Michael Jackson |
HOLLYWOOD - Top Story: Jackson Skates Charges in L.A.
Pop star Michael Jackson will not be charged with molesting a Los Angeles boy in the 1980s because, after a two-month investigation, the police found no evidence of a crime, Reuters reports. The boy, now 18, allegedly recovered repressed memories of being abused by Jackson 10 years ago with the help of Beverly Hills psychiatrist Carole Lieberman. Lieberman filed a child abuse complaint against Jackson, 45, last year. "After an extensive investigation, which included hours of interviews with the person making the allegations, detectives concluded there was no evidence that any crime occurred," Los Angeles Police Lt. Art Miller said in a brief written statement. "No charges will be sought." The boy's name is being withheld, but it is known that this case is unrelated to the 10-count indictment Jackson currently faces in Santa Barbara. The singer is set to stand trial in September on charges of lewd acts on a minor as well as child abduction, extortion and false imprisonment.
Simpson Wants Payment for T-Shirt
In the video to her hit single "With You, " Jessica Simpson indeed looked "beautiful" with just a T-shirt on--but now she wants to get paid for wearing it. Reuters reports the pop singer has filed a $140,000 lawsuit against the auto racing company Motorock and 4 Dog Productions, claiming they reneged on a deal to pay her for promoting the Motorock logo on a T-shirt. The complaint, originally filed in federal court in April, also claims that Simpson agreed to sing at the Grand Prix auto race in Puerto Rico last October, but that 4 Dog Productions "unilaterally canceled" plans for her performance without the consent of Simpson or her agency.
Quaid To Get Hitched Again
Actor Dennis Quaid is engaged to marry Texas real estate agent Kimberley Buffington, his publicist told Reuters. The syndicated TV show Extra said the two met just over a year ago when the 50-year-old actor was playing with his band The Sharks in Austin, Texas. This is the third marriage for Quaid, including his much-publicized one to actress Meg Ryan. No date has been set for the wedding.
Family Ties Actor Arrested for DUI
Actor Brian Bonsall, best known as Andy Keaton on the '80s sitcom Family Ties, was arrested last Friday in Boulder, Colo., on suspicion of drunken driving, CNN.com reports. Bonsall, 22, was stopped by police who said they saw someone vomit out the passenger side window of his car. Asked how much he had to drink, the young actor responded, "Plenty," then failed a roadside test. Bonsall had a prior conviction for drunken driving; in 2001 his license was suspended, police told CNN.com.
Idol Finale Dominates Weekly Ratings
Fox conquered the prime-time ratings last week as 28.8 million viewers tuned in to see who would be crowned the new American Idol during the series finale. The Top 10 shows and their total viewership for the week of May 24-30, according to Nielsen Media Research, include: American Idol (Wednesday), Fox, 28.8 million viewers; American Idol (Tuesday), Fox, 25.1 million viewers; CSI: Miami, CBS, 21.3 million viewers; Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS, 18.3 million viewers; Two and a Half Men, CBS, 18.2 million viewers; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS, 14.9 million viewers; Without a Trace, CBS, 12.5 million viewers; 24, Fox, 12.3 million viewers; Law & Order, NBC, 12.2 million viewers; and Still Standing, CBS, 12.1 million viewers.
Ch-Check Out Beatsie Boys on Amazon.com
Beastie Boys fans who pre-order the band's new album, To the 5 Boroughs, on Amazon.com are in for a special treat. CNN.com reports Amazon.com music editor Jason Verlinde recently conducted a 10-minute interview with the band in which they discuss the Sept. 11 attacks, the presidential race and their passion for submarine sandwiches. But the interview is only viewable to those who have placed a pre-order for the new album, which is due out June 15. Fans who pre-order To the 5 Boroughs, the Beastie Boys' first album since 1998's Hello Nasty, will also be given access to the music video to the new single, "Ch-Check It Out," and two previously unavailable live concert performances.
Martha Stewart's Childhood Home Could Be Yours
Martha Stewart's childhood home, a three-story Colonial in Nutley, N.J., just 12 miles from New York City, is for sale. According to the AP, the three-bedroom, 1,922-square-foot house, built in 1930, is going for $549,000 and is expected to sell quickly. Stewart's parents bought the house when the homemaking maven was 3 years old, and she lived there through high school. Stewart's mother sold it to the present owners in 1987. Amenities include mature fig trees planted by Martha Stewart and a holly bush she and her father pruned in the shape of a cone. Curiosity-seekers be forewarned: There will be no open houses, and showings will be offered to pre-qualified buyers only.
Role Call: Lohan Joins Fashionistas' Ranks
Mean Girls star Lindsay Lohan is in negotiations to star in Fashionistas, a feature set in the world of a glossy magazine, Reuters reports. Lohan would play a young fashion designer who seeks revenge on her demanding female editor. When her plan backfires, she must juggle being a lowly assistant by day and the secret "It" designer and toast of New York by night--all while falling in love with the city's hottest bachelor. The project is based on Lynn Messina's debut novel of the same name.
Guylaine Cadorette contributed to this report.