Hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty found dead in apartment
hip-hop mogul who managed Sean "Diddy" Combs, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey was found dead in his New York City apartment Thursday in an apparent suicide, police said. Chris Lighty, 44, was discovered at his home in the Bronx with a gunshot wound to the head, and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No note was recovered, but a .9-mm handgun was found at the scene and there was no sign of forced entry, said Paul Browne, chief spokesman for the New York Police Department.  The medical examiner's office will determine a cause of death, but authorities say the shooting appears to be self-inflicted. Lighty was behind some of rap's leading figures, helping them not only attain hit records but also lucrative careers outside of music. He had been a part of the scene for decades, working with pioneers like LL Cool J before starting his own management company, Violator. But Lighty had been having recent financial and personal troubles. Twitter was abuzz with condolences on his death just hours after the body was found at about 11:30 a.m. "R.I.P. Chris Lighty," Fat Joe posted on his account. "The man that saved my life!" "Today, we lost a hip-hop hero and one of its greatest architects," wrote Russell Simmons. 50 Cent said in a statement issued through his publicist that he was deeply saddened by the loss: "Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade. He was a good friend and advisor who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed." Lighty was raised by his mother in the Bronx, one of six children. He ran with a group called The Violators, the inspiration for the name of his management company, according to the company website. He was a player in the hip-hop game since he was a kid DJ. He rose through the ranks at Rush Management (Simmons' first company) before eventually founding Violator Management in the late 1990s. (Mona Scott and James Cruz are partners). His roster ranged from Academy Award-winners Three 6 Mafia to maverick Missy Elliott to up-and-comer Papoose and perpetual star Carey. He made it his mission not so much to make musical superstars, but rather multifaceted entertainers who could be marketed in an array of ways: a sneaker deal here, a soft drink partnership there, a movie role down the road. In a 2007 interview with The Associated Press, Lighty talked about creating opportunities for his stars — a Chapstick deal for LL Cool J, known for licking his lips, a vitamin supplement deal for 50 Cent. "As music sales go down because kids are stealing it off the Internet and trading it and iPod sales continue to rise, you can't rely on just the income that you would make off of being an artist," he said at the time. Lighty is survived by his two children. He and his wife, Veronica, had been in the process of divorcing. The case was still listed as active, but electronic records show an agreement to end it was filed in June.  Lighty is survived by his two children. He and his wife, Veronica, had been in the process of divorcing. The case was still listed as active, but electronic records show an agreement to end it was filed in June. He was also having financial trouble. City National Bank sued Lighty, whose given name is Darrell, in April, saying he had overdrawn his account by $53,584 and then refused to pay the balance. The case was still pending. And New York state said in a March 2011 legal filing that Lighty owed $278,710 in unpaid state taxes. A state website lists the lien as still being unpaid. And New York City records show that the IRS put a $55,640 lien on Lighty and one of his companies in July. His tax problems were much steeper a year ago, but he cleared away millions of dollars in earlier IRS liens last October, after selling his Manhattan apartment for $5.6 million.

Coroner: Sage Stallone Died From Heart Condition

Coroner’s officials have determined that Sylvester Stallone’s 36-year-old son died from natural causes due to a heart condition. Sage Stallone died in July from a condition that causes blockage of the arteries. No other factors were involved. The coroner’s office says Sage’s death has been attributed to natural causes. He was found dead in his home by an employee and a relative on July 13. No foul play had been suspected, and toxicology results showed only a minimal amount of hydrocodone in his system. Sage Moonblood Stallone was the oldest of Sylvester Stallone’s children and co-starred with his father in two films. He also became involved in moviemaking, directing the 2006 short “Vic,” which screened at the Palm Springs Film Festival.

Robin Roberts' mother dies

The mother of Good Morning America“co-host Robin Roberts has died. Jeffrey W. Schneider, senior vice president of ABC News, said 88-year-old Lucimarian Roberts died Thursday night. ABC’s Facebook page said Robins traveled “home to Mississippi just in time to see her.” The death came on the same day Roberts said goodbye to her co-workers and audience before starting medical leave for a bone marrow transplant. Her departure had originally been set for Friday. But in a last-minute change of plans she told her viewers she was leaving a day early to visit her ailing mother.

 

Eddie Van Halen has emergency surgery, band postpones Japan tour

Eddie Van Halen has undergone emergency surgery for "a severe bout of diverticulitis," Van Halen posted on its website, and will spend the next four to six months recovering. As a result, the rockers are rescheduling a tour of Japan that had been slated for November. "The band looks forward to seeing and playing for their fans in 2013," read a brief statement.  Diverticulitis is a digestive disease that occurs when pouches of the inner lining of the intestine, most often in the colon, become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and cramping. Van Halen also canceled a series of dates earlier this summer. Although there was talk at the time that the musicians weren't getting along, singer David Lee Roth said in a video that the group had simply "bit off more than we could chew," a sentiment Eddie Van Halen echoed in an interview.  The band this year released "A Different Kind of Truth," Van Halen's first album with David Lee Roth in 28 years.

 Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am is wearing a neck brace following his car crash on Wednesday. The rapper was driving along a street in Los Angeles with British singer Cheryl Cole in the early hours of the morning when his vehicle smashed into the side of a parked car. A spokesman for the star initially tried to play down the incident by describing it as a "minor fender-bender" and insisting no one got hurt, but photographs have since emerged showing the pair bloodied and stunned in the aftermath of the crash. In the images, will.i.am can be seen with blood streaming down his face after the vehicle's airbag deployed to prevent his head from striking the steering wheel.  Cole is also shown looking shocked as blood pours out of her nose and over her lips, while the rapper reaches across to comfort her. Police were called to the scene, and will.i.am was then taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for treatment. He later emerged wearing a neck brace. Cole was reportedly treated for her injuries at the scene and was not taken to hospital. Cole is in Los Angeles rehearsing for a solo tour and working on new tracks in a studio with will.i.am.

Tori Spelling Welcomes Son Finn Davey

The Craft Wars host, 39, announced the arrival of her fourth child with husband Dean McDermott on her website, writing, “We are so excited to announce the birth of the newest member of the McDermott family!” Finn Davey McDermott was born Thursday, Aug. 30 at 5:39 p.m. He weighed in at 6 lbs., 6 oz., and is 20 inches long. Baby’s middle name, the same as his mother’s, honors Spelling’s paternal grandfather. Spelling and McDermott, 45, already have three children together — Liam Aaron, 5, Stella Doreen, 4, and Hattie Margaret, 10 months. McDermott is also father to son Jack, 13, from a prior marriage.
  Andy Roddick is ready to put down his racket – for good. On Thursday, the athlete announced his plans to retire from professional tennis after the current U.S. Open in New York. "I have decided that this is going to be my last tournament," Roddick, who is married to model-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker, told reporters during a press conference. "I don't know if I'm healthy enough or committed enough to continue another year." Roddick, who turned 30 on Thursday, will play 19-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic at the U.S. Open at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, which could be his last match ever, depending on how he does. "I wanted an opportunity to say goodbye," he said Thursday. "I hope I'm sticking around." Perhaps the highlight of Roddick's career was winning the U.S. Open in 2003. He ended the season that year ranked at No. 1, the youngest American ever (age 21 years and 3 months) to be ranked at No. 1. He played in the finals of Wimbeldon three times, but lost each time to Roger Federer.

Holly Madison's Baby Daddy Pasquale Rotella Could Face Jail Time

Is Holly Madison already heading for an uphill battle when it comes to raising her unborn child? Though the former Playboy Playmate, 32, and her boyfriend, Pasquale Rotella, are excited about the pregnancy, their joy could be clouded, considering Rotella is facing up to 13 years behind bars. The founder and CEO of Insomniac, a producer of large-scale electronic-music concerts, Rotella was indicted in April on 29 counts of bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and conflict of interest in Los Angeles. He was one of six individuals charged in a corruption case stemming from raves held at the city's Memorial Coliseum. Prosecutors claim Rotella rerouted more than $2.5 million from the venue to pay off city officials via backroom deals. Rotella has maintained his innocence throughout the 13-month investigation. In March, his attorney said Rotella "has always acted lawfully and appropriately with respect to all of his dealings with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum," and called the charges "completely baseless and flat-out wrong." The attorney added that the charges are "politically motivated and publicity driven. Mr. Rotella will vigorously defend himself to clear his good name and looks forward to being completely vindicated." Rotella, currently out on bail, will back in court Sept. 25 for a pre-trial conference. If convicted on all counts, he could face 13 years and 8 months in jail.

