Hollywood Latest Celebrity News

Angelina Jolie Picks Bosnian Actress For Lead Role In Her Directorial Debut

2010-09-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie has chosen young Bosnian actress Zana Marjanovic for the lead role in her directorial debut — a wartime love story between a Bosnian woman and a Serbian man.

Marjanovic told the Associated Press on Thursday that the screenplay was “fabulous” and she could not wait to start shooting with such a “great actress and humanist” like Jolie.

The 27-year-old actress said she was on her way to Hungary to prepare for the film shoot beginning later this year and take place both in Hungary and Bosnia.

Jolie has visited Bosnia twice this year — as UNHCR good will ambassador and to scout for her movie — and had promised she would cast only actors from the region. Marjanovic became known after her prominent role in award winning “Snow” by Bosnian director Aida Begic.

Heidi Montag ‘Excited’ To Leave ‘The Hills,’ Prepping ‘3-D Beach Comedy’

2010-03-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Heidi Montag’s reality show may be entering its final season, but “The Hills” star told Access Hollywood she’s ready for her next career move – movie star.

“I’m so excited ‘The Hills’ is finally over and I can now become a full time motion picture actress,” Heidi said in a statement to Access.

She added that her time on “The Hills” would be great preparation for her next move.

“There is no better training [for an actor] than being in front of the cameras 24-7,” she said.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Heidi will have a role in “Just Go With It” alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, and she said filming the part — as well as a new Funnyordie.com video — has given her a new direction.

“After working with Oscar-winner Ron Howard on a short film project and then working for days with the comedic genius director Dennis Dugan and his team of brilliant comedy visionaries at Happy Madison on ‘Just Go With It’ starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, I have been able to truly find what makes me the happiest in life,” she said.

Heidi said she’s looking forward to “getting to truly show the world my creative ability… while playing… different characters,” including one in a script she penned herself.

“I am making the first 3-D beach comedy about a shark that attacks a small beach town and I save the day with my 3-D boobs,” Heidi, who had a breast augmentation procedure among her 10 plastic surgeries in November 2009, told Access on Thursday. “I’ve even written a role for Dolly Parton to play the town mayor!”

The star released her debut album, “Superficial,” earlier this year, but now, she seems set on the movies.

Simon Cowell To Receive International Emmy Award

2010-03-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

Simon Cowell will receive the 2010 International Emmy Founders Award for his work in television.

The 50-year-old recording executive and TV personality is a judge on Fox network’s “American Idol.” He’s also known for the “Got Talent” and “X Factor” franchises.

International Academy President Bruce Paisner says Cowell “has built an international empire and in so doing has changed the face of television around the world.”

Cowell will receive the award at a New York gala on Nov. 22. He said in a statement Thursday that he’s “delighted,” and has been “very lucky to be able to make shows that I love.”

Access Star Sightings: March 12 – 18, 2010

2010-03-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 12, in LA — Kiefer Sutherland graciously taking photos and talking with fans who ran up to him after they spotted him having a cigarette outside Katsuya Hollywood.

Saturday, March 13, in LA – “90210’s” Jessica Lowndes hosting the MOD: Matters On Design event presented by bebe at the Grove, an event which saw O.C. “Housewife” Gretchen Rossi in attendance.

And in Las Vegas – “America’s Best Dance Crew” judge JC Chasez hanging at LAVO with “Desperate Housewives” pal Shawn Pyfrom before heading to TAO to hear house DJ Erick Morillo behind the decks.

Sunday, March 14, in NY – Richard Gere, wife Carrie Lowell and “The Good Wife’s” Julianna Marguiles in a JFK airport lounge.

And in LA – Larry David in a Gilligan style hat pulled low while on the 17th hole of a local golf course… Billy Bush on the same golf course on the 4th hole… “True Blood” true life couple Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer locking arms and donning shades as they stepped out at the Santa Monica Pier with Moyer’s daughter, Lilac.

And in Las Vegas – “Gossip Girl” cutie Chace Crawford dining at TAO on Peking Duck, Wasabi Filet and Pad Thai with pals and following the night out up with a VIP table at LAVO.

Monday, March 15, in LA — Mischa Barton rocking a hippie frock and munching on French fries at O Burger in West Hollywood with two agent types… “Glee’s” Jane Lynch grabbing a quick dinner with a friend inside the Urth Cafe on Melrose.

And in NY – Rufus Wainwright performing as part of the Rose Bar Sessions at the Gramercy Park Hotel to a crowd that included Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, “Gossip Girl’s” Penn Badgley and Susan Sarandon

Tuesday, March 16, in London – A jeans-wearing Kate Moss attending the launch of Stella McCartney’s latest collection for GapKids.

And in LA – Kristen Bell attending the ShopBop Spring Trends Dinner at the Chateau Marmont… Jason Bateman and former “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” star Jai Rodriguez shopping (separately) at Trader Joe’s on Sunset and Crescent Heights.

Wednesday, March 17, in LA – Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson dining at Drai’s Hollywood at the W Hotel after “American Idol”… And later that night, Jamie Foxx and Terrell Owens dancing on tables at Drai’s grand opening.

Thursday, March 18, in LA – Samarie Armstrong sipping champagne at a fashion event at Live on Sunset… Kendra Wilkinson dodging the paparazzi at LAX… “Community’s” Amy Poehler stepping out at the Viceroy Santa Monica to support the Worldwide Orphans Foundation’s benefit reception… Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor hitting the red carpet at the ArcLight for the premiere of his first dramatic role in nearly a decade in “Greenberg”… Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Rogen, Chris Pine and Shenae Grimes at the 18th annual A Night At Sardi’s Fundraiser & Awards Dinner at The Beverly Hilton… Rihanna partying and dancing to DJ Vice at Playhouse Hollywood in celebration of pal Aaron Davis’ birthday

And in Las Vegas – Billy Bush helping Katherine Heigl with a wardrobe malfunction as she accepted the ShoWest Award for Female Star of the Year

And in Austin, TX — Bill Murray rocking out at the Beauty Bar to some indie bands playing the South by Southwest music festival, while across town Woody Harrelson and friends looked for him… Estelle at the Billboard Bungalo watching newcomers JoiStaRR… Paul Dano at Frank smoking a cigarette.

Heidi Montag Talks Playing A Plastic Surgery Power Couple In ‘Just Go With It’

2010-03-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Heidi Montag has revealed her role in “Just Go With It,” Adam Sandler’s 2011-due comedy, will find her playing one half of a plastic surgery-driven power couple.

“Kevin Nealon is my husband,” Heidi told Jay Leno during Friday’s “Tonight Show” of her on-screen love interest, played by the former “Saturday Night Live” funnyman. “And he’s had more surgery than I have in the movie, so we kept playing around with who has more injections.”

In fact, Kevin recently Tweeted a photo of his “Just Go With It” look, showing the “Weeds” star with an almost unrecognizable face.

Heidi told Jay that she acquired the part in the film, which also stars Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman and Sports Illustrated cover star Brooklyn Decker, through a phone call.

“They just called me and they said, ‘We’d love to have you,’” she said.

“The Hills” star, who recently recorded a public service announcement about paying for plastic surgery with plastic on FunnyOrDie.com — a clip directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard — revealed she actually hasn’t had to try out for any of the parts she has secured thus far.

“That God I haven’t had to audition yet,” she said.

When Jay asked if she could handle rejection, Heidi, who underwent 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day in late 2009, joked that being turned down for a role could lead her to going under the knife again.

“I don’t know. I might have to get more surgery if they rejected me,” she said. “No, I’m just kidding.”

But Heidi told Jay she has reached a good plastic surgery stopping point – for now.

“I’ve reached the point. I think I’m good for a while. I’m surgery’d out,” she said.

As for working with Ron on that FunnyOrDie clip, Heidi said it’s made her want to re-do some of the movies he is famous for.

“Actually, I’m the biggest fan of Ron Howard. ‘Splash’ is one my favorite[s]. I’m telling him I want to do the remake…I wanna be the mermaid,” she said, referring to the role that helped make a young Daryl Hannah a household name back in 1984 . “I think I could play her pretty well, you know. So I think I wanna do that. And, ‘Willow.’ And I loved ‘Willow.’”

‘Sex And The City 2’ Cast Reunite In Vegas, Share Movie Secrets

2010-03-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sex and The City 2” stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis reunited in Las Vegas on Thursday where they accepted their ShoWest Ensemble Award for the upcoming film and its first installment, but one of their numbers was noticeably missing

“We are not complete,” Sarah Jessica told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, who hosted the ShoWest ceremony and presented the ladies with the award, referring to the absence of Kim Cattrall, who is currently in London where she starring on the stage in “Private Lives.” “She’ll be back soon… She’ll be in New York City where she belongs.”

And in just a few months, on May 27, the Fab Four will be back where they belong – on the big screen. But filming the movie was incredible, according to SJP.

“I want to tell you this was an unusual experience, this was a once in a lifetime laborious, incredible, complicated, thrilling, intense experience,” Sarah Jessica said.

It appears one of the reasons it was so exciting was the movie’s multi-international team.

“There were times that our crew was made up of people from the U.K., Americans, South Africans, North Africans…” she said.

“Moroccan,” Kristin chimed in.

“Scots, well, that’s part of the U.K. and a couple of Irish… but it was incredible… it was a team,” SJP added.

“French!” Kristin laughed.

But beyond its international flavor, as fans already know from the photos that have surfaced, “SATC2” features a blast to the past – showing off the girls in the ‘80s, when they first met.

“They had a lot of fun,” Kristin said of her co-stars. “I was so boring in the ‘80s flashback. It was sad.”

And Cynthia, who plays lawyer Miranda Hobbes, had a laugh describing her own flashback outfit.

“Once they put that wig on me and the bad business suit… and the Reeboks and the socks and the really bad gold jewelry…” Cynthia chimed in.

And the girls reminisced about the absent Kim’s ‘80s flashback.

“Kim is like, way out there,” Kristin said.

“CBGB,” SJP said referring to the former NYC club. “She’s a bartender.”

“Shhh!” Kristin added. “I can’t say… the lawyers will show up immediately and boy, I don’t know what will happen.”

Lady Gaga Fires Back In NY Court At Music Producer

2010-03-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga is firing back at a music producer who claims he launched her career and is suing her for $30.5 million.

Her lawyer said in a court filing made public Friday the agreement at the heart of the suit was “unlawful.”

Song writer and music producer Rob Fusari filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Manhattan against the Grammy Award-winning performer. He said his protege and former girlfriend, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, ditched him as her career soared.

The lawsuit said they co-wrote songs such as “Paparazzi” and “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich.” Fusari also said he came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.

According to the lawsuit, Lady Gaga and Fusari’s relationship turned romantic and then became a business partnership in May 2006, when they created a joint venture called Team Love Child LLC to promote her career. Fusari’s share was 20 percent.

But Lady Gaga lawyer Charles Ortner wrote in his response that the arrangement was “structured in such a way as to mask its true purpose — to provide to the defendants unlawful compensation for their services as unlicensed employment agents.”

Ortner wrote that Fusari and his company violated statutes that prohibited them from “acting as employment agents without a license and charging Lady Gaga an unlawful fee for their purported services.”

Fusari’s lawyer, Robert S. Meloni, called the claim “ludicrous” in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

“Fusari is a PARTNER in the Team Love LLC with Gag and her father (through their company Mermaid),” Meloni wrote. “Rob was no more of an ‘agent’ for her than she is a Roman Catholic nun.”

Ortner did not immediately respond to a phone message left at his office and an e-mail.

Lady Gaga won two Grammys in January: best dance recording, for “Poker Face,” and best electronic/dance album, for “The Fame.”

Rep: Whitney Houston ‘Not Using Drugs’ & ‘Not In Rehab’

2010-03-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

A rep for Whitney Houston is blasting a tabloid report that the R&B star is in rehab for drug use.

“The National Enquirer continuously publishes false, fabricated and malicious stories about Whitney Houston, including the latest cover story with the headline, saying it’s ‘Rehab For Whitney.’ Whitney is not headed to rehab she is headed to Paris, where she will be continuing her world tour,” a rep for Houston said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

The rep also shot down another Enquirer story claiming that the singer collapsed during her tour due to binging on drugs and alcohol, saying, “that is ridiculous. It did not happen.”

The rep reiterates that the singer is not currently dealing with substance abuse issues.

“Whitney is not using drugs and is not in rehab,” the statement continued. “She is on tour, putting on great shows which are being enjoyed by tens of thousands of concert-goers and which have been praised by reviewers.”

Whitney did endure some negative reviews about her recent Australian leg of her world tour, which the rep referred to as a “handful of negative reviews,” that the rep says the Enquirer has been using, “to justify the lies published about Whitney.”

Jesse James Apologizes To Sandra Bullock Following Infidelity Rumor

2010-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

One day after Jesse James was hit with allegations he cheated on wife Sandra Bullock, the reality star has issued an apology, but stopped short of confirming the rumored infidelity.

James called “the vast majority” of claims that have surfaced “untrue and unfounded,” in a statement the star issued to Access Hollywood on Thursday.

“I will not dignify these private matters with any further public comment,” his statement continued. “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me.”

James apologized to Bullock and his three children, children he was photographed taking to school on Thursday, followed by the paparazzi.

“It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way,” his said in the statement. “This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

On Wednesday, In Touch magazine revealed their newest cover story — titled “The Ultimate Betrayal,” which centered around an interview with a woman named Michelle “Bombshell” McGee, who claimed to the mag she had an 11-month affair with James, including while Bullock was shooting “The Blind Side.”

“Michelle had several text messages,” In Touch West Coast Bureau Chief Ashley Dillahunty told Access. “In the magazine — we put the text messages in there.”

According to McGee, James led her to believe that he and Bullock were separated. She also claimed her sexual relations with James took place inside his West Coast Choppers shop.

McGee calls herself “Bombshell” on the Web site, So-Cal Glamour Girls and she claims she grew up Amish, but left the church and does not speak to her parents.

In a clip from a Player’s Network video found on youtube, McGee explained one of her tattoos, located on her forehead.

“It says ‘Pray for us sinners,’ because we are all sinners in life,” she said in the video.

As the cover story allegations were emerging, Warner Bros., the film behind “The Blind Side,” issued a statement on behalf of the film’s star, Bullock, who said she would not be attending the British premiere of the film she won the Best Actress Oscar for.

“Due to unforeseen personal reasons a trip abroad to support ‘The Blind Side’ has been deemed impossible at this time,” the studio’s statement from Sandra read. “I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your continued support of the film.”

And on Wednesday night, People ran a story claiming a source told the mag the actress had left the home she shares with James.

According to the source, Bullock left their home on Monday.

Pamela Anderson’s Fashionable Fake Boobs

2010-02-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Before anyone gets weirded out by these pictures thinking it’s some sort of tranny show, I want to let everyone know that it’s actually Pamela Anderson on the runway at the Richie Rich A-MUSE Fashion Show in New York. Now that that’s out of the way we can move on to more important topics like her boobs and how wonderfully fake they are. I’ve only ever felt fake boobs once and they were attached to an older stripper who smelt like cigarettes and broken dreams. It was awesome.

Geri Halliwell Raises More Than Just Money

2010-02-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

It’s nice to see that former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is doing her part for Haiti…. By walking down a runway for at least fifty seconds. Here she is during rehearsal for her appearance at some lame fashion show to raise funds for the Haitian earthquake victims. Couldn’t she just donate some of her Spice Girl millions? Anyhow, I kinda think she looks hot, but that could just be because I’ve had a few drinks and older birds look better after a few pops. Enjoy.

Jay-Z: ‘I’ve Been Invited To The White House A Couple Of Times’

2010-02-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

jay-Z says he hopes Barack Obama is President for eight years – so he’ll have time to visit.

“I’ve been invited to the White House a couple of times,” the busy rapper told the BBC’s Jonathan Ross on Friday. “Hopefully we’ll keep him in for eight years, so I’ll have time to get there.”

But the busy hip-hop star explained that though he hasn’t made it to the White House, the President keeps him close at hand.

“Barack loves hip-hop,” Jay said. “When I called him he was playing ‘[The] Blueprint’ at the gym.”

And the President is also a fan of Jay’s wife, Beyonce, who sang “At Last” for the President and First Lady Michelle’s first dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball during the presidential inauguration festivities.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, President Obama admitted he’d even busted a move to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

“I didn’t want my girls thinking that I couldn’t, y’know – I got a little something,” he said in a behind-the-scenes inauguration video previously posted by John Legend, joking, “I’m not like Justin [Timberlake], I didn’t put on the outfit.”

Kris Allen Offers Advice To ‘Idol’s’ Top 24 – And Makes A Prediction

2010-02-21T05:54:00.000-08:00

With Hollywood Week over and “American Idol’s” top 24 contestants chosen, last year’s winner has some words of wisdom for the new crop of potential stars.

“Jumping jacks always help,” Kris Allen advised during an appearance on Radio Disney. “Don’t be nervous. People can tell, so just go out, be comfortable and be yourself.”

And the singer already has his eye on one of the contestants.

