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Celebrity Legal News Spotlight: Entertainment Section
Movie stars capture our imaginations with their on-screen performances, social lives and overall celebrity. These stars also garner much interest when they occasionally become involved in celebrity lawsuits, whether as plaintiffs or defendants. In fact, some of the heaviest hitters in the entertainment industry have been involved in some very interesting lawsuits lately, and you can follow the latest entertainment lawsuits in greater detail below.
With that said, don't forget to check out our other Celebrity Legal News Spotlight sections on the latest music, sports, political, literary and unusual lawsuits taking place today.
Entertainment Celebrity Legal News Spotlight Updated June 29, 2007
Oprah's "The Color Purple" Sued for Not Enough Color
TMZ.com has reported that Oprah Winfrey's Broadway show, "The Color Purple" is being sued by a former stylist and dresser who was employed by the show but was allegedly harassed and retaliated against when she suggested to bosses that the show's staff did not include enough African American staffers. Shawnique Hill filed suit against the show, alleging that she was fired after she suggested to one of her bosses that there were not enough "persons of color" working on the play. Hill's lawsuit claims, "while the talent employed onstage was a cast of African American actors ... the crew hired backstage was Caucasian with the exception of three persons of color," reports TMZ. Hill also alleges that a white boss offended her by calling her "sister" and "girlfriend." Hill claims the production staff retaliated against her for the comment by firing her.
Wesley Snipes Plays Race Card with IRS, Taxes
Actor Wesley Snipes has filed a motion to dismiss an eight count indictment against him for failing to file his taxes for six years. Snipes argues that U.S. prosecutors discriminated against him because of race, according to the website The Smoking Gun. Snipes claims that his two white co-defendents, Douglas Rosile and Eddie Kahn, were not charged with failure to file tax returns, even though they also had not filed tax returns. Snipes, Rosile, and Kahn were all accused of attempting to defraud the government by claiming that Snipes was immune to taxation based on a section of the tax code. IRS officials have rejected this claim. Snipes has called the case against him "unscrupulous" and has also said that he is considering a lawsuit against Rosile and Kahn.
Entertainment Celebrity Legal News Spotlight Updated June 7, 2007
Inquest to Resume on Death of Daniel Smith, Son of Anna Nicole Smith
The Bahamas-based inquest into the death of Daniel Smith, son of the late Anna Nicole Smith, has been set to resume on June 26. Smith's attorney, romantic companion, and estate executor Howard K. Stern has asked the Bahamas court for permission to submit a special questionnaire to screen jurors. Stern claims that publicity in the case will make it impossible to select an impartial jury, thus rendering the inquest into Daniel Smith's death unconstitutional. Forty witnesses are set to be called for the inquest, including testimony from a hospital nurse who can reportedly confirm that she saw methadone tablets on the bed where Daniel died. Daniel Smith died of an apparent drug overdose in September. His mother, Anna Nicole Smith died a few months later, also of an apparent drug overdose.
Larry Birkhead's Attorney Debra Opri Sues Him
Debra Opri, the attorney who helped Larry Birkhead prove that he was the father of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn, is suing him in a Los Angeles Superior Court for $600,000 that he allegedly owes her for legal fees. Opri claims in court documents that Birkhead ignored the terms of an agreed-upon contract to help him get custody of Dannielynn. Birkhead has not yet responded to the suit.
Orson Welles' Daughter Beatrice Sues Over Citizen Kane Profits
The Associated Press has reported that a federal appeals court has ruled that the daughter of late "Citizen Kane" filmmaker Orson Welles can sue Turner Entertainment over a 1944 agreement that reportedly promised Welles 20 percent of all future royalties from the sale of the movie. Beatrice Welles, daughter of Orson Welles, unsuccessfully sued Turner Entertainment for profits in 2003, however, a federal appeals court has reversed a lower court ruling, saying that Welles' daughter has a right to sue for the profits. Turner had claimed that Welles was not owed the profits because DVD and video sales were unforeseen when the contract was signed.
Ryan O'Neal Not Charged for Brawl with Son Griffin
Actor Ryan O'Neal, 66, will not be charged for reportedly firing a gun at his son Griffin and Griffin's pregnant girlfriend last February in O'Neal's Malibu, California home. According to Jane Robison, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, the O'Neal family provided conflicting accounts of what happened on the night that police were called to the O'Neal home. O'Neal had been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and was released on $50,000 bail. He will not be charged in the case.
Keira Knightley Wins Lawsuit Against British Tabloid
Actress Keira Knightley won a $6,000 settlement against the British tabloid, "The Daily Mail" for suggesting that Knightley had an eating disorder and reportedly insinuating that Knightley was to blame for a teenager's death from anorexia. The paper later retracted the story.
Judge Will Dismiss Carol Burnett's Lawsuit Against Fox
A U.S. District Court Judge has said that he plans to dismiss comedian Carol Burnett's $2 million copyright infringement lawsuit against 20th Century Fox for the use of her "charwoman" character in the animated series "Family Guy." Burnett, 74, filed suit against Fox in March for airing an episode in April 2006 that featured an 18-second scene of her cleaning woman character in a sex shop, along with the theme music from her television show. U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson issued a tentative ruling and will later issue a written statement.
Mario Lopez Dances to the Tune of Angry Apartment Tenants
Actor and dancer Mario Lopez of "Dancing with the Stars" has been fined by the Los Angeles Housing Department and forced to lower tenants' rent because he has not fixed chronic building code violations. According to the tabloid The National Examiner, Lopez enraged his tenants by reportedly not fixing below-average living conditions that do not adhere to building codes. The city has sent notices to Lopez stating that the building violations, which include plumbing, electric, and heating systems which have not been fixed, will require him to lower the rent on the apartments in the building until the violations are fixed. Tenants have reportedly called the building "a living hell" and have called Lopez a "cheapskate."
