Aretha Franklin's representative has confirmed the legendary singer is alive and well after she became the latest victim of an internet death hoax. The Queen of Soul underwent surgery at a hospital in Detroit, Michigan earlier this month to treat an undisclosed ailment, with subsequent reports suggesting she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Her ailing health led to incorrect online reports stating she had passed away over the festive period, but her spokesperson has slammed the claims, telling GossipCop.com, "Aretha is fine."
Franklin is the latest star who has had to respond to a death hoax - actor Charlie Sheen was incorrectly reported to have died in a snowboarding accident on Sunday, December 26 and singer Aaron Carter also denied reports he had passed away last week.
Peaches Geldof has been left unimpressed with a British TV drama based on her father's campaign to stage 1985 charity supergig Live Aid, branding it "exhausting" to watch. The story of how Bob Geldof and promoter Harvey Goldsmith put the massive event together, staged in London and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in just six months was dramatized for a BBC TV movie, "When Harvey Met Bob", starring Domhnall Gleeson as the singer and Ian Hart as the promoter. It debuted on Sunday, December 26 - and Peaches was watching.
But the socialite/columnist was far from happy with the Christmas TV special - and she has taken aim at Gleeson's portrayal of her father. In a series of posts on her Twitter.com page, she writes, "The guy acting as my dad on When Harvey Met Bob on tv right now is beyond terrible. What is that ACCENT?! He's not a leprechaun!"
"Just so everyone knows, my dad really isn't this intense. Ever. Its kind of exhausting watching this. Aside from the awful acting."
A former rehab worker who accused Lindsay Lohan of lashing out at her has dropped a criminal complaint against the troubled actress. Dawn Holland filed a report with cops earlier this month just hours after she claimed the "Mean Girls" star had shoved her in an altercation at California's Betty Ford clinic.
Holland was subsequently fired from her job at the center for talking to the press, and Lohan was moved to another facility to continue her three-month court-ordered treatment. But the former rehab worker has now decided to drop her criminal complaint against the star, with her lawyer, Keith Davidson, telling TMZ.com his client does not want to see Lohan prosecuted.
He says, "A crime has quite simply not been committed by Ms Lohan... Dawn will not continue to press charges against Lindsay, nor will she be assisting any further in the investigation or prosecution. (She won't) in any way shape or form to do anything that would violate Lindsay's probation or cause an arrest."
A police investigation was launched after the alleged incident.
A U.S. reality TV star has been arrested for beating up the father of her two-year-old daughter. "Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood was charged with two felony counts of domestic battery, one felony count of neglect of a dependent and one misdemeanor count of domestic battery in Madison County, Indiana on Monday, December 27 after a series of alleged attacks on Gary Shirley.
The 20 year old was booked at the jail and placed on a 24-hour hold, according to UsMagazine.com. Portwood is expected to be released on Tuesday, December 28.
Amber Portwood was under investigation for domestic battery after caught assaulting her ex-fiance and father of her daughter in the reality TV series. Worse, she did it in the presence of their one-year-old child.
Selena Gomez could have changed her mind about not having sex until she is getting married. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" star has been spotted taking off her promise ring when stepping out with Justin Bieber last weekend. Picture of the twosome had emerged before but a closer look reveals that she was not wearing the purity ring anymore.
Selena had her father to buy her a purity ring in 2008 to signify her vow to abstain from sex until marriage. "He went to the church and got it blessed. He actually used me as an example for other kids. I'm going to keep my promise to myself, to my family, and to God," she said at that time.
While still not commenting on the absence of the promise ring from her finger, 18-year-old Selena recently tweeted picture of her preparing some meal in the kitchen. Along with the photo, she wrote, "House wife in training. Yup."
Tasha Smith Will Ring in The New Year As A Married Woman
Actress Tasha Smith will ring in the New Year as a married woman after secretly exchanging vows with her fiance earlier this month. The "Why Did I Get Married Too?" star, 39, wed entrepreneur Keith Douglas in the living room of their Los Angeles home, six months after announcing their engagement - with only their pastor as a witness.
