Judge Judy Goes to Hospital
Judith Sheindlin, 68, went to L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday after complaining of intestinal discomfort. Later her rep confirmed her tests came back fine and she will be released on Thursday.



Harassment suit against David Boreanaz dismissed
Court records show a woman who appeared on the TV show “Bones” has dismissed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the series’ star David Boreanaz. Attorney Gloria Allred filed a dismissal of the case filed on behalf of Kristina Hagan on Monday. She wrote in an email that the case had been “resolved” but provided no further details. Hagan sued Boreanaz and 20th Century Fox Television in July for more than $25,000 on sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims. She claimed the actor repeatedly tried to kiss and fondle her several times after she appeared as an extra on the show in August 2009. The actor’s spokeswoman denied the allegations.

Bucs' Talib surrenders to police

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib surrendered to Texas police Wednesday morning on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Talib, who has had his share of off-the-field incidents since the team selected him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, was released two hours later after posting $25,000 bond in Garland. “We are deeply troubled by the serious charges filed against Aqib Talib,” Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik said in a released statement earlier this week. “Due to current labor circumstances, we will withhold any further comment or action.” His mother, Okolo Talib, reportedly turned herself in Tuesday afternoon. According to police in the Dallas suburb, Talib was involved in a fight March 21 with his sister's partner, Shannon Billings. The incident, according to police, stemmed from an argument at Talib's sister Saran's house between her and Billings. Saran Talib reportedly called her brother and mother for help during the alleged altercation. Neighbors called 911 after hearing gunshots.

Elizabeth Banks Welcomes 'Miracle' Baby via Surrogate

Her 30 Rock character Avery Jessup is a new mom – and it turns out Elizabeth Banks is as well. The actress and husband Max Handelman have welcomed son Felix via gestational surrogate, Banks Tweeted Wednesday. "I have been very fortunate in life both professionally and personally," Banks, 37, wrote on her Web site in a blog post announcing the birth. "The one true hurdle I've faced in life is that I have a broken belly. After years of trying to get pregnant, exploring the range of fertility treatments, all unsuccessful, our journey led us to gestational surrogacy."

Fan allegedly attacks Hawks great Wilkins, taken into custody

A fan allegedly attacked Atlanta Hawks vice president of basketball, television analyst and former franchise great Dominique Wilkins following an 85-82 victory over Orlando on Wednesday night. "The Atlanta Hawks are aware of a post-game altercation involving a fan who allegedly attacked VP of basketball and TV analyst Dominique Wilkins. The fan was promptly arrested and taken into custody by the Atlanta police department. At this time, the Hawks have no additional information or comment regarding this situation," said Hawks vice president of public relations Arthur Triche.

Chris Brown Makes First No. 1 Debut on Billboard Charts

Chris Brown achieves his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as "F.A.M.E." bows atop the tally with 270,000 sold. "F.A.M.E." is his fourth top 10 album, following his self-titled debut (No. 2, 2005), "Exclusive" (No. 4, 2007) and "Graffiti" (No. 7, 2009). "F.A.M.E.'s" start also marks the singer's second-best sales week -- only "Exclusive's" 294,000 bow was bigger. Jennifer Hudson's sophomore effort, "I Remember Me," comes in at No. 2 with 165,000, while last week's No. 1, Adele's "21," slips to No. 3 with 96,000.

Carson Daly angry over 'insane' interview demands by Spears' handlers

Carson Daly has voiced his frustration after Britney Spears' representatives made a series of demands ahead of his planned chat with the pop star on 97.1 AMP Radio. Daly says Spears' managers demanded the interview be prerecorded and submitted for their approval, and he's taken to the Internet to fume about the move. In a series of posts on Twitter.com, he writes, "I was jst told my Britney Spears interview tomm on Amp Radio MUST b pre-recorded & submitted 4 approval by HER mgmt b4 it can air! F that!... "never that restricted. Even when I interviewed Michael Jackson, it wasn't anything like this... it's really insane... "Jst shocked her mgmt won't let her do a normal interview. She probly doesn't even know... "I've known and supported her since she was 15. This has nothing to do w her. Just her ppl."

Britney Spears sued for $10M over fragrance deal

A brand marketing company has sued Britney Spears for more than $10 million claiming they were cut out of a deal for the singer's fragrance line. Brand Sense Partners LLC sued the pop singer and her father in Los Angeles on Wednesday, claiming the pair renegotiated a royalties deal with cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden last year. The lawsuit claims the new deal cut Brand Sense out of its 35 percent commission on Spears' fragrance line. The fragrance deal was first made in 2004.

Katy Perry joins elite chart club as 'E.T.' hits No. 1

Katy Perry has become part of an elite chart club after scoring her fourth No. 1 single from the same album.

"Teenage Dream" becomes the first album in more than six years to yield four chart-topping songs on the Billboard Hot 100, as "E.T." ends Lady Gaga's stranglehold on the top of the charts. "Teenage Dream," "California Gurls" and "Firework" have previously shot to the top of the countdown. Usher is the only other artist this century to achieve four No. 1 songs from the same album, 2004's "Confessions."

TV NEWS
The doctor is out at HBO as far as "In Treatment" is concerned. The channel has pulled the plug on the drama, which starred Gabriel Byrne as psychotherapist Dr. Paul Weston, after three seasons. The drama, which had been conceived as a daily but was cut back in season three, was based on Hagai Levi's Israeli series "BeTipul."

After many, many negative comments on the internet and the overall response, they have revamped the Wonder Woman costume, again. The pants are darker and not as shiny and they changed the boots back to red. ok not crazy about the gold trim and the new pants look like sweats, we need another do over, lol.

Charlie Sheen might be spending more time in court than he had anticipated soon. The recently axed "Two and a Half Men" star, who's currently suing his former bosses, Chuck Lorre and Warmer Bros. TV for $100 million, is himself facing a $20 million lawsuit. Television producer Ed Meyer filed his lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, claiming that Sheen conspired to ruin a reality TV deal between himself and Sheen's estranged uncle, Joe Estevez. Meyer alleges that he was working with Estevez on a project about the Sheen clan, but Charlie engaged in a harassment campaign until the deal was scuttled. Meyer further claims Sheen's father, Martin Sheen, and mother Janet as co-conspirators, though they are not listed as co-defendants in the suit.

MTV had a good plan there for a while: producing shows that feature the dumbest, bottom-of-the-barrel members of society, taking advantage of their ignorance, exploiting the sh-t out of them, and then watching as the ratings roll in. Now that the tan-tastic cast of Jersey Shore is holding out for more money, it looks like their plan is backfiring. MTV has created monsters that know too much and are turning against them. The only cast members that are reported to have signed on for season 4 are Vinny, Ronnie, and Sammi. An insider says “Snooki, The Situation, J-Woww and Pauly D have not finalized their contracts because they can’t agree on the amount. As of last week, Deena hadn't signed her contract either."



Indie producer Lark Productions is casting for a Real Housewives of Toronto series. The production company posted a casting notice for all "Canadian women to summon their inner-Bethenny Frankel for a local spin-off series."


