PopSugar

AP Tries to Live Paris-Free, Fails Immediately

PopSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:02:39 -0800

There are certainly moments when we wish we never again had to write about Paris' birthday parties, kinkajou attacks, or petty feuds. Apparently, we're not the only ones. Recently the Associated Press got so sick of writing about the heiress that they banned her completely from the newswire. In a Feb. 13th email that leaked out, entertainment editor Jesse Washington told his coworkers:

“Next week the print team is planning an unconventional experiment: We are NOT going to cover Paris Hilton.

“Barring any major, major news, we are not going to put a single word about Paris on the wire,” the memo continued. “If something does come up, big or small, we encourage discussions on whether we should write about it.”

“Hopefully we will be able to discuss what ‘news’ we missed...the repercussions of our blackout for AP both editorially and business-wise, and most importantly the force that cause the world to be fixated on this person who, despite her shallow frivolity, represents an epochal development in our culture.”

Obviously the boycott didn't last very long. They were forced to give up their dreams of a Paris-free press when she was arrested for driving without a license this week. We admire their concerted effort, but when Paris has brushes with the law, you certainly don't want to be the one news source not covering it! Maybe next week, guys!

More pics of Paris out and about so read more

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Source & Flynet

Eva, Chris, and Emmy Strut Their Stuff at the HFPA Luncheon

PopSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:00:17 -0700

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association held its annual installation luncheon yesterday at the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA. Eva Longoria took a break from hosting her own parties to attend, while the secretly-married-but-now-divorcing Emmy Rossum was lovely in white. Teen Choice Action Actress winner Jordana Brewster went to her second big event of the week, looking cheerful in her printed outfit. Stars like Chris Pine and Hugh Dancy were also on hand to accept grants on behalf of various organizations, as the HFPA handed out $1.2 million in charitable contributions.

To see lots more photos including host Rose McGowan, Evan Rachel Wood, and many others, just read more.

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Images include: Eva Longoria, Chris Pine, Evan Rachel Wood, Emmy Rossum, Dylan McDermott, Jordana Brewster, Rose McGowan, Carla Gugino, Kerry Washington, Hugh Dancy, Aaron Paul, Rex Lee

Does Christian Bale's Rant Still Affect Your Feelings Toward Him?

Molly — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:31 -0700

Christian Bale carried his daughter Emmeline's backpack and jacket as he and Sibi picked her up at school earlier this week. When he's being a family man, it's hard to associate Christian with the infamous rant that got him in so much trouble earlier this year. He's supposedly avoiding doing press for Terminator Salvation because he doesn't want to be asked about it. When he apologized at the time most of you forgave him but it's still a topic on everyone's mind. He recently talked about it to Esquire UK saying:

"It’s not excusable what I did. I went way overboard. A lot of it was to do with the scene we were doing and stupid as it may sound to a lot of people, my character was going through a great deal in that particular scene. The person on the receiving end is a grown man. Believe me, he really wasn’t fazed by it. . . Like I said, I had it coming. It should never have been recorded. It was recorded for jollies. But I’m not trying to cover up. So there’s not embarrassment in that I wanted to keep it hidden. I’d done it in front of a whole lot of people. I take full responsibility for it. I’ve never said anything different. I’m not blaming it on anything. I took it a bit too far."

Taking all that into account tell us - does Christian Bale's rant still affect your feelings toward him?

Ginsburg/Spaly Inc

Stars Support the HFPA

PopSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:57 -0700

Aaron Eckhart took a break from all of his superhero red carpets to join other celebrities at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's annual installation luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The HFPA gave out over $750, 000 in grant money to non-profit organizations and film schools at the event yesterday. Dakota Fanning looked sweet in her short blue dress and Rosario Dawson lightened up the room with her gorgeous smile posing with Mad Men's Jon Hamm. Who knows, maybe one day the kids on the receiving end of the support will be big Hollywood stars too.