“I thought Andrew Garcia was really good,” he said, before adding that he didn’t think a guy would take this year’s title. “It’s going to be a girl, maybe a country girl.”

The star also weighed in on new judge Ellen DeGeneres’ addition to the show, where she’s replaced Paula Abdul.

“She has a really great personality. She’s a lot of fun,” Kris said. “She’s really quick and is really good for live TV.”

Kris himself will make an “Idol” return this season following a visit to Haiti with the U.N.

“I’m going to help to raise awareness about what’s still going on in Haiti,” he said.

‘American Idol’ Reveals Seven Top 24 Contenders

2010-02-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

“American Idol” revealed seven of their Top 24 contestants on Tuesday night.

Michael Lynche, AKA Big Mike, was first to learn of the judges’ positive decision, which Simon Cowell said was “unanimous.”

The 26-year-old personal trainer became a standout in early episodes of Season 9 not only for his powerful voice, but because his wife gave birth to the couple’s first child (on the opposite coast) while he was handling Hollywood Week.

“I’m here to do this for my family,” the chirpy chap told the “Idol” cameras.

Also getting a pass was Didi Benami, a knitted cap-wearing blonde who performed a song at Hollywood Week written by judge Kara DioGuardi. Didi also caught “Idol’s” attention for her raw audition, where she performed for her best friend Rebecca, a longtime supporter and songwriter, who passed away.

Katelyn Epperly, the curly haired blonde who revealed her parents were divorcing was also sent through as was Casey James, a long-haired blond gent, who caused Kara to blush. In fact, after giving him the news he was being sent through to the Top 24, Kara gave him a hug and lifted up her left leg as she embraced the 20-something singer.

Aaron Kelly, a soulful 16-year-old high school student who impressed Randy, was sent through.

“I’m on ‘American Idol.’ It blows my mind,” he told the “Idol” cameras after learning the news.

Laid-back rocker Lee Dewyze managed to overcome some shaky performances to win a ticket to the Top 24.

“Welcome dude, welcome,” Randy said after Kara revealed the judges only changed their mind about Lee moments before delivering what turned out to be good news.

Finally, Todrick Hall, a former co-star of “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino in “The Color Purple,” was told he too received a ticket.

“Yes,” Kara said simply.

On Wednesday’s episode, “Idol” will reveal the remaining 17 contenders who will round out the Top 24 group.

Madonna’s Charity Head Blasts Land Dispute Reports

2010-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

The director of Madonna’s Raising Malawi foundation is denying that there is a land dispute over the charity’s planned $15 million girls academy, calling reports that some villagers feel the project is displacing them “erroneous.”

The Associated Press has reported that the village headman took the villagers’ complaints to the local government, and that local officials have visited the area several times.

However, Phillip Van den Bosche, who runs the foundation, said late Saturday that media reports of friction were “not factual.”

He also said that the head of the village “made a very long speech about how grateful he was for this project” at a ceremony for the school.

Raising Malawi is building the school for girls on approximately a 117-acre plot of government land near the capital, Lilongwe. The land had been used by villagers for farming when it was not utilized by the government, but Malawi reclaimed the land when the educational project emerged.

It worked out a deal in which about 200 villagers would be paid 16 million kwacha (about $115,000) in total by Raising Malawi to compensate them for their houses — mostly mud-and-thatch structures — and improvements such as gardens and trees.

Van Den Bosche said the deal — which was worked out by the government but paid for by Raising Malawi — was more than generous.

“If you visited the land prior to this allocation, you would have found that there were at the most one or two small huts” on the land, he said. “The people who were on the land now have an equivalent plot of agricultural land where they can continue their farming … The community will be enhanced by this.”

Last week, government officials met with villagers. One villager, Amos Mkuyu said at the meeting: “My sisters and I inherited this land from our parents whose parents have been here for over a hundred years. How can I get only 200,000 kwacha?”

He received the 200,000 kwacha, or about $1,500, from Raising Malawi for mango trees and three homes on a three-hectare plot. He seems to think the money was also for the land, but the government says the villagers did not have tenure and so are not owed anything for the land. Instead, they have been offered other land.

On Sunday, Van Den Bosche denied that representatives from Raising Malawi had met recently with any villagers about the land issue and believes that others, such as the media and perhaps lawyers, have tried to inflame the issue.

“It was a done deal but of course whenever Madonna’s name is involved, opportunism is involved,” he said.

“The thought that Madonna would be going on this land to take something away or to hurt people or to bulldoze people out of their homes is ridiculous,” he added. “The school is built to build cultural pride, not to destroy it.”

Madonna has pumped millions into this impoverished southern African country and become very active in charitable efforts; she has also adopted two children from Malawi.

But while Raising Malawi was co-founded by Madonna, Van Den Bosche said the idea that it was Madonna’s school was not accurate.

“Madonna is a donor to this project she’s just one of many donors to it, and she has taken the creation of the girls academy on as a pet project of hers, it’s something she feels very connected to,” he said. “(But) it’s not really her school, it’s a collaboration.”

Van Den Bosche took pains to note that the government has been actively involved in creating the girls school, and that it will be run by Malawians for Malawi’s most destitute children. He said 80 percent of girls who finish primary school are not able to go to secondary school, something Raising Malawi wants to change.

The school is targeted to open in 2012, and he hopes it will become a model to educate girls not only in Malawi but in other parts of Africa and the rest of the world where girls receive inferior education.

“We believe it’s a beautiful project and we have the support of the village,” Van Den Bosche said.

Sandra Bullock Scared Over Oscar Nom: ‘What Do I Do Next?’

2010-02-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Sandra Bullock is certainly honored to be an Oscar nominee. But as she told reporters on Monday during the Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills, the actress knows her role in “The Blind Side” has set the bar pretty high for her future film roles.

“It scares me more than anything, because you think, ‘What do I do now? What do I do now that I don’t step backwards — I step forward.’ I’ve been thinking a lot about that – what do I do next?” Bullock said. “I feel like because of this honor and what I’ve been given these last couple of months, I really have an obligation not to step back even the smallest bit.”

And while her recent accolades – she’s already taken home the Golden Globe and SAG Award for her role as the hard-nosed Leigh Anne Tuohy in “The Blind Side” – have put the pressure on for the road ahead, Bullock knows that hard work doesn’t always lead to awards season success.

“I know I work very hard. But just because I work hard doesn’t mean the elements come together to make a good performance or a good film,” she added. “So when all that happens and all those elements do come together, I’m always shocked and so happy and amazed. It’s always unexpected to me because I expect to fail – and that’s why I work even harder.”

So what does the Oscar nominee use to push her everyday? A tiny conspicuously placed piece of paper.

“I had a little Post-it by the side of my bed for many years that said, ‘Expect as good as you give.’ And that’s really been helpful,” she revealed. “You either step up your game or expect others to match your level, so that’s a good one, I think.”

And for anyone who thinks Bullock won’t follow through on her promise “not to step back” in her career, she has a message – bring it on!

“I’m very amazed and thankful to be here because I’d like to work hard for another 10-15 years,” she told the room at the

Paula Abdul Dodges ‘X Factor’ Rumors

2010-02-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Paula Abdul tried to avoid commenting on the rumors she’s going to join Simon Cowell when he launches his new reality singing competition “The X Factor” next fall, but she did drop some hints about her next project.

“Drop a clue? Oh, I’m gonna be going back to my roots and doing a TV show that has something to do with my roots,” she told the “John Jay & Rich Show” on Friday morning, after dodging several questions asking her to confirm “The X Factor” rumors.

“I’m going back to doing some teaching on television in that kind of capacity,” she added. “And what else can I tell you? I might be doing something with the Laker Girls.”

In fact, Paula’s hints could mean she is getting close to signing the deal to judge on Simon’s show, which allows the judges to mentor contestants in the final rounds.

Paula said whatever project she does sign on for, she’ll be the one to announce it.

“You’ll just have to hear it from me,” she said. “I hate having to say that, but you know, there are a lot of factors.”

When pushed further and asked if she meant “X Factor,” Paula tried to remain mum.

“Oh boy… I knew that I would not be able to say certain things,” she told the radio DJs. “I want to be able to say everything right now, but I can’t “

The DJs also asked Paula about the current season of “American Idol,” its first without the “Straight Up” singer.

“I will forever be a fan of the show,” she said. “I love [when] they get to the point of breaking new talent.”

Angelina Jolie: ‘Always Open’ To Adopting – But Will She & Brad Adopt From Haiti?

2010-02-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are already parents to three adopted children – but is the Hollywood power couple planning to adopt from Haiti?

“I’m always open to children around the world. We’re that kind of a family; Brad and I talk about that,” Angelina said in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, who asked the actress if she was planning to adopt from the earthquake ravaged country.

Though she and Brad are open to the idea – the actress said that was not the focus of her three-day trip to Haiti.

“But that’s not what we’re focusing on at this time, by any means,” she continued. “We’re not here for that. We’re here to see how we can help protect the children in the country and scale up the needs here.”

Angelina said adopting should not currently be anyone’s focus when it comes to the children of Haiti.

“For somebody who is an adoptive parent, I understand the urge to assist in that way,” she said in the CNN interview airing this weekend. “Now is not the time, an emergency is not the time for new adoptions in any way.”

The couple’s three adopted children consist of son Maddox from Cambodia, daughter Zahara from Ethiopia and son Pax from Vietnam. Angelina and Brad also have three biological kids together, daughter Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox.

In Jackson Case, Singer’s Popularity Could Be Challenge For Doctor’s Defense Team

2010-02-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson’s fame could pose a challenge for Dr. Conrad Murray’s defense team as his lawyers fight an involuntary manslaughter charge against the physician in the singer’s death.

Citing the “popularity of Michael Jackson,” criminal defense lawyer Harland Braun, who has handled celebrity cases and defended doctors in court, said Tuesday that Murray’s defense team has a monumental job ahead.

“How would (jurors) be accepted back into the community if they acquit him?” Braun said. “It’s a tough case.”

Attorney Steve Cron, who also has handled medical cases, said the attorneys are being confronted this week with a mountain of evidence amassed by the Los Angeles Police Department during their nearly eight-month investigation.

“I would safely say there are tens of thousands of pages of reports as well as CDs, videos, phone records and photographs. “They will be looking at all of Michael Jackson’s medical records, search warrant affidavits and reports on every person who was interviewed,” Cron said.

Cron said Jackson’s interaction with the doctor and his alleged demands for the drug propofol is likely to come into play.

“A bad result doesn’t mean bad doctoring,” said Cron. “They will find an expert who will say he had a difficult, demanding patient who needed to sleep and he did what was reasonable.”

Jackson died at the age of 50 on June 25 in his rented Bel Air mansion. Murray, a Caribbean born physician who had been hired by the superstar to look after his health during a rigorous comeback tour, told police he gave Jackson propofol and other sedatives to help him sleep.

Murray’s lead counsel, Ed Chernoff, has said that nothing the doctor gave Jackson should have killed him.

A coroner’s report found that the singer died of acute propofol intoxication.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren, who charged Murray with involuntary manslaughter, will seek to prove he acted with “gross negligence” when he gave the singer propofol. The anesthetic is used in hospital situations for surgery and prosecution experts are expected to say it was reckless to use it in a private home without proper equipment.

“It will probably be a battle of the experts,“said McGregor Scott, a San Francisco criminal defense lawyer who is also a former state and federal prosecutor. “If the defense comes up with a doctor with spotless credentials who says this was reasonable, that could create reasonable doubt.”

Some wonder if doctors will be willing to testify for Murray in such a controversial case, but Scott said, “There’s always an expert thatcan be found.”

He acknowledged that experts often demand high fees to testify and Murray has been known to have financial troubles which led him to sign up as Jackson’s doctor in the first place. When Jackson died, Murray had yet to collect his first $150,000 monthly paycheck and the negative publicity forced him to stop practicing medicine for months while his bills piled up. Recently, he reopened his Houston office and said he would resume practicing in Las Vegas.

The California Medical Board is preparing to seek removal of Murray’s medical license in the state. If other states where he practices follow suit, his financial condition could grow even worse.

Walgren, filed papers Monday saying that Murray “leads an irresponsible and financially unstable life” and “has been the subject of multiple liens, defaults and evictions.”

If true, it has not stopped Murray from hiring an impressive three-person legal team to represent him. In addition to Chernoff, his lawyers are J. Michael Flanagan, who once defended a nurse on propofol-related charges, and Joseph Low who represented two Marines who were court-martialed on charges of crimes in Iraq.

Murray’s next court appearance is April 5 to schedule a preliminary hearing.

Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson Deny Abuse Rumors

2010-02-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson are denying rumors that their rollercoaster relationship became, at one point, violent.

On Monday, Radar Online reported that the celebrity DJ had punched and choked Lindsay, a claim that the former couple denied on their respective Twitter accounts.

“This is become a bit much*Samantha R never raised a hand to me, I’ve never said she did* Enough is Enough. Focus on other more important,” Lindsay Tweeted on Tuesday night.

Samantha thanked Lindsay for dispelling the rumor, Tweeting, “thank you for clearing that up. the high road was giving me a nose bleed!”

Lindsay responded to Sam, writing, “you are welcome”

The celebrity DJ went on to warn anyone from making further claims about her allegedly being violent.

“To ANYONE who perpetuates this rumour accusing me of being violently abusive after @lindsaylohan has denied it: I WILL take legal action,” she wrote in another Tweet.

The former couple’s latest Twitter exchange is much more pleasant than communication they’ve shared on the social networking Web site in the past.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, in September, Lindsay publicly lashed out at her on-again/off-again gal pal, writing, “can you make an attempt to not ruin ANYTHI… zG positive that i have FINALLY deserved just to cry myself to sleep with your cheats, errors, and thank you…”

Justin Timberlake To Get Pudding Pot From Harvard

2010-02-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Multifaceted entertainer Justin Timberlake is coming to Harvard University to be honored as the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year.

The Grammy and Emmy award winner will receive his pudding pot from the nation’s oldest undergraduate drama troupe at a roast scheduled for Friday.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals said the singer, songwriter, actor and producer was selected because he’s “one of pop culture’s most influential entertainers.”

Timberlake is one of the stars of the upcoming movie “The Social Network.” The movie expected to be released later this year is about the early days of the Facebook social networking site — set at Harvard.

Actress Anne Hathaway was honored as Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year last week.

Charlie Sheen’s Sedan Stolen & Crashed Early Friday Morning

2010-02-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

Charlie Sheen’s Sedan was reported stolen from his home and crashed into a ravine on Friday morning, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

The car was not an SUV, as previously reported by Access and many other outlets, earlier this morning.

The Los Angeles Police Department told Access that the Sheen house received a call from the car’s in-vehicle security system after an alert was triggered from the car early Friday morning. A member of the Sheen household then called authorities.

LAPD and Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the alert at 4:06 AM and found Sheen’s vehicle, a 2009 Mercedes Benz S600, at the bottom of a cliff near Mulholland Drive in LA. The car is valued at $160,000.

A source told Access that the stolen car is one of two identical cars that the actor owns. One Mercedes is black on beige and the other is black on black. Sheen purchased the twin cars around when his own twins, Bob and Max, were born in March of 2009. The black on beige was the car found stolen on Friday.

When authorities arrived on the scene no one was found in the car.

There are currently 34 firefighters, a heavy rescue team, an ambulance and a helicopter on the scene of the wreckage. They are searching the nearby hillside area looking for the possible driver of the car.

Detectives are currently investigating the incident.

The alleged auto theft occurred after a break-in through the side door of the Sheen house that leads to a garage, the source added. The keys to Sheen’s Mercedes were hanging on a hook in the garage. Other items from the garage were also stolen.

Access has confirmed that Sheen is currently at home and fine.

Sheen’s auto theft comes on the heels of a whirlwind last few months for the actor. On Christmas day he was arrested after wife Brooke Mueller claimed he threatened her with a knife while they were vacationing in Aspen, Colo. Sheen is expected to be arraigned on domestic violence charges related to the Christmas incident possibly today or next Monday.

Heidi Montag Claims Mom Looked At Her ‘Almost Like A Zoo Animal’ Following Plastic Surgery

2010-02-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

Heidi Montag is changing her tune about her mother’s reaction to her plastic surgery.

Just two weeks after telling Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush that her mother, Darlene, thought her post-plastic surgery debut on the cover of People magazine was “beautiful,” “The Hills” reality star is now claiming that her mom’s reaction was intense. Heidi claims in this week’s issue of People magazine that her mother looked at her like she was a “circus freak” after the 23-year-old recently flew back home to Colorado to see her family.

“She was looking at me almost like a zoo animal,” Heidi told the mag of their first post-surgery meeting, which was reportedly filmed for “The Hills.” “It wasn’t like I was her daughter anymore. She was looking at me like I was a circus freak.”

But that wasn’t the story she told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush just weeks ago.

“She said the cover looked beautiful,” Heidi told Billy of her mom’s reaction to her People post-surgery debut.

“She did?” Billy asked.

“Mmmhmm. She said obviously she loved me the way I was and she would never tell me to do anything, but that she always supports whatever my decision is,” Heidi said.