CBS Season finales
SUNDAY, MAY 1
9/8c Undercover Boss

CBS Renews Amazing Race, Undercover Boss

SUNDAY, MAY 8
8/7c The Amazing Race (two hours)
10 pm CSI: Miami

THURSDAY, MAY 12
9/8c CSI

FRIDAY, MAY 13
9/8c CSI: NY
10 pm Blue Bloods

SUNDAY, MAY 15
8/7c Survivor: Redemption Island (two hours, plus one-hour reunion show)

MONDAY, MAY 16
8/7c How I Met Your Mother
8:30 pm Mad Love
9:30 pm Mike & Molly
10 pm Hawaii Five-0

TUESDAY, MAY 17
8/7c NCIS
9 pm NCIS: Los Angeles
10 pm The Good Wife

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
9/8c Criminal Minds

THURSDAY, MAY 19
8/7c The Big Bang Theory
8:30 pm Rules of Engagement
9 pm The Mentalist (two hours)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
10/9c Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior

Gabor back in hospital after spitting up blood

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband fears the star is close to death after she started coughing up blood at home on Tuesday. The Hollywood legend has been in and out of hospital since breaking her hip in a fall last summer and Prince Frederic von Anhalt is worried his wife may never return home after her latest health emergency. Gabor was hospitalized last week at the UCLA Medical Center in California after the ailing 94-year-old's health deteriorated after hearing news of her friend Elizabeth Taylor's death. A representative for the actress confirmed reports that Gabor told her husband "celebrities go in threes, and I'm next" -- referring to Taylor and Jane Russell, who died in February. Gabor was hospitalized earlier this month after refusing a second leg amputation, just weeks after part of her right limb was removed to stop the spread of gangrene.

Jackie Chan Dead? Not So Fast

Jackie Chan wants to set the record straight: Contrary to Internet rumors, he is, in fact, not dead. "Jackie is alive and well," reads a note on the action star's Facebook page. "He did not suffer a heart attack and die, as was reported on many social networking sites and in online news reports." Chan, 56, is working hard, however, continues the missive: "Jackie is fine and is busy preparing for the filming of his next movie."

Enrique Iglesias reportedly pulls out of Britney Spears tour

Just hours after Britney Spears appeared in a taped performance on "Good Morning America" and then made an exclusive announcement that she will be touring with Enrique Iglesias, Iglesias has reportedly pulled out of the tour. Iglesias representative Gary Mantoosh said later in a statement to The Associated Press his client and Spears won't tour "despite initial reports based on formal discussions of the possible run." The statement says Iglesias "is very sorry for the confusion this might have caused to anyone." It says the Latin singer respects Spears and is a fan of her work. Iglesias, who is currently on tour in Europe, will no longer be part of Spears' North American tour. Spears announced that the tour, in support of her new album, "Femme Fatale," would start in June. Spears on Tuesday released her seventh album, "Femme Fatale." Her U.S. tour kicks off June 17 in Sacramento, Calif.

Kevin Federline Expecting His Fifth Child
The former backup dancer and onetime rapper is expecting his fifth child this summer – his first baby with girlfriend Victoria Prince. Federline is already a father of four: sons Jayden, 4, and Preston, 5, with ex-wife Britney Spears; and son Kaleb, 6, and daughter Kori, 8, with ex-girlfriend Shar Jackson. This will be Prince's first child. Federline, 33, and Prince, 28, a former professional volleyball player, have been dating for more than two years.

Clooney called by Berlusconi's defense as witness

Silvio Berlusconi's defense lawyers on Tuesday named George Clooney, the Italian foreign minister and a bevy of showgirls as witnesses at the premier's upcoming prostitution trial, an attorney and news reports said.

Prosecutors, for their part, have asked to hear from 136 witnesses, including the Moroccan teenager at the center of the scandal and 32 other women who allegedly worked as prostitutes during parties at Berlusconi's villa, according to Italian news reports. Both sides presented their lists of witnesses at the Milan tribunal where the trial opens next week. A judge must now decide which witnesses to admit. The 74-year-old Berlusconi is accused of having paid for sex with the Moroccan, who is known as Ruby and was 17 at the time, and then using his influence to try to cover it up. The premier denies wrongdoing. Clooney was listed because Ruby once said she had seen the Hollywood star and his Italian girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis at one of Berlusconi's parties, according to the law firm representing Berlusconi. "We want to see if they confirm this fact or not," said attorney Piersilvio Cipollotti. "It seems odd since I've only met Berlusconi once and that was in an attempt to get aid into Darfur," Clooney said in a statement.

Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys team up to direct Lifetime movie

Lifetime has lined up an all-star roster to direct the upcoming Lifetime Original Movie "Project Five," the company announced Tuesday. Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore and "Monster" director Patty Jenkins will all pitch in on directorial duties for the project, a five-part anthology of short films that will explore the effect that breast cancer has on people's lives. A fifth director will be named in the coming weeks, Lifetime added. "Our hope with 'Project Five' is to entertain, inform and inspire dialogue, research and prevention. Otherwise, our goals are small," Aniston said of the project. "We want these films to move people and empower those affected by breast cancer to stand tall through this challenge, which impacts all of our lives, no matter who we are."


TV NEWS
"Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has been asked to cut six cast members from the AMC drama over the next three years -- not just two actors, as has been previously reported, a person familiar with the negotiations says. The person also said Weiner was eager to get the show back on the air this year, and could do it if an agreement with AMC and production company Lionsgate comes soon. AMC announced Tuesday that the show will be delayed until early 2012 because of ongoing negotiations between the network, Lionsgate, and Weiner. Weiner has refused AMC's demands that he trim each show by two minutes to make room for more ads, include more product placements, and eliminate six cast members -- two per season -- over its next three seasons, the person said. The network said in a statement Tuesday that the show would return for its fifth season next year. "While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, 'Mad Men' will be back for a fifth season in early 2012," AMC said.



Radio host Mike Catherwood is the first celebrity voted off the new season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Catherwood drew the lowest score when the audience vote was combined with the judges' tally on the hit ABC series.


"So I Married an Axe Murderer" actress Nancy Travis has landed the female lead in Allen's upcoming pilot for ABC, the network has confirmed. The pilot, currently untitled but at one point known as "The Last Days of Man," will star Allen as Tim Fitzgerald, who "is fighting for his manhood in a world that is being increasingly dominated by women." Travis will play Vanessa, "Tim's smart and loving wife who doesn't miss much."


It’s official, Archer fans! At FX’s Upfront party in New York Tuesday night, network president John Landgraf announced the third-season renewal of the animated comedy. Archer received a 16-episode order, with three episodes slated to run behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia this fall with the remainder airing in early 2012.


Charlotte and Cooper’s wedding day is right around the corner, and the Private Practice Powers That Be are working overtime to make sure everything goes smoothly — right down to picking the perfect parents for the twosome. Heroes fans will be happy to hear that Christine Rose has been cast as Coop’s mom, while Mr. Freedman will be played by Ghostbusters‘ John Rothman. Tess Harper (Silkwood) will play Charlotte’s mother/Big Daddy’s widow, Augusta, and all three parental units will be introduced in the ABC drama’s May 5 episode.


Controversial comedian Andrew Dice Clay has landed a recurring gig on Entourage‘s eighth and final season. Clay will play one of the characters on Johnny Drama’s new animated series.

Hailee Steinfeld in Talks for 'Sleeping Beauty'

Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld is in talks to play the lead in "Sleeping Beauty." The screenplay by Lindsay Devlin is currently out to producers. The movie fits into the current landscape in which two studios are working on "Snow White" projects. Steinfeld was nominated for the Oscar for best supporting actress for 2010's "True Grit."


Disney Reveals Title for 'Monsters Inc.' Sequel

The sequel to Disney/Pixar's Monsters Inc. has a title: Monsters University. Disney revealed the moniker at its presentation at CinemaCon.  Monsters Inc. was one or Pixar's early hits, released in 2001 as the company's fourth movie. Pete Docter and David Silverman co-directed the pic, which featured voicework from John Goodman and Billy Crystal as fright engineers Sully and Mike Wazowski. The movie scared up $525 million worldwide. Sully/Goodman and Wazowski/Crystal are expected to be back as will monster bad guy Randall Boggs (voices by Steve Buscemi). Disney has scheduled the sequel for a 2012 release.

