Hayden Panettiere was left aghast when she saw the final version of her new movie I Love You, Beth Cooper - because she didn't realise just how much flesh was captured on camera during her nude scene.

The 19-year-old actress bares all for the new comedy, but didn't expect to see much of her naked body on screen due to the U.S. PG-13 rating, which allows kids under 13 to see the movie when accompanied by an adult.

But Panettiere was left cowering in her seat when she attended a recent preview of the film, because her "side boobage" filled up the entire screen.

She says, "It's one of those things that you forget how much of your flesh is in it, until I saw it again and then I was like, 'Duck, duck!'. I knew they were doing it (filming a nude scene), but I didn't know it would be so big on the screen!"

Moviemaker Robert Rodriguez has confirmed reports he and his Planet Terror star Rose McGowan are engaged.

The father-of-five and the actress reportedly split earlier this year, months after McGowan cooed about her plans to wed the director after he divorced his wife Elizabeth last year, but Rodriguez insists the couple is still engaged.

In an upcoming interview in Latina magazine, Rodriguez says, "Yes, I’m engaged. No info on that. That’s very personal. But it’s been great."

In October, McGowan told the press about her marriage plans, revealing, "I just want to go to an island and pay someone

else to deal with it (ceremony)."

When the pair does wed, Rodriguez insists his ex-wife and filmmaking partner will remain a big part of his life.

He tells Latina, "We’re great partners and we’re great parents. She’s so solid. In a lot of ways, we’ll be together forever. I can see her right now. She still works right next to me; we have an office together."

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Rutherford's Litigious Husband Was 'Too Angry'
8 July 2009 3:06 PM, PDT

Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford has revealed she was scared to leave her husband because he's so "litigious".

The actress was three months pregnant with her second child by Daniel Giersch when she decided to leave the German businessman after a series of professional problems put a strain on their marriage.

New mum Rutherford, who is now in the middle of a messy divorce and custody battle with her estranged husband, tells Life & Style magazine, "I found out I was pregnant, and I thought, 'Oh, maybe things will be nice, maybe it will be calm, but it wasn’t. Things only got more intense.

"He (Giersch) was very litigious. He says he’s an entrepreneur, but I think he just sues people. It was very angry (behaviour). I was kind of scared to leave."

The actress, who gave birth to baby daughter Helena Grace last month, started scheming with a close friend and the pair planned her "escape".

And now she's more than happy to be a single mum to her two kids: "A lot of great men, presidents even, were raised (only) by their mothers under those conditions. The most important thing is that the children have love and stability in their lives, whether that comes from a mother or a father."

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Nadal Mourns Death Of Pal Montcourt
8 July 2009 3:06 PM, PDT

Tennis ace Rafael Nadal has been left "shocked" and saddened by the death of his childhood pal and fellow player Mathieu Montcourt, who was found dead in France early on Tuesday.

Montcourt was discovered slumped on the stairwell of his Paris apartment building by his girlfriend. Emergency services were called, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, the 24 year old was dead. His cause of death has yet to be determined.

The budding French tennis star, who was ranked 119th in the world, hit the headlines in May when he was fined $12,000 (£8,000) and handed a five-week ban from the sport for betting on other matches. The ruling by the French tennis federation came into effect on Monday.

The tragic news has stunned former world number one Nadal, and the Spanish star has issued a statement on his website detailing his disbelief.

He writes, "This morning I woke up with one of the worst news anyone can receive (sic). I heard about the death of our friend Mathieu Montcourt. I am still under (sic) shock for this. I can't believe it."

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Sex Scenes Turned Lucas Off
8 July 2009 3:06 PM, PDT

Sweet Home Alabama star Josh Lucas has been left scarred by sex scenes in his new movie after spending a day with nine naked women he'd never met.

The actor had to simulate sex for montage footage at the beginning of Death In Love and admits the seedy scenes left him feeling dirty and "strange".

Lucas, who plays a con man who craves crazy sex in the film, tells WENN, "One of the weirdest days of my life was the day my character put an ad on (website) CraigsList for 20 women from the ages of 19-65 for the sex montage scene.

"I filmed nine very hardcore sex simulation scenes with women I never met with all of us completely naked. At the end of the day I felt crazy! It's something that I think only porn stars actually do in their life when they come in contact with that many people on that level.

"You're sharing body fluids whether you like it or not, sweat and sensation. I could never be a porn star. I was shook up. I did not walk away from that thinking, 'Oh, that was fun.' It was very strange."

