HOLLYWOOD - Top Story
Bill Maher, host of ABC's late-night show Politically Incorrect, apologized Wednesday for criticizing the U.S. military on his show. According to E online, Maher is quoted as saying, "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly." As a result of this comment, several advertisers, including Sears Roebuck and Fed Ex, pulled their commercials. Maher claims his critique was aimed at politicians who "have not allowed our military to do the job they are obviously ready, willing and able to do."
In Court
The American Italian Defense Association (AIDA) was unsuccessful in their lawsuit against HBO's show The Sopranos. While AIDA claimed the program "violated a dignity clause" protecting people from "communications that incite hostility based on religion, race, or other affiliation," Judge Richard Siebel dismissed the suit based on constitutional rights in The Sopranos favor, Reuters reports.In General
The recent terrorist attacks have affected even off-stage Broadway workers. Unions who protect them allowed for a 25 percent pay cut due to the dramatic drop in show revenues, Variety reports. In an effort to keep Broadway alive, Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) president Thomas Short explained this decision and the importance of working together "in this time of crisis."
Comedian/actor/director Keenan Ivory Wayans may be directing a remake of the film Bellboy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The original 1960 film starred Jerry Lewis; the new version is scheduled to feature Jackie Chan.The DVD release of Citizen Kane will be celebrated with a unique red-carpet event tonight at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. The DVD premiere will re-create the classic film's May 9, 1941, opening night as celebrities like Dennis Hopper, Donna Mills and others arrive in antique cars and walk the red carpet.In London, police are investigating whether or not a contestant cheated on TV game show Who wants to be a Millionare? Reuters reports that a coughing audience member may have assisted Army Major Charles Ingram, winner of the $1.47 million jackpot.