Beyonce's father will no longer manage her career

Beyonce will no longer be managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, her publicist said. The Grammy-winning singer and her father have parted ways "on a business level," publicist Yvette Noel-Schure told The Associated Press in a statement. "I am grateful for everything he has taught me," Beyonce said in the statement. "I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps." She didn't say what led to the split, but her father said in a separate statement to the AP late Monday that the decision was mutual.Knowles has managed his daughter since she debuted as a teen in the multiplatinum-sellin g group Destiny's Child in the late 1990s and throughout her superstar career as a solo artist. Knowles oversaw all aspects of Beyonce, from music to movies to fashion and more. Her career includes 16 Grammy awards, top-grossing movies "Dreamgirls" and "Obsessed," fashion ventures and lucrative endorsements. The 29-year-old has released three multiplatinum albums — "Dangerously In Love," "B'Day" and "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" — and has 12 Top 10 hits on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, including five No. 1s. Destiny's Child had 11 Top 10 hits on the Hot 100 chart and six No. 1s.  In the statement, Beyonce stressed her devotion to her father on a personal level. "He is my father for life and I love my dad dearly. I am grateful for everything he has taught me," Beyonce said. Knowles also got personal in his statement. "Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success," he said.



Lea Michele Hit by Drunk Drivers
Glee star Lea Michele was involved in a car accident at 2 a.m. Friday morning on her way home from work. “Lea was hit and notified the police,” said a rep for the actress. And it was basically a hit-and-compliment-and-run, because a source close to Michele said, "A couple of drunk girls hit her, got out of the car, giggled that she was famous, said something like 'are you drunk, too?' Then they drove off.”  Michele wrote down the license plate of the car and notified police.

Rick Ross arrested for pot possession

Rapper Rick Ross was a correctional officer before he hit it big in hip-hop. Now Ross is on the other side of the law after being arrested for marijuana possession in Louisiana. Police spokesman Bill Goodin said that Ross, whose real name is William Roberts II, was issued a misdemeanor summons and released after Friday night's arrest. Roberts, known for such albums as "Teflon Don" and "Deeper Than Rap," was arrested after police responded to a complaint about the smell of marijuana at the Hilton Hotel. Upon checking, Goodin said police confiscated 1 gram of what investigators believed to be marijuana. Louisiana has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the nation, and the hip-hop star could face up to six months in prison.

Katie Couric likely to leave CBS news post

Katie Couric is likely to step down as the anchor of "CBS Evening News," but could stay with the network as a regular on "60 Minutes" and the host of a daytime talk show, a person familiar with the situation has said.

Couric, whose five-year contract ends in June, is not expected to make any decision for several weeks about whether to stay with CBS. Several other networks have expressed interest in her.  The New York Post reported that Couric was offered the "60 Minutes" job. If she accepts it, the show could have two full-time talk show hosts in its bullpen: Couric and contributor Anderson Cooper, who is launching his own talk show in the fall. That would put the two in the odd position of working together on "60 Minutes" while competing to fill the daytime talk void left by Oprah Winfrey's exit. Winfrey will end her syndicated show May 25 to focus on the OWN Network. Cooper's show is already set to take over Winfrey's time slots in several markets. Couric's original CBS deal called for her to contribute "60 Minutes" pieces, but she apparently has not been able to contribute as much as she would have liked.

Radiohead to release vinyl single for Record Store Day

The Radiohead fan site At Ease has reported that the band will be releasing a 12-inch vinyl single featuring two unreleased songs -- "The Butcher" and "Supercollider" -- for Record Store Day on April 16. The official number of copies that will be produced is unknown, but the site says that it may be limited to 2,000 copies per territory. Either way, the single will be one of the most highly sought-after new releases for the annual event, which is designed to drive music fans to brick-and-mortar record shops.




Mariah Carey took to Twitter to post a picture of her big, painted-up, pregnant belly. She commented, “My attempt @ festiveness on 327! For ATLITL thank u + I?U! Comin soon #dembabies! LYMA+thanx 4 making me happy:)"






Willie Nelson's Plea Deal
A West Texas prosecutor says that singer Willie Nelson can resolve marijuana possession charges if he agrees to plead guilty, pay a fine and sing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" for the court. Hudspeth County's judge, Becky Dean-Walker, specifically demanded that Nelson appear in court instead of pleading by mail, reportedly because she wants to meet Willie. Nelson was arrested for possession of marijuana on November 26th at a Border Patrol checkpoint after an agent smelled an odor coming from the vehicle.


TV NEWS
Could Jessica Simpson be joining L.A. Reid as the next judge on Simon Cowell's highly anticipated "X Factor"? If she has her way, it sounds likely. "They have definitely talked to me about 'X Factor,'" Simpson said. "I think it would be a lot of fun. It's definitely my life. To be a mentor for up-and-coming artists is right up my alley. I would have loved to have (had) a mentor. I love watching people's dreams come true." The 30-year-old songstress, who landed her first Top 10 hit at age 19, keeps busy these days with a highly successful fashion empire and an upcoming wedding to former NFL player Eric Johnson on the horizon.


Legendary M*A*S*H doc Alan Alda is scrubbing in once again, this time for Showtime’s The Big C. The three-time Emmy-winning actor will appear in one episode of the series’ second season as Dr. Atticus Sherman, an oncologist Cathy (played by Golden Globe-winner Laura Linney) consults with after she discovers that her previous melanoma treatment has failed.


Lifetime’s Army Wives drew 4.8 million viewers Sunday night, making it the most watched episode in the series’ five-year history.


How ’bout a little Drop Dead Diva scoop to start your week off right? Tony Goldwyn (Ghost, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) has been cast as a corrupt District Attorney who just so happens to have a romantic past with Jane. Goldwyn appears in the sixth episode of Drop Dead‘s third season, which premieres on Lifetime this June.


The IRS is After Kelly Osbourne
The IRS is after Kelly Osbourne because she allegedly owes more than $30,000 in unpaid taxes. Kelly owes exactly $34,763.30 to the state of California dating back to 2009.



Britney Preps for Tour--With Enrique Iglesias?
Britney Spears has already begun promoting her 'Femme Fatale' album with some not-so-surprising appearances over the weekend, and now we hear another A-lister may be joining her on tour. Rumor has it that Brit will be co-headlining the tour along with another big name act —Enrique Iglesias. Brit got praise for her performances in Vegas and San Francisco over the weekend, so that's a great start for her tour.

Geraldine Ferraro Dies

Geraldine Ferraro, who marked a significant moment in American history as the first woman vice-presidential nominee for a major party, died Saturday. She was 75. As presidential candidate Walter Mondale's running mate against Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in 1984, Ferraro was a surprise gambit – something like Sarah Palin in 2008, if politically a different animal. ("Modern life is confusing," she said. "Make no Ms.-take about it.") A little-known New York State congresswoman, she also was the first Italian-American on such a prominent ticket. (First-generation, as well.) Accepting the nomination, she announced, "I stand before you to proclaim tonight: America is the land where dreams can come true for all of us." Surrounded at the end by her loved ones at Massachusetts General in Boston, "Gerry," as she was known, had been battling cancer for more than a decade.

BET Host DJ Megatron Shot and Killed in New York City

DJ Megatron, born Corey McGriff, was found dead in the New York City borough of Staten Island Sunday morning. The 32-year-old BET host and radio personality was reportedly killed while walking to the store near his home in Staten Island. Police say it was a gunshot wound to the chest, and no arrests have been made yet. McGriff hosted BET's "What's Good" segment on 106 & Park, and was also a notable on hip-hop and R&B radio stations in New York and Boston. He's also appeared in the movie State Property 2 in 2005. His manager Regg Rocc released this statement: "Mega's family is grateful for all of the condolences and warm thoughts of his fans and friends. Please continue to uplift your prayers of support as an ongoing investigation is currently being conducted by law enforcement officials."

