ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Janet Jackson Is "Not in a Position" to Start Dating Again as She Continues Tour. Janet Jackson is single and not so ready to mingle. As the "All for You" singer continues her State of the World tour across the country, speculation is brewing that the Grammy winner is rekindling her romance with Jermaine Dupri. But according to a source, these two are just friends and nothing more. "Jermaine and Janet have remained friends through all these years and never lost touch. They had a period when they broke up and didn't talk for a bit but overcame that and found friendship again," an insider shared with E! News. "Jermaine has a crazy love for Janet and they have been speaking more since the breakup. Janet and Jermaine trust each other and they have history." And before things start to sound like more than just friends, E! News has been told they are not in a relationship. "Janet is really not in a position to get involved with someone at this time," our source explained. "She is open though for something more down the line. They are in the talks of working on some new projects." A rep for the "Rhythm Nation" singer could not be reached for comment. Instead of focusing on dating and boyfriends, Janet remains devoted to continuing her tour as a single mom. Recently, Janet's makeup artist Preston Meneses teased fans about what they can expect when the singer arrives in their hometown. "She is happy and is in good spirits. I think the world is going to get something really special from her," he shared. "She's really excited. We all are -- a lot of us have been working together for years so when we come together, it's just like being with your family and when you work with your family, things just come easy and it's a wonderful experience. Right now, I just feel like the universe put us all together for another moment. I think it's going to be a very successful tour." Find out if Janet is coming to your neck of the woods online now. (Eonline)
Olivia Newton-John Talks Second Fight With Breast Cancer on Today: "I'm Not Going to Be One of Those Statistics." After 25 years in remission, Olivia Newton-John learned her breast cancer had returned and spread to her lower back in May. Today's Natalie Morales sat down with the Grease star in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia to discuss how she's fighting cancer a second time around. The early signs of the cancer's return weren't entirely clear to Newton-John. The actress and singer had been performing at the time and thought that the pain she experienced while walking was due to sciatica. "I would kind of grit my teeth and take a couple of aspirin and go on," she told Morales. Unfortunately, she was wrong. "I guess I was sort of surprised," she said in regards to learning the news. "And I never would have associated because, in my mind, it was over. I had finished with it." Newton-John has been relying on both photon radiation and natural remedies like herbal supplements and meditation to fight the cancer. She also said that she's used medical cannabis to deal with the severe pain she feels when walking. "People have this vision from the '60s of people just sitting around, you know, getting stoned, and I think it's not about that," she told Morales. "This plant is a healing plant. I think we need to change the vision of what it is because it helped me greatly and it helped with pain and information." Of course, she also has the support of her husband John Easterling and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi. "My husband was there with me. He's been my rock," she said. "He's just an incredible person. He's totally confident that I'm fine and I'm going to last a long time." Newton-John told Morales that she doesn't look at the prognosis or statistics around her cancer because "I think that can be really depressing, and I'm not going to be one of those statistics. I'm going to be fine." However, she acknowledged that the cancer is something that she will "probably deal with" the rest of her life. "I think you can live with cancer like you can live with other things if you take care of yourself," she said. However, Newton-John is using her cancer experiences to help others. She supports the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center -- a public hospital that offers cancer treatment and conducts research and clinical trials. "Without that experience, I wouldn't have grown and had the desire or the passion to help other people who are going through it and the compassion to understand what it's like when you're going through cancer," she said. "So, it's been an amazing journey. Having it happen again, I thought to myself I've done it before. You know I got through this before and I can do it again." When asked what she's learned from her experience, Newton-John said, "I think it taught me I'm stronger than I thought I was. Because even though you have a team around you and people are helping you, really in the end, it's up to you. Believe you can do it and to go through it." She also told Morales that she considers herself a cancer thriver versus a cancer survivor. "A survivor sounds like someone clinging onto a lifeboat," she said. "To me a thriver is someone that's already off the boat and on land." (Eonline)
Supportive hubby! Justin Timberlake gave a sweet shout-out to wife Jessica Biel ahead of the final episode of her show The Sinner on Wednesday, September 20. "It's the finale of The Sinner & I'm so proud of my wife. You could say she killed it," the 40-year-old joked to his more than 62 million followers. "I wouldn't use such an obvious pun, but you could." Biel, 35, plays Cora Tannetti in the USA Network drama. The 7th Heaven alum opened up about producing the show and teased a possible season 2 in an interview with Variety. "Generally it never occurred to me that we'd have such great ratings," she said. "It felt like something we'd never seen before. The characters were an absolute dream for a creative and challenging experiment, and with a woman at the front of it all-and kind of an unlikable woman-it seemed like a good challenge and it seemed like something new." She added: "We're kind of starting from scratch in terms of what a second season could look like." Biel and the "Mirrors" singer tied the knot in 2012 and are parents of son Silas, 2. Timberlake opened up about their relationship in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2013. "Every once in a while I can catch a glimpse of her when she doesn't see me looking and I have this moment when I'm like, 'If you never make a good decision, if you only make bad decisions for the rest of your life, you made one really good decision,'" he said at the time. "It's nice to marry your friend, it's nice to marry your best friend. It suits me." (US Weekly)
The "mystery man" dating Laurence Fishburne's wife, Gina Torres, is a "cowboy type" father of six from Utah. We're told that Torres met divorced entrepreneur Kevin Wright on the beach in Dana Point, Calif., in mid-August -- and that they have since become a serious couple. Sources say that Wright wasn't even aware of who the former "Suits" star was when they first met. But they bonded over the fact that they have both recently left long relationships: Torres has split with Fishburne after 15 years together, and Wright ended a 20-year marriage within the past two years. A source close to the new couple told us, "I think when you've been married a long time and you become single, you look for someone that has what your ex was missing. I think [Torres] finds in Kevin what she didn't find in [Fishburne]. He's the opposite of a Hollywood guy -- he's just a cowboy type. He's an 'I'm going to go ride my horse' type of guy." Former real estate exec Wright has lived in Montana and Utah. Sources say that Wright knew that Torres -- who is set to be the star of an as-yet-unnamed "Suits" spinoff -- was separated when they struck up their romance. On Wednesday, Page Six revealed that Torres and a "mystery man" -- who turned out to be Wright -- were spotted passionately kissing while having lunch at Sweet Butter cafe in Los Angeles last week. Later on Wednesday, Torres said in a statement, "With heavy hearts, Laurence and I quietly separated and began the dissolution of our marriage in the early fall of last year." She added, "There are no bad guys here. Only a love story with a different ending than either one of us had expected." Torres and "Black-ish" star Fishburne were married in 2002, appeared together in two "Matrix" films and played a married couple in NBC's "Hannibal." They last appeared together in public in 2015 and have both made multiple solo red-carpet appearances since then. Wright and a rep for Torres declined to comment. (Page Six)
Rachel Bilson stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, amid reports that she and longtime partner Hayden Christensen had called it quits after nearly 10 years together. The 36-year-old Hart of Dixie star was seen shopped at Sweet Williams children's clothing store, wearing a black and white patterned blouse and blue jeans. She accessorized her look with dark shades, tan shoes, and a black messenger bag. Earlier in the day, reports hit that Bilson and Christensen had separated nearly two weeks ago. The pair, who met on the set of their 2008 film Jumper and are parents to 21/2-year-old daughter Briar Rose, have had a series of ups and downs in their time together. They were first engaged in 2008, but called off their engagement in August 2010. They would end up reconciling just three months later. Rachel Bilson's Celebrity Crush Might Surprise You! Mamarazzi's Minute with The Moms has Rachel Bilson giving answers to their rapid fire questions, including her surprising Celebrity Crush! Though the two were notoriously private, Bilson opened up about their relationship in a 2013 interview with Cosmopolitan. "I'm a really good girlfriend -- I always put all that first in my life. I'm definitely the person who would make him his favorite dinner to come home to," Bilson said at the time. "I love to cook, so we make dinner at home a lot and watch movies." Most recently, she posted a photo of him on Instagram in April, wishing Christensen, "Happy Birthday Handsome." In 2015, the Star Wars star opened about naming their daughter Briar Rose. "There's a Disney reference there I suppose," he said of her uncommon name. "The original Sleeping Beauty is called Briar Rose. Rachel -- we both love Disney -- but Rachel especially was very keen on the name." Their camps have not responded to requests for comment. (People)
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are keeping it together for their kids. Just days after Affleck came to support his new girlfriend Lindsay Shookus at the Emmys on Sunday, the Justice League star was spotted alongside his ex-wife at a school function for their kids on Wednesday. The duo, who have remained dedicated to keeping a united front for their kids -- Violet, 11, Samuel, 5, and Seraphina Rose, 8 -- dressed casually for the event and were seen walking amicably side-by-side around the school. Affleck and Garner broke off their 10-year marriage in June of 2015, and officially filed for divorce in April. "We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time," they said in a joint statement at the time. Meanwhile, Affleck and Shookus, a producer on Saturday Night Live, made their relationship award show official for the first time at the 2017 Emmys on Sunday. The couple, who went public with their romance in early July, sat together at the star-studded ceremony, though they skipped the red carpet earlier. (Shookus took to the stage with her SNL colleagues when the show won outstanding variety sketch series.) Affleck accompanied Shookus to the HBO afterparty, where they sat with Curb Your Enthusiasm's Larry David and Jeff Garlin. One day earlier, the love birds joined David for a pre-Emmys date in Hollywood. The couple took their relationship public three months after Affleck and Garner, 45, coordinated their divorce filings following nearly two years of separation. A source told PEOPLE in July that Shookus was staying at Affleck's home. Another insider added then: "The friendship's been going on for a very long time but this is newer waters for them. They've been trying to take it slow but it's progressing quickly. Their feelings are strong." Ben Affleck Is 'Enjoying His Summer' With Lindsay Shookus as They Vacation in Maine, Says Source Ben Affleck & Lindsay Shookus Spotted At Liquor Store Twice Over The Weekend The two have been spending time together on both coasts since, stepping out for coffee runs, casual breakfast dates and nights out. They recently vacationed in Maine together and were spotted heading to a movie theater in N.Y.C. earlier this month. Just last weekend, the couple was spotted getting cozy as they watched the U.S. Open men's finals at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in N.Y.C, where Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson. (People)
Audrina Patridge Files for Divorce From Corey Bohan and Seeks Domestic Violence Restraining Order. It's over between Audrina Patridge and Corey Bohan and their split appears to be ugly. The Hills star on Monday sought a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her husband and on Wednesday filed for divorce, court records show. The two have been married for 10 months and share a 1-year-old daughter, Kirra Max. "Audrina's number one priority is her daughter and she asks for privacy at this time," Patridge's rep told E! News in a statement on Thursday. A hearing has been scheduled for October. Patridge and Bohan have been together on and off since 2008. They have not commented about their split, which comes as a surprise as the family has appeared happy and united in Instagram photos as recently as August. Patridge wed Bohan, a professional BMX rider, in November 2016 in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, five months after the reality star gave birth to Kirra and a year after the couple got engaged. (Eonline)
Gwyneth Paltrow to Her Haters: ''If You Want to F--k With Me, Bring Your A Game'' Gwyneth Paltrow isn't worried about her haters and naysayers. The 44-year-old actress and Goop CEO opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about the future of her ever-growing company as well as her acting career, reminding her critics that in either case, baseless rumors aren't going to bring her down. "I'm interested in criticism based on fact, not on projections," she said. "If you want to f--k with me, bring your A game." Still, Paltrow recognizes the challenges (and the benefits) she faces being a celebrity in the world of entrepreneurs. "[Being a celebrity] makes it much more difficult. For the business I'm creating, it's an obstacle I always have to overcome," she explained. "For example, Reese [Witherspoon], who is a dear friend, has this quickly growing Draper James [clothing] business, and she leverages her celebrity in a great way for her brand." Of course, we all think of Paltrow as the high-brow A-lister who gets vaginal steams and pays thousands of dollars for luxurious sex toys -- a judgment stemming from what she sells and advises on Goop. But she promises there's a separation. "For this model -- where I'm trying to make Goop bigger than me and its own brand -- you become inextricably linked," she explained. "I'm a target in a way most entrepreneurs are not." Paltrow also counts her blessings. "When we need to leverage my celebrity, it opens doors," she admitted. "I don't know many young entrepreneurs who can call [Disney CEO] Bob Iger, [Facebook COO] Sheryl Sandberg or [Airbnb founder] Brian Chesky, and they are kind enough to waste a little bit of their day to help me. So in that respect, my celebrity has been a huge asset." And for these reasons, Paltrow only continues to grow Goop. She recently opened a brick and mortar shop in the Brentwood area of Southern California, started her own brand of vitamins and published her first issue of Goop magazine. What else could she possibly do? Well, television. "What we are thinking of doing is a TV show with the working title The Radical Wellness Show," she revealed. "I would be going into the field and talking to any number of doctors, scientists, civilians, people in crisis in Flint, Michigan, where there is something to uncover and confront about wellness. We would want it to feel more Vice-y in its vibe, but we're just in the brainstorming phase." So what does this mean for Paltrow's acting career? "I need to be here right now," she said of her company. "I went to Atlanta to do Avengers 4, so I'm in and out for that, and it's weird to go back and forth. We're growing fast, and balls are dropping all the time. But honestly, I was on set and thought, 'You sit here for two hours sipping tea, Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle are making me laugh hysterically -- why the hell did I give this up?'" Though we may miss her on the big screen more than previous years, we won't be missing her fashionable moments -- something she naturally inherited from her late father, Bruce Paltrow. "My mom [Blythe Danner] was never into clothes or interiors -- she is an incredible artist but very internal," Paltrow explained. "My dad loved art, was a painting major in college; he loved beautiful things and clothes." (Eonline)
Let's just say Tony Orlando will NOT be knocking three times on a ceiling anytime soon -- not with his left hand, anyway. The '70s pop star -- who sang 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon' and "Knock Three Times" -- sliced the tip of his middle finger clean off in a garage door accident at his home in Branson, Missouri. Tony's son, John, tells us he was calm and collected -- way more than you'll be when you see the damage. He found the tip of the finger, picked it up and drove himself to a hospital ... like a boss! We don't know yet how the surgery turned out, but gotta say ... his manicurist is gonna be pissed. (TMZ)