Lucas is now desperate to shoot a family-friendly film after playing his latest character: "I was a mess for 30 days. He's so full of pain and self-hatred. I was living that every day and rage and guilt and traumatic things and my body felt pretty whacked.

"At the end of the day I'd crawl away and my dreams were pretty weird."

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McNair Death Was Murder-suicide
8 July 2009 3:06 PM, PDT

American football star Steve McNair was murdered by his girlfriend Sahel Kazemi, who then turned the gun on herself, according to Tennessee Police.

The body of the married former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback, 36, was found with two gunshot wounds to the head and two to the chest on Saturday afternoon in a downtown Nashville condominium.

Kazemi's body was found nearby, with just one gunshot, prompting speculation she killed her lover before turning the gun on herself.

In a police statement issued on Wednesday, cops revealed Kazemi was suicidal because she faced financial difficulties and believed McNair was cheating on her.

Autopsies carried out on the two bodies, lab reports and tests on the semi-automatic weapon recovered from beside Kazemi's body suggest she fired the weapon.

A police spokesperson says, "After nearly four days of intensive investigation, the police department has determined that Mr. McNair was murdered by Sahel Kezami."

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Cohen Hires Iglesias Minder For Terrorist Trip
8 July 2009 3:06 PM, PDT

Funnyman Sacha Baron Cohen had to hire Enrique Iglesias' British minder for a comedic interview with a real-life terrorist - because no one else would take on the potentially life-threatening job.

The star thought it would be hilarious if his outrageous Austrian fashionista, Bruno, filmed a chat with a wanted Middle Eastern killer for his new movie - but he realised the stunt wouldn't be all funny when security agencies refused to work with him.

Cohen says, "We called around some security firms and everybody said no way and eventually I found one guy... who had done the Enrique Iglesias Hero tour.

"His main job had been protecting Enrique from flying underwear. I knew, if it came to it, this guy would take a bra for me."

To make sure he was safe at all times, Cohen and his security guard came up with a weather-related code, which would alert the star if weapons entered the location - but the minder forgot the code and the interview started with an awkward discussion about the weather.

Cohen might need the services of his forgetful minder again, however - if the unnamed terrorist ever sees new film Bruno.

He says, "I pray to God (they won't see the film)."

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Watson And Grint Giggled Through Kiss
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint struggled to film their sizzling onscreen kiss for the new boy wizard movie - because they couldn't stop laughing.

The actors - who play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the hit franchise - lock lips for the first time in the latest instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Watson and Grint were desperate to get the nerve-wracking scene out of the way, but when it came to shooting, the pair was struck with a fit of the giggles.

Watson says, "I was quite terrified. We weren't looking forward to it really. The thing is, it could potentially sound like we are putting each other down but we were both in the same boat. It was a horrible thing to have to do because we are just like brother and sister, so it's really weird.

"He (director David Yates) did spring it on us. We didn't really know. We had problems with laughing - we kept laughing. We would get there, and we just couldn't take it seriously. It was awful. But anyway, it's done now, and it was good. We have watched the playback and it's good."

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Radcliffe Shuns Birthday Party For Work
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Daniel Radcliffe has no plans to celebrate his 20th birthday later this month - because he'd rather work than party.

The Harry Potter star, who rose to fame in the wizard franchise as an 11 year old, will be saying goodbye to his teenage years on 23 July.

But the actor is so busy working, he won't be holding a huge bash for friends and family.

He tells WENN, "I'm not really going to (celebrate). I'm just going to kind of keep going and I don't know... I'm going to be working, I don't really care. A birthday's a birthday, you know. I'm not going to do anything too spectacular."

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Watson Flashes Underwear At Potter Premiere
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Actress Emma Watson suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction at the latest Harry Potter movie premiere on Tuesday when the daring split in her designer dress opened to reveal her underwear.

The 19 year old braved the heavy rain to hit the red carpet in London with her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint for the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

But, as Watson gathered up the flowing skirt of her long dress to avoid stepping on the hem, she was snapped accidentally flashing her panties to the throng of fans and paparazzi - leaving her red faced.

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Gosling To Release Music Album
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Ryan Gosling is moving from the big screen to the music studio - the actor is set to release his first album.

The Notebook star and his Dead Man's Bones bandmate Zach Shields have signed with indie label Anti Records to release a self-titled debut disc in October.

And the actor credits contributions from from the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir, a Los Angeles-based children's chorus, with inspiring him to steer clear of pop music during the two-year recording process.