 

 

Mariah Carey Home from Hospital After Contractions

Mother-to-be – of twins! – Mariah Carey nearly had her hands full on her birthday, Sunday, March 27. The babies, Carey, 42, Tweeted in the early hours of Sunday, "really wanted 2 celebrate w/us/share the anniversary! I started having contractions last night..went 2 the hospital." Then, she said, "They almost came on 3/27- happy anniversary in deed!!! We have a few more weeks 2 go but- wow!!!: )" Meanwhile, Papa-to-be Nick Cannon, 30, did some Tweeting of his own on Thursday. He said, "I am probably going to faint in the delivery room! I need to man up! Or maybe I should say WOMAN UP since they are the ones that have to be the strongest in the whole ordeal! I am in awe of my wife!"

Weekend Box Office

Fox 2000's sequel Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules easily won the weekend box office race, grossing a hearty $24.4 million and delivering Fox a new franchise. Warner Bros.' Sucker Punch wasn’t as lucky, grossing $19 million in a soft start for the femme powered action-fantasy, from director Zack Snyder. Back on the top 10 chart, holdovers Limitless and The Lincoln Lawyer both enjoyed strong holds in their second weekend, coming in No. 3 and No. 4 respectively.

Reese Witherspoon weds agent beau in California

Reese Witherspoon has walked down the aisle. A spokeswoman for the actress says the "Walk the Line" star wed her fiance, Hollywood agent Jim Toth, in Ojai, Calif., about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Publicist Nicole Perna did not reveal details about the Saturday ceremony. The Oscar-winning actress and Toth announced their engagement in December. Toth is an agent for Creative Artists Agency, which represents Witherspoon through another agent. The 35-year-old actress won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter in 2005's "Walk the Line." Witherspoon's other film credits include "Legally Blonde," "Four Christmases" and the forthcoming "Water for Elephants." She was previously married to actor Ryan Phillippe, with whom she has two children: 11-year-old daughter Ava and 7-year-old son Deacon.

Bret Michaels Sues CBS and Tony Awards over Head Injury

The June 2009 Tony Awards scenery mishap that resulted in a head injury to Bret Michaels has now erupted into a lawsuit that the musician filed Friday in Los Angeles. Michaels's attorney, Alex Weingarten, issued the following press statement, "The Tony Awards dropped a piece of the stage on Bret’s head, and then instead of doing the right thing, joked about it and played it off for ratings … Bret never wanted to file a lawsuit, but the Tony Awards have left us with no choice. They must be held accountable for almost killing Bret, and that is what we are going to do." In the suit against CBS and the Tony Awards for unspecified damages, Michaels – who ever since the incident has suffered precarious health – claims that despite his asking producers for instructions on where to stand on the Radio City Music Hall stage during his performance, he was only told to "simply exit the stage from the rear."

Amy Adams cast as Lois Lane in "Superman"

Amy Adams will play Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman reboot, filling iconic shoes worn at various times by Noel Neill, Margot Kidder, Teri Hatcher and Kate Bosworth. She will play the enterprising Daily Planet journalist and key love interest opposite British actor Henry Cavill, who was previously cast as Superman/Clark Kent. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner will play his adoptive parents. Zack Snyder ("Sucker Punch") will direct the Warner Bros. project, which is set for a December 2012 release. Adams received an Oscar nomination this year for her supporting role in "The Fighter."


TV NEWS
Film star Tom Hanks is poised to make his first acting appearance on primetime network TV in more than two decades when he guest stars on NBC’s 30 Rock this spring. No details on Hank’s role are yet available — and as with some 30 Rock guest stars it’s possible he will appear as himself. But if he is playing a character, it will by and large mark the two-time Academy Award winner’s first network TV role since the early 1980s, when he guest-starred on multiple episodes of Family Ties as alcoholic Uncle Ned.


The Queen of Daytime has set the precise end date to her 25-year reign. The Oprah Winfrey Show will air its series finale Wednesday, May 25, HARPO officially announced Friday. New episodes of the groundbreaking talk show return Thursday, April 7.


Hours after performing on Good Morning America, Britney Spears will grace the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage the night of Tuesday, March 29, ABC has confirmed. The concert coincides with the release of her brand new album, “Femme Fatale,” out on the same day.


Funnylady Maya Rudolph is reteaming with her former Saturday Night Live boss Lorne Michaels on his new NBC comedy pilot. Rudolph joins the already-cast Christina Applegate in the untitled project about a look at parenthood through the eyes of Applegate’s “acerbic working mom.”


The Amazing Race and Undercover Boss will live to see another season. CBS announced that it has renewed both reality series, for 19th and third seasons, respectively.

Former Heroes star Adrian Pasdar is back at NBC, this time on the comedy side. In what would be his first regular gig in a half-hour series, Pasdar has been tapped as the male lead opposite Sarah Paulson in NBC’s untitled pilot from New Adventures of Old Christine creator Kari Lizer. The workplace comedy revolves around Mary Leahy (Paulson), a relationship-challenged woman who, with the help of her co-workers, guides people through unexpected career transitions. Pasdar will play Brad, a super confident guy who has drunk sex with Mary in a bar bathroom. After seeing how charming he is, Mary and her partner ask him to join their company. Pasdar recently did an arc on ABC’s Castle.

Liz Taylor buried in small ceremony at LA cemetery

Elizabeth Taylor's family mourned the screen legend in a brief private funeral service Thursday at a Southern California cemetery famous for being the final resting place of Hollywood celebrities, including her good friend Michael Jackson. Inside the sprawling Forest Lawn Cemetery, barricades blocked access to the funeral, where about four dozen family members mourned the actress during a service that lasted about an hour, said Glendale police spokesman Tom Lorenz. Five black stretch limousines transported Taylor's family to and from the funeral, but no procession was held. Taylor died early Wednesday of congestive heart failure while surrounded by her four children at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized for about six weeks.

Pattinson fears final 'Twilight' films will be 'R' rated

"Twilight" star Robert Pattinson fears the final two movies in the vampire love story saga will have to be heavily censored for young fans to see them because some scenes are too horrific.  The British actor, who plays Edward Cullen in the film franchise, is worried producers will slap a restrictive rating on the two "Breaking Dawn" movies after considering them too extreme for teenagers. "There's some interesting and weird stuff going on - really very, very, very strange," he tells Entertainment Weekly magazine. "It's great. For a big mainstream movie, it's the most obscure storyline and really outside the box. "It's a horror movie. I've seen a few bits, and I just can't see how it's going to be [rated] PG-13... unless they cut everything out." The climactic scenes include the graphic birth of a vampire baby.

NFL wants players tested for HGH

Human growth hormone testing is coming for all NFL players if the league has its way in labor negotiations. NFL vice president and general counsel Adolpho Birch said that the league is insistent upon HGH testing when a new collective bargaining agreement is reached with the NFL Players Association.  "We want it. We think it's necessary. We're going to ensure that it's done," said Birch, who oversees the NFL's drug-testing program. "That's something very important to us and the integrity of our game. We believe some of the basis for going slowly on it before has been addressed. At this point, it's proper for it to be an active part of our program." Birch said the NFL had discussed the matter with NFLPA representatives before labor talks ended March 11 and a work stoppage began. An NFLPA source says that an agreement for HGH testing "would have to be part of settlement discussions with the class," referring to the attorneys representing 10 NFL players in an antitrust lawsuit against the league. The NFLPA decertified as a union before the previous CBA expired in anticipation of an NFL lockout. Testing for HGH — a performance-enhancing substance barred but not tested for in the NFL's previous drug-testing program — could become a contentious subject among NFLPA members. It also could become a bargaining chip for the NFL in CBA negotiations.



