MONTAG: 'I WANT TO BE THE NEXT MADONNA'
THE HILLS star HEIDI MONTAG plans to dominate the music charts across the globe - insisting her career will rival that of superstar MADONNA.
The 21-year-old aspiring singer has been using the Like a Virgin hitmaker as an inspiration during work on her debut album.
She says, "But it's not like with most pop artists, where they have a song sent to them that has nothing to do with their emotions or lives. It's all about me and my life. I'm taking my time to make sure it's a classic.
"I don't want to be the next pop person who's in or out. I want to be like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Stevie Wonder - all the greats."
HOLMES REVEALS CRUISE'S PIZZA MAGIC
LATEST: KATIE HOLMES has dispelled rumours her husband TOM CRUISE uses magic to keep pizza warm by admitting it's all about dry ice.
Queen Latifah and Holmes' other Mad Money castmates were puzzled when Cruise visited his wife on the movie set in Louisiana with piping hot pizzas from the actress' favourite restaurant in Chicago, Illinois.
Latifah immediately became hooked on the Giordanos treats but now admits she has no idea how Tom and Katie kept the pizza fresh-baked.
Holmes reveals, "Giordanos send dry ice which keeps the pizza hot."
And the restaurant bosses are so thrilled with Holmes' endorsements they've made her one of their most valued customers.
She says, "I like food in a lot of different cities and I have my favourites and it really gives me a lot of pleasure to share that with people and watch their reaction."
JAMIE LYNN VALENTINE'S DAY CARD LINE STILL TO GO ON SALE
Bosses of a U.S. greetings card company are sticking with plans to release a series of Valentine's Day cards featuring actress JAMIE LYNN SPEARS, despite her pregnancy scandal.
The teenager posed for the American Greetings card designs with her Zoey 101 co-stars last year (07), before confirming reports she was pregnant last month (Dec07).
Company bosses considered pulling the cards, aimed at other teenage girls this Valentine's Day (14Feb08), but they have decided to release them to select stores.
The teenager posed for the American Greetings card designs with her Zoey 101 co-stars last year (07), before confirming reports she was pregnant last month (Dec07).
Company bosses considered pulling the cards, aimed at other teenage girls this Valentine's Day (14Feb08), but they have decided to release them to select stores.
OLSEN and LETO NOT BACK TOGETHER
ASHLEY OLSEN has denied reports she's back in the arms of ex-boyfriend JARED LETO after the couple was spotted holding hands at a recent Los Angeles party.
Guests at the Art of Elysium event on 12 January (08) watched as Olsen and the movie star-turned-rocker kissed and cuddled, but her aides insist people are reading too much into the meeting.
A representative for Olsen says, "They aren't back together. They're friends."
Guests at the Art of Elysium event on 12 January (08) watched as Olsen and the movie star-turned-rocker kissed and cuddled, but her aides insist people are reading too much into the meeting.
A representative for Olsen says, "They aren't back together. They're friends."
BRITNEY TO SUE OVER LEAKED PORTRAITS
BRITNEY SPEARS is planning to sue a photographer who sold candid pictures of the singer with her two sons for $1 million (GBP500,000).
Dani Brubaker was hired by Spears to take a series of portraits of the star with Sean Preston, two, and one-year-old Jayden James in November (07).
The pictures were printed in last week's U.S. edition of OK! magazine without Spears' permission.
Although Brubaker didn't sign a confidentiality agreement and holds the copyright to the photos, sources tell PageSix.com, she breached an agreement with Spears not to make the pictures public.
The website claims the snapper rejected offers of up to $500,000 (GBP 250,000) for the images in December (08), claiming her "integrity wasn't for sale", but then hired a manager to strike a deal with OK! magazine.
Spears is expected to hire top litigator Howard Weitzman to sue Brubaker.
A source says, "All legal options are being explored at this time. Brubaker must be dealt with, and Britney will absolutely proceed, in the very least, to sue her."
Brubaker reportedly plans to donate the money she made from the sale of the candid photos to a children's charity.