Gosling tells music website Pitchfork.com, "You know when you're a kid and you get crayons and papers and just draw whatever you want and it's just a bunch of messy lines, but to you it makes sense, and then they put it on the fridge? We wanted to get back to that place before we were trying to make the fridge. We wanted to work with people who hadn't been affected in that way yet."

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Walsh's Ex Wins Battle With TV Network
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Kate Walsh's TV bosses will be forced to reveal the actress' wages and future earning potential to her estranged husband Alex Young as he fights for a share of her assets.

The Private Practice star has been embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Young since separating from him last year and ending their 14-month marriage.

The split has turned ugly in recent months as Walsh attempted to block her ex from claiming alimony and Young pushed to expose the true value of the actress' assets in a bid to swing the judge's decision in his favour.

On Wednesday he won his battle after a Los Angeles judge ruled ABC president Stephen McPherson must give a deposition at Young's request, and detail Walsh's wages and financial prospects, including upcoming pilot episodes and development deals.

A lawyer for ABC admits network bosses are displeased with the ruling: "It's as if (baseball player) Manny Ramirez was getting divorced and the first deposition they want to take is the president of (sports network) Espn."

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Hutton Splits From Wife
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Actor Timothy Hutton has split from his wife Aurore Giscard D'Estang, according to U.S. tabloid reports.

The couple married in 2000, and has a seven-year-old son, Milo.

Us Weekly reports the couple's marriage is over and they are living apart.

Hutton also has a 22-year-old son, Emmanuel, with his ex-wife, actress Debra Winger.

A representative for the star could not be reached for a comment as WENN went to press.

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Theron Hospitalised After Health Scare?
8 July 2009 12:11 PM, PDT

Hollywood actress Charlize Theron spent four nights in a Los Angeles hospital last week (ends03Jul09) after contracting a painful stomach virus, according to a U.S. tabloid report.

The Monster star is alleged to have suffered severe abdominal pains, which she attributed to food poisoning.

But when the sharp stomach pangs failed to go away, her boyfriend Stuart Townsend took her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to seek treatment.

According to the National Enquirer, doctors ran a series of tests on Theron and diagnosed her with a serious virus, thought to have been contracted during her travels overseas.

And Townsend was left shaken by Theron's health scare, reportedly telling pals, "I was scared to death. I had no idea what was happening to her, but this is a woman who never complains, so I knew it had to be serious."

The publication claims the actress was discharged from hospital after being given a series of antibiotics and is now back to full health.

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Radcliffe Denies Older Women Fetish
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Daniel Radcliffe has denied he has a fetish for older women - insisting it's purely coincidence he's only dated ladies in their 20s.

The Harry Potter star reportedly refuses to go out with girls his own age because he finds them too high maintenance, and even his own mother insists he deliberately targets older ladies.

But the 19-year-old actor is adamant he is not a fan of the toyboy role, and has no specific age range in mind when looking for romance.

He tells WENN, "It's just the fact I've been out with a couple of women that are slightly older than me and I don't know, I just enjoy it more. I think it's the mature thing if anything else, certainly. But then that was when I was a bit younger. When I was younger I liked older women but now... who knows? I don't really have a type - my mum reckons I have a type, but I don't."

But Radcliffe does have one relationship rule - she has to be shorter than him.

The 5 feet 5 inches tall star adds: "I probably couldn't ever go out with anyone who's a lot taller than me. I mean look at me, you know - it wouldn't be right."

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Barrowman Blasts 'Bigoted' Bishop
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Actor John Barrowman has blasted "bigoted" church leaders - for alienating congregation members with their strict stance on homosexuality.

The star of cult sci-fi TV show Doctor Who lashed out after Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester in the U.K., urged gays to "repent and be changed".

Openly gay Barrowman slammed the comments, insisting any high-ranking church official who agrees is damaging Christianity.

He says, "From a gay man, weren't the actions of Jesus Christ supposed to be about compassion and love and understanding? And here you have a man who is supposed to be teaching that and he is teaching bigotry.

"I think more gay men would go to church if the teachers weren't as bigoted as they are. Now, I'm not saying all Christians believe like that, because there's a lot out there who don't.

"But these kind of men and women who are preaching that, they are going to lose their congregation because mums and dads are going to realise they have gay siblings - or children or family members who are gay - and they are not evil. Stop talking rubbish."

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Connolly Tickled By Busey's Entourage Cameo
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Entourage star Kevin Connolly is still shuddering after a strange day on set with guest star Gary Busey - because the veteran actor kept trying to tickle him in between takes.