Liz Taylor Can Keep Van Gogh Painting, Court Rules
Reuters news service has reported that a U.S. appeals court has ruled that legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor can keep a Van Gogh painting that might have been illegally seized by Nazis, because the family who once owned when it was seized waited too long to ask for it back. Taylor purchased the painting in 1963 at a Sotheby's auction in London. However the descendents of former owner Margarete Mauther, a Jewish woman who fled Germany in 1939, sued Taylor three years ago, claiming that the work should be returned to them because it had been seized illegally by Nazis. Taylor asserted that the painting had been sold through two Jewish art dealers without any indication of Nazi coercion. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with Taylor and the lower court's decision that there was no proof that the painting had been seized and that the Orkin family had waited too long to sue for it.
Howard K. Stern Files Court Papers for Anna Nicole Smith's Estate
The former romantic companion of Anna Nicole Smith, Howard K. Stern, has filed Smith's will in a Los Angeles probate court. Stern petitioned the probate court to affirm his role as executor of Smith's estate. According to papers filed, Smith's assets were approximately $700,000, not including the yacht that Stern was purchasing when Smith died. The Bahamas Court of Appeals had ruled that the will must be filed first in California, then in the Bahamas, where Smith had moved most of her assets. Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur, is expected to make claims against the estate, which includes ongoing lawsuits with the billionaire family of Smith's late husband Howard Marshall. Smith's daughter, Dannielynn, is the sole heir to the estate. Smith and her son Daniel both died of apparent drug overdoses on separate occasions last year.
Robert DeNiro Sued for Fraud
United Press International has reported that Robert DeNiro is being sued for fraudulent claims against an insurance company. Fireman's Fund insurance group filed suit against DeNiro in a Los Angeles federal court, accusing DeNiro of costing the company more than $1.8 million after it was forced to pay Fox studios for a filming delay, reportedly caused by DeNiro's prostate cancer. The insurance company said that DeNiro knew he'd been diagnosed with prostate cancer but did not disclose it, causing the insurance company to pay for delays in filming the movie "Hide and Seek." DeNiro's attorney called the lawsuit "opportunistic" and petitioned for a dismissal.
Diamond Heiress Speaks Out About Paris Hilton's "Fragile" Frame of Mind
Diamond heiress Zeta Graff, whose defamation lawsuit against Paris Hilton has been delayed because of Hilton's reportedly "fragile" state of mind after being sentenced to jail for violating DUI probation, has spoken out against Hilton's partying. "If Ms. Hilton was nightclubbing on Saturday night, she should not have been representing to the court on Monday morning that she was unable to participate in the trial," Graff said, in a statement from her attorneys. Graff's attorneys also said that Hilton should be required to explain her actions and account for them. Hilton's psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Sophy, had testified in court that Hilton was emotionally to fragile to withstand the lawsuit against her by Graff. Graff is suing Hilton for $10 million for "vicious lies" that Hilton allegedly said about her, which were published in the New York Post. The judge ruled that the case against Hilton should be postponed until August, after Hilton has served her DUI jail sentence.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Neighbors Sue Over Basketball Court-io
Leonardo DiCaprio is being sued by his Hollywood Hills neighbors, who claim that the basketball court he built on his property three years ago has ruined the land supporting their backyard pool. Ronald and Joan Linclau are seeking $250k in damages for trespass, removal of support land, and "nuisance," according to papers filed in a Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that the basketball court destabilized a slope of land behind the Linclau's house and claimed that DiCaprio knew the work would affect their property.
Filmmaker Michael Moore in Hot Water Over Cuba Trip
The Associated Press has reported that movie producer Michael Moore is being investigated for a trip he took to Cuba to film his latest documentary called "Sicko." Moore reportedly filed freelance journalist papers to enter Cuba, however, the U.S. Treasury Department claims that the papers were never approved. Moore allegedly took rescue workers who had been injured in the September 11 attacks to Cuba to receive medical care. "Sicko" reportedly criticizes the U.S. health care system.
Lindsay Lohan Sued for Allegedly Hitting Photographer with Car
Giovanni Arnold, a New York photographer, is suing Lindsay Lohan and her mother Dina in a New York State Supreme Court for allegedly trying to hit him with a car. The lawsuit claims that the mother-daughter pair were "negligent, careless, and reckless" when Lohan reportedly hit Arnold in the knees with her car outside the Soho nightclub Butter. Arnold claims he sustained "severe and permanent personal injuries" resulting from the incident. Lindsay Lohan reportedly told the New York Post that the incident occurred because a photographer jumped on the hood of her car and Arnold was accidentally knocked down because of it.
O.J. Simpson Denied Entrance to Cincinnati Restaurant Because of "Convictions"
He may not have been convicted in a criminal court of murdering two people, but O.J. Simpson can't get a table at a restaurant in Cincinnati because of a restaurant owner's "convictions." The restaurant owner, Jeff Ruby told reporters, "[Simpson] didn't get a conviction, so I followed my conviction." That conviction, he said was penned by Shakespeare: "To thine own self be true." Apparently, Ruby's true self told him to turn away Simpson from his steakhouse. When Simpson's blonde date stated that they had a "right" to be there, Ruby reportedly told her, "As a blonde woman, you should be more concerned about his right to kill you." Simpson and his party reportedly left quietly, and Simpson's attorney has since said that Ruby turned away Simpson because of race, not convictions. The story made world headlines. Ruby reportedly told a television news show, "We have a smoking section, but we don't have a murderers section."
