Friday, December 19, 2025
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Lawyers in Hollywood Sex Case Issue Apologies to Producer Garth Ancier, Pay “Seven Figures” in Damages Settlement

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This just came in from the publicist representing producer Garth Ancier. He was sued by Michael Egan for sexual harassment. Egan has since dropped the case, but not before smearing Ancier. Since then, director Amy Berg has still used Egan as a main source for a documentary about producers preying on young men. Reading this, I can’t imagine how these lawyers, Herman and Egan, can go on. What a mess.

from Davidson Goldin PR:

Attorneys Jeffrey Herman and Mark Gallagher this week issued detailed apologies for filing what they now acknowledge were entirely false claims in a lawsuit against veteran television executive Garth Ancier. The apologies, which appear in their entirety below, are accompanied by an undisclosed monetary payment in the seven figures.

The allegations contained in the baseless lawsuit were fabricated by Michael Egan, who recently pled guilty in North Carolina federal court to running an unrelated Ponzi scheme where he lied to investors and forged documents. He is awaiting sentencing.

Ancier also discovered that as Egan’s Ponzi scheme fell apart, Egan had bragged to a witness that “if all else failed he could go after ‘Gay Hollywood’ and claim he was abused and they will have to settle because they cannot stand the publicity.” A federal judge also scolded Egan for lying in court.

Jeffrey Herman, an attorney for Egan, issued the following apology:
“I sincerely apologize for bringing lawsuits against you on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. As you know, I withdrew from representing Mr. Egan two months after filing the complaints. Based on what I know now, I believe that I participated in making what I now know to be untrue and proveably false allegations against you. Had I known what I learned after filing the lawsuits, I would never have filed these claims against you. I deeply regret the pain, suffering and damage the lawsuit and publicity have caused you, and your family, friends, and colleagues. I sincerely regret my role in this matter and for the harm that I caused. I have resolved this matter with compensation to you. I am hopeful that you can recover fully.”

Mark Gallagher, an attorney for Egan, issued the following apology:
“I sincerely apologize to Mr. Garth Ancier for my part in bringing a lawsuit against him on behalf of my former client Michael Egan. Unfortunately, I now do not believe that the allegations in the lawsuit were true and accurate. I deeply regret the unjustified pain, suffering and significant damage the lawsuit and publicity has caused Mr. Ancier, and his family, friends, and colleagues. I sincerely regret my role in this matter.”

Ancier stated:
“The lawyers who brought this false claim are now making a significant financial payment as part of their apology for bringing a case they acknowledge never had any merit, finally proving that a convicted scam artist’s claims about me were entirely made up. I said on day one this was all absolutely false and I’m certainly pleased that’s now been admitted by the lawyers responsible for transforming absurd fabrications into a real-life nightmare for me.”

Here’s the Free FBI File on Whitney Houston, You Don’t Need to Buy Bogus New Book

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There’s a bogus new “biography” of Whitney Houston out this week, touted in today’s New York tabloids. There’s nothing new here. The big news is that someone tried extort money from Whitney. Her father may have paid it off, we don’t know. But the FBI file is old. Here it is, for free. Simon & Schuster should really be ashamed of themselves.

http://vault.fbi.gov/whitney-houston/whitney-houston-part-01-of-01/view.

Watch Trailer for “Bridge of Spies” Starring Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance, Directed by Steven Spielberg

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“Bridge of Spies” is directed by Steven Spielberg from a script by Joel and Ethan Coen. Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance star, with the amazing Amy Ryan and up and coming Billy Magnussen. It looks great from this trailer. Best Pic nominee? Lookin’ good so far…

Miley Cyrus Finds a New Favorite TV Show– “Grace and Frankie”

Miley Cyrus has a new favorite TV show. After Tweeting that she needed a new show to watch, she found one– “Grace and Frankie” starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She’s a smart girl. Maybe she can help the ladies negotiate higher pay at Netflix than their supporting male stars, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. Miley will bring her wrecking ball to the conference table!