NFL Player Cited For Sagging Pants
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, Dez Bryant, was issued a criminal trespass warning for wearing baggy pants that exposed his underwear and buttocks to patrons at the NorthPark Shopping Mall on Saturday night. Off-duty officers reportedly asked Bryant and his friends to pull up their pants, but the NFL player responded with profanity. Dallas police issued a statement saying: "The outcome could have been avoided if the parties involved had simply complied with instructions given by the involved officers."  Bryant must hang out at the mall because he's had several incidents there before including a "major disturbance" at a restaurant involving a woman, a parking violation and cutting in line at a store.


TV NEWS
Despite critical accolades and heavy internal support, FX has decided to cancel little-watched Lights Out after just one season. FX has pulled the plug on its first season boxing drama. The pilot reached a modest 1.5 million viewers when it bowed last January, and that was the high point for the show, which continued to shed viewers. The network will air the final two episodes March 29 and April 5.


A network spokesperson confirmed that the acclaimed (yet ratings-challenged) drama Fringe will return for a fourth season next fall — and a full season (22 episodes!) at that. The news was announced on Twitter this evening by executive producer J.H. Wyman. “Fringe was picked up,” he wrote. “Thanks Fringedom!” The pickup comes despite last Friday’s episode hitting a series low 3.85 million viewers.


The Real World has been renewed for seasons 27 and 28. MTV's The Real World is to date the longest-running reality series in history.


Former Knight Rider star Justin Bruening has joined another reboot for NBC: Wonder Woman. The David E. Kelley-penned pilot stars Adrienne Palicki as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince, who is a successful corporate executive working to balance all the elements of her complicated life. Bruening will play Steve Trevor, a leading man Diana can’t look past, an army vet who now works in the Justice department.


Comedy Central has renewed Futurama for two more 13-episode seasons.


Desperate Housewives alum Mark Deklin has been added to ABC’s dramedy pilot Good Christian Bitches. It stars Leslie Bibb as Amanda, a mother of two and onetime “mean girl” in high school who returns home to Dallas humbled following a scandalous divorce, hoping to get a second chance at winning over her old classmates. Deklin will play a rugged, metrosexual cowboy married to one of the classmates, Cricket (Miriam Shor).


Dexter alum David Ramsey has been cast in the CW pilot Cooper & Stone, about Jenna Cooper (Alex Breckenridge) and Stone (Vanessa Ferlito), two smart female detectives on Chicago’s North Side who are best friends, equally adept at discussing fashion, music and pop culture as they are solving homicides.


What a wonderful week for Natasha Henstridge! First, the Eli Stone alumna landed a part in The CW’s buzzy Secret Circle pilot, and now she’s set to visit CSI: Miami.  Henstridge will appear in the CBS crime drama’s Season 9 finale as a Secret Service agent who likely will strike a spark with Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso).


Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Anthony Stewart Head has joined NBC’s comedy pilot Free Agents, reprising his role from the original UK series of the same name.


It sounds like Johnny Depp can take a joke: The actor will shrug off a few Golden Globes jokes to appear in Ricky Gervais' new series, "Life's Too Short," Gervais says. Gervais said on his blog that he could confirm Depp's appearance on the series, which will be for BBC2 but is expected to air on HBO2.



Bravo will not renew "The Real Housewives of D.C." after one, low-rated season. During its 11-episode run last year, "Real Housewives of D.C." never tapped into the popularity of the franchise's existing installments, which were set in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Orange County, Calif. This despite controversy surrounding cast members Michaele and Tariq Salahi, who crashed a White House dinner without an official invitation. Two more installments, set in Miami and Beverly Hills, Calif., were introduced more recently and are currently airing new episodes.

During its 11-episode run last year, "Real Housewives of D.C." never tapped into the popularity of the franchise's existing installments, which were set in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Orange County, Calif. This despite controversy surrounding cast members Michaele and Tariq Salahi, who crashed a White House dinner without an official invitation.  Two more installments, set in Miami and Beverly Hills, Calif., were introduced more recently and are currently airing new episodes.

Zsa Zsa Gabor Admitted to Hospital After Learning of Elizabeth Taylor's Death

Zsa Zsa Gabor was admitted to the hospital Wednesday after being overcome with grief about the death of her longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor.  "She was inconsolable and her blood pressure shot up to dangerous levels," Gabor's spokesperson said "So the doctor told [her husband, Frederic Prinz von Anhalt] to bring her into the hospital so they could medicate and watch her." Gabor has been hospitalized repeatedly since July, when she broke her hip falling from bed. She had most of her right leg amputated in January because of gangrene but refused a second leg amputation earlier this month.


Nate Dogg's Cause of Death Revealed

This past Wednesday Hip Hop music suffered a huge loss with the passing of Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale. His lawyer Mark Geragos confirmed that the original 213 member died from complications of a stroke.

Chris Brown Apologizes for 'Good Morning America' Outburst

Chris Brown has apologized for storming off the set of ABC's Good Morning America, throwing a cooler and allegedly breaking a window because he was so angry about being asked about ex-girlfriend Rihanna. "First of all, I want to apologize to anybody who was startled in the office, or anybody who was offended or really looked, and [was] disappointed at my actions, because I'm disappointed in the way I acted," Brown said, according to a transcript of his live appearance on BET's 106 & Park.  Brown emphasized that no one was hurt during the incident. His reason for the outburst? "[I had to release] the anger that I had inside of me" about being questioned about Rihanna. He has claimed he was caught off guard by the questions and was under the impression the interview would focus on his new album. "Yes, I got very emotional," he said on 106 & Park. "And I apologize for acting like that." Earlier on Wednesday, Roberts said the singer would be welcomed back on GMA. "I wish him the absolute best," Roberts said on ABC's morning show. "We extended the invitation to him [to come back], and sure hope he takes us up on it because I'd sure love to have another chat with him."


Charlie Sheen Suffers Setback in Legal Battle With Warner Bros., Chuck Lorre

Charlie Sheen has been dealt a procedural blow in his lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television and Two and a Half Men co-creator Chuck Lorre over his firing from TV's No. 1 sitcom. Ruling means private arbitration can move forward, making a public trial of his $100 million lawsuit unlikely. If Sheen's attorney, Singer can't stop the whole mess from going to private arbitration, Sheen would lose a significant piece of leverage in the case. Juries tend to side with high-profile celebrities (even those with erratic public behavior), and the prospect of Sheen getting a public venue in which to expose Warner Bros.' private financial information and attack the studio and showrunnner, might have prompted Warners to settle. "Whether we go to arbitration or court, we still feel we will prevail because the facts and law are 100% in our favor," Singer says. "I can understand why Chuck Lorre wants to keep this in a secret tribunal. When the facts come out they will show that he and Warner Bros. had absolutely no basis to terminate my client."

Lindsay Lohan Rejects Plea Deal, Faces Trial

Lindsay Lohan is gambling that a jury will believe her side of the story: That she's no thief. The actress has turned down a plea deal that included jail time and opted to move toward a trial in her felony grand theft case, Los Angeles prosecutors confirmed Wednesday. "Ms. Lohan has maintained her innocence from the moment this case was filed and she has never wavered," her attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement. "Though many advised her to follow the safe route by taking 'the deal', the truth is, Ms. Lohan is innocent; she has a strong defense; and we are confident that a jury will listen to the evidence fairly and acquit her." Lohan, 24, is accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, Calif., store. Sources close to Lohan contend she believed the necklace was loaned to her, a version of events refuted by the store's owners. A preliminary hearing, in which testimony is heard and a judge decides if there's enough evidence for a trial, is set to begin on April 22. If convicted, Lohan faces a maximum of three years in prison. She also faces the possibility of jail time if a judge decides she violated her probation in a DUI case.