Connolly admits he was warned about the 65 year old's "unique" reputation before the actor joined the hit U.S. TV drama for a cameo in 2007.

And the actor still can't shake the humiliating memory of Busey pinning him down in front of cast and crew to tickle him on set.

He remembers, "He's looking at me... and he's like, 'Kevin, you and I are going to play a game called tickle and pee.' I said, 'Gary, please, I'm 33 years old. It's emasculating.'

"He's chasing me around on the set. I'm running away from Gary Busey on my set and Gary Busey is freakishly strong. He caught me ultimately and he tickled me. I felt like I was in fifth grade again."

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Jackson Challenges Online Critics
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Samuel L. Jackson is fighting back against harsh online critics - the actor is challenging his internet bullies to deliver their blows during face-to-face meetings.

The Pulp Fiction star admits he can't stop reading reviews about himself and he wants to fight back.

And Jackson is so disturbed by bloggers hiding behind their anonymity he's started giving out his personal phone number to strangers to set up the showdowns.

He says, "All these people can sit at home and can blog. They can say bad things about you online and you don't know who they are but they know who I am. It's totally unfair. I know my face, you know my face. I want to see you. Meet me at this place here and let's have that discussion: 'What did you mean washed up and always yelling and screaming? And if you don't believe it's me call this number.' I enjoy engaging critics in that way."

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Parker & Broderick Shocked By Double Baby News
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were stunned when doctors informed them they were to become parents to twins - because they would have felt blessed with just one baby.

The couple spent several years trying to conceive a sibling for their six-year-old son James Wilkie.

They eventually turned to a surrogate mother to help them expand their family.

Parker admits her long struggle to have another child left her feeling drained and she tried not to get her hopes up about becoming a mother again.

She was shocked when she learned the procedure had been successful, and admits the couple was still reeling from the news when they were told they were in for a double surprise.

She says, "We didn't expect it. I think, after a certain amount of time, you tend to hold your hopes at bay so as not to be disappointed. One would have been thrilling and we would've felt lucky. And two was a comedy!"

The couple's surrogate mother gave birth to Marion and Tabitha last month.

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Jackson Family Feuding Over Final Resting Place
8 July 2009 9:11 AM, PDT

Michael Jackson's mother is fighting against the late superstar's siblings' wishes to bury the King of Pop at his Neverland Ranch, insisting her son never planned to return to the California estate he abandoned in 2005.

The Thriller hitmaker deserted the sprawling property in Santa Barbara County after detectives investigating allegations of child molestation against the star raided the place for evidence.

Jackson was vindicated of all charges but he refused to go back to Neverland and instead spent the last years of his life moving from rented house to rented house.

Last week (ends03Jul09), his older brother Jermaine Jackson hinted the singer could be laid to rest in the grounds of his former home, revealing he's trying to win over his family with the idea - as well as authorities who ban burials outside cemetaries.

In a U.S. TV interview at Neverland, which aired last week (ends03Jun09), Jermaine said, "I love it here because I feel him here... This is his home, this is his creation. Why wouldn't he be here? I feel his presence. It's like he's on tour somewhere, or just out somewhere, and it will always be like that.

"I want my mother to come back here and feel what I feel, my brothers, my sisters... because it is so important. I mean, he built this place with love, you can feel it, you can see it. It's quiet, it's peaceful."

But the stars' mum Katherine Jackson is allegedly firmly against the suggestion, and her refusal is causing a family rift, according to reports.

A source tells RadarOnline.com, "Michael left Neverland for good, never to return. He felt violated by law enforcement after his molestation trial. He felt this place he had built had been tainted. Katherine continues to be her son's protector even after his death."

Jackson's body is currently being held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood, following his casket's centre stage appearance at his celebrity memorial service at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday.

However, a newly-released death certificate lists Forest Lawn as a "temporary" site for the star's remains, suggesting a final resting place has yet to be decided.

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Reynolds Hangs Up His Running Shoes
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Ryan Reynolds has turned his back on running after his stint in the New York Marathon reminded him of gory Vietnam War movie Platoon.

The X-Men Origins: Wolverine star took part in the sporting spectacular last November in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

He raised more than $100,000 (£66,600) for the Parkinson's disease charity - but has sworn off jogging ever since after witnessing battlefield conditions in the event's closing stages.

He tells the U.K.'s Glamour magazine, "I found the whole thing utterly dreadful. Painful. A lot of people have this romantic notion that it's going to be a fantastic thing. I think they always picture themselves in slow motion with glorious sunshine on their backs.