PUBLICISTS DENY SICK SPEARS MISCARRIAGE STORY
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS' publicists have rushed to slam Internet reports the pregnant teenager has suffered a miscarriage.
The news spread fast late on Wednesday (16Jan08) after an unnamed blogger posted details online.
But a representative for the 16-year-old actress states, "Contrary to rumours, Jamie Lynn Spears has not been rushed to the hospital, nor has she suffered a miscarriage. She is healthy and at home with her mother."
Spears, who is Britney Spears' younger sister, went public with her pregnancy news last month (Dec07).
The news spread fast late on Wednesday (16Jan08) after an unnamed blogger posted details online.
But a representative for the 16-year-old actress states, "Contrary to rumours, Jamie Lynn Spears has not been rushed to the hospital, nor has she suffered a miscarriage. She is healthy and at home with her mother."
Spears, who is Britney Spears' younger sister, went public with her pregnancy news last month (Dec07).
Jamie Lynn Internet Rumors — Not True!
False rumors, allegedly reported by Access Hollywood, have spread through the Internet like wildfire today regarding a fabricated report about Jamie Lynn Spears.
No such rumor was ever reported by Access Hollywood or AccessHollywood.com
The Internet rumor appears to have originated on a user generated Blog site.
Within minutes we received calls from a number of news outlets. Some Web sites chose to post stories, which repeated the fabricated story, while others falsely attributed the story to AccessHollywood.com without checking our Web site to confirm whether the story was actually posted, or, without calling our offices to confirm the circulating story.
"Once again, this is just another example of the Web world not checking their facts and nonchalantly posting anything that hits their computer," Rob Silverstein, executive producer of Access Hollywood said Wednesday afternoon.
Stories, rumors, and inaccurate information posted on third-party user-generated community Web sites today have neither been written, nor endorsed, by Access Hollywood.
No such rumor was ever reported by Access Hollywood or AccessHollywood.com
The Internet rumor appears to have originated on a user generated Blog site.
Within minutes we received calls from a number of news outlets. Some Web sites chose to post stories, which repeated the fabricated story, while others falsely attributed the story to AccessHollywood.com without checking our Web site to confirm whether the story was actually posted, or, without calling our offices to confirm the circulating story.
"Once again, this is just another example of the Web world not checking their facts and nonchalantly posting anything that hits their computer," Rob Silverstein, executive producer of Access Hollywood said Wednesday afternoon.
Stories, rumors, and inaccurate information posted on third-party user-generated community Web sites today have neither been written, nor endorsed, by Access Hollywood.
Eddie Murphy & Tracey Edmonds Split
Just two weeks after their wedding, Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds have split, Access Hollywood has learned.
Though their ceremony happened two weeks ago, the couple's marriage only lasted three days, a source told Access.
Their relationship ended on January 4, 2008, in Bora Bora.
Days earlier the couple were married in a spiritual ceremony on the island. They planned on having a legally binding ceremony upon returning to the U.S. However, since that ceremony never took place, the couple was never officially married to begin with.
Edmonds and Murphy left the island separately, the source told Access. The source added that the split had nothing to do with prenup issues.
Both parties are currently in Los Angeles.
Murphy and Edmonds released the following statement to Access on Wednesday:
“After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further. While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends.”
The two began dating fall 2006 and were engaged in July.
Murphy, 46, has five children from his previous marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He also has a daughter with Spice Girl and “Dancing With the Stars” alum Mel B.
Edmonds, a 40-year-old movie producer, has two sons from her 12-year marriage to R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. As head of Edmonds Entertainment, she has produced the film and television series “Soul Food.”
Murphy’s film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Shrek” and “The Beverly Hills Cop” franchise.
Though their ceremony happened two weeks ago, the couple's marriage only lasted three days, a source told Access.
Their relationship ended on January 4, 2008, in Bora Bora.