Anthony Michael Hall Sentenced to Three Years Probation for Assault Against Neighbor. Anthony Michael Hall has found himself in legal hot water over an altercation with a neighbor. E! News can confirm the Breakfast Club star was charged with felony assault and "serious bodily injury" and could serve up to seven years in prison. According to the court documents, Hall used "violent force" against his neighbor outside their Playa del Rey condominium in September. He allegedly broke the neighbor's wrist and back during the confrontation, TMZ reports. The L.A. county superior court released the documents, charging Hall with the felony assault. His sentence was increased from four to seven years in prison due to the addition of a bodily injury charge. We're told the arraignment date has not yet been set. Interestingly enough, this is the second time Hall has had a legal issue with a neighbor. In 2011, the former '80s teen star was taken into custody after a confrontation with another resident at his Westside L.A. condominium complex. Sources said the dispute began when Hall had a fit and started ripping up plants in the condominium's common area. When the neighbor came out of his unit to see what the commotion was, Hall yelled profanity at him and threatened to "beat [him] to a pulp." Shortly thereafter, Hall followed through on his threats and went pounding on the neighbor's door to challenge him to a fight. The neighbor then called the cops and Hall was booked on suspicion of disturbing the peace. UPDATE: Anthony Michael Hall plead no contest in relation to a November 2016 altercation with his next-door neighbor, E! News has learned. He entered the plea of one misdemeanor count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. The actor was sentenced to three years of summary probation and 40 hours of community service. (Eonline)
Boyfriend of Murdered Reality TV Star Loredana Nesci Sentenced to 16 Years to Life. Robert Reagan has been charged formally with one count of murder with a knife in the death of Loredana Nesci, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said on Friday. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. Loredana Nesci, an LAPD officer-turned lawyer who starred in the SundanceTV reality show Loredana, Esq. has been found dead at age 47 while her longtime partner, Robert Reagan, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Police said in a statement obtained by E! News that around 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, they received an emergency call from a "distraught male." Officers arrived at the Redondo Beach home Nesci shared with Reagan and their 5-year-old son Rocco Nesci-Reagan and found the reality star's body. They are investigating the incident as a homicide. "A resident of Redondo Beach, Robert Reagan, 51 years of age has been arrested in connection with this homicide," police said in the statement. Reagan has not commented. He is being held on $1 million bail, police records show. Nesci appeared to have been stabbed or shot, Los Angeles South Bay-based newspaper The Daily Breeze quoted police as saying. The couple had had "an altercation" before the incident, the outlet reported, adding that their child was not home at the time. Nesci, often dubbed "The Legal Diva," grew up in Connecticut and got her bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs. She moved to California in 1996 and worked as a Los Angeles police officer. During her time on the force, she helped the FBI handle what is now dubbed the famous North Hollywood shootout of 1997, according to her website bio. She went to law school years later and graduated with her Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut in 2002. She worked as a lawyer and returned to California two years later, where she opened her own practice. In 2008, she began hosting her own radio show on KCAA 1050 AM. Her reality series premiered on the SundanceTV channel in March 2014 and documented her life at home and on the job. Nesci often posted photos and videos of her son and the family's two dogs, Louie and Toukie, on her Instagram page. The family also has two cats. Her friends are working to try and find homes for the pets. UPDATE: Robert Reagan was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his girlfriend, reality TV star and model Loredana Nesci, according to local reports. Weeks prior, he was found guilty of second-degree murder. "I will never know what Loredana ever saw in you," a letter written by Nesci's brother Robert and read in court reportedly said. "She wasted years of her life, gifted you with so much money, and foolishly believed in your stories. You told her lie after lie." "You were never grateful but, just like any other con man, you tried to dig deeper and get more out of her for doing nothing," the letter continued. "And when she was finally going to leave you, you gutted her like a farm animal." (Eonline)
Kate Beckinsale's Alleged Stalker Has All Charges Dropped. A man was arrested at Tampa Bay Comic Con Saturday on suspicion of stalking Kate Beckinsale, who later made a scheduled celebrity guest appearance at the event. Terry Lee Repp, a 45-year-old resident of Iowa, was booked in jail that morning on a $500 bond after he turned up at the Tampa Bay Convention Center a couple of hours before the actress was set to take the stage for a Q&A session, police records show. She filed a police report against him. He has not commented. Police said in a statement that on Thursday, Repp was found inside the Tampa Convention Center during the Comic Con event and "has a history of following and harassing [Beckinsale] and came to Tampa in an effort to continue the harassing behavior." "Repp made physical contact with the victim during an event in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2016. During this encounter, Repp touched the victim's back and made a statement to the victim in reference to stabbing her," the statement said. "In a continuing effort to harass the victim, Repp also traveled to Houston, Texas in 2016, where [Beckinsale] was attending an event." "Repp was detained by the Houston Police Department and trespassed from the event. Repp appears to have an irrational obsession with [Beckinsale] and has traveled across the country in an effort to harass her. Repp's actions caused the victim substantial emotional distress and caused her to fear for her safety. Repp has been charged with stalking and was booked into Orient Road Jail." Beckinsale postponed her Comic Con appearance for several hours after Repp's arrest. She made no mention of him onstage. She also appeared to be in good spirits while talking to fans and taking photos with them and signing autographs at the event, while being guarded by security. UPDATE: The man arrested for allegedly stalking Kate Beckinsale will not face criminal prosecution. According to documents obtained by E! News, the Florida State Attorney's Office dropped all charges against Terry Lee Rep because authorities apprehended the individual prior to him making contact with the actress on July 29, 2017 in Tampa Bay. Beckinsale has not commented publicly on the matter. (Eonline)
Suge Knight is pouring fuel all over a legendary conspiracy theory by speaking out from jail to explain why he believes there's a good chance Tupac Shakur is alive. The notorious Death Row Records CEO spoke to Ice-T and Soledad O'Brien -- on the phone from the L.A. County jail -- when he dropped the bombshell. Suge told them something about Pac's hospital stay after the 1996 shooting just doesn't add up for him. TMZ got this exclusive clip from the special, "Who Shot Biggie & Tupac?" ... where Ice and Soledad lead an investigation into the unsolved murders and uncover new accounts of the shootings from people who were there. It airs Sunday, September 24 on Fox. And we'll get Ice-T's reaction to Suge's theory on Friday's TMZ Live. (TMZ)
Bernie Casey, the beloved and iconic co-star in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," died in an L.A. hospital ... TMZ has learned. Bernie's rep tells us he died peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones. We're told he suddenly fell ill recently, and had spent the last few days hospitalized. He broke into Hollywood with roles in blaxploitation films, and went on to co-star in nearly 80 different projects -- most notably he was the national head of the Tri Lams in 'Nerds' ... and neighborhood activist John Slade in 'Sucka.' He was also in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Casey was totally a jack-of-several-trades, having also played in the NFL as a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the L.A. Rams in the late '60s. He also had a passion for painting and poetry. Bernie was 78. R.I.P. (TMZ)
THE OTHER STUFF . . .
Salma Hayek Donates $100K to Mexico's Earthquake Victims and Implores Fans to Help. Salma Hayek is helping the victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Mexico City that happened on Tuesday, and she's "imploring" fans to join her in aiding these families. "After the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, I was evacuated from my building. A lot of my friends died, including an uncle that was very, very close to me," the 51-year-old actress recalls in a video on her Instagram. "I have lived through the aftermath of a disaster of this magnitude, and it's horrific." Hayek donated $100K to UNICEF, which as the star explains, has teams on the ground responding at the sites. "I implore to your hearts, to the goodness of your hearts and your compassion to help with anything that you can give," she says. "Please join me and contribute what you can and thank you. The tremblor came on the 32nd anniversary of Mexico's deadliest earthquake in modern history in 1985. Sadly, by Wednesday the death toll rose to at least 225, according to NBC News. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. (Eonline)
Kevin Hart and his pregnant wife, Eniko, are putting his sex tape/extortion case on a side burner for at least one day because they're still putting on a super expensive baby shower amid the scandal. According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Kevin and Eniko are dropping serious cash for a 'Lion King' themed shower on Oct. 1 at the Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu. The venue will be decked out in leopard print and safari animals pics -- and a Hart family photo "with a silhouette of pregnant Eniko leading the way." They're also having an "Experience Bar" where guests can sample exotic foods and dress up like tribal warriors -- and a game show similar to "The Price Is Right" where guests can win prizes. All set to 'Lion King' music, of course. It don't come cheap -- according to the docs, the whole shebang is costing them $117,855. But that includes $1,500 for a chimp in a diaper ... so it's a steal. We're thinking Kevin's gift budget might go up slightly though. (TMZ)
Brooklyn Beckham isn't shying away from letting his love for Chloe Grace Moretz show. Making up for lost time, the 18-year-old photographer shared a sweet photograph of the 20-year-old actress on Wednesday, writing in the caption, "Thinking of this one xx." Moretz, who dated the son of David and Victoria Beckham for nearly a year before they split, also shared a photo of him on Wednesday, with a simple caption, "8.27.17 NY." Beckham, who recently started attending college in New York City, told The Cut that some of his classmates were a bit starstruck by him. "I like people from school, but there are a few fangirls in the school," he said. "Sometimes, I have to be like, 'I'm going to be with you for like, four years, so chill.'" PEOPLE confirmed in August that Beckham and Moretz were "hanging out" nearly a year after they split. On Sunday, Beckham shared a photo of himself watching TV and made it clear they were once again back on, wrote that he was "missing my girl," with Moretz tagged in the photo. (People)
After the heartbreaking loss of her beloved Ducky in August, Selma Blair has welcomed home a new love in her life -- Cappuccino Houston (or Cappy, for short). The Legally Blonde actress shared a sweet photo of her son Arthur Saint, 6, hugging their new addition. "And so we have begun another dog love adventure," Blair, 45, wrote in the caption. "Cappuccino Houston (Cappy) entered our lives a few weeks ago. She is a shy dog, and much patience and work is being done. But, already bonded with Arthur, she is a kind and dear girl." "She is almost still a pup herself," Blair continued. "And has already weaned her own babies. Now she has another needy young one. Arthur. And it is just what we all wanted. Thank you for all the help @angelcitypits#nkla #bestfriendsanimalsociety #cappythedog #adoptdontshop #savethemall #trainthemall #spayandneuteryourpets #stray #spiritofduckyandwink." Blair's dog Ducky died in August, with the Hellboy actress penning an emotional tribute to the 13-year-old Chihuahua-pug. "Run with the angels. We miss you so much. So much, sweet girl. Please send us our next dog. With the spirit of you and wink. Our hearts are broken," she wrote at the time. She asked for prayers, explaining, "[Ducky] had a terrible accident this evening. The vet recommended ending her suffering. But when her tail wagged, I couldn't do it." Earlier this year, Blair told PEOPLE of the close bond her son and the dog had. "They love each other very much, but it's very much brother and sister," the Cruel Intentions star said in March. "My boy just wants to squeeze her as tight as he can and play games and have pillow fights, and that ship has sailed for Ducky. But she's done great with it." Blair and her son had adopted Ducky in 2015 from the no-kill shelter, Best Friend Animal Shelter. (People)
Some famous friends will be on hand for Mika Brzezinski's latest "Know Your Value" event. Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jane Pauley are among those expected Oct. 30 for an all-day conference at Manhattan's Grand Hyatt hotel. "Know Your Value" is based on the best-selling book by the co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe." The mission is to develop an "empowered community" for women in their personal and professional lives. Others who have appeared at "Know Your Value" gatherings include Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand of New York, Rachael Ray and Brooke Shields. Brzezinski published her book in 2011 and started the "Know Your Value" movement three years later. The Oct. 30 event is in partnership with NBCUniversal News Group. (Page Six)
Music
America's Got Talent: Mandy Harvey, Shania Twain perform emotional duet. America's got talent, and so does Canada. Wednesday night's finale of the NBC competition saw country superstar (and Canada native) Shania Twain join America's Got Talent finalist Mandy Harvey, who ended up finishing season 12 in fourth place. She wowed the judges -- Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel -- and audiences all season long, starting with her first performance, which earned her the Golden Buzzer from Cowell. On that June auditions episode, the 29-year-old revealed she's been deaf since she was 10, performing barefoot and relying on vibrations to help keep beat. For the finale, Harvey and Twain collaborated for a duet of the latter's 1998 hit "You're Still the One" before Twain transitioned into a performance of her new single "Life's About to Get Good," from her upcoming album Now (out Sept. 29). (Entertainment Weekly)
Following a Brooklyn premiere of Fergie's long-awaited second solo album, some were left wondering if it was inspired by her breakup with Josh Duhamel. Tracks on the new album, titled "Double Dutchess," include "Save It Till Morning," "A Little Work," "Love Is Blind," and "Love Is Pain." And Fergie admitted to Page Six, "There's a lot of my life, and my vulnerable side on the album." But she insists that the songs, written from the journals she has kept throughout her life, are about many relationships she has had, not just Duhamel, and the videos "amplify" events from her past. Fergie, 42, and Duhamel, 44, announced in September they had separated "earlier this year" after eight years of marriage. She and the "Transformers" star share a four-year-old son Axl, who she says is "the sun that we all revolve around," adding that she is staying strong after the split for him. "Now it is really about taking care of yourself, I have a son, and keeping the balance of life is very important, just checking in with yourself to make sure everything is balanced." The album is also a "visual experience," with the singer filming a video for each of the songs Beyonce-style, which will all drop on Friday, September 22. Of the album she said, "there's a weird religious tone to the whole thing. I am more spiritual than religious . . . It is also about my relationship with my god, my higher power, my universe whatever you want to call it, whatever it is, I've really had to call upon that throughout the making of this album." Fergie has been very open about her mistakes and overcoming drug addiction in the past, "Writing the song 'A Little Work', it was all about how everything is a battle with the mind, it is how you change things slowly, little by little, sometimes it is not the easiest way to go, but that's how we better ourselves. The song is definitely about a battle with myself and my own demons." The record also includes some killer Fergie upbeat club tracks including "You Already Know" featuring Nicki Minaj and "Hungry" featuring Rick Ross. There's also the cheeky song "M.I.L.F.$," accompanied by a video that features Kim Kardashian, Chrissie Teigen and Amber Valletta. Guests at Tuesday's Wythe Hotel VIP party for Fergie's new album included models Alex Lundqvist, Marquita Pring and Precious Lee, Cinema Society founder Andrew Saffir and Lady Kitty Spencer, the niece of the late Princess Diana. (Page Six)