TV NEWS

"A Beautiful Mind" actor Ed Harris has been tapped to play John McCain in the HBO film "Game Change" about the 2008 election. The film, which follows McCain's election bid from his selection of Alaska governor Sarah Palin to his defeat in the general election, is based on John Heilemann and Mark Halperin's best-selling book of the same name. Julianne Moore has been tapped to play Palin.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is returning to his acting career with a new TV series. He has signed up for what will be his first role since stepping down as governor of California, although little is known about the TV project, which has simply been described as "an international TV series." Schwarzenegger, who is also in talks for a "True Lies" sequel, is to discuss the show at a press conference in Cannes, France, on April 4.

Eliza Dushku could be returning to television -- in a role some might find surprising for the actress who made a name for herself on sci-fi dramas. The Wayans project in question, is a multi-camera sitcom set in a sports radio station. It's inspired by ESPN personality Colin Cowherd, and "Grounded For Life" creators Bill Martin and Mike Schiff are behind the project.


Pretty Little Liars‘ Tyler Blackburn is leaving Rosewood again — this time for a Brave New World, as in the title of an NBC comedy pilot. Blackburn has officially joined the cast of Peter Tolan’s (Rescue Me) quirky single-camera project, playing John Lichtfield, just one of many unusual characters in the workplace comedy that follows a pack of theme park employees who specialize in recreating 1600s New England.
Veteran actor Ed Begley Jr. (St. Elsewhere, Six Feet Under) and Nick Braun (10 Things I Hate About You) are already set to star in the potential series.


Off the Map‘s Jason George is taking a break from saving lives in the jungle to help solve crime on ABC’s Castle. George will play an entrepreneur whom Beckett and Castle meet during their upcoming trip to Los Angeles to investigate a murder. Prison Break alum Dominic Purcell also appears in the episode as a Hollywood businessman with a connection to the big case. Off The Map airs its first season finale on April 6.


Judd Hirsch (Taxi, Numb3rs) has joined the Season 4 cast of Damages. The veteran actor is set to play Patty’s former mentor, who now spends a majority of his time “at the bottom of a bottle.” Damages‘ new season premieres in July, exclusively on DirecTV.

 Elizabeth Taylor, the Hollywood icon and Oscar-winner who was practically born in the spotlight, has died. She was 79. "She was surrounded by her children – Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton," Taylor's publicist, Sally Morrison, said in a statement. In addition to her children, Taylor is survived by 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. On Feb. 11, it was announced that she had been in taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles earlier that week for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, and around 1:30 a.m. she "peacefully died there," according to her publicist. "Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be." For the past several years she had suffered ill health, though to the very end she was a tireless advocate for AIDS research. Her more notable pictures as an adult included Father of the Bride, A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and two for which she won Best Actress Oscars: Butterfield 8 and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. With 1963's Cleopatra, the dark beauty with the violet eyes became the first Hollywood star to earn a $1 million salary. The $46 million spectacle, though dismissed by critics, also teamed her with the actor who would become her 4th and 5th husband: Richard Burton. The beauty was not only known for her string of movie roles and generous charitable contributions: Her storied personal life, which included eight marriages and seven husbands, added to Taylor’s status as a true Hollywood legend.

 

Chris Brown Still Set To Perform on DWTS, Even After 'Very Angry' Backstage GMA Outburst

Chris Brown is still set to perform on next Tuesday’s Dancing With the Stars results show. Addressing the situation on Wednesday morning, GMA‘s Roberts said that Brown knew the domestic violence case would be a topic during their sit-down. When Roberts brought up the fact that Rihanna had dropped the restraining order that was part of Brown’s guilty plea, the singer shrugged off the situation as “not really a big deal,” and expressed his wish that people  focus on his new album F.A.M.E., and not “stuff that happened two years ago.” After performing on the morning show, Brown got “very angry” backstage, ABC News correspondent Andrea Canning confirmed on Wednesday’s GMA, breaking a large window in his dressing room. He then exited the studio shirtless, and later said on Twitter about the on-camera interview, “I’m so over people bring this s–t up!!! Yet we praise Charlie Sheen and other celebs for there [sic] bulls–t!” That tweet has since been deleted. Later, he wrote: “Thank you to everyone who supports my music!!! Key word music!”

Disco's Loleatta Holloway dead at 64

Loleatta Holloway, the disco singer best known for her 1980 hit "Love Sensation," has died at the age of 64, her manager Ron Richardson said. Richardson confirmed on his Twitter account that Holloway had died on Monday after a brief illness. "Another Legendary Angel Loleatta Holloway Gone to (sic) soon Rest in Peace Sweet Loleatta..RR," he posted.  Holloway also sang on Black Box's 1989 hit "Ride on Time," and she was featured on Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch's 1991 hit "Good Vibrations," which climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart


Former NFL star Lawrence Taylor sentenced to probation for sex crime
Hall of Fame NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor was sentenced to six years probation during a court hearing Tuesday after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with an underage girl. Taylor, who pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges in the case in January, will also have to pay a $2,000 fine, Judge William Kelly said.
Kelly will also determine which sex-offender level status Taylor is expected to receive -- which could range from low to high risk -- during a separate hearing set for April 12. Taylor was arrested last May on charges of "improper sexual conduct involving an underage girl in a Rockland County hotel," the district attorney's office said. Prosecutors said Taylor paid the teen $300 after "sexual acts." The girl, who was 16 years old at the time of the incident, denied allegations that she was a prostitute. "I'm very upset about what Mr. Taylor did to me," she said. "I did not want to go to his hotel." The teenager said she was glad Taylor had been prosecuted though disappointed that the former New York Giant won't receive jail time.  "He took something very special from me," she said. "I'm not a prostitute. I'm a victim, and I'm hurting." Taylor entered a guilty plea to one count of sexual misconduct and one count of patronizing a prostitute in the third degree, both misdemeanor charges, prosecutors said.

Lawyer: Bonds admits using steroids

Barry Bonds admits using steroids during his baseball career, his lawyer told a jury. The catch is that Bonds' personal trainer misled him into believing he was taking flax seed oil and arthritis cream.  ''I know that doesn't make a great story,'' Allen Ruby said during his opening statement at the home run leader's perjury trial. ''But that's what happened.'' Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Parrella called such claims ''ridiculous and unbelievable'' and portrayed Bonds as a liar during his first chance to present the government's position. And so the crux of the criminal case against Bonds was laid before an eight-woman, four-man jury as the testimony phase of the trial got under way. Bonds has pleaded not guilty to four charges of lying to a grand jury in 2003 when he denied knowingly taking steroids and one count of obstruction. Parrella started the day by saying Bonds lied to the grand jury even though the government promised not to prosecute him for drug use if he testified truthfully. ''All he had to do was tell the truth, Parrella said. ''That's all, but he couldn't do it.''



Howard Stern Sues Sirius XM Claiming He Was Stiffed On Stock

In 2004, before Howard Stern signed a blockbuster deal with Sirius Satellite Radio, he thought about retiring. Instead, he took a "significant risk" and went with Sirius. The moment is captured in a lawsuit filed today in New York Superior Court where Stern's company, One Twelve Inc., and his agent Don Buchwald are pressing charges that Sirius XM Radio stiffed them on promised stock. In 2004, Stern was negotiating with both Sirius and XM, two rivals before they merged in 2008. In the lawsuit, Stern says Sirius got the upper hand by promising him that he would be treated like more than just an employee; that he would share in the company's success.  The plaintiffs explain: "In 2004, when Sirius desperately needed Stern to make its business viable, it induced him to move to Sirius by offering him a chance to share in the success of the company. Now that Stern has put the company on the map, brought in millions of subscribers, and helped it conquer its chief rival, Sirius has unilaterally decided that Stern has been paid enough. The amounts owed to One Twelve and Buchwald represent a fraction of the revenue that Stern enabled Sirius to achieve, yet Sirius refuses to honor its commitments to him and Buchwald." Sirius is being sued for breach of contract, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified money due, plus interest. Sirius issued a statement: "Sirius XM just signed a contract through 2015 with Howard Stern, and he is a valued part of our company. We were thus surprised and disappointed by the subsequent legal action initiaed by his production company and agent. We have me all our obligations under the terms of our 2004 agreement with Howard, his agent and production company."