Days earlier the couple were married in a spiritual ceremony on the island. They planned on having a legally binding ceremony upon returning to the U.S. However, since that ceremony never took place, the couple was never officially married to begin with.
Edmonds and Murphy left the island separately, the source told Access. The source added that the split had nothing to do with prenup issues.
Both parties are currently in Los Angeles.
Murphy and Edmonds released the following statement to Access on Wednesday:
“After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further. While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends.”
The two began dating fall 2006 and were engaged in July.
Murphy, 46, has five children from his previous marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He also has a daughter with Spice Girl and “Dancing With the Stars” alum Mel B.
Edmonds, a 40-year-old movie producer, has two sons from her 12-year marriage to R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. As head of Edmonds Entertainment, she has produced the film and television series “Soul Food.”
Murphy’s film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Shrek” and “The Beverly Hills Cop” franchise.
Zac Efron On Fame, The Paparazzi & Those Gay Rumors
Playing the handsome jock-turned-singing-sensation, Troy Bolton, in the “High School Musical” film series, helped make Zac Efron famous, but not all the perks of fame are simply sweet for the star.
In the February issue of Details, the 20-year-old tells the magazine that the paparazzi attention he gets — snappers following him to the gym or on dates with his girlfriend (and “HSM” co-star Vanessa Hudgens) has been tough to deal with.
“They use espionage tactics, and they’re malicious and relentless. Anything to get a reaction. Anything to get that frown, or a scream into the camera, or some kind of backlash,” the 5’10” actor tells Details. “They’ve got that photo where all of a sudden, you know, Zac’s frowning – now he’s on crack! They shout things about your mom, about your family. It’s a weird industry that I’m still getting used to. But sometimes it just takes all your might not to literally swing at these guys.”
The star of “Hairspray” said he works hard to make sure that despite the taunting, he doesn’t break down in front of snappers.
“These days … everyone is just waiting for me to f*** up,” he said. “ I’m not gonna give anyone the satisfaction of that.”
Efron doesn’t break down at rumors about his sexuality that run rampant on internet blogs either.
“Honestly if the worst they can say about me is that I’m gay, then I think I’ll be fine. I can handle it,” he said.
One of the reasons Efron seems to be handling things so well — he thinks of himself as a regular guy.
“It’s weird … but I don’t feel like I deserve any of the attention,” he said. There’s really nothing but one audition for a Disney Channel movie that separates me from 2,000 other brown-haired blue-eyed guys in LA, you know?
In the February issue of Details, the 20-year-old tells the magazine that the paparazzi attention he gets — snappers following him to the gym or on dates with his girlfriend (and “HSM” co-star Vanessa Hudgens) has been tough to deal with.
“They use espionage tactics, and they’re malicious and relentless. Anything to get a reaction. Anything to get that frown, or a scream into the camera, or some kind of backlash,” the 5’10” actor tells Details. “They’ve got that photo where all of a sudden, you know, Zac’s frowning – now he’s on crack! They shout things about your mom, about your family. It’s a weird industry that I’m still getting used to. But sometimes it just takes all your might not to literally swing at these guys.”
The star of “Hairspray” said he works hard to make sure that despite the taunting, he doesn’t break down in front of snappers.
“These days … everyone is just waiting for me to f*** up,” he said. “ I’m not gonna give anyone the satisfaction of that.”
Efron doesn’t break down at rumors about his sexuality that run rampant on internet blogs either.
“Honestly if the worst they can say about me is that I’m gay, then I think I’ll be fine. I can handle it,” he said.
One of the reasons Efron seems to be handling things so well — he thinks of himself as a regular guy.
“It’s weird … but I don’t feel like I deserve any of the attention,” he said. There’s really nothing but one audition for a Disney Channel movie that separates me from 2,000 other brown-haired blue-eyed guys in LA, you know?
Paparazzi Arrested While Trailing Britney Spears
It appears the tables have turned on the paparazzi that constantly hound Britney Spears.
Access Hollywood has learned four members of the paparazzi were arrested for reckless driving while they tailed Britney Spears Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Access.