However, on Wednesday, People magazine Senior Writer Joey Bartolomeo offered more information about what Heidi has to say now.

“Heidi says her mom is heartbroken over her new face and body,” Joey told Access. “Heidi said her mom says her confidence is gone.”

But coming to Heidi’s defense is Joan Rivers, who knows a thing or two about surgery scrutiny.

“I feel very sorry [for her] because she tried to come out and be honest about it,” Joan told Access. “And when you really looked at the 10 procedures, it was nonsense, it was a little Botox and a little this, a little that, and a couple of bigger things and it’s a business of beauty.”

Beyonce On Her Grammy Wins & Jay-Z Shout-Out: ‘He Was Shocked!’

2010-02-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

Beyonce may be a very public superstar, but the singer has kept her relationship with husband Jay-Z quiet – until the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

“I’d love to thank my family for all their love and support including my husband,” she said at the time, as the hip-hop mogul sat, surprised, in the audience.

“He was shocked!” Beyonce told Access. “He was just like, ‘What did you say?’”

And the singer added that she couldn’t believe it herself.

“I was just like, ‘What did I just do? No, I didn’t just say that,’” she said, explaining that the outburst came in the heat of the moment.

“I was so happy, I could’ve said anything,” she said of taking the stage for her win for Female Pop Vocal – her sixth Grammy of the night, a record for a female artist. “That’s why I ran off the stage.”

She also took home a top honor with Song of the Year for “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” a songwriting category.

So what did Jay-Z say back?

“He said you have six Grammys and you smell good,” she laughed.

The singer was wearing her new scent, Beyonce Heat, for which she recently filmed a steamy ad – and the perfume is already a big hit.

“This morning I woke up and they told me the fragrance is the number one fragrance in America,” Beyonce told Access. “I had absolutely no idea.”

And filming the spot may have taken some double-stick tape to keep her dress in place, but the singer added that it wasn’t all hard work.

“It was my birthday when we filmed the video,” she said. “We had fun. They brought out cake and candles.”

Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock Tabbed As Early Oscar Favorites

2010-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Oddsmakers picked Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock as early favorites to win Oscars in the top acting categories at the Academy Awards.

“Avatar” is considered the favorite among 10 nominees for best picture.

Wynn Las Vegas race and sports book executive John Avello tabbed Bridges as a 2-3 favorite to win best actor for his role in “Crazy Heart.” Avello has Bullock at even-money for best actress for “The Blind Side.”

America’s Line chief Benjamin Eckstein also favors Bridges, Bullock and “Avatar.”

The odds are just for fun. Nevada casinos don’t take wagers on contests where the outcome is known beforehand.

Ladbrokes, a British company that accepts bets online, lists Mo’Niqueand Christoph Waltz as heavy favorites to win for their supporting roles.

Victoria Beckham On David’s Good Looks & Getting Nervous Around George Clooney

2010-02-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Victoria Beckham understands why people stare at her husband, soccer star David.

“It’s not healthy to be jealous. I look at David and I think, He’s so handsome and I’m so lucky to have him as a husband,” she told Glamour magazine’s February issue. “And he’s an amazing father. I don’t blame people for looking at him and finding him attractive. I mean, I do.”

Posh, who posed in a t-shirt and with an adorable puppy for the mag’s cover, opened up about her life, and revealed that despite her A-list status, she gets nervous around mega-stars.

“Nervous in a good way. I [once] shared a plane with George Clooney,” she said. “I still get excited. My mum and I said, ‘Oh my God’…I’m leading an extraordinary life. I never try to be too cool about [it].”

One way the pop star-turned-fashion designer stays down to earth is through her three boys.

“I travel a fair amount, and when I’m here in LA, everything revolves around the kids. So if I’m not working, I go to the school and help serve lunches to the children. They just love that. It’s like, ‘Oh, there’s Mummy serving me!’” Posh said.

Speaking of her own lunches, Posh sticks to eating just the good stuff.

“I’m a very, very healthy eater. I eat lots of fish, lots of vegetables, lots of fruit,” she said. “I don’t eat junk food. I work out.”

And she credits working out – something she used to not do – with helping her look her best.

“I’m not a supermodel. I make the best of what I’ve got. I work out to look the best that I can, but I’m no Gisele,” Posh said.

Speaking of Gisele, Posh may not have the supermodel’s height, but she still can claim the same air space thanks to her super-high heels. She admitted, however, they cause her some pain.

“Absolutely, [heels make my feet] hurt. Absolutely! I’m not going to lie. But no pain, no gain, as they say. I don’t mind,” she told the mag. “I will suffer. I don’t wear heels every day, but when I’m out, that’s how I feel confident.”

Jonas Brothers Talk Breakup Rumors & New Tour

2010-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Music’s hottest sibling trio, The Jonas Brothers, told Access Hollywood that rumors of their breakup are false – in fact, the JoBros are gearing up for a new tour.

“No, it’s not [true],” middle brother Joe Jonas told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush backstage at the 2010 Grammy Awards on Sunday in LA when asked about a rumored split. “We are still playing music together.”

Joe even promised their fans an upcoming tour.

“We’re planning a big tour, so getting ready for that,” he told Access.

And eldest brother Kevin Jonas, who recently wed, said his new wife, Danielle, is already part of the Jonas clan.

“I’m loving it,” Kevin said. “Its amazing… being married young is an amazing thing.”

Kevin said that his new wife even feels comfortable touring with the guys.

“She’s just as much a part of this family now as me,” Kevin explained. “It’s a great journey together.”

Jay-Z On Who’s In Line To Fill Michael Jackson’s Shoes & Beyonce’s ‘Magnificent’ Performance

2010-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z has an idea of who may be the next Michael Jackson, and he told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush about it backstage at Sunday night’s Grammys.

When asked what was his favorite moment of the night, Jay-Z hinted it could be one of the performers that took part in the tribute to the late King of Pop.

“I thought the Michael Jackson tribute was fantastic and I thought Usher was doing a magnificent job,” Jay-Z told Billy. “I think he’s… He’s one of the guys that’s in line to, you know, fill those huge shoes.”

But while he thinks Usher has the talent, Jay-Z told Billy he didn’t want to put any undue stress on his pal.

“I don’t wanna put that pressure on him, but I think he’s one of the guy’s that’s in line to do that,” Jay-Z added.

When asked about his own wife’s stunning performance at the Grammys – a performance that saw Beyonce singing a little Alanis Morisette (“You Oughta Know”) and her own song (“If I Were A Boy”), Jay-Z said she is so impressive all the time, a person could get used to it.

“Oh fantastic, but she… It’s almost to a point where you just, you know, you’re almost numb to it because she’s so magnificent every single time out,” he said.

“They had a nice shot of you right after she performed and you were just proud,” Billy said.

“I’m a fan, you know, I’m a fan. I’m here as a fan as well,” Jay-Z added.

More Than 80 Million See Haiti Aid Telethon

2010-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

More than 80 million people tuned in for last week’s all-star “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon.

The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated 83 million people saw at least a brief part of the fundraiser carried Friday on 33 TV networks. The audience watching the two-hour event at any given time averaged 24 million viewers.

Organizers for the telethon said it’s raised $57 million, with more donations still to come in.

The event, which also streamed live online, featured Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and other stars who encouraged donations for Haiti, hit by a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people.

Money was also being raised by the sale of telethon performances via iTunes.

John Travolta To Pilot Plane Filled With Relief Supplies To Haiti

2010-01-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

John Travolta is soaring to Haiti with earthquake relief.

The 55-year-old actor and avid pilot plans to fly one of his private jets from Florida to Haiti on Monday night, according to Travolta’s spokesman, Paul Bloch.

The “Grease” star will be joined by his actress-wife Kelly Preston, several doctors and Church of Scientology ministers, as well as relief supplies. Travolta and Preston will then return to the U.S.

The “From Paris with Love” star took his first flying lesson when he was 15

2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards Winners

2010-01-23T23:40:00.000-08:00

A complete list of winners at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in LA on January 23, 2010.

Tina Fey, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, for “30 Rock”

Alec Baldwin, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, for “30 Rock”

“Glee,” for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy

Christoph Waltz, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Julianna Margulies, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, for “The Good Wife”

Michael C. Hall, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series, for “Dexter”

“Mad Men,” for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama

Betty White, for Lifetime Achivement

Drew Barrymore, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries, for “Grey Gardens”

Kevin Bacon, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries, for “Taking Chance”

Mo’Nique, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, for “Precious”

Jeff Bridges, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, for “Crazy Heart”

Sandra Bullock, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, for “The Blind Side,”

“Inglourious Basterds” for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PIcture

SAG Awards 2010 Fashion Trend: Red On The Red Carpet

2010-01-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

Hollywood was seeing red at the 2010 SAG Awards.

“An Education” star Carey Mulligan, who was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, turned heads with a strapless red gown with a sparkling brooch as she walked the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium in LA on Saturday night.

Rutina Wesley from the HBO hit series “True Blood” showed off her body with a bright, lipstick-red dress, while “Nurse Jackie’s” Edie Falco hit the red carpet in a vermillion strapless gown.

Mariah Carey, who caught eyes with her revealing black gown at last weekend’s Golden Globes, wore a form-fitting asymmetrical red gown at the SAG Awards.

Other stars that stood out in red included Sofia Vergara from “Modern Family” who sparkled in a red Carolina Herrera gown, “True Blood’s” Mariana Klaveno, who dazzled in an off-the-shoulder scarlet dress, and actress Joan Allen, who wore a boho-chic tie-dyed crimson dress.

Heidi Montag Changes Tune On Mom’s Plastic Surgery Support

2010-01-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Days after telling Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush that her mother, Darlene Eglehoff, loved her new post-plastic surgery look, Heidi Montag is now claiming her mom is upset over what she’s done to herself.

Heidi told People magagazine, in an article published online on Thursday, that she is fearful to return home to Colorado, something which will apparently be done on camera for an upcoming episode of MTV’s “The Hills.”

“I still can’t believe I’m 23 and Mom is reacting this way,” she told the mag. “I’m nervous to go home and face her – especially with cameras rolling.”

A source close to the family also told People that Darlene “is horrified and having a total breakdown. She can’t wait to confront Heidi when she goes home.”

In Monday’s interview with Billy, however, Heidi said she showed her mom her People cover from last week, and her mother was supportive.

“I spoke to my mom the other day and she said the cover looked beautiful,” Heidi told Billy. “She said, obviously she loved me the way I was and she would never tell me to do anything, but that she always supports whatever my decision is.”

And Heidi’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Frank Ryan, told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson on Tuesday, that it was his understanding that Darlene too wanted to go under the knife.

“Her mother on the other hand, saw the pictures and called Heidi right away and said, ‘Heidi, I want him to do a mommy makeover for me… Can you arrange that?’” he told Shaun.

And he claimed that her mother wanted the surgery soon.

“For Valentine’s Day,” Dr. Ryan claimed. “Heidi may buy it for her for Valentine’s Day.”

When contacted by Access Hollywood on Thursday, Darlene said she hasn’t spoken with People, nor has she read her daughter’s “Addicted To Plastic Surgery” cover story from last week.

Darlene added anything between mom and daughter is “strictly between them” and she does not give interviews to the media.

Dr. Drew Pinsky Talks Heidi Montag’s Plastic Surgery: ‘It’s Really Female-Female Cross Dressing’

2010-01-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dr. Drew Pinsky is known the world over for helping people with problems of addiction, but he isn’t convinced Heidi Montag is addicted to plastic surgery.

“The addiction thing would be having so much plastic surgery in order to get the pain medication, which people do. I see a lot of that,” Dr. Drew told AccessHollywood.com as he stepped out for “The Pee-Wee Herman Show” at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. “I don’t think that’s what’s going on here.”

Last week it was revealed that Heidi had undergone 10 procedures in the fall, and while Dr. Drew doesn’t believe the headlines – that “The Hills” star is addicted to plastic surgery — he does find her decisions troubling.

“Clearly there are body image issues, self-worth issues,” Dr. Drew said. “I’m sort of disturbed that no one referred her for those kinds of counseling before they put her under the knife.”

Heidi previously revealed that on November 20, she went under the knife for 10 procedures in one day, which included a mini brow lift, Botox in the forehead, nose job revision, fat injections in cheeks and lips, chin reduction, neck liposuction, ears pinned back, breast augmentation revision, liposuction on her waist and thighs and a buttocks augmentation.

Dr. Drew said Heidi’s decision to undergo so many procedures has a drag-like quality to it.

“I also, by the way, call that — the kind of extreme accentuation of her feminine features — it’s really female-female cross dressing,” Dr. Drew said. “It’s like she’s taking on an excessively feminizing characteristic, fetish-izing her entire body, it’s a little troubling, a little problematic.”

Jay Leno Defends Conan O’Brien, Calls Him ‘A Gentleman,’ Confirms He Could Be Back On ‘Tonight Show’

2010-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Jay Leno has confirmed reports he could be heading back to “The Tonight Show.”

The funnyman addressed NBC’s late night shake up during Monday’s “The Jay Leno Show,” and he revealed that if Conan O’Brien leaves his job as “Tonight Show” host, NBC executives have offered Jay his old job back.

“They [said to me], ‘If he decides to walk and doesn’t want to do it, do you want the show back?’” Jay recounted to his “Jay Leno Show” audience on Monday night about his conversations with the NBC execs. “I go, ‘Yeah, I’ll take the show back… if that’s what he wants to do… This way, we keep our people working… So that’s pretty much where we are. It looks like we might be back at 11:30, I’m not sure.”

Jay added, however, that through the situation with NBC, which he went into great detail about on his Monday show, Conan has been courteous.

“Through all of this, Conan O’Brien has been a gentleman. He’s a good guy,” Jay told his audience. “I have no animosity towards him. This is all business. If you don’t get the ratings, they take you off the air.”

Jay also explained how it came about that Conan was promised “The Tonight Show” years ago, while Jay was still on top.

”[In] 2004, I’m sitting in my office, an NBC executive comes in and says to me, ‘Listen, Conan O’Brien has gotten offers from other networks. We don’t want him to go, so we’re going to give him ‘The Tonight Show,’” Jay recounted. “I said, ‘Well, I’ve been number one for 12 years.’ They said, ‘We know that, but we don’t think you can sustain that.’”

The host went on to explain that he asked NBC to wait until he slipped to No. 2 in the ratings and then fire him, but he said the NBC exec told him the decision had already been made.

“Don’t blame Conan O’Brien,” Jay continued on Monday’s show. “Nice guy, good family guy, great guy. He and I have talked and not a problem since then. That’s what managers and people do, they try to get something for their clients. I said, ‘I’ll retire just to avoid what happened the last time.’”

Jay said that when it came time for Conan to take over “The Tonight Show,” he still had 6-8 months left on his own contract with NBC.

Jay said he asked the network to release him from his contract, but they said, “We want to keep you here,” he explained.

He went on to say that his primetime show was NBC’s idea and they told him, “We have done focus groups. People will love you at 10:00.”

For Jay personally, he said it “didn’t seem like a good idea at the time,” but they allowed him to keep his staff of 175 people and promised him two years on the air.

As for the latest shake up, which NBC announced last Sunday – a move of “The Jay Leno Show” to 11:35 PM and a plea to Conan to move “The Tonight Show” to 12:05 AM – Jay said NBC asked him if he would do the move and they assured him Conan would be OK with that.

“I said, ‘OK, I’m not crazy about doing a half hour, but OK. What do you want to do with Conan?’ ‘We’ll put him on at midnight, or 12:05, keeps ‘The Tonight Show’ does all that, he gets the whole hour.’ I said, ‘OK, you think Conan will go for that?’ ‘Yes, yes.’… I said ‘OK,’ shake hands. That’s it. I don’t have a manager, I don’t have an agent, that’s my handshake deal,” Jay said.

Susan Boyle Snubbed, Gets No Brit Award Nomination

2010-01-19T06:58:00.000-08:00

Women are dominating the nominations for Britain’s leading music awards — the Brits — but Internet sensation Susan Boyle was snubbed on the shortlist.

Quirky chanteuses Florence and the Machine, Pixie Lott, Lily Allen and Lady Gaga all have three nominations.

Other British contenders include boy band JLS, Leona Lewis, Bat for Lashes, Paolo Nuttini and Dizzee Rascal.

Nominees in the international categories include Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Jay-Z, Michael Buble and Shakira.

Robbie Williams will receive an award for outstanding contribution to music at the Feb. 16 ceremony in London.

The awards are the British equivalent of the Grammys. Most winners are selected by a vote of over 1,000 industry members.

Rosie O’Donnell On Jay Leno: ‘I Think He Should Walk Away’

2010-01-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Rosie O’Donnell believes Jay Leno should step aside.

The former “View” moderator, who got her start in stand up before becoming a household name hosting her own syndicated talk show, shared her view after being asked at HBO’s Television Critics Association panel on Thursday, if she’d be interested in heading into late night.