"Through miles 20-26 it's like a graveyard. You pass people lying on the ground, paramedics helping them, just like Platoon but everyone in expensive running gear. But I raised $107,000. Needless to say, I haven't run since the Marathon."

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Laverne & Shirley Star Arrested After 'Drunken' Crash
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Laverne And Shirley actor Eddie Mekka was arrested in Las Vegas on Friday on suspicion of drink driving.

Mekka, who played Carmine 'The Big Ragu' Ragusa in the 1970s Happy Days spin-off, reportedly collided with another car.

According to TMZ.com, police rushed to the scene after receiving a tip-off and administered sobriety tests on the actor.

Mekka was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

There were no reported injuries stemming from the incident.

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Bernal Sees Positives In Swine Flu Scare
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Movie star Gael Garcia Bernal has branded the swine flu outbreak in his native Mexico "liberating" - because the whole country united to fight the deadly disease.

The Motorcycle Diaries actor was in Mexico City when the illness first hit in April and witnessed frightening scenes as panic gripped the nation.

But he eventually saw a positive side to the health scare - it forced families to spend time with each other and reassess their priorities.

He says, "At first, it was terrifying, man. I don't understand epidemics, who does? Paranoia and panic spread through the city incredibly fast. I was just watching news reports of all these people dying and not having any idea when this thing outside my door would end.

"(But) it gave the people of Mexico City time for introspection, for once, which was liberating. Normally the city is caught up in the Western way of operating, which forces you to work all the time and sacrifice any time you might spend with your family and friends.

"Those enforced days indoors gave society the chance to reflect on the way we've all come to live our lives."

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Full Monty Star Speer Charged With DUI
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

The Full Monty star Hugo Speer has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The British actor, who played a stripper in the Oscar-winning 1997 movie, was found slumped at the wheel of his car near his home in North Yorkshire, north England last month.

Speer was spotted after pedestrians noticed his car's hazard warning lights were flashing, and called the emergency services.

The star was reportedly found to be double the drink-drive limit.

He was due to appear in court on Tuesday, but the case was adjourned as his lawyer is on holiday.

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Transformers Sequel Is 2009's Biggest Box Office Earner
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen is officially the biggest film of 2009 so far after it reached the $600 million (£400 million) mark on Tuesday.

The Michael Bay movie, starring Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox, pulled in a huge amount of cinema goers and took over the year's most successful film Angels & Demons in the two weeks after its release.

The film has garnered $299 million (£199 million) so far in the U.S. and Canada, while it has topped $300 million (£200 million) in revenue from the global box office.

The first movie in the franchise managed to accumulate more than $708 million (£472 million) during its time at the domestic box office in 2007.

Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen already holds the title of highest-earning Wednesday opening of all time, and the second highest grossing day ever behind The Dark Knight.

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Lohan 'Snubbed Hangover Role'
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Lindsay Lohan is reportedly reeling after turning down a starring role in hit comedy The Hangover - because she believed the script had "no potential".

The star has struggled to land work in Hollywood since her days as Disney's golden girl following her wild partying ways and arrests for drinking under the influence.

She was also reprimanded by movie bosses on 2006's Georgia Rule for "irresponsible and unprofessional" behaviour as her personal life became front page tabloid news.

But director Todd Phillips was reportedly set to take a risk on Lohan by asking her to play stripper Jade in his bachelor party movie.

However, Lohan wasn't impressed by the film's screenplay, and rejected the part, which eventually went to Heather Graham, according to Us Weekly.

A source tells the magazine that the star's agent "tried hard to get Phillips to consider her," but "Lindsay said she didn't like the script".

And it seems Lohan made a huge mistake - the movie has been a surprise smash hit at the box office, pulling in over $265 million (£176 million) worldwide.

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Potter Takes On Transformers At The Online Box Office
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Harry Potter is already battling Transformers at the U.S. box office - the new wizard movie is outselling the robot action picture a week before it is released.

Advance sales of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince have rocketed in the last few days, with cinema companies predicting the film is on course to oust Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as the year's fastest selling movie.

The Transformers sequel is currently sitting on top of the American movie charts and has become the biggest film of the year globally, grossing a staggering $600 million (£400 million) in just 12 days.

But the robots' crown could soon be snatched away by Daniel Radcliffe's Potter - with the sixth movie in the magical franchise accounting for 65 per cent of all online tickets sold in the week before its release.

Rick Butler, head of online ticket company Fandango, tells the Hollywood Reporter, "The Half-Blood Prince is turning out to be one of our fastest-selling titles of the year."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens on 15 July.