Each of the photographers are being held on bail of $5,000 each, for alleged reckless driving.
The four were pulled over on the corner of Plummer and Woodman Ave. in the San Fernando Valley. The LAPD had no comment on Ms. Spears, but did say she was trying to evade the paparazzi, when the incident occurred.
Two of the photographers are freelance, one works for Fame, another for X-17.
Access Hollywood has learned four members of the paparazzi were arrested for reckless driving while they tailed Britney Spears Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Access.
Each of the photographers are being held on bail of $5,000 each, for alleged reckless driving.
The four were pulled over on the corner of Plummer and Woodman Ave. in the San Fernando Valley. The LAPD had no comment on Ms. Spears, but did say she was trying to evade the paparazzi, when the incident occurred.
Two of the photographers are freelance, one works for Fame, another for X-17.
PARIS TO BE HARVARD'S WOMAN OF THE YEAR
PARIS HILTON is heading to Harvard University, but not to study - she will be named its Woman of the Year.
The socialite is scheduled to stop by the Cambridge, Massachusetts institution on 6 February (08) during a promotional tour for her new movie The Hottie and the Nottie.
And PageSix.com claims she will pick up the award from Harvard's Hasty Pudding Club the very next day.
Previous Women of the Year include Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The socialite is scheduled to stop by the Cambridge, Massachusetts institution on 6 February (08) during a promotional tour for her new movie The Hottie and the Nottie.
And PageSix.com claims she will pick up the award from Harvard's Hasty Pudding Club the very next day.
Previous Women of the Year include Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker.
EFRON UNDERGOES EMERGENCY SURGERY
HAIRSPRAY and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL heart-throb ZAC EFRON has undergone emergency surgery after a bout of appendicitis.
The 20-year-old actor was admitted to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday (15Jan08) where he was rushed into the operating room to have his appendix removed.
Efron is now said to be out of theatre and recovering.
His publicist tells TMZ.com, "He had his appendix removed and is recuperating."
Appendicitis is caused by inflammation of the appendix and can be fatal if left untreated.
LAVIGNE 'EXONERATED' FROM PLAGIARISM ALLEGATIONS
LATEST: The songwriting duo who accused AVRIL LAVIGNE of plagiarism has issued a public apology to the star, insisting she has been "exonerated" from the allegations.
The Canadian singer and her songwriting partner Lukasz 'Dr. Luke' Gottwald were sued by the founders of rock group the Rubinoos last year (07) over her hit song Girlfriend, after they claimed the tune ripped off their 1979 single I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.
But the copyright infringement lawsuit was settled between the two parties last week (10Jan08), and the Rubinoos' Tommy Dunbar and James Gangwer now accept Lavigne and Dr Luke meant no harm.
In a statement released on Tuesday (15Jan08) by Lavigne's record company, Nettwerk, the Rubinoos say: "We are satisfied that any similarities between the two songs resulted from Avril and Luke's use of certain common and widely used lyrics.
"We therefore completely exonerate Avril and Luke from any wrongdoing of any kind in connection with the claims made by us in our lawsuit."
Details about the settlement have not been disclosed.
The Canadian singer and her songwriting partner Lukasz 'Dr. Luke' Gottwald were sued by the founders of rock group the Rubinoos last year (07) over her hit song Girlfriend, after they claimed the tune ripped off their 1979 single I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.
But the copyright infringement lawsuit was settled between the two parties last week (10Jan08), and the Rubinoos' Tommy Dunbar and James Gangwer now accept Lavigne and Dr Luke meant no harm.
In a statement released on Tuesday (15Jan08) by Lavigne's record company, Nettwerk, the Rubinoos say: "We are satisfied that any similarities between the two songs resulted from Avril and Luke's use of certain common and widely used lyrics.
"We therefore completely exonerate Avril and Luke from any wrongdoing of any kind in connection with the claims made by us in our lawsuit."
Details about the settlement have not been disclosed.