Rapper Ja Rule pleads guilty to tax evasion
Rapper Ja Rule pleaded guilty on Tuesday to failing to file tax returns and promised to pay more than $1 million in back taxes and penalties, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey said. Ja Rule, whose original name is Jeffrey Atkins, 35, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to three counts of failing to file a tax return, from 2004 through 2008, even though he was making money from royalties and live tours. The Grammy-nominated rapper and New Jersey resident agreed to pay the government more than $1.1 million in tax debts, plus penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, according to federal prosecutors. "Each of us must pay our fair share to keep this country going," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said in a statement. U.S. federal judge Patty Shwartz set bail at $500,000 and permitted Atkins' release pending sentencing scheduled for June 13. He faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count. In December, Atkins was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to a weapons possession charge stemming from a 2007 incident in which he was pulled over by police who discovered a semi-automatic handgun hidden in his luxury car.


Spice Girl Expecting
Mel B, aka Scary Spice, and husband Stephen Belafonte are expecting a new baby this summer. She joins fellow Spice moms, Victoria Beckham (expecting a girl) and Emma Button (expecting a boy), who are also due this summer. The sex of her baby is not known at this time. Mel B and Stephen have three children from previous relationships. Mel B is mom to Phoenix, 12, and Angel Iris, 3. Stephen is dad to daughter Giselle, 6.



Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges Joins 'New Year's Eve'

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges has been cast in New Year's Eve, New Line's all-star ensemble dramedy currently shooting in New York under the direction of Garry Marshall. The movie tells intertwining stories of a group of New Yorkers as they navigate their way through bittersweet drama and romance over the course of New Year's Eve. The cast ranges from Halle Berry and Jessica Biel to Hilary Swank and Sofia Vergara. Bridges plays a NYPD cop who is working with the director of the Times Square festivities (Swank). Bridges, repped by CAA, has had a busy winter-spring. He appeared in the recent Ivan Reitman romantic comedy No Strings Attached and in Justin Bieber: Never Say Never as himself. He also shows up in Fast Five, the fifth installment of Universal's Fast and the Furious franchise.

Brooke Mueller Drops Restraining Order
Charlie's ex, Brooke Mueller has notified the court that she wants her restraining order against Charlie to expire, saying that she and her ex-husband have settled their differences. Brooke had the option to seek a permanent restraining order but decided not to.

Movie bosses searching for Tupac biopic star online

Movie producers have launched an online hunt to find an actor to play slain rapper Tupac Shakur on the big screen.  The hip-hop hero was gunned down and killed in Las Vegas in 1996. The new film will tell Tupac's life story.  Film bosses at Morgan Creek Productions are searching for a star to play the rapper and have teamed up with Skee.TV to find the perfect casting. They're calling for actors to upload a five-minute audition video, which will include a prepared monologue and a one-minute performance of a chosen Tupac song. Skee.TV founder DJ Skee says, "This audition process is a great example of utilizing today's ever-evolving technology to reach fans and actors around the world to pay homage to a hip-hop legend."

Director Antoine Fuqua is overseeing the biopic.

TV NEWS
"The Office" is adding another Will to the mix as it begins its post-Steve Carell life. Will Arnett, whom "Office" creator Ricky Gervais suggested for the show on his blog in February, will guest star in the season finale. So will Gervais himself. The show is wrapping Will Ferrell's four-episode guest arc (he plays another Dunder Mifflin manager) around Carell's April 28 departure. Ferrell's character will leave in the next-to-last episode of the season, which airs May 12, and Arnett's character comes in for the May 19 finale.


We’ve got good news, bad news on the Mad Men front. Lionsgate TV and AMC are inching closer to a new deal with showrunner Matt Weiner. The catch is that arriving at an agreement at this late date all but guarantees a delay in the series’ fifth season. With Weiner’s compensation negotiations continuing into late March, production on Mad Men will likely not begin in time to meet the traditional  summer premiere date. But a pushed-back Season 5.

Demi Lovato is putting her nose back to the grindstone, but sorry "Sonny with a Chance" fans, it doesn't look like the starlet has returned to Disney just yet.  "Demi's management will inform us when she is ready to return to work," a Disney rep says. "As you know, last November, we announced hat we would focus on our 'So Random' sketch comedy show (the show within 'Sonny With a Chance') to keep the staff, cast and crew employed. We began production in January and will debut those episodes this spring."

Academy Award winner Helen Mirren will make her Saturday Night Live hosting debut on April 9 on NBC, alongside musical guests the Foo Fighters. Mirren previously (and fleetingly) appeared on SNL as part of an October 2010 digital short.


Kiefer Sutherland, appearing on "The View" on Monday, said a movie based on the action series "24" is set to be released in the summer of 2012. Sutherland is currently starring in the new Broadway play revival called, "That Championship Season." The play also stars actors, Jason Patric, Jim Gaffigan Christopher Noth.


Law & Order alum S. Epatha Merkerson has been cast in the CBS pilot from Erin Brockovich writer Susannah Grant. The medical drama stars Patrick Wilson, one of the most sought after actors of the current pilot season, as a driven surgeon whose life is changed when his ex-wife dies and begins giving him life lessons from the after-life. British actress Jennifer Ehle (The King’s Speech) co-stars as his wife.

Merkerson, who played Lt. Anita Van Buren for nine seasons on Law & Order, has been cast as Wilson’s no-nonsense administrative assistant. The actress won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role in HBO’s 2005 movie Lackawanna Blues.

Former Weeds funnylady Elizabeth Perkins has landed the female lead opposite Michael Chiklis in the Conan O’Brien-produced comedy pilot Vince Uncensored. Chiklis’ casting is of course in second position to his current gig on ABC’s No Ordinary Family.



Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee is developing a new reality show for the Syfy channel called, "Culture Shock with Tommy Lee". The show will follow Lee as he attempts to uncover various rituals, symbols, and other mysteries of secret societies around the country. Lee will study the history of each society, meet with former members and participate in their ceremonies.


TNT officially announced that Southland will be back for a 10-episode Season 4.


 MTVs' new awards show has announced it will give Eddie Murphy the inaugural "Comedy Icon Award", which goes "to a modern icon, an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to comedy and whose impact and innovations have changed the landscape and inspired future generations of entertainers." Billed as the first awards show celebrating comedy, The Comedy Awards will be taped March 26th in New York and premiere April 10th on Comedy Central, Spike TV, TV Land, VH1, Logo and Nick at Nite.



Michael Lohan Arrested for Domestic Violence
Like father, like daughter. Lindsay isn't the only Lohan looking at jail time soon--her father Michael Lohan has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Michael's girlfriend called police late Monday night and filed a report with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department between 9:30 and 10:00 PM claiming she had been abused by Michael. She had some visible marking from the alleged incident so cops tracked Michael down and arrested him on suspicion of domestic violence. Michael was admitted into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after complaining of chest pains, but shortly afterward was booked and charged with domestic violence, false imprisonment, preventing the reporting of victimization.



Jersey Shore's Ronnie May Avoid Jail Time
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, aka the Italian King Kong, might avoid jail time for his 2009 assault for knocking a man unconscious. Ortiz-Magro applied for a pretrial intervention program, which would allow him to avoid serving jail time if he completes court-ordered stipulations. If granted this program, Ronnie will be able to join the rest of the Jersey Shore herd and moo his way to Italy for shooting. He will return to court on June 6 to learn whether his requested has been granted.