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Judge: 'Stern Book Claims Are Preposterous'
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

A New York judge has backed Anna Nicole Smith's lawyer-turned-lover Howard K. Stern in his legal action against a publishing company - branding allegations in a tell-all book about the star "preposterous".

Stern has filed suit against the Hachette Book Group and TV reporter-turned-writer Rita Cosby, accusing them of libel over a string of accusations made against him in Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith's Death.

The book about the late star makes a series of claims about Stern's sexuality, alleging Smith possessed a sex tape featuring Stern and her boyfriend Larry Birkhead. Stern insists the footage doesn't exist.

And Judge Denny Chin, who is overseeing the case at Manhattan Federal Court, backed Stern in a hearing on Tuesday, telling the court, "One of the parts I find troubling is the story that Anna Nicole Smith used to entertain herself by watching this supposed video. I mean, on the face of it, the story seems preposterous. And the sources are questionable."

The $60 million (£41 million) suit asks for compensatory and punitive damages, according to the New York Daily News.

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L.A. Mayor Asks Fans To Help Pay For Jackson Memorial
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Los Angeles' mayor has called upon Michael Jackson fans help pay for the mammoth memorial service the city hosted on Tuesday.

Thousands of the Thriller legend's friends and fans flocked to L.A.'s Staples Center to remember the star who died suddenly of a cardiac arrest on 25 June.

Despite dozens of superstars offering to perform for free, the scale of the service meant most of Los Angeles had to be closed down in order to accommodate the legions of fans who flocked to join in the mourning.

The Lapd deployed 3,200 officers on the streets to ensure the safety of the 700,000 people who gathered around the city - more cops than were used at the 1984 Olympic games.

Officials also had to pay for a Swat team to join the motorcade that escorted Jackson's body to the Center.

The event was slated to cost more than $3.5 million (£2.3 million) and ate away at most of L.A.'s 'extraordinary event' budget.

And to recoup some of the money used on the memorial, L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has called on Jackson devotees to pay a donation to the state.

He wrote on his Twitter.com page, "Help the city of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves.

"If you're a Michael fan, consider giving a small donation to help us celebrate his extraordinary life and music."

Councilwoman Jan Perry insisted fans were keen to get involved, claiming she had already been inundated with email offers.

She says, "I've received emails that are really kind of touching because they're obviously coming from fans. They're very sweet, saying things like, 'I can give $10, $25 and I can organise my friends'."

An online PayPal account has been set up for fans to donate towards the memorial service, with officials insisting all payments are tax-deductible.

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Sharpton Defends Jacksons Over Paris Speech
8 July 2009 5:01 AM, PDT

Reverend Al Sharpton has defended Michael Jackson's family for allowing the star's daughter Paris to speak at his funeral - because it gave her a chance to vindicate her father.

The 11 year old paid tribute to her dad at the service in Los Angeles on Tuesday, fighting back tears as she said, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much."

The Jacksons were later blasted by child psychologists for allowing Paris to take to the stage, insisting the media attention could be "potentially very traumatic" for her.

But Sharpton, a friend of the late King of Pop, has stood up in defence of the speech and praised young Paris for her efforts.

He tells U.S. talk show host Larry King, "That - that touched everyone. And I think you couldn't script that. She's not reading a prompter. This is a young lady - in fact, if you saw it, they had really said they wanted Janet Jackson to speak. And Janet kind of brought her forward. And she spoke from the heart about her father. I think she's worried the whole world understands how human Michael Jackson was."

The Thriller singer's close friend Dionne Warwick also congratulated Paris for her moving tribute: "I think she spoke instead of Janet... it tore my heart out."

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Scott Thomas To Sing On Stage
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Kristin Scott Thomas is sharpening her vocal skills as she prepares to perform in her first stage musical, A Little Night Music.

Scott Thomas, 49, has agreed to play actress Desiree Armfeldt in the production, to be staged for the first time in France at Paris' Theatre du Chatelet next year.

And she's sure to be nervous for the upcoming production - as it will be her first role in which she has to sing.

Her French agent says, "She's never done this before. I don't know if she can sing!"

Elizabeth Taylor played Desiree in a 1977 film based on the musical, while Natasha Richardson had been lined up to play the part off-Broadway before her death in March.

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Bloated Barton 'Turns To Booze' After Failed Romances
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Mischa Barton's concerned pals have begged her to take care of her body after recent booze binges have left her bloated and unhappy, according to reports.

