Italian PM Snubs Angelina Jolie October 5, 2007

Not many men would turn down the chance of meeting Angelina Jolie, but that’s just what Italian prime minister Romano Prodi did. Jolie, who is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, was due to meet Prodi earlier this week while she was attending a U.N. conference in New York. According to reports, Jolie was planning to quiz the Italian prime minister about his stance on world poverty. This led to Prodi cancelling the meeting at the last minute. However, he doesn’t think that he will be getting into any trouble, especially as Jolie is only an actress. “I’ve never seen a politician get into trouble for not meeting an actress,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying.

Aniston Ranked No 1 Celeb Covergirl

When it comes to celebrity magazines actress Jennifer Aniston is the No. 1 covergirl, according to a Forbes.com ranking of the top-selling faces. The former “Friends” star was followed by her ex-husband actor Brad Pitt, the only man to appear in the top 10, who came in second. Actress Scarlett Johansson, Pitt’s current partner Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes rounded out the top six spots. The Web site, http://www.forbes.com, analyzed the sales of six weekly magazines — People, Star, US Weekly, In Touch, OK! and Life&Style — over a six month period ending June 30, 2007. “We eliminated all non-celebrity and collage covers as well as special issues with exceptionally large rate bases,” Forbes.com said. “Then we counted how many more-or-less issues the celebrity’s cover sold, as compared with the magazine’s average newsstand sales.” Also factored in were the number of covers graced by a celebrity and their consumer appeal, which was rated by E-Poll Market Research. Singers and “American Idol” contestants Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson tied for seventh place, and were followed by actress and Jenny Craig spokeswoman Valerie Bertinelli and morning talk show host Kelly Ripa. And while pop star Britney Spears appeared on 18 covers during the six months, the collective sales were some 600,000 below average, Forbes.com said, and combined with her low appeal score of 3, placed her last among the cover subjects. The only celebrity to have a lower appeal rating than Spears was Paris Hilton, the Web site said. SNAPS UP CONDO IN THE BIG APPLE Aniston has snapped up a new apartment the Armani/Casa-designed condo building in the Financial District of New York. According to the New York Post, the apartment at 20 Pine, The Collection is likely to have a 4 million dollar hole in the former ‘Friends’ star’s bank balance, for that’s the price the condos are rated at. However, she certainly is not begrudging the money. In fact, Aniston is so thrilled with her new pad that she’s been bribing workmen to take her up in the construction elevator so she can repeatedly check out her pad. The building was formerly used to house Chase Manhattan Bank offices.

Rock Says Pam Lied about Miscarriage

Kid Rock claims Pamela Anderson lied about a miscarriage during their brief marriage last year. Anderson lied while they were arguing about visiting her on the set of a movie in Canada, the 36-year-old rapper alleges in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. “She’s in Vancouver shooting a movie and I have Lakers seats on the floor, and I’m gonna go to the Lakers (basketball) game with my friend Jesse James,” the 36-year-old rapper says. “I’m like, `Baby, I got these tickets. I’ll see you on the weekend there,’ and that leads into her saying, `You don’t care about me, blah blah blah,'” Rock says. “She finally comes up with this: `I just had a miscarriage’ … and hangs the phone up.” Rock, claiming he was unaware that Anderson was pregnant, says he chartered a plane and flew to Vancouver. “When I get there, she’s partying at this restaurant, drinking champagne, jumping on the tables. I’m thinking, `That’s a quick recovery from a miscarriage.'” Last November, a spokeswoman for the former “Baywatch” star said Anderson had suffered a miscarriage. Later that month, Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, and Anderson filed for divorce, seeking to end their marriage of less than four months. In response to the allegations, Anderson’s publicist, Cindy Guagenti, referred The Associated Press to an e-mail that is quoted in the magazine’s story. “I hope his album does well,” the 40-year-old actress says. “I hope he’s happy in life. We were married for four months. If he has nothing nice to say about me, then please tell him to stop talking about me.” Last month, Anderson and Rick Salomon applied for — and were granted — a marriage license in Las Vegas, according to Clark County’s Marriage License Bureau. Rock’s latest album, “Rock N Roll Jesus,” is due out next Tuesday.