Harry Styles Kicks Off His Tour With Rainbow Flag -- and His Fans Love It. Harry Styles kicked off his first solo tour with a message of love and equality. The singer, who rose to fame with One Direction, performed at the Masonic auditorium in San Francisco on Tuesday. A fan threw onstage a rainbow Pride flag, which Styles waved around before attaching it to his mic stand while performing his song "Woman." "Cried in the arms of a gay man standing by me when this happened. It was a beautiful moment and a wonderful show," wrote Twitter user @MarissaRachay. "Thank you @Harry_Styles." "Harry dancing on stage with an LGBTQ pride flag makes me feel safe. What a human being," tweeted user @harryfanboyz. "Thank you. I love you so much @Harry_Styles." Styles has long been a supporter of equal rights for women and the LGBTQ community. "That doesn't feel like politics to me," he said on the French talk show Quotidien in April. "Stuff like equality feels much more fundamental. I feel like everyone is equal. That doesn't feel like politics to me." In 2013, members of the anti-gay religious group the Westboro Baptist Church picketed a One Direction concert in Kansas City, Missouri. "Despite the company outside, I believe in equal rights for everyone. I think God loves all," Styles tweeted at the time. "Thanks for coming to the show though." Styles is set to perform in Los Angeles Wednesday, after which he will head to cities such as Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Boston and Atlanta. The first U.S. leg of his tour ends on October 14, after which he will take a short break before heading to Europe for more shows on October 25. Styles is scheduled to perform around the world on and off until July 2018. (Eonline)
Grammy Museum Honors David Foster at Record-Breaking Gala. "Not only is David a genius musician, he's a song guy. He's the best vocal producer around. He'll take a singer further than they think they can go," said Diane Warren. In a record-breaking evening that raised more than $1 million, the Grammy Museum honored superstar producer David Foster at its 3rd annual gala on Tuesday. Held at The Nuvo in Los Angeles, the event's proceeds fund the Grammy Museum and its educational and musical preservation programs. Calling Foster his "brother from a different mother" and "one of the most talented musicians in the world," Quincy Jones -- one of the few musicians who can claim more Grammys than Foster (27 trophies to 16)-presented Foster with the architects of sound award, recalling their long history back to working together on a Brothers Johnson record in the 1970s. Foster accepted his award, addressing what he called a "real crisis" with music education in schools. He went on to laud one of his high school band teachers who encouraged him to learn a new instrument every three months to ensure that Foster had at least a cursory understanding of as many instruments as possible. As a filmed piece noted, Foster has written, produced, arranged or played on songs that have cumulatively sold more than 500 million copies, including Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You," Earth Wind & Fire's "After the Love Is Gone," Natalie Cole's remake of "Unforgettable," Celine Dion's "Power of Love" and "All By Myself" cover, Josh Groban's "The Prayer" and hundreds of others. Diane Warren, who has had several of her songs produced by Foster, including Toni Braxton's 1996 smash "Un-break My Heart," told Billboard, "Not only is David a genius musician, he's a song guy. He's the best vocal producer around. He'll take a singer further than they think they can go." That ability was evident as singer after singer, including Pia Toscano, Ruben Studdard and Katharine McPhee (Foster swore the American Idol connection was coincidental), flexed their impressive vocal muscles during an hour-long tribute to Foster's work, that also included performers Shelea and Fernando Varela. Foster accompanied the artists on piano, while they recreated some of his biggest hits. "We debated about what to do and then, being a control freak, I decided to do it myself," Foster joked of the evening's entertainment. In addition to revenue raised from tickets purchased for the event, a lively auction earned more than half a million, including two house concerts by Foster that went for $225,000 each. The Grammy Museum also recognized Nathan Strayhorn, the recipient of the 2017 Jane Ortner Education Award, which honored K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as an educational tool. (Billboard)
Concord Music Buys Savoy Label Group, Adding Jazz Recordings From Coltrane, Davis And Parker: Exclusive. The catalog deal brings more than 3,000 master recordings to the company. Savoy Records, founded in 1942, was home to some of the jazz world's most iconic artists, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon. The catalog also includes more recent recordings from such acts as Etta Jones, Bill Frisell, Larry Coryell, Andy Bey, and Milton Nascimento. Concord is already home to a tremendous number of top jazz titles through its start as a jazz label and its acquisition of the Fantasy catalog in 2004. The deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, also encompasses Savoy Label Group adult rock and alternative label 429 Records, which includes titles from Meat Loaf, Los Lobos, Robbie Robertson, Macy Gray, Dr. John, Bruce Hornsby and Boz Scaggs. Scaggs is the only artist involved in the sale who has a current contract with Savoy Label Group. He is expected to release a new album in 2018 through one of Concord Music's labels. Among Savoy Label Group's classical titles are works by Dutch violinist Andre Rieu, as well as recordings from the London Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, Berlin Symphony, and Moscow Philharmonic. Savoy Label Group's previous owner, Steve Vining, has entered a multi-year consulting and production agreement with Concord Music, which may include the delivery of new recording projects to the company. "Concord's enormous success in many of the same musical genre's SLG has pursued convinces me they will be outstanding stewards of both the rich catalog as well as the new recordings to come from our very talented artists," Vining said in a statement. Added Concord Music chief business development officer Steve Salm, who was the point person on the deal, "The addition of Savoy to Concord Music is consistent with our ongoing growth strategy, as it deepens our presence within a number of core genres. It also adds numerous classic recordings and another legendary brand to our great group of labels." In June, Concord Music purchased the Imagem Music Group for more than $500 million, helping make Concord the world's fifth largest integrated music company. Its recorded music portfolio, prior to this deal, includes more than 10,000 album recordings, while its publishing arm oversees more than 380,000 copyrights. (Billboard)
Yoko Ono Forces Polish Lemonade Company 'John Lemon' to Change Name. Her lawyers cited trademark infringement against her husband's name and personal rights, saying, "They were abusing and misusing the legacy of John Lennon to sell their soda." For decades, Beatles fans have accused Yoko Ono of breaking up the band. The veracity of such a claim is up for debate, but Ono Lennon did try to break up a lemonade company that was capitalizing off the name of her late husband, John Lennon. Ono Lennon's lawyers recently sent legal letters to John Lemon, a Polish lemonade company established five years ago that distributes to bars and restaurants in the United Kingdom and 13 other European countries, The Guardian reports. Her lawyers cited trademark infringement against her husband's name and personal rights, telling the East London Advertiser, "They were abusing and misusing the legacy of John Lennon to sell their soda." The musician and activist's legal team also cited a Facebook post by John Lemon Ireland that displayed a mural of Lennon holding lemons with the company's logo underneath. Other advertisements displayed round glasses that recalled Lennon's signature frames, along with the words, "Let It Be." Upon receiving the letters, John Lemon agreed to change its name to On Lemon. "All of us involved with this product are startups and we couldn't take on someone who is worth many, many millions," Mr. Lemonade Alternative Drinks founder Karol Chamera told the East London Advertiser. (Incidentally, "On Lemon" is remarkably similar to "Ono Lennon," though there's nothing she can do about that.) Hugo Balazinski of law firm KSP, which represented John Lemon, said the company concluded a settlement to avoid having its lemonade production banned. He noted, however, that John Lemon registered its trademark in 2014, while the John Lennon brand was not registered until last year. Ultimately, it proved a moot point -- when you've spent so many years engaged in bitter spats with Paul McCartney, you learn how to stand your ground, in court or otherwise. (Billboard)
Movies
Cher Launches Oscar Campaign for Interracial Couple's Doc. Cher has not given up on Edith Hill and Eddie Harrison's love story. Their union -- and the tragic fallout from it -- was the subject of the documentary short Edith+Eddie. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the superstar performer and producer has boarded the project as an executive producer and will be involved in an awards campaign for the 29-minute film directed by Laura Checkoway. Hill was 96 and Harrison 95 years old when they were married, and the film bills the two as "America's oldest interracial newlyweds" at the time of their union in 2014. What could've been a heart-warming love story turned into something tragic as the two were separated by Hill's family in a bitter family feud. The couple had been sharing Hill's Virginia home until one of her daughters forcibly moved her to Florida, separating the couple. Their story snagged national headlines and, as the story goes, Cher saw a local news piece and jumped at the chance to get involved by offering to pay for Hill's medical expenses as well as costs associated with fixing up the couple's former Virginia dwelling so she could return to the home they had apparently hoped to share, living out their final days together. In an exclusive statement to THR, Cher says their story "touched my heart," hence why she's helping mount a campaign. "These are the cutest people I have ever seen and they were truly in love," she says. "What happened to them is horrible -- it's elder abuse and it's happening all over. We're hopeful this film can make a difference." Cher's awards push for the film comes close to 30 years after the release of 1987's Moonstruck, a film that garnered her a best actress Oscar. She joins Edith+Eddie executive producers Steve James, Gordon Quinn and Betsy Steinberg along with producer Thomas Lee Wright. It's Wright who is no stranger to the issue of elder abuse after having written the book The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse: How to Protect Your Parents -- And Yourself. Edith+Eddie recently secured a place on Cinema Eye's "Shorts List" and has screened at the Camden Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. Among its honors is the jury award for best documentary at the 2017 Palm Springs International Shortfest. A screening is planned for Washington, D.C., in the hopes of influencing federal policy on the issue. (Hollywood Reporter)
Kate Winslet to Play Famed WWII Correspondent Lee Miller. eOne is financing the biopic and will distribute in its own territories. Kate Winslet is joining a growing cohort of British actresses set to play noted war correspondents. The Oscar winner is set to star as Lee Miller in an as-yet-untitled biopic about the famed American photographer, model, artist and correspondent who was a leading figure in documenting WWII for Vogue magazine, bringing images of the Nazi concentration camps and the atrocities that were committed to the attention of the world. The film-being fully financed by eOne, which will also distribute in its own territories-will be produced by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason of Hopscotch Features alongside Winslet herself, and will document Miller's life, as told by her son, Antony Penrose, in the only authorized biography The Lives of Lee Miller. Production is expected to being in 2018, with a director yet to be announced. "I am delighted to work with Kate Winslet, eOne and Hopscotch to share the life story of my mother Lee Miller," said Penrose. "Their integrity and respect for the truth has earned them the absolute trust of myself and my family and we have allowed access to all aspects of our lives and history through interviews, our personal papers and material held in The Lee Miller Archives and The Roland Penrose Archive, the latter being part of The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh." Earlier this year, Rosamund Pike signed up to star in A Private War as famed U.S. correspondent Marie Colvin, who reported from conflicts in Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and died in 2012 while covering the civil war in Syria. In June, Carey Mulligan was announced as playing Australian reporter Kate Webb, who was held in captivity for 23 days during the Vietnam War, in On the Other Side. (Hollywood Reporter)
Oscars: Taiwan Selects 'Small Talk' for Foreign-Language Category. Hui-Chen Huang's intimate portrait of her mother won the best doc prize at this year's Berlin Film Festival. Taiwan has selected Hui-Chen Huang's documentary Small Talk as its official entry for the foreign-language category at the 90th Academy Awards. A Teddy Award winner for best doc at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, Small Talk is a personal exploration of Huang's relationship with her lesbian mother A-nu. The film delves into A-nu's past as a Taoist priestess, as well as detail her romantic relationships, friendships and her role as a mother that was often absent. Small Talk was also part of the official selection at Taipei's Golden Horse Film Festival. The Academy Awards will be held March 4, 2018. (Hollywood Reporter)
Tom Cruise Partially Blamed for Plane Crash That Killed Two People on Set of American Made. The families of two men who died following a September 2015 plane crash on the set of American Made claim Tom Cruise is partially to blame for the fatal accident. Three of the pilots hired for the movie were involved in a plane crash during filming when their twin-engine Piper Smith Aerostar 600 went down in the mountains. Alan Purwin and Carlos Berl died on the scene, while Jimmy Lee Garland was left without feeling in the lower half of his body. According to new court documents provided to PEOPLE by The Blast, the estates of Purwin and Berl claim that Cruise and director Doug Liman's desire to film a "high-risk, action-packed motion picture" contributed to the circumstances that led to the accident. "The demands of filming in Colombia, together with Cruise's and director Doug Liman's enthusiasm for multiple takes of lavish flying sequences, added hours to every filming day and added days to the schedule," state the documents. Purwin and Berl's families are both suing the producers of the film -- Imagine Entertainment, Vendian Entertainment and Cross Creek Pictures -- for wrongful death and damages. They allege that the production companies ignored safety procedures before the flight in order to save time and money. "Lapses in planning, coordinating, scheduling, and flight safety that were the Defendants' responsibility resulted in an unqualified and unprepared pilot being pressed into service for a dangerous flight in a vintage aircraft across an unfamiliar mountain pass in bad weather," state the documents. Though Cruise and Liman are not named defendants in the lawsuit, the families allege they were "negligent" in allowing the flight to take place under such circumstances. The lawsuit also claims one of the executive producers on the film sent a formal complaint to the insurance company about Cruise and Liman. "DL [Director Liman] and TC [Cruise] [are] adding entire scenes and aerial shots on the fly. Had to bring in Uni Safety to help wrangle them. In the last 48 hours this has become the most insane s -- I've ever dealt with," it read, according to the lawsuit. In a separate email, Purwin called the film "the most dangerous project I've ever encountered." "You have no idea the exposure TC and the entire Aerial Team is realizing every time we get in the air," he wrote, according to the court papers. "There's a very 'thin line' between keeping all aerial activities safe and having an accident. Trust me on this!" The families go on to argue that Cruise could have piloted the plane, calling him "a well-qualified pilot very familiar with the Aerostar and the routing." The families are also suing each other, with Berl's family filing a suit against Garland, the only survivor. The original lawsuit was filed in April 2016. (People)
TV
