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7/5/13

 Kerry Washington's real life took an unexpected twist. The Scandal star, 36, and San Francisco 49ers corner back Nnamdi Asomugha, 31, are married, according to a copy of their marriage license. The extremely under-the-radar pair said "I do" on June 24 in Hailey, Idaho. Witnesses were listed as her parents. The couple began to date last summer. The marriage is the first for Washington, who hasn't been known to publicly speak about her personal life in recent years. Shortly after splitting from fiancé David Moscow, the actress said in 2007, "I was always that girl who was in long-term relationships, and I was never really single. I had always met guys in other ways and never really did the whole dating scene where you go out on multiple dates with different guys."
Busy Phillips welcomed her second daughter. The Cougar Town star, 34, and her screenwriter husband Marc Silverstein welcomed their second daughter on Tuesday, July 2, her rep confirmed. So this happened…” Philipps Tweeted Wednesday, sharing a black and white photo of herself cuddling her newborn. The new addition joins big sister Birdie Leigh, 4½.
 Here comes the bride, all dressed in ... black! Avril Lavigne and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger put a rock and roll spin on traditional wedding attire as they exchanged vows in the South of France Monday. Hello! Canada exclusively reports that Lavigne, 28, wore a black tulle Monique Lhuillier gown and donned a bouquet of black roses.Shakira's ex-boyfriend has been denied a court request to gain access to the superstar's Swiss bank account in their ongoing legal wrangle. The Colombian beauty has been locked in a bitter battle with Antonio de la Rua since last year (12), when he filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against her, insisting he is entitled to a share of her massive fortune for reportedly acting as her manager and helping to negotiate lucrative contracts during their 10 years together. He cites an oral agreement between the pair as grounds for his claim. The singer denied the accusations and asked a U.S. judge to dismiss the case, maintaining her former partner did advise her on some decisions but was never officially employed as her manager. She also insisted she was already famous when they met in 2000 and that the only agreement she signed with de la Rua was a 2006 document stating they would both keep their own assets if they split. Earlier this week (begs01Jul13), she filed court documents detailing old emails sent to her in 2011 by her ex, who clearly stated, "I am not a partner in any of your companies. You are the sole owner of all of them" in a bid to prove he has no rights to her money. It has now emerged that de la Rua, the son of former Argentine president Fernando de la Rua, has been trying to access Shakira's finances in Switzerland, where he alleges the bulk of their assets from their business partnership is held. However, a judge in Geneva dismissed his claim last month (Jun13) due to a lack of evidence, and declared the pop star the sole owner of the account. It is de la Rua's latest effort to grab a chunk of Shakira's fortune - he filed his initial lawsuit in New York and followed it up with similar documents in Los Angeles. Shakira has since moved on with Spanish soccer star Gerard Pique, the father of her baby son Milan.
  Actress Beverly Mitchell, 32 and husband Michael Cameron welcomed daughter Kenzie Lynne in March. The 7th Heaven actress married in 2008.

Rapper 50 Cent denies kicking ex-girlfriend

Rapper 50 Cent denies allegations he attacked his ex-girlfriend and trashed her condo. The "In da Club" singer's lawyer says there's no warrant outstanding on the domestic violence and vandalism charges against 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail and $46,000 in fines. The woman told police that during a June 23 argument, Jackson began destroying property at her Toluca Lake condo before she locked herself into a bedroom. She says Jackson kicked open the bedroom door and kicked her, causing injury. Police estimated about $7,100 in damage to the home. The woman told police she had been in a three-year relationship and has a baby with Jackson. His arraignment is July 22.
 Three months ago, rumors swirled that actress Eva Longoria was dating Miami-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Ernesto Arguello. While it wasn't true at the time, it is indeed the case now, the actress says. "I think that's why our relationship is so special – we truly started as friends,” says Longoria, 38, who met Arguello, 34, last year when he was cast in Ready For Love, the reality dating show she produced. (Arguello's romance with his pick, former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey, ended in 2012.) While the show aired this spring, buzz swept Hollywood that the two were an item. However, it wasn't until recently that their friendship turned romantic. “I guess we have the press to thank for pushing us to see something we didn't see!" jokes Longoria, who just returned home from a trip to Nicaragua where she was introduced to his entire family. And both have a passion for philanthropy. Longoria recently accompanied Arguello to his native country of Honduras to visit the school he built in his community, and to see the homes he has built for impoverished families. "Their friendship and their similar philanthropic interests laid the foundation for their new romance," the source adds. "They're very much in love."

Timbaland had falling out with Jay-Z

Hip-hop superproducer Timbaland almost missed out on the chance to work with his longtime collaborator Jay-Z on his new album after the old pals had a falling out. Timbaland is featured in new advertisements for "Magna Carta Holy Grail," with the commercials depicting him in the studio with Jay-Z, Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz and Pharrell Williams as they discuss their ideas and tracks for the project. However, Timbaland reveals Jay-Z almost didn't invite him to take part in the process due to a personal slight following their last collaboration on "The Blueprint 3" in 2009. The producer refuses to go into detail about the issue, but suggests all was resolved between the two friends after he apologized. During an interview on rap mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs' new RevoltTV network, he says, "Jay and I fell out; I missed his 40th [birthday] ... It was over petty stuff. It was more personal stuff and disagreements. It was not industry-related. It was personal and I was wrong... "It [the fall-out] was low key, nobody know about this ... But when you're real friends, you will disagree and not speak and come back together and realize that you're better together than apart."
Add John Barrowman to the list of people who have raced to the altar following the Supreme Court's decision last week to legalize gay marriage in the state of California. The Arrow actor, 46, married Scott Gill on Tuesday. The couple, who have been together for 20 years, had been in a civil partnership since 2006.


Marc Anthony makes chart history in America
Marc Anthony has made history at the top of the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart by becoming the first artist to score more than eight weeks at number one with a single for 13 years. The singer's "Vivir Mi Vida" has held the top spot for nine weeks, but he has another 11 weeks to go to match Son By Four's "A Puro Dolor," which spent 20 weeks at number one in 2000. "No Me Ames," Anthony's duet with his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, spent seven weeks at the top of the charts in 1999. Meanwhile, Natalie Cole's gamble in recording an all Spanish-language album has paid off -- "Natalie Cole En Espanol" has shot to the top of the Top Latin Albums chart in America.

7/2/13

Pierce Brosnan's daughter dies of ovarian cancer
Pierce Brosnan’s daughter Charlotte died of ovarian cancer, the actor said on Monday. “On June 28 at 2 p.m. my darling daughter Charlotte Emily passed on to eternal life, having succumbed to ovarian cancer,” Brosnan told the magazine in a statement. “She was surrounded by her husband Alex, her children Isabella and Lucas and her brothers Christopher and Sean. “Charlotte fought her cancer with grace and humanity, courage and dignity. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beautiful dear girl. We pray for her and that the cure for this wretched disease will be close at hand soon,” the actor continued. “We thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences.” Charlotte was 41. Her mother, Cassandra Harris, was Brosnan’s first wife and also died of ovarian cancer.