Adele Shoots Down Wedding Rumors: ‘I’m Not Married’

Looks like Adele isn’t married just yet. The “Rumor Has It” singer, 24, took to Twitter on Thursday to shoot down reports claiming she had secretly wed boyfriend Simon Konecki. “I’m not married…Zzzzzzz,” she Tweeted on Thursday, following reports by Life & Style and the UK’s Daily Mail stating the British chanteuse had tied the knot with her entrepreneur beau. Though the singer — who is expecting a baby with Simon – denied the marriage rumors, she was photographed wearing what appeared to be a wedding band in London in July.

LeAnn Rimes Sues 2 Women Over Recorded Phone Call

LeAnn Rimes has sued two women she claims illegally taped a phone conversation with her and posted edited snippets online. The country singer’s lawsuit filed in Los Angeles seeks damages of more than $25,000 against Kimberly Smiley and her daughter Lexi, who are described in the case as supporters of the ex-wife of Rimes’ husband Eddie Cibrian. The suit claims Rimes did not know she was being recorded and spoke to the Smileys to get them to stop posting negative things about her online. Kimberly Smiley says the case is a publicity ploy. The lawsuit comes one day after the 30-year-old entered an in-patient treatment facility in what her publicist Marcel Pariseau describes as an attempt to “learn and develop coping mechanisms.” Rimes will perform on weekends through September.

Jersey Shore Canceled After Six Seasons

Almost three years after the world was introduced to Guidos and grenades, MTV will air the premiere of Jersey Shore's final season on Oct. 4 at 10 p.m. ET, the network announced in a statement on Thursday. On Sept. 6, the network will air a special called Gym, Tan, Look Back, airing at 6 p.m. ET, where the cast will reflect on prior seasons and a sneak peak will be shown of what's to come in the final one.  Although the reality show is MTV's highest rated series in its history, once the program's biggest star, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, 24, got pregnant, a rep for the network said they were unsure about even a sixth season. But this isn't the end of the TV road for all of the cast mates. Polizzi – who gave birth to son Lorenzo on Sunday – and her Shore bestie, Jennifer "JWoww" Farley's spinoff Snooki & JWOWW has been picked up for a second season, while Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio's The Pauly D Project still awaits its season two fate. The Shore gang's final season takes place in Seaside Heights, N.J., where it all began.


Kris Humphries says He Didn't Give Anyone Herpes

Kris Humphries says he's "100 percent sure" he did not transmit herpes to a woman he allegedly nailed back in 2010 ... claiming she's a liar who's making a shameless and baseless money grab.  Humphries has been sued by Kayla Goldberg ... who claims Kris knew he had the herp when they hooked up in 2010 and didn't tell her. Now, Kris' rep says the allegations are "completely bogus." The rep also says Kris is “100 percent sure [Kayla] did not contract [herpes] from him." The rep also says Kayla threatened him with the lawsuit last year and warned him she would go public unless he paid her at least $1,000,000.

Will Dispute Prevents Burial Of Sherman Hemsley

The embalmed body of actor Sherman Hemsley, who became famous for his role as television’s George Jefferson, will be kept in refrigeration at an El Paso funeral home until a local court rules on the validity of his will. In the will Hemsley signed six weeks before dying of lung cancer July 24 he named Flora Enchinton, 56, whom he called a “beloved partner,” as sole beneficiary of his estate, which is estimated in court documents to be more than $50,000. The will is being contested by Richard Thornton, of Philadelphia, who claims to be Hemsley’s brother and says the will might not have been made by the actor. Enchinton said that she had been friends with Hemsley and had been his manager for more than 20 years. Over the time she, Hemsley and Hemsley’s friend Kenny Johnston, 76, lived together, she said he never mentioned any relatives.  “Some people come out of the woodwork — they think Sherman, they think money,” Enchinton said. “But the fact it that I did not know Sherman when he was in the limelight. I met them when they (Hemsley and Johnston) came running from Los Angeles with not one penny, when there was nothing but struggle.”Mark Davis, listed in court documents as Thornton’s lawyer in El Paso, did not immediately respond to messages left at his office. There is no date set for the case to be heard, court officials said. Enchinton said she hopes it will all be cleared in court. The Philadelphia-born Hemsley played Jefferson in the CBS sitcom “All in the Family,” then starred in the spinoff “The Jeffersons” from 1975 to 1985. It was one of TV’s longest-running and most successful sitcoms, particularly noteworthy for its predominantly black cast. Hemsley made George Jefferson — the bigoted, blustering Harlem businessman — one of TV’s most memorable characters and a symbol for urban upward mobility.
 Bill and Giuliana Rancic welcomed their first child, son Edward Duke Rancic, on Wednesday, Aug. 29 in Denver, the couple announced via Twitter Thursday morning. “The ‘Duke’ has landed! Edward Duke Rancic was welcomed into the world last night at 7 lbs., 4 oz.,” the Apprentice winner writes. “G & I feel blessed beyond words…We did it!” Born at 10:12 p.m. with the parents in the delivery room, the baby’s cord was cut by Bill and he was first held by Giuliana, the couple said. After struggles with infertility, miscarriage and a breast cancer battle for E! news anchor and Fashion Police co-host Giuliana, 37, the couple announced that they were expecting a baby via gestational surrogate.

Rapper Beanie Sigel faces weapon charges in Pa.

Rapper Beanie Sigel was arrested Wednesday on weapon and drug violations during a traffic stop, just two weeks before he is scheduled to report to prison for failing to file taxes, state police said. The 38-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwight Grant, was a passenger in a car pulled over on Interstate 95 in Tinicum Township, just south of his hometown of Philadelphia. Police said they found a gun in the car's console. Both Sigel and driver Gerald Andrews are felons banned from having such weapons. Andrews was also carrying several prescription bottles and a small amount of marijuana, police said. Sigel had more than $4,600 in cash, plus prescription pills and a bottle of codeine syrup. Court records indicate Sigel and Andrews both face drug and gun charges and were unable to post bail. Sigel's lawyer declined to comment immediately, saying he had not yet reviewed the case. It was not clear if Andrews had an attorney. Sigel's latest album, called "This Time," was released on Tuesday by Ruffhouse Records.  Chris Schwartz, the label's chief executive, said in a statement that the company is disappointed in Sigel's arrest. But he added that the rapper has displayed "the utmost professionalism in all of the initiatives related to the promotion of his new release." "Beanie has obviously been struggling with some personal issues, and we continue to support him now and throughout his impending incarceration," Schwartz said. Sigel is scheduled to begin a two-year prison sentence on Sept. 12 for failing to pay federal taxes. Prosecutors said he owes more than $700,000 for the tax years 1999 through 2005.


LeAnn Rimes Enters Treatment for Anxiety and Stress
LeAnn Rimes is seeking help to address emotional issues. "LeAnn has voluntarily entered a 30 day in-patient treatment facility to cope with anxiety and stress," her rep Marcel Pariseau says in a statement. "While there will be speculation regarding her treatment, she is simply there to learn and develop coping mechanisms. While privacy isn't expected, it's certainly appreciated." Rimes – who checked in on Wednesday, the day after her 30th birthday –says she hopes to emerge from treatment with better tools to deal with the life she'll be returning to. This is just a time for me to emotionally check out for a second and take care of myself and come back in 30 days as the best 30-year-old woman I can be," she says. "All the things in my life will be there when I get out, but you know what? I'm hoping they're not going to affect me as much," she adds. "I'll have the tools to know how to deal with them." Rimes's husband Eddie Cibrian, 39, said he's giving his wife his full support and praises her courage. "My wife is the most remarkable and courageous woman I know," says Cibrian. "I am so proud of her for having the strength to finally take some time for herself. I will be with her every step of the way." Though Rimes has been the victim of body bullying in the past, her rep confirms she is not seeking treatment for an eating disorder or substance abuse. The country star – who has been gearing up for the upcoming release of her latest studio album, Spitfire and a fall tour – will continue to perform in September during breaks from treatment. "The facility has granted her permission to keep her weekend tour obligations, as LeAnn doesn't want to disappoint her fans," adds her rep. "She will report back after each weekend."
 Shawn Ashmore is off the market. The X-Men star, who played the mutant Iceman in the superhero movies, married film executive Dana Renee Wasdin on July 27 in Los Angeles. "Thank you to everyone for sending Dana and I well wishes!!! We couldn't be happier," Ashmore wrote on Twitter after the wedding. Wasdin – an exec with Darkwoods Productions – then Tweeted a photo of the newlyweds and wrote, "I'm so proud to be an Ashmore!" The couple, who met on the set of the drama Frozen where she was an assistant director, got engaged last October.

