

BET has given the green light to Single Black Female, a new project from The Game exec producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. The series follows the work and family life of the host of a successful Atlanta-based talk show.

Jeremiah Franco and Carin Shreve have been named The Simpsons‘ ultimate fans after breaking the Guinness World Record for continuous television viewing. The pair joined Fox and tons of other fans to watch up to 500 continuous episodes of the long-running comedy, and took home the honors after 86 hours and 37 minutes had passed.