Kyra Sedgwick chops off fingertip
Actress Kyra Sedgwick has lost the end of her finger after a weekend cooking accident. The "Closer" star chopped off the tip of her digit while cutting up vegetables in her kitchen on Saturday, forcing her to make an emergency trip to the hospital. Her husband, Kevin Bacon, alerted fans to Sedgwick's mishap on Twitter by uploading a photo of his wife holding her bleeding finger while seated in a medical waiting room. He wrote, "Kale isn't always healthy... if you chop the end of your finger off." The "Footloose" hunk later posted a snapshot of the actress with a large bandage on her hand, and tweeted, "My baby is fine. All good. Still can't find the tip of that finger."
 After 10 years together, Amar'e Stoudemire wanted wife Alexis to have the wedding of her dreams – so he gave her two of them. The New York Knicks forward, who originally married Alexis on Dec. 12, 2012 in front of an audience of 12 at their New York City home, threw a second ceremony and a large reception on Saturday evening in Miami, Fla. "Great weekend with friends and family. Alexis and I are so blessed and grateful," Stoudemire, 30, Tweeted Monday, sharing a wedding photo. Guests reportedly included Stoudemire's Knicks teammates Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, as well as Grant Hill and producers Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and his wife, musician Alicia Keys. The nuptials come just five weeks after Alexis delivered their fourth child, son Alijah Carsares. The couple are also parents to daughters Ar'e, 7, and Assata, 5, and son Amar’e Jr., 6.

Mark Burnett's 'The Bible' sequel gets NBC greenlight
Mark Burnett and NBC are forging a holy alliance to bring the sequel to Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey's hit miniseries "The Bible" to the peacock network. The sequel, which bears the working title "A.D.: Beyond the Bible," follows the enormously popular 10-part miniseries "The Bible," which drew a huge audience to History earlier this year. The sequel begins in the dark days after Jesus betrayal and death. "A perfect storm brews in the Holy Land, fueled by social injustice, Roman military oppression and religious unrest. High priests and the Herod dynasty vie for power. Zealot revolutionaries turn to violence to regain what they believe is their promised land," a release from NBC says of the sequel. "And in the face of terrible odds and brutal persecution, the small band of Jesus' disciples stand against the combined might of Rome and their own local authorities. In a generation of rebellion, war, famine and carnage, who can they trust? Who should they fear? Will tomorrow bring a violent death?  For many, it does ... but others survive, and as the storm around them breaks, the fate of Israel, of Rome and of their faith is decided."

Judge tosses three NY lawsuits against ex-Elmo actor
Three lawsuits brought by men who said a former Elmo puppeteer sexually abused them when they were underage were tossed out by a judge who said in a decision published Monday that the men waited too long to sue. U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl said the claims must be barred because they came more than six years after each man reasonably should have become aware of Kevin Clash's alleged violations and more than three years after each turned 18. One other lawsuit is pending in Pennsylvania.  Clash resigned from "Sesame Street" in November after college student Cecil Singleton sued him for more than $5 million, accusing Clash of having sex with him when he was 15. At the time, Clash said he was leaving his job because "personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work 'Sesame Street' is doing." Clash was the man behind Elmo, the popular furry red monster, for 28 years. Singleton's lawsuit was among those thrown out Monday. Koeltl also rejected lawsuits brought by Kevin Kiadii, who claimed that Clash initiated contact with him on a gay chat line in 2004 when he was 16, and a third person, a Florida resident, who remained anonymous in his lawsuit as he claimed that Clash befriended him in late 1995 or early 1996 when he was 16 or 17. Sex with a person under age 17 is a felony in New York if the perpetrator is 21 or older. Koeltl said Singleton's claim expired in 2009, Kiadii's claim became time-barred at some point between 2008 and 2010 and the case brought anonymously would have expired between 2000 and 2002. In the ruling, the judge said that the time in which someone must bring a lawsuit accumulates after the victimization rather than when the individual realizes subsequent psychological harm. Otherwise, he said, plaintiffs could make claims decades later. "While the plaintiffs may not have recognized the extent of their injuries, they were aware of the defendant's conduct toward them and could have brought claims," Koeltl wrote.
 Henry Cavill and Kaley Cuoco are a new couple. "They were both single and started dating recently," says a source close to the Man of Steel star and Big Bang Theory actress. While Cuoco, 27, and Cavill, who split from his girlfriend, Fast & Furious 6 star Gina Carano, in early May, have yet to step out publicly, they're enjoying getting to know each other.


'American Idol' champ Ruben Studdard to compete on 'The Biggest Loser'
Have you ever seen a Velvet Teddy Bear with rock-hard abs? American Idol alum Ruben Studdard, who beat Clay Aiken back in 2003 to earn the season 2 crown, is moving on to a new reality competition: The Biggest Loser. Studdard — nicknamed the Velvet Teddy Bear for his cuddly physique and silky-smooth vocals — is ready to change that image in the name of health. “I’ve never had an issue with my weight,” Studdard, 35, said.  “[But] my family has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart-related issues — things I didn’t have to deal with yet because I’m young. But I don’t want to be worried at 40, and if I don’t fix things now, I will be.” While Studdard is hardly the first celebrity to lose weight on TV — VH1′s Celebrity Fit Club ran for seven seasons — he is the first famous face to compete on The Biggest Loser, which returns to NBC this fall.

Pharrell Williams requests ruling in trademark feud with Will.i.am.

Singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams wants a judge to rule that a trademark for his “I am OTHER” company is not infringing on Will.i.am’s “I AM” trademark. Pharrell filed legal papers Monday in federal court in Manhattan. He’s seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement. The two artists have been in dispute for the past several months over the issue.

Gabrielle Union will star in BET's 'Being Mary Jane'

Gabrielle Union will star in the pilot for BET's new series, "Being Mary Jane," and will return in the role for a full run in January. The show focuses on a woman with a successful career and an ongoing desire for more in her life. With this show, BET enters into the world of cable drama. The character of Mary Jane is described as smart and beautiful at 38, the host of a cable news show. Still, she wants more -- family, love and further success are all goals. "She's flawed," Gabrielle Union said of her character. "She's chasing perfection, and she's falling dramatically short and dealing with the consequences of not having it all in every aspect of her life."Outside of her professional life and personal struggles, Mary Jane also has to deal with a troubled family. "She wants more independence for her family so she can go back to just being a daughter and a sister as opposed to a caregiver," Union explained. The show's supporting cast includes Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Lisa Avery, Lisa Vidal and Richard Brooks. "Being Mary Jane" premieres Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30pm on BET. 8 episodes will follow in January 2014.

Earth, Wind and Fire dropping new album Sept. 10
Earth, Wind and Fire initially wanted to release its new album around the 2012 presidential election, but the band realized it wasn't satisfied with the songs it created. "Now, Then & Forever," the group's first album in eight years, will be released Sept. 10. Singer Philip Bailey says the band called co-founding member Larry Dunn and others to help produce its latest sound. Bailey explains that the 10-track album feels fresh, but it isn't a departure from the band's classic sound. Adds bassist Verdine White: "It doesn't sound like we're trying to be anyone other than Earth, Wind and Fire." "My Promise," their new single, is available Monday. The band is currently on tour.