Larry Birkhead Flies to U.S. with Daughter Dannielynn
Larry Birkhead, the father of the late Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn, has left the Bahamas for Louisville, Kentucky to take his daughter to meet family members. Birkhead, originally from Kentucky, has told People magazine that he plans to stay there for a few weeks before returning to the Bahamas under court order. The Associated Press has reported that Birkhead has changed Dannielynn's last name from Stern to Birkhead. Access Hollywood reported that the plane ride home to Kentucky with Birkhead was "an emotional, tear-filled ride." Anna Nicole Smith died in February of an apparent drug overdose. She had named her romantic companion and attorney, Howard K. Stern, as the baby's father, however DNA tests confirmed that Birkhead was the father.
Lindsay Lohan Gets Death Threats Over Lennon Movie: No Arrests Made Yet
Actress and celebrity wild child Lindsay Lohan told OK! Magazine that although no arrests have been made, she has received death threats from appearing in a movie about the death of John Lennon. The movie, "Chapter 27," details three days in the life of Mark David Chapman, the man who killed Lennon. Lohan plays Chapman's friend in the movie.
"Scary Spice" Melanie Brown Says She'll Sue Eddie Murphy for Paternity
Melanie Brown, who was known as "Scary Spice" when part of the bubble-gum rock group "Spice Girls", has said that she plans to take Eddie Murphy to court after he ignored her requests to take a DNA test to prove that he is the father of her child. Brown's child, Angel Iris Murphy, is reportedly one month old. The former Spice Girl has claimed throughout her pregnancy that not only was Murphy was the father, but the conception was planned. Murphy has denied the allegations on a Dutch television show.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Sued by Former Management Company
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has been sued for $50,000 in a Los Angeles Superior Court for allegedly owing money to her former management company for deals made over Hewitt's participation in the hit television show "The Ghost Whisperer." Handprint Management, according to TMZ.com, has filed papers alleging that Hewitt breached her contract with them after they had struck a deal to put her on the hit show. Hewitt reportedly paid the company for the first season of the show but refused to pay for subsequent seasons in the seven-year deal, as she cut ties with Handprint during the first season of the show.
Larry Birkhead Prevails Against Virgie Arthur in Bahamas Custody Case
Virgie Arthur, mother of the late Anna Nicole Smith, has lost her court appeal to block her infant granddaughter's father, Larry Birkhead, from leaving the Bahamas. The judge in the case called Arthur's case "weak" and ordered her to pay $3,000 in attorney fees for "wasting the court's time," according to TMZ.com. Anna Nicole Smith died of an apparent drug overdose and her daughter, Dannielynn, is her sole remaining heir. Larry Birkhead, a photographer, had claimed before the baby was born that he was the father, even though Anna Nicole Smith had named Howard K. Stern, her attorney, as the father on the baby's birth certificate. Several men claimed to be the father of Dannielynn, but DNA tests confirmed that Birkhead's assertion that he was the father was correct.
Porn Star Kira Kener Settles Lawsuit against Vivid Entertainment
Porn star Kira Kener, 32, has settled a wrongful termination lawsuit against adult film company Vivid Entertainment for allegedly firing her on the same day that she complained that she had contracted a venereal disease from a sex toy and expressed concerns about unsanitary conditions. Kener had reportedly refused to work unless she was tested for diseases but was denied tests by the director, who fired her in February of 2004. Kener also contended that Vivid Entertainment used and distributed her name and footage from video shoots for which she was not paid. Vivid Entertainment had asserted in court papers that Kener was an independent contractor and not an employee. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.
Larry Birkhead Can Leave Bahamas with Daughter Dannielynn
A judge in the Bahamas has ruled that the late Anna Nicole Smith's baby daddy, Larry Birkhead, can leave the Bahamas with infant daughter Dannielynn to return to the United States. The judge also ruled that Birkhead must return Dannielynn to the Bahamas for the baby's full custody hearing in June. Anna Nicole Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur, has objected to the ruling and could possibly appeal. Anna Nicole Smith died of an apparent drug overdose just months after the birth of her daughter Dannielynn and the death of her son Daniel, causing a string of paternity and custody lawsuits to be filed in both the U.S. and the Bahamas.
Angelina Jolie to Give New Baby Brad Pitt's Last Name Too
Despite tabloid rumors that the celebrity couple known as "Brangelina" is experiencing trouble in paradise, actress Angelina Jolie has entered a request in a Santa Monica court to change the last name of her latest adopted son, Pax Thien, to Jolie-Pitt. The child was adopted solely by Jolie, purportedly because single-parent adoptions are easier in Vietnam, but the action sparked rumors that the couple was undergoing a "trial separation." If the name change is approved, Pax Thien will share the Jolie-Pitt last name with the couple's three other children, Maddox, Zahara, and Shiloh.
Actor Richard Gere Sued for Kissing Indian Movie Star Shilpa Shetty
Actor Richard Gere and Hollywood actress and former "Celebrity Big Brother" star Shilpa Shetty are being sued in India by three attorneys who say the couple committed "an obscene act" when Gere kissed Shetty on the cheek in public during an AIDS awareness event. Attorney Poonal Chandra Bhandari and two other lawyers filed a complaint in a courtroom outside of Delhi, India. The complaints were filed a day after angry crowds in several Indian cities burned effigies of Gere. In India, public display of affection is considered taboo. The complaint will be heard by a Chief Judicial Magistrate in India soon.
