News
NJ lawmakers say 'Jersey Shore' show offensive, degrading; ask network to pull the plug
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) MTV is getting more pressure to cancel its "Jersey Shore" reality show. The latest criticism comes from the New Jersey Italian American Legislative Caucus, which says the show promotes derogatory ethnic stereotypes and is "wildly offensive." In a letter...
Billy Ray Cyrus says he reflects his dad in the Hallmark Channel movie 'Christmas in Canaan'
CAITLIN R. KING - December 23, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Billy Ray Cyrus has been preparing his whole life for the role of Daniel Burton in the Hallmark Channel movie "Christmas in Canaan." "I started digging through like old boxes of stuff and finding old Polaroids of my dad from 1964," he said. "I thought, if I can...
Brother says Simon Cowell to leave 'American Idol' after 2010 season to focus on another show
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) Simon Cowell's brother says the next season of "American Idol" will be the judge's last. Tony Cowell said in his weekly podcast, "The Cowell Factor," that a statement was being prepared that would certify that the acerbic British judge was leaving the popular Fox...
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, partners for 23 years, announce they separated over the summer
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) One of Hollywood's most enduring couples has separated. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, partners for 23 years and parents of two sons, split up over the summer, publicist Teal Cannady said in a statement Wednesday. She did not elaborate. Sarandon, 63, and...
Documentary project planned on Michael Jackson's former personal doctor, Conrad Murray
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) When Michael Jackson's embattled personal physician returned to work last month, cameras were rolling. Miranda Sevcik (SEHV'sik), a spokeswoman for Dr. Conrad Murray, confirms that a British documentary crew chronicled his first day back at a Houston clinic for the...
Singer Amy Winehouse charged in connection with alleged assault at British theater, police say
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
LONDON (AP) Singer Amy Winehouse was charged Wednesday in connection with an assault at a theater, police said. The 26-year-old soul diva was arrested after she presented herself at a police station with her lawyer, Thames Valley Police said in a statement. She was...
British court blocks singer Boy George's attempt to appear on reality television show
By Associated Press - December 23, 2009
LONDON (AP) A British court has blocked an attempt by former Culture Club singer Boy George to appear on a reality television show. The 48-year-old had hoped to appear on Channel 4's "Celebrity Big Brother" despite being on probation for assaulting a male escort....
In second careers as actors, Jay Chou, Lin Chi-ling enjoy shooting action sequences
MIN LEE - December 23, 2009
HONG KONG (AP) He's one of Chinese pop's biggest acts and she's one of the most famous Chinese faces on the catwalk. But R&B sensation Jay Chou and model Lin Chi-ling are enjoying their second careers as actors. Promoting their new film "The Treasure Hunter" in Hong Kong on Wednesday,...
James Cameron says China should let more movies in, imports will also boost domestic industry
GILLIAN WONG - December 23, 2009
BEIJING (AP) Hollywood director James Cameron urged China to open its doors to more foreign films, arguing it would boost the local cinema industry after the WTO ruled Beijing was illegally restricting movie and other media imports. In Beijing to promote his latest sci-fi...
From Hamlet to Hotson: Jude Law brings star quality to sidekick role in 'Sherlock Holmes'
JILL LAWLESS - December 23, 2009
LONDON (AP) Poor Dr. Watson. Always the sidekick, never the star. Jude Law hopes to rectify that situation with his charismatic performance alongside Robert Downey Jr. in "Sherlock Holmes," making the detective's right-hand-man a handsome action hero in his own right. He's just not...