Friday Box Office: Melissa McCarthy’s Well Liked “Spy” Beaten by a Nose by Junky Thriller

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Well, there’s no sense underestimating the taste of the American people. On Friday night they chose junk over a decent comedy. “Insidious 3,” the sequel I guess to “Insidious” 1 and 2, nosed out Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig’s “Spy” by $150,000. Maybe that will change tonight as escaped inmates are rounded up and returned to their facilities.

I haven’t seen “I3,” but I’m happy for the only actor in it who anyone’s ever heard of– Dermot Mulroney. Of course he’s been in lots of better films, but everyone has to pay the bills. And he’s a nice guy too.

Other news from Friday night at the movies: “Aloha” scored over $1 million last night! In wide release, the Cameron Crowe dramedy did $391 per screen. That’s like 45 people a show.  The total take now is $14 million. That’s not bad, all things considered.

The Beach Boys movie “Love and Mercy” made $640K on 483 screens. It’s a slow start. But adults should really go and see this movie. Find those screens tonight. Bill Pohlad’s made a movie you will like.

Notes from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Some of This May Not Make the Broadcast Show

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This the kind of crowd you get at a roast for Steve Martin: famed and legendary architect Frank Gehry, a longtime friend of Steve’s, was a guest at the Dolby Theater. I asked him if he was excited to be there, and Gehry quipped, “Where’s the bathroom? I didn’t design this, so I don’t know.”

The American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement tribute to Steve Martin airs June 13th. Here are some notes from the show:

Tina Fey called Steve “The first rock star comedian.” She continued, “I remember the first time I saw a Steve Martin movie. It on the plane ride here tonight.” Rim shot!

She said: “Steve has taught me so much. Like never shake hands when an open mouth kiss will suffice. Also, if you’re going to pick up Martin Short, remember to support his neck. Steve also taught me to give back. For instance; Steve gives all of his old white suits to Lesbians for their commitment ceremonies.”

Lily Tomlin automatically cracked up the audience by riffing because she couldn’t read the main monitor. Lily, of course, saved herself and gave a heartfelt tribute to her friend.The pair co-starred in one of the great comedies of all time, “All of Me.”

Amy Poehler did a spoof as an auctioneer. Conan O’Brien then pointed out that, “Steve is fantastic in all he does, Actor, Writer, Director, Author, Magician and Lover.”

Steve Carell countered:  “I don’t agree with Conan about Steve being a fantastic lover. I know from personal experience that he is not. He is passionate, but Steve, you are lazy and selfish.” Carell then told Steve he “owed everything to him.”

There were videos from  Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Ron Howard were interspersed throughout. Howard pointed out that  “Somebody as multifaceted as Steve, he’s allowed to be a dick. But he’s not.”

Carl Reiner then stood up and remarked, “I think I’m the oldest person in this room. Is anyone older than 93? “ After the audience applauded rapturously, Carl remarked, “ I just looked and my zipper is down, ok I’m that old.”

Martin Short came out and just killed it. He started with, “I’m so happy to be here for Steve, although that might be the Xanax and Vicodin talking. I’ll make this quick because my Uber is waiting and you know how testy Randy Quaid can get.” He continued, “I have known Steve Martin for a long time. I knew him when his urologist thought it was still safe for him to wear white suits.” Referring to Martin’s love of magic and his start at Disneyland, Short said, ” As a young boy, Steve turned tricks at Disneyland. Or I should say, he pleasured men with his tricks. He would play games with Uncle Walt in the parking lot; Jew or not a Jew.”

Martin went on: “Steve is very conscious about his physique. He’s been on Jenny Craig more than Mr. Craig. Steve is that rare bird who is both funny and sexy; I invented a new word for him, fucksy. Let’s face it, Steve is pale. To me, it looks like someone mounted a toupee on a urinal. We’ve done five films together. Fun fact, Steve uses the same stunt double as Angela Lansbury.” Martin ended with a heartfelt rendition of the song Steve co-wrote with Edie Brickell, “Friend of Mine.”