STEFANI STAYS IN U.K. TO SUPPORT HUSBAND
Singer GWEN STEFANI has agreed to stay in London while her husband GAVIN ROSSDALE attempts to launch a solo career in the U.K.
The couple currently divide their time between the British capital and her native Los Angeles.
And now the pair look set to be residing in London for the foreseeable future while Rossdale puts the finishing touches to his new album - which is due for release in April (08).
But Stefani is happy with the arrangement as it gives her more time to look after their 20-month-old son Kingston.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "Gwen loves London so she doesn't mind staying here while Gav promotes the album. After months looking after Kingston it's Gav's turn to go out and bring home the bacon."
Stefani and Rossdale recently rubbished rumours that they are expecting their second child together.
The couple currently divide their time between the British capital and her native Los Angeles.
And now the pair look set to be residing in London for the foreseeable future while Rossdale puts the finishing touches to his new album - which is due for release in April (08).
But Stefani is happy with the arrangement as it gives her more time to look after their 20-month-old son Kingston.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "Gwen loves London so she doesn't mind staying here while Gav promotes the album. After months looking after Kingston it's Gav's turn to go out and bring home the bacon."
Stefani and Rossdale recently rubbished rumours that they are expecting their second child together.
Matthew McConaughey is going to be a dad.
The “We Are Marshall” star hit his personal Web site, to blog about the news.
“My girlfriend Camila and I made a baby together,” he wrote. “It’s 3 months grown in her womb and all looks healthy and lively so far.”
Reports that the 38-year-old actor was dating 22 year-old Brazilian model Camila Alves began this past summer.
In 2005, McConaughey took a seat on Oprah’s couch, where the TV talk show queen asked him whether he saw children in his future.
“I've always dreamed of having children,” he told Oprah. “I go between [wanting] 14 and two. But I do believe my mate will have something to say about that."
In related news, McConaughey will next appear on the big screen alongside Kate Hudson in "Fools Gold," which is due for release on February 8th.
“My girlfriend Camila and I made a baby together,” he wrote. “It’s 3 months grown in her womb and all looks healthy and lively so far.”
Reports that the 38-year-old actor was dating 22 year-old Brazilian model Camila Alves began this past summer.
In 2005, McConaughey took a seat on Oprah’s couch, where the TV talk show queen asked him whether he saw children in his future.
“I've always dreamed of having children,” he told Oprah. “I go between [wanting] 14 and two. But I do believe my mate will have something to say about that."
In related news, McConaughey will next appear on the big screen alongside Kate Hudson in "Fools Gold," which is due for release on February 8th.
Dorm Matron Accused Of Abusing Girls At Oprah School Appears In Court
Dorm Matron Accused Of Abusing Girls At Oprah School Appears In Court
A judge on Wednesday set an April 21 trial date for a dormitory matron accused of abusing students at a school set up by Oprah Winfrey for disadvantaged girls.
Tiny Virginia Makopo, 27, faces charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury, allegedly committed against six students ages 13 to 15 and a 23-year-old fellow dormitory matron.
Makopo appeared in court with a towel over her head. She did not speak during her brief court appearance.
Police said there were at least three serious cases of indecent assault, and that the alleged abuse took place over four months at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which opened last January.
Before the allegations, Winfrey said she told the pupils she was the "momma bear" who would protect them.
The 53-year-old talk-show host has spoken in the past of being raped by a distant cousin at 9 and then abused by three other men, trusted family friends. She has campaigned for laws in the United States to protect children from abusers.
A judge on Wednesday set an April 21 trial date for a dormitory matron accused of abusing students at a school set up by Oprah Winfrey for disadvantaged girls.
Tiny Virginia Makopo, 27, faces charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury, allegedly committed against six students ages 13 to 15 and a 23-year-old fellow dormitory matron.
Makopo appeared in court with a towel over her head. She did not speak during her brief court appearance.
Police said there were at least three serious cases of indecent assault, and that the alleged abuse took place over four months at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which opened last January.