Kelly Rutherford, Daniel Giersch Ordered to Co-Parent in Monaco

Since their 2009 divorce, Kelly Rutherford and her ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, have been involved in a heated custody battle ... and three years later, it's as nasty as ever. The bitter dispute spans the globe as Giersch, who lives in Monaco, is barred from returning to the U.S. because of a revoked visa. The Gossip Girl actress, 43, has been fighting for sole custody of Hermes, 5, and Helena, 3, so she may keep them in the country. On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Rutherford's schedule is flexible enough to allow her to travel back and forth to Monaco to visit her children. "Kelly is devastated by the court ruling and will never stop fighting for her children," her spokesperson says. "An appeal is already in the process." "To protect the children and also Kelly, I have decided to continue not to comment," Giersch says. His lawyer, Fahi Takesh Hallin, meanwhile says Giersch is "focused on co-parenting the children, and continuing to promote any and all contact of the children with Kelly." As for Giersch's inability to return to the U.S., a source claims accusations made by Rutherford are responsible for the German businessman's revoked visa. "Kelly stated on the record that Daniel was dealing drugs and weapons in South America, which under the Victory Act is considered terrorism," a source said, adding it's all untrue. "Just the accusation is enough to revoke his visa." Papers show Rutherford is now required to make "good faith efforts" to facilitate his attempts to get his residence right reinstated. Despite their feuding parents, Hermes and Helena, who have lived with Giersch in Monaco since May 20, have spent their summer like any other children and will attend a prestigious international school in the fall. The court has determined that after two years it will be assessed whether Giersch can successfully re-enter the U.S. and what's in the best interest of the children. The latest advancements in the custody saga follow a bitter divorce in which Rutherford tried to bar Giersch from leaving the country with Hermes, hired a private eye to videotape him, failed to notify him of Helena's 2009 birth and filed a restraining order against him.

Wynonna resumes tour after husband's crash

Wynonna Judd is going back on tour after her husband lost his left leg in a motorcycle crash. She says in a statement that husband Michael Scott "Cactus" Moser "continues to improve every day as he begins his road to rehabilitation." Moser was also her drummer. Judd says they are looking forward to the day when they will be together again on stage. Moser was injured Aug. 18 in South Dakota. He was airlifted to a hospital, and doctors amputated his leg. Instead of gifts, the couple is asking people to donate in Moser's name to Homes For Our Troops. The organization helps members of the military with serious disabilities. Judd's tour resumes Thursday in Michigan. She has also rescheduled shows that she missed because of the accident.

Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias axe Florida tour stop

Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias have scrapped a planned concert in Orlando, Fla., this Sunday. The Latin superstars, who are currently on a joint tour of North America, were expected to hit the stage at the Amway Center this weekend following shows in Miami on Friday and Saturday.  However, the Orlando date has now been axed due to "logistical issues," according to venue representatives.  It is the second concert on the Lopez/Iglesias trek to be cancelled -- a scheduled gig in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month was also scrapped.

 

Clive Davis to write about Whitney Houston for new book

Music mogul Clive Davis will pay tribute to his longtime friend Whitney Houston in a new book sanctioned by her estate.  The legendary singer drowned in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles in February just hours before she was set to appear at Davis' annual pre-Grammy Awards party. The record executive, who is credited with helping Houston find fame, will now write about their relationship in an essay for a book called "Whitney: Tribute to an Icon."  The book will include never-before-seen photographs of the star, and music photographer Randee St. Nicholas and the singer's sister-in-law manager, Pat Houston, will also write tributes. The book will go on sale in November.

TV NEWS
Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts was supposed to begin a medical leave of absence after Friday’s show. But in a surprise move, the ailing newswoman announced on air this morning that today would, in fact, be her last day on GMA “for a while.” “Some things happened at home,” Roberts said, explaining that her 88-year-old mother is also in poor health. Roberts and her sister, Sally-Ann, are both heading to Mississippi to care for her and be with other family members affected by Hurricane Isaac. Once home, Roberts will also begin preparing for a bone marrow transplant to treat her myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS. While Roberts is gone, an all-star slate of celebrity subs will fill in for her on air. The list includes Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, the cast of Modern Family, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Rob Lowe, Oprah Winfrey, and other surprise guests.


In a move Family Guy fans will no doubt find freakin’ sweet, Saturday Night Live announced this morning that Seth MacFarlane will host the show’s 38th season premiere on Sept. 15. MacFarlane — who will be promoting the fall premieres of his Fox animated series Family Guy, American Dad (both Sept. 30), and The Cleveland Show (Oct. 7), as well as the upcoming DVD release of his hit talking teddy-bear movie Ted – will be joined by musical guest Frank Ocean. Joseph Gordon-Levitt will return to host for the second time on Sept. 22, joined by Mumford & Sons, who will be making their SNL debut. On Oct. 6, James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, will host, with Muse providing the music.


Joel McHale fans are used to seeing the host of “The Soup” bring the laughs on his E! show and on his NBC hit comedy, “Community.” However, the funnyman is dropping the humor for a decidedly darker role on FX’s biker drama “Sons of Anarchy.” Joel, whose character, Warren, gets to be “really bad” on the FX series, said he worked alongside Jimmy Smits and series star Katey Sagal for his two-episode arc.


Party at Charlie Sheen’s house tonight! The actor’s comedy series Anger Management was just picked up for a 90-episode renewal, FX announced. “We set a very high ratings bar that included some additional hurdles for Anger Management to earn its back-90 order and the series met and exceed those metrics,” said Chuck Saftler, executive vp of FX.  “Bruce Helford has created a sitcom that works extremely well in our pre-10 p.m. programming lineup. Charlie Sheen and the entire cast did an amazing job in the first ten episodes, which were produced in a very tight window. I have no doubt that the producers and cast will be able to pull off the Herculean task of producing 90 episodes over the next two years.”


Once Upon a Time has “big” plans for Jorge Garcia. Lost‘s Hurley will guest-star during Season 2 of ABC’s fantastical series as a giant. Garcia right now is booked for just one episode. Garcia’s casting comes as no great surprise, given Once co-creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz’s own Lost roots. Plus, as recently as July they shared their wish to find a place for the big lug on their canvas, just as they did with Emilie de Ravin (who played castaway Claire back in the day and now is a series regular as Belle).  Once, which was last season’s highest-rated freshman drama, opens its new season on Sunday, Sept. 30.

Robin Roberts Sets Date for Medical Leave

After announcing in July she would take medical leave, Robin Roberts has set the date. Friday, Aug. 31, will be the Good Morning America anchor's last day on-air before she takes an extended medical leave for myelodysplastic syndrome (commonly called "MDS").  Beginning on Monday, Sept. 3, Roberts, 51, will start the preparations to undergo a bone-marrow transplant. Roberts's sister, Sally, will act as the bone marrow donor.

Tichina Arnold has tied the knot. The actress, who formerly starred on Martin and Everybody Hates Chris, wed Rico Hines on Aug. 18 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The actress, who formerly starred on Martin and Everybody Hates Chris, wed Rico Hines on Aug. 18 in Honolulu, Hawaii. "We decided to forego lots of the traditional elements such as a wedding cake and a white dress for me,” Arnold, who planned the event with Diann Valentine said. "We both wanted a wedding that was reflective of our personalities and our normal everyday lifestyles – and that is good friends, good food and good fun." Seventy guests, including Arnold's 8-year-old daughter Alijah, witnessed the ceremony at Oasis Oceanfront Estate. "The best part of the day was when Rico pledged his commitment to Alijah," the Happily Divorced star, 43, says. "I know that he will always be there for her as she grows and matures into a creative and talented woman." Arnold and Hines, who is the men's basketball assistant coach at St. John's University, announced their engagement in March.