Britney Loses Bid to Regain Custody of Kids

Britney Spears lost a bid to regain custody of her two young sons on Wednesday as a judge ordered the children to stay in the sole care of her ex-husband but granted the troubled pop star monitored-visitation rights. Adding to the media frenzy surrounding the high-profile custody fight, television therapist Dr. Phil McGraw said through a spokesman “he would be prepared to offer whatever help he could provide” to the couple. But the spokesman, Louis DiCenzo, declined to say whether McGraw had reached out directly to Spears or her representatives as her legal troubles continued to mount. Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon rejected Spears request to lift a court order from Monday giving former spouse Kevin Federline sole custody of their sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, whose care the couple previously shared. Two weeks ago, Gordon ordered Spears to undergo random drug testing and hire a parenting coach after finding evidence of her “habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol.” Federline’s lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, told reporters after the three-hour, closed-door hearing on Wednesday that the judge granted Spears visitation subject to certain conditions. He did not elaborate. But court spokesman Allan Parachini said Spears’ visitation had to be monitored and would likely take place every other day. ANOTHER HEARING Gordon set another hearing for October 26 to review the situation and possibly revise his order. Both Federline and Spears are required to attend. Federline, wearing sunglasses over an eye patch, attended Wednesday’s hearing, slipping into and out of the courthouse without speaking to throngs of reporters gathered outside. Spears was not present, and her lawyer declined comment. Spears’ custody battle caps a tumultuous year in the singer’s personal life as she struggles to rejuvenate her recording career. Since her split from Federline last November, Spears has drawn a steady stream of headlines for erratic behavior that has included club-hopping without panties, shaving her head bald, raging at a car with an umbrella and checking into and out of rehab. Last month, her highly anticipated comeback appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards was widely panned as an embarrassing flop, though her new single, “Gimme More,” has climbed to the top of the digital download charts. Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, divorced in July after nearly three years of marriage, and before this week had shared 50/50 custody of their children. But Kaplan told reporters in August that Federline was seeking greater control of his sons to keep them “isolated from risks.” Adding to her legal woes, she was charged days later with leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a valid license after police said she smashed into another car in a parking lot. Spears’ lawyer, Sorrell Trope, was quoted by People magazine this week as saying the judge revoked the singer’s custody based in part on Federline’s claims that she had failed to comply with requirements regarding drug and alcohol tests. SEX TAPE SCANDAL Britney Spears’ week just got worse with a man she met in Hawaii alleging that she is the star of a sex tape in his possession. The 28-year old unnamed man says that the only reason he did not release the tape earlier was because he had not been impressed by his own performance. “It was just normal sex, we didn’t do anything crazy,” the Daily Mail quoted him, as telling a US publication. “It was a little disappointing. It lasted for about 25 minutes,” he added. The man alleges that the tape was made when he met the singer on holiday in June. However, he also admits that Britney had no idea that she was being taped. BRITNEY TOPS DOWNLOAD CHART In the midst of a court fight for custody of her children, pop star Britney Spears topped the digital songs charts on Wednesday as her new single, “Gimme More,” posted 179,000 U.S. downloads for its first week in release. The first track from Spears’ forthcoming album stole the top spot away from teen rapper Soulja Boy’s megahit “Crank That,” which had spent most of the past 12 weeks at No. 1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s digital songs chart. “Gimme More” also shot to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, Spears’ highest ranking there since her debut single, “… Baby One More Time,” peaked at No. 1 in 1999. The Hot 100 is based on radio airplay, downloads and Internet streaming. Spears’ latest song was issued for digital downloads on Sept. 25 after nearly three weeks of airplay and was lodged at No. 68 on the Hot 100 chart the week before its commercial release. Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” remained at the top of the Hot 100 for the week ending Sept. 30, followed at No. 2 by the Kanye West hit “Stronger,” Billboard said. Spears’ chart success follows a tumultuous year in the singer’s personal life as she struggles to rejuvenate her recording career. TATUM O’NEAL OFFERS ADVICE From one child star to another: Tatum O’Neal says Britney Spears needs to be in recovery and get her disease of addiction together so she can address being a mother. The 43-year-old actress shared her thoughts on the troubled pop star with “Entertainment Tonight” in an interview set to air Wednesday night. “I relate to her and feel really sad for her,” O’Neal said, adding that she had similar experiences as a young mother. “I did everything … that she doesn’t want to do. I did the drug testing. … It was very humbling. … I wanted those kids in my life.” This week a judge ordered Spears, 25, to temporarily surrender custody of her sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, to ex-husband Kevin Federline. She was also ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol testing and take parenting classes as part of her ongoing custody dispute with Federline. Spears needs treatment and she needs to shield her children from media attention, O’Neal said. O’Neal won an Oscar at age 10 after co-starring with her father, Ryan O’Neal, in “Paper Moon” in 1973. She has three children from her marriage to John McEnroe.