New photos of Barton with a visibly rounder face hit the tabloids last month, prompting speculation the star's turbulent love life was causing her to overindulge in food and alcohol.

The paparazzi snaps were in stark contrast to her appearance in January, when she sparked fears for her health after turning up to a fashion show looking gaunt.

And the actress' close circle fear her string of failed romances with a slew of rockers have left her craving wild nights out to battle her depression, according to Britain's Closer magazine.

A source tells the publication, "When her love life is out of sorts she just lets herself go and hits the party scene.

"Her friends try to tell her to stop but she doesn’t listen. Drinking bloats her terribly.

"After clubbing she’ll usually tuck into greasy fast food. She’ll starve herself all day then binge on junk. It wreaks havoc with her system."

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Potter Star Waylett Hit With Drug Charges
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Harry Potter star Jamie Waylett has been summoned to appear in court after he was charged with growing cannabis plants on Tuesday.

On the same day his co-stars walked the red carpet at London's Leicester Square at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Waylett was accused with growing 10 plants to produce marijuana.

The actor, who plays Vincent Crabbe in the wizard franchise, was arrested in April after cops allegedly found him driving with eight bags of marijuana in his car.

Authorities then ordered a raid on the his mother's home in Camden, North London, where they were said to have found ten cannabis plants at the property.

He must face the charges at London's City of Westminster magistrates court later this month.

The 19 year old faces a maximum sentence of 14 years behind bars for production of a Class-b drug.

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Austrian Diplomat Calls For Bruno Boycott
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

An Austrian culture minister is urging cinemagoers to boycott Sacha Baron Cohen's new movie Bruno, branding the film's portrayal of his country "totally inappropriate".

Austria's British envoy Emil Brix has blasted Cohen's new satirical comedy, in which he plays an Austrian gay fashionista, insisting the Brit's latest satirical movie is full of "cheap" gags.

In the film, Bruno declares he is determined to become Austria's most famous citizen "since Hitler" and even calls convicted rapist Josef Fritzl the embodiment of the "Austrian dream".

Brix says, "It’s totally inappropriate. Everybody should speak up against that.”

And the diplomat believes many of his countrymen will not approve of Bruno, insisting: "The public will know how to react to this film."

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Jackson's Death Upsets Ledger Family
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Heath Ledger's family was heartbroken by the recent loss of Michael Jackson - because it reminded them of the late actor's death from an accidental overdose.

The Brokeback Mountain star's father Kim was devastated upon learning of Jackson's sudden passing on 25 June as the tragedy reminded him of the day his own son was found dead after taking a lethal combination of prescription drugs.

He says, "On the day Michael died I spoke to my daughters and former wife Sally and we all had such a down day."

But Kim insists his son is the only person who can be blamed for his own death.

He adds: "At the end of the day, we're all responsible for what goes into us and I blame Heath for not being responsible."

Ledger was discovered dead of an overdose in his New York City apartment in January 2008.

Meanwhile, Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest, with reports suggesting a prolonged addiction to prescription painkillers could have contributed to the King of Pop's untimely demise.

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Jackson Family Under Fire For Paris Speech
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Child psychologists have blasted the Jackson family for allowing Michael Jackson's daughter to speak at her late father's memorial, insisting the media attention thrust on young Paris could be "potentially very traumatic".

The 11 year old fought back tears as she paid tribute to her dad on stage at the service in Los Angeles on Tuesday, sobbing, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much."

She then collapsed into her aunt Janet Jackson's arms at the emotional climax of the memorial, watched by hundreds of millions of people around the globe.

But experts believe the youngster, whose father tried desperately to keep his children out of the media, could face difficulties adjusting to the spotlight as her speech makes headlines worldwide.

And child psychologist Linda Blair believes the Jackson family made a "bad judgment" when they allowed grief-stricken Paris to take the microphone.

Blair explains, "To be thrust into the limelight as Paris was is potentially very traumatic. This is a girl who has been shielded from the media her whole life.

"When a child is in shock, as Paris still will be from her father's death, the most important thing is to keep everything as normal as possible. But the opposite has happened here.

"The world has rarely seen Paris' face and has never heard her talk. But here she was making a speech to billions of people across the world. She is completely unused to speaking on stage. But here she was speaking on the biggest stage possible.

"In times like this logic goes out the window, so you can't blame the family for letting her do it. But they certainly made a bad judgment."

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Carey Apologises For Teary Jackson Tribute Performance
8 July 2009 1:06 AM, PDT

Mariah Carey has apologised to fans for her performance at Michael Jackson's memorial, explaining it was the sight of the King Of Pop's coffin that almost caused her to break down mid-song.