And the Winner of America's Got Talent Season 12 Is . . . And America's next top talent is... Oops, wrong iconic Tyra Banks' line, but the host did help crown a winner during Wednesday night's finale of America's Got Talent, which had 10 finalists vying for the season 12 crown: Evie Clair, Darci Lynne Farmer, Chase Goehring, Angelica Hale, Mandy Harvey, Preacher Lawson, Kechi Okwuchi, Diavolo, Light Balance and Sarah and Hero. So which act won the NBC reality series? Drumroll please.... After thousands and thousands of votes, congratulations are in order for Darci Lynne Farmer! The child ventriloquist, who earned Mel B's "Golden Buzzer" this season, continuously wowed audiences and the judges with her skills. While she only started developing her act two years ago, fans would have had no idea when she took to the stage Tuesday night. "This is what I think about you, Darci. When you can appeal to all ages is what you've done but this is what I believe," Simon Cowell explained. "The best part of doing this job is when you are there and you can say I was there at the beginning of someone's career and I witnessed a star. Tonight, again, I've just witnessed a star emerge because that's what you are. You are special, incredible, funny, talented. I think you're going to win." And sure enough, he was totally right. Farmer, who walked away with a $1 million prize, is already a winner on YouTube notching over 1.5 million viewers. Safe to say this is only the beginning. (Eonline)
America's Got Talent Winner Darci Lynne Farmer Has Big (And Cute) Plans for Her Prize Money. America's Got Talent has a new pint-sized winner. Darci Lynne Farmer, the 12-year-old singing ventriloquist was crowned champion of AGT season 12 and yes, she's still surprised. "It's more of a shock right now, it hasn't even hit me," Darci Lynne told E! News after the show. "I have no words, I'm speechless, but thank you America for voting for me -- it's crazy!" But where was her partner in crime, Petunia, during our interview? "She is so exhausted. She demanded a nap, I'm not even kidding," she joked. Darci Lynne has big plans for her prize money, including helping out at her church's mission program, and then, "I have to get my mom a dishwasher because it doesn't work and we need a new on," she said. Her final plan? Getting a pug. "I would love to get a pug. A puppy, a baby pug, I just want one so bad. I'm ready... I'm ready to take on the puppy life," she said. The judges, including Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum weren't surprised that it was Darci Lynne who came out on top in the big finale. "It's interesting, in the last two Howie it's been really young 12-year-old girls whose lives have are changed forever," Howie said. "I think that's America saying we embrace the future, we embrace the purity of just that child-like fun, inspirational talent." Heidi said she predicted Darci Lynne's big win, "because she has the total package" with her singing, jokes and ventriloquism. America's Got Talent will return on NBC. (Eonline)
And the Big Brother Season 19 Winner Is . . . What a season, man. Big Brother season 19 just came to an end after one seriously exhausting summer. The finale started with Paul Abrahamian, Josh Martinez, and Christmas Abbott left in the house, but Josh strangely decided to take Paul to the final two, so it was the two guys up against the jury. After many questions, many answers we're not sure we believe, one montage of every single houseguest (minus Cody) declaring their trust in Paul, and then another montage of Josh explaining to every eliminated houseguest that he was just honoring his final three deal with Paul and Christmas, a winner was declared after the most perfect tie possible. It was four and four, with only Cody's vote to be read. Obviously, he picked Josh. Josh revealed to the jury Wednesday night that he's actually a huge Big Brother superfan, so it's not a shock that he knew exactly what he needed to do to win. As for this season's biggest and best showmance, Cody Nickson and Jessica Graf, they're still totally solid after Cody revealed that he wanted to marry Jessica. They both declared that their love is as real as ever, even after being apart for five weeks since Jessica was evicted, and still being apart on the live show as he was on the jury and she was not. "I'm waiting for this to all be over so I can actually go and hug her," Cody said. "I've been warned multiple times that I can't run across and like grab Jessica." "Well I think everybody on the outside world knows that I've literally been his biggest fan, his biggest supporter," Jessica told Julie before turning to Cody. "I've been rooting you on literally all day every day." So does she still want to be in a relationship? "Even more so," she said. And the cherry on top for Cody was that he also won America's Favorite Houseguest, meaning he's going home with $25,000. CBS has already renewed Big Brother for season 20, set to air in 2018, and recently announced that they will be launching their first-ever Celebrity Edition this winter, featuring celebs all living together in front of 24/7 cameras. (Eonline)
The Blacklist Premiere Sneak Peek: What Happens Now That Red's Secret Is Out? The season four finale was a major one for The Blacklist, finally confirming a long-held theory that Red (James Spader) is, in fact, Elizabeth Keene's (Megan Boone) father. (We knew it!!) So...what does that mean? Apparently, according to this exclusive premiere sneak peek, nothing good for the task force now that there's a new FBI director whose first order of business is to review all of the bureau's special operations. While it may be bad enough that Red's entire empire is gone, it's worse that now there may be a "perception problem" thanks to the reality of his relationship with Liz. "There was a DNA test between Reddington and Keene, and it's only a matter of time before I have to disclose the results of that test," Cooper (Harry Lennix) explains to his confused agents. "Raymond Reddington's her father." Cue the shock! In happier, less complicated but also possibly more complicated news, Samar (Mozhan Marno) and Aram's (Amir Arison) relationship is definitely and delightfully a thing. The clip starts with a steamy makeout sesh in the elevator that gets quickly interrupted by the opening of the elevator doors, with Ressler (Diego Klattenhoff) right on the other side. Secret coworker romances are just the best (on TV)! This is going to be fun. The Blacklist premieres Wednesday, September 27 at 8 p.m. on NBC. (Eonline)
After 7 Years, Sam Waterston Returns as Jack McCoy for Law & Order: SVU Guest Role. Doink doink: Law & Order: SVU is getting an infusion of the mothership Law & Order when Sam Waterston guest stars in season 19. He joins previously announced new and returning SVU players Brooke Shields, Dean Winters and Philip Winchester. Waterston played attorney Jack McCoy from 1994-2010 on the original Law & Order series. He last played the character on SVU in the 2010 episode "Torch." He's appeared on SVU two other times, in 2000 and 2007. Waterston also played Jack McCoy on Law & Order: Trial By Jury in 2005. Since the original Law & Order ended, Waterston has kept busy with film and TV roles including The Newsroom and Miss Sloane. He currently stars opposite Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in Netflix's comedy Grace and Frankie where he plays Sol, the ex-husband to Tomlin's Frankie and husband to Sheen's Robert. In August 2017, Law & Order mastermind Dick Wolf, who was on hand to promote Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, revealed the rumored Law & Order revival was pretty much stalled. It's "nowhere" Wolf said. "I mean it's a nice thing to think about occasionally," he told press at the 2017 TCA summer press tour. "I would be very surprised if we went back." Law & Order: SVU premieres Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. on NBC. (Eonline)
Eric Decker Reacts to Getting Released From the New York Jets on Eric & Jessie: "It Is a Bummer." On to the next! Eric Decker got a surprising update about his football career in Wednesday's all-new Eric & Jessie. During a phone call with Jessie James Decker, the wide receiver broke the news that he was being released from the New York Jets and had no idea which team he would join next. "It is a bummer," the disappointed NFL star told his wife. "I felt like we were getting to a routine and I'm feeling great, so I felt like practice has been going well." But Jessie was there to offer words of encouragement. "Just have to just roll with it," she told him. "See where the next journey takes us." She added, "Growing up, I was a military kid. I moved 14 different times, so I will say, if we have to pick up and move somewhere else, it's going to be fine." Meanwhile, Jessie was busy working on new music for her upcoming album, Southern Girl City Lights. As she hit the studio in Nashville to record a duet called "Almost Over You" with country singer Randy Houser, two of her biggest fans, her husband and daughter Vivianne Decker, were on hand to show their support. "It's important for Vivi to see her mommy working," Eric said. "I think that gives her inspiration and respect for what her mother does." Too sweet! (Eonline)
Meet Charles Melton: Get to Know Riverdale's New Reggie. There's a new Reggie in town when Riverdale returns for season two. After the character was recast because of Ross Butler's prior commitments to 13 Reasons Why, Charles Melton was brought into the Riverdale universe as Reggie 2.0, and he's a face you're going to want to get to know. Lucky for you, E! News sat down to find out everything we could about the 26 year-old, from his favorite movie to his favorite milkshake flavor to his go-to picture face, and it's kind of hard to watch him play our little get to know you game without falling a little bit in love. His favorite movie is A Knight's Tale, you guys. A Knight's Tale! And for those of you who are still worried about getting used to a new Reggie, Charles wants you to know that he's doing his absolute best. "I'm gonna give my best work that I can to the role of Reggie, Melton says. "I understand if you're a little apprehensive, but you know, I'm going to do Reggie a service, an honor, you know, 'cause historically he's an iconic character, so I'm going to do my best so hopefully I'm going to stop getting the #notmyreggie comments." While those comments--which Melton says he's gotten a ton of on Twitter--are hurtful, he's trying not to let it bother him. "You really don't react to it," he says of dealing with online hate. "I mean you just, no matter how good things are, or how bad things could be, there's always going to be negativity or something like that going on, and you just gotta, you know, embrace it I guess. But don't let it dictate kind of like how you're going to live." Riverdale returns Wednesday, October 11 at 8 p.m. on the CW. (Eonline)
This Is Us fans, breathe easy -- despite his death, Jack will still be a major part of the show, his on-screen wife confirms. PEOPLE recently caught up with Mandy Moore, and the actress -- and newly announced Garnier spokesperson -- opened up about Milo Ventimiglia, his beloved character on the hit NBC series and the much-anticipated season 2. "Milo is No. 1 on the call sheet -- he isn't going anywhere," says Moore, 33. "He is our leader. We call him our actor department head. If you want to know what's going on in the show or have a question about something, Milo, without fail, has the answer." Justin Hartley Has Fake Spoilers for 'This is Us' Fans This is Us star Justin Hartley knowns the show's fans have an insatiable desire for spoilers so he is trying to help by making up some fake ones.
As for what we can expect from the new season, Moore says she thinks it's "better than ever." "We just watched the first three episodes with the cast the other night together and I think I was really struck by how it's equal parts touching and laugh-out-loud funny," she says. "I think it's better than ever. I'm really proud of it. Everybody just did such remarkable work across the board again, and I hope people are going to be happy with it." "We're all having so much fun and it's very emotional," she adds. "It's sort of our signature. If they're looking for a good weep, they won't be disappointed." Season 2 of This Is Us premieres Sept. 26 on NBC. (Hollywood Reporter)
'South Park' Mocks Trump's Incessant, Reckless Tweeting. The show never actually uses the "T" word, calling him the president, but it is clear that Mr. Garrison is still the character. Trump is back on South Park -- kind of. The Comedy Central cartoon made fun of the president's incessant tweeting, specifically about North Korea, in the episode titled "Put it Down.' Essentially, the most high-strung child is town (Tweek) is having a meltdown daily about the saber-rattling between the U.S. and North Korea, which is exacerbated by the show's version of Trump tweeting outlandish insults at Kim Jong-un, daring him to attack. The show never says "Trump," just calling him the president, but it is clear in his Twitter avatar it is still Mr. Garrison. In one instance, Tweek bakes cupcakes for the North Korea leadership in hopes of showing them the U.S. is not all like Trump. When the show's president learns of Tweek's nice deed, he tweets: "I know that kid Tweek, he's fucking with you North Korea. Get a clue. I bet he took a dump in the batter." Mixing in other dueling story threads about Erik threatening to commit suicide just for attention and other kids at South Park Elementary working on their campaign to stop distracted driving, the episode ends with everyone asking the president to take the pledge to put down his phone. In their song, random townspeople take the pledge that, should they ever become president, they won't be distracted by their phone. Hillary Clinton makes a quick cameo to take the pledge, to which the chorus replies "No one cares." Show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said before the season began they were going to lay off Trump jokes as last season became too heavy due to the actual presidential outcome. (Hollywood Reporter)
Kylie Jenner bailed on an interview with "Today" host Megyn Kelly, sources told Page Six, because she was spooked by potentially tough questions Kelly could ask. Kelly's interview with Kris Jenner and daughters Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and Kendall was taped earlier in the year and aired on Wednesday. Noticeably absent was youngest sister Kylie, who'd posted images of herself at the studio for the interview back when it was taped. A source tells us that before Kelly's questions began, "Kylie bailed," getting cold feet about facing the interviewer. "She was all set to do the interview with her sisters, and she arrived to the location, ready to go," a source tells Page Six. "Then she bailed at the last minute because she thought the questions were going to be too tough." A rep for Kylie did not get back to us. In her absence, Kendall defended Kylie, citing the 20-year-old's cosmetics line when asked about any haters the family has. "My little sister has an insane business . . . Anyone who says they don't want their kid to be like that . . . is insane to me," Kendall quipped. (Page Six)
U.S., Russia Spar Over Kremlin-Funded News Outlet. Russian authorities hint at investigations of U.S. journalists working in the country in the wake of the FBI questioning of a former correspondent with Sputnik. On Sept.19, three Democratic lawmakers urged the Federal Communications Commission to investigate if the Kremlin-funded news site and radio station Sputnik broke government regulations by broadcasting propaganda. The move came as more proof that diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia have spilled over into the media industry. "In Washington, D.C., listeners need only tune their radios to 105.5 FM to hear the Russian government's effort to influence U.S. policy," reads a statement signed by Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Representatives Anna Eshoo (Dem-CA) and Mike Doyle (Dem-PA). Last week, the FBI questioned of Andrew Feinberg, Sputnik's former White House correspondent as part of a probe into whether the news outlet, which is part of the same Kremlin-funded media group as television network Russia Today, was involved in pro-Russian propaganda in the U.S. Simultaneously, the U.S. Justice Department ruled that Russia Today's U.S. servicing company needs to register as a foreign agent. Both Sputnik and Russia Today are seen as the Kremlin's international propaganda mouthpieces, even though they claim to supply "objective journalism" and "alternative viewpoints" instead. Earlier this year, Russia Today and Sputnik were banned from covering the presidential campaign of Emmanuel Macron, who said that the two outlets "act not like media, but like agents of influence and propaganda." "There is no doubt that Russia will respond to the FBI's investigation in a similar way and work of U.S. journalists in Moscow will be scrutinized," Margarita Simonyan, editor in chief of Sputnik and Russia Today, was quoted as saying by Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti. "This is more than disgusting," she went on to say. "Freedom of expression is turning in its grave. It was killed by those who invented it." The Kremlin's reaction was in the same vein. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by RIA Novosti saying that the FBI's questioning of Feinberg testified to "problems with censorship and restrictions of the press" in the U.S. "This raises our concerns," he added. Russian experts say that the conflict, which is developing against the backdrop of the worst crisis in relations between Russia and the U.S. in decades and a series of diplomatic rows, may also lead mutual restrictions in the media. Relations between Russia and U.S. deteriorated earlier this year when a bill introducing new sanctions against Russia was passed. Previously, Russia had had hoped that the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president would help to improve mutual ties. The ongoing investigation into Russia's possible meddling with last year's presidential election has also done little to restore trust between the two nations. After the introduction of new sanctions against Russia, the U.S. authorities have all legal grounds to conduct all kinds of investigations aimed at discovering Russian propaganda, Viktoria Zhuravleva, head of the U.S. sector of the North American Research Center at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Economics and International Relations, told The Hollywood Reporter. "The media, as the main instrument of external influence for any state, unavoidably becomes the focus of this process," she went on to say. "So, more questioning, blocking of access and broadcast and expulsion [of Russian] correspondents [from the United States] are likely." (Hollywood Reporter)