7/1/2013

 Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in 1973's Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67. Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego. Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the martial-arts classic. His later films included Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai. Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate. He said he set his sights on becoming an actor after winning karate tournaments. He also played college football. The role in the Bruce Lee film was his second. He had about a dozen film roles in the 1970s before his acting work tapered off. In recent years, he drew lines of autograph seekers at comic book conventions.

Cirque du Soleil performer dies after accident during show
A Cirque du Soleil performer died Saturday after an accident during a performance of the show "Ka" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, authorities announced Sunday. Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, was pronounced dead shortly before midnight Saturday, according to the Clark County Coroner's Office. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Audience members told the Las Vegas Sun that a performer suspended by a wire in the show’s final scene dropped a distance of nearly 50 feet into a pit below the stage. “Initially, a lot of people in the audience thought it was part of the choreographed fight. But you could hear screaming, then groaning, and we could hear a female artist crying from the stage,” Dan Mosqueda, who was attending the show with his family said. The newspaper also reported that Guyard-Guillot was a mother of two young children and had spent 22 years as an acrobatic performer.  "I am heartbroken. I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family.  We are all completely devasted with this news.  Sassoon was an artist with the original cast of KÀ since 2006 and has been an integral part of our Cirque du Soleil tight family. We are reminded, with great humility and respect, how extraordinary our artists are each and every night,” Cirque du Soleil said in a statement released Sunday. Performances of "Ka" have been indefinitely suspended, the company announced.

BET AWARDS FASHION... more news below


Jessica Simpson Welcomes Son Ace Knute
Jessica Simpson‘s tiniest fashion star has arrived! The Fashion Star mentor, 32, and her fiancé, Eric Johnson, welcomed son Ace Knute Johnson on Sunday, June 30, her rep confirmed. The middle name honors Johnson’s Swedish grandfather, the rep explains. The new addition joins big sister Maxwell Drew, who celebrated her first birthday May 1.

Deion Sanders and Pilar Sanders officially divorced: NFL star tweets marriage advice

Deion Sanders and Pilar Sanders' nasty split is finally over. The former NFL player took to Twitter to announce that the "drama" came to an end on June 28. "Thank God Thank God! This 2 year Drama filled divorce is over. Prenup stood, Custody of All kids,pay yo own fees! God is Faithful! Truth," he tweets.
But Sanders didn't stop there. He shared some key advice for other men looking for their dream women: namely, don't let good looks deceive you.  "Men Listen closely! Don't choose a woman with your Flesh choose her with your Spirit & Heart. Yo flesh will Lie until yo flesh die. Truth," he adds. "Thru Trials&Tribulation u get a chance 2 witness many people around u & how they may vary from situation 2 circumstance. Learn & Live! Truth" Unfortunately for Deion, his ex-wife's attorney says the case isn't quite over yet. Several of Pilar's claims, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and mental and physical abuse, will by heard by a jury in a separate case.
 Brooke Hogan is engaged. Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Phil Costa proposed to Hulk Hogan’s 25-year-old daughter this weekend in Las Vegas. Brooke shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing, “Happiest moment of my LIFE. I am marrying my best friend.” “I wouldnt choose anyone else. I am so lucky and so grateful,” she added, along with a photo of her now-fiance popping the question on one knee, with the Vegas skyline in the distance.


The Heat Hotter At Box Office Than White House Down
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy brought “The Heat” against Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx at the box office. The Fox action-comedy starring the funny ladies as mismatched police detectives earned $40 million in its opening weekend, topping the $25.7 million debut haul of Sony’s “White House Down,” according to studio estimates Sunday.m“White House Down,” which features Tatum as a wannabe Secret Service agent and Foxx as the president, came in fourth place. Disney’s animated prequel “Monsters University” remained the valedictorian in its second weekend, earning $46.1 million in the top spot at the box office. Paramount’s zombie drama “World War Z” also took another bite out of the office in its second weekend with $29.8 million in third place.

RAPPER LIL SCRAPPY LEAVES REHAB
Rapper Lil Scrappy has kicked his addiction to marijuana after a successful stint in a rehabilitation facility. The hip-hop star, real name Darryl Kevin Richardson II, voluntarily checked into a treatment center in Atlanta in May to seek professional help for his habit after allegedly failing a court-ordered drug test. On Saturday, June 29, he was released from rehab and his attorney Mawuli Mel Davis insists Lil Scrappy has changed his ways. Former MTV VJ Damien Fahey married style blogger Grasie Mercedes on Friday in Camarillo, California. Fahey is best known for his time as a host on Total Request Live, while Mercedes also has an MTV connection, as the style expert on Girl, Get Your Mind Right. Mercedes took to Twitter and Instagram to share her wedded bliss with her more than 5,000 followers, including this picture of the newlyweds dancing with the caption “Just the most perfect day!”:

Drake bails on BET Awards at last minute: Was Chris Brown the cause?

Drake was noticeably missing from the 2013 BET Awards. Not only was he scheduled to perform at the awards show, but he was also the night's top nominee. So what forced him to pull out from appearing at the last minute? According to new reports, Chris Brown. A source says that "the reason Drake isn't [at the BET Awards] is 100 percent all about Chris Brown." Drake reportedly didn't let the BET organizers know about his absence until the last minute, but it might have been for the best. Allegedly Drake didn't want to risk starting a fight with Brown, his longtime rival, at the awards show. During a recent interview with GQ, Drake admitted that he doesn't think his rivalry with Brown will end well. "If I think about it too much, I feel it wrapping around my foot, like I get a feeling it could end really badly," he said. For his part, Brown was a big presence at the awards show. Not only did he perform early on, but he also won the FANdemonium award. During his acceptance speech, Brown made sure to remind viewers that he's just a normal guy, and that they shouldn't believe media reports on him. Of the awards announced, Drake won the Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice, Best Video and Best Collaboration awards. His absence was never explained during the 2013 BET Awards. Drake took to Twitter after the BET Awards ended and gave a different reason for not appearing: his album. "Thank you to BET and to the fans for voting! I'm home finishing the album and spending time w/ family before we begin our journey Sept 17," he tweets. "Congrats to Kendrick as well! NWTS."

Buju Banton gun conviction scrapped over juror's criminal intent

Buju Banton just lucked out. The reggae singer had been charged with a gun conviction from a 2011 trial, but U.S. District Judge James S. Moody recently opted to overturn the charge. The reason? It turns out Terri Wright, a jury foreman, allegedly did independent research while serving on the case and shared it with the other jurors. Wright has now been charged with criminal contempt. The drug conviction against Banton, for which he is serving 10 years in prison, still stands. Banton's attorney reportedly says they are considering filing an appeal to overturn that as well, though a decision has not been made. Banton may face a retrial. Banton has currently served 40 months of his sentence, which was over a cocaine conspiracy and trafficking. Wright is now looking at a fine and a maximum of six years in prison.