Esteemed Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. Says Identity Thief Bought Lakers Tickets Illegally on His Account
Oscar winning actor Lou Gossett, Jr. has said that someone forged his signature to purchase a pair of Los Angeles Lakers tickets for $37k, according to TMZ.com. Gossett has denied allegations that he signed a contract to purchase the tickets himself and did not pay for them. In fact, Gossett has said that he has had Lakers seats for years. Gossett claims that a signature on a contract for two season tickets is phony and that he learned of a lawsuit against him for the tickets from the media. A representative for the Lakers confirmed that Gossett has owned tickets for 20 years and his account is paid in full.
Actor Ethan Embry of "Vacancy" Movie Sued for 2005 Motorcycle Accident
Actor Ethan Embry, who stars in the new film "Vacancy" is being sued in a Los Angeles Superior Court by a woman who was injured while traveling as a passenger on Embry's motorcycle. The lawsuit alleges that model Angelina Roudeva was riding on Embry's motorcycle when an accident left her unconscious. Embry, the lawsuit alleges, had been drinking and instead of sending the woman to a hospital, carried her to his bathtub and poured cold water and rubbing alcohol on her wounds. Embry reportedly only took the woman to a hospital for treatment after she screamed and pleaded with him after the pain of the rubbing alcohol woke her. Roudeva's attorney claims that the model has suffered severe and permanent injuries resulting from the accident.
"ER" Star Mekhi Phifer Sues Contractor for $161k
Mekhi Phifer of the television show "ER" is suing his former contractor for $161,000, claiming in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court that the company was hired in 2003 to remodel a carport, but the company failed to secure proper permits and adhere to building codes. Phifer was fined by city inspectors last year and alleges that it will cost him $95,000 to fix the problem.
Charlie Sheen Settles Over "Wacky Neighbor" Lawsuit
Actor Charlie Sheen has settled a lawsuit filed against him by a woman who alleged that the character of the "wacky neighbor and female stalker Rose" on the television show "Two and a Half Men" was based on her. Ursula Auburn filed suit against Sheen in a Los Angeles Superior Court in 2006, claiming that Rose's speech, clothing, and looks resemble her and that there were numerous interactions on the show that resemble actual experiences Auburn had with Sheen. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.
Larry Birkhead Pens Deal to Pay Monumental Legal Bills
Larry Birkhead, biological father of the late Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn, has reportedly sold the rights to his story to NBC for "a high six figures," which will cover Birkhead's mounting legal bills after suing for paternity and custody of Dannielynn in both the U.S. and in the Bahamas. Birkhead's legal bills are said to be more than $60,000. Smith's romantic companion and estate executor, Howard K. Stern, also reportedly sold the rights to his story and Anna Nicole's story, licensing footage to Paramount TV for what was rumored to be millions.
Howard K. Stern Files Slander Suit Against Virgie Arthur's Attorney John O'Quinn
The Man Who's Not the Baby Daddy Sues the Grandma's Lawyer
There's hardly a day that goes by without another party in the Anna Nicole Smith saga filing suit against someone else, and this time, Smith's companion Howard K. Stern has not disappointed. Stern filed a federal slander lawsuit against John O'Quinn, attorney for Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur. Stern said in documents filed in a West Palm Beach District Court that O'Quinn had made statements in the media that Stern had been responsible for the Anna Nicole Smith's death. Stern's attorney, Lin Wood said they were pursuing the case because "the public airwaves should never be used to promote personal agendas or vendettas." Stern is seeking damages for slander and invasion of privacy.
Chris Rock Paternity Suit to be Re-filed
The woman who claimed that comedian Chris Rock fathered her 13-year old son has withdrawn her original lawsuit, filed in Georgia, and will be re-filing the suit in New York. Kali Bowyer is reportedly suing Rock for child support, medical coverage, and attorney fees. She first revealed her lawsuit to the National Enquirer, where she claimed that she had cooperated with Rock's attorney for many years, supplying birth certificate and medical records, but was always brushed off. The tabloid quoted her as saying, "Take the damn DNA test!" Bowyer claims that her son, Jordan, has been experiencing seizures and needs a complete medical history, including the medical history of his father. Rock has recently denied rumors that his marriage to Malaak Compton was in trouble.
Liz Hurley's New Father-in-Law to Testify against Her
Model Elizabeth Hurley's new father-in-law, Vinod Nayar, has reportedly agreed to testify against her in a court case that alleges that Hurley's wedding to Arun Nayar mocked Hinduism. According to Reuter's news service, Vinod Nayar has "disowned" the couple and reportedly agreed to write a letter against Hurley and his son. The lawsuit was filed in a Jodhpur court in India by Vishnu Khandewal, who claims that the couple's Hindu wedding violated Indian Penal Codes because Hurley is not Hindu.
Larry Birkhead is Anna Nicole Smith's Baby Daddy
Larry Birkhead, the man whose DNA created a child who might inherit part of a late billionaire's fortune, has said that he has no intention of sharing custody of his daughter, Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern, whose mother was the late Anna Nicole Smith. Though Birkhead has yet to be awarded custody by the court, his DNA matched the child's DNA, ending a circus-style media frenzy over who was the baby's father. Several men claimed to have fathered the child, though Howard K. Stern, Smith's attorney, was listed as the father on the child's birth certificate and has been the primary caretaker of the child since Smith's death. Smith had been embroiled in legal battles with the family of her late husband, J. Howard Marshall, over his billion-dollar estate for years prior to her death. If the case is settled in her favor, Dannielynn, as sole heir to Smith's estate, would inherit millions of dollars. Birkhead is set to appear in a Bahamas courtroom soon to determine custody of Dannielynn.