Before the allegations, Winfrey said she told the pupils she was the "momma bear" who would protect them.
The 53-year-old talk-show host has spoken in the past of being raped by a distant cousin at 9 and then abused by three other men, trusted family friends. She has campaigned for laws in the United States to protect children from abusers.
John Mayer Warns Texas Not To Mess With Jessica Simpson
A famous ex-boyfriend of Jessica Simpson’s is standing up to Texas for the honor of the blonde pop star and actress.
John Mayer hit his blog last night to appeal for compassion on the part of the Dallas people, some of which are angry at the singer, blaming her for quarterback Tony Romo’s recent football slump.
Romo’s team, the Dallas Cowboys, were bounced last week from the playoffs by the underdog New York Giants.
Prior to that, in a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Romo had what was arguably the worst game of his career — while new gal pal Jessica watched him from the stands.
Now that the season is over for the Cowboys, many fans are blaming the blonde bombshell for Romo's lackluster moves on the field — a point which Mayer wanted to address.
"Dear Dallas and Surrounding Areas," Mayer begins in his blog cleverly titled "Don’t Ex With Texas." "This isn't a sports blog, and it isn't a publicity stunt. (but have at me if it feels right.) This is about doing what I think is right as a person, in this case speaking my mind."
Mayer goes on to say that Simpson is completely loyal to where she grew up, and shouldn't be criticized for coming out to support her man — or her team.
"I have never known anyone to have more pride in their home state and their upbringing in it than Jessica Simpson has in Texas," Mayer blogged. "I don't really follow sports, but I have played some of my biggest and best concerts in your state, and having witnessed how dynamic the spirit there is, I'm betting emotions are running high right about now."
Mayer pleaded with the people of Dallas to refrain from holding things against Simpson so as to not dampen her Texas spirit.
"All witty barbs, blogs, and fashion policing aside, that girl loves Texas more than you know," Mayer continued. "It's one of her most defining traits as a person. So please don't try and take that away from her. (You probably wouldn't be able to, but it's less work for all involved.)"
Mayer rounded up his post by attempting to claim he was unbiased in the situation, despite his former relationship with Simpson, in an attempt to sway angry Cowboys fans.
"I just thought it would mean something coming from the guy who has the absolute least to gain from this," he wrote. "And if I'm out of line in having written it, too bad. I can spare a Wednesday's worth of bad press if it means sticking up for a good soul."
John Mayer hit his blog last night to appeal for compassion on the part of the Dallas people, some of which are angry at the singer, blaming her for quarterback Tony Romo’s recent football slump.
Romo’s team, the Dallas Cowboys, were bounced last week from the playoffs by the underdog New York Giants.
Prior to that, in a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Romo had what was arguably the worst game of his career — while new gal pal Jessica watched him from the stands.
Now that the season is over for the Cowboys, many fans are blaming the blonde bombshell for Romo's lackluster moves on the field — a point which Mayer wanted to address.
"Dear Dallas and Surrounding Areas," Mayer begins in his blog cleverly titled "Don’t Ex With Texas." "This isn't a sports blog, and it isn't a publicity stunt. (but have at me if it feels right.) This is about doing what I think is right as a person, in this case speaking my mind."
Mayer goes on to say that Simpson is completely loyal to where she grew up, and shouldn't be criticized for coming out to support her man — or her team.
"I have never known anyone to have more pride in their home state and their upbringing in it than Jessica Simpson has in Texas," Mayer blogged. "I don't really follow sports, but I have played some of my biggest and best concerts in your state, and having witnessed how dynamic the spirit there is, I'm betting emotions are running high right about now."
Mayer pleaded with the people of Dallas to refrain from holding things against Simpson so as to not dampen her Texas spirit.
"All witty barbs, blogs, and fashion policing aside, that girl loves Texas more than you know," Mayer continued. "It's one of her most defining traits as a person. So please don't try and take that away from her. (You probably wouldn't be able to, but it's less work for all involved.)"