Jennifer Lopez apologizes for singing to Turkmenistan ruler

Jennifer Lopez apologized Sunday after a barrage of criticism followed her singing "Happy Birthday" to the leader of Turkmenistan, a country described by human rights groups as "among the most repressive in the world." The singer and actress performed in the former Soviet bloc country on Saturday night. A statement released Sunday by her publicist to the Associated Press said the event was hosted by the China National Petroleum Corp. and wasn't a political event. However, the country's leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, attended. Berdimuhamedow has been criticized for his oppressive rule by Human Rights Watch and similar organizations. Lopez's publicist said the event was vetted by Lopez's staff: "Had there been knowledge of human rights issues any kind, Jennifer would not have attended." The birthday serenade was a last-minute request made by the corporation to Lopez before she took the stage, and she "graciously obliged," the statement said.

TV NEWS

Happy Endings won’t get one: The cancelled ABC comedy is officially done and will not continue on another network. Sony Pictures TV, which produces the series, has ended its search for a new home for the ensemble sitcom. A possible move to USA Network — widely believed to be Endings‘ most likely savior — was nixed earlier this month. NBC and TBS reportedly were possible contenders as well, but neither panned out.


In what could be viewed as promising news for fans of Alicia and Will, The Good Wife is throwing some hard-to-resist temptation Peter’s way.  Hunted heroine Melissa George is joining the CBS drama’s Season 5 cast in the recurring role of Marilyn, newly-elected Governor Florrick’s in-house ethics counsel.


Jayma Mays has signed on for a new show. The actress, who plays Emma Pillsbury on “Glee,” will star as Debbie – sister to Will Arnett’s Nathan Miller – in Greg Garcia’s upcoming CBS comedy, “The Millers." The multi-camera series also features Margo Martindale and Beau Bridges. Jayma, 33, will continue to appear on “Glee” in her current recurring role.


The crossover special Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel — in which the titular pals help dis-empowered superheroes such as Spider-Man and Hulk get their mojo back — will premiere Friday, Aug. 16 on Disney Channel, while Disney Channel SVOD and verified WATCH Disney Channel will offer a first look on Aug. 12.


Glee is thinning its ranks as it heads into Season 5. Original castmembers Heather Morris (who plays Brittany), Mark Salling (Puck), Amber Riley (Mercedes) and Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike) will not be returning to the Fox musical dramedy as series regulars. Additionally, Dianna Agron (Quinn) — who was only seen in a handful of episodes last season — is not slated to be back, save for a possible guest appearance here and there. The casting moves hardly come as a surprise, considering four of the five characters graduated McKinley at the end of Season 3, and a fifth — Morris’ Brittany — got accepted to MIT in last month’s Season 4 finale.


The coming season is going to be a romantic one for one lucky Revolution-ary.  Jessica Collins (Rubicon, The Nine) has booked a recurring role on Season 2 of the NBC drama as a love interest for… Well, that part is a bit of a mystery. Collins — who appears in at least the first four episodes — will play Cynthia, a beautiful young woman of deep faith. Her winning humor and blazing intelligence capture the heart of one of the show’s leading characters.


The Mormon church-owned NBC affiliate KSL Salt Lake City announced on its Facebook page that it will air Saturday Night Live this fall for the first time since 1995. Other NBC fare in recent years deemed too racy for the outlet include The New Normal and The Playboy Club.

Drake might have been the top nominee at the 2013 BET Awards, but he wasn't the top winner. Heck, he didn't even show up! The winners were spread out pretty evenly across the wide pool of nominees.
Check out the full list of winners below.

Best Collaboration
2 Chainz f/ Drake - No Lie
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar - "Problems"
French Montana f/ Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne - "Pop That"
Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake - "Poetic Justice"
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z - "Suit & Tie"
Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz - "Mercy"

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
2 Chainz
A$AP Rocky
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Azealia Banks
Eve
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Rye Rye

Best Actor
Don Cheadle
Common
Jamie Foxx
Samuel L. Jackson
Denzel Washington

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Gabrielle Douglas
Brittney Griner
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Victor Cruz
Kevin Durant
Robert Griffin III
LeBron James
Ray Lewis

Best Gospel Artist
Deitrick Haddon
Lecrae
Tamela Mann
Mary Mary
Marvin Sapp

YoungStars Award
Gabrielle Douglas
Jacob Latimore
Keke Palmer
Jaden Smith
Quvenzhané Wallis

Best New Artist
Azealia Banks
Joey Bada$$
Kendrick Lamar
Trinidad Jame$
The Weeknd

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Justin Timberlake
Usher

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Tamar Braxton
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Elle Varner

Best Group 
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Mary Mary
Mindless Behavior
Slaughterhouse
The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-Z)

Video of the Year
2 Chainz f/ Drake - "No Lie" A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar - "Problems"
Drake - "Started From The Bottom"
Drake f/ Lil Wayne - "HYFR"
Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake - "Poetic Justice"
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Wanz - "Thrift Shop"
Miguel - "Adorn"
Rihanna - "Diamonds"
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z - "Suit & Tie"
Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz - "Mercy"

Video Director of the Year
A$AP Rocky & Sam Lecca
Benny Boom
Director X
Dre Films
Hype Williams
Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Halle Berry
Taraji P. Henson
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington

Best Movie
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Django Unchained"
"Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap"
"Sparkle"
"Think Like A Man"

Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar - "Problems"
Drake - "Started From The Bottom"
Kendrick Lamar - "Swimming Pools (Drank) "
Miguel - "Adorn"
Rihanna - "Diamonds"
Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-Z - "Suit & Tie"

Centric Award
Tamar Braxton - "Love and War"
Fantasia - "Lose To Win"
Miguel - "Adorn"
Nas - "Daughters"
Charlie Wilson - "My Love Is All I Have"

 Could little Angelo be any more adorable? We're finally getting a close-up look at Adele and her beau Simon Konecki's 8-month-old son's cute little face. The 25-year-old Grammy winner stepped out with Angelo this morning in NYC for a trip to the Central Park Zoo. Accompanied by five pals, Adele was snapped holding Angelo in one arm while kids played around the mother-son duo.


Aaron Hernandez Being Investigated for Two More Murders
Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, who has been charged with a murder and cut from the team, is also being investigated in connection with a drive-by shooting that killed two men. Hernandez spent the night in jail after authorities led him from his North Attleboro, Mass., home on Wednesday and then charged him in the murder of Odin Lloyd, whose body was found in an industrial park about a mile from Hernandez's house.  police are also looking into his possible involvement in a July 15, 2012, early-morning ambush of a car in Boston that left the driver and one of the passengers dead of gunshot wounds. A third man was injured. ABC says Hernandez was spotted earlier that night involved in an altercation at a nightclub.

Serena Williams vs. Andy Murray: New battle of the sexes?

As Wimbledon rolls on, tennis star Andy Murray has challenged Serena Williams to a match, and she seems willing to accept. Inspired by a suggestion that came via Twitter, Murray -- currently ranked No. 2 in the world -- made the offer official in an online column for the BBC: "I have been challenged by someone on Twitter to taking on Serena Williams," Murray wrote. "I'd be up for it, why not? "I've never hit with her but she's obviously an incredible player and I think people would be interested to see the men play against the women to see how the styles match up. It's happened in the past with Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova. How about Las Vegas as a venue?" Murray was referring to a 1992 showdown in which Connors defeated Navratilova in Vegas. That event was promoted as a revival of two famed "Battle of the Sexes" showdowns between Bobby Riggs and female opponents Margaret Court and Billie Jean King. Riggs handily defeated Court, but lost to King in straight sets. Williams' response to Murray's challenge? "That would be fun. I doubt I'd win a point, but that would be fun," she told reporters in the UK. Williams previously faced off against a male opponent when she took on Karsten Braasch at the Australian Open in 1988. The 16-year-old Williams lost 6-1. "I was really young," she acknowledged. "I'm a lot more experienced now."