She tells Essence, "We discussed having a small wedding with close family and friends, but instead, we decided to hold a very simple, intimate ceremony with just us and our pastor. We prayed about it, and it just felt right for us. It was a beautiful, blessed moment that we will remember forever."
Tasha Smith was previously married to a youth counselor, whom she divorced in 2007.
Mel Gibson Has Put His Costa Rica Estate on The Market
Mel Gibson has put his Costa Rica estate on the market for $35 million - because it has become too well known. The "Braveheart" star bought the sprawling holiday retreat in 2007 for $25.8 million in a bid to get away from the paparazzi in Hollywood.
However, the troubled actor has decided to sell up because snappers are now following him there, according to the real estate agent in charge of selling the property. Sandra Miller says, "He bought it for a getaway. Now he goes there and paparazzi follow him."
The estate, which is named Hacienda Dorada, includes a seven-bedroom main house and two other homes with two bedrooms each.
Vince Vaughn has gotten an early Christmas gift by becoming a first-time father. The 40-year-old actor/comedian's wife Kyla Weber gave birth to their daughter on Saturday, December 18, his representative confirms via People.
The baby girl, named Locklyn Kyla Vaughn, weighed 7 lbs. and measured 20 inches long, and was born at a hospital in Chicago, which is Vince's hometown. "Both of them couldn't be happier to welcome their sweet little girl into their family!" a friend of the couple gushes.
Locklyn is the first child for both Vince and Kyla, who tied the knot on January 2 this year. The twosome announced they were expecting in July with a source close to them sharing, "They're so excited to be first-time parents!"
Chris Evans and Evan Rachel Wood Teamed up Once Again
Chris Evans and Evan Rachel Wood have once again teamed up to promote Gucci Guilty fragrance, appearing in some new ads for the perfume. Both stars show off their sexy sides, with the actor baring his chest and the 23-year-old appearing topless.
In the image for Gucci Guilty male version, Chris looks straight to the camera while Rachel seems to adore him. In the Gucci Guilty for her perfume ads, meanwhile, the "Captain America: The First Avenger" hunk wraps her bod with his hands while kissing her.
Prior to these printed ads, Chris Evans and Evan Rachel Wood had appeared in a commercial video for Gucci Guilty. The clip, dominated in black and white, was debuted at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in September this year.
Actor Sam Jones III Is Facing Up to 20 Years Behind Bars
Actor Sam Jones III is facing up to 20 years behind bars after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs. The former "Smallville" star entered the plea in Los Angeles federal court on Thursday, December 16.
The count stems from his arrest at his Canoga Park, California home last year, when he was busted for his involvement in a drug ring, which saw the gang allegedly attempt to sell more than 10,000 oxycodone pills - a painkiller known as "hillbilly heroin". The 27 year old will be sentenced in June, reports Eonline.com.
Beside "Smallville", Jones has also appeared on the television shows like "The Practice", "ER", "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", and "7th Heaven". He is also infamous for having a sex tape with girlfriend Karissa Shannon.
Rumer Willis Is Stepping into The Fashion Industry
Actress Rumer Willis is stepping into the fashion industry as the face of designer brand Badgley Mischka. The daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore will front the label's new spring 2011 campaign, following in the footsteps of Carrie Underwood and Eva Longoria.
And Rumer is excited to be the line's new spokesmodel. She tells People.com, "I was thrilled and honored to be chosen to represent the Badgley Mischka brand. Working with (designers) Mark and James is an incredible opportunity."
Her father Bruce Willis recently landed similar honor. He has been chosen as the new face of a Russian bank, which claimed the actor reflected the company's values of "trust and dignity".
Elizabeth Hurley's Mother Is Baffled by The Star's Statement
Elizabeth Hurley's mother is baffled by the star's statement insisting her family has known about her split from husband Arun Nayar for months - because she had no idea about the separation. The "Austin Powers" beauty revealed on Sunday, December 12 that she and the Indian millionaire had decided to part ways several months ago, writing, "Not a great day. For the record, my husband Arun & I separated a few months ago. Our close family & friends were aware of this."
