Carradine Family Takes Action On Death Investigation, Photos

David Carradine’s family members, dissatisfied with Thai investigators and “profoundly disturbed” by the publication of a forensics photo in a Bangkok tabloid, are seeking help from the FBI and an independent pathologist and have threatened legal action against any media outlet that reprints images of the actor in death.

Keith Carradine has filed reports with the FBI that could lead to the agency’s involvement, said Mark Geragos, attorney for the “Kung Fu” actor’s half-brother. The FBI confirmed that Carradine’s family had contacted the agency.

The family will also seek an independent autopsy by famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to determine whether another person could have been involved, Geragos said. Results of an autopsy performed Friday in Bangkok were not expected for at least three weeks.

A chambermaid found Carradine’s body Thursday at Bangkok’s Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel. Thai authorities said they have all but ruled out foul play, based on surveillance footage and interviews with hotel staff that indicate no one was in Carradine’s room before he died, said Col. Somprasong Yenthuam, who is heading the investigation.

A grainy photo published on the Saturday cover of the tabloid Thai Rath shows a naked body suspended from a clothes bar in a hotel closet, hands apparently bound together above the head and feet on the floor. The face is blacked out and other areas are obscured.

The paper did not indicate the source of the image, but Thai police said they believed it was a picture of Carradine’s body taken by a forensics team.

Keith Carradine said in a statement that the family was “profoundly disturbed by the release in Thailand of photographs taken at the scene of David Carradine’s death,” and threatened legal action against further distribution.

“The family wants it understood that, per attorney Mark Geragos, any persons, publications or media outlets will be fully prosecuted for invasion of privacy and causing severe emotional distress if the photos are published,” the statement read.

The actor’s family hopes the body will arrive in Los Angeles by Monday, Geragos said, but he did not give specifics.

Geragos said the family decided to intervene because of conflicting information about Carradine’s death and a lack of direct information from Thai authorities.

“All we really know is not much more than what the public knows, and that’s disturbing,” Geragos said.

Agents were checking with the FBI’s legal attache at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to see if Thai authorities “are requesting or would welcome FBI assistance in this matter.” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said the agency generally only gets involved in death investigations overseas if a crime is suspected.

Investigators initially said Carradine’s body was found “naked, hanging in a closet,” causing them to suspect he had taken his own life. But his family, friends and representatives have said they doubt the 72-year-old actor would have killed himself.

Police later said the actor may have died from accidental suffocation or heart failure after revealing that he was found with a rope tied around his wrist, neck and genitals — leading to speculation that Carradine may have engaged in a dangerous form of sex play known as auto-erotic asphyxiation.

But Geragos said he expects the examination by the New York-based Baden, a celebrity among forensic pathologists who frequently consults on high-profile cases, will clear up many unanswered questions.

“It’s an amazing thing what a good pathologist can accomplish,” Geragos said.

Carradine flew to Thailand last week and began work on a film titled “Stretch” two days before his death. His friends and associates told CNN’s Larry King he had a happy marriage, recently bought a new car, and had several films lined up after he finished work in Bangkok.

A martial arts practitioner himself, Carradine was best known for the U.S. TV series “Kung Fu,” which aired from 1972-75. He played Kwai Chang Caine, an orphan who was raised by Shaolin monks and fled China for the American West after killing the emperor’s nephew in retaliation for the murder of his kung fu master.

Carradine also appeared in more than 100 feature films with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal Ashby. He returned to the top in recent years as the title character in Quentin Tarantino’s two-part saga “Kill Bill.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Settling With Former Manager Britney Spears

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Britney Spears is settling a lawsuit from a former manager, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The pop princess was reportedly sued by Johnny Wright, a member of Britney’s management from 1999-2003, who claimed he was contractually owed pay through last year.

The terms of the Florida case were not disclosed.

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Britney spears has racked up over $2.7 million in legal fees since the beginning of her father’s conservatorship of her affairs beginning in February 2008.