Lauryn Hill Partially Responds To Racism Accusations
With less than two weeks until her 3-month prison term begins on July 8th, Lauryn Hill has taken to Tumblr to address some of the accusations about her. From taxes to racism, she covers all territories. "The concept of reverse racism is flawed, if not absolutely ridiculous," Hill says at the opening of her Tumblr manifesto. While Hill has been taken to task in the past for her stance on racial issues, her most recent backlash has arrived from the release of her track "Neurotic Society." In the song she alludes to the notion that homosexuality has caused the fall of society. Not a good look, Lauryn. But back to the lecture at hand. She continues on in her piece titled "MLH On Racism" to hit race issues from a spiritual angle, stating that "Spirituality and morality were replaced by capitalism, and with it a conscious shift of focus toward the exploitation of the vulnerable." With capitalism clearly comes the desire to acquire capital, which is where her IRS issues arguably come into play. Here is her take on that: I shuddered during sentencing when I kept hearing the term ‘make the IRS whole’… make the IRS whole, knowing that I got into these very circumstances having to deal with the very energies of inequity and resistance that created and perpetuated these savage inequalities. The entire time, I thought, who has made black people whole?! Who has made recompense for stealing, imposing, lying, murdering, criminalizing the traumatized, taking them against their wills, destroying their homes, dividing their communities, ‘trying’ to steal their destinies, their time, stagnating their development, I could go on and on. Has America, or any of the nations of the world guilty of these atrocities, ever made black people or Africa whole or do they continue to sit on them, control them, manipulate them, cage them, rob them, brutalize them, subject them to rules that don’t apply to all? Use language, veiled coercion, and psychological torment like invisible fences to keep them locked into a pattern of limitation and therefore control by others. You have to remain  focused to cease from rage.

Terminator' reboot opening June 26, 2015: First in a new trilogy
"The Terminator" will be back in theaters in 2015. Paramount Pictures has announced a reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise will open June 26, 2015. Arnold Schwarzenegger has already confirmed he will return in the title role, but the film is expected to launch a brand new standalone trilogy rather than continue where 2009's semi-disastrous "Terminator: Salvation" left off. Paramount will distribute and is financing the project in a partnership with Megan Ellison's Annapurna Pictures and David Ellison's Skydance Productions.  Laeta Kalorgridis ("Avatar," "Shutter Island") and Patrick Lussier ("Drive Angry") are attached to write the screenplay. "Terminator" co-creator James Cameron is not involved in any official capacity, although he will regain rights to the franchise in 2019 -- which could complicate bringing a full trilogy to fruition.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Gets Aug. 1, 2014 Release
After taking its time finding a director to helm the ship, Universal and Focus are charging full-speed ahead and giving their adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey” an Aug. 1, 2014 release date. This news comes a week after the two studios named Sam Taylor-Johnson as the pic’s director after a long and thorough search. Universal and Focus also stalled in finding other elements of their adaptation of the popular E.L. James series, including lining up a writer and producers. Those jobs eventually went to Kelly Marcel and Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti respectively.
 It must have been a gleeful moment for Renee Puente, whose boyfriend Matthew Morrison popped the question on Thursday. The Glee star, 34, has been dating Puente, 26 and a model, since 2011. The news of their engagement was reportedly announced at the White Tie and Tiara Ball in London by the event's hosts – and Morrison pals – Elton John and David Furnish. Coldplay's Chris Martin joined John to serenade the newly engaged couple with a duet of "Your Song."

Kat Von D, Deadmau5 Break Up: Deejay Responds to Cheating Rumors
Deadmau5 spoke out about the breakup on his Facebook page. "Kat and I split in November and I moved back home to Toronto. During this time, while we were broken up, I did have relations with another woman," he wrote. "Following that, Kat and I reconciled and I acknowledged being intimate with another person while we were estranged." "We did move past those issues, and I proposed to Kat in mid-December," he continued. "At the end of June, it was clear that the relationship was not working and we mutually ended the engagement. I was not, at any point, unfaithful to Kat during our time together."

Prosecutors say NFL star Aaron Hernandez 'orchestrated execution,' concealed evidence
Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez drove his friend to a remote spot in an industrial park in the dead of night and — still fuming from a fight at a nightclub three nights earlier — "orchestrated his execution," prosecutors alleged in a Massachusetts court Wednesday. Hernandez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and five firearms charges, including possessing a large-capacity firearm, more than a week after the body of Odin Lloyd, 27, was found near his Massachusetts home. A judge ordered him held without bail. Hernandez "drove the victim to the remote spot, and he then orchestrated his execution. That's what it was," First Assistant District Attorney William McCauley said in Attleboro District Court. "As (Lloyd) tried to turn, he was shot in the back, and the defendant and his confederates stood over him and delivered the two fatal shots," McCauley said, adding: "He orchestrated the crime from the beginning and took steps to conceal and destroy evidence." After getting into the car, Lloyd allegedly texted a family member, asking, "Did you see who I am with," prosecutors said. He then texted that it was Hernandez and followed it up with "Just so you know" in another text message, the prosecutors alleged during the arraignment.Later that morning, between 3:23 a.m. and 3:27 a.m., employees who were working the overnight shift at the industrial park where Lloyd's body would later be found reported hearing gunshots, authorities said. It's not clear who investigators believe fired the shots. Lloyd's bullet-punctured body was found by a jogger June 17 in an industrial park a mile from Hernandez's North Attleborough home. The death was ruled a homicide. Less than two hours after the arrest, the Patriots announced they were releasing Hernandez. "A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do," a statement from the team read. The Patriots drafted Hernandez in 2010. Last summer, the team gave Hernandez a five-year contractworth $40 million, including a signing bonus of $12.5 million. Hernandez lives with his fiancée and their infant.
 Is Tony Parker ready to wed again? Maybe, according to Twitter. During a live chat on the social media site on Wednesday, June 26, the 31-year-old basketball player hinted that he and girlfriend Axelle Francine may have gotten engaged. Responding to a fan's question about his favorite thing to do to unwind after a game, Parker tweeted, "Spend time with my fiance [sic]. #TissotTimeOut." (Tissot is a Swiss watchmaker; Parker is one of the brand's ambassadors, along with NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, and was doing the Q&A in connection with the company.) Parker and Francine have been together for two years.

I.am suing you – Pharrell Williams feels the wrath of Will.i.am

will.i.am is taking legal action against Pharrell for his use of the "I am" phrase. In court documents the rapper/producer claims he owns the copyright to the two words and states that Pharrell's logo for his creative brand "i am OTHER" looks "confusingly similar" to will.i.am's "I AM" logo. The "i am OTHER" brand was created by Williams as a "creative venture and way of life," he writes on his site, with brands such as Billionaire Boys Club & ICECREAM and Brooklyn Machine Works as part of the company. In will.i.am's opposition document, he claims that "the registration of the mark... is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark." Williams was "disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me," he said in a statement following the lawsuit. He continued, "I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions. I am surprised in how this is being handled and I am confident that Will's trademark claims will ultimately be found to be as meritless and ridiculous as I do."