Her announcement came just hours after Britain's News of the World revealed Hurley spent two nights with cricket ace Shane Warne at a London hotel last week. Warne subsequently admitted he has also broken up with the mother of his three children, Simone Callahan, and added that "our close friends and family were informed at that time".
But one person who wasn't aware of Hurley's marriage breakdown is her mother Angela, according to Britain's The Sun. When quizzed by reporters on her thoughts about the marriage split, she replied, "I didn't know about it. I must go."
British actress/model Elizabeth Hurley has confirmed she's split from her husband Arun Nayar, just hours after a British newspaper published allegations she has been enjoying an affair with cricket ace Shane Warne. Britain's News of the World reported on Sunday, December 12 that the "Austin Powers" star spent time with the sportsman at a London hotel earlier this week.
The newspaper's editors claim Hurley, who wed Indian tycoon Nayar in 2007, stayed with Warne at the Bentley Hotel in London's posh South Kensington after he jetted in from his native Australia for his work. The article was accompanied by CCTV images showing Hurley and Warne kissing in a doorway.
Following the revelations, Hurley took to her Twitter.com blog to reveal she split from Nayar earlier this year. She writes, "Not a great day. For the record, my husband Arun & I separated a few months ago. Our close family & friends were aware of this."
Prince William And Kate Middleton Shared Their Engagement Pictures
Prince William and Kate Middleton have shared their engagement pictures, showing off their natural affection. The pair cuddles in one photo with the heir to the throne wearing a Turnbull and Asser shirt and Brunello Cucinelli sweater and the 28-year-old beauty donning a white Whistles blouse. The photo was taken in the Cornwall Room of St. James' Palace.
In a more formal picture, Prince William opted a Turnbull and Asser suit while Kate chose a white Reiss dress and Links earrings. The image was snapped in the historic Council Chamber linked to Clarence House, the official residence of William's father Prince Charles. Kate is seen wearing her engagement ring which previously belonged to William's late mother, Diana.
Kate did her own makeup for the two-hour photo shoot, though Testino's makeup artist was on hand for touch-ups, a source told People. As for her hair, she had it done by her usual stylist, James Pryce, from the Richard Ward salon.
Both pictures were shot by famed fashion photographer Mario Testino, who had also photographed Diana, Princess of Wales. "I am very happy to have been asked to cover this historic moment that the whole world was waiting for," Testino said in a statement. "They are in their prime and brimming with happiness. I have never felt so much joy as when I see them together."
Testino was chosen by Prince William himself for the task as a Clarence House spokeswoman said, "Prince William has worked with Mario Testino on many occasions before, and so the couple decided that he was the right choice for such an important portrait."
Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement on November 16. The couple will walk down the aisle of London's Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's son has reportedly been arrested after he was caught on camera climbing one of the U.K.'s most important war memorials during a violent student protest in London last week. Charlie Gilmour was among thousands of demonstrators who descended upon the British capital's Parliament Square on Thursday, December 9 to express their anger at the U.K. government's decision to raise university tuition fees.
The violent clashes with riot police were captured on camera by TV news crews and images of the 21 year old swinging from the Union Jack flag on the Cenotaph made the front pages of most of the British newspapers the following day, December 10. Gilmour issued an apology on Friday, insisting he was "mortified" by his "moment of idiocy".
Now police confirm that a 21-year-old male was arrested in Sussex, England - where Gilmour lives - on Sunday, December 12 on suspicion of violent disorder and "attempted criminal damage of the Union flag on the Cenotaph". Pink Floyd legend Gilmour, who adopted Charlie when he married his mother Polly Samson in 1994, explained that his son is "thoroughly ashamed of himself".
Sting, Robert De Niro and More Prevent Stoning of an Iran Woman
Stars including Sting, Robert Redford and Robert De Niro have signed an open letter to Iran's government calling for the release of a woman sentenced to death by stoning. Iranian woman Sakineh Ashtiani, a mum-of-two, made headlines around the world earlier this year when she was ordered to be stoned to death over alleged adultery. The execution was suspended following an international outcry.
