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Archive: March 2011 (51-60 of 94)

Mar 14 2011 02:32 PM ET

Richard Hatch of 'Survivor' turns himself in

Richard Hatch turned himself in to U.S. Marshals in Providence, R.I., to begin his nine-month prison sentence for tax evasion on the prize money he famously won on the first season of Survivor. According to the AP, Hatch never re-filed his 2000 and 2001 taxes after the court ordered him to, following his previous release from prison in 2009. Hatch has appealed his case and maintains his innocence.

Mar 14 2011 11:24 AM ET

Lady Gaga, other celebs take up Japan quake cause

by Annie Barrett

Categories:

After tweeting their prayers and good wishes for the people of Japan after March 11′s deadly earthquake, Lady Gaga and other celebrities have started rallying fans to donate to the nation’s earthquake and tsunami relief. Gaga has designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet featuring “We Pray for Japan” written in Japanese and English, with all proceeds going to relief efforts. Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park has designed a shirt to benefit Music for Relief’s Tsunami Relief in Japan. Since Friday, other celebrities including Katy Perry, P. Diddy, Conan O’Brien, Chris Brown, and George Takei have urged followers to donate to the American Red Cross, and even Charlie Sheen has vowed to donate $1 from every ticket sold to his live concert show to the Red Cross. [CNN]

Mar 14 2011 10:23 AM ET

'The Wire's 'Snoop' feels 'targeted' by Baltimore police

by Jeff Labrecque

Categories: Lawsuits

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, the Baltimore actress whose own rough upbringing was the inspiration for her character on The Wire, believes that background caused her to be arrested last Thursday during a large-scale Baltimore drug raid. “Felicia Pearson has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” said her rep in a statement. “In Felicia’s case, she feels that she is being targeted not only because of her portrayal of the memorable character “Snoop” on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire; but also because of where she is from in Baltimore … where high crime rates, drug use and violence are the norm.”

Pearson hopes to return to Philadelphia soon, where her rep says she is filming three movies. “[She] wants her friends and fans to know that she is keeping her head up, shoulders back and that she is prepared to fight these new charges against her.”

Mar 13 2011 02:38 PM ET

Alec Baldwin to Charlie Sheen: 'Sober up'

by Adam Markovitz

Categories: Television

Alec Baldwin is offering some words of wisdom to Charlie Sheen: “Sober up… and get back on TV, if it’s not too late.” In an article on The Huffington Post, the 30 Rock star shares his personal experience of being removed from the Hunt for Red October franchise, drawing a parallel to Sheen’s recent firing from Two and a Half Men. Baldwin also sets out a plan of action to help Sheen get back in the good graces of the public and his former coworkers. “Take a nap. Get a shower. Call [Two and a Half Men co-creator] Chuck [Lorre]. Go on Letterman and make an apology. Write a huge check to the B’Nai Brith. And then beg for your job back,” he writes, adding, “P.S…. buy [Jon] Cryer a really nice car.”

Mar 11 2011 08:56 PM ET

David and Victoria Beckham expecting baby girl

by Adam B. Vary

Categories: Celebrity Babies!

David and Victoria Beckham are expecting a baby girl, their first after sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 6. The soccer superstar made the announcement at an L.A. Galaxy fan luncheon, according to an ESPN report. ”We’re still in shock,” Beckham said. “Obviously, having three boys, you kind of expect another one, so finding out a little girl is in there is surprising, but, obviously, we are over the moon. Our three boys are happy and excited, and Victoria is doing well.”

Mar 11 2011 05:36 PM ET

Olivia Wilde files for divorce from husband

by Kate Ward

Categories: Breaking up is hard to do

Olivia Wilde has filed for divorce from Tao Ruspoli, the Italian prince she married eight years ago, People reports. In papers filed in Los Angeles on March 3, the TRON: Legacy star cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, and also requested that the court deny spousal support for Ruspoli. They announced their separation in February.

Mar 11 2011 05:32 PM ET

Richard Hatch to return to prison for nine months

by Kate Ward

Categories: Lawsuits, Television

Survivor winner and current Celebrity Apprentice star Richard Hatch has been sent back to prison to serve nine more months for neglecting to file taxes on his $1 million Survivor prize, the Associated Press reports. Though he was released after serving three years in 2009 — and had since been under supervised release — he has since failed to refile his 2000 and 2001 taxes, and now owes an estimated $2 million to the IRS. Because, according to U.S. District Court Judge William Smith, Hatch had shown no remorse and failed to follow orders, the reality star was sentenced to serve nine months. (He extended the prosecution’s recommended six-months sentence.) “You can continue to proclaim your innocence,” Smith said in court. “You don’t have the option of engaging in this type of game or negotiation with the court. It needs to be severe punishment. That’s the only thing that will deter you in the future.” After he is released, Hatch will need to serve 26 months supervised release as well. Hatch, who has not returned EW’s request for comment, will report for his sentence Monday. When asked whether or not this will affect Celebrity Apprentice‘s live finale, NBC only responded to EW, “We’re still set to air our live finale on May 22.”

Mar 11 2011 05:13 PM ET

Mel Gibson pleads no contest, avoids jail time

by Kate Ward

Categories: Lawsuits

Image Credit: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters/Landov

Mel Gibson appeared in court today to plead no contest to misdemeanor battery in connection to an incident in 2010 involving ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva — and managed to avoid jail time. Under the plea deal, Gibson must complete 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling in a program he’s already enrolled in (though his previous sessions will not count towards the 52 weeks), and must perform 16 hours of community service with the organization Mending Kids International. Though the misdemeanor carries a possible sentence of one year in jail, Gibson will serve no time under the deal.

Gibson’s attorney, Blair Berk, made it clear during the actor’s hearing that he was not entering a “no contest” plea as an admission of guilt, but doing so “because it’s in the best interest of his children.” Grigorieva, with whom Gibson has a 1-year-old daughter, Lucia, was not in the courtroom, having waved her appearance.

Mar 11 2011 03:00 PM ET

Mel Gibson charged with domestic violence

by Jeff Labrecque

Categories: Lawsuits

Mel Gibson was charged today in Los Angeles Superior Court with misdemeanor domestic violence in connection to a Jan. 6, 2010 incident involving his former girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT today, where Gibson and his lawyers will reportedly plead no contest. Gibson’s spokesperson had no comment.

Mar 11 2011 01:20 PM ET

Watermelon-crushing comic Gallagher hospitalized

by Jeff Labrecque

Categories:

Gallagher, the gonzo stand-up comedian famous for whacking watermelons, collapsed last night during a performance at a club in Rochester, Minn. His manager, Christine Sherrer, confirmed reports that the 64-year old comic was resting at Saint Marys Hospital and could be there a couple of days as they await the results of tests. According to the Rochester Post Bulletin, Gallagher was stricken while attempting to strike a watermelon with a sledge hammer during his act at the Whiskey Bones Roadhouse.

Gallagher’s next two shows, scheduled for tonight and tomorrow in Vernon Hills, Ill., have been canceled.