Howard Stern says NBC exec reprimanded him for Jay Leno dig

Howard Stern might be part of the NBC family with his "America's Got Talent" judging gig, but he certainly seems to be the black sheep among his new relatives. Stern claimed on his radio show last Tuesday that an NBC executive made a "threatening kind of comment" to Stern after he blasted NBC late-night host Jay Leno as a "spineless maggot."  Stern slammed Leno last Monday on his show, following reports that Leno had taken a pay cut to save staffers' jobs after 20 employees were laid off from "The Tonight Show." The next day, Stern claimed on his Sirius XM Radio show that his attack on Leno was met with a chilly reception by one network executive. "I got sort of a threatening kind of comment from one of the executives," Stern said. "I was laughing my ass off. I said, 'Do not tell me to not talk about Jay Leno. I will f---ing talk about Jay Leno for four hours if you tell me not to. I was done with Jay Leno, now I'm all fired up again. F--- Jay!" On last Monday's radio show, Stern cast doubt on accounts that Leno was attempting to save staff members' jobs, suggesting to the contrary that Leno had wanted the staff cuts, and was hiding behind NBC. "It's all horses---," said Stern. "It's bulls---. It's a smokescreen ... Here's what it really means, and you can take this to the bank: Jay Leno is a scumbag. That's what that means. He's a spineless maggot. Jay wanted to cut staff. He's embarrassed to do it. He didn't want to come off as a bad guy. NBC took the hit for him, because they're a corporation ... My bulls--- meter is going off all over the place."  "Take my job away from me -- who cares?" Stern said. "I will never, ever, ever endorse Jay." Stern said that the executive accused him of not knowing anything about the "Tonight Show" budget cuts. "Of course I don't!" Stern admitted. "I have theories." Stern stressed, however, that it's not all hard feelings -- at least between him and NBC. "I love my job on 'AGT,' I love working for the people at NBC, they've been nothing but wonderful," Stern said. "But please don't tell me what to say. I'd rather leave than not talk about Jay Leno." Stern joined "America's Got Talent" for its current seventh season, which premiered in May.

Careless smoking cause of Tyler Perry studio fire

Investigators have determined that a fire at filmmaker Tyler Perry's Atlanta studios was caused by careless smoking. Capt. Marian McDaniel of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department said Tuesday that no criminal charges were pending. The fire broke out Monday morning on the roof of a building undergoing repairs. It took firefighters about an hour to get the fire under control. The structural integrity of the building was not compromised. This was the second blaze in recent months at the filming complex. On May 1, more than 100 firefighters battled a blaze that ripped through a simulated streetscape at the studios, sending flames about six stories into the sky. The cause of that fire was not determined because the intensity of that fire consumed any evidence that could be used to determine its origin.

Apple lists 8 Samsung products it wants banned

Apple on Monday gave a federal judge a list of eight Samsung Electronics products it wants pulled from shelves and banned from the U.S. market, including popular Galaxy model smartphones. U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh asked for the list after a jury in San Jose last week slammed Samsung with a $1.05 billion verdict, finding that the South Korean technology giant had "willfully" copied Apple's iPhone and iPad in creating and marketing the products. Samsung plans an appeal. The products Apple wants out are all smartphones: Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S2 AT&T, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G, Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge and Galaxy Prevail. Koh on June 26 banned the Galaxy Tab 10.1 from the U.S. market after finding it likely violated a "design patent." Samsung is now asking for that ban to be lifted after the jury found the computer tablet didn't infringe that particular patent, but it did find it infringed three Apple's software patents that cover the popular "bounce-back" and pinch-to-zoom features. The judge has scheduled a Sept. 20 hearing to discuss Apple's demands for the sales bans. She asked Apple on Friday to submit the list of products its wants removed from U.S. stores after Samsung complained that it doesn't have enough time to prepare for the scheduled hearing. Sill, the question remains whether Samsung and other Apple competitors will have to redesign their smartphones to avoid infringing Apple's patents. Most analysts agree the verdict sends a threatening message to device makers such as Samsung, which use Google's Android operating system.
 Congratulations – and surprise! – Rosie O'Donnell is married. O'Donnell, 50, who recently suffered a heart attack, moved up her planned wedding to fianceé Michelle Rounds after Rounds was diagnosed with desmoid tumors, a rare disease that only affects three out of every million people. The couple, who announced their engagement in Dec. 2011, exchanged vows on June 9 in a private ceremony in New York, O'Donnell's rep Cindi Berger says. "They got married but they haven't had the wedding celebration." The two originally planned to be married in August, but they choose to get married quietly in June before Rounds's first surgery on June 14.

Michael Jackson documentary by Spike Lee to run on ABC

Michael Jackson is coming to ABC, easy as 1-2-3. The network said Tuesday that it will air "BAD25," a documentary about the deceased King of Pop directed by Spike Lee. Using archival footage from the Michael Jackson estate, the film "focuses on the creative forces that pushed Jackson to make the 'Bad' album and launch the Bad Worldwide Tour," according to ABC. The documentary also includes interviews conducted by Lee with Jackson confidants, choreographers and collaborators, including Martin Scorsese, who directed the "Bad" video, and Joe Pytka, who helmed the "Heal the World" video. Lee himself directed the video for "They Don't Care About Us," from Jackson's "HIStory" album. The documentary, which chronicles the creation of Jackson's 1987 album "Bad," will air on Thanksgiving.

Rays' Rodriguez punches locker, breaks hand

You won’t find a nicer, more down-to-earth guy on the Tampa Bay Rays than Sean Rodriguez. And that’s what makes the possible season-ending incident involving him this weekend in Durham so perplexing and disappointing. Rodriguez was all set to rejoin the Rays on Saturday from the Triple-A club, where he has been biding his time the past week until major league rosters expand on Sept. 1. But everything changed in a fit of anger on Sunday, when he punched his locker after a game with the Bulls. The result: a hairline fracture in his right hand that could end his season, just when it was about to resume at the big-league level in a possible playoff run with the Rays. The veteran utility infielder wouldn’t disclose to reporters what specifically prompted him to vent his emotions by slamming his fist into his locker, other than saying it was the result of a comment made by a Bulls teammate. Oddly, everything had gone well for Rodriguez during the game. He went 2 for 4 and blasted a home run off the giant “bull” in left field, qualifying him and a Bulls fan for a free steak dinner. He declined to identify the teammate or provide any other details. “Definitely the dumbest thing I’ve ever done,” he told the Tampa Bay Times. It certainly could be a costly move for Rodriguez, who was going to be used heavily by manager Joe Maddon through September, possibly filling in for Evan Longoria at third base and seeing spot starts against lefties. He was sent down to Durham last week only as a temporary move, since he still had minor league options remaining on his contract. That allowed the Rays to activate Luke Scott on Aug. 20 on the 25-man active roster, with the intention of bringing Rodriguez back in 12 days. Rodriguez is known for his all-out, fiery style of play. But in the clubhouse, he always has conveyed a soft-spoken, even-keeled manner. That’s why the incident caught everyone — including Maddon — off guard. “He'll get upset," he said. "When you've been sent down from the major leagues to the minor leagues, even if it's for a finite period of time, even if everything has been mapped out for you, who knows what you might be thinking and you might come out of character a little bit under those circumstances. He gets upset, like all of us do, but to hit something like that, that's unfortunate."
  Kimberly Stewart and Benicio del Toro were spotted leaving a friend’s home Saturday with daughter Delilah, who celebrated her first birthday Tuesday — the same day Mom turned 33. The night prior, Stewart and del Toro, 45, along with her father Rod Stewart, stepmother Penny Lancaster Stewart and brother Sean commemorated the occasion at Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood, Calif. “Kimberly is pregnant. Benicio is the father and is very supportive,” the Oscar-winning actor’s rep confirmed upon the announcement of the pregnancy in April 2011. “Although they are not a couple, they are looking forward to the arrival of the baby.”


Holly Madison Is Pregnant With Her First Child

The former Girls Next Door star and Playboy Playmate says, out now, that she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend of nine months, party promoter Pasquale Rotella, 38.  "I've always wanted to be a mom," Madison, 33, she said. "But I thought it would take longer!"

 An apparent attempt to stage a Bigfoot sighting horribly backfired when a man dressed in furry camouflage was struck and killed by two cars on a Montana highway, police say. Randy Lee Tenley, 44, of Kalispell, Mont., was pronounced dead at the scene near Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana after the stunt late Sunday night. "This is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. Really," Montana Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Butch Huseby said. Tenley had donned a Ghillie camouflage suit covered in thick foliage-like material that's used by hunters and military snipers and dashed onto the two-lane road around 10:30 p.m. Two cars, both driven by teenage females, slammed into him. A friend who was with him told police about the intended Bigfoot hoax. Authorities are investigating whether the men had been drinking.

Paul Nassif Files for Divorce from Adrienne Maloof

Adrienne Maloof's hopes of saving her marriage have taken a drastic turn for the worse. Husband Paul Nassif, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who had sought legal separation from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star last month, now wants a divorce. Citing irreconcilable differences, Nassif, 50, has requested joint legal and physical custody of their kids, Gavin, 9, and twins Christian and Collin, 6, according to documents filed Tuesday in L.A. Superior Court. Married in 2002, Maloof, 50, recently said of the marriage: "We're at that point where it's that bump in the road, [but] we're trying to work things out. I always like to keep a positive attitude and hope that we can resolve our differences."