To see more photos from the event including Ludacris, Dana Delany and others just read more.

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Images include: Aaron Eckhart, Jon Hamm, Rosario Dawson, Dakota Fanning, Ludacris, Dana Delany, Rosie Perez
Source

Diddy Expands His Empire

PopSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:01:05 -0700

Fashion designer, fragrance creator, and music producer/rapper Diddy debuted his latest endeavor yesterday: Ciroc Vodka. Diddy will help develop the brand in a deal which could get him more than $100 million. He held a press conference in NYC to announce the news and discuss how involved he'll be in the branding. Here's more:

"It is not an endorsement deal," Combs told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. "This is something that will have my daily attention." Combs said he wanted to work with Diageo because the company understood that "I'm not just a celebrity endorser, I'm a brand builder. I'm a luxury brand builder."

Combs said he will be responsible for everything from marketing the brand to deciding where to sell it, and will focus on attracting "movers and shakers" to the line. "They're looking for something that tastes like their lifestyle. It's that trendsetter, that hipster, someone who's looking for luxury and looking for something better."

He's definitely got a knack for business, branding, and making money including the best selling celebrity fragrance of the year. In fact, he even said that he's planning on spending some of his earnings on a few fancy gifts for J Lo's new little one(s).

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Source

Ryan Phillippe Opens Up and Takes It Off

Molly — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:30:47 -0800

Ryan Phillippe really bares all (get it? Because he's not wearing a shirt here) in the March issue of W magazine. Somber and contemplative manjoyment Monday. He's out promoting Stop Loss and he is careful to say that he and his costar Miss Abbie Cornish are just really good friends. Plus, the whole situation was both more complex and more everyday than anyone has made it out to be. Ryan's obviously been through a lot over the past couple of years and at the end of the day, he's ready to talk about it. Here are highlights:

On his career: “The idea of being a movie star is less appealing than being an actor. I think a movie star tends to be representative of a certain type of film that has to be palatable, maybe genre-specific, and is not that high-risk. There is a safe association with it.”
On his relationship with Abbie: “She and I are close friends, and as far as if there is any future, that is not where we are at now. That is what other people like to say or like to assume. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a friendship, and we are getting to know each other in a really difficult situation.”
On Abbie being labeled the "other woman": “First of all, I wouldn’t answer that, but I would say that things are never as simple as it’s made out to be in the tabloid press. It was unfair for her to be called the names that she was, because it wasn’t about that. I don’t think an outside person can ever cause a divorce. I had difficulties in my relationship, and in my marriage, long before I ever met her.”

To read what Ryan has to say about Reese, their split, and people's interest in his life just read more

On people's curiosity about his life: “I certainly understand the level of interest that comes along with a public marriage and with being married to someone like Reese, who so many people love with good reason. People want answers. But I think sometimes they wouldn’t be happy with what the answers would be.”
On the split: “[It was] as typical as any relationship that doesn’t work. It’s far more complicated and far less interesting than it’s made out to be. To look and search for these salacious reasons, to pin it on a person, or a moment in someone’s life, it’s not realistic . . . I think for both Reese and I the focus remains our children. I think we have done a really good job at keeping things peaceable and completely focused on their welfare.”

While Ryan hasn't been shy about the dark days during and after his divorce from Reese, he seems to be in a pretty peaceful and hopefully happier place these days. Plus, he always has his beautiful children to help get that smile back on his face.

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Heath Ledger's Death Was an Accident

PopSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:10:23 -0800

We've tried to stay away from all of the rumors and speculation about the events that led to Heath Ledger's sudden and tragic passing two weeks ago, but the results from the the toxicology report came in today and the New York medical examiner has ruled that his death was an accident. A statement was released saying, "Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine. We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications.” In response to this news, Heath's family released the following statement:

“We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts. While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.

“Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.

“We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.

“At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography.”