Olivia Newton-John Talks Second Fight With Breast Cancer on Today: "I'm Not Going to Be One of Those Statistics." After 25 years in remission, Olivia Newton-John learned her breast cancer had returned and spread to her lower back in May. Today's Natalie Morales sat down with the Grease star in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia to discuss how she's fighting cancer a second time around. The early signs of the cancer's return weren't entirely clear to Newton-John. The actress and singer had been performing at the time and thought that the pain she experienced while walking was due to sciatica. "I would kind of grit my teeth and take a couple of aspirin and go on," she told Morales. Unfortunately, she was wrong. "I guess I was sort of surprised," she said in regards to learning the news. "And I never would have associated because, in my mind, it was over. I had finished with it." Newton-John has been relying on both photon radiation and natural remedies like herbal supplements and meditation to fight the cancer. She also said that she's used medical cannabis to deal with the severe pain she feels when walking. "People have this vision from the '60s of people just sitting around, you know, getting stoned, and I think it's not about that," she told Morales. "This plant is a healing plant. I think we need to change the vision of what it is because it helped me greatly and it helped with pain and information." Of course, she also has the support of her husband John Easterling and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi. "My husband was there with me. He's been my rock," she said. "He's just an incredible person. He's totally confident that I'm fine and I'm going to last a long time." Newton-John told Morales that she doesn't look at the prognosis or statistics around her cancer because "I think that can be really depressing, and I'm not going to be one of those statistics. I'm going to be fine." However, she acknowledged that the cancer is something that she will "probably deal with" the rest of her life. "I think you can live with cancer like you can live with other things if you take care of yourself," she said. However, Newton-John is using her cancer experiences to help others. She supports the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center -- a public hospital that offers cancer treatment and conducts research and clinical trials. "Without that experience, I wouldn't have grown and had the desire or the passion to help other people who are going through it and the compassion to understand what it's like when you're going through cancer," she said. "So, it's been an amazing journey. Having it happen again, I thought to myself I've done it before. You know I got through this before and I can do it again." When asked what she's learned from her experience, Newton-John said, "I think it taught me I'm stronger than I thought I was. Because even though you have a team around you and people are helping you, really in the end, it's up to you. Believe you can do it and to go through it." She also told Morales that she considers herself a cancer thriver versus a cancer survivor. "A survivor sounds like someone clinging onto a lifeboat," she said. "To me a thriver is someone that's already off the boat and on land." (Eonline)
Supportive hubby! Justin Timberlake gave a sweet shout-out to wife Jessica Biel ahead of the final episode of her show The Sinner on Wednesday, September 20. "It's the finale of The Sinner & I'm so proud of my wife. You could say she killed it," the 40-year-old joked to his more than 62 million followers. "I wouldn't use such an obvious pun, but you could." Biel, 35, plays Cora Tannetti in the USA Network drama. The 7th Heaven alum opened up about producing the show and teased a possible season 2 in an interview with Variety. "Generally it never occurred to me that we'd have such great ratings," she said. "It felt like something we'd never seen before. The characters were an absolute dream for a creative and challenging experiment, and with a woman at the front of it all-and kind of an unlikable woman-it seemed like a good challenge and it seemed like something new." She added: "We're kind of starting from scratch in terms of what a second season could look like." Biel and the "Mirrors" singer tied the knot in 2012 and are parents of son Silas, 2. Timberlake opened up about their relationship in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2013. "Every once in a while I can catch a glimpse of her when she doesn't see me looking and I have this moment when I'm like, 'If you never make a good decision, if you only make bad decisions for the rest of your life, you made one really good decision,'" he said at the time. "It's nice to marry your friend, it's nice to marry your best friend. It suits me." (US Weekly)
The "mystery man" dating Laurence Fishburne's wife, Gina Torres, is a "cowboy type" father of six from Utah. We're told that Torres met divorced entrepreneur Kevin Wright on the beach in Dana Point, Calif., in mid-August -- and that they have since become a serious couple. Sources say that Wright wasn't even aware of who the former "Suits" star was when they first met. But they bonded over the fact that they have both recently left long relationships: Torres has split with Fishburne after 15 years together, and Wright ended a 20-year marriage within the past two years. A source close to the new couple told us, "I think when you've been married a long time and you become single, you look for someone that has what your ex was missing. I think [Torres] finds in Kevin what she didn't find in [Fishburne]. He's the opposite of a Hollywood guy -- he's just a cowboy type. He's an 'I'm going to go ride my horse' type of guy." Former real estate exec Wright has lived in Montana and Utah. Sources say that Wright knew that Torres -- who is set to be the star of an as-yet-unnamed "Suits" spinoff -- was separated when they struck up their romance. On Wednesday, Page Six revealed that Torres and a "mystery man" -- who turned out to be Wright -- were spotted passionately kissing while having lunch at Sweet Butter cafe in Los Angeles last week. Later on Wednesday, Torres said in a statement, "With heavy hearts, Laurence and I quietly separated and began the dissolution of our marriage in the early fall of last year." She added, "There are no bad guys here. Only a love story with a different ending than either one of us had expected." Torres and "Black-ish" star Fishburne were married in 2002, appeared together in two "Matrix" films and played a married couple in NBC's "Hannibal." They last appeared together in public in 2015 and have both made multiple solo red-carpet appearances since then. Wright and a rep for Torres declined to comment. (Page Six)
Rachel Bilson stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, amid reports that she and longtime partner Hayden Christensen had called it quits after nearly 10 years together. The 36-year-old Hart of Dixie star was seen shopped at Sweet Williams children's clothing store, wearing a black and white patterned blouse and blue jeans. She accessorized her look with dark shades, tan shoes, and a black messenger bag. Earlier in the day, reports hit that Bilson and Christensen had separated nearly two weeks ago. The pair, who met on the set of their 2008 film Jumper and are parents to 21/2-year-old daughter Briar Rose, have had a series of ups and downs in their time together. They were first engaged in 2008, but called off their engagement in August 2010. They would end up reconciling just three months later. Rachel Bilson's Celebrity Crush Might Surprise You! Mamarazzi's Minute with The Moms has Rachel Bilson giving answers to their rapid fire questions, including her surprising Celebrity Crush! Though the two were notoriously private, Bilson opened up about their relationship in a 2013 interview with Cosmopolitan. "I'm a really good girlfriend -- I always put all that first in my life. I'm definitely the person who would make him his favorite dinner to come home to," Bilson said at the time. "I love to cook, so we make dinner at home a lot and watch movies." Most recently, she posted a photo of him on Instagram in April, wishing Christensen, "Happy Birthday Handsome." In 2015, the Star Wars star opened about naming their daughter Briar Rose. "There's a Disney reference there I suppose," he said of her uncommon name. "The original Sleeping Beauty is called Briar Rose. Rachel -- we both love Disney -- but Rachel especially was very keen on the name." Their camps have not responded to requests for comment. (People)
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are keeping it together for their kids. Just days after Affleck came to support his new girlfriend Lindsay Shookus at the Emmys on Sunday, the Justice League star was spotted alongside his ex-wife at a school function for their kids on Wednesday. The duo, who have remained dedicated to keeping a united front for their kids -- Violet, 11, Samuel, 5, and Seraphina Rose, 8 -- dressed casually for the event and were seen walking amicably side-by-side around the school. Affleck and Garner broke off their 10-year marriage in June of 2015, and officially filed for divorce in April. "We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time," they said in a joint statement at the time. Meanwhile, Affleck and Shookus, a producer on Saturday Night Live, made their relationship award show official for the first time at the 2017 Emmys on Sunday. The couple, who went public with their romance in early July, sat together at the star-studded ceremony, though they skipped the red carpet earlier. (Shookus took to the stage with her SNL colleagues when the show won outstanding variety sketch series.) Affleck accompanied Shookus to the HBO afterparty, where they sat with Curb Your Enthusiasm's Larry David and Jeff Garlin. One day earlier, the love birds joined David for a pre-Emmys date in Hollywood. The couple took their relationship public three months after Affleck and Garner, 45, coordinated their divorce filings following nearly two years of separation. A source told PEOPLE in July that Shookus was staying at Affleck's home. Another insider added then: "The friendship's been going on for a very long time but this is newer waters for them. They've been trying to take it slow but it's progressing quickly. Their feelings are strong." Ben Affleck Is 'Enjoying His Summer' With Lindsay Shookus as They Vacation in Maine, Says Source Ben Affleck & Lindsay Shookus Spotted At Liquor Store Twice Over The Weekend The two have been spending time together on both coasts since, stepping out for coffee runs, casual breakfast dates and nights out. They recently vacationed in Maine together and were spotted heading to a movie theater in N.Y.C. earlier this month. Just last weekend, the couple was spotted getting cozy as they watched the U.S. Open men's finals at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in N.Y.C, where Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson. (People)
Audrina Patridge Files for Divorce From Corey Bohan and Seeks Domestic Violence Restraining Order. It's over between Audrina Patridge and Corey Bohan and their split appears to be ugly. The Hills star on Monday sought a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her husband and on Wednesday filed for divorce, court records show. The two have been married for 10 months and share a 1-year-old daughter, Kirra Max. "Audrina's number one priority is her daughter and she asks for privacy at this time," Patridge's rep told E! News in a statement on Thursday. A hearing has been scheduled for October. Patridge and Bohan have been together on and off since 2008. They have not commented about their split, which comes as a surprise as the family has appeared happy and united in Instagram photos as recently as August. Patridge wed Bohan, a professional BMX rider, in November 2016 in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, five months after the reality star gave birth to Kirra and a year after the couple got engaged. (Eonline)
Gwyneth Paltrow to Her Haters: ''If You Want to F--k With Me, Bring Your A Game'' Gwyneth Paltrow isn't worried about her haters and naysayers. The 44-year-old actress and Goop CEO opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about the future of her ever-growing company as well as her acting career, reminding her critics that in either case, baseless rumors aren't going to bring her down. "I'm interested in criticism based on fact, not on projections," she said. "If you want to f--k with me, bring your A game." Still, Paltrow recognizes the challenges (and the benefits) she faces being a celebrity in the world of entrepreneurs. "[Being a celebrity] makes it much more difficult. For the business I'm creating, it's an obstacle I always have to overcome," she explained. "For example, Reese [Witherspoon], who is a dear friend, has this quickly growing Draper James [clothing] business, and she leverages her celebrity in a great way for her brand." Of course, we all think of Paltrow as the high-brow A-lister who gets vaginal steams and pays thousands of dollars for luxurious sex toys -- a judgment stemming from what she sells and advises on Goop. But she promises there's a separation. "For this model -- where I'm trying to make Goop bigger than me and its own brand -- you become inextricably linked," she explained. "I'm a target in a way most entrepreneurs are not." Paltrow also counts her blessings. "When we need to leverage my celebrity, it opens doors," she admitted. "I don't know many young entrepreneurs who can call [Disney CEO] Bob Iger, [Facebook COO] Sheryl Sandberg or [Airbnb founder] Brian Chesky, and they are kind enough to waste a little bit of their day to help me. So in that respect, my celebrity has been a huge asset." And for these reasons, Paltrow only continues to grow Goop. She recently opened a brick and mortar shop in the Brentwood area of Southern California, started her own brand of vitamins and published her first issue of Goop magazine. What else could she possibly do? Well, television. "What we are thinking of doing is a TV show with the working title The Radical Wellness Show," she revealed. "I would be going into the field and talking to any number of doctors, scientists, civilians, people in crisis in Flint, Michigan, where there is something to uncover and confront about wellness. We would want it to feel more Vice-y in its vibe, but we're just in the brainstorming phase." So what does this mean for Paltrow's acting career? "I need to be here right now," she said of her company. "I went to Atlanta to do Avengers 4, so I'm in and out for that, and it's weird to go back and forth. We're growing fast, and balls are dropping all the time. But honestly, I was on set and thought, 'You sit here for two hours sipping tea, Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle are making me laugh hysterically -- why the hell did I give this up?'" Though we may miss her on the big screen more than previous years, we won't be missing her fashionable moments -- something she naturally inherited from her late father, Bruce Paltrow. "My mom [Blythe Danner] was never into clothes or interiors -- she is an incredible artist but very internal," Paltrow explained. "My dad loved art, was a painting major in college; he loved beautiful things and clothes." (Eonline)
Let's just say Tony Orlando will NOT be knocking three times on a ceiling anytime soon -- not with his left hand, anyway. The '70s pop star -- who sang 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon' and "Knock Three Times" -- sliced the tip of his middle finger clean off in a garage door accident at his home in Branson, Missouri. Tony's son, John, tells us he was calm and collected -- way more than you'll be when you see the damage. He found the tip of the finger, picked it up and drove himself to a hospital ... like a boss! We don't know yet how the surgery turned out, but gotta say ... his manicurist is gonna be pissed. (TMZ)