TV NEWS
General Hospital vet Steve Burton has announced his decision to vacate the role of clean-cut rich kid-turned-mob tough Jason Morgan, which he first inhabited back in 1991. “[GH has] been nothing but a huge positive in my life and for my family. I have no complaints, no negative feelings at all. But it’s time to go,” the Daytime Emmy-winning actor says. Burton admits the timing of his GH exit is “not the best in terms of [Jason's] story.” As such, he says he is willing to stay beyond his expected final tape date of Sept. 25, so a proper departure can be crafted. That would have Jason airing into late October, maybe November, he says.


Katie Couric‘s new daytime talker Katie has announced which stars will be dropping by the program in its first three weeks. Recording artists Jessica Simpson and Sheryl Crow have been tapped to kick off the first month of shows, which are aimed at celebrating “women who are reinventing themselves.” They’ll be joined in the weeks that follow by Chelsea Handler, E L James, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Susan Sarandon, Sofia Vergara and Wendy Williams. Rarely interviewed music icon Barbra Streisand is also slated to appear early in the run of the syndicated talker, which premieres Sept. 10.


Anika Noni Rose will guest-star in an episode of CBS’ new fall drama Elementary. The Dreamgirls alumna drops by as a former doctor colleague of Lucy Liu’s Joan Watson. The Sherlock update debuts Sept. 27 at 10/9c.


Rumors are swirling that The X Factor has named popstar Justin Bieber as the celeb mentor of L.A. Reid’s contestants — the “over 25 years old” group — after he was spotted shooting the Fox series on Monday. Nick Jonas is also said to be taking part, assisting Demi Lovato’s teen contestants.


This should go nicely towards college tuition — after month-long salary renegotiations, the child stars of ABC hit Modern Family are finalizing new deals with series producer 20th Century Fox TV that will come with much bigger paychecks. Rico Rodriguez, 14, who plays Gloria’s (Sofia Vergara) wise-beyond-his-years son Manny; Nolan Gould, 13, who plays the Dunphys’ dim-witted son Luke; Ariel Winter, 14, who plays his book-smart sister Alex; and Sarah Hyland, 21, who plays their college-bound older sister Haley, will be making in the neighborhood of $70,000 an episode, about tripling their current salaries. The salary renegotiations for the young cast of Modern Family were much faster and far less dramatic than the talks between their adult counterparts and 20th TV, which dragged on for months and escalated into a standoff, garnered with a boycotted table read and a lawsuit, before an agreement was reached exactly a month ago. Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara, who negotiated together, are now making in the $170,000-180,000 range per episode, up from $65,000, with built-in sizable year-to-year increases and a small piece of the series’ lucrative back-end.


Horror legend Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street) has been cast in Syfy’s Lake Placid: The Final Chapter, playing a member of the Bickerman family. The flick debuts Saturday, Sept. 29 at 9/8c.


The reformatted Anderson Live has landed its first guest co-host: Kristin Chenoweth. The singer/actress, who recently announced that she would not be continuing her guest arc on The Good Wife following an on-set injury, will join CNN anchor Anderson Cooper on Sept. 10 for his first week back in daytime. Goldie Hawn, Kelly Osbourne, Cyndi Lauper, Howie Mandel, Erin Andrews, D.L. Hughley and Kellie Pickler will also take a stab at co-hosting duties.


Tonight's Finales:ABC Family: Melissa & Joey at 8p; Baby Daddy at 830p
Syfy: Haunted Collector at 9p
TLC: Toddlers & Tiaras at 9p
VH1: Hollywood Exes at 9p
USA Network: Necessary Roughness (summer finale) at 10p
TV Land: Retired at 35 at 11p

Coroners Report Released on Rodney King

Rodney King was under the influence of SEVERAL substances at the time of his death -- including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and PCP.  According to the report, the cause of death is listed as accidental drowning -- but the drugs were contributing factors.  King's fiancee discovered his body at the bottom of the pool at the couple's home in Rialto, CA on June 17. In the report, the coroner says King was "in a state of drug and alcohol induced delirium" at the time of his death ... and either fell or jumped into the swimming pool. The report continues, "The effects of the drugs and alcohol, combined with [King's preexisting heart condition] probably precipitated a cardiac arrhythmia and [King], thus incapacitated, was unable to save himself and drowned." King became famous in 1991 when he was the victim of police brutality at the hands of the LAPD. The officers involved in the incident were acquitted the following year and the announcement of the verdict led to the Los Angeles riots.

LL Cool J Intruder Faces Life in Prison

The alleged burglar who got his face bashed in by LL Cool J has officially been charged with a crime ... and now faces LIFE IN PRISON if convicted.  Jonathan A. Kirby -- a 56-year-old transient -- has been charged with 1st degree burglary with a person present. But to make matters worse for Kirby, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office has charged him as a 3rd Strike Offender ... and if convicted, he faces a maximum of 38 years to life in prison. Kirby allegedly broke into LL's mansion in Sherman Oaks, CA this week, triggering an alarm in the house ... and waking up the rapper, who went downstairs, found the intruder in the family room ... and proceeded to break his jaw and nose. Prosecutors have asked the judge to set Kirby's bail at $1.1 million.
 "Hawaii Five-0" star Alex O'Loughlin and his girlfriend, model Malia Jones, are about to be parents.The couple, who have been together for the better part of a year, are expecting their first child together. Both have sons from past relationships -- O'Loughlin has a 15-year-old named Saxon, and Jones a 3-year-old, Spike, with ex-husband Luke Stedman. O'Loughlin is currently filming Season 3 of "Five-0," which is scheduled to premiere Sept. 24 on CBS. He starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in "The Back-up Plan" and in the short-lived CBS vampire show "Moonlight" and had a recurring part on "The Shield." Jones, who like O'Loughlin is 35, is a model and former competitive surfer who's appeared in a number of commercials and has been named to People's "50 Most Beautiful" list.

Harvey Weinstein targeted in extortion plot: Would-be actor demanded millions

A 25-year-old aspiring actor who tried to extort money from movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and several other wealthy people has been arrested in connection with the scheme. Vivek Shah, an actor and self-described entrepreneur who lives in West Hollywood, was arrested Aug. 10 by federal agents. They allege he sent letters to five wealthy people, each of which said members of their families would be killed unless they wired millions of dollars to offshore bank accounts. The affidavit against Shah doesn't name Weinstein, but it identifies a "Connecticut resident and co-founder of a film studio" as one of Shah's alleged targets. Weinstein lives in Westport, Conn., and co-founded Miramax Pictures with his brother Bob (the two now run The Weinstein Co.). Shah also allegedly targeted Christopher Cline, a billionaire and the majority owner of a West Virginia coal company, who is named in the affidavit; the co-founder of an Internet company in Illinois; the founder of an oil and gas company in Florida; and the child of the founder of another oil and gas company who lives in Texas. The affidavit says the threat to Cline demanded $13 million and notes that the other letters contained similar language. U.S. postal inspectors tracked phone records, prepaid debit cards, rental of a mailbox and security footage of Shah to tie him to the extortion plot. He was arrested at his parents' home in Schaumburg, Ill. The affidavit says local police made contact with Shah on an unrelated matter in May and noticed he was carrying two IDs -- one from Illinois with his real name and a fake California ID bearing a different name (Ray Amin) and address that was used to rent the mailbox and buy at least one of the prepaid cards used in the scheme. Shah's IMDB page lists a couple of small parts in "Bones" and the NBC comedy "Outsourced" and a role in the 2010 film "Our Family Wedding," along with a handful of smaller movies and some commercial work. He also seemed to be good at getting into awards shows and premieres and having A-list stars pose for pictures with him; on Facebook, there are shots of Shah with the likes of Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie and Sofia Vergara. Shah has been charged with sending threatening interstate communications, a felony that can bring up to 20 years in prison.

Carlos Santana cancels Florida gigs

Carlos Santana has scrapped a series of upcoming weekend concerts in Florida. The veteran rocker and his band, Santana, were due to perform two shows at the Hard Rock venue in Hollywood, Fla., on Friday and Saturday, and a third in Tampa on Sunday. However, the gigs have been postponed indefinitely due to "circumstances beyond our control," according to the group's management.