 

NeNe Leakes' second wedding to Gregg Leakes was twice as nice as their first! Real Housewives of Atlanta star and her ex-husband tied the knot again on Saturday, June 22.  The nuptials were filmed for NeNe's upcoming spinoff, I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding, premiering this fall on Bravo. The Atlanta ceremony was a star-studded affair, with current and former costars Kim Zolciak, Phaedra Parks, Portia Stewart, Kandi Burruss and Lisa Wu in attendance. Several other Real Housewives personalities -- including Orange County's Gretchen Rossi and fiance Slade Smiley, plus Miami's Marysol Patton -- turned up for the event. Former Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin also attended with her husband, Bobby, as did Millionaire Matchmaker's Patti Stanger.

Annie
Cameron Diaz has boarded Columbia Pictures' upcoming musical adaptation Annie. Sandra Bullock was previously up for the role, but lost interest. The film will be set in a modern day environment and centers on an orphan named Annie (Quvenzhané Wallis), who is confined to an orphanage run by a cruel supervisor named Agatha Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). She is sent to Oliver Warbucks' (Jamie Foxx) home for a short time and convinces the wealthy industrialist to help her find her parents. Along the way, Miss Hannigan, her evil brother, Rooster, and a female partner scheme up a plan to impersonate her family and gain the rewards.

Wal-Mart, Home Depot end relationships with Paula Deen

Wal-Mart has moved to sever ties with Paula Deen, the fourth company to do so after a week of scandal that’s knocked the queen of Southern comfort off her throne. Home Depot followed suit shortly after. "We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed,” Wal-Mart spokesperson Danit Marquardt said on Wednesday. “We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements." Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for Home Depot confirmed to NBC News that the company will stop carrying Paula Deen-branded items under their kitchen and cookware category as a result of the scandal. The Food Network, Smithfield Foods and Caesars Entertainment also terminated their partnerships with Deen, who appeared in her first live interview on TODAY Wednesday to discuss the controversy over her use of racial slurs. Target, Sears and QVC all said they were evaluating their relationships with Deen late last week. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has carried a variety of Paula Deen-branded products including cookware and health and wellness products for several years.
 Kat Von D has a history of sharing her relationship milestones on social media. Remember her infamous 2011 Facebook post about soon-to-be-ex-fiancé Jesse James that began, "Today I encountered the 19th girl to add to the list of people Jesse cheated on me with during this last year"? Kat Von D and deadmau5 got engaged on Twitter, so it’s only appropriate that things also ended via the micro-blogging site. So, something tells us that her plans to become Mrs. Deadmau5 during an underwater-themed ceremony on Aug. 10 may have hit a snag. "Cheating on your loved one is the most hurtful thing one could do," the tattoo artist, 31, tweeted on Wednesday. "I hate to have to admit, that this relationship is indeed over." When a follower cautioned, "Don't take him back no matter what. Ur worth more than that," she responded, "Never."

 TV NEWS

If you have A) yet to fire them up on your PC, B) can’t figure out how to feed a $5 bill into your Mac to pay for Hulu Plus or C) simply need to see Melissa Archer on a bigger screen, Oprah Winfrey’s OWN cable network will be encoring the first 40 episodes of The Online Network’s All My Children and One Life to Live relaunches. OWN’s 10-week summertime “second window” for the serials kicks off Monday, July 15, with AMC airing at 1 pm ET, and OLTL following at 3 pm. The half-hour episodes will air Monday through Thursday of each week.

 
When Elementary goes across the pond for its Season 2 premiere, we’ll meet at least one member of Holmes’ estranged family. Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, known to The Amazing Spider-Man fans as Dr. Curt Connors (aka The Lizard), has taken on the recurring role of Sherlock’s sibling Mycroft.

 
Brace yourselves. "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" are coming back. MTV will re-air its once successful reality series and equally popular spin-off as a part of the network's "RetroMTVBrunch" slate beginning July 8. As an added bonus, MTV will air a never-before-seen, alternate ending to "The Hills," the network announced. Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" aired from 2004 to 2006, and "The Hills" aired from 2006 to 2010, launching the (mostly C-level) careers of stars Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Brody Jenner, Heidi Montag and Whitney Port. MTV's "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" marathons begin Monday, July 8 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on MTV before moving to 8 a.m. ET/PT the following day. "The Hills" alternate ending airs Friday, Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT on MTV.


Fox is hereby the fourth broadcaster to let loose with their premiere dates for the fall season, leading with The X Factor‘s two-night, three-hour Season 3 premiere. On tap for midseason: American Idol, The Following and the new series Rake, Gang Related, Surviving Jack, Us & Them and Murder Police. The summer series 24: Live Another Day premieres in May 2014.

Wednesday, Sept. 11
8 pm The X Factor (season premiere Part 1)
9 pm MasterChef (season finale)
Thursday, Sept. 12
8 pm The X Factor (season premiere Part 2, two hours)
Monday, Sept. 16
8 pm Bones
9 pm SLEEPY HOLLOW (new series)
Tuesday, Sept. 17
8 pm DADS (new series)
8:30 pm BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (new series)
9 pm New Girl
9:30 pm The Mindy Project
Wednesday, Sept. 18
8 pm The X Factor (two hours)
Thursday, Sept. 19
9 pm Glee
Friday, Sept. 27
8 pm MASTERCHEF JUNIOR (new series)
9 pm SLEEPY HOLLOW encores
Sunday, Sept. 29
8 pm The Simpsons
8:30 pm Bob’s Burgers
9 pm Family Guy
9:30 pm American Dad
Monday, Nov. 4
8 pm ALMOST HUMAN (new series)
Friday, Nov. 8
8 pm Bones (new time slot premiere)
9 pm Raising Hope
9:30 pm ENLISTED (new series)

New England Patriots star tight end Aaron Hernandez was taken out of his home in handcuffs on Wednesday morning, more than a week after a body was found near his home in Massachusetts.The body of Odin Llyod, 27, was found June 17 about one mile away from the tight end's North Attleborough home. The death was ruled a homicide; Hernandez, who signed a five-year contract with the Patriots last year, has not been named as a suspect in the case. Lloyd has been described as a semi-professional football player with unspecified ties to Hernandez.
 Something old, something new ... and definitely something blue! George Lucas's gorgeous bride Mellody Hobson chose the hue for her flowers, and in their wedding photo, the newlyweds are beaming at each other above the bouquet's pop of color. Their nuptials Saturday were a star-studded event with 200 guests including Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart and Tyler Perry. Lucas, 69, and his new wife, 44, got engaged in January, after dating since 2006.