Carey kicked off the celebrity performance tributes with her rendition of the Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, as images of the late star appeared on a big screen behind her at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday.

But her powerful voice could barely be heard as she sang, and the diva relied on long-time collaborator Trey Lorenz to help her finish the ballad, which became Carey's first worldwide number one in 1992.

After the show, the mourning singer took to her page on blog site Twitter.com to tells fans she struggled with the performance.

She writes, "Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right, but I was literally choked up when I saw him (Michael) there in front of me.

"One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to Mj. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people he inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts."

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Lively 'Poisoned' Badgley On Gossip Girl Set
7 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively was so dead set against co-starring with boyfriend Penn Badgley in the hit TV series, she "poisoned" their castmates against the actor after he landed his role.

The couple, former childhood classmates, has shared the small screen since the TV drama made its U.S. debut in 2007, but the blonde beauty admits she wasn't always a big supporter of her real-life leading man, after learning he had won over her new bosses and was trailing her acting career.

She tells Britain's Glamour magazine, "At first I was so upset that they hired him. I actually poisoned the whole cast against him. But then they noticed that he wasn't a jerk and was actually a really nice, charming person.

"Almost immediately I realised that too, but it took me about a week to admit it."

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New Dad Luna Loves Early Morning Playtime
7 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Fatherhood has turned Mexican star Diego Luna into a happy early riser - because he can't wait to wake up and play with his kid.

The actor's son Jeronimo was born last summer, but the Milk star still can't get enough of his kid.

He says, "I love waking up with him. It's the most beautiful thing ever. The morning was never so good. I used to hate mornings... I used to wear sunglasses. I started to function after 11 or 12.

"Now, at 5am, I'm playing with my kid and changing diapers. You become a different man."

And he became a really devoted husband to new bride Camila Sodi after he saw what she went through in the delivery room.

The unusually candid star tells Bust magazine, "I have to say I became more in love with her (Sodi) when I realised what a good mother she is.

"When you are there and see what they (women) go through, it's like, 'Whoa!'"

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Cruz Says 'No' To Marriage
7 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Penelope Cruz will never marry boyfriend Javier Bardem, because she doesn't believe in the concept.

The Oscar winner does plan to start a family one day, but hints it could be at the expense of her acting career - because she wants to be the best mum in the world.

Cruz reveals, "I want to have babies one day but not right now. When I do it I want to do it really well. I want it to be my best project in life.

"I don’t know if I believe in marriage. I believe in family, love and children."

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Reeves Seeks To Dismiss Paternity Case
7 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Keanu Reeves is seeking a court dismissal of a Canadian woman's allegations he is the father of her four grown children.

Karen Sala, who is seeking millions in spousal and child support from the Speed star, came face to face with Reeves' attorney Lorne Wolfson for a brief appearance in a family court in Toronto, Canada on Monday.

Wolfson denied his client had a relationship with the 46 year old, and later told reporters outside the court he is urging authorities to quickly dismiss the case.

He said, "His (Reeves') position is that he's not the father of these children, never had a relationship with them, never lived with Ms Sala and that the application has absolutely no merits. It's totally frivolous.

"This case should be dismissed at the earliest opportunity."

Meanwhile, Sala maintained she was telling the truth, telling journalists the Hollywood actor has been in contact with her over the last three decades.

She explained, "He (Reeves) doesn't stay away, he constantly comes and checks up and everything. It'll come out. The truth is a strange thing and sometimes no one's prepared for it... It will come out. You have to have faith."

Sala filed suit against Reeves in May, seeking a DNA test to prove the star fathered her children. She is seeking $3 million (£2 million)-a-month in spousal support, dating back to November 2006, and another $150,000 (£100,000) in child support, extending to June 1988.

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Jackson Asked Shields To Marry Him
7 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Brooke Shields turned down countless marriage proposals from late pal Michael Jackson, the actress has revealed in a new magazine tribute.

Shields fought back tears as she honoured her "little prince" at the King of Pop's memorial in Los Angeles on Tuesday, recalling how much fun the pair had as teenage friends, and now she's revealing more about her relationship with the late pop superstar.

She tells the upcoming Jackson tribute issue of Rolling Stone, "There were times when he would ask me to marry him, and I would say, 'You have me for the rest of your life, you don't need to marry me, I'm going to go on and do my own life and have my own marriage and my own kids, and you'll always have me.'

"I think it made him relax. He didn't want to lose things that meant something to him."

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