The star is currently on the European leg of her “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” tour and was recently spotted filming a video for her latest single, “Radar.”

hace Crawford ‘Has Big Shoes To Fill’ For ‘Footloose’ Reboot

First Chace Crawford had to convince the producers of the “Footloose” reboot that he was the right guy for the role after Zac Efron left, but he probably wasn’t counting on having to impress the wife of Kevin Bacon.

Despite taking over the role that Kevin made famous in the 1984 version, Kyra Sedgwick told People she’s excited for the young star’s take on the iconic character.

“It’s that Chace Crawford guy, right?” Kyra told People. “We’re thrilled! Sosie is a big fan. We met him at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner. Kevin and he had a chat. He’s very sweet.”

But Kyra appears to be partial to her husband’s take on the role of Ren McCormack.

Adding, “He has big shoes to fill!”

Kate Hudson & A-Rod Getting Serious?

After Kate Hudson was spotted last month having dinner with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, rumors began to swirl that the duo was dating.

And now, according to People, the actress and the baseball player are getting serious.

“It’s somewhat serious,” a source told the mag. “He introduced her to a bunch of his friends.”

Kate reportedly followed A-Rod on the road last month while he played the Texas Rangers in a three-game series.

According to the mag, Kate and son Ryder, 5, stayed in the same hotel as the Yankees third baseman.

Kate and A-Rod “worked out together in the fitness center,” an eyewitness claimed.

During one of the three games against Texas, Kate reportedly sent Ryder to the ballpark to watch the game with his nanny, while she “stayed behind and watched the game from the hotel,” added the eyewitness.

“She remarked several times about what a big baseball fan she is!” the eyewitness said.

But will the reported new couple be able to hit their romance out of the park?

According to another People source, it’s too soon to call this one.

“You never know with Kate,” the source said.

Jamie Foxx Offers His ‘American Idol’ Prediction, Advice

As Kris Allen and Adam Lambert prepare for their head-to-head battle in the “American Idol” finale, Jamie Foxx said he already knows the name of the winner.

“Kradam! That’s both of them,” Jamie joked with Access Nancy O’Dell. “Adamis!”

Joking aside, Jamie — who got a chance to work with each of the finalists as one of this season’s special guest mentors – said he thinks the title of “Idol” will go to the man who has been the frontrunner most of the season.

“Adam is gonna win, I believe,” Jamie admitted.

However, the Oscar winner and platinum-selling artist said he sees nothing but big things ahead for Kris.

“For me, this is my opinion, that Kris dude, I guarantee you, he’s got something special,” Jamie told Nancy. “And if you notice, most of the people that don’t win usually end up with crazy careers.”

In fact, if Kris is looking for anyone to duet with, Jamie told the aspiring singer he’s ready.

“I told him. I said, ‘I’ll do it right here with you,’” the actor recalled of his mentoring session with Kris. “Because the way his nuance is, he’s not trying to win the contest – he was just giving you the real thing.”

“He sang something and he looked in my eyes, I was like, ‘Oh man!’ you know. It was crazy. I said, ‘Dude, you got something.’”

And while he was clearly impressed with Kris’ singing chops, he did offer some advice to the “Idol” hopeful.

“I asked Kris what he wanted to do. He said, ‘I want to do pop music.’ And I told him there is no such thing as pop music,” Jamie continued. “You do the music from your soul and then you hope it becomes popular.”

The new “American Idol” will be crowned on May 20.

Carrie Prejean Miss California Cancels On CNN, Lines Up Appearance On FOX

Miss California Carrie Prejean has missed yet another scheduled appearance – this time cancelling at the last minute on Larry King.

“My producer called and said she cancelled, but they didn’t give a reason,” King told us Thursday after her Prejean was a no-show for “Larry King Live.”

King told he’s not sure that the controversial beauty queen would be booked in the future.

“I have no idea, that’s up to the producers,” he said when asked if Prejean would be back. “Usually they don’t if someone cancels on short notice because you don’t do that.”

Miss California USA co-director Keith Lewis made excuses for Prejean’s absence, saying, “She’s a little tired. It was her birthday yesterday… she’s flying back from the east coast.”