Lance Armstrong Quits Fight Against Doping Charges, Will Be Stripped of Titles

Lance Armstrong has quit the race. The seven-time Tour de France victor announced Thursday he will no longer fight his investigation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency – meaning he will be banned for life from ever competing again. Late Thursday, the USADA confirmed it will also strip Armstrong of all results since Aug. 1, 1998. "There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough.' For me, that time is now," Armstrong, 40, said in a statement. This latest turn of events began to unfold in June, when the quasi-government agency (recognized as the official anti-doping agency for Olympic, Pan American and Paralympic sports in the U.S.) accused Armstrong of using, possessing, trafficking and giving to others performance-enhancing drugs, as well as covering up doping violations. Armstrong, as he had in the past, vigorously denied the charges. "I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one," he said on his website, where he also accused the USADA of wanting to "dredge up discredited allegations," which he called "baseless" and "motivated by spite." Armstrong, who has never been convicted of any doping charges, had been accused of doping before by other disgraced U.S. riders, including Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton. In February, the U.S. Justice Department closed a criminal investigation after reviewing allegations against Armstrong, apparently for lack of evidence that he used performance-enhancing drugs. Following news reports of Armstrong's decision Thursday, USADA chief executive officer Travis T. Tygart issued the following statement: "It is a sad day for all of us who love sport and our athletic heroes. This is a heartbreaking example of how the win-at-all costs culture of sport, if left unchecked, will overtake fair, safe and honest competition, but for clean athletes, it is a reassuring reminder that there is hope for future generations to compete on a level playing field without the use of performance-enhancing drugs." Of losing his titles, Armstrong said: "I know who won those seven Tours. The toughest event in the world where the strongest man wins. Nobody can ever change that. Especially Travis Tygart."


Twisted Sister's Dee Snider is 'not gonna take' Paul Ryan playing his band's song anymore
The band, Twisted Sister, asked Ryan's camp on Wednesday (Aug. 22) to stop playing their 1984 hit at campaign events. The wannabe veep's campaign, of course, says it will comply and cleverly responded to the request via an email saying, "We're Not Gonna Play It anymore."   "I emphatically denounce Paul Ryan's use of my band Twisted Sister's song, 'We're Not Gonna Take It,' in any capacity," Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider says in a statement. "There is almost nothing he stands for that I agree with -- except the use of P90X."


All You Need Is Kill
Tom Hardy's fiancé and British star Charlotte Riley ("Easy Virtue," "Wuthering Heights") is joining Tom Cruise in Doug Liman's sci-fi thriller "All You Need is Kill" at Warner Bros. Pictures. Shooting kicks off this fall in London. Cruise plays a soldier in a war against aliens who relives his last day over and over after being killed. Emily Blunt and Riley both play soldiers who fight alongside Cruise.


Finding Nemo 2
Ellen DeGeneres is in negotiations to reprise her role of the blue tang fish Dory in Disney/Pixar's planned "Finding Nemo" sequel. The news comes a few weeks before DeGeneres’ long-running talk show returns for its 10th season and is now the most lucrative daytime talk show currently on TV.

Emily Maynard Cheating Controversy Grows: Jef Holm's Brother Says It Did Happen

Emily Maynard and her fiancé, Jef Holm, both say there is no truth to reports that he caught her cheating, but now Jef's own brother says it did happen! Jef proposed to Emily on the season finale of the hit reality show "The Bachelorette" and she happily accepted the stunning Neil Lane sparkler he gave to her, but on a recent vacation with his family he apparently was suspicious of his fiancée and checked her cellphone, where he reportedly found racy text messages and photos sent to another man. When he confronted Emily, they had a huge screaming fight and she ended up leaving the vacation home with her daughter Ricki. "I can tell you that it's all 100 percent true," Jef's brother Mike Holm says.  Emily tried to deny the report, releasing a statement that said, “It's one hundred percent not true," and Jef echoed her denial, saying, "It's funny to me. We were in a gated community in a private home with just my brothers and sisters. It's just bogus a 'source' would [say] we were fighting. None of that is true."  Mike confirmed that he was at the family home and witnessed the fight where Jef told Emily to pack her "s--- and get the f--- out!" of the house and that she left the home in tears with her daughter in the middle of the night. "I was there, and I heard the fight and watched the whole thing go down, Emily leaving and everything." Mike said that the close-knit Mormon family feels strongly about Jef's relationship with Emily."I love my brother very much and, like the rest of our family, I just want him to be happy." Mike apparently doesn't believe that Emily and Jef will break up, saying "We all love Emily, too. Mistakes happen; we all get that."

 One day after denying tabloid reports claiming Bachelorette star Emily Maynard had betrayed fiancé Jef Holm, the couple were hurt – but not surprised – to discover the allegations were made by Holm's own brother, Mike Holm.  "My family all says they are shocked, and obviously I'm shocked," Jef says about Mike, who vacationed with the Holms family, Maynard and Maynard's 7-year-old daughter Ricki in Myrtle Beach, S.C., last weekend. "But if everybody knew the history he had with our family, no one would be surprised."  Once again, an emotional Holm and Maynard denied the reports, which claimed that Emily – who accepted Jef's proposal on the season finale of The Bachelorette – had sent steamy texts to an unidentified man, leading to a huge argument with Jef during a family vacation. "This whole story is 100 percent false," Holm reiterates. "I like to give Mike the benefit of the doubt and think he's changed, but obviously he hasn't. He has a history of doing hurtful things to the family," says Holm. "He's been cut off from a lot of family things because he's so dishonest." Mike Holm declined to comment. After the cheating reports first surfaced Wednesday, Holm says, "I called every single member of my family and asked them if they'd done anything, and he promised me he hadn't." Now Holm is wondering what steps to take next. "It's so disturbing to think that a family member would do this. Even so, he adds, "as hurt as I am, I love him and I love my family."

LL Cool J Takes Down Intruder in His L.A. Home
LL Cool J – whose real name is James Todd Smith – took down an intruder who broke into his Los Angeles home early Wednesday morning. While sleeping upstairs, the NCIS: Los Angeles star heard suspicious noises downstairs around 2 a.m. Upon going down to investigate, the 44-year-old rapper-actor discovered his home had been broken into by an intruder. LL Cool J – who stars as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles – was able to apprehend the intruder and restrain him until authorities arrived on the scene. Police, who have yet to release the intruder's name, reported that while the suspect suffered a few bruises, no one was hurt and nothing was stolen from the home. "LL Cool J and his family are safe and thank everyone for their thoughts and concern. As a father, husband and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter," his rep said.
 Ending weeks of speculation, Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman) has officially been cast as the dashing former Hunger Games champion Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Lionsgate announced. The British-born Claflin, 24, had been the front-runner for the coveted role since mid-July. Of all the new characters in Catching Fire, Finnick looms largest. After he won his Hunger Games for District 4 when he was 14 thanks to his prowess with a trident, Finnick’s rakish good looks and louche charm helped him become something of a celebrity in the Capitol.  The role marks yet another remarkable step forward in the lightning-fast rise of Claflin’s career. He first appeared in a supporting role in the Starz miniseries The Pillars of the Earth. In 2011, he starred in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as the young romantic lead (i.e. the Orlando Bloom role). And earlier this summer, Claflin vied for Kristen Stewart’s affections in Snow White and the Huntsman.


'Dragon Tattoo' sequel won't be released in 2013, still in the works
The Girl Who Played With Fire, the sequel to last year’s David Fincher-directed The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, will not be in theaters late next year as had originally been hoped, a source close to the production says. Dragon Tattoo screenwriter Steven Zaillian is still working on the script, and nothing will move forward until the screenplay is nailed down. While there’s still no director attached, Fincher remains the first choice and hasn’t ruled out returning. And despite the uncertain timetable, the film is still definitely moving forward, although the source says that they are not in a rush and at this point there is no information about when it might be released. In November, Sony Pictures Entertainment Co-Chairman Amy Pascal told us that stars Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig were both locked in for the sequel.
  Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is following in her parents' footsteps. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter, 4, landed her first Hollywood gig, Walt Disney Studios confirmed. Jolie-Pitt will play the child version of Princess Aurora, opposite Jolie, in Maleficent, the live-action updated version of the classic fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty. Elle Fanning, who plays the grown version of Aurora, will take on the majority of Aurora's role, according to sources, who add that Jolie-Pitt's part is very minor.

Taylor Swift Crashes a Kennedy Wedding

Victoria Gifford Kennedy is claiming the 22-year-old Grammy award winner crashed her daughter Kyle's wedding in Boston on Saturday. The mother of the bride says Swift's beau, Conor, was invited to her daughter's nuptials to Liam Kerr, but failed to RSVP. "[Swift and Conor] texted me an hour before the wedding and asked if they could come. I responded with a very clear 'Please do not come.' They came anyway," she says. "I personally went up to Ms. Swift, whose entrance distracted the entire event, politely introduced myself to her and asked her as nicely as I could to leave," she adds. "It was like talking to a ghost. She seemed to look right past me." But Swift's rep, Paula Erickson, tells the paper that Gifford Kennedy's claims are totally bogus. "Taylor was invited to the wedding and the bride thanked her profusely for being there," she said. Prior to this incident, the Kennedy family has treated Swift warmly and welcomed her into the fold.