Suspect in rapper's Lil Snupe's death surrenders
Police in north Louisiana say a 36-year-old man accused of killing the 18-year-old rapper known as Lil Snupe has turned himself in to authorities. Winnfield Police Chief Johnnie Ray Carpenter said in a news release that Tony Holden turned himself in Tuesday morning. He was booked into the city jail on charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. No bond has been set. It was not immediately known whether Holden had an attorney. Police say Holden shot the rapper, whose real name is Addarren Ross, last Thursday after an argument broke out during a video game at a friend's apartment. Ross, of Jonesboro, had been shot twice in the chest. Ross had recently signed a recording deal with the Meek Mill's Dream Chasers label.

Report: Pippen was spit on by fan
New details have emerged regarding the weekend altercation between former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen and an autograph-seeker that left the man hospitalized with a head injury. The unidentified victim was inside a restaurant, Nobu Malibu in Malibu, Calif., taking photos as Pippen dined with his family Sunday evening, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Patrick Davoren said. When Pippen went outside to the parking lot, the man continued taking pictures and sought the Hall of Famer's autograph, Davoren said. An argument ensued that led to the violence, investigators said.  Pippen may have been provoked by the alleged victim. According to the source in the report, it was the fan who started the fight. The source said the fan spit on Pippen and called him a racial slur. Pippen was also holding his 4-year-old daughter at the time, the source told the Daily News. The source went on to add that, “When Scottie left, this guy had no injuries. Scottie is very upset about the way this has been portrayed.” Pippen's lawyer, Mark Geragos, is considering a counter claim against the fan for assault and making a false police report, the source said. Several witnesses described the fan as intoxicated, sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said. Investigators were interviewing several witnesses on Monday to determine whether Pippen should be charged with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. The 47-year-old Pippen won six NBA titles with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, and in 1996 was named one of the NBA's 50 greatest players. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Pippen is a special adviser to the Bulls' president and chief operating officer. The team declined to comment Monday.
 With dozens of journalists tailing her every move, Academy Award-winner Halle Berry appeared at the California Capitol on Tuesday to testify for a bill that would limit the ability of paparazzi to photograph the children of celebrities and public figures. "My daughter doesn't want to go to school because she knows 'the men' are watching for her," the actor told the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. "They jump out of the bushes and from behind cars and who knows where else, besieging these children just to get a photo. Berry, who is pregnant, said she was speaking in favor of the anti-harassment bill by Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, as a "mother of a daughter and the baby boy in my belly. "If it passes, the quality of my life and my children's lives will be dramatically changed," she said.


Mariah Carey delays new album release
Mariah Carey has pushed back the release of her new album in order to perfect the project. "The Art of Letting Go" was set to hit shelves on July 23, but the pop star took to her Twitter account on Monday night to tell fans she is delaying the release. In a series of posts, she writes, "While making this album, I got so immersed in the creative process that I just don't feel I would be doing it justice to release it on 7/23. "I'd rather not exclude meaningful songs," she adds. "I want to give you this album as it's meant to be heard. When I'm ready, you'll be the first 2 know!"

Paula Deen: I would not have fired me
In an emotional interview, her first since she admitted having used racial epithets, Paula Deen tearfully told TODAY's Matt Lauer Wednesday that she is not a racist; that as a businesswoman, she does not think her firing from Food Network was the right decision, and that she was unsure whether the N-word was offensive to black people. When asked by Lauer whether she was a racist, Deen replied simply, "No." Then she added, "I believe that … every one of God’s creatures was created equal. I believe that everyone should be treated equal, that’s the way I was raised and that’s the way I live my life" When Lauer asked if Deen, who was let go from the Food Network Friday, believed her offense was a fireable one, Deen said it was not. "Would I have fired me? Knowing me? No," she said. "I am so very thankful for the partners I have who believe in me." The fallout from Deen’s admission that she’s used the N-word and had considered throwing a “plantation-style” wedding – which came to light during a legal deposition on May 17 and went public early last week – was fast and furious. By Friday, Food Network announced it was canceling Deen’s contract, after she failed to appear for a scheduled interview with Lauer and started posting a series of strange apology videos on YouTube. By Monday, Smithfield Foods terminated its partnership with her, and QVC, Sears and Target were all reevaluating their relationship with the Southern star, who raked in $17 million in 2012 through all her ventures and was the fourth highest paid chef last year, according to Forbes.


Child 44
Philip Seymour Hoffman has joined the cast of Daniel Espinosa's Stalinist-Russia set thriller "Child 44" at Summit Entertainment. Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, and Joel Kinnaman also star. Hardy plays a Soviet police officer investigating a child killer in a country where the official party line is that there is no crime.
 Holly Madison's engagement ring is an 18-carat, cushion-cut yellow diamond surrounded by pink and yellow diamond flowers.

'I Am Legend' Novelist Richard Matheson Dead

Richard Matheson, the author of sci-fi classics including "I Am Legend" and "The Shrinking Man," died in his Calabasas, Calif. home on Sunday. He was 87. His daughter, screenwriter Ali Matheson, shared the news on Facebook. "My beloved father passed away yesterday at home surrounded by the people and things he loved...he was funny, brilliant, loving, generous, kind, creative, and the most wonderful father ever," Matheson wrote. "I miss you and love you forever Pop and I know you are now happy and healthy in a beautiful place full of love and joy you always knew was there." While Matheson is primarily known for his many novels and short stories that have been adapted for film and television, he also had a prominent screenwriting career. He wrote 17 episodes of "The Twilight Zone," including one based on his own short story, "Steel," which was the inspiration for the 2011 Hugh Jackman movie, "Real Steel." Similarly, he adapted his short story "Button, Button" for a 1986 episode of the sci-fi series. "The Box," a 2009 Richard Kelly film, was based on the same story. Other TV writing credits include "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Lawman," "Night Stalker" and "Duel," a 1971 made-for-TV movie directed by Steven Spielberg. Films "Stir of Echoes," "What Dreams May Come," "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "The Legend of Hell House" and "Somewhere in Time" are all based on his novels. "I Am Legend," a 1954 novel about the last man on Earth after a vampire pandemic wipes out mankind, inspired the 2007 Will Smith film of the same name, as well as 1964's "The Last Man on Earth" and 1971's "The Omega Man," starring Charlton Heston. Matheson had four children with his wife, Ruth. Three of his children, Chris, Richard Christian and Ali, are also writers with a lengthy list of TV and film credits to their names.
 Their love is written in the stars! "Star Wars" creator George Lucas married businesswoman Mellody Hobson on Saturday. Lucas, 69, and Hobson, 44, announced their engagement in January 2013. Lucas and Hobson met at a business conference in 2006. Hobson, a Princeton University graduate who is also the head of a Chicago-based investment management firm, joked about their unlikely pairing during a January 2012 appearance on OWN's "Oprah's Next Chapter." "How else would a financial person and a movie person ever be at the same place at the same time?" she said with a laugh. This is the first marriage for Hobson and the second for Lucas, who was previously wed to film editor Marcia Griffin from 1969 to 1983. The exes adopted a daughter, Amanda, and Lucas adopted two more children, Katie and Jett, after their split. In addition to serving as chairman of the board of DreamWorks Animation, Hobson is also a money and personal finance contributor to ABC News. Lucas -- who also created the "Indiana Jones" franchise -- sold his television and film production company, Lucasfilm Ltd., to the Walt Disney Company for $4.05 billion in October 2012.