Anthony Michael Hall Sentenced to Three Years Probation for Assault Against Neighbor. Anthony Michael Hall has found himself in legal hot water over an altercation with a neighbor. E! News can confirm the Breakfast Club star was charged with felony assault and "serious bodily injury" and could serve up to seven years in prison. According to the court documents, Hall used "violent force" against his neighbor outside their Playa del Rey condominium in September. He allegedly broke the neighbor's wrist and back during the confrontation, TMZ reports. The L.A. county superior court released the documents, charging Hall with the felony assault. His sentence was increased from four to seven years in prison due to the addition of a bodily injury charge. We're told the arraignment date has not yet been set. Interestingly enough, this is the second time Hall has had a legal issue with a neighbor. In 2011, the former '80s teen star was taken into custody after a confrontation with another resident at his Westside L.A. condominium complex. Sources said the dispute began when Hall had a fit and started ripping up plants in the condominium's common area. When the neighbor came out of his unit to see what the commotion was, Hall yelled profanity at him and threatened to "beat [him] to a pulp." Shortly thereafter, Hall followed through on his threats and went pounding on the neighbor's door to challenge him to a fight. The neighbor then called the cops and Hall was booked on suspicion of disturbing the peace. UPDATE: Anthony Michael Hall plead no contest in relation to a November 2016 altercation with his next-door neighbor, E! News has learned. He entered the plea of one misdemeanor count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. The actor was sentenced to three years of summary probation and 40 hours of community service. (Eonline)
Boyfriend of Murdered Reality TV Star Loredana Nesci Sentenced to 16 Years to Life. Robert Reagan has been charged formally with one count of murder with a knife in the death of Loredana Nesci, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said on Friday. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. Loredana Nesci, an LAPD officer-turned lawyer who starred in the SundanceTV reality show Loredana, Esq. has been found dead at age 47 while her longtime partner, Robert Reagan, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Police said in a statement obtained by E! News that around 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, they received an emergency call from a "distraught male." Officers arrived at the Redondo Beach home Nesci shared with Reagan and their 5-year-old son Rocco Nesci-Reagan and found the reality star's body. They are investigating the incident as a homicide. "A resident of Redondo Beach, Robert Reagan, 51 years of age has been arrested in connection with this homicide," police said in the statement. Reagan has not commented. He is being held on $1 million bail, police records show. Nesci appeared to have been stabbed or shot, Los Angeles South Bay-based newspaper The Daily Breeze quoted police as saying. The couple had had "an altercation" before the incident, the outlet reported, adding that their child was not home at the time. Nesci, often dubbed "The Legal Diva," grew up in Connecticut and got her bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs. She moved to California in 1996 and worked as a Los Angeles police officer. During her time on the force, she helped the FBI handle what is now dubbed the famous North Hollywood shootout of 1997, according to her website bio. She went to law school years later and graduated with her Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut in 2002. She worked as a lawyer and returned to California two years later, where she opened her own practice. In 2008, she began hosting her own radio show on KCAA 1050 AM. Her reality series premiered on the SundanceTV channel in March 2014 and documented her life at home and on the job. Nesci often posted photos and videos of her son and the family's two dogs, Louie and Toukie, on her Instagram page. The family also has two cats. Her friends are working to try and find homes for the pets. UPDATE: Robert Reagan was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his girlfriend, reality TV star and model Loredana Nesci, according to local reports. Weeks prior, he was found guilty of second-degree murder. "I will never know what Loredana ever saw in you," a letter written by Nesci's brother Robert and read in court reportedly said. "She wasted years of her life, gifted you with so much money, and foolishly believed in your stories. You told her lie after lie." "You were never grateful but, just like any other con man, you tried to dig deeper and get more out of her for doing nothing," the letter continued. "And when she was finally going to leave you, you gutted her like a farm animal." (Eonline)
Kate Beckinsale's Alleged Stalker Has All Charges Dropped. A man was arrested at Tampa Bay Comic Con Saturday on suspicion of stalking Kate Beckinsale, who later made a scheduled celebrity guest appearance at the event. Terry Lee Repp, a 45-year-old resident of Iowa, was booked in jail that morning on a $500 bond after he turned up at the Tampa Bay Convention Center a couple of hours before the actress was set to take the stage for a Q&A session, police records show. She filed a police report against him. He has not commented. Police said in a statement that on Thursday, Repp was found inside the Tampa Convention Center during the Comic Con event and "has a history of following and harassing [Beckinsale] and came to Tampa in an effort to continue the harassing behavior." "Repp made physical contact with the victim during an event in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2016. During this encounter, Repp touched the victim's back and made a statement to the victim in reference to stabbing her," the statement said. "In a continuing effort to harass the victim, Repp also traveled to Houston, Texas in 2016, where [Beckinsale] was attending an event." "Repp was detained by the Houston Police Department and trespassed from the event. Repp appears to have an irrational obsession with [Beckinsale] and has traveled across the country in an effort to harass her. Repp's actions caused the victim substantial emotional distress and caused her to fear for her safety. Repp has been charged with stalking and was booked into Orient Road Jail." Beckinsale postponed her Comic Con appearance for several hours after Repp's arrest. She made no mention of him onstage. She also appeared to be in good spirits while talking to fans and taking photos with them and signing autographs at the event, while being guarded by security. UPDATE: The man arrested for allegedly stalking Kate Beckinsale will not face criminal prosecution. According to documents obtained by E! News, the Florida State Attorney's Office dropped all charges against Terry Lee Rep because authorities apprehended the individual prior to him making contact with the actress on July 29, 2017 in Tampa Bay. Beckinsale has not commented publicly on the matter. (Eonline)
Suge Knight is pouring fuel all over a legendary conspiracy theory by speaking out from jail to explain why he believes there's a good chance Tupac Shakur is alive. The notorious Death Row Records CEO spoke to Ice-T and Soledad O'Brien -- on the phone from the L.A. County jail -- when he dropped the bombshell. Suge told them something about Pac's hospital stay after the 1996 shooting just doesn't add up for him. TMZ got this exclusive clip from the special, "Who Shot Biggie & Tupac?" ... where Ice and Soledad lead an investigation into the unsolved murders and uncover new accounts of the shootings from people who were there. It airs Sunday, September 24 on Fox. And we'll get Ice-T's reaction to Suge's theory on Friday's TMZ Live. (TMZ)
Bernie Casey, the beloved and iconic co-star in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," died in an L.A. hospital ... TMZ has learned. Bernie's rep tells us he died peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones. We're told he suddenly fell ill recently, and had spent the last few days hospitalized. He broke into Hollywood with roles in blaxploitation films, and went on to co-star in nearly 80 different projects -- most notably he was the national head of the Tri Lams in 'Nerds' ... and neighborhood activist John Slade in 'Sucka.' He was also in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." Casey was totally a jack-of-several-trades, having also played in the NFL as a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the L.A. Rams in the late '60s. He also had a passion for painting and poetry. Bernie was 78. R.I.P. (TMZ)
THE OTHER STUFF . . .
Salma Hayek Donates $100K to Mexico's Earthquake Victims and Implores Fans to Help. Salma Hayek is helping the victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Mexico City that happened on Tuesday, and she's "imploring" fans to join her in aiding these families. "After the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, I was evacuated from my building. A lot of my friends died, including an uncle that was very, very close to me," the 51-year-old actress recalls in a video on her Instagram. "I have lived through the aftermath of a disaster of this magnitude, and it's horrific." Hayek donated $100K to UNICEF, which as the star explains, has teams on the ground responding at the sites. "I implore to your hearts, to the goodness of your hearts and your compassion to help with anything that you can give," she says. "Please join me and contribute what you can and thank you. The tremblor came on the 32nd anniversary of Mexico's deadliest earthquake in modern history in 1985. Sadly, by Wednesday the death toll rose to at least 225, according to NBC News. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. (Eonline)
Kevin Hart and his pregnant wife, Eniko, are putting his sex tape/extortion case on a side burner for at least one day because they're still putting on a super expensive baby shower amid the scandal. According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Kevin and Eniko are dropping serious cash for a 'Lion King' themed shower on Oct. 1 at the Calamigos Beach Club in Malibu. The venue will be decked out in leopard print and safari animals pics -- and a Hart family photo "with a silhouette of pregnant Eniko leading the way." They're also having an "Experience Bar" where guests can sample exotic foods and dress up like tribal warriors -- and a game show similar to "The Price Is Right" where guests can win prizes. All set to 'Lion King' music, of course. It don't come cheap -- according to the docs, the whole shebang is costing them $117,855. But that includes $1,500 for a chimp in a diaper ... so it's a steal. We're thinking Kevin's gift budget might go up slightly though. (TMZ)
Brooklyn Beckham isn't shying away from letting his love for Chloe Grace Moretz show. Making up for lost time, the 18-year-old photographer shared a sweet photograph of the 20-year-old actress on Wednesday, writing in the caption, "Thinking of this one xx." Moretz, who dated the son of David and Victoria Beckham for nearly a year before they split, also shared a photo of him on Wednesday, with a simple caption, "8.27.17 NY." Beckham, who recently started attending college in New York City, told The Cut that some of his classmates were a bit starstruck by him. "I like people from school, but there are a few fangirls in the school," he said. "Sometimes, I have to be like, 'I'm going to be with you for like, four years, so chill.'" PEOPLE confirmed in August that Beckham and Moretz were "hanging out" nearly a year after they split. On Sunday, Beckham shared a photo of himself watching TV and made it clear they were once again back on, wrote that he was "missing my girl," with Moretz tagged in the photo. (People)
After the heartbreaking loss of her beloved Ducky in August, Selma Blair has welcomed home a new love in her life -- Cappuccino Houston (or Cappy, for short). The Legally Blonde actress shared a sweet photo of her son Arthur Saint, 6, hugging their new addition. "And so we have begun another dog love adventure," Blair, 45, wrote in the caption. "Cappuccino Houston (Cappy) entered our lives a few weeks ago. She is a shy dog, and much patience and work is being done. But, already bonded with Arthur, she is a kind and dear girl." "She is almost still a pup herself," Blair continued. "And has already weaned her own babies. Now she has another needy young one. Arthur. And it is just what we all wanted. Thank you for all the help @angelcitypits#nkla #bestfriendsanimalsociety #cappythedog #adoptdontshop #savethemall #trainthemall #spayandneuteryourpets #stray #spiritofduckyandwink." Blair's dog Ducky died in August, with the Hellboy actress penning an emotional tribute to the 13-year-old Chihuahua-pug. "Run with the angels. We miss you so much. So much, sweet girl. Please send us our next dog. With the spirit of you and wink. Our hearts are broken," she wrote at the time. She asked for prayers, explaining, "[Ducky] had a terrible accident this evening. The vet recommended ending her suffering. But when her tail wagged, I couldn't do it." Earlier this year, Blair told PEOPLE of the close bond her son and the dog had. "They love each other very much, but it's very much brother and sister," the Cruel Intentions star said in March. "My boy just wants to squeeze her as tight as he can and play games and have pillow fights, and that ship has sailed for Ducky. But she's done great with it." Blair and her son had adopted Ducky in 2015 from the no-kill shelter, Best Friend Animal Shelter. (People)
Some famous friends will be on hand for Mika Brzezinski's latest "Know Your Value" event. Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jane Pauley are among those expected Oct. 30 for an all-day conference at Manhattan's Grand Hyatt hotel. "Know Your Value" is based on the best-selling book by the co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe." The mission is to develop an "empowered community" for women in their personal and professional lives. Others who have appeared at "Know Your Value" gatherings include Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand of New York, Rachael Ray and Brooke Shields. Brzezinski published her book in 2011 and started the "Know Your Value" movement three years later. The Oct. 30 event is in partnership with NBCUniversal News Group. (Page Six)
Music
America's Got Talent: Mandy Harvey, Shania Twain perform emotional duet. America's got talent, and so does Canada. Wednesday night's finale of the NBC competition saw country superstar (and Canada native) Shania Twain join America's Got Talent finalist Mandy Harvey, who ended up finishing season 12 in fourth place. She wowed the judges -- Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel -- and audiences all season long, starting with her first performance, which earned her the Golden Buzzer from Cowell. On that June auditions episode, the 29-year-old revealed she's been deaf since she was 10, performing barefoot and relying on vibrations to help keep beat. For the finale, Harvey and Twain collaborated for a duet of the latter's 1998 hit "You're Still the One" before Twain transitioned into a performance of her new single "Life's About to Get Good," from her upcoming album Now (out Sept. 29). (Entertainment Weekly)
Following a Brooklyn premiere of Fergie's long-awaited second solo album, some were left wondering if it was inspired by her breakup with Josh Duhamel. Tracks on the new album, titled "Double Dutchess," include "Save It Till Morning," "A Little Work," "Love Is Blind," and "Love Is Pain." And Fergie admitted to Page Six, "There's a lot of my life, and my vulnerable side on the album." But she insists that the songs, written from the journals she has kept throughout her life, are about many relationships she has had, not just Duhamel, and the videos "amplify" events from her past. Fergie, 42, and Duhamel, 44, announced in September they had separated "earlier this year" after eight years of marriage. She and the "Transformers" star share a four-year-old son Axl, who she says is "the sun that we all revolve around," adding that she is staying strong after the split for him. "Now it is really about taking care of yourself, I have a son, and keeping the balance of life is very important, just checking in with yourself to make sure everything is balanced." The album is also a "visual experience," with the singer filming a video for each of the songs Beyonce-style, which will all drop on Friday, September 22. Of the album she said, "there's a weird religious tone to the whole thing. I am more spiritual than religious . . . It is also about my relationship with my god, my higher power, my universe whatever you want to call it, whatever it is, I've really had to call upon that throughout the making of this album." Fergie has been very open about her mistakes and overcoming drug addiction in the past, "Writing the song 'A Little Work', it was all about how everything is a battle with the mind, it is how you change things slowly, little by little, sometimes it is not the easiest way to go, but that's how we better ourselves. The song is definitely about a battle with myself and my own demons." The record also includes some killer Fergie upbeat club tracks including "You Already Know" featuring Nicki Minaj and "Hungry" featuring Rick Ross. There's also the cheeky song "M.I.L.F.$," accompanied by a video that features Kim Kardashian, Chrissie Teigen and Amber Valletta. Guests at Tuesday's Wythe Hotel VIP party for Fergie's new album included models Alex Lundqvist, Marquita Pring and Precious Lee, Cinema Society founder Andrew Saffir and Lady Kitty Spencer, the niece of the late Princess Diana. (Page Six)