Viacom battling The Situation over who owns 'GTL,' 'Twinning'

A "Jersey Shore" catfight is brewing far from Seaside Heights. MTV owner Viacom has taken on Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino over trademarks to the catchphrases he utters on the hit show. Viacom is opposing the trademark registration of the word "twinning" by MPS Entertainment, the company that Sorrentino owns with his brother. In new papers filed at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Viacom suggests that it own any catchphrases Sorrentino comes up with on the show. Before Sorrentino was a big reality star, he signed the kind of onerous deal that so many wannabe reality stars do in the interest of becoming famous. In his Participant Agreement with 495 Productions, producer of "Jersey Shore," he granted the rights in "all ideas, gags, suggestions, themes, plots, stories, characters, characterizations, dialogue, text, designs, graphics, titles, drawings, artwork, digital works, songs, music, photography, video, film and other material whether or not fixed or reduced to drawing or writing, at any time heretofore or hereafter created or contributed by me which in any way relate to ['Jersey Shore'] ..." The show hit it big, and Sorrentino signed an amended contract with a paragraph that stated, "The above language shall not in any way limit any previous grant of rights to the Producer." Nevertheless, Sorrentino's company with his brother has sought to capitalize on phrases from the show. The branding has been highly lucrative. MPS Entertainment has inked deals for a clothing line with Dilligaf, endorsements with Vitamin Water and Reebok and a "GTL" app on iTunes. Sorrentino made about $5 million in 2010 and became so protective of his sloganeering empire that in November, he sued Abercrombie & Fitch for selling T-shirts with the words "The Fitchuation" and "GTL ... You Know the Deal." But Viacom wants to put a stop to it. Last week, Viacom told the Trademark Board that the series has led to many "catchphrases" including "gym, tanning, laundry," "grenade" (an unattractive young woman), "creep" (picking up women at a bar), "robbery" (stealing a friend's date), "female backpack" (a clingy girlfriend), "lean cuisine" (a fit but slender man), "pounding it out" (sex) and "smush" (more sex).

TV News
Michelle Obama has a gig of her own during the Republican National Convention. The first lady is heading back to New York for David Letterman's show on Aug. 29, the third day of the GOP convention in Tampa, Fla. It will be the first lady's third appearance on the "Late Show With David Letterman." She sat down with Letterman last March and presented the Top Ten fun facts about gardening in June. Mrs. Obama will be in New York next week as part of a back-to-school tour, discussing ways that parents can help kids settle into classes and eat healthy school lunches.


The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards will air live on NBC on Sunday, January 13, 2013.


The Killing isn’t dead yet. A month after AMC pulled the plug on the whodunit, two potential suitors with experience bringing axed TV series back to life — Netflix and DirecTV — are in early talks with Fox TV Studios to pick up a third season of the show, multiple sources have confirmed.


VH1 has renewed Single Ladies for a third season, to bow in late 2013.


Grimm is getting wild and woolly with its latest guest gig. Kristina Anapau, who appeared on True Blood as the fairy Maurella, will guest star in Episode 5 of the NBC series’s current season. In the installment — titled “Good Shepherd” and loosely based on the fable about the wolf in sheep’s clothing — Anapau will play Megan Marston, a quiet, sheepish secretary working at a Wesen church who is actually a sheep-like creature dubbed a Seelengut. Despite her reserved nature, Megan is in an intimate relationship with the church’s Blutbad reverend — a wolf in sheep’s clothing, indeed. Season 2 of Grimm currently airs Mondays at 10/9c. It’ll move to its regular timeslot on Friday, Sept. 21 at 9 pm.


Oscar nominee Terrence Howard will guest-star in a Season 3 episode of Hawaii Five-0. He’ll appear via flashbacks to Danny’s (Scott Caan) former life as a New Jersey cop. Kardashian kid Kendall Jenner will guest in the same installment.


Chloe Sevigny is moving to Portlandia. The Big Love alumna has joined Season 3 of the quirky IFC comedy as Fred and Carrie’s new roomie. Sevigny — who most recently appeared in the gritty British import Hit & Miss — will also co-star in this fall’s American Horror Story: Asylum playing a nymphomaniac.

  Prince Harry completely naked while partying in Las Vegas this past weekend. In the shocking nude pics, the 27-year-old prince stands covering his private parts with his hand. A woman, who also appears to be nude, is hiding behind him. A second image shows Harry wrapping his arms around a naked woman, revealing his bare royal behind.  Prince William's younger brother invited girls up to his VIP suite in Sin City Friday night after meeting them in a hotel bar. The group decided to play strip pool and fellow partygoers captured the wild night on camera. "We have no comment to make on the photos at this time," a rep for the royal family said.

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes Divorce Is Finalized

The five-year marriage of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes is officially over. A New York judge signed off on the final judgment on Monday, a source close to the couple confirms. This marks an unusually speedy end to one of Hollywood's most celebrated unions – Holmes only filed for divorce in June. Cruise, 50, and Holmes, 33, are said to remain on amicable terms, continuing to communicate for the sake of daughter Suri, 6, who lives with mom in New York and gets liberal visitation – and travel – with dad.
 Avril Lavigne and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger's relationship has been so quiet that few even knew they were dating. Now, after a six-month courtship, the Canadian rockers are engaged to be married, Lavigne's rep says. Lavigne, 27, and Kroeger, 37, first got together in February to co-write a song for Lavigne's upcoming fifth studio album. "A romantic relationship blossomed as they spent time writing together," a Lavigne pal said. On Aug. 8, Kroeger popped the question, presenting Lavigne with a 14-carat diamond sparkler. It will be Kroeger's first trip down the aisle, and the second marriage for Lavigne, who split from Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley in 2009. She had also dated Brody Jenner.

'The Office' will end next season

NBC is closing The Office. The veteran comedy — and NBC’s highest-rated scripted series (gulp!) — will conclude after the upcoming ninth season. Despite its status as the network’s top entertainment program, the show fell to an all-time ratings low last season following the exit of Steve Carell and general sense among fans that the comedy’s best days were behind it. Now original showrunner (seasons 1-5) Greg Daniels is retaking the creative reins for one last season. “This year feels like the last chance to really go out together and make an artistic ending for the show that pays off a lot of the stuff that matters most to fans,” Daniels announced to reporters Tuesday. “This will be the last season of The Office. And we’re planning a very big exciting last season. We’re going to have a lot of faces coming back … There are a lot of things that I’ve personally been wanting to do since season two … All questions will be answered this year. We’re going to see who’s behind the documentary … Now that we know we have an end date we can blow things up and take some chances and it will be very freeing, creatively.” The decision was partly driven by the sense that many of the actors would likely not be around for a tenth season (either due to commitments on other projects, like Mindy Kaling and Rainn Wilson, or due to the rising cost of the show’s key players, like John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer). “You have a choice — only tell the beginning of story and the middle, or allow a story to end,” Daniels said. “If we didn’t let it end this year, I don’t think we would have been able to tell the ending stories of so many characters… we couldn’t count on getting everybody back for season 10.”
 Former NFL player Michael Strahan will be Kelly Ripa’s new co-host on Live! with Kelly, sources confirmed. His hiring comes after a several months-long search for a new co-host to replace Regis Philbin, who left the show in November. ABC had no comment. Back in July, it was rumored that the field was down to three hosts — Strahan, SNL‘s Seth Meyers, and singer Josh Groban. In an EW poll, almost 50 percent of readers said Meyers was their top pick. Strahan came in second with 31 percent of the votes. Yesterday, the show announced its new season would start Sept. 3 and feature Ripa hosting the show solo for the very first time. Her debut with a new co-host is set for Sept. 4, with guests Claire Danes and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips.


Kevin Costner as Jack Ryan
Kevin Costner has accepted the role of the mentor to Jack Ryan, played by Chris Pine, in the upcoming prequel and reboot of the CIA analyst franchise (previous films include The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games), reports Deadline.com. Kenneth Branagh is directing, and also stars as the film’s main bad guy in a script co-written by author Tom Clancy. A deal in the works also brings Costner in on the Jack Ryan spinoff Without Remorse.

'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' moves to earlier timeslot

Soon, Jimmy Kimmel fans won’t have to stay up quite as late to see the comedian. ABC announced today that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is moving to 11:35 p.m., putting it head-to-head with The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with David Letterman. Nightline will move to 12:35 a.m. The switch will take place January 8. “Given the passionate fan base Jimmy Kimmel Live! has built over the past decade and the show’s ratings and creative momentum this season, the time is right to make this move,” Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group, said in a press release. “There is the potential for far greater upside over the long-term with this shift, given increased advertiser demand for competitive entertainment programming in the time slot.”