I love Abhishek: Viveik

Abhishek Bachchan and Viveik Oberoi will be sharing screen space with each other in Apoorva Lakhia’s ‘Mission Istanbul’, and producer Suniel Shetty says that neither has any problems with it. ‘Why should they have any problem? Abhishek is a thorough professional. He has no problem with anybody. And weren’t they both part of ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’? Yes, they do have scenes together in ‘Mission Istanbul’. And I’m sure they’ll do them splendidly. It’s very unfair to bring in personal matters and question their professionalism. Neither Abhishek nor Viveik have expressed any misgivings about working together,’ Shetty said. Shetty, currently shooting for his TV show ‘Biggest Loser’, confirms the vast star cast of his forthcoming venture. ‘We’ve already confirmed Bobby Deol, Viveik, Abhishek, Shabbir Ahluwaliah. Tusshar Kapoor has problems with the combined dates required with the other actors. The problem is now being worked out,’ he said. The leading ladies are also being finalized. ‘They’re integral to the action. I need ladies who can kick ass as effectively as the boys,’ says Shetty. Elaborating on the preparations for the film, Shetty said: ”Mission Istanbul’ is being made on an international scale. The theme requires an international vision. My director is browsing for F-X teams from abroad. It will be top-of-the-line technicians. They’re a step ahead not because they’re more talented but because they’re more professional.’ ‘We can no longer get away with sub-standard spectacles. Guys who shot ‘Dhoom’ or the forthcoming ‘Cash’ have brought an unparalleled expertise to our cinema. In both forthcoming projects ‘Mission Istanbul’ and ‘Raaste’ with Abhishek, Aishwarya, John and Sikandar Kher, I’m getting top notch technicians associated with the best of Hollywood cinema. We’re spending Rs.250 million on ‘Mission Istanbul’ and ready to spend more. I trust my director Apoorva Lakhia completely,’ he said.

Silverstone to Give Morissette A Hard Time!

Actress Alicia Silverstone plans to give singer Alanis Morissette ‘a hard time’ when they run into each other the next time. As for why she plans to do this, well that’s because the singer ignored Silverstone’s fanmail. The ‘Clueless’ star shared how she admired Morissette in the letter and felt disappointed when the singer did not respond. “I wrote Alanis Morissette a fan letter telling her how I loved her music and even mentioning the name of our mutual friend. I never heard back. She could have written or called me,” Contactmusic quoted Silverstone, as telling the New York Daily News. “Alanis must’ve just lumped me in with her fans or thought I was some stalker. When I see her I plan to give her a hard time,” she added.

Knightley Tops list of Hottest Young Stars

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star Keira Knightley has topped a list of ’25 Under 25: Hollywood’s Hottest Young Stars’, compiled by Moviefone. The 22-year-old Brit actress was followed by Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe at the second place. ‘Transformers’ actress Megan Fox and Michael Cera secured third and fourth places respectively. Actress and Marilyn Manson’s current ladylove Evan Rachel Wood rounded off the top five, at the fifth spot. The list of ’25 Under 25: Hollywood’s Hottest Young Stars’ is as follows: 1. Keira Knightley 2. Daniel Radcliffe 3. Megan Fox 4. Michael Cera 5. Evan Rachel Wood 6. Shia LaBeouf 7. Emily Blunt 8. Kristen Stewart 9. Elijah Kelley 10. Abigail Breslin 11. Freddie Highmore 12. Alice Braga 13. Emile Hirsch 14. AnnaSophia Robb 15. Mischa Barton 16. Shareeka Epps 17. Jamie Bell 18. Dakota Blue Richards 19. Jonah Hill 20. Elle Fanning 21. Ellen Page 22. Zac Efron 23. Melonie Diaz 24. Josh Hutcherson 25. Scarlett Johansson

Bond Girl Yeoh Becomes French Knight

Malaysian-born action star and former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh beamed with delight when she received France’s top civilian honour in a ceremony on Wednesday.
The French ambassador to Malaysia, Alain du Boispean, presented Yeoh with the chevalier (knight) of the Legion of Honour at his embassy residence in Kuala Lumpur.
Yeoh, 45, a former Miss Malaysia, shot to international fame when she co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies” as a tough but beautiful Chinese spy.
She then starred in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” – a Chinese-language martial arts epic that was an international hit – and “Memoirs of a Geisha” based on the best-selling novel by Arthur Golden.
“Deep down I am a small town girl …who has been living a magical dream,” said Yeoh.
The actress is currently filming “Mummy 3, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” and she is next year planning to film an environmental documentary in Malaysia.
The Hong Kong-based actress is engaged to Formula 1 Ferrari motor racing team boss Jean Todt, a previous Legion of Honour recipient.
The pair also have Malaysian titles. Yeoh received an honorary knighthood with the title “Datuk” from the sultan of her home state, Perak. Todt is a “Datuk Seri” courtesy of the sultan in eastern Terengganu state.