Mayer rounded up his post by attempting to claim he was unbiased in the situation, despite his former relationship with Simpson, in an attempt to sway angry Cowboys fans.
"I just thought it would mean something coming from the guy who has the absolute least to gain from this," he wrote. "And if I'm out of line in having written it, too bad. I can spare a Wednesday's worth of bad press if it means sticking up for a good soul."
HOLMES ALMOST QUIT NEW YORK MARATHON
KATIE HOLMES came close to quitting the New York Marathon last year (Nov07) when she spotted husband TOM CRUISE and daughter SURI in the crowd after 18 miles (28.9 kilometres).
The actress spent last autumn training for the 26-mile (41.8 kilometres) run which she was determined to complete after seeing her father and brother complete the Boston Marathon when she was a teenager.
But she had no idea how tough the latter stages of the Big Apple course would be.
She says, "Tom and Suri met me at mile 18 and I really wanted to get in the car at that moment... and luckily they pushed me through.
"Then, at mile 20..., I hear this guy talk to his friend ahead of him, saying, 'It's only six more miles, don't worry,' and I'm thinking, 'Six more miles? Are you kidding?'"
But Holmes is thrilled she finished the marathon and urges others to tackle New York's streets on foot: "It was hard, but I loved seeing New York that way."
The actress spent last autumn training for the 26-mile (41.8 kilometres) run which she was determined to complete after seeing her father and brother complete the Boston Marathon when she was a teenager.
But she had no idea how tough the latter stages of the Big Apple course would be.
She says, "Tom and Suri met me at mile 18 and I really wanted to get in the car at that moment... and luckily they pushed me through.
"Then, at mile 20..., I hear this guy talk to his friend ahead of him, saying, 'It's only six more miles, don't worry,' and I'm thinking, 'Six more miles? Are you kidding?'"
But Holmes is thrilled she finished the marathon and urges others to tackle New York's streets on foot: "It was hard, but I loved seeing New York that way."
HUDGENS THANKS MUM FOR NAKED SUPPORT
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL star VANESSA HUDGENS has thanked her mum for her immense support after saucy naked photos of the star were leaked online. Cellphone shots of the 19-year-old actress - intended for the eyes of boyfriend Zac Efron - were posted on several websites in August last year (07), showing the star posing naked in a full-length mirror. Hudgens insists the ensuing period and press frenzy was difficult - but credits her mum's treatment of the situation with helping her through a tough time. She tells America's Seventeen magazine, "I was just open with her, and she was just so cute. She was like, 'Well, everyone can be naked if they want to.' "My parents are very supportive of me. And they know I'm a teenager, and yes, kids do stupid things sometimes." But Hudgens admits she still doesn't like to discuss the matter, adding, "It was very traumatic, and I am extremely upset it happened... It was something that was meant to be private, and even though it isn't anymore, I'd still like to keep it as private as I can."
HOLLYWOOD STARS TO BOYCOTT GOLDEN GLOBES
Hollywood stars like JULIA ROBERTS, KEIRA KNIGHTLEY and JOHNNY DEPP look set to boycott next weekend's (13Jan08) Golden Globes ceremony to show their support to striking writers. Actors represented by the Screen Actors' Guild (SAG) are in "unanimous agreement" not to ignore the plight of the Writers Guild of America union members, who are picketing over royalties. Announcing the union's decision on Friday (04Jan08), SAG president, Alan Rosenberg, said, "After considerable outreach to Golden Globe actor nominees and their representatives over the past several weeks, there appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross WGA (Writers' Guild of America) picket lines." In response to the boycott action, the WGA members thanked the SAG for its "solidarity and support". Other stars nominated for gongs at the prestigious ceremony include George Clooney, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett and Jodie Foster - all of whom are unlikely to appear at the awards show if the WGA members do not reach an agreement with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organises the Golden Globes, in time for next Sunday (13Jan08). Knightley, who is up for Best Actress for her starring role in Atonement, is particularly supportive of the strike, because of her playwright mother, Sharman MacDonald. A representative for the British beauty confirms: "If the strike is still in place then Keira won't cross a picket line as her mother is a writer."