Harry Styles Kicks Off His Tour With Rainbow Flag -- and His Fans Love It. Harry Styles kicked off his first solo tour with a message of love and equality. The singer, who rose to fame with One Direction, performed at the Masonic auditorium in San Francisco on Tuesday. A fan threw onstage a rainbow Pride flag, which Styles waved around before attaching it to his mic stand while performing his song "Woman." "Cried in the arms of a gay man standing by me when this happened. It was a beautiful moment and a wonderful show," wrote Twitter user @MarissaRachay. "Thank you @Harry_Styles." "Harry dancing on stage with an LGBTQ pride flag makes me feel safe. What a human being," tweeted user @harryfanboyz. "Thank you. I love you so much @Harry_Styles." Styles has long been a supporter of equal rights for women and the LGBTQ community. "That doesn't feel like politics to me," he said on the French talk show Quotidien in April. "Stuff like equality feels much more fundamental. I feel like everyone is equal. That doesn't feel like politics to me." In 2013, members of the anti-gay religious group the Westboro Baptist Church picketed a One Direction concert in Kansas City, Missouri. "Despite the company outside, I believe in equal rights for everyone. I think God loves all," Styles tweeted at the time. "Thanks for coming to the show though." Styles is set to perform in Los Angeles Wednesday, after which he will head to cities such as Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Boston and Atlanta. The first U.S. leg of his tour ends on October 14, after which he will take a short break before heading to Europe for more shows on October 25. Styles is scheduled to perform around the world on and off until July 2018. (Eonline)
Grammy Museum Honors David Foster at Record-Breaking Gala. "Not only is David a genius musician, he's a song guy. He's the best vocal producer around. He'll take a singer further than they think they can go," said Diane Warren. In a record-breaking evening that raised more than $1 million, the Grammy Museum honored superstar producer David Foster at its 3rd annual gala on Tuesday. Held at The Nuvo in Los Angeles, the event's proceeds fund the Grammy Museum and its educational and musical preservation programs. Calling Foster his "brother from a different mother" and "one of the most talented musicians in the world," Quincy Jones -- one of the few musicians who can claim more Grammys than Foster (27 trophies to 16)-presented Foster with the architects of sound award, recalling their long history back to working together on a Brothers Johnson record in the 1970s. Foster accepted his award, addressing what he called a "real crisis" with music education in schools. He went on to laud one of his high school band teachers who encouraged him to learn a new instrument every three months to ensure that Foster had at least a cursory understanding of as many instruments as possible. As a filmed piece noted, Foster has written, produced, arranged or played on songs that have cumulatively sold more than 500 million copies, including Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You," Earth Wind & Fire's "After the Love Is Gone," Natalie Cole's remake of "Unforgettable," Celine Dion's "Power of Love" and "All By Myself" cover, Josh Groban's "The Prayer" and hundreds of others. Diane Warren, who has had several of her songs produced by Foster, including Toni Braxton's 1996 smash "Un-break My Heart," told Billboard, "Not only is David a genius musician, he's a song guy. He's the best vocal producer around. He'll take a singer further than they think they can go." That ability was evident as singer after singer, including Pia Toscano, Ruben Studdard and Katharine McPhee (Foster swore the American Idol connection was coincidental), flexed their impressive vocal muscles during an hour-long tribute to Foster's work, that also included performers Shelea and Fernando Varela. Foster accompanied the artists on piano, while they recreated some of his biggest hits. "We debated about what to do and then, being a control freak, I decided to do it myself," Foster joked of the evening's entertainment. In addition to revenue raised from tickets purchased for the event, a lively auction earned more than half a million, including two house concerts by Foster that went for $225,000 each. The Grammy Museum also recognized Nathan Strayhorn, the recipient of the 2017 Jane Ortner Education Award, which honored K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as an educational tool. (Billboard)
Concord Music Buys Savoy Label Group, Adding Jazz Recordings From Coltrane, Davis And Parker: Exclusive. The catalog deal brings more than 3,000 master recordings to the company. Savoy Records, founded in 1942, was home to some of the jazz world's most iconic artists, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon. The catalog also includes more recent recordings from such acts as Etta Jones, Bill Frisell, Larry Coryell, Andy Bey, and Milton Nascimento. Concord is already home to a tremendous number of top jazz titles through its start as a jazz label and its acquisition of the Fantasy catalog in 2004. The deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, also encompasses Savoy Label Group adult rock and alternative label 429 Records, which includes titles from Meat Loaf, Los Lobos, Robbie Robertson, Macy Gray, Dr. John, Bruce Hornsby and Boz Scaggs. Scaggs is the only artist involved in the sale who has a current contract with Savoy Label Group. He is expected to release a new album in 2018 through one of Concord Music's labels. Among Savoy Label Group's classical titles are works by Dutch violinist Andre Rieu, as well as recordings from the London Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, Berlin Symphony, and Moscow Philharmonic. Savoy Label Group's previous owner, Steve Vining, has entered a multi-year consulting and production agreement with Concord Music, which may include the delivery of new recording projects to the company. "Concord's enormous success in many of the same musical genre's SLG has pursued convinces me they will be outstanding stewards of both the rich catalog as well as the new recordings to come from our very talented artists," Vining said in a statement. Added Concord Music chief business development officer Steve Salm, who was the point person on the deal, "The addition of Savoy to Concord Music is consistent with our ongoing growth strategy, as it deepens our presence within a number of core genres. It also adds numerous classic recordings and another legendary brand to our great group of labels." In June, Concord Music purchased the Imagem Music Group for more than $500 million, helping make Concord the world's fifth largest integrated music company. Its recorded music portfolio, prior to this deal, includes more than 10,000 album recordings, while its publishing arm oversees more than 380,000 copyrights. (Billboard)
Yoko Ono Forces Polish Lemonade Company 'John Lemon' to Change Name. Her lawyers cited trademark infringement against her husband's name and personal rights, saying, "They were abusing and misusing the legacy of John Lennon to sell their soda." For decades, Beatles fans have accused Yoko Ono of breaking up the band. The veracity of such a claim is up for debate, but Ono Lennon did try to break up a lemonade company that was capitalizing off the name of her late husband, John Lennon. Ono Lennon's lawyers recently sent legal letters to John Lemon, a Polish lemonade company established five years ago that distributes to bars and restaurants in the United Kingdom and 13 other European countries, The Guardian reports. Her lawyers cited trademark infringement against her husband's name and personal rights, telling the East London Advertiser, "They were abusing and misusing the legacy of John Lennon to sell their soda." The musician and activist's legal team also cited a Facebook post by John Lemon Ireland that displayed a mural of Lennon holding lemons with the company's logo underneath. Other advertisements displayed round glasses that recalled Lennon's signature frames, along with the words, "Let It Be." Upon receiving the letters, John Lemon agreed to change its name to On Lemon. "All of us involved with this product are startups and we couldn't take on someone who is worth many, many millions," Mr. Lemonade Alternative Drinks founder Karol Chamera told the East London Advertiser. (Incidentally, "On Lemon" is remarkably similar to "Ono Lennon," though there's nothing she can do about that.) Hugo Balazinski of law firm KSP, which represented John Lemon, said the company concluded a settlement to avoid having its lemonade production banned. He noted, however, that John Lemon registered its trademark in 2014, while the John Lennon brand was not registered until last year. Ultimately, it proved a moot point -- when you've spent so many years engaged in bitter spats with Paul McCartney, you learn how to stand your ground, in court or otherwise. (Billboard)
Movies
Cher Launches Oscar Campaign for Interracial Couple's Doc. Cher has not given up on Edith Hill and Eddie Harrison's love story. Their union -- and the tragic fallout from it -- was the subject of the documentary short Edith+Eddie. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the superstar performer and producer has boarded the project as an executive producer and will be involved in an awards campaign for the 29-minute film directed by Laura Checkoway. Hill was 96 and Harrison 95 years old when they were married, and the film bills the two as "America's oldest interracial newlyweds" at the time of their union in 2014. What could've been a heart-warming love story turned into something tragic as the two were separated by Hill's family in a bitter family feud. The couple had been sharing Hill's Virginia home until one of her daughters forcibly moved her to Florida, separating the couple. Their story snagged national headlines and, as the story goes, Cher saw a local news piece and jumped at the chance to get involved by offering to pay for Hill's medical expenses as well as costs associated with fixing up the couple's former Virginia dwelling so she could return to the home they had apparently hoped to share, living out their final days together. In an exclusive statement to THR, Cher says their story "touched my heart," hence why she's helping mount a campaign. "These are the cutest people I have ever seen and they were truly in love," she says. "What happened to them is horrible -- it's elder abuse and it's happening all over. We're hopeful this film can make a difference." Cher's awards push for the film comes close to 30 years after the release of 1987's Moonstruck, a film that garnered her a best actress Oscar. She joins Edith+Eddie executive producers Steve James, Gordon Quinn and Betsy Steinberg along with producer Thomas Lee Wright. It's Wright who is no stranger to the issue of elder abuse after having written the book The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse: How to Protect Your Parents -- And Yourself. Edith+Eddie recently secured a place on Cinema Eye's "Shorts List" and has screened at the Camden Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. Among its honors is the jury award for best documentary at the 2017 Palm Springs International Shortfest. A screening is planned for Washington, D.C., in the hopes of influencing federal policy on the issue. (Hollywood Reporter)
Kate Winslet to Play Famed WWII Correspondent Lee Miller. eOne is financing the biopic and will distribute in its own territories. Kate Winslet is joining a growing cohort of British actresses set to play noted war correspondents. The Oscar winner is set to star as Lee Miller in an as-yet-untitled biopic about the famed American photographer, model, artist and correspondent who was a leading figure in documenting WWII for Vogue magazine, bringing images of the Nazi concentration camps and the atrocities that were committed to the attention of the world. The film-being fully financed by eOne, which will also distribute in its own territories-will be produced by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason of Hopscotch Features alongside Winslet herself, and will document Miller's life, as told by her son, Antony Penrose, in the only authorized biography The Lives of Lee Miller. Production is expected to being in 2018, with a director yet to be announced. "I am delighted to work with Kate Winslet, eOne and Hopscotch to share the life story of my mother Lee Miller," said Penrose. "Their integrity and respect for the truth has earned them the absolute trust of myself and my family and we have allowed access to all aspects of our lives and history through interviews, our personal papers and material held in The Lee Miller Archives and The Roland Penrose Archive, the latter being part of The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh." Earlier this year, Rosamund Pike signed up to star in A Private War as famed U.S. correspondent Marie Colvin, who reported from conflicts in Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and died in 2012 while covering the civil war in Syria. In June, Carey Mulligan was announced as playing Australian reporter Kate Webb, who was held in captivity for 23 days during the Vietnam War, in On the Other Side. (Hollywood Reporter)
Oscars: Taiwan Selects 'Small Talk' for Foreign-Language Category. Hui-Chen Huang's intimate portrait of her mother won the best doc prize at this year's Berlin Film Festival. Taiwan has selected Hui-Chen Huang's documentary Small Talk as its official entry for the foreign-language category at the 90th Academy Awards. A Teddy Award winner for best doc at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, Small Talk is a personal exploration of Huang's relationship with her lesbian mother A-nu. The film delves into A-nu's past as a Taoist priestess, as well as detail her romantic relationships, friendships and her role as a mother that was often absent. Small Talk was also part of the official selection at Taipei's Golden Horse Film Festival. The Academy Awards will be held March 4, 2018. (Hollywood Reporter)
Tom Cruise Partially Blamed for Plane Crash That Killed Two People on Set of American Made. The families of two men who died following a September 2015 plane crash on the set of American Made claim Tom Cruise is partially to blame for the fatal accident. Three of the pilots hired for the movie were involved in a plane crash during filming when their twin-engine Piper Smith Aerostar 600 went down in the mountains. Alan Purwin and Carlos Berl died on the scene, while Jimmy Lee Garland was left without feeling in the lower half of his body. According to new court documents provided to PEOPLE by The Blast, the estates of Purwin and Berl claim that Cruise and director Doug Liman's desire to film a "high-risk, action-packed motion picture" contributed to the circumstances that led to the accident. "The demands of filming in Colombia, together with Cruise's and director Doug Liman's enthusiasm for multiple takes of lavish flying sequences, added hours to every filming day and added days to the schedule," state the documents. Purwin and Berl's families are both suing the producers of the film -- Imagine Entertainment, Vendian Entertainment and Cross Creek Pictures -- for wrongful death and damages. They allege that the production companies ignored safety procedures before the flight in order to save time and money. "Lapses in planning, coordinating, scheduling, and flight safety that were the Defendants' responsibility resulted in an unqualified and unprepared pilot being pressed into service for a dangerous flight in a vintage aircraft across an unfamiliar mountain pass in bad weather," state the documents. Though Cruise and Liman are not named defendants in the lawsuit, the families allege they were "negligent" in allowing the flight to take place under such circumstances. The lawsuit also claims one of the executive producers on the film sent a formal complaint to the insurance company about Cruise and Liman. "DL [Director Liman] and TC [Cruise] [are] adding entire scenes and aerial shots on the fly. Had to bring in Uni Safety to help wrangle them. In the last 48 hours this has become the most insane s -- I've ever dealt with," it read, according to the lawsuit. In a separate email, Purwin called the film "the most dangerous project I've ever encountered." "You have no idea the exposure TC and the entire Aerial Team is realizing every time we get in the air," he wrote, according to the court papers. "There's a very 'thin line' between keeping all aerial activities safe and having an accident. Trust me on this!" The families go on to argue that Cruise could have piloted the plane, calling him "a well-qualified pilot very familiar with the Aerostar and the routing." The families are also suing each other, with Berl's family filing a suit against Garland, the only survivor. The original lawsuit was filed in April 2016. (People)
TV
And the Winner of America's Got Talent Season 12 Is . . . And America's next top talent is... Oops, wrong iconic Tyra Banks' line, but the host did help crown a winner during Wednesday night's finale of America's Got Talent, which had 10 finalists vying for the season 12 crown: Evie Clair, Darci Lynne Farmer, Chase Goehring, Angelica Hale, Mandy Harvey, Preacher Lawson, Kechi Okwuchi, Diavolo, Light Balance and Sarah and Hero. So which act won the NBC reality series? Drumroll please.... After thousands and thousands of votes, congratulations are in order for Darci Lynne Farmer! The child ventriloquist, who earned Mel B's "Golden Buzzer" this season, continuously wowed audiences and the judges with her skills. While she only started developing her act two years ago, fans would have had no idea when she took to the stage Tuesday night. "This is what I think about you, Darci. When you can appeal to all ages is what you've done but this is what I believe," Simon Cowell explained. "The best part of doing this job is when you are there and you can say I was there at the beginning of someone's career and I witnessed a star. Tonight, again, I've just witnessed a star emerge because that's what you are. You are special, incredible, funny, talented. I think you're going to win." And sure enough, he was totally right. Farmer, who walked away with a $1 million prize, is already a winner on YouTube notching over 1.5 million viewers. Safe to say this is only the beginning. (Eonline)