 Phyllis Diller, the housewife turned humorist who aimed some of her sharpest barbs at herself, punctuating her jokes with her trademark cackle, died Monday morning in her Los Angeles home at age 95. “She died peacefully in her sleep and with a smile on her face,” her longtime manager, Milton Suchin, told The Associated Press. Diller, who suffered a near-fatal heart attack in 1999, was found by her son, Perry Diller. The cause of her death has not been released. She was a staple of nightclubs and television from the 1950s — when female comics were rare indeed — until her retirement in 2002. Diller built her stand-up act around the persona of the corner-cutting housewife (“I bury a lot of my ironing in the backyard”) with bizarre looks, a wardrobe to match (by “Omar of Omaha”) and a husband named “Fang.”  She inspired a generation of female comics, including Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres and Whoopi Goldberg, who remembered Diller on Twitter Monday.  “We lost a comedy legend today,” DeGeneres wrote. “Phyllis Diller was the queen of the one-liners. She was a pioneer.” “A true original has died,” Goldberg wrote of Diller. “There was NO One like her, no 1 looked like her sounded like her. A FUNNY FUNNY. Classy&Smart. RIP.” Rivers tweeted that she and her daughter had lunched with Diller last month. “I’m beyond saddened by the death of Phyllis Diller. We were friends,” Rivers wrote. “The only tragedy is that Phyllis Diller was the last from an era that insisted a woman had to look funny in order to be funny.” She didn’t get into comedy until she was nearly 40, after her first husband, Sherwood Diller, prodded her for two years to give up a successful career as an advertising and radio writer. Through it all, she was also a busy mother. “We had five kids at the time. I don’t how he thought we’d handle that,” she told the AP in 2006.  Her husband managed her career until the couple’s 25-year marriage fell apart in the 1960s. Shortly after her divorce she married entertainer Warde Donovan, but they separated within months. Through both marriages and other relationships, the foibles of “Fang” remained an integral part of her act.  Diller is survived by her two children, four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Plans for services are pending.

Wynonna Judd’s Husband Loses Leg After Motorcycle Crash

Wynonna Judd’s husband has lost his leg after a motorcycle crash in South Dakota. Michael Scott “Cactus” Moser was riding a motorcycle on U.S. Highway 16 in the Black Hills on Saturday when he crossed the center line and hit a car. He was airlifted to a hospital. A representative for Judd said Monday that Moser’s leg was “severed at the scene of the accident” and that doctors have amputated his leg above his knee. Moser has also had surgery on his hand. Judd is postponing scheduled concerts in Canada as a result. Moser is a resident of Nashville, Tenn., and the drummer in the country singer’s band. The statement says the couple appreciates the “well-wishes from family, friends and fans.”


Tony Scott Had Inoperable Brain Cancer- His Family Says No
As the investigation continues into Sunday's apparent suicide of Top Gun director Tony Scott, an unnamed source has told ABC News that the British-born filmmaker, 68, had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. But Scott's family is disputing that report, says LA Coroner Chief Craig Harvey. "According to family spokespersons, the information concerning brain cancer or an inoperable brain tumor in Mr. Scott is incorrect," he says. His wife Donna has told investigators this rumor is "absolutely false" and that he was not suffering from any serious medical issues that could have led to his taking his own life. More definitive answers will not be known for several weeks. An autopsy is being conducted and the results of that, including toxicology reports, will not be available until then. So far, the coroner has not announced any findings regarding Scott's medical condition. Scott, whose box-office hits included Top Gun, Days of Thunder and Beverly Hills Cop II, died Sunday after jumping from a bridge in Los Angeles Harbor. His body was recovered from the water four hours later. Witnesses told authorities that at around 12:35 p.m., the filmmaker left his parked Toyota Prius on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in the city of San Pedro, scaled an 8- to 10-ft.-high fence and then leapt without hesitation. A note with contact information was left in the vehicle, reported the Los Angeles Times, which also said a suicide note was located in Scott's office. Scott leaves behind twin sons with his wife, actress Donna Scott (formerly Wilson), who appeared in Days of Thunder. Another survivor is his brother, fellow producer-director (Alien, Gladiator) and business partner Ridley Scott, 74. His wife Donna has told investigators this rumor is "absolutely false" and that he was not suffering from any serious medical issues that could have led to his taking his own life. More definitive answers will not be known for several weeks. An autopsy is being conducted and the results of that, including toxicology reports, will not be available until then.
  Neve Campbell and JJ Feild enjoyed a day at the beach with their newborn on Sunday in Los Angeles. Although the actress, 38, announced the pregnancy in March, saying she was “thrilled,” the couple remain mum on the details of the birth of their first child. Campbell, who played Julia on Party of Five and Sydney in the Scream series, can next be seen in Sworn to Silence, a Lifetime movie that she also executive produced. Feild, 34, starred in Captain America: The First Avenger, and will next appear in Austenland. He recently filmed Not Safe For Work.

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel Did NOT Get Married Over the Weekend

Despite rumors to the contrary, the engaged duo didn't wed in a "top secret" Jackson Hole, Wyoming ceremony on Saturday, a source confirmed. In fact, the Social Network star, 31, wasn't anywhere near Wyoming this weekend. Timberlake was busy in Puerto Rico, where he's currently filming Runner, Runner.

 A rep for the actress confirmed that she and boyfriend John Campisi have ended their five-year relationship. The pair split in May. The Oscar winner, who has spent the majority of the summer filming Mary & Martha with Brenda Blethyn in South Africa and Wilmington, N.C., and Campisi began dating in 2007.

Nicki Minaj Joins Mariah Carey as New American Idol Judge

Nicki Minaj -- and her multiple personas -- will be joining Mariah Carey at the judges' table on American Idol, two sources confirm said. "I'm not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it," one insider reveals. "A few more slight things to sign off on but it is happening." A second source says the "Super Bass" rapper, 29, is "100% confirmed to judge American Idol." Reps for FOX and Minaj had no comment when contacted.

The Hangover Part III John Goodman is in talks for a small but integral role in the upcoming "The Hangover Part III".  Goodman would play an antagonist in the vein of the character Paul Giamatti plyed in the previous film.


The F Word
Rafe Spall, Megan Park and Mackenzie Davis have joined the cast of Michael Dowse's rom-com "The F Word". Shooting kicks off this month in Toronto and Dublin. Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan will play two young people who meet at a party and find themselves attracted to one another, but try to stay just friends as she has a long-term boyfriend (Spall).


A Most Wanted Man Willem Dafoe has joined the cast of Anton Corbijn's adaptation of John le Carre's "A Most Wanted Man".  The story follows a half-Chechen, half-Russian man on the run who arrives in Hamburg looking to recover his late Russian father's ill-gotten fortune.

Feed the Dog
Heather Graham has joined the cast of the Selena Gomez-led, Tim Garrick-directed indie comedy "Feed the Dog".  Nat Wolff, Austin Stowell, Dylan McDermott, Elisabeth Shue and Cary Elwes also star in the film based on Ric Browde's novel "While I'm Dead ... Feed the Dog."

Chris Brown, Drake Sued Again Over NYC Club Brawl

A model who was injured during a bottle-throwing nightclub brawl between Chris Brown and Drake sued both singers and the owners of the New York City nightclub on Monday. Romain Julien, who was sitting at a nearby table during the brawl, suffered a severed tendon in his right hand during the June 14 melee, according to a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court. Julien also alleged that he endured lacerations from broken glass, cosmetic deformity and mental distress as a result of the fight. The complaint accused Brown of having a “hot temper” and inciting the altercation with Drake. The operators of the club Greenhouse and its basement lounge, W.i.P., are also named in the suit. Julien claimed the operators created a public nuisance by failing to provide adequate security in the club and serving liquor to intoxicated patrons. Julien, a model with Re:Quest Model Management, is seeking actual and punitive damages. Representatives for the nightclub, Brown and Drake had no immediate comment. Last week, a company with ties to the club sought to hold Drake and Brown responsible for the melee in a $16 million lawsuit. The suit filed by Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. faulted the artists for — at a minimum — doing nothing to stop the June 14 melee and said it sullied the chic Manhattan nightspot’s name. The company owns the trademark for Greenhouse. No criminal charges have been filed in the fight, which left Brown, NBA star Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs and others injured. Police say the fracas started after members of Drake’s entourage confronted Brown on the dance floor as he was leaving W.i.P. Drake’s representatives have said he was on his way out and didn’t injure anyone. Both lawsuits point to news accounts of bad blood between Brown and Drake, both of whom have dated singer Rihanna.