“That question today is like asking if I’d like to vacation in Haiti. Although I hear it’s an enjoyable place, this wouldn’t be the time to go. Correct?” she laughed. “I have been a big fan of Conan O’Brien… and [‘The Tonight Show’ is] a franchise that has been 60 years with NBC, and if you’re privileged enough to be asked to drive the bus, you should say thank you and drive it to the best of your ability and when it’s time for them to hire a new driver, you should say, ‘Thank you for allowing me to drive this for as long as I did,’ and pass the keys to the new guy with red hair, and not try to flatten his tires, before he even gets going.”

Following the press event, where Rosie was promoting her new HBO documentary, “A Family Is A Family Is A Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration,” set to premiere on January 31, the outspoken star said she plans to reach out to Conan.

“I will definitely talk to him,” she told a small group of journalists. “I’ve heard from a lot of his staff.”

Rosie went on to say that she thinks Conan, who recently said he would not accept NBC’s request to move “The Tonight Show” to 12:05 AM, is a big talent and it is time for Jay Leno, whose show NBC said they would move to 11:35 PM, to step aside.

“I think he’s a fantastic talent and 17 years he gave to that network and they really did a disservice to him,” Rosie said of Conan. “I think shame on [NBC President] Jeff Zucker and really, shame on Jay Leno. I think he’s forgotten his roots and what stand up comedy is about, and graciousness has never been his number one quality… I think it would serve him well to think about what might happen if he were able to let go and grab on to whatever the next rung is.”

When asked what she thinks Jay should do, Rosie said: Move on!

“I think he should walk away,” she said. “Five years ago he was told that he was no longer going to be the host. Joe Namath at one point was told, ‘You’re not gonna be the quarterback.’”

NBC Announces Post-Leno Primetime Lineup

2010-01-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

New and veteran NBC dramas and a comedy produced by Jerry Seinfeld will take over the bulk of the prime-time slots soon to be vacated by Jay Leno.

NBC announced Thursday that the freshman drama “Parenthood” and the relocated “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victim Units” will fill three slots. Another will go to the comedy panel series “The Marriage Ref” from Seinfeld.

“Dateline NBC” will fill another 10 p.m. EST slot.

The new lineup will debut after NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics from Feb. 12-28.

Yet to be resolved is NBC’s effort to make way for Leno to return to late-night by bumping Conan O’Brien’s and “Tonight” to midnight, a plan O’Brien has rejected.

Rihanna Finally Addresses December ‘SNL’ Tiger Woods Skit: ‘It Wasn’t Offensive To Me’

2010-01-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

Rihanna has broken her silence about the “Saturday Night Live” skit last year that some claimed made light of domestic violence, the same night the singer was on the show.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, some suggested “SNL” parodied domestic violence in a skit starring guest host Blake Lively as Elin Nordegren and Kenan Thompson as Tiger Woods, following the golfer’s now infamous car accident.

But Rihanna, whose own past experience with abuse at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown has been well documented, said she wasn’t bothered by the skit.

“Violence should of course be avoided at any cost, but ‘Saturday Night Live’ is a show that finds humor in every serious situation, so it wasn’t offensive to me in any way,” she told the February 2010 issue of W magazine.

Recently, Rihanna has spoken out about her own experience with domestic violence, after many months of keeping silent.

“Not talking was a big thing for me,” the singer told the mag. “I’m glad I didn’t talk to people, because I was able to deal with things in my own way, without saying the wrong things or giving people the wrong impression.”

And she said she has come to terms with what happened and is looking to the future.

“At first I completely shut down. But now I feel like this happened to me so I could be a voice for young girls who are going through what I went through and don’t know how to talk about it,” she said. “It’s not about Chris, about hurting him or sabotaging his career. I don’t care about that part of it.”

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie ‘Devastated’ By Haitian Earthquake, Donate $1 Million To Help

2010-01-14T05:17:00.000-08:00

Some of Hollywood’s biggest names are rallying their fans to help the people of Haiti following the devastating 7.0 earthquake that ravaged the island nation on Tuesday.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who previously traveled to Haiti to lend their star power to musician Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation, said they were “devastated” by the tragic news.

“We are devastated by the news from Haiti,” the duo said in a statement to The Agence France-Presse. “We will work closely with our good friend Wyclef Jean to support the humanitarian efforts on the island and help those who have been injured and left without homes and shelter.”

And on Wednesday evening, news broke that Brad and Angelina, through their Jolie-Pitt Foundation, were donating $1 million to Doctors Without Borders, to help out with relief work in Haiti.

“It is incredibly horrible to see a catastrophe of this size hit a people who have been suffering from extreme poverty, violence and unrest for so many decades,” Angelina said in a statement according to People.

“We understand the first response is critical to serve the immediate needs of countless people who are now displaced from their homes, are suffering trauma, and most require urgent care,” Brad added.

Other celebrities used Twitter to express their sorrow over the devastation in Haiti and urged people to dig deep in their pockets.

“People in Haiti need our help and attention right now,” Ben Stiller wrote.

Twitter couple Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore asked their followers to donate to UNICEF.

Other celebrity Twitters urging the public to help in the relief effort include Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Diddy and LL Cool J.

What Is ‘The X Factor’?

2010-01-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

Simon Cowell announced he would be leaving “American Idol” to launch “The X Factor” stateside in Fall 2011. But what is “The X Factor” and how does it differ from “Idol”? Access has the answers.

“The X Factor” is a reality competition, launched by Simon in Britain in 2004 and it became so big – discovering the likes of Leona Lewis in its third season – that it replaced “Pop Idol,” the British parent show of “American Idol.”

While “The X Factor” and “American Idol” are both singing competitions, they differ when it comes to age, judging and tone.

“Idol” only takes contestants ages 16-28, while the more dramatic “The X Factor” has no upper age limit and focuses on the backstage drama.

“You can have, you know, someone in their 60’s competing with someone in their teens,” Simon explained in an interview on Monday with FOX. “There are literally no rules in this competition and what makes it more fun to be on is the fact that the judges mentor the contestants.”

And unlike “Idol’s” top 24, “The X Factor” whittles things down to 12 contestants before at home judging begins.

U.K. entertainment journalist Ashley Pearson said “X Factor” has the it-factor.

“The difference really is that ‘X Factor’ is a little bit nastier, a little bit snarkier and a little bit more evil than the other one,” she told Access.

“With Simon as a mentor and a judge, that means more camera time and more Simon. But could that mean higher ratings? No one is more excited about the possiblity of that than FOX President of alternative programming Mike Darnell.

“I couldn’t be personally more excited to have ‘X Factor’ coming to the network,” he told Access on Monday. “And so [Simon’s] not leaving the network. Thank God!”

MovieMantz Rantz: ‘Spider-Man 4’ No More

2010-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a tangled web they weaved. After three massive hit films featuring everybody’s favorite webslinger, series star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi have parted ways with Sony over “Spider-Man 4.”

As a lifelong fan of the comics and, later, the movies, I was crushed. Both did an amazing job on all three films – even the third one, which is unfairly regarded as the weakest of the series. The biggest problem with “Spider-Man 3” was that it was no “Spider-Man 2,” which is up there with “The Dark Knight,” “Iron Man,” “X2: X-Men United” and the first two “Superman” films as one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.

Yes, “Spider-Man 3” was a very busy movie. It had not one, not two, but three super-villains, so there wasn’t a lot of room for the emotional depth that dignified the second film. But the brilliance – yes, brilliance – of “Spider-Man 3” was that the last act didn’t just wrap up the movie; it wrapped up the entire series.

But critics weren’t kind, and neither were the fans. Despite being the highest grossing film of the series (with $885 million worldwide), reviews were mixed, and fanboys generally hated it. That must have hurt Sam Raimi, a lifelong Spider-Man fan who vowed to do right by the character when he stepped behind the camera for the first movie. And right he did: 2002’s “Spider-Man” was a big hit with critics, moviegoers and fans, while 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” was that rare sequel that improved upon its predecessor in every way.

So after the drubbing he got for 2007’s “Spider-Man 3,” who can blame Raimi for wanting to go out on top with the best Spidey of them all? It’s no secret that he was at odds with the studio over the villains in the third movie. Along with the Sandman, he wanted the Vulture, another classic baddie who first appeared back in 1963 (while John F. Kennedy was still President). But Sony wanted Venom, a modern favorite with younger fans who made his first appearance in 1987. Raimi caved and made a movie he didn’t want to make.

So for “Spider-Man 4,” Raimi again pushed for the Vulture. But once again, the studio wasn’t keen on it. So rather than have history repeat itself by rushing the very expensive movie into production in order to make its May 2011 release date, Raimi decided that stepping away was a better idea.

And with Raimi, “Spider-Man” himself, Tobey Maguire, was out too. They had a good run, but Sony will be hard-pressed to find a better actor to fill Spidey’s shoes. When Maguire was first cast as Peter Parker back in 2001, fans had a field day. But anyone who saw his engaging performances in “The Ice Storm,” “Pleasantville” or “The Cider House Rules” knew that he was as perfectly cast as the sincere, blue-collar kid from Queens as Christopher Reeve was as Clark Kent/Superman.

But with Maguire turning 35 this year, he was probably getting too old to squeeze into the red and blue tights anyway. Besides, Spider-Man’s conflicted alter ego was a more fascinating character while he was still in high school, since own adolescent angst were a stark contrast to his confidence as a superhero.

So while I’m sorry to see Raimi and Maguire go, I’m pleased to hear that the next film will return Peter Parker to high school, so maybe it is time for a new cast and a new director to take the series in a fresh new direction. After all, it worked for James Bond with Daniel Craig, and it worked for last year’s excellent “Star Trek” reboot with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.

But whoever does take over for Raimi and Maguire, let them not forget the big lesson that Spider-Man first learned way back in 1962: With great power comes great responsibility.

CA Appeals Court Overturns Award In Jackson Taping

2010-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

An appellate court on Monday overturned a $20 million award against a defunct charter jet company for secretly videotaping Michael Jackson and his attorneys during a 2003 flight.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled the amount was excessive, and XtraJet and its owner Jeffrey Borer shouldn’t have to pay it to attorneys Mark Geragos and Pat Harris.

“The amount awarded to the plaintiffs was so great that it shocks the conscience,” the panel wrote in its ruling.

The case was sent back to the trial judge who last March found in favor of the two lawyers.

The panel said a new trial could occur on damages alone unless Geragos and Harris would share a reduced award of $750,000.

Brian Kabateck, an attorney representing Geragos, said he was leaning heavily toward a new trial.

“The judges acknowledge the behavior here was reprehensible,” Kabateck said.

Borer and an associate pleaded guilty to conspiracy two years ago for videotaping Jackson and his lawyers as they flew to the pop star’s surrender on molestation charges. A jury later acquitted Jackson of 14 charges in the case.

Superior Court Judge Soussan Bruguera ordered XtraJet and Borer to pay the amount for invading the privacy of Geragos and Harris in order to sell the video of Jackson to the media.

The appellate court noted in its ruling that Geragos and Harris weren’t severely affected by the contents of the tape because it was never publicly released and didn’t contain any audio that would violate attorney-client privilege.

XtraJet attorney Lloyd Kirschbaum was pleased with the ruling.

“It’s outstanding,” he said. “You can’t be damaged by a tape no one has seen.”

Geragos, Harris and Jackson filed the invasion-of-privacy suit against Borer and XtraJet in November 2003. Jackson dropped out as a plaintiff in April 2005.

First Look: Megan Fox’s Sexy Emporio Armani Debut

2010-01-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

Move over David and Victoria Beckham – there’s a new Emporio Armani Fox!

On Tuesday, Megan Fox’s new ad campaigns were unveiled for Emporio Armani Women’s Underwear and Armani Jeans for the label’s Spring/Summer 2010 line.

Megan’s sexy ads, which were shot in LA by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, will start rolling out in February in magazines and billboards in New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

“Megan is young and sexy and has a lot of spirit,” Giorgio Armani said in a statement to Access. “Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans are all about a youthful attitude making her the perfect choice for the collections.”

One thing missing from Megan’s ad campaign — the actress’ numerous tattoos. The actress’ extensive ink work, which includes a portrait of Marilyn Monroe on her arm, are not visible in the shots.

Report: Lindsay Lohan’s Car In Paparazzi Accident

2010-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

A BMW 650 carrying Lindsay Lohan struck a paparazzo around 1 AM on Sunday morning, according to KTLA.

The incident reportedly occurred behind bar and concert venue the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood.

After the car in question picked up Lindsay and her assistant, the vehicle was reportedly surrounded by members of the papazarri – one of whom the station reported was struck and injured when the car accelerated forward.

The LAPD reportedly confirmed to KTLA that officers did respond to a pedestrian collision.

“I was informed by an officer that a vehicle had sped away at a high rate of speed and hit a paparazzi photographer causing an injury to his hand, his wrist,” Sgt. Vasquez reportedly told KTLA. Authorities do not consider the case a hit-and-run.

According to the station, the paparazzo, a 220 pound male, sustained injuries to his wrist and leg and was treated at the scene, where he spoke to police.

Earlier, Lindsay was spotted wearing all black exiting the club. Adam Lambert was also in attendance, Tweeting on Sunday, “Hotel Cafe was wild last night.”

Fergie & Josh Duhamel Renew Wedding Vows

2010-01-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Almost a year after their wedding, Fergie and Josh Duhamel have renewed their vows, according to Us Weekly.

The couple reportedly embarked to Santa Barbara, Calif., for the private ceremony, held with only the two stars and a minister on Wednesday evening.

“It was a total surprise for Fergie,” a source told the mag.

A source close to the couple described the scene, held at the Bacara Resort & Spa, as “really romantic, great views of the Pacific, sunset ceremony.”

Following the 15-minute ceremony, the two shared a private dinner at the resort’s Miro restaurant, exiting before the dinner crowd arrived to head back to LA.

The two wed in Malibu one year ago, on January 10, 2009.

Last year, just months after their marriage, the pair battled tabloid rumors of Josh’s infidelity, which they both denied.

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean Proposes On Stage

2010-01-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

AJ McLean is engaged, according to E! Online.

The site reported that the Backstreet Boy proposed to girlfriend Rochelle Deanna Karidis on Friday night at his Las Vegas solo concert, where the star took the stage on the eve of his birthday and brought out his lucky lady.

“He brought Rochelle up to the middle of the stage, stops the music and proposed. She said yes and the crowd went crazy,” a source told the site.

The singer reportedly purchased a diamond ring at Rocks inside the Hard Rock Hotel that night.

The newly engaged pair will celebrate AJ’s birthday and their wedding-to-be at the Hard Rock’s club, Vanity.

As for AJ’s band, the Backstreet Boys released a new album last fall, with a greatest hits disc, “Playlist: The Very Best of the Backstreet Boys,” due in stores on January 26.

Jackson Confidant Jack Wishna Opens Up About Michael & The Tour That Never Was

2010-01-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

In 2006, Michael Jackson was buzzing in an interview in Ireland with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush as he worked on some music — but just weeks later, Jackson left Ireland for Las Vegas, convinced to do so by his good friend Jack Wishna. And today, Wishna, the Jackson confidante, is opening up.

“It was December 23rd 2006, it was the day before Christmas Eve and we arranged it where a private jet would pick Michael Jackson up in Dublin, Ireland, and take him directly to Las Vegas,” Wishna said in an interview for Access Hollywood and Las Vegas television station KVBC with correspondent Alicia Jacobs.

And Wishna revealed the vision he shared with Jackson.

“When he came off that plane, it was the old Michael Jackson of the ‘Bad Tour,’ type thing, it was the Michael Jackson that I grew up with,” he said.

And although Jackson’s use of prescription drugs became big news after his death, Wishna said he never saw any of that kind of stuff around.

“Never saw any drugs,” Wishna said. “Never saw any intravenous, or needles or anything like that. Never met any doctors around Michael.”

Naming their project “Rock City,” Jackson was going to be required to perform just three days a month.

But once he was settled into his new home with his children and the comeback collaboration was underway, Wishna said Jackson’s behavior turned erratic.

“As he stayed in Las Vegas, he started to get debilitated while he was here and debilitated from a mental health standpoint, debilitated from a physical standpoint,” Wishna said.

“The family started to, you know, bother him again… His father Joe. It just started – a lot of the weirdness started to come back,” he continued.

Wishna said he often had to conduct damage control, especially after one night when Jackson watched a fight, incognito in a wheelchair.

“My phone rings… It’s The Associated Press and the person on the other end of the phone says Jack, ‘What do you know about Michael being in a wheelchair last night with a coat over his head and sunglasses over his coat,” Wishna recounted. “If you say, ‘Michael, why did you do that?’ That’s the way he wanted to go out and if he wanted to go out that way, that’s the way he wanted to go out.”

Eventually, Wishna came to the decision that the negative publicity surrounding Jackson’s antics were detrimental to the success of “Rock City.”

“This was probably about June of 2007 and I said, ‘Michael, I think we should shelve it. I think we should put it on the shelf, come back to it when you are’ — these are the words that I used – ‘mentally, physically, and vocally capable of being a part of this project,’” he explained.