SPEARS HAS VISITATION RIGHTS SUSPENDED
Troubled singer BRITNEY SPEARS' visitation rights to see her two sons have been temporarily suspended after she was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital for mental evaluation. The 26-year-old was taken to the city's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Thursday (03Jan08) night following a stand-off with police at her Beverly Hills mansion when she refused to hand over her boys to ex-husband Kevin Federline after a scheduled visit. Spears is now being held at the hospital under Section 5150, meaning medics have reason to believe she is a danger to herself or others. On Friday (04Jan08), a judge awarded Federline "sole legal custody and sole physical custody" of Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, at an emergency hearing. The custody order lasts until 14 January (08). Following the 40-minute hearing, Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said, "There are no winners here... (I'm) not happy about any of the events that have happened." Meanwhile, Spears' mother Lynne has asked her daughter's fans to "just say prayers" for the troubled star.
SPEARS TO LOSE CHILDREN FOR GOOD?
BRITNEY SPEARS' bid to win back custody of her children has been dealt a devastating blow after KEVIN FEDERLINE's lawyer called an emergency court hearing for Friday (04Jan08).
The troubled singer held sons Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, captive in her Beverly Hills home for four hours following a scheduled visit on Thursday (03Jan08), sparking a dramatic stand-off with emergency services. Spears was eventually stretchered into an ambulance and driven to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for a psychiatric evaluation.
The star's disregard for a court order that stated she must hand the children back to Federline's bodyguard at 7pm local time and the ensuing stand-off could spell the end of her custody battle with Federline, according to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.
A source says, "Mark Vincent Kaplan (Kevin Federline's lawyer) will likely ask for an ex-parte hearing first thing Friday morning."
Police helicopters, cop cars, ambulances and fire trucks descended on Spears' home, with additional back-up vehicles and officers appearing throughout the ordeal. The incident is being referred to as a "family custody dispute" by the Los Angeles police and reports suggest the singer was "under the influence of an unknown substance".
Spears lost physical custody of her children in October last year (07), just months after her divorce with Federline was finalised.
SPEARS HELD FOR PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION AFTER POLICE STAND OFF
BRITNEY SPEARS has been taken to a Los Angeles hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, according to reports.
The troubled singer was taken from her house by paramedics in an ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, following a four-hour stand off at her Beverly Hills mansion where she refused to hand over her two sons to her former husband Kevin Federline. Federline is thought to have followed Spears to the hospital, arriving at 12:20am, according to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.
She was discovered by cops at her home on Thursday (03Jan07) evening "under the influence of an unknown substance", according to reports.
All the emergency services - police, medical and fire crews - were present at the star's house during the incident, which is being referred to as a "family custody dispute" by the Los Angeles police.
Spears refused to hand over sons Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, to Federline following a scheduled visit on Thursday (03Jan08) - which was due to end at 7pm when Federline's bodyguard arrived to pick up the boys, although the boys were handed over to Federline at 11pm local time.
Police were called to the scene around an hour later, although details of who made the call have not yet been released.
Several police helicopters, cop cars, ambulances and fire trucks later arrived at Spears' home, with additional back-up vehicles and officers appearing throughout the ordeal.
OOPS BRITNEY FAILS TO SHOW UP AT COURT - AGAIN
BRITNEY SPEARS staged yet another no-show at her court-ordered deposition on Wednesday (02Jan08) - putting herself at risk of landing in jail.
The 25-year-old pop star was expected to give her child custody-related deposition at the Los Angeles offices of her ex-husband Kevin Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan. But for the fifth time in a row she failed to show up for the appointment, according to TMZ.com.
Spears' failure to comply with a string of court orders is likely to have serious repercussions in her fight to regain custody of her two sons, Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one.
Last month (Dec07) the singer claimed she was too ill to sit for her deposition. That same night she was reportedly spotted out partying.
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