Heath's closest family and friends, including Michelle and Matilda who arrived today will gather in his hometown of Perth, Australia, for the upcoming funeral and burial of the beloved actor. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Heath's loved ones. May he rest in peace.

Source

Is the AP Out of Line Pre-Writing Britney's Obituary?

Molly — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:28:52 -0800

While the whole world is watching every tragic move Britney Spears makes these days, it was still unsettling to read yesterday that an entertainment reporter from the Associated Press admitted to Us Weekly that not only would her death be a huge story but they've already got her obituary drafted up. He said,

"We are not wishing it, but if Britney passed away, it’s easily one of the biggest stories in a long time...I think one would agree that Britney seems at risk right now...Of course, we would never wish any type of misfortune on anybody and hope that we would never have to use it until 50 years from now…but if something were to happen, we would have to be prepared."

He went on to say that the AP keeps an "extensive" list of obits pre-written. What do you think - was the reporter out of line or just being honest?

Pacific Coast News

Johnny Depp Gives and Receives

PopSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:57:13 -0800

Most of you were missing the Golden Globes as much as we were last night, and one of the biggest letdowns was that we couldn't see our favorite stars accept their trophies. It seems that Johnny Depp was also sad about missing the opportunity to make an acceptance speech, and decided to release a full statement thanking his family, friends and co-stars for his first ever Golden Globe win.

Johnny is obviously very appreciative of his first Golden Globe, but he's still giving thanks for another gift he received last year. Yesterday he donated $2 million to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, where his daughter Lily-Rose was treated during her health scare back in March. He's been a frequent visitor of the hospital, reading the patients bedtime stories and inviting doctors to his movie premieres. Could he be any more amazing? We're so happy for Johnny and his big win, and hope that maybe he'll get the chance to make a real acceptance speech come Oscar time.

To read Johnny's full statement, just read more

"I would like to thank my beloved friends at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for bestowing such an honor on me. It is a humbling experience, especially in the company of such talent. For many years the HFPA has supported my work and for that I have always been truly grateful. While this is indeed a happy day for me, I am overjoyed at the recognition the film as a whole is receiving. Tim [Burton] is a dear friend and a true artist whose vision and skill inspire us all. He is a genius. Without his unwavering trust and support, I would not be anywhere near where I am today."

"Also, big thanks and respect to Helena [Bonham-Carter], whose simply staggering performance as Mrs. Lovett is a wonder to behold. I must send a behemoth salute to the wonderful crew and cast of Sweeney Todd and all at Dreamworks/Paramount and Warner Bros. Pictures. In addition, I'd also like to extend my sincere gratitude to, first and foremost, my cherished friend and agent of forever ago, Tracey Jacobs; the extraordinary man and producer, Richard Zanuck; the mastermind Stephen Sondheim; and, of course, my precious family, Vanessa, Lily-Rose and Jack, for all of their love, support and pure and absolute happiness everyday. Overall, I believe it to be a proud achievement for everyone involved and on behalf of us all, I thank you."

Source

Mischa Calls Seacrest to Talk DUI, Act Apologetic

Molly — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:27:38 -0800

Mischa Barton called into Ryan Seacrest's show this morning, marking the first time she's talked to the press since her post-Christmas DUI. While she didn't open up about her image-improving photo ops (ha), she did sound apologetic for the incident, and she swore it was not a mistake she plans to repeat. She said:

"Obviously, I'm 100 percent responsible for my actions in this case and I'm really disappointed in myself. I don't know what to say about it, except that I'm not perfect. I just don't intend to do something this stupid again."

She went on to talk about how she doesn't want to be associated with "those girls" (you know who) and how she deals with all the rumors. She is really pulling out the stops with the damage control. Listen to the interview below.

Speaking of which, Mischa isn't the only Barton making headlines. Stories surfaced this week that her younger sister Hania had a pill overdose scare over the holidays, to which Mischa's rep responded with a scathing statement.

Pacific Coast News