America's Got Talent Winner Darci Lynne Farmer Has Big (And Cute) Plans for Her Prize Money. America's Got Talent has a new pint-sized winner. Darci Lynne Farmer, the 12-year-old singing ventriloquist was crowned champion of AGT season 12 and yes, she's still surprised. "It's more of a shock right now, it hasn't even hit me," Darci Lynne told E! News after the show. "I have no words, I'm speechless, but thank you America for voting for me -- it's crazy!" But where was her partner in crime, Petunia, during our interview? "She is so exhausted. She demanded a nap, I'm not even kidding," she joked. Darci Lynne has big plans for her prize money, including helping out at her church's mission program, and then, "I have to get my mom a dishwasher because it doesn't work and we need a new on," she said. Her final plan? Getting a pug. "I would love to get a pug. A puppy, a baby pug, I just want one so bad. I'm ready... I'm ready to take on the puppy life," she said. The judges, including Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum weren't surprised that it was Darci Lynne who came out on top in the big finale. "It's interesting, in the last two Howie it's been really young 12-year-old girls whose lives have are changed forever," Howie said. "I think that's America saying we embrace the future, we embrace the purity of just that child-like fun, inspirational talent." Heidi said she predicted Darci Lynne's big win, "because she has the total package" with her singing, jokes and ventriloquism. America's Got Talent will return on NBC. (Eonline)
And the Big Brother Season 19 Winner Is . . . What a season, man. Big Brother season 19 just came to an end after one seriously exhausting summer. The finale started with Paul Abrahamian, Josh Martinez, and Christmas Abbott left in the house, but Josh strangely decided to take Paul to the final two, so it was the two guys up against the jury. After many questions, many answers we're not sure we believe, one montage of every single houseguest (minus Cody) declaring their trust in Paul, and then another montage of Josh explaining to every eliminated houseguest that he was just honoring his final three deal with Paul and Christmas, a winner was declared after the most perfect tie possible. It was four and four, with only Cody's vote to be read. Obviously, he picked Josh. Josh revealed to the jury Wednesday night that he's actually a huge Big Brother superfan, so it's not a shock that he knew exactly what he needed to do to win. As for this season's biggest and best showmance, Cody Nickson and Jessica Graf, they're still totally solid after Cody revealed that he wanted to marry Jessica. They both declared that their love is as real as ever, even after being apart for five weeks since Jessica was evicted, and still being apart on the live show as he was on the jury and she was not. "I'm waiting for this to all be over so I can actually go and hug her," Cody said. "I've been warned multiple times that I can't run across and like grab Jessica." "Well I think everybody on the outside world knows that I've literally been his biggest fan, his biggest supporter," Jessica told Julie before turning to Cody. "I've been rooting you on literally all day every day." So does she still want to be in a relationship? "Even more so," she said. And the cherry on top for Cody was that he also won America's Favorite Houseguest, meaning he's going home with $25,000. CBS has already renewed Big Brother for season 20, set to air in 2018, and recently announced that they will be launching their first-ever Celebrity Edition this winter, featuring celebs all living together in front of 24/7 cameras. (Eonline)
The Blacklist Premiere Sneak Peek: What Happens Now That Red's Secret Is Out? The season four finale was a major one for The Blacklist, finally confirming a long-held theory that Red (James Spader) is, in fact, Elizabeth Keene's (Megan Boone) father. (We knew it!!) So...what does that mean? Apparently, according to this exclusive premiere sneak peek, nothing good for the task force now that there's a new FBI director whose first order of business is to review all of the bureau's special operations. While it may be bad enough that Red's entire empire is gone, it's worse that now there may be a "perception problem" thanks to the reality of his relationship with Liz. "There was a DNA test between Reddington and Keene, and it's only a matter of time before I have to disclose the results of that test," Cooper (Harry Lennix) explains to his confused agents. "Raymond Reddington's her father." Cue the shock! In happier, less complicated but also possibly more complicated news, Samar (Mozhan Marno) and Aram's (Amir Arison) relationship is definitely and delightfully a thing. The clip starts with a steamy makeout sesh in the elevator that gets quickly interrupted by the opening of the elevator doors, with Ressler (Diego Klattenhoff) right on the other side. Secret coworker romances are just the best (on TV)! This is going to be fun. The Blacklist premieres Wednesday, September 27 at 8 p.m. on NBC. (Eonline)
After 7 Years, Sam Waterston Returns as Jack McCoy for Law & Order: SVU Guest Role. Doink doink: Law & Order: SVU is getting an infusion of the mothership Law & Order when Sam Waterston guest stars in season 19. He joins previously announced new and returning SVU players Brooke Shields, Dean Winters and Philip Winchester. Waterston played attorney Jack McCoy from 1994-2010 on the original Law & Order series. He last played the character on SVU in the 2010 episode "Torch." He's appeared on SVU two other times, in 2000 and 2007. Waterston also played Jack McCoy on Law & Order: Trial By Jury in 2005. Since the original Law & Order ended, Waterston has kept busy with film and TV roles including The Newsroom and Miss Sloane. He currently stars opposite Martin Sheen, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in Netflix's comedy Grace and Frankie where he plays Sol, the ex-husband to Tomlin's Frankie and husband to Sheen's Robert. In August 2017, Law & Order mastermind Dick Wolf, who was on hand to promote Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, revealed the rumored Law & Order revival was pretty much stalled. It's "nowhere" Wolf said. "I mean it's a nice thing to think about occasionally," he told press at the 2017 TCA summer press tour. "I would be very surprised if we went back." Law & Order: SVU premieres Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. on NBC. (Eonline)
Eric Decker Reacts to Getting Released From the New York Jets on Eric & Jessie: "It Is a Bummer." On to the next! Eric Decker got a surprising update about his football career in Wednesday's all-new Eric & Jessie. During a phone call with Jessie James Decker, the wide receiver broke the news that he was being released from the New York Jets and had no idea which team he would join next. "It is a bummer," the disappointed NFL star told his wife. "I felt like we were getting to a routine and I'm feeling great, so I felt like practice has been going well." But Jessie was there to offer words of encouragement. "Just have to just roll with it," she told him. "See where the next journey takes us." She added, "Growing up, I was a military kid. I moved 14 different times, so I will say, if we have to pick up and move somewhere else, it's going to be fine." Meanwhile, Jessie was busy working on new music for her upcoming album, Southern Girl City Lights. As she hit the studio in Nashville to record a duet called "Almost Over You" with country singer Randy Houser, two of her biggest fans, her husband and daughter Vivianne Decker, were on hand to show their support. "It's important for Vivi to see her mommy working," Eric said. "I think that gives her inspiration and respect for what her mother does." Too sweet! (Eonline)
Meet Charles Melton: Get to Know Riverdale's New Reggie. There's a new Reggie in town when Riverdale returns for season two. After the character was recast because of Ross Butler's prior commitments to 13 Reasons Why, Charles Melton was brought into the Riverdale universe as Reggie 2.0, and he's a face you're going to want to get to know. Lucky for you, E! News sat down to find out everything we could about the 26 year-old, from his favorite movie to his favorite milkshake flavor to his go-to picture face, and it's kind of hard to watch him play our little get to know you game without falling a little bit in love. His favorite movie is A Knight's Tale, you guys. A Knight's Tale! And for those of you who are still worried about getting used to a new Reggie, Charles wants you to know that he's doing his absolute best. "I'm gonna give my best work that I can to the role of Reggie, Melton says. "I understand if you're a little apprehensive, but you know, I'm going to do Reggie a service, an honor, you know, 'cause historically he's an iconic character, so I'm going to do my best so hopefully I'm going to stop getting the #notmyreggie comments." While those comments--which Melton says he's gotten a ton of on Twitter--are hurtful, he's trying not to let it bother him. "You really don't react to it," he says of dealing with online hate. "I mean you just, no matter how good things are, or how bad things could be, there's always going to be negativity or something like that going on, and you just gotta, you know, embrace it I guess. But don't let it dictate kind of like how you're going to live." Riverdale returns Wednesday, October 11 at 8 p.m. on the CW. (Eonline)
This Is Us fans, breathe easy -- despite his death, Jack will still be a major part of the show, his on-screen wife confirms. PEOPLE recently caught up with Mandy Moore, and the actress -- and newly announced Garnier spokesperson -- opened up about Milo Ventimiglia, his beloved character on the hit NBC series and the much-anticipated season 2. "Milo is No. 1 on the call sheet -- he isn't going anywhere," says Moore, 33. "He is our leader. We call him our actor department head. If you want to know what's going on in the show or have a question about something, Milo, without fail, has the answer." Justin Hartley Has Fake Spoilers for 'This is Us' Fans This is Us star Justin Hartley knowns the show's fans have an insatiable desire for spoilers so he is trying to help by making up some fake ones.
As for what we can expect from the new season, Moore says she thinks it's "better than ever." "We just watched the first three episodes with the cast the other night together and I think I was really struck by how it's equal parts touching and laugh-out-loud funny," she says. "I think it's better than ever. I'm really proud of it. Everybody just did such remarkable work across the board again, and I hope people are going to be happy with it." "We're all having so much fun and it's very emotional," she adds. "It's sort of our signature. If they're looking for a good weep, they won't be disappointed." Season 2 of This Is Us premieres Sept. 26 on NBC. (Hollywood Reporter)
'South Park' Mocks Trump's Incessant, Reckless Tweeting. The show never actually uses the "T" word, calling him the president, but it is clear that Mr. Garrison is still the character. Trump is back on South Park -- kind of. The Comedy Central cartoon made fun of the president's incessant tweeting, specifically about North Korea, in the episode titled "Put it Down.' Essentially, the most high-strung child is town (Tweek) is having a meltdown daily about the saber-rattling between the U.S. and North Korea, which is exacerbated by the show's version of Trump tweeting outlandish insults at Kim Jong-un, daring him to attack. The show never says "Trump," just calling him the president, but it is clear in his Twitter avatar it is still Mr. Garrison. In one instance, Tweek bakes cupcakes for the North Korea leadership in hopes of showing them the U.S. is not all like Trump. When the show's president learns of Tweek's nice deed, he tweets: "I know that kid Tweek, he's fucking with you North Korea. Get a clue. I bet he took a dump in the batter." Mixing in other dueling story threads about Erik threatening to commit suicide just for attention and other kids at South Park Elementary working on their campaign to stop distracted driving, the episode ends with everyone asking the president to take the pledge to put down his phone. In their song, random townspeople take the pledge that, should they ever become president, they won't be distracted by their phone. Hillary Clinton makes a quick cameo to take the pledge, to which the chorus replies "No one cares." Show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said before the season began they were going to lay off Trump jokes as last season became too heavy due to the actual presidential outcome. (Hollywood Reporter)
Kylie Jenner bailed on an interview with "Today" host Megyn Kelly, sources told Page Six, because she was spooked by potentially tough questions Kelly could ask. Kelly's interview with Kris Jenner and daughters Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and Kendall was taped earlier in the year and aired on Wednesday. Noticeably absent was youngest sister Kylie, who'd posted images of herself at the studio for the interview back when it was taped. A source tells us that before Kelly's questions began, "Kylie bailed," getting cold feet about facing the interviewer. "She was all set to do the interview with her sisters, and she arrived to the location, ready to go," a source tells Page Six. "Then she bailed at the last minute because she thought the questions were going to be too tough." A rep for Kylie did not get back to us. In her absence, Kendall defended Kylie, citing the 20-year-old's cosmetics line when asked about any haters the family has. "My little sister has an insane business . . . Anyone who says they don't want their kid to be like that . . . is insane to me," Kendall quipped. (Page Six)
U.S., Russia Spar Over Kremlin-Funded News Outlet. Russian authorities hint at investigations of U.S. journalists working in the country in the wake of the FBI questioning of a former correspondent with Sputnik. On Sept.19, three Democratic lawmakers urged the Federal Communications Commission to investigate if the Kremlin-funded news site and radio station Sputnik broke government regulations by broadcasting propaganda. The move came as more proof that diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia have spilled over into the media industry. "In Washington, D.C., listeners need only tune their radios to 105.5 FM to hear the Russian government's effort to influence U.S. policy," reads a statement signed by Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Representatives Anna Eshoo (Dem-CA) and Mike Doyle (Dem-PA). Last week, the FBI questioned of Andrew Feinberg, Sputnik's former White House correspondent as part of a probe into whether the news outlet, which is part of the same Kremlin-funded media group as television network Russia Today, was involved in pro-Russian propaganda in the U.S. Simultaneously, the U.S. Justice Department ruled that Russia Today's U.S. servicing company needs to register as a foreign agent. Both Sputnik and Russia Today are seen as the Kremlin's international propaganda mouthpieces, even though they claim to supply "objective journalism" and "alternative viewpoints" instead. Earlier this year, Russia Today and Sputnik were banned from covering the presidential campaign of Emmanuel Macron, who said that the two outlets "act not like media, but like agents of influence and propaganda." "There is no doubt that Russia will respond to the FBI's investigation in a similar way and work of U.S. journalists in Moscow will be scrutinized," Margarita Simonyan, editor in chief of Sputnik and Russia Today, was quoted as saying by Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti. "This is more than disgusting," she went on to say. "Freedom of expression is turning in its grave. It was killed by those who invented it." The Kremlin's reaction was in the same vein. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by RIA Novosti saying that the FBI's questioning of Feinberg testified to "problems with censorship and restrictions of the press" in the U.S. "This raises our concerns," he added. Russian experts say that the conflict, which is developing against the backdrop of the worst crisis in relations between Russia and the U.S. in decades and a series of diplomatic rows, may also lead mutual restrictions in the media. Relations between Russia and U.S. deteriorated earlier this year when a bill introducing new sanctions against Russia was passed. Previously, Russia had had hoped that the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president would help to improve mutual ties. The ongoing investigation into Russia's possible meddling with last year's presidential election has also done little to restore trust between the two nations. After the introduction of new sanctions against Russia, the U.S. authorities have all legal grounds to conduct all kinds of investigations aimed at discovering Russian propaganda, Viktoria Zhuravleva, head of the U.S. sector of the North American Research Center at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Economics and International Relations, told The Hollywood Reporter. "The media, as the main instrument of external influence for any state, unavoidably becomes the focus of this process," she went on to say. "So, more questioning, blocking of access and broadcast and expulsion [of Russian] correspondents [from the United States] are likely." (Hollywood Reporter)
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