Actor Justin Berfield Sues Construction Company for Mold
Justin Berfield, the actor who played Reese on "Malcolm in the Middle," has filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that Shell Burton Construction shoddily remodeled his Studio City home, causing the home to become infested with mold. TMZ.com reported that the construction company, which once owned the home, reportedly installed indoor planters in the home that Berfield alleges caused the mold.
Berfield is suing for more than $1 million in damages.
Donatella Versace May Sue Over Reports of Daughter's Anorexia
Celebrity fashion designer Donatella Versace has reportedly said she will sue several newspapers after reports were published that her daughter Allegra, 20, had been hospitalized for an eating disorder. Versace issued an official statement saying her daughter was, in fact, suffering from anorexia, but insisted that Allegra was receiving medical treatment at home and denied that she had said that anorexia was "consuming" her daughter.
Howard K. Stern Says He Won't Fight for Custody of Dannielynn
The celebrity news show, "ET" has reported that Howard K. Stern has said that if the DNA results of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter reveal that he is not the child's father, he will not fight for custody of the baby. Stern reportedly has decided to help Larry Birkhead, the man who is fighting for custody of the child and has insisted before she was born that he was the father, keep the baby away from Anna Nicole Smith's mother, Virgie Arthur. Howard K. Stern is named on the birth certificate as Dannielynn's father. Several men have claimed to be the baby's father, and a judge has ordered DNA tests of key parties in the paternity suit, including Stern and Birkhead. Results are expected to be revealed soon. Anna Nicole Smith died of an apparent drug overdose several months ago.
Actor John Goodman Sued for $3 Million after Turning Down Pope Role
Actor John Goodman has been sued by a German film company for $3 million for reportedly backing out of the lead role in a movie about a female pope. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Constantin Film Produktion, court papers allege that Goodman "entered an oral agreement" in February of this year to star in the movie "Pope Joan" about a 9th century female who passes herself off as a male, becomes a Christian scholar, and eventually a Pope. The lawsuit alleges that Goodman and the film company had an "oral contract" for Goodman to play the Pope role for the sum of $500,000, then Goodman's agent emailed the film company two months before shooting that Goodman would not be participating in the film. Goodman's representative released a statement saying the following: "There were talks about Mr. Goodman participating in the "Pope Joan" project, although no agreement was ever reached. This is a frivolous lawsuit."
Kevin Costner Sues Music Promoter for $8.5 Million
Actor Kevin Costner has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing music promoter Mahee Worldwide Ventures Inc. of fraud and breach of contract to the tune of $8.5 million. Costner alleges that Mahee has not kept up its end of an agreement to market, manage, and promote Costner's band, "The Kevin Costner Band." Mahee has not yet responded to the lawsuit. Costner now sings and writes songs and hired the music promoter in January.
Martha Stewart Tries to Trademark Her Home Town; Town to Sue
Domestic diva Martha Stewart's company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, has filed a trademark application for use of her hometown's name on her products, and the hometown's not happy about it. The village of Katonah, in Westchester County, has objected to the application, according to the New York Daily News. The Katonah Village Improvement Society has said it will take legal action to prevent Stewart from using the Katonah name on her products. Bill Tisherman, vice president of the Improvement Society said, "If we don't proceed, then we lose."
Anna Nicole Smith's Mother, Virgie Arthur, Files Papers to Get Custody of Baby Dannielynn
Virgie Arthur, the mother of the late Anna Nicole Smith, has filed court documents in the Bahamas to become guardian ad litem of Smith's only remaining heir, Dannielynn Smith. Anna Nicole Smith's death has caused a spate of lawsuits concerning the custody and paternity of now-orphaned Dannielynn. Anna Nicole Smith died earlier this year, just months after her son Daniel died. Both died of an apparent drug overdose.
Howard K. Stern Appeals in Anna Nicole Smith's Baby Daddy Case
Anna Nicole Smith's longtime lawyer and companion has appealed a judge's directive to have DNA swab tests taken to determine paternity of Dannielynn Smith, the six-month old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith. Though DNA swab tests have already been taken, the appeal would delay the ongoing custody and paternity battle over the child. Smith's death and the death of her son Daniel, both of reported drug overdoses, have created a strange series of legal battles that have created a media frenzy and have legal pundits scratching their heads. Numerous legal questions have arisen, including the true identity of the father of the child, who should get custody of the child, and who should control Smith's estate, which could potentially be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Howard K. Stern is named on the baby's birth certificate as the father, however photographer Larry Birkhead and several others have claimed that they fathered the child.
Carol Burnett Sues 20th Century Fox for Copyright Infringement
Comedian Carol Burnett has filed a $2 million lawsuit against 20 th Century Fox for violating copyright laws for featuring her "charwoman" character as a porn star on the "Family Guy" animated series. The episode, which aired in 2006, reportedly featured an "altered version" of the Carol Burnett Show's theme song. Fox television executives told Access Hollywood that the segment was 18 seconds and they were "surprised" by the lawsuit. A spokesman for the studio issued a statement that said, "We are surprised that Ms. Burnett, who has made a career of spoofing others on television, would go so far as to sue Family Guy for a simple bit of comedy."
Photographer Sues Woody Harrelson for Assault
A photographer for TMZ.com is suing actor Woody Harrelson for $2.5 million, claiming that the actor assaulted and battered him in an incident last June outside a Hollywood nightclub. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office investigated the incident and chose not to file charges against Harrelson, claiming that video footage of the incident did not prove that Harrelson had intended to injure photographer Josh Levine, nor did he intend to break Levine's camera. Levine, however, has charged in a civil suit that Harrelson stuck his hand in front of Levine's camera and broke the viewfinder. He also claims that Harrelson grabbed him by the neck, leaving minor abrasions that required treatment at a nearby hospital. Footage posted on TMZ.com shows Levine following Harrelson and others down the street, then taunting Harrelson with "you're just so sexy," after which Harrelson reportedly covered the camera with his hands and shoved it into Levine's ribs.