'Kick-Ass' creator speaks out after Jim Carrey snubs film

The creator of the "Kick-Ass" movie franchise has hit back at Jim Carrey after the actor publicly withdrew his support for the film over its depiction of violence. The "Dumb & Dumber star" announced on Sunday he had experienced a change of heart about the upcoming release of "Kick-Ass 2," following the gun massacre at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School last December. He tweeted, "I did Kickass (sic) a month b4 (before) Sandy Hook and now in all good conscience I cannot support that level of violence. My apologies to others involve (sic) with the film. I am not ashamed of it but recent events have caused a change in my heart." Mark Millar, who wrote the "Kick-Ass" comic books and is a producer on the films, admits he is "baffled" by Carrey's statement as he insists the star knew all about the script's gory content when he signed up for the role. Millar also reveals Carrey was drawn to playing Colonel Stars and Stripes as the character is a vigilante who refuses to use a gun. "I'm baffled by this sudden announcement as nothing seen in this picture wasn't in the screenplay eighteen months ago. Yes, the body count is very high, but a movie called 'Kick-Ass 2' really has to do what it says on the tin," Millar wrote on his website. "Ironically, Jim's character in 'Kick-Ass 2' is a born-again Christian, and the big deal we made of the fact that he refuses to fire a gun is something he told us attracted him to the role in the first place. Ultimately, this is his decision, but I've never quite bought the notion that violence in fiction leads to violence in real life any more than Harry Potter casting a spell creates more Boy Wizards in real-life."

 Jodie Sweetin is on the verge of ending her third marriage. The former Full House star, 31, filed for legal separation from Morty Coyle, her husband of a little more than a year, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles. The actress cited irreconcilable differences. Sweetin is seeking custody of the pair's 2-year-old daughter Beatrix, as well as ownership of their 2000 Toyota Avalon. Sweetin, who was previously wed to Cody Herpin and Shaun Holguin, referred to then-fiancé Coyle as "wonderful and fantastic" in 2011. The actress and her ex – who got engaged on Sweetin's birthday in January 2011 – kept their marriage secret for a little more than a year saying, they decided to make it public on their first anniversary.

Holly Madison Is Engaged to Pasquale Rotella

Holly Madison is about to be the bride next door. Madison, 33, announced that her boyfriend Pasquale Rotella popped the question on her blog Monday. "I got engaged on Sunday!" the reality star wrote. "My fiancé was so wonderful in creating such a romantic night! He proposed to me at the top of the ferris wheel at EDC Las Vegas." She continued, "I was so happy that so many of our close friends were there to share the wonderful moment with us! We rode around the festival on the art cart until the sun came up! I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful or magical proposal!" The couple welcomed daughter Rainbow Aurora in March.

Paula Deen Loses Ham Endorsement Deal
Paula Deen's racial slur scandal is costing her an endorsement deal with Smithfield, the pork company that sold a ham with her name and face on it. "Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind," Smithfield says in a statement. "Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen. Smithfield is determined to be an ethical food industry leader and it is important that our values and those of our spokespeople are properly aligned." Deen's deal with Smithfield was announced in September 2006. This is the latest blow to Deen, who was dropped from the Food Network on Friday after 11 years as one of the channel's biggest stars. The business deals are falling under scrutiny following the uproar over her admitted use of the N-word in the past. "Smithfield was a key deal for her empire," Allen Salkin, author of the upcoming book From Scratch: Inside the Food Network, says. "In addition to paying her handsomely as an endorser, the ham company helped her charitable image by delivering truckloads of meat to food banks in her name." There is a lot more at stake than Deen's deal with Smithfield. Her deals with QVC, where she sells cookware, publisher Random House, Inc., which has a book by Deen coming out in October, diabetes drug makers Novo Nordisk and Sears Holdings have all said they're monitoring the situation.


TV NEWS
After being dropped by the Food Network amid controversy last Friday, Paula Deen is set once more to make an appearance on Today. Matt Lauer first announced the news during Monday’s show, insisting that Deen “told us she will be here” on Wednesday. Deen was previously scheduled to appear on NBC’s morning show on Friday. However, the Southern-fried chef abruptly canceled her appearance following the fallout from a recent deposition in which she admitted to using the N-word and expressed a desire to throw a southern-style wedding with black waiters acting as pre-Civil War-era “slaves.”


Downton Abbey is bracing for another American invasion. Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Cinderella Man) is joining the Masterpiece/PBS phenom’s Season 4 cast as Harold Levinson, the maverick, playboy brother of Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and uncle to Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Edith (Laura Carmichael).


Discovery’s coverage of Nik Wallenda‘s high-wire walk across a Grand Canyon chasm averaged 8.5 million total viewers on Sunday evening, with 13 million laying witness to the daredevil’s actual 22-minute trek.


Desperate Housewives vets Max and Charlie Carver have joined HBO’s buzzy drama pilot The Leftovers. Based on the 2011 novel of the same name, the prospective series — from Damon Lindelof (Lost) and Tom Perrotta (Election) – examines life on Earth after a Rapture-like event occurs. The twins, who will play laid-back teen brothers, co-star alongside the previously cast Justin Theroux (The District) and Liv Tyler (Armageddon).


The Season 6 finale of Mad Men on AMC, meanwhile, drew 2.7 million viewers — the show’s most-watched closer to date. (The Season 5 climax drew 2.6 million viewers).


For a second year running, The CW is launching its fall TV season in October, opening with Hart of Dixie and its relocated Beauty and the Beast, then finishing things up at the end of the month with its fashionable Friday combo of Carrie Bradshaw and Tyra Banks. On tap for late fall/midseason: The final, shortened season of Nikita plus the new dramas Star-Crossed and The 100.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 78 pm Hart of Dixie
9 pm Beauty and the Beast
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 98 pm Arrow
9 pm THE TOMORROW PEOPLE (new series)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 108 pm The Vampire Diaries
9 pm REIGN (new series)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 158 pm THE ORIGINALS (new series)
9 pm Supernatural
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 258 pm The Carrie Diaries
9 pm America’s Next Top Model: Guys and Girls

On NBC the fun officially begins Monday, Sept. 23 with the two-hour premiere of The Voice — which welcomes back Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green — at 8/7c. James Spader’s new crime drama The Blacklist follows The Voice‘s return at 10.
MONDAY, SEPT. 23
8 pm The Voice (two hours)
10 pm THE BLACKLIST (new series)
TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
8 pm TBD
9 pm The Voice (Tuesday premiere)
10 pm Chicago Fire
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25
8 pm Revolution
9 pm Law & Order: SVU (two hours)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
8 pm Parks and Recreation (hour-long)
9 pm THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW (new series, double-episode premiere)
10 pm Parenthood
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
9 pm Dateline (two-hour premiere)
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
10 pm IRONSIDE (new series)
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
8:30 pm WELCOME TO THE FAMILY (new series)
9 pm SEAN SAVES THE WORLD (new series)
9:30 pm The Michael J. Fox Show (regular time slot premiere)
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
8 pm The Biggest Loser
FRIDAY, OCT. 25
8 pm Dateline (regular time slot premiere)
9 pm Grimm
10 pm DRACULA (new series)