Tickets on sale now! Opening night sold out for Charles Reed, brother of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Griots Fire Productions, Lond Day's Journey Into Night; don't miss out on this show. Get tickets at www.griotsfireproductions.com

Wyclef Jean shot in hand in Haiti

Hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean was shot in the hand on Saturday, Mar. 19, while in Haiti. Jean was in Port-au-Prince on the eve of the country's presidential runoff vote when he was shot. The singer was taken to a hospital, treated and released. Spokeswoman Cindy Tanenbaum said the wound was superficial and that Jean "is doing well." Jean was born in Haiti and was one of the first celebrities to offer aid after the earthquake. Last year, Jean announced his plan to run for Haitian presidency, but was later deemed ineligible to run by election officials. His eligibility was questioned after claims that he had not lived in Haiti for five consecutive years prior to the election.  "The way I can explain it is that the bullet grazed me in my right hand," Jean said. "I heard blow, blow, blow, and I just looked at my hand." Jean, who was with a driver and the Haitian hip-hop singer FanFan at the time, said he didn't know who fired the shots, or whether they were directed at him. He said he got out of the car to have a private conversation that FanFan would not overhear. He heard the shots and looked down to see blood on his shirt and sneakers. Jean said he took antibiotics and recovered at an "undisclosed location" before going out to vote in Sunday's presidential election. first his assistant was killed and now he was shot, i think Wyclef maybe the target and needs to beef up his security.

Bruno Mars, Paris Hilton Prosecutor Busted for Coke

The Las Vegas deputy district attorney who prosecuted Bruno Mars and Paris Hilton for cocaine possession was arrested Saturday night for... possession of cocaine. Clark County Deputy District Attorney David Schubert was booked and later released from the Clark County Detention Center. wow dude, really?!?!

AT&T to Acquire T-Mobile for $39 Billion

AT&T announced Sunday that it would buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a game-changing deal valued at $39 billion. The acquisition will combine two of the nation's major cell phone carriers, leaving only Verizon and the much smaller Sprint in the market. Critics believe the deal will result in higher prices for T-Mobile customers, who will likely have to subscribe to AT&T rates after their current contracts expire. However, the merger will also bring 4G to T-Mobile subscribers through AT&T's new LTE standard and is expected to improve network quality and cut costs across the board for both companies.

Bradley Cooper, Renee Zellweger reportedly split

Bradley Cooper and Renee Zellweger have called it quits. While reps for the former couple had no comment, multiple sources are claiming that it's the end of the road for these two. After just under two years together, the relationship has lasted longer than each of their previous marriages combined -- Both maxing out in less than six months, Zellweger's marriage to Kenny Chesney and Cooper's to Jennifer Esposito were short lived. The stars met six years ago on the set of "Case 39," but didn't become romantically involved until 2009.






Adrianne Palicki was named the new superhero and her costume was unveiled. This Wonder Woman still has the Lasso of Truth and the bulletproof bracelets, but her pants are basically useless. The new show will be an alternate take on the legend of the Amazonian Diana Prince in her attempt to juggle her life in the modern world as a crime fighter and corporate executive.  not sure how i feel about the pants or the lack of red boots




















Vanessa Hudgens' Nudie Blogger is Missing
The Parisian blogger accused of publishing hacked celebrity photos including some of Vanessa Hudgens has shut down his site and deleted his Twitter account. Going by the handle ‘DeepAtsea’, the mystery blogger said in a thread: "For those who hope to see uncensored pictures, here is a message of the guy who has the pictures. Quote: Well I sold other stuff before and never been to jail.” ‘DeepAtSea’ also deleted a number of posts he or she left on various forums. The FBI continues their search for the original group of hackers, saying “We’re not confirming or denying anything.”

'Limitless' leads the box office

Pill popping helped Bradley Cooper's "Limitless" beat expectations with a $19 million debut. "Limitless" held off competition from "Paul" and "The Lincoln Lawyer" to claim the top spot.  It represents the first number one debut for the studio, since Relativity began marketing and distributing its own films last winter.

Here's how the weekend's top 10 shaped up:
1.) "Limitless" $19 million
2.) "Rango" $15.3 million
3.) "Battle: Los Angeles" $14.2 million
4.) "The Lincoln Lawyer" $13.4 million
5.) "Paul" $13.2 million
6.) "Red Riding Hood" $7.2 million
7.) "The Adjustment Bureau" $5.9 million
8.) "Mars Needs Moms" $5.3 million
9.) "Beastly" $3.3 million
10.) "Hall Pass" $2.6 million

TV NEWS
ABC's doctor drama Private Practice is getting a high-profile addition. Practice is adding Benjamin Bratt to its cast. Though details about his role are being kept under wraps, he will appear in the season finale, before joining the series as a regular next season. The news comes nearly two months after cast member Audra McDonald announced that she would be leaving the show at the end of the season "to spend more time with her family in New York." Other changes came earlier in the season, when the show upped Brian Benben (Dr. Sheldon Wallace) and Caterina Scorsone (Dr. Amelia Shepherd) to regular cast members. wow Naomi leaving the show


"Undercovers" star Boris Kodjoe has joined the ABC pilot "Georgetown," which is shaping up to be the home of one of the most attractive casts. Ever. In the history of television. The pilot from "Gossip Girl's" Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage is an ensemble drama about young staffers on Capitol Hill. So who will Kodjoe be playing? The Democratic president's fiercely intelligent senior adviser. Kodjoe joins a cast that includes "Lone Star's" James Wolk, "Gossip Girl's" Kevin Zegers and Katie Cassidy, "Vampire Diaries'" Tiya Sircar and "Persons Unknown's" Daisy Betts.


Auditions for Simon Cowell's new talent competition 'The X Factor' will kick off March 27 in Los Angeles, and in the meantime, suspense is building about just who will be seated at the judges' table. Cowell made the first announcement last week, confirming that famed music producer Antonio 'L.A.' Reid has agreed to sit alongside him on the panel when the series launches. Now, sources are floating two new names, charismatic young singers and headline-makers who are allegedly in the running to join 'X Factor': Nicki Minaj, 26, and Taylor Momsen, 17.


The Assistants will answer to no less than Heather Locklear, now that the six-time Golden Globe nominee has signed on to star in the CBS pilot of that name. The ensemble project revolves around the four assistants who are at the beck and call of a celebrity couple. Locklear will play Ali, an insecure actress and the female half of the demanding bosses. (The husband is yet to be cast.) The aforementioned assistants, meanwhile, will be played by Emily Rutherfurd (aka Old Christine‘s “New Christine”), David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place, Ted’s HIMYM son), T.J. Miller (Carpoolers) and Lamorne Morris (Brain Rush).

Kevin Dillon has signed on to star in CBS' "How to Be a Gentleman" after playing Johnny "Drama" Chase for eight seasons on HBO's hit show "Entourage." Dillon will star opposite David Hornsby in the comedy pilot.

Dillon has earned three Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Johnny Drama.

In just over a month, Shania Twain's once-quiet personal life will be available for public consumption. The eminently likable country chart-topper's reality show, "Why Not? With Shania Twain," will debut May 8 on the Oprah-headed OWN, the network announced.

Score one for NBC this pilot season: The network has landed Christina Applegate for her first series project since "Samantha Who?" left the air a couple seasons ago. Applegate will star in a comedy pilot from "Parks and Recreation" producer and former "Saturday Night Live" writer Emily Spivey.  The show, executive produced by Lorne Michaels ("SNL," "30 Rock"), will star Applegate as a tart-tongued working mother with a stay-at-home husband; her parents are also a big part of her life.

Longtime ABC exec Mark Pedowitz is believed to be in talks to take over for departing chief Dawn Ostroff at the CW. Though the news is yet to be confirmed by the CW, sources says Pedowitz is poised to take the top job, with the CW’s current executive vice president of drama Thom Sherman likely to take a larger creative role at the female-skewing network.