Naomi Campbell Completes Floor Scrubbing Sentence
Model Naomi Campbell completed her floor-scrubbing community service sentence in style, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana formal sequined gown as she left New York's Department of Sanitation to attend Elton John's 60th Birthday party. Campbell was sentenced by a Manhattan Criminal Court Judge to five days of scrubbing floors after she pleaded guilty to attacking her former maid, Ana Scolavino, with a mobile phone. Campbell was also required to pay Scolavino's medical bills and attend anger management classes. The New York Department of Sanitation has reportedly confirmed that Campbell successfully completed her sentence.
Photographers Sue Pamela Anderson and Denise Richards
Celebrity photographers Scott and Rik Fedyck have filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles Superior Court against Denise Richards and Pamela Anderson, for defamation and assault. The two photographers claim that a November incident at the River Rock Casino in Vancouver has left them with "nightmares." According to the lawsuit, Richards "launched into a 20-minute verbal tirade and physical assault" and called the men "scum." Richards, they allege, also confiscated their laptop computers and threw them over the balcony, striking an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Anderson reportedly made public statements that the pair, who were in Vancouver filming the movie "Blonde and Blonder," were plagued by paparazzi and wrote in her blog, ""If it were me I would've thrown the photographers over the edge - they got lucky." The complaint also states that the two women falsely accused the photographers of stalking them. Neither actress has responded to the lawsuit.
Marlon Brando's Estate Sues Over Chair Named "The Brando"
A lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles Superior Court alleges improper use of Marlon Brando's name and identity by retailers who are selling a home-theater chair they have named "The Brando." Court papers claim that City Leather Inc., Palliser Furniture Ltd. and Palliser Furniture Corp. did not get permission to use the late actor's name. The lawsuit is asking for unspecified damages and discontinued use of the name.
Hollywood Mogul Peter Bogdanovich Sued for Shakedown Bribery Scheme
Oscar-nominated Director Peter Bogdanovich is being sued in a U.S. District Court in New York for allegedly taking $100,000 from a man who wanted Bogdanovich to launch his son's movie career. Iaroslav Jikov charges in court documents that Bogdanovich and his manager William Peiffer asked for $100,000 to hire Jikov's son, Matt Jikov, as a director's assistant on two films. Ioroslav said he wired the money in 2005 to an account identified by the two men, but demanded return of the money in January 2006 when nothing had happened. Bogdanovich reportedly had claimed that he was planning to make two films, one of which was for Paramount Studios, but was having difficulty obtaining financing. Bogdanovich's last feature film was released in 2001. Jikov is seeking return of his $100,000 plus punitive damages.
Bahamas Judge Orders DNA Tests in Anna Nicole Smith's Daddy Case
A judge in the Bahamas has ordered Anna Nicole Smith's attorney and romantic interest, Howard K. Stern, to surrender DNA to be tested and compared to Smith's daughter's DNA. A sample of the late Anna Nicole Smith's DNA will also be used for comparison purposes, as well as the DNA of Larry Birkhead, Smith's former romantic interest who claims he's the father. Howard K. Stern is listed on the baby's birth certificate as the child's daughter. Several men have claimed to be the father, including Smith's former bodyguard and the husband of Zsa Zsa Gabor, Prince Frederic Van Anhalt. If Birkhead is found to be the father, a decision on custody of the child may happen quickly.
Actor Mickey Rourke Sued for Defamation
Actor Mickey Rourke has been sued by a Miami Beach pet store for defamation, after the actor picketed the store and made public allegations that the Hot Dog Puppies pet store was abusive to animals and had intentionally sold sick dogs to consumers. The lawsuit claims that Rourke made the comments falsely and maliciously. Mickey Rourke had reportedly picketed the store after he purchased a Chihuahua puppy that subsequently died of a viral infection. The pet store reportedly paid for the veterinarian bills and refunded his money.
Anna Nicole's Baby Daddy Case Delayed
The paternity hearing for Anna Nicole Smith's infant, Dannielynn, has been delayed by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. The hearing was to determine whether Anna Nicole Smith's attorney and reported romantic interest, Howard K. Stern, could be part of a paternity case that is pending in the Bahamas. Stern is named as the father on Dannielynn's birth certificate, however photographer Larry Birkhead, a former romantic interest of Anna Nicole Smith, has claimed even before the child was born that he is the father. The judge reportedly postponed the hearing while awaiting word from the Bahamas to see if a judge there would order DNA tests on Dannielynn. Anna Nicole Smith died in February, causing a multitude of legal battles regarding who fathered the child and who should get custody of the child. At the time of her death, Smith was involved in a lawsuit to get a share of her billionaire late husband's estate and was being sued regarding her home in the Bahamas. None of the cases have been settled.
Model and Actress Elizabeth Hurley Sued Over Hindu Wedding
Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley is being sued by a Hindu man who claims that her recent marriage to businessman Arun Nayar was illegal. Vishnu Khandewal has filed a lawsuit against Hurley in a Jodhpur court, claiming that Hurley's Hindu wedding violated Indian Penal Code because she is not a Hindu. Khandewal cited a section of the penal code that addresses "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage feelings." The charges will be heard before a judge on March 21.