She might have missed a date with CNN, but Prejean is scheduled to fill in on FOX’s “Fox & Friends” later this month.

News of Prejean’s FOX appearance was not surprising to Shanna Moakler, who resigned as Miss California USA Executive co-director on Wednesday ultimately because of Prejean.

“I’m sure, I’m sure,” she said laughing. “She’s the darling of FOX News.”

But, Prejean’s cancellation on Thursday was just fine with Shanna.

“They had told me she was going to be on earlier and I had said, ‘I would rather not sit down at a table [with her] at this time,’” she told Access.

Perez Hilton, the Miss USA judge who asked Prejean her opinion on same-sex marriage during the competition, wrote on his blog, “How many MORE chances is Trump gonna give her?”

Miss USA owner Donald Trump decided to allow Prejean to keep her crown after making deciding racy photos that surfaced online of Prejean “were acceptable.”

During Tuesday’s press conference with Trump, Prejean defended the leaked photos, saying, “I am a model, I am a Christian. Many of you are aware of an Internet photo that was posted of me when I was 17 years old and first entered into the modeling industry. A girlfriend took some shots of me at home to include them in my portfolio, which were submitted, to several different agents. As the photo was intended for application rather than publication and I did not and I did not anticipate anyone was in a position to release such an image.”

Judges Spar As Competition Heats Up For Danny, Kris & Adam On ‘American Idol’

“American Idol” packed in the punches on Tuesday night’s competition show and not just from the talented bunch of final three contestants.

Danny Gokey, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert all put in hearty performances in the hopes of making it to the finals, but it was the judges who almost upstaged them.

On Tuesday, the contestants kicked off the show, performing songs chosen by the judges. But after Kris Allen’s performance of One Republic’s “Apologize,” chosen by Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson, the fireworks at the panel’s table began.

After Kara criticized Kris’ faithful rendition of a song she helped pick, saying “at this stage you gotta be swingin’ it outta the park,” and suggested he should have interpreted the song differently and made it more unique, by sitting “out front with a guitar — acoustic,” Simon threw the comments back in the face of the rookie judge.

“I think, Kara, it’s a cop out what you said,” Simon stated. “You can’t choose a song for him and then blame him for doing the song.”

A riled up Kara quickly fired back at the Brit.

“You’re gonna tell me about interpreting a songs,” she shouted. “Have you ever interpreted a song in your life? No, I don’t think so.”

Simon suggested Kara and Randy should have given Kris the arrangement she wanted, something that came as news to Randy.

“We didn’t know we were allowed,” he said. “We didn’t know we were even allowed.”

As for the contenders, they too battled it out — with their songs.

Danny added a saxophone solo to “Dance Little Sister” by Terrence Trent D’Arby, a song chosen for him by Paula Abdul. And later, he stripped things down while performing the Joe Cocker classic, “You Are So Beautiful,” which had even Simon raving.

“I loved the song,” the Brit commented. “I would call that a vocal master class.”

Kris, after the mixed reviews of “Apologize,” shook things up on stage by tackling Kanye West’s “Heartless.” Performed with an acoustic guitar, and a new take on the vocals, Kris left Randy stunned.

“This is gonna be one of the toughest voting nights in the whole year of this show. I liked that version better than The Fray’s version, better than Kanye’s version,” Randy said. “That to me was better than the original!”

And as for longtime frontrunner Adam Lambert, he too received lofty praise for his two numbers, which began with Simon’s choice of U2’s “One,” a song the Brit had to get permission from the band – and a call from Bono — to use on the show.

“That was one brilliant song and one superb performance and one ‘American Idol’ that I’m staring at right now,” Paula raved.

Adam’s second song, his own choice of “Aerosmith’s “Crazy,” was also a hit.

“You’re one of the best that we’ve ever had on this stage,” Randy said as Adam’s family cheered him on. “[You’re] one of the most charismatic, one of the biggest brightest stars. I love this even more than ‘One’ for you. You should be a rock star, that’s what you are, baby.”