Wishna was both right and wrong. As the world discovered from “This Is It,” Michael’s vocals and dance moves were at the top of his game, but his drug abuse tragically sabotaged it all.

“I believe Michael was troubled every single day of his life,” Wishna said. “I believe that contributed to his untimely death.”

2011 Movies On The Move: ‘Spider-Man 4,’ ‘Thor,’ ‘Pirates’

2010-01-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is revising its plans for its 2011 summer vacation.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Spider-Man 4,” previously slated for May 6, 2011, will be delayed over script difficulties.

The film – in for yet another rewrite – apparently is struggling with creative differences from director Sam Raimi, who is pushing for the winged criminal The Vulture as primary villain, while Sony Pictures wants the seductive Black Cat and a second villain. Production on the film has reportedly been delayed from its previously reported spring start date.

However, another superhero film has leapt in to take its place – Marvel and Paramount’s “Thor ,” which is set to star Chris Hemsworth in the title role.

And in further release date news, another likely blockbuster, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will reportedly set sail that month as well, arriving on May 20.

It will be the fourth film in the “Pirates” franchise.

Michael Lohan Says Releasing Lindsay, Dina Voicemails Last Year Was ‘A Big Mistake’

2010-01-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

Michael Lohan said releasing voicemails from his daughter and ex-wife last year was a huge mistake and he has no plans to release any more recordings.

“I just got a call from my daughter and she was very upset… Evidently she thinks I’m releasing another tape of a call to me. And I’m not,” Michael told Billy Bush for Access Hollywood and “The Billy Bush Show” on Thursday. “I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life, whether it be with Lindsay, with Dina, with Erin, with people I love and care about, trusted or whatever or did the wrong thing. But… one of the biggest mistakes I ever made was releasing the tape of Lindsay and Dina.”

Michael said he promised Linsday and Dina he wouldn’t be releasing any more tapes, but the rumors that new recordings are set to emerge have upset his famous daughter.

“I promised them I would never do it and I didn’t release another tape,” Michael told Billy. “Evidently, Lindsay read on the Internet that they’re releasing another tape, which they are not. They are obviously re-releasing the tape that was already released.”

The father didn’t answer when Billy asked who “they” were, but he asked for the media to leave his daughter alone.

“There’s no sense in beating a dead horse. I sympathize with Brittany Murphy’s family, with Heath Ledger, with Michael Jackson, with Adam Goldstein and as of late, with Casey Johnson, and there is an issue here with prescription drugs, but why beat up my daughter again, why push this kid to the edge?” he said. “Leave her alone. I did enough damage with that tape that no one has to re-release it.”

Lindsay’s attorney previously told Access Hollywood that they considered Michael’s comments about his daughter and prescriptions defamatory.

While no new voicemails appeared to be on the Web on Thursday, Michael suggested if any old ones are put online again, it will harm his daughter.

“They’re just going to push this kid to and over the edge and they have to stop. She’s my daughter and whoever does it, I’m going to deal with it. I am not going to sit back and let people pick on my kids any more, especially Lindsay, because she gets the brunt of not only what she does, but what I do to and it’s wrong,” he said.

And Michael said he hopes 2010 can carry on without an old voicemail resurfacing.

“I love my kid and I made a big mistake, and I regret it, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life,” he said. “But it’s a new year, it’s a new beginning for all of us and we want to put things on the right track and the right page.”

A rep for Radar Online, which previously put voicemails from Michael on the Web said they had no plans to release anything when contacted by Access Hollywood on Thursday night.

Sandra Bullock Makes Box Office History With ‘The Blind Side’

2010-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sandra Bullock has accomplished a box office feat that her fellow A-listers Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie and Reese Witherspoon have never succeeded at – she’s cracked the $200 million mark at the domestic box office.

According to Variety, “The Blind Side” is the first movie ever “driven solely by a top female star” to break $200 million. Over the weekend, the drama box office receipts totaled $208.5 million.

In comparison, Sandra’s A-list counterparts have come close, but never pulled in moviegoers in such big numbers. Julia Roberts’ “Erin Brockovich” – which is often compared to “The Blind Side” — made $125.6 million domestically, while Meryl Streep’s “The Devil Wears Prada,” earned $124.7 million.

The only other female-centric film to ever crack the $200 million club was 2002’s “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” which starred the then unknown Nia Vardalos.

And “The Blind Side’s” box office bounty could continue to grow, according to Warner Bros. President of Domestic Distribution Dan Fellman.

“And we’re not even done. I think ‘Blind Side’ has another $30 million left,” Fellman told the entertainment trade mag.

With the exception of the disappointing “All About Steve,” Sandra has had a stellar year with “The Proposal,” which pulled in an impressive $164 million domestically. The actress’ films have grossed a whooping $1.72 billion domestically over her career.

Let your voice be heard in the AH Nation! Vote on your all-time favorite Sandra Bullock movie, HERE!

Piers Morgan On Rumors He’ll Step In For Simon Cowell On ‘American Idol’

2010-01-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

Piers Morgan may be pals with Simon Cowell, but he told “Today’s” Hoda Kotb that he doesn’t know if the British judge will be leaving “American Idol” at the end of Season 9 as has been rumored.

“I have no idea. Simon Cowell is my boss. I have to be very careful here,” he said, referencing Simon’s role as an executive producer of “America’s Got Talent.” “What I would say is, I don’t think anyone could replace Simon Cowell. He is irreplaceable. He is the dark master.”

Earlier this week, news broke that Bookmaster.com posted odds on who might replace Simon if he decides to leave “Idol” to launch his British reality competition show, “X Factor,” stateside. Piers was the favorite with 2-1 odds. Sean “Diddy” Combs had 3-1 odds.

“It’s slightly disconcerting because the only reason people are saying I’m favorite [to replace him] is probably because I’m perceived to be as mean as he is, which I feel quite upset about, because as you know I’m Mr. Nice Guy,” Piers said.

But when pressed as to whether he would take the seat in the “Idol” judges chair if offered, Piers did his best to dodge the question.

“It’s a fantastic job, but Simon is the master and I think it will be entirely down to him what happens,” Piers said. “He’s got this new show coming called ‘X Factor,’ which Americans haven’t seen yet. It’s the smash hit show in Britain; it is an amazing show, so when that launches in America, wait, because it’s going to be the biggest thing you’ve seen on TV in years.”

‘Bachelor’ Scandal: Contestant Became Involved With Show Producer

2010-01-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight, new “Bachelor” Jake Pavelka will be working to find true love on national television. But it appears he’ll have one less lady to choose from than past “Bachelors.”

According to clips airing on ABC to promote the new season, one of Jake’s female suitors may not be single.

“She’s been having this sexual affair with somebody else in ‘The Bachelor’ house,” a female contestant is heard saying in the promo clips.

According to Chris Harrison, the host of “The Bachelor,” one of the ladies became involved with a producer on the show.

“It was incredibly unfortunate. Horrible decisions were made,” Chris told 104.3 Myfm morning show host Sean Valentine, People reported. “It was embarrassing for us and in fairness to Jake and for the other women, [we said], ‘Let’s nip this in the bud and take care of it.’ And that’s what we did.”

Chris said the show will address the issue this season on “The Bachelor,” but according to Us Weekly, he also revealed on the morning show that the woman was kicked off “The Bachelor” and the producer was fired.

“In fairness to Jake and for the other women, [we decided to] nip this in the bud and take care of it. And that’s what we did,” Chris said, according to the mag. “There’s train wrecks in this show where I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s going to be great. Let’s let them have it.’ But … I felt bad for everybody, and it was an uncomfortable deal.”
.
Chris added that professionals were brought in before he addressed Jake , the woman in question and the other contestants following the incident.

“This was the rare time that before I had to go talk to the girl, Jake and then the women, I had lawyers, psychologists, producers, executives saying, ‘OK, these are the words you can say,’” he said. “It was intense. It was a wild night,” he said. bad for everybody, and it was an uncomfortable deal.”

Lenny Kravitz Talks Leaked Michael Jackson Collaboration

2010-01-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

A portion of an unreleased song titled “Another Day,” featuring Michael Jackson and Lenny Kravitz, recently hit the Web, and Lenny hit TwitVid to explain his role in the number.

“The song was recorded by Michael and myself. I produced it for him,” Lenny explained in a post on his TwitVid account page. “I wrote the song and I played all the instruments on the track. It was one of the most amazing musical experiences that I’ve ever had.”

Lenny said he had nothing to do with the song being leaked online.

“As you know and have heard, the song, or part of the song leaked, but not by me,” Lenny said. “Mine has been locked up in a vault since we recorded it. The version that’s out is a minute and 30 seconds, roughly, of the track. [It’s] not mixed, but it is the track. The DJ who’s speaking over the track, I don’t know who that person is. I don’t know how they obtained it… but that person has nothing to do with the track.”

Sony has since removed the clip from YouTube over copyright infringement claims, but Lenny said he hopes it can be released at some point for the fans.

“It was done by two people who had respect for each other and who love music. That was it. I’d like to see this thing get straightened out as soon as possible because I’d like for u you, the fans, people who love Michael, to be able to hear the track in its entirety, the way that it was meant to be, the way that Michael and I had intended it to be,” he said. “That’s all being worked out… I’ll get back to you as soon as I have my information.”

‘Avatar’ Hits $1 Billion Mark, Eyes ‘Titanic’ Record

2010-01-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

James Cameron’s “Avatar” has reached the $1 billion mark at the box office — making it the “Titanic” director’s second film to reach the lofty number.

The long-awaited 3D epic hit the milestone after only 17 days in release. It has earned $352 million domestically.

“Avatar’s” numbers have been aided by higher ticket prices for 3D screenings, but the film has nevertheless proved itself a major hit after early worries that it would struggle to match its bulky budget, estimated in one New York Times report at $500 million.

1997’s “Titanic” remains the top-grossing film of all time worldwide, with $1.8 billion.

Only a handful of films have ever passed the $1 billion marker — “Titanic,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “The Dark Knight.”

The final “Lord of the Rings” film earned $1.1 billion in its 2003 release, putting it in close proximity to “Avatar,” which would still have to almost double its current take to catch up with “Titanic.”

Should “Avatar” top “The Lord of the Rings,” it will become the second highest-grossing film of all time, making Cameron responsible for the two top-grossing movies in history.

Elton John Helping Eminem Fight Drugs; Says Rapper Doing W

2010-01-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

Elton John says he has been helping American rapper Eminen fight drug problems for more than a year.

He says Eminem is succeeding in his well-publicized battle against substance abuse.

Sir Elton told BBC Radio Saturday that as a recovered drug abuser he is happy to help people if they want the assistance but drugs make people so cocky and arrogant that they often reject help.

Eminem has written about his substance abuse problems in the past.

Denise Richards: ‘One Day I Will Spill My Guts About Everything’

2009-12-30T01:23:00.000-08:00

Denise Richards has vowed to share the secrets she keeps – one day.

The actress, who has two children with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, wrote on her Twitter page on Tuesday that she plans to spill the beans about her life at some point in the future.

“sorry had to vent s*** pisses me off sometimes..one day..I will spill my guts about EVERYTHING,” she wrote.

Denise took to Twitter on Tuesday to defend herself after she received criticism from other users of the social networking service. The criticism was directed at the actress after the paparazzi took pictures of the star playing with her daughters (with Sheen) in a park.

“for all the negative nellies out there, I DID not have a f..ing photo op with my kids at a park when there is drama u get followed more,” she said, seemingly referring to the headlines about her ex, who was arrested on Christmas Day and charged with second-degree assault, menacing and criminal mischief in Aspen, Colorado.

Sheen remains free on bail and a rep for the actor previously released a statement asking people “not to jump to any conclusion.”

As for Denise, it appears those “negative nellies” won’t be in her 2010 future.

“thinking about my new years resolution(s) may have a few , one-cutting out all negative people once and for all. Life is too short for B.S.” she Tweeted.

Report: Taylor Lautner & Taylor Swift Split

2009-12-30T01:16:00.000-08:00

Twilight Saga” star Taylor Lautner and singer Taylor Swift have broken up, according to Us Weekly.

“It wasn’t really developing into anything, and wasn’t going to, so they decided they were better as friends,” a source close to the country cutie, who turned 20 earlier this month, told the mag. “There was no chemistry.”

In recent months, Lautner, 17, and Swift, had been spotted out and about together, but despite hinting at their rumored relationship during their appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” the two never confirmed they were dating. However, they were photographed looking close as they attended a hockey game in October and the film star was even present at one of Swift’s concerts where she gave him an extended hug in front of the audience.

Earlier this month, the co-stars reportedly did some additional filming for “Valentine’s Day,” the film set they met on, and were spotted looking cosy in Los Angeles afterward as they stepped out for dinner at Benihana and desert at Menchies Yogurt in Beverly Hills.

According to Us Weekly, Lautner flew to Nashville, Tenn., earlier this month for Swift’s birthday on December 13, but the relationship didn’t work out.

“He liked her more than she liked him,” a source close to Swift told the mag. “He went everywhere he could to see her, but she didn’t travel much to see him.”

But the source said this break-up may not provide the same kind of fire Swift’s split with Joe Jonas, who is rumored to have dumped the country cutie via voicemail, did.

“They plan to stay friends,” the source added

Halle Berry, Colin Farrell & Matthew Fox Added To List Of Golden Globe Presenters

2009-12-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Halle Berry, Colin Farrell and Matthew Fox are heading to the Golden Globes.

The stars were added to the list of presenters at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards show, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced on Monday.

Halle, Colin and Matthew join an illustrious list of stars already announced to present at the January 17 ceremony, including Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and Mickey Rourke.

Martin Scorsese will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the event and it will be presented by Robert De Niro and Leonardo Di Caprio.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com the Golden Globe Awards will air January 17 on NBC from the Beverly Hilton. They ceremony will be presided over by host, British funnyman Ricky Gervais.

“Up In The Air” heads into the awards ceremony with six nominations, including Best Drama and a Best Actor nod for star George Clooney, the most for any film this year.

UPDATED: Tyra Banks Ending Talk Show; Will Focus On Film Production Company

2009-12-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

Tyra Banks is ending her daytime TV talk show.

The supermodel-turned-TV-mogul announced she that she will wrap up her talk show at the end of its current season – its fifth — this coming spring.

“This will be the last season of ‘The Tyra Show,’” she wrote on her Web site. “I’ve been loving having fun, coming into your living rooms, bedrooms [and] hair salons for the past 5 years.”

And Tyra was quick to claim she isn’t ending her show due to the ratings.

“The thing is, ‘The Tyra Show’ is not leaving because of YOU. Most times, a show leaves the air because not many people are watching. Well, you all ARE watching, in record numbers. You must know this love and support is always felt by me and it’s given me the courage to take more exciting steps in my life. So I thank you for that.”

Instead of sitting down to talk to guests on a daily basis, Tyra will shift her focus to Bankable Studios, a film production company based in New York, which she is set to launch.

“This year I’ll be unveiling some HUGE surprises from me and my company Bankable - new out-of-the-box projects,” Tyra wrote. “And I’m incredibly excited to announce that I’ll be launching Bankable Studios soon, which means my company will be making MOVIES!!! And what I love about creating new projects is that it also creates new jobs for talented people, in front of and behind the camera.”

Oprah Winfrey also recently announced she would end her daytime TV talk show run in September 2011 in order to concentrate on another project – in Oprah’s case the Oprah Winfrey Network.

And Tyra referenced Oprah’s big move as she thanked her loyal “Tyra Show” fans.

“Before I go, I have to pay homage to the ultimate Queen of Talk, Oprah, who made a huge impact on my life by giving me my first shot in daytime TV. We all know she announced that her last year with her talk show will be in the 2010-2011 season. We will all miss her show so much,” Tyra noted. “And to you Oprah: You have had, and continue to have, such an amazing impact on me. I salute you.”

Tyra will stay committed, however, to her longtime reality competition, “America’s Next Top Model,” which recently crowned its first petite model winner, Nicole Fox. The show will return in 2010 with its 14th cycle.

Charlie Sheen Accused Of Using Weapon In Alleged Case Of Domestic Violence In Aspen

2009-12-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Authorities say actor Charlie Sheen is accused of using a weapon in an alleged case of domestic violence in Aspen.

Sheen spent part of Christmas Day in jail after being arrested at a home in the Colorado ski resort town.

Police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro did not provide details on what kind of weapon Sheen is accused of using.

Sheen also was arrested on investigation of second-degree assault, a felony, and criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

Sheen’s lawyer didn’t return a telephone call Sunday seeking comment.

Sheen hasn’t been charged and was released Friday after posting an $8,500 bond. Prosecutors will determine whether to file charges.

‘Avatar’ Atop Hollywood’s Record-Breaking Weekend

2009-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

In Hollywood’s biggest-ever box-office weekend, “Avatar” held the top spot while earning only slightly less during its second week of release.

According to studio estimates Sunday, James Cameron’s 3-D epic earned $75 million for 20th Century Fox, only a 3 percent drop from its opening weekend total of $77.4 million.

“Sherlock Holmes” followed close behind with $65.4 million, including a record Christmas Day debut of $24.9 million. “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” took in $50.2 million.