Actress Kate Winslet Wins Libel Lawsuit over Diet Claims
Actress Kate Winslet was awarded "substantial" libel damages for a lawsuit she filed against Grazia magazine in a London High Court, according to the Associated Press. Winslet claimed that the British magazine wrongly stated that she had visited a Chinese herbalist who treated her for weight loss. Grazia printed an apology and reportedly settled for an undisclosed amount. Winslet's attorney said Winslet will donate the payment to charity.
Judge Changes Court Order for Jennifer Love Hewitt Stalker
Diana Napolis of La Mesa, CA convinced a judge to change her probation orders so she can download files from the Internet. Napolis pleaded guilty in 2003 to stalking actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and reportedly believed that Hewitt and director Steven Spielberg were part of a group of people monitoring her life. Napolis reportedly confronted Hewitt at a public appearance in 2000, then sent threatening emails to Hewitt via her website. Judge David Szumowski said Napolis can access a computer but must provide a log to her probation officer and may not contact any famous people.
"Rock Star" Producer Mark Burnett Sued for Stolen Show Idea
Producer Mark Burnett, who created the popular reality show "Rock Star," featuring the band INXS, is being sued for $2 million by a woman who claims that the idea for the CBS reality show was hers. Writer/producer Sharlene Sullivan has filed a lawsuit against Burnett and CBS, claiming that she registered a show synopsis called "Rock Star" with the Writers Guild of America in 2002 and then shared the idea with several Hollywood contacts who are connected with both Burnett and the band INXS. Sullivan claimed that the parties were initially interested, then told her to abandon the project and suggested she instead write about transvestites. Soon after, the lawsuit claims, Burnett created the "RockStar: INXS" hit.
Actor Jeff Goldblum Gets Permanent Restraining Order against Woman
Actor Jeff Goldblum has been awarded a permanent restraining order against a woman he claims has been stalking him. A Los Angeles Superior Court ordered Linda Ransom, 44, to permanently stay at least 100 yards from the actor as well as from his home, workplace, and vehicle. Goldblum claimed in a petition against the woman that she had visited his home more than 50 times in what he called an "escalating pattern of harassing, threatening, and stalking" behavior. Goldblum also claimed that Ransom had parked her car across his driveway, preventing him from leaving or entering his house.
Actress Kate Winslet to Sue Over False Diet Doctor Claims
Actress Kate Winslet has said she will sue the magazine Grazia for claiming that she went to a Chinese Healing Institution in Santa Monica, CA to lose weight. "I'm very upset," said Winslet, "It is categorically untrue." Winslet, who was nominated for as Oscar this year, has been historically outspoken about the fashion industry's use of extremely thin models.
'Sixth Sense' Director M. Night Shyamalan Wins Lawsuit over Fence
Sixth Sense Director M. Night Shyamalan has won the right to keep an eight-foot fence on his suburban Philadelphia estate. Neighbors charged that Willistown Township should not have granted a permit allowing a fence that was reportedly put up to keep deer off the premises. Neighbors complained that the fence hurt their property values and ruined the view. However, Willistown Township officials ruled that the fence can stay, saying their decision was based up "a fair interpretation of the zoning ordinance provisions that are at issue."
'Borat' Star Sacha Baron Cohen Catches a Break with Frat Boy Suit
A Los Angeles judge has thrown out a lawsuit filed against the mastermind of the "Borat" film character, Sacha Baron Cohen, by two Southern Carolina frat boys who claimed that they were duped into signing 20th Century Fox's studio waiver because they were intoxicated. Judge Joseph Biderman granted a motion brought by Fox studios to dismiss the lawsuit. Biderman had also previously rejected an injunction filed by the students to force Fox to remove the scene featuring the students in the film's DVD. An attorney for the students said they will appeal the ruling.
Madonna's Maverick Films Suing Over Prison Movie
Maverick Films, founded by superstar singer Madonna and Maverick Records executive Guy Oseary, is suing Beverly Hills-based Inferno Distribution for misrepresenting its interests to get confidential information about a movie that Maverick was making called "The Stanford Prison Experiment." A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered both parties to attempt mediation efforts and return to court May 22. Maverick Films has maintained that Inferno used Maverick to gain information about its movie about prison abuse, based on an experiment conducted on prisoners in 1971 at Stanford University. Maverick purchased film rights to the story in 2002 from Stanford University psychologist Philip G. Zimbardo. Inferno said it was making an English version of a German prison rights movie.
Anna Nicole Smith's Burial Saga Is Over: Judge Says Bahamas Wins
Three judges in Florida's 4th District Court of Appeal denied the appeal of Virgie Arthur, mother of the late starlet Anna Nicole Smith, to bury Smith in Texas. The ruling clears the way for Smith's embalmed body to be buried in the Bahamas near her son, Daniel, who died in September of a reported drug overdose. Smith's funeral will reportedly be held in the Bahamas.
Anna Nicole Smith's Baby Daddy Saga Continues
A Family Court judge in Florida ruled that he had no jurisdiction to get involved in the paternity case of Anna Nicole Smith's daughter, Dannielynn. The judge also refused to grant a petition brought by Smith's former romantic interest, Larry Birkhead, to obtain a DNA test from Dannielynn. According to Judge Lawrence L. Korda, only the Bahamas would have jurisdiction over the paternity suit. Birkhead has claimed for months that he is Dannielynn's father, and had brought a paternity suit against Smith while she was alive. Smith had claimed that her attorney, Howard K. Stern, was the father. Stern is also listed as the father on the child's birth certificate. Several others have publicly claimed to be the father. At stake for the child and her guardian is a potential fortune: at the time of her death, Smith had been embroiled in a lawsuit to get a share of the billion-dollar estate of her late husband, oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall. Smith, 39, died February 8, of unknown causes.
