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Woman Changes Charges In Bruno Lawsuit
13 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT
A woman who launched a lawsuit against Sacha Baron Cohen for allegedly assaulting her during filming for outrageous new comedy Bruno is now suing the funnyman for "emotional distress".
Richelle Olson filed suit against Cohen and studio chiefs at NBC Universal, claiming she was injured in a stunt at a bingo hall in Palmdale, California in 2007.
She claimed Cohen, who appeared in character as his outrageous gay Austrian alter-ego, used "vulgar and offensive language" when he took to the stage to call the numbers during the charity bingo game - and when she tried to snatch the microphone from him she reports a "physical struggle ensued".
Olson alleged the incident had left her wheelchair-bound after she suffered "brain bleeds".
However, after movie bosses at NBC Universal advised that they had unearthed footage they insisted proved Cohen "never touched" the alleged victim - Olson and her legal team seemingly quickly took a different route.
Olson has now dropped her claims of assault and battery, opting to sue Cohen for "emotional damage" instead, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The amount Olson is suing for was not clear as WENN went to press.
Gossip Girl Loses Target Collaboration
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Producers of TV's Gossip Girl are furious after bosses at U.S. retail chain Target pulled out of a deal to sell designer Anna Sui's Blair Waldorf-inspired fashion range.
The cast, including Leighton Meester who stars as the socialite, was preparing to film a party scene featuring decorations based on the Target company's bullseye symbol in New York last Tuesday.
But store chiefs axed the shoot - and reportedly scrapped plans to sell clothes based on the characters over fears of associating the brand with the scandalous show.
A source tells the New York Daily News, "One of Target's top executives got nervous about being that closely associated with the show, given the (debauchery) its characters get into.
"There was going to be signage (at the party), as well as Target symbols in purple and black - Anna's signature colours. And it was rumoured that Anna herself was going to be making a cameo appearance.
"The crew was thrown into a frenzy because they had to scrap everything they had planned. They can't believe Target would bail on them, especially after publicly announcing the collaboration."
Gossip Girl has attracted millions of fans with its controversial storylines featuring privileged teenagers drinking and taking drugs.
New York Officials' Tribute To Shelly
13 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT
New York City officials will pay tribute to murdered Hollywood screenwriter Adrienne Shelly with a memorial just yards from where she was strangled.
The Waitress writer was found dead in her New York apartment in 2006. Construction worker and illegal immigrant Diego Pillco later confessed to the killing and was sentenced to 25 years behind bars last year.
The Parks Department has put the finishing touches to a memorial garden in the West Village's Abingdon Square Park - across the street from the apartment where Shelly died, reports the New York Post.
A plot of flowers which Shelly's widower, Andy Ostroy, helped design will be dedicated to Shelly with a plaque on 3 August.
Radcliffe's Delight Over Dahl Kiss
13 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has fulfilled his schoolboy dreams - with a kiss from former model Sophie Dahl.
The actor admits the British beauty was his favourite pin-up during his adolescent years, and even joked he wanted to marry her.
He was delighted when he received a peck on the cheek from the six-foot tall (1.82 metre) blonde at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007 - and was thrilled when she later wrote to him after an appearance at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.
Radcliffe says, "She was at the fifth (Potter) film premiere and kissed me on the cheek. I turned round to her and said, 'Thank you, because you've given me closure on my adolescent years.'
"I got a note from her congratulating me on how I'd presented an award at the BAFTAs. I think we know what this means - she wants to marry me!"
Roth 'Walks Away' From King's Cell Adaptation
13 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT
Actor/director Eli Roth has ditched plans to adapt author Stephen King's thriller Cell for the big screen.
The moviemaker had been linked to the project, about an artist who struggles to reconnect with his son after a strange cell phone network broadcast turns humans into vicious animals.
But Roth now reveals he's quit the film, citing creative differences with studio executives Harvey and Bob Weinstein.
However, Roth - who also stars in the Weinstein-backed Quentin Tarantino film Inglourious Basterds - insists the split was amicable.
He tells movie website ShockTillYouDrop.com, "I kind of quietly walked away from that one... There was just sort of a difference in opinion on how to make the film and what the story should be, and there's a different direction the studio wants to go with it.
"It was very friendly because it's the Weinsteins, they made Inglourious Basterds and we're all friends. I said, 'I'm not really interested in doing the film this way. You guys go ahead and I'm going to make my own films.'"
And Roth admits he only wants to work on future scripts he's penned himself: "I've also learned that I really am only interested in directing original stories that I write, that's another thing I learned through that whole process."
Panettiere Reunites With Jones?
13 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT
Heroes beauty Hayden Panettiere has sparked rumours she's rekindled her romance with British TV presenter Steve Jones after the pair was spotted cosying up during a night out with pals in Hollywood.
The sexy actress, 19, began dating Jones in May, but their love faltered after they struggled to maintain a long distance relationship.