Overall, it was the largest weekend gross with an estimated $278 million in total box office. The previous record was set in July 2008, the weekend that “The Dark Knight” was released.

Christmas is traditionally a big movie day, but it packed a particular wallop this year since it fell on a Friday, boosting weekend totals.

Taylor Swift Bikini Pictures

2009-12-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

I don’t follow country music so I don’t know if these pictures of Taylor Swift in her bikini shooting some sort of softcore porn music video are new or old, but I like a chick in a bikini so I’m keeping them either way. Besides, she’s hot right now and I’m sure none of you perverts out there are going to care. The pictures are all pretty good, except for one, there’s something about a chick in a bikini and a life jacket that’s just not attractive.

more pictures of Taylor Swift here

Shermine Shahrivar Bikini Pictures

2009-12-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely no clue who this Shermine Shahrivar chick is, I can’t even pronounce her name, but it’s Xmas eve and I know a lot of you kids asked me for random pictures of a German-Iranian former Miss Europe in her bikini so here you go. Look at that, I guess I do know who she is. Enjoy.

Access Star Sightings: December 18 - 24, 2009

2009-12-26T23:01:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 18, in Las Vegas: Krysten Ritter celebrating her birthday at LAVO, where she enjoyed Kobe meatballs, sea bass and chicken marsala… the “Breaking Bad” star turned 28 on Wednesday… And over at TAO, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky throwing his daughter Paulina a 21st birthday celebration in the restaurant’s private dining room.

Saturday, December 19, in Las Vegas: Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath enjoying dinner with “Terminator Salvation” director McG at TAO.

And in Orlando, Fla.: Justin Bieber high-fiving fans at his Radio Disney concert at the Celebration Town Center.

Monday, December 21, in NYC: Britney Spears arriving at JFK in her best geek chic sunglasses.

And in Ottawa: Carrie Underwood showing off her engagement ring at fiance Mike Fisher’s NHL game.

Wednesday, December 23, in LA: Renee Zellweger showing off some new shades after a shopping trip… Jesse Metcalfe doing some last-minute holiday shopping at the Grove.

Thursday, December 24, in St. Teresa, Costa Rica: David Duchovny jogging on the beach.

Charlie Sheen Released From Jail

2009-12-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

Charlie Sheen was released from jail on Friday following his arrest for domestic violence charges.

The star — whose real name is Carlos Estevez — was released at approximately 7 PM after posting an $8,500 bond, a spokesperson for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Department in Aspen, Colo. said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

The “Two and a Half Men” star is due in court on February 8, 2010.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Pitkin County Sheriffs Office patrol director Jeff Lumsden said in a statement, “Carlos Irwin Estevez, also known as the actor Charles I. Sheen, was brought to the Pitkin County Colorado Jail for booking and incarceration following his arrest by the Aspen Police Department. Estevez had been arrested for Second Degree Assault, a class four felony, Menacing, a class five felony and Criminal Mischief, a class one misdemeanor. All charges are coupled with a domestic violence component.”

A rep for Sheen told Access Hollywood on Friday that people should wait for the facts to come out.

“Do not be mislead by appearance,” the rep said. “Appearance and reality can be as different as night and day. It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion.”

Nicolas Cage Hit With $36.7M Lawsuit

2009-12-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Cage’s financial difficulties are getting worse.

The star has been struck with another lawsuit, this time for $36.7 million, according to People.

The mag reported that Red Curb Investments is suing the star, alleging that the tax-troubled actor did not repay over $5 million in loans nor did he disclose his tax problems, notably a $6 million debt.

“[Our client] was assured that Cage had substantial assets consisting of high-end residential property, yachts, airplanes, antiques, custom automobiles, jewelry, furs … to assure repayment of the [loan],” the company claimed in the suit, according to the mag. “[But] the values of Cage’s assets were grossly exaggerated.”

However, a Cage lawyer told the mag that “Any claims that Nic Cage engaged in fraud or wrongful conduct [are] absurd and ridiculous.”

Cage, embroiled in a lawsuit of his own against former business manager Samuel Levin over his recent financial issues, is also facing another recent lawsuit from ex Christina Fulton, who is suing the star for $13 million.

Charlie Sheen Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges

2009-12-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

Charlie Sheen is spending his Christmas in jail, NBC News has confirmed.

The star — whose real name is Carlos Estevez — was arrested on Christmas day at approximately 11:20 AM on domestic violence charges, authorities told NBC News.

“Carlos Irwin Estevez, also known as the actor Charles I. Sheen, was brought to the Pitkin County Colorado Jail for booking and incarceration following his arrest by the Aspen Police Department,” Pitkin County Sheriffs Office patrol director Jeff Lumsden said in a statement. “Estevez had been arrested for Second Degree Assault, a class four felony, Menacing, a class five felony and Criminal Mischief, a class one misdemeanor. All charges are coupled with a domestic violence component.”

Sheen appears to still be in jail at this time.

“Mr. Estevez has a total bond amount of $8,500. As with all domestic violence cases, Mr. Estevez will remain incarcerated at the jail until his case undergoes its initial judicial review,” Lumsden continued.

A rep for Sheen told Access Hollywood on Friday that people should wait for the facts to come out.

“Do not be mislead by appearance,” the rep said. “Appearance and reality can be as different as night and day. It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion.”

According to Radar Online, the “Two and a Half Men” star’s arrest and charges followed a “scuffle” with his wife, Brooke Mueller.

Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Mickey Rourke Join Golden Globes Presenters

2009-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Mickey Rourke will be among the presenters at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.

“Lost” star Matthew Fox will also present at the ceremony, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

Other stars previously slated to join the show are Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, who will present the Cecil B. DeMille Award to director Martin Scorsese.

The show will air on NBC on Sunday, January 17, at 8 PM ET.

“Up In The Air” heads into the awards ceremony with six nominations, including Best Drama and a Best Actor nod for star George Clooney, the most for any film this year.

Brittany Murphy’s Mother-In-Law Speaks Out On Actress’ Death

2009-12-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

As the family of Brittany Murphy continues to cope with the loss of the actress, her mother-in-law has spoken out about Murphy’s death and the effect it has on her son – Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack.

“He lost the love his life,” Linda Monjack told Access Hollywood on Wednesday. “It’s the worst thing to hear your son in this kind of state.”

Those words echo the same sentiments Simon Monjack expressed to Access Hollywood earlier this week in his first interview following the death of his wife at age 32.

“My world was destroyed,” he told Access at the time.

As for funeral plans for the late actress, Radar Online reported the services will be held on Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills – the same facility where Michael Jackson’s private family memorial was held this summer.

Murphy’s service will reportedly be “strictly private.”

However, Linda Monjack – who lives in Buckinghamshire, England — told Access if the service is held on Christmas Eve, she would not be able to make it to Los Angeles in time, but she is trying to get stateside as soon as she can to be with her son.

An autopsy on Murphy was completed on Monday. However, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office released a statement saying the cause of death would be “deferred pending the receipt of additional toxicological tests and tissue studies that have been ordered by the deputy medical examiner.”

Those results are expected to take at least four to six weeks.

Brittany Murphy Autopsy Complete; Results ‘Deferred’ Pending Toxicology Tests

2009-12-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

The autopsy on actress Brittany Murphy was completed on Monday. However, there was no ruling on the cause of death.

“The case of death has been deferred pending the receipt of additional toxicological tests and tissue studies that have been ordered by the deputy medical examiner,” the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Monday. “There will be no final ruling as to the cause and manner of death until all of the requested test results have been received and reviewed in context with the autopsy findings.”

The coroner’s office said that the final ruling could take at least four to six weeks.

However, they did note “no evidence of trauma to the body” of Murphy.

The 32-year-old actress was found unresponsive in the shower of her Hollywood home early Sunday morning. She was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at 10:04 AM.

Later in the day, Los Angles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told Access Hollywood outside of Murphy’s home that the actress died of natural causes and no foul play was suspected.

“It appears to be natural at this time,” Winter said on Sunday evening.

While Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack, had reportedly objected to his wife undergoing an autopsy, the star’s family was being “very cooperative,” Winter added.

In an exclusive interview with Access Hollywood on Monday afternoon, a grieving Monjack spoke about the loss of his wife.

“My world was destroyed yesterday,” he told Access.

Murphy and Monjack, a screenwriter, wed in 2007.

Murphy’s family released a statement on Sunday, asking for privacy in the wake of their loss.

“The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy,” the family said in a statement to Access. “She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”

Murphy rose to fame after a memorable role in 1995’s “Clueless.” Her other film credits include “8 Mile,” “Just Married,” “Girl, Interrupted,” “Sin City” and “Riding In Cars With Boys.”

ACCESS EXCLUSIVE: Brittany Murphy’s Husband Speaks Out: ‘My World Was Destroyed’

2009-12-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

Just one day after the death Brittany Murphy, her husband Simon Monjack has spoken out exclusively to Access Hollywood about the untimely loss of his wife.

“My world was destroyed yesterday,” an emotional Monjack told Access Hollywood on Monday afternoon.

Following the news of the actress’ death at the age of 32 on Sunday, the Hollywood community offered an outpouring of love and condolences for Murphy – and one message, in particular, was very moving to Monjack.

“I loved what Ashton [Kutcher] wrote on Twitter. It was comforting to me,” Monjack told Access Hollywood, adding he did not know his wife’s former “Just Married” co-star personally. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

The message posted by Ashton read, “2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon. see you on the other side kid.”

As far as what happened inside the actress’ home early Sunday, when Murphy was found unresponsive in the shower, Monjack said up to that point, it had just been “a regular day.”

“[Her mother] Sharon went into the bathroom because she had been in there a long time. Her mom screamed for me and I ran. Then called 911,” he revealed.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call from the home at 8 AM on Sunday and eventually transported Murphy to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at the facility at 10:04 AM.

While LA County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told Access Hollywood the actress’ death “appears to be natural at this time” on Sunday, an autopsy was being conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause of death.

With regards to the coroner noting she may have suffered from flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to her death, Monjack admitted Murphy had been sick – but it did not seem like it was anything serious.

“She had laryngitis,” he said, noting she had seen a doctor. “She had been tired at the end of the year. She had made a couple movies.”

In his interview with Access, Monjack – who married Murphy in 2007 — took exception to the idea that his wife may have been linked to people who were bad influences on her.

“I don’t know why anyone would think that,” he said. “She found love. We found love. Brittany didn’t get to where Brittany was with anyone controlling her… Brittany was Brittany.”

Jessica Simpson Heads To Jail — To Help Friend

2009-12-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson headed to jail early on Friday morning – to try to bail out a friend.

According to TMZ and Us Weekly, Jessica’s friend and makeup artist, Mary Phillips, was arrested in the wee hours of Friday morning after authorities received a disturbing the peace call from the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood.

When Jessica reportedly headed to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department in West Hollywood to bail her friend out, she was turned away due to Phillips’ alleged state of inebriation.

“She was arrested for being drunk in public, and she was not released to Jessica because you can’t release someone who has not sobered up,” LAPD deputy Aura Sierra told Us. “They’re going to release her a little later when she’s sobered up. I don’t know what time that will be. It could be a minimum of 6 to probably 8 hours.”

Phillips had been out with Jessica and hairstylist Ken Paves earlier in the evening of Thursday night – Jessica posted a Tweetphoto of the trio with the caption, “Sizzlin’ w my peeps, pretty boy KP, lil’ cholita… look out yo!!”

Beyonce Turns Up The ‘Heat’ With Signature Fragrance

2009-12-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Beyonce is joining the long list of celebrities with their own fragrances – but the “Sweet Dreams” singer’s might be a little bit hotter than the rest.

The entertainer will launch Beyonce Heat in February – something she believes is perfect for all the independent women out there

“My fragrance is a unique expression of a woman’s powerful sensuality,” Beyonce said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “The scent thrills and enthralls, drawing you in. At the same time, it is elegant and feminine with an air of mystery. I created this fragrance for self-assured women everywhere, for women who are not afraid to desire and to be desired.”

The singer has already been receiving praise from people lucky enough to get a whiff of her new scent.

“I’m so happy with it,” she told Women’s Wear Daily. “I’ve been working on it for a while now. I was on tour for a year, and I have meet-and-greets with fans. I’ve never in my life gotten so many compliments. Coty (the company releasing the fragrance) has their own testing, but that was my testing! The fans loved it. They were like, ‘I love that, I’m getting that, why isn’t it out right now? I need it!”

When it came to naming the fragrance and designing the look of the bottle, the singer said she drew inspiration from her high-energy Sasha Fierce stage theatrics.

“A lot of my performances have had fire involved, so we thought ‘Heat.’ Also, red is one of my favorite colors, as is gold,” Beyonce explained. “So then we thought of making the bottle look like it’s on fire. I love antique bottles – my mother had a collection of them when I was growing up. I wanted something with an antique yet modern feeling. Even with my wardrobe, I always try to find things that have a little bit of something vintage, yet still timeless and classic. The bottle, I felt, was a great mixture of the two.”

Heat is a lively mixture of a variety of notes including of magnolia, neroli and red vanilla orchid, luscious blush peach, almond macaroon, sweet honeysuckle nectar, creme de musk, giant sequoia milkwood, tonka bean and amber.

“This was my first time starting from scratch, although I’ve worked with a few other fragrance projects,” Beyonce told the mag. “Everything, from the bottle design to the name and the ideas for the commercials – that’s me. When I commit to something, I do it 100 percent, and I’ve never had [creative control over a fragrance] until this project. I learned a lot of great things from the past – but I always asked myself, ‘If I could have my own scent, what would it be?’ I wasn’t worried about deadlines. It could have taken me three, four, however many years – this was my first fragrance, and I wanted to make sure that it was something I would love forever.”

Taylor Lautner Hitting The Beach With ‘Cancun’

2009-12-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

Taylor Lautner is heading down to “Cancun” for his spring break.

The “Twilight Saga” star is sticking with Summit Entertainment for “Cancun,” an action movie designed to show off the actor’s martial-arts skills, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Taylor reportedly will play a college student on vacation who must rescue his friends – and a possible love interest – from a drug cartel.

Taylor, along with dad Dan Lautner, will also back the movie as the first project for their new production company.

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, the ready-for-action actor has also signed on to star in Paramount’s “Max Steel.”

Up next for Taylor is a spot in ensemble romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day” (in which he shares a romance with rumored real-life girlfriend Taylor Swift) in February, with the next “Twilight Saga” sequel, “Eclipse,” to follow in June.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs On President Obama: ‘I Hope He… Adopts Me!’

2009-12-17T02:57:00.000-08:00

Sean “Diddy” Combs may be a grown man, but he wants President Barack Obama to be his father.

“I ain’t gonna lie – if God said I could pick one person to be my father, I’d want to be Sean Combs Obama,” Diddy told Playboy for their January/February double issue. “That’s how dope he is. I hope he reads this interview and adopts me. I wouldn’t even have to be in the will. I got my own money!”

The rapper, actor and music mogul also told the mag that he believes hip-hop played a big part in getting Obama to the Oval Office.

“I think we are probably responsible for Obama being in office, yes. … The confidence, the swagger we instilled in our communities made that possible,” he said.

Although Combs himself is a confident, successful and sought after man, Diddy revealed that when he met Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop actually used him to meet a rather famous woman.

“He was acting as if he was from the hood. Then he whispered in my ear, ‘Where’s Beyonce at? I’m trying to meet her.’ So I introduced her to Mike,” the star recounted. “I thought he was coming to meet me but he was focused on Beyonce.”

While Beyonce is a friend of the star’s, rumors have linked the mogul over the years to a host of celebrity women, including Eva Mendes, Cameron Diaz and Sienna Miller. Diddy didn’t name names during the chat, but he told Playboy he did have a fling with a leading lady.

“There was a young lady who’s an actress. She’s famous. I liked her, so I was willing to do whatever I had to do… We started spending time together, but we were prisoners of our celebrity,” he explained. “She took me out to dinner after we got to know each other and hit me with a line that was straight out of the movies. She said, ‘You know this will never work, right?’ I knew she was right… This was going to shake up the world. It would have been a Puff and J. Lo situation, part two.”

And speaking of Jennifer Lopez, whom Combs dated for just over two years in the late ‘90s, the star said he will “always cherish her.”

“There are people who come into your life that you’ll always love and respect. She’s definitely one of them. I feel as though we changed each other’s lives,” he continued. “It was a different type of feeling. It was being in love with somebody who understands who you are because they are exactly like you.”

‘Golden Girl’ Taylor Swift Reveals Highlight Of 2009; Advice For Avoiding Pop Star Pitfalls

2009-12-17T02:53:00.000-08:00

It’s been an intriguing year for Taylor Swift. The same could be said for Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and Robert Pattinson – just to name a few.

All of these stars have made People’s 25 Most Intriguing People of 2009 list, the magazine announced on Wednesday.

For Taylor, who the mag dubbed this year’s “Golden Girl,” her crowning moment of 2009 came in The Big Apple far from the country stage.