Robert Blake Appeals $30 Million Wrongful Death Verdict
Actor Robert Blake has appealed the $30 million wrongful death verdict against him, charging in court documents that jurors ignored the lack of evidence that Blake killed his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley and the verdict was the result of "prejudice and jury misconduct." Blake's attorney, M. Gerald Schwartzbach, alleged in a 55-page appeal that jurors had discussed the O.J. Simpson trial and wanted to "send a message that celebrities and rich people can not get away with murder." Bakley was shot at point-blank range as she sat in Blake's car outside a Los Angeles area restaurant that the couple frequented. Blake was acquitted in the criminal trial but found liable in a wrongful death civil trial. Blake has filed for bankruptcy and is unlikely to pay the award.
"Borat" Mastermind Sacha Baron Cohen Sued Again
Comedic actor Sacha Baron Cohen is by a woman he reportedly dated years ago, for using her name while interviewing Gore Vidal, as the character "Ali G" for an episode of Da Ali G Show. The woman, who filed the suit anonymously in a Los Angeles Superior Court, has charged that Cohen reneged on a promise that any reference to her name would be inaudible, but during the 2004 episode, in which Ali G interviews writer Gore Vidal, her name can be clearly heard. The plaintiff alleges that Cohen falsely claims to have impregnated her and calls her a "bitch" and a "minger" which is a British term for an unattractive person. She is suing for injunctive relief and unspecified damages. Cohen has been plagued by numerous lawsuits-including a suit brought against him by the entire country of Kazakhstan-after his "Borat" movie became a hit.
Actor Jeff Goldblum Files Restraining Order
TMZ.com has reported that actor Jeff Goldblum has filed a restraining order against a woman who has shown up at his house more than 50 times in the past three months. In court documents filed in a Los Angeles County Superior Court, Goldblum alleged that Linda Ransom, whom Goldblum met at a Los Angeles acting school where Goldblum teaches, had begun showing up at his home uninvited and unannounced. She also began showing up at places where Goldblum performs with a jazz band. Goldblum said in court papers that Ransom also sent "harassing and threatening letters" and had accosted him and physically attacked an employee. In court documents, Ransom claimed she was merely trying to get him to support her "research" for a screenplay.
Paula Abdul Sued for Upcoming Reality Show Based on Her Life
American Idol's Paula Abdul is being sued by Pilgrim Films and Television, according to the Examiner tabloid. According to a lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles Superior Court, the company claims Abdul agreed to make a reality show based on her life, then selling the idea to the Bravo network. Bravo will reportedly debut a reality show starring Abdul later this year called "Hey Paula."
Charlize Theron Gets Sued Over Watch Contract
Academy Award Winner Charlize Theron is in a legal dispute with Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil for breach of contract. Theron reportedly signed an endorsement deal saying she would wear only Weil's watches and allow Weil to use her photographs in its advertisements in exchange for "substantial funds." The watchmaker is suing Theron over photographs of her taken by Christian Dior, another endorsement deal Theron had reportedly signed, in which Theron appears in Dior perfume ads wearing a Christian Dior watch instead of a Weil watch.
One More Borat Lawsuit: Man Claims He's the 'Real' Borat
Sacha Baron Cohen, mastermind of a comedic low-budget film that has earned critical acclaim, a golden globe, and an unexpected $20 million or more, has been sued again, this time by a man who claims to be the "real" man who inspired the character of Borat in the movie, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit of the Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." Not only has Cohen reportedly been sued in the past by Kazakhstan-an entire country-but after the movie was released, many of the Americans who were portrayed as themselves in the movie, have sued. Cohen has fielded a barrage of lawsuits from frat boys, an Israeli comedian, Romanian villagers, and others who appeared unknowingly in the big screen smash hit. The latest lawsuit was filed by Mahir Cagri, 44, a Turkish journalist whose website was voted by PC Magazine one of the "25 Worst Websites." Cagri claims that his website bears a striking resemblance to the Borat website, and that he is owed a share of the profits because he is the inspiration for the Borat character. After winning a Golden Globe award for the movie, Cohen thanked "Every American who has not sued me so far."
Cameron Diaz Wins Damages against National Enquirer Publisher
Actress Cameron Diaz settled a lawsuit with American Media, Inc, which publishes the National Enquirer tabloid, for wrongfully printing a 2005 story alleging that she'd had an affair with a married man. Diaz reportedly settled the suit for "substantial" damages, according to her attorney, Simon Smith. Sam Howard, the Enquirer's attorney said in a statement that the tabloid "entirely accepts that the allegations were without foundation and ought never to have been published".
Sylvester Stallone Held in Australia Airport for Hours
Actor Sylvester Stallone was kept waiting for hours after he arrived at a Sydney, Australia Airport, after officials reportedly found prohibited items in his luggage, as well as prohibited items in the luggage of his traveling companions. "As a result of having their luggage x-rayed, a number of prohibited items were seized by Customs," Richard Janeczko, Australian Customer Service Manager told an Australian news organization. Janeczko did not comment on what the prohibited items were.
Jamie Foxx Sued by Stylist: Grammy Winner Didn't Pay, She Says
Celebrity stylist Stacy Young has filed a lawsuit against Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, Foxxhole Records, and 25 others for failing to pay her for work in June 2006 for the Black Entertainment Television Awards. Young claimed that Foxx had agreed to pay her and others she hired up to $3k per day for dressing him for the awards show and for press conferences promoting his film Miami Vice. Foxx has not yet responded to the suit.