Now stars and politicians have called for her release, signing a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Published on the front page of Britain's The Times newspaper, the letter reads, "We, the undersigned, call on the government of Iran to release immediately Ms Ashtiani, her son Sajad Ghaderzade, and her lawyer, Javid Houtan Kian, from incarceration."
Other celebrities who have condemned the treatment of Ashtiani and have signed the letter include Mia Farrow and Juliette Binoche.
Reps Confirm Michael C. Hall Split from Jennifer Carpenter
"Dexter" co-stars Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter are filing for divorce and the timing couldn't be more coincidental. The announcement came after "Dexter" drew a large mass due to the finale and after Carpenter was spotted without Hall at fifth season wrap up party.
Hall and Carpenter, who play brother and sister on the Showtime series, were married on December 31, 2008. During the two years of marriage, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and Carpenter famously stood by him through the battle. Hall was previously married to Broadway actress Amy Spangler from 2002 to 2006.
In a joint statement released on EW, their reps said, "Having been separated for some time, Jennifer Carpenter and Michael C. Hall have filed for divorce." They added that the split was amicable but stated no reason.
Access Hollywood dug into the story deeper and found out that the couple haven't been getting along on set all season and people were in the know that an official announcement would be made sooner or later. Carpenter, according to a source, even talked about their problems on set, and made the cast and crew worried about the sixth season.
Showtime has officially ordered for a sixth season before "Dexter" posted a season high of 2.9 million viewers on Sunday, December 12.
Julia Roberts Goes from 'Pretty Woman' to A Lady with Swagger
Julia Roberts goes from "Pretty Woman" to a lady with swagger when it comes to her family's privacy. The movie beauty was recently spotted confronting a paparazzi when she noticed him taking pictures of her family in Los Angeles.
On Monday, December 6, Roberts was walking with her husband Danny Moder and her three children, 6-year-old twins Hazel Patricia Moder and Phinnaeus "Finn" Walter Moder and 3-year-old Henry Daniel Moder. In a photo obtained by Radar, the 43-year-old actress, donning a blazer and sunglasses, was seen getting right into the photographer's face.
This is not the first time Roberts takes action to paparazzi following her and her family. Back in 2009, she had been caught on camera swearing and ranting at a photographer whom she accused of following her all day long. "You are harassing me. Get the f*** out of my face. You have followed me all over town. I have had it with you," she yelled at the photographer at that time.
Gia Mantegna Becomes The Official 2011 Miss Golden Globe
Every year Golden Globe event organizers choose the daughter of an industry veteran to become Miss Golden Globe. Following the tradition, Gia Mantegna who is the daughter of Golden Globe-nominated actor Joe Mantegna is picked to take the title this year. She follows the footsteps of Rumer Willis, Laura Dern, Joely Fisher and Melanie Griffith among others.
"I am honored to be part of this wonderful tradition created by the HFPA," the 20-year-old actress said at a press conference held on December 9. "I have grown up watching the Golden Globes with my family and feel so fortunate to be part of such a magical evening so early in my career."
HFPA president Philip Berk added, "We are thrilled to have Gia as this year's Miss Golden Globe. She is just as talented as she is beautiful and will surely be a great addition to the show." Fellow young celebs like Ashley Tisdale, Heather Hemmens and Amanda Michalka were present when the announcement was made at a party taking place at Cecconi's restaurant in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.
The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be held at Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2011 and aired live by NBC at 8 P.M. EST. Ricky Gervais will return to host the event for the second time. Nominations will be announced December 14 at 5 A.M. PST.
Newly-wed singer Katy Perry is considering changing her last name to seal her union with husband Russell Brand. The "I Kissed a Girl" hitmaker, who was born Katheryn Hudson, wed the funnyman in a lavish ceremony in India in October and admits she likes the idea of becoming Katy Brand.
She tells U.S. talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, "When people try to get my attention, like if I'm at an event or something like that and they want special attention, they go, 'Mrs. Brand!' And I go (turns head) shwoosh!" And when asked whether she would consider taking Brand's name as her own, Perry replied, "I am, actually."
During the appearance, Perry also came to perform her latest single "Firework".