Panettiere revealed earlier this month, "I'm single and mingling. Steve lives in London, the distance is a bit too much. I'm not dating anyone specifically and I'm not looking for a house with anyone."
But the star appears to be back in 32-year-old Jones' arms - they were snapped together at Los Angeles eaterie Firefly last week (ends10Jul09), with Panettiere even hopping onto the TV hunk's lap at one point during the night.
Watson Brushes Off Pattinson Romance
13 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT
Emma Watson has defended her former Harry Potter co-star Robert Pattinson's budding reputation as a Hollywood playboy, insisting the pair was only friends during filming.
Twilight hunk Pattinson's current onscreen love interest Kristen Stewart has also been fighting off rumours they became a couple after appearing onscreen together last year in the vampire love story.
But Watson insists the 23-year-old British actor was a gentleman onset when they worked on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
She tells the New York Daily News, "He's just a good friend. He's a super-nice guy, and girls love him. We're just friends - but he sure was great to work with."
Kudrow Started Cassidy Fan Club
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Seventies pop idol David Cassidy has former Friends star Lisa Kudrow to thank for his teen success - she fronted an unofficial fan club.
The actress admits she was a huge devotee of the singer growing up, and after he replied to a fan letter from her, she set out to bring all his young supporters together.
She explains, "I started a fan club for him. I wrote away for photos and then I asked the girls to come over after school. They each had to give me a nickel to cover the cost for the refreshments and photos.
"Mothers would drop their girls off and say, 'I just want to thank you so much for doing this.'"
Noth's Tribute To Dad
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Sex And The City star Chris Noth is paying tribute to his late father - he has agreed to promote life insurance awareness in the U.S.
Noth was nine years old when his dad Charles, an insurance salesman, lost his life in a car crash, leaving his mother Jeanne to support the family and put Noth and his brothers through college on her husband's policy.
Now the star has agreed to become the spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month in September to encourage Americans to take care of their loved ones by investing in insurance policies.
He says, "I know from personal experience that life insurance can be the bedrock of a family's financial security."
Chandelier Shines On Arend's Proposal
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Actor Geoffrey Arend made sure he sealed the deal when he proposed to Mad Men star Christina Hendricks last year - he bought her the restaurant chandelier she'd always dreamed of owning.
Arend admits his bride-to-be let it slip that she had always loved the lighting fixture at a New York restaurant - and he set out to get it for her, so he could propose in style.
The romantic actor says, "I retrieved it from the restaurant. She had wanted that since she saw it when she was 22 years old. And now it's hanging in our dining room in L.A."
The couple plans to wed in October and they'll honeymoon in Italy.
Voight 'Hopes To Make Amends With Jolie'
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Jon Voight has sent his estranged daughter Angelina Jolie a copy of their movie Lookin' To Get Out in the hope of restoring their strained relationship, according to reports.
Jolie was just four when she appeared alongside her actor father in the 1982 comedy, which flopped at the box office but was recently issued for release for the first time.
Now Britain's Daily Express newspaper alleges Voight has gifted his Oscar-winning daughter with the forgotten film in the hope of repairing their relationship - which Jolie appeared to end after her dad spoke out about her mental health just before she adopted her son Maddox in 2002.
Voight says, "Angelina's scene is a very key piece in this film. She was wonderful."
Boxing Champ Gatti's Wife Arrested
13 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT
Boxing champion Arturo Gatti's wife has been arrested on suspicion of strangling the sporting legend to death with her purse strap.
Gatti was in Brazil on holiday with wife Amanda Rodrigues and their one-year-old son when he was found dead in a hotel room in Porto de Galihnas on Saturday.
In a dramatic twist, police have now arrested Rodrigues and accused her of murdering her husband after a drunken row.
She was taken in for questioning on Sunday after cops ruled her initial story was "inconsistent and incoherent" and she was unable to explain why she had been in the same room as Gatti for 10 hours without realising he was dead.
Rodrigues told police she had a fight with Gatti after dinner on Friday night and he pushed her to the ground during the row, causing her to sustain minor injuries to her elbow and chin.
She said Gatti was drunk and that a third party likely committed the crime after he went to the apartment by himself.
Rodrigues is currently being held for further questioning, with cops expected to bring charges later on Monday. A police spokesman said, "She is the only suspect.”
Gatti and Rodrigues were in the country enjoying a second honeymoon following a brief split.
Williams Supports Armstrong At Tour De France
13 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT
Robin Williams visited France to support his cyclist pal Lance Armstrong's bid for an eighth Tour de France title.
The Mrs. Doubtfire funnyman arrived in the country to watch the ninth stage of the famous race as competitors battled to complete the tough stretch from Saint Gaudens to Tarbes.
And Williams took time out of cheering on Armstrong to pay tribute to the cancer survivor's determination to reclaim his crown as Tour de France's champion.
He told reporters, "He's a great friend and it's great to hang out with him. It's wild to see him back on the Tour.