“I think that standing onstage and waving goodbye on ‘Saturday Night Live’ after being the host and the musical guest is something I’m never going to forget in my whole life,” she explained. “That memory and that week is one of the huge highlights of this year.”

And when it comes to maintaining her “really nice girl” image, how does Taylor hope to avoid the pitfalls that other young superstars – a la Britney Spears, who People dubbed “The Comeback” of 2009 — have gone through?

“I’m the kind of person who thinks and overthinks and analyzes and overanalyzes every move that I make and every word that say and everything that I do. It’s not to make sure everything is politically correct. I’ve been that way since I was a kid,” Taylor told the mag. “I think out my next step before I make it. I’m gonna make mistakes in my life… But hopefully because of the overthinking nature… I won’t make as many mistakes.”

Of the other folks to make People’s list, Brad and Angelina were named “The Power Pair,” Pattinson was dubbed “The Heartthrob,” Oprah was given the title of “Departing Diva” and Kate Gosselin got into the act as “The Mother of All Reality Stars.”

Hugh Grant On His Fitness Routine & Conversing With The Queen About The Paparazzi

2009-12-14T23:44:00.001-08:00

In “Did You Hear About The Morgans?,” the normally well-dressed Hugh Grant strips down to a very uncharacteristic shorts and T-shirt look.

Hugh shows off some toned legs and fit forearms in his new film, and Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush found out how the heartthrob got them in shape.

“I have a wonderful Swedish girl, she’s a model, who takes me to the park, thrice a week,” Hugh told Billy of his workout routine.

Hugh said his toned frame is the result of a blood pumping workout.

”[She] throws sticks for me like a dog and makes me pick up heavy things and it has made me a bit butcher than I used to be,” he explained.

While workouts get the Brit revved up, it’s something else entirely that gets his blood boiling – the paparazzi.

In fact, Hugh revealed he once badmouthed the snappers during a chat with Britain’s Queen.

“I was introduced to The Queen. She was charming and I said — I was a bit drunk – I said, ‘Do you ever get annoyed by paparazzi? Do you ever get tempted to whack them with your bag?’” he revealed. “And she said (in a Queen-style voice), ‘No I don’t and don’t tell Harry.’ Because of course, her grandson, Harry, feels the same way as I do about paps and often gives them a whack.”

Hugh expressed sympathy with the Royal Family, who are increasing paparazzi targets, due in part to the love lives of The Queen’s grandsons, William and Harry.

“They’ve certainly made the life of her family a bit of a misery,” Hugh said of the paps Royal Family focus. “She’s just got tough about it recently because one of her homes out in Kent, they put their long lenses over the walls and take pictures.They’re really just trying to get Prince William and [his longtime girlfriend], Kate Middleton.”

As for his own troubles with the paparazzi, Hugh made light of some of the things he’s done in the past when he’s found photographers in places he didn’t quite expect.

“Well our understanding is that I hit them, I kick them and then I get arrested. It’s happened twice in the last two years. That works quite well,” he told Billy sarcastically.

Halle Berry Opens Up About Her Family’s Domestic Abuse Struggles

2009-12-14T23:40:00.000-08:00

Halle Berry is opening up about the domestic abuse her mother suffered at the hands of her father in the hopes of helping out battered women’s shelters.

According to Britain’s The Times newspaper, Halle has been volunteering at the Jenesse Center, a battered women’s shelter in Los Angeles for years, but is just now starting to reveal this side of her life. The paper reported that the actress hopes the publicity will help the shelters in tough economic times.

And she told the paper it is because of her traumatic past that she can relate to what the women at the shelter have dealt with.

“I saw my mother battered, and could not do anything to stop it,” she told The Times. “My father was tyrannical, lashing out at her for no reason. I felt the effects that had on our family — I’ve experienced what these women have gone through.”

Halle, who lost hearing in one of her ears after an alleged beating from a romantic partner of her own, said she’s managed to break the cycle of abuse.

“I did choose the wrong partners,” she told the newspaper. “Not always good men. Luckily, in recent years, I have been smart enough to hit the door when violence even becomes a possibility. That is something I will not tolerate.”

Halle also revealed that her mother, Judith, still struggles with why she took the abuse from her husband for so long.

“That is a deep question, and I am not sure she will ever come up with one answer. I have one answer to anyone in a similar situation — get out,” Halle said.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Halle recently told Access’ own Maria Menounous that she was proud of Rihanna, who was forced to deal with her own bout of abuse at the hands of Chris Brown in February.

“Recently, Rihanna stepped forward and obviously she had an issue with domestic violence. She was able to get away which isn’t often the easiest thing,” Maria said to Halle.

“Any time a woman frees herself from that kind of bondage and that kind of situation, I’m proud,” Halle said.

Johnny Depp Can’t Get Used To Winning Awards

2009-12-13T18:57:00.001-08:00

Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp suspects he’ll never get used to receiving awards for his acting work.

Depp, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” blockbusters, made the comments Sunday night before receiving a career achievement award at the Bahamas International Film Festival.

“Whenever anybody say they are going to give me some kind of award, I’m always a little stupefied by the notion. The first thing I say is ‘why?’,” Depp told a small scrum of reporters. “I just go to work like anyone else, except my job happens to be a little stranger.”

Lit by cameras during a red carpet event, Depp said he planned on spending Christmas on his private island ringed with white sand off Exuma.

“The place is as close to paradise as anywhere you can get,” said Depp, wearing a black pinstriped suit and tinted glasses with heavy black frames.

Fellow acting superstar Sean Connery, who also owns a home in the Bahamas, presented Depp with the award at the Balmoral Club in Nassau.

The festival’s founder, Leslie Vanderpool, described Depp as an “icon” who is one of the finest actors of his generation.

“What makes this tribute to Johnny even more special is that he has a home in the Bahamas and possesses a true love and appreciation for the region and culture,” Vanderpool said in a statement.

Depp’s diverse screen credits through the years include starring roles in “Donnie Brasco,” '‘Edward Scissorhands,” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”

In September, Disney announced that a new “Pirates of the Caribbean” film is on the horizon. Depp will reprise his celebrated role as Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” slated for summer of 2011.

Depp said he’s enjoyed playing all of his screen characters.

“I’m still amazed I get jobs after all this time,” he quipped.

Lindsay Lohan Back From India, Criticized Over Twitter Remarks

2009-12-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

Even Lindsay Lohan’s charity work is cause for controversy.

A Twitter post the star made during her trip to India to film a BBC documentary has provoked a response from social activist and single-named lawyer Bhuwan, who told Britain’s Telegraph newspaper that the star trivialized a serious situation.

“Over *40 children saved* so far…… Within one day’s work…… This is what life is about….. Doing THIS is a life worth living!!!” Lindsay previously Tweeted – a message since removed from her page – in reference to raids in New Delhi that saved children being held captive in workshops.

“She was not even in the country when this raid happened,” Bhuwan said. “We’ll be complaining to the BBC and talking to our lawyers … Would Lohan know where these workshops are?”

However, a BBC rep told the Telegraph that Bhuwan had misconstrued her Tweet.

“Lindsay Lohan has just completed filming in India for a BBC Three project on child trafficking. We would like to stress that she did not say she was present at the raid, this is a misinterpretation,” the rep said. “She was merely referring to a raid that happened connected to child trafficking - the subject of the programme.”

Lindsay’s mom, Dina, confirmed to People on Sunday that the star was back in the U.S., and applauded her daughter’s efforts.

“Lindsay is home from India now. I am so proud of her for going,” Dina said.

According to the mag, a highlight of LiLo’s visit was a trip to the Sanlaap women’s and children’s shelter, a safehouse for victims of trafficking and other harms. She also reportedly visited hospitals in the poverty-stricken country.

Tiger Woods’ Wife Buys Island Home In Sweden

2009-12-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods’ wife bought a six-bedroom house on a small island near Stockholm that is reachable only by boat.

Stenake Johansson, chairman of the Residential Association on Faglaro island, told the Associated Press on Saturday that Elin Nordegren became the owner on Dec. 1.

“Elin Nordegren has bought it, but I don’t know how much Tiger has signed on to those papers,” said Johansson, adding that his organization is still awaiting all the paperwork.

Johansson could not confirm the house’s reported price of $2.2 million and said he didn’t know whether Nordegren and Woods planned to move in.

Woods announced Friday he is taking an indefinite break from golf in an attempt to save his marriage following two weeks of allegations of extramarital affairs.

There have been unconfirmed reports the couple may be headed to Sweden to escape the worst of the media frenzy. Nordegren’s father, radio talk show host Thomas Nordegren, said Saturday he doesn’t know if that’s true.

“I have no comment to this. I don’t know anything, either,” he said.

Faglaro is one of the thousands of islands that make up the Stockholm archipelago. The quickest route there is a 45-minute ferry from Vaxholm — considered the main municipality of the archipelago — where Nordegren grew up.

The island has about 140 properties, mostly summer homes. Only two are used all year, Johansson said.

“But the Faglaro mansion used to be an old farm. It is solid and big and can be used throughout the year,” Johansson said.

Nordegren’s property is among the biggest on the island. Johansson said negotiations most likely started shortly after the house was put on the market in August — well before Woods’ car crash last month at his Florida home touched off the scandal.

Woods and his wife have been married for five years and have a 2-year-old daughter and a 10-month-old son.

Since turning professional in 1996, Woods has dominated the sport by winning 14 majors and 82 tournaments worldwide.

Gillette ‘Limiting’ Tiger Woods’ Role In Marketing Campaign; Nike Offers ‘Full Support’

2009-12-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods will play a more limited role with sponsor Gillette in the wake of his announcement of an indefinite leave from golf, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“As Tiger takes a break from the public eye, we will support his desire for privacy by limiting his role in our marketing programs,” Gillette spokesman Michael Norton told the newspaper in a statement, calling Woods’ current controversy “a difficult and unfortunate situation.”

Norton would not comment on the company’s future with the golf superstar.

According to Bloomberg News, television advertisements featuring the embattled athlete have virtually disappeared from primetime TV since his November 27 car accident.

Earlier this week, another of Tiger’s endorsers, Gatorade, discontinued its Gatorade Tiger Focus drink but denied the timing had anything to do with his current controversies.

However, Nike offer its support of the star on Saturday.

“Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade. He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era,” the company said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike’s full support.”

The star, who rakes in millions from his endorsements with companies including Nike, Gillette, Gatorade, Tag Heuer and Electronic Arts, released a statement on his Web site on Friday admitting to “infidelity” and announcing he would be taking a break from his sport to focus on his family.

Fergie Joins Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest As West Coast Host Of Annual ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

2009-12-08T05:21:00.000-08:00

Dick Clark’s annual “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” television spectacular is getting bigger.

ABC announced on Monday that the event, which will return for it’s 38th consecutive year on December 31, will have a host of performers and a new guest host as part of its line up.

Joining the TV legend and its current host, Ryan Seacrest, will be performers The Black Eyed Peas, teen sensation Justin Bieber, soul crooner Robin Thicke, Keri Hilson, Selena Gomez and Orianthi.

Peas femme fatale Fergie will serve as the show’s West Coast host from Las Vegas and the performers announced on Monday will play from Sin City.

Performers from the Times Square broadcast – where Ryan will be situated – will be announced at a later date, ABC said.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2010” will kick off at 10 PM EST on Thursday December 31 on ABC.

Brad Pitt Teams With ‘Twilight’ Studio For New Vampire Film

2009-12-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

Brad Pitt is making a return to the vampire genre – this time, with the same folks who brought “Twilight” to the big screen.

Summit Entertainment has picked up the rights to “Vlad,” which is described as an action-oriented take on the iconic Dracula, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Although Pitt – who starred in 1994’s “Interview With the Vampire” – won’t star in “Vlad,” he will produce.

The film will focus on Dracula as a young prince.

Anthony Mandler – who has directed music videos for The Killers, Eminem and Rihanna – will helm the visually edgy project.

No word yet on a possible production start date from Summit, who will be releasing the third chapter in the “Twilight Saga” series, “Eclipse,” in June 2010.

Leonardo DiCaprio To Get Animated

2009-12-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Leonardo DiCaprio is making a new leap in the film world – to animated movies.

According to Variety, the celebrated actor will lend his pipes to an animated film for the first time ever — “The Guardians” — due in 2012 from Dreamworks Animation.

“The Guardians” will offer a new twist to several characters from folklore including the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Santa and Jack Frost. Leo will voice the Jack Frost character, the paper reported.

The cast of characters will reportedly band together to fight evil in the form of a spirit named Pitch.

The film, which is based on the upcoming book series, “The Guardians of Childhood,” by William Joyce, is expected to hit theaters on November 2, 2012.

In the run up to the animated film, Leo has a host of projects on the way including the Martin Scorsese directed “Shutter Island,” which is due out in February 2010.

Johnny Depp In Talks To Play Mexican Bandit & Revolutionary Pancho Villa

2009-12-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

Johnny Depp is in talks to play one of Mexico’s heroes – Pancho Villa.

The versatile star is said to be in “advanced negotiations” to play the Mexican revolutionary in a film titled “Seven Friends of Pancho Villa and the Woman With Six Fingers,” according to Variety, which first reported the news.

Additionally, Salma Hayek is also said to be in talks to join the production, which will start filming in 2011, reportedly due to Depp’s other commitments.

According to the paper, the movie will focus on the excesses of the bloodthirsty bandit and revolutionary, based on the novel “The Friends of Pancho Villa,” by James Carlos Blake.

Telly Savalas played Villa in the 1972 film bearing the revolutionary’s name; Yul Brynner also played the man in 1968’s “Villa Rides” and Antonio Banderas played him in 2003’s “And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself.”

Villa was responsible for an attack on the United States in1916 in Columbus, New Mexico, the first on American soil since 1812, after the U.S. chose to support his former ally Venustiano Carranza. U.S. sent troops into Mexico after Villa following the attack, but he was never caught.

Villa, who was born in 1878, was gunned down in July 1923.

Did Tiger Woods’ Wife Call His Alleged Mistress?

2009-12-03T06:48:00.001-08:00

Tiger Woods allegedly called Jaimee Grubbs — a woman who claims to have had an affair with the star – on November 24 and left her a voicemail with a warning that his wife might be ringing the number.

In an audio clip posted on Us Weekly’s Web site on Wednesday, a male voice believed to be that of the professional golfer is heard saying; “Hey, it’s Tiger… need you to do me a huge favor. Can you please take your name off your phone? My wife went through my phone and may be calling you. So if you can, please take your name off that. Just have it as a number on the voicemail. You got to do this for me. Huge. Quickly. Bye.”

Hours after the magazine posted the call, TMZ posted their own story claiming that Elin Nordegren, Woods’ wife of five years, allegedly called Grubbs on Friday.

According to TMZ, co-workers of Grubbs at the Stone Rose Lounge in West Hollywood claimed to the Web site that Grubbs, a former VH1 reality star, who also appeared in a holiday-themed music video called “Druncle,” told people at her work she was having an affair with Woods and played them a phone message he left her asking her to take her name off her own voicemail.

The sources at Grubbs’ work, went on to claim that on Friday, the same day Woods was involved in a car crash that knocked over a fire hydrant, she received a call from a blocked number.

The woman on the other end of the line did not identify herself, but Grubbs reportedly told co-workers that the caller said, “You know who this is because you’re f***ing my husband.”

But Grubbs herself told Us Weekly on Wednesday the TMZ report is not true.

“Elin has never called me as far as I know. I did get a call from an unknown number last Tuesday (the same day as Tiger left me a message), but I never picked up,” she told the mag.

Taylor Swift Screams With Joy Over Grammy Nods, Says Being Recognized Is ‘Ultimate Honor’

2009-12-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has won just about every top music award there is this year, but the possibility of winning not just one, but eight Grammys, had the 19-year-old screaming for joy as the nominations were announced.

“I started freaking out and jumping up and down,” Swift said in a telephone interview Wednesday night after learning of her nominations, which included album of the year for her sophomore CD “Fearless” and mentions for song and record of the year.

“I honestly never would have predicted this, eight nominations — I’m ecstatic, and blown away and so so thankful,” the stunned country sensation said.

Swift’s haul of eight nods was only second to another blonde superstar — Beyonce, who got 10. The multi-hyphenate diva, who had an amazing year even on Beyonce terms, including performing at the inauguration for President Barack Obama and the first lady and a No. 1 movie with “Obsessed,” was rewarded for her fierce year. The Grammy-winner was nominated once again, this time for album of the year for her double CD, “I Am … Sasha Fierce,” song of the year for her ubiquitous anthem, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” and song of the year for “Halo,” as well as other awards.

Another diva was also nominated in all three categories: Lady Gaga. The eccentric entertainer, who had five nominations overall, garnered a best album mention for her debut CD, “The Fame,” while her “Poker Face” got nominations for record and song of the year. Other nominees for album of the year were the Black Eyed Peas for “The E.N.D.” and Dave Matthews Band’s “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.”

The Black Eyed Peas were also nominated for record of the year for their feel-good song, “I Gotta Feeling,” while the Kings of Leon were nominated for “Use Somebody.” The Kings of Leon hit was also nominated for song of the year, as well as Maxwell’s comeback hit, “Pretty Wings.”

The Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Kanye West got six nominations each, while Jay-Z and DJ David Guetta got five.

The country act the Zac Brown Band was nominated for best new artist, along with R&B siren Keri Hilson, rockers MGMT, the punk duo the Ting Tings and the rock group the Silversun Pickups. The year’s most popular new artist, Lady Gaga, wasn’t eligible; her single “Just Dance” had been nominated last year, before she was a platinum-selling act; previous Grammy nominees can’t be nominated in the category.

Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said that scenario won’t likely happen again: “There will be some changes so that particular situation won’t repeat itself.”

Wednesday’s nominations were unveiled at Club Nokia in Los Angeles as part of a prime-time CBS special. It was the second year in a row that the Recording Academy revealed a handful ofits 109 nominees during a televised concert; in the past, they had been announced during a morning news conference.

Swift, who turns 20 later this month, said she was holed up in a Los Angeles hotel room with her mother, editing home videos on her computer, when the nominations were being read. It was then she got a text from her producer, Nathan Chapman, that just read “AAUUGGH!!!!!”

Taylor didn’t know what to make of it.

Then he called and told her about her first nomination, song of the year, for her hit, “You Belong With Me.” And then the screams started, and continued when the nominations kept coming in.

Besides album and song of the year, she was also nominated for record of the year for “You Belong With Me” and country album.

“To be recognized by the Grammys is the ultimate honor, and all I know is that when I write about this in my journal tonight it will be in all capital letters and underlined four times, and there will be lots of exclamation points in this entry because I never imagined I’d get to write this kind of journal entry,” she gushed.

Swift may be in shock, but her nominations are not a big surprise to many: She was the year’s best-selling artist outside of Michael Jackson, and her “Fearless” CD, released late last year, has sold more than 4.5 million copies. She is not just a country superstar, but a pop one as well.

Just last month, Swift won five American Music Awards, including artist of the year. She’s also won top honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Country Music Association Awards and won an MTV Video Music Award (which was infamously snatched away by Kanye West).

But Swift, who has been nominated for a Grammy before, says winning one would be her dream triumph: “The thought of that absolutely is something that you daydream about.”

Swift was in Los Angeles to do a concert andto do some work on her upcoming movie “Valentine’s Day”; she had an early call on the set Thursday morning.

When asked how she planned to celebrate her nominations, she said: “I’m just gonna call a bunch of people and tell them that I love them.”

The Grammys will be presented on Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.

‘American Idol’ Back For New Season January 12

2009-12-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

“American Idol” will kick off its ninth year with a two-night season premiere in January.

Fox announced Tuesday that the hit singing contest, which last year produced a battle between winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert, will return Tuesday, Jan. 12, and Wednesday, Jan. 13.

This year’s big change: Paula Abdul is out as judge and Ellen DeGeneres is in.

Fox also announced that the drama “24” will return with a pair of two-hour episodes airing Jan. 17 and 18, and that “Glee” will take a break after its Dec. 9 episode, returning April 13 to follow “American Idol.”

Before that, the coveted post-“Idol” spot will go “Our Little Genius,” a new series that tests the knowledge of gifted children and debuts Jan. 13.

Former ‘Tool Academy’ Star Claims She Had An Affair With Tiger Woods

2009-12-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

A former reality star that was dumped by her boyfriend on VH1’s “Tool Academy” has come forward claiming she was involved in an affair with married golf star Tiger Woods.

Jaimee Grubbs, 24, claims to Us Weekly that she embarked upon a 31-month affair with the sports superstar beginning in 2007 — a relationship that she alleges included 20 sexual encounters.

Grubbs claimed to Us that she has pictures and over 300 sexy text messages from one of the world’s highest paid athletes.

Last week, Woods was involved in a car crash outside his home in Florida, a crash TMZ claimed happened not long after the golfer and his wife of five years, Elin Nordegren, argued over reports of his alleged affair with Rachel Uchitel, an event planner based out of New York City.

Uchitel has strenuously denied an affair.

As for Grubbs, she’s familiar with the cheating game. The Los Angeles based cocktail waitress was left broken-hearted on the first season of VH1’s “Tool Academy” after her boyfriend, Shawn, dumped her on the show after revealing he had another girlfriend.

Us Weekly said they will post a voicemail of Grubbs’ on Wednesday, allegedly recorded on November 24, which they claim features Woods suggesting that his wife may believe he is having an affair.

On The Download: Download It… Or Ditch It

2009-11-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

We can’t remember a time in recent history when so much great new music has come out in such a short period of time. But with the market so saturated with new releases, which albums are worth your time and money?

We break down all of last week’s and this week’s hot new tunes! And surprisingly, most of it is worth getting!

Adam Lambert, “For Your Entertainment” – Download It
Of course, all anyone’s talking about is Adam’s performance on the AMAs. Overall, we like what Adam’s doing musically – he’s a fresh breath of air for the music industry. Although not every track is a hit – standouts include his songwriting collaborations with Kara DioGuardi, Pink and Lady Gaga.

Shakira, “She Wolf” – Download It
The Colombian beauty is back with her 3rd English-language effort and we like it even more than her last! Steaming with electronica throughout the album, new track “Give It Up To Me” (feat. Lil Wayne) is sizzling!

Rihanna, “Rated R” – Download It
As disappointed as it makes us to say it, the music on the new album is nothing like the Rihanna of yore. Still, it’s a highly personal album that demonstrates a new & more mature side of the singer, which ultimately, makes it an important album and worth still getting.

John Mayer, “Battle Studies” - Download It
The Romeo of Hollywood reminds us why we love him – he’s one of the best songwriters working today. His latest will debut #1 on Billboard’s 200 this week, despite tough competition!

Robbie Williams, “Reality Killed The Video Star” – Download It
The former Brit boy-bander is returning to his place as a leading man with his latest release. Much improved over his lackluster last “Rudebox” release. Check out first single, “Bodies.” Our full review, HERE.

Kris Allen, “Kris Allen” - Download It
It’s a home run from “Idol’s” latest champ. Completely commercial and should appeal to several quadrants. Check out our full review HERE.

Lady Gaga, “The Fame Monster” – Download It
Not just your average album re-issue with a new track or two. Lady Gaga is redefining the idea of what it means to put out a “new album,” with the re-release of her debut, 2008’s “The Fame.” Instead, if you didn’t buy the original album, you’re getting all of it, plus a whole new second album with eight brand new tracks, each equally as good as her first effort!

Justin Bieber, “My World” – Ditch It
Not much about this teen sensation from Canada is exciting us, but if you’re 13, maybe you feel differently.

Susan Boyle, “I Dreamed A Dream” – Download It
What very well could be the biggest album of the holiday season (it will open #1 on the Billboard 200 next week)… comes from the most unlikely of suspects! And to bat, it’s very good! The producers picked the perfect tracks for SuBo’s coming out party

Janet Jackson, “Number Ones” - Download It
Sure, her past few original albums have failed, but the collection of the greatest from her whole career is too good to pass up.

Britney Spears, “The Singles Collection” - Download It
Just like Janet’s collection, this one is worth getting. There are 50+ tracks, so you’re also getting your money’s worth. Plus, great-unreleased dance mixes, which are awesome for the gym

Norah Jones, “The Fall” – Download It
Norah takes her sound in a slightly different direction, and we like where she’s heading!

Leona Lewis, “Echo” – Ditch It
A lackluster follow-up to her debut, although lead single “Happy” is a stellar song.

Beyonce, “I Am… Yours – An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas by Beyonce” – Download It
If you missed Sasha Fierce’s latest concert tour, catch up with it on this disc. Beyonce offers a companion DVD that is worth the price of purchase alone!

CBS, GLAAD Respond To ‘Early Show’ Blurring Lambert Kiss – But Not Madonna’s

2009-11-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

“The Early Show” viewers on Wednesday didn’t get to see what made Adam Lambert’s performance at the American Music Awards so controversial.

In a move that could be seen as prime evidence that the double standard which the gay, male singer has spoken out against in recent interviews does indeed exist, the network blurred a pair of racy moments from his performance footage, included a simulated sexual act and a kiss with his straight keyboard player.

“The Early Show” also played Madonna and Britney Spears’ famous same-sex smooch from the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards – without the blur. But why?

“We gave this some real thought,” a CBS rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “The Madonna image is very familiar and has appeared countless times including many times on morning television. The Adam Lambert image is a subject of great current controversy, has not been nearly as widely disseminated, and for all we know, may still lead to legal consequences.”

In turn, GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, spoke out against the editorial decision in a statement to Access on Wednesday.

“‘The Early Show’s’ decision this morning to blur Adam Lambert’s kiss from the American Music Awards reinforces an unfortunate double standard that is applied to openly gay performers,” Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD’s president, said in the statement. “I would have hoped CBS would provide the same treatment for images of gay and lesbian people and not create an unfair double standard that treats our community differently.”

Barrios went on to cite other networks’ coverage of the event as being fairer.

“CBS regularly shows kisses throughout every daypart. The kiss was not blurred on ABC nor in news coverage on other networks. While we continue to applaud ‘The Early Show’ for featuring Adam Lambert today, we have reached out to the show’s producers to express our concerns about their decision and offer ways they can make their coverage of gay and transgender people more fair.”

Miley Cyrus On ‘Twilight’: ‘It’s A Cult’

2009-11-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” might have opened with huge numbers at the box office and had the biggest November & Friday openings for any movie ever – but teen sensation Miley Cyrus wasn’t one of the Twi-hards pledging their allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob. In fact, the teen star considers the whole “Twilight” world to be “a cult.”

“I think it’s like [a] cult… I think it’s a cult,” Miley told Sirius XM’s The Morning Mash Up in an interview that aired on Tuesday. “I think it’s bad. I think it’s like, just people get too into it.”

The “Hannah Montana” star goes on to compare people’s obsession with “Twilight” to the public’s fascination with models.

“For me, I think it’s like when guys look at supermodels and they’re like, ‘That’s the perfect girl,’ … That’s what those kind of movies do to us,” she continued. “They’re like thinking that’s what girls should be like and not everyone is going to be Edward, hate to say it.”

Miley might be anti-vampire, but she’s very pro-pirate.

“Johnny Depp is way hotter than Robert Pattinson, for sure,” Miley said when asked about the actor nabbing People magazine’s coveted “Sexiest Man Alive” title.

And if the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star hadn’t been honored with the award, Miley would have liked to see it go to one of her former Disney pals.

“There’s not many things about me that are like a normal teenage girl. But the one like normal teenage girl thing is that I think Zac Efron is the hottest person in the world,” Miley said. “I really, really like him. And it’s weird… it’s weird because he’s my friend. I think also the reason that he is so sexy is because he and Vanessa [Hudgens] have been together since the first ‘High School Musical’ and… I think that’s really cool.”

And Miley said she has no problem mixing it up with other celebs like Zac.

“No, I’m pretty cool,” she joked when asked if she ever gets star struck. “I’m pretty much the coolest person ever… no, I’m pretty cool. I’m pretty much the coolest person ever.”

Is The Alleged Robert Pattinson Stench A Paparazzi Deterrent?

2009-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Following his rumored relationship with “Twilight” co-star Kristen Stewart and his dreamy coif, the most talked about Robert Pattinson tidbit is his alleged stench – but according to his co-star, Peter Facinelli, it’s all part of a plan to get a leg up on the paparazzi.

“He’s smart, because if he doesn’t changes his clothes and the paparazzi get pictures of him in the same outfit all the time, then they can’t sell the pictures,” Peter told New York Magazine last week at the Cinema Society screening of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

In fact, Peter said he came up with the aromatic approach to thwarting the snappers.

“That’s what I said he should do; I said, ‘You should not change your clothes, this way, how are they going to sell the picture of you in the same outfit all the time, because it will look like it was from the same batch,’” he continued.

Ashley Greene, who stars as Robert’s sister Alice Cullen in “The Twilight Saga” films, said the plan also keeps rabid Twi-hards at bay.

“You know what, I think maybe out of a defense mechanism, I don’t sniff him,” she said with a laugh.

As for director Chris Weitz, he’s glad that he can always tell when the 23-year-old actor is nearby.

“I can smell him coming, that’s the nice thing,” Chris joked.

Adam Lambert On AMAs Censored Performance: ‘That’s Discrimination’

2009-11-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Even before Adam Lambert’s show-stopping performance at the 2009 American Music Awards was edited for the west coast feed of the awards show, the singer told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson that he felt censoring his performance would be wrong.

“You know honestly, if I offended some people… it’s apples and oranges. I’m not an artist that does things for every single person,” Adam told Access’ Shaun backstage following his racy performance of “For Your Entertainment,” where he simulated fellatio with a male dancer and kissed male keyboardist Tommy Ratliff, who is straight.

“I believe in artistic freedom and expression, I believe in honoring the lyrics of a song, and those lyrics aren’t really for everybody either,” he continued.

And before his performance was edited, he told Access the thought of changing what happened on stage for the other half of the country would be a double standard.

“If it’s edited, that’s discrimination,” Adam said. “I will be a little disappointed because there is a little bit of discrimination going in this country. There’s a big double standard, female pop artists have been doing things provocative like that for years, and the fact that I’m a male, and I’ll be edited and discriminated against could be a problem.”

The singer did admit that an edited down performance would not shock him.

“I’m not going to be surprised that they edit it,” he continued. “People are scared and it’s really sad, I just wish people could open their minds up and enjoy things, it’s all for a laugh, it’s really not that big of a deal.”

Adam said he’s only trying to add a little shock to his show – something many before him have done.

“Shock is fun, shock rock is like something that existed, for example, like in the 70’s, Alice Cooper…David Bowie, you had artists that liked to push the envelope and that’s what made them so fresh,” he explained. “Prince for example, wore a**less chaps one year…I think that surprise is part of entertainment. I think that it keeps people watching its fun, it makes you laugh and it should be that way. And if it made you uncomfortable, maybe I’m not for you.”

Michael Jackson Wins 2 AMAs, Earns Tribute From Janet

2009-11-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson took home two American Music Awards on Sunday night, bringing his career total to 23.

The late King of Pop earned posthumous awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Male and Soul/R&B Artist. Both were accepted by brother Jermaine on his behalf.

“First of all, I would like to thank Allah, for blessing our entire family,” Jermaine said as he picked up the Pop/Rock Male Award. “It’s not just about the winnings, the awards – it’s really the message. The message that Michael had will live forever, and that’s there’s good in everyone. Start with love, and let’s love each other… We love you, Michael.”

Earlier, Janet Jackson opened the award show with a high-energy medley – and payed tribute to Michael in a new song.

Running through “Control,” “What Have You Done For Me Lately,” “Miss You Much” and “If,” she arrived at new track “Make Me,” which referenced Michael’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by borrowing the song’s title for its own lyrics.

The singer looked and sounded strong as she ran through complex choreography in a business-minded brown-and-grey outfit at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Janet then concluded her eight-minute set with “Together Again,” looking heavenward as she sang.

It wasn’t the first time Janet had honored Michael, who died on June 25, on stage. The star also danced to a medley of his hits at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this year.

‘Twilight’ Stars Attend Charity Screening In Knoxville

2009-11-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Actress Kristen Stewart wanted to make the right fashion statement when attending a screening of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in Knoxville.

The 19-year-old star told The Knoxville News Sentinel that she brought two fancy dresses, but they didn’t seem to appropriate for the Tuesday night screening benefiting the philanthropic organization Variety of Eastern Tennessee.

Minutes before walking out before a crowd of hundreds of fans, she changed into a simple black-and-white strapless dress.

The appearance by Stewart and co-star, 17-year-old Taylor Lautner, raised a little more than $440,000 for the charity.

Johnny Depp Wins His Second ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Title

2009-11-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

This year’s “Sexiest Man Alive” is once again Johnny Depp.

Depp nudged aside Jackman to get the coveted endorsement from People magazine Wednesday. It’s the 46-year-old actor’s second time as “Sexiest Man Alive.” He also won in 2003.

Kate Coyne, senior editor at People, said on CBS’ “Early Show” that Depp has achieved an almost “iconic status in terms of sexiness.”

Says Coyne: “Johnny Depp was someone who was sexy 10 years ago. He’ll be sexy 10 years from now. He’s someone who appeals to multiple generations of women.”

Depp joins other double winners Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Richard Gere.

Matt Bomer, who stars in USA’s “White Collar,” was named “Sexiest Rising Star.”

Teen Accused Of Burglarizing Homes Of Lindsay Lohan, Other Celebs Pleads Not Guilty In LA

2009-11-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

A suspected member of a burglary ring that stole cash, jewelry and clothing from celebrities’ homes has pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles.

Alexis Neirs, 18, is one of five people charged with felony burglary for an alleged spree that began last fall, targeting the homes of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and others.

Neirs entered the plea to a burglary charge on Monday. She is accused of burglarizing Orlando Bloom’s Los Angeles-area home on July 15.

She remains free on bail. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison.

Police in Los Angeles and Las Vegas say the burglars trawled the Internet to find celebrity homes and learn when their owners were away.