"You'd think after seven wins he'd think 'c'est fini', but no, he is back for one more time. That is pretty ballsy. To race the Giro d'Italia and the Tour of California already this year, it's kind of great and he is doing it for many reasons which is wonderful to see."
Williams isn't Armstrong's only Hollywood pal to come and watch him from the sidelines - actor and Dodgeball co-star Ben Stiller supported the athlete in Marseilles last week.
Bullock Knew James Was For Her After Bike Crash
13 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT
Sandra Bullock knew she was destined to spend the rest of her life with husband Jesse James, after she nursed him back to health following a near-fatal racing accident.
The Proposal actress had been dating the TV tough guy and motorbike enthusiast for just three months when he was rushed to hospital after a bike smash.
The 44 year old feared the worst as she was told priests had taken to his bedside in case he needed to receive his Last Rites.
But Bullock realised then that James was the man for her - and vowed to stay with him whatever happened.
She says, "The day I knew was after he got in a racing accident in California about three months into our relationship. I realised how bad it was when we were driving down to be with him and they said that the chaplains were already there.
"I said, 'Whatever condition he's in, I want to be the one to make the decision as to how to make him better,' and I realised I didn't have that right. I knew then that I was in for the long haul and I thought, if he was (going to be) in a wheelchair or whatever, I was willing to take it on.
"When couples make the vows "for better, for worse" they rarely think of the worst that can happen. But I thought the worst from the beginning, so every day is kind of a little blessing."
Hudgens To Strip For Sucker Punch
13 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT
Teen idol Vanessa Hudgens is set to send temperatures soaring again - as a foul-mouthed prostitute.
The High School Musical star hit the headlines when candid snapshots she posed for leaked onto the internet - and now she's stripping off again in new movie Sucker Punch.
She says, "I'm playing a character named Blondie and it's set in a brothel in the 1950s, so there's not a whole lot of clothes."
But the film is also Hudgens' first action role and she can't wait to start training: "It'll be gun training, stunts, fighting and all that craziness. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I've wanted to do an action film for a while.
"I think this is my time to really step it up and get to grow up. It will be somewhat different with the content and a few more foul words but that's the biggest difference."
Banderas Warns Indie Filmmakers To Prepare For Tough Times
13 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT
Antonio Banderas fears independent filmmakers are set for a struggle - because cash-strapped investors are refusing to gamble on risky movie projects.
The Spanish actor has just screened his directorial debut, El Camino de los Ingleses, at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic - and admits he had to fight for the cash to get the low-budget film off the ground.
Banderas, who has a film production company based in Malaga, Spain - blames the world economic crisis on the troubles lying in store for independent cinema, explaining, "The crisis has taken us by surprise and it is stabbing us in the back.
"It is very difficult to get a penny from a bank now. We are in a difficult situation."
But the actor/director, who was presented with the festival's President's Award on Saturday, insists he won't stop making indie films - he's currently seeking funding for a screenplay he has written about "the last king of the Arabs in the ninth century".
Gambon Hides Cigarettes In Harry Potter Robes
12 July 2009 6:46 PM, PDT
Michael Gambon had a special pocket sewn into his Harry Potter costume - so he could keep his cigarettes close at hand at all times.
The thespian, who took over the role of Albus Dumbledore in the hit films after Richard Harris' death, grew tired of having to dash off the set for a quick smoke in between takes, and asked costumers to tailor his silk outfit to aid his bad habit.
Director David Yates reveals, "Michael cleverly conceals a packet of fags below the lower part of the gown."
Gambon adds, "I got the wardrobe to put a little pocket inside for them."
The actor admits he'll miss his Potter clothes when the film series wraps up in 2010: "It is made of silk, it's very fine and so easy to wear. I will miss that."
Banderas To Play Zorba
12 July 2009 6:46 PM, PDT
Antonio Banderas is set to return to the stage for a new production of Zorba The Greek.
The Spaniard is set to tackle the title role, which late great actor Anthony Quinn made his own in 1964.
The Mask of Zorro star says, "I want to go back to theatre because it is my main source, I'm more a theatre actor than a film actor."
Banderas, who was honoured with the President's Prize at Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic at the weekend, won acclaim on Broadway as the lead star of musical Nine.
Model Hansen Wins Big Settlement Over Plastic Surgery Picture
12 July 2009 6:46 PM, PDT
Top model Monica Hansen has won over $500,000 (£333,300) in damages from a cosmetic surgeon who illegally used her image to tout for business.
Hansen sued the plastic surgeon earlier this year after she was alerted to the fact he was using a picture of her on his website to promote his work.
She was been awarded a $564,555 (£376,370) default judgment, according to TMZ.com.
Bruno On Top In America
12 July 2009 6:46 PM, PDT
Sacha Baron Cohen's outrageous Bruno movie has topped the U.S. box office with an opening weekend of $30 million (£20 million).
The comedy ended the summer stranglehold on the top of the film charts by Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which slipped into second and third place, respectively.
Johnny Depp's Public Enemies and romantic comedy The Proposal round out the new top five.
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