Diane Keaton came up after and called her friend, “Dis-appropriately talented.” Diane as well sang a bit of “Friend of Mine” as well.

Mel Brooks then spoke and said, “This boy is a threat to my very existence. He’s literally built a giant wall of multi talent that no one can climb over. The he starts to win all these awards. That’s what I do, I win every fucking award. So the wall gets higher. Mr. Martin, will you tear down this wall?”

Mel presented Steve with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve:  “How do I top this parade of stars who have been so funny? Easy.” Steve then called Carl Reiner his second father, and said, “Carl and I were doing a movie and after 5 takes, he said, ‘funny it up.”

Referring to Martin Short, Steve commented, “Marty and I travel and tour the country. I love working with him, he understands the concept of 60/40. In an amazing coincidence, Martin Short is the name I use to check into a hotel when I want to remain anonymous.”

Commenting on Diane Keaton, Martin said, “Marty and I were in her trailer once when we were making ‘Father Of The Bride.’ She was watching the OJ trial and we were in the background talking. She said, ‘If you two don’t shut up I’m going to blow you. Marty said, “Diane, you have to work on your threats.”

Steve then ended with: “I have finally realized what a comic genius is. A comic genius is someone who decides never to go into comedy. I leave you with a quote from one of my favorites, Jack Benny. ‘I don’t really deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either. “

LIVE from the Steve Martin AFI Tribute: Mel Brooks Dining on Matzoh Ball Soup While Stars Eat Fish

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Our Leah Sydney is having a ball at the American Film Institute dinner for Steve Martin right now in Hollywood at the Dolby Theater. But she reports that Mel Brooks, who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago– is having an actual ball–a matzoh ball.

Mel, who will toast Steve, asked for matzoh ball soup for dinner because he doesn’t like the fish they’re serving. Of course! Mel also confirmed for Leah that he and Susan Stroman will co-direct a new stage version of “Young Frankenstein” in London’s West End soon. (The story was first reported by Baz Bamigboye in the Daily Mail.) Mel is still figuring out whether he’ll do the long awaited sequel to “Spaceballs.”

Also at the AFI gala: Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Garlin, Peter Asher, Steve Carell, Jack Black, Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon plus lot of execs including Disney’s Alan Horn and Warner’s Sue Kroll. Sir Howard Stringer already came out on stage with Steve Martin’s trademark arrow on his head.

Plus: Leah did speak to our beloved old pal Teri Garr– who has trouble speaking because of MS, but otherwise glows– and they talked about David Letterman. Teri says to tell everyone “I love Dave. I wish him well.”

Jeff Garlin told me over the phone that he’s sitting right behind Steve Martin. “I’ve never met him, but he’s the reason I’m an actor and a comedian. He’s been such a big influence on me.”

More later…

Confirmed: Adele is NOT the Singer of James Bond Movie Song for “Spectre”

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Everyone simmer down. I have confirmed that Adele is NOT the singer of theme song for “Spectre,” the new James Bond movie.

British tabs have been jumping up and down about Adele doing a repeat after “Skyfall” was such a hit.

But it’s not her. Adele is working on a new album for a fall release, and I’m sure it will be lovely. But the James Bond folks went for someone new.

The info is under lock and key. But I’m told that Sam Smith, this year’s Adele, is in the running. Who else could it be? It’s likely a male vocalist after the Adele hit, to keep things different. Josh Groban would be too operatic. Who else would be good? Bruno Mars would be an excellent choice. Adam Levine? Bond songs tend not to be choppy. They are anthemic. The worst ones were by Madonna, and by Alicia Keys. I think after “Skyfall,” the next Bond song will be melodic. Again, Smith or Mars are good choices.

But no Adele, sorry. On to new things !

One last look back:

 

Will There Be Love & Mercy for Beach Boys Movie? John Cusack-Paul Dano Film Opens Friday

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Friday brings William Pohlad’s “Love and Mercy,” about Brian Wilson’s extraordinary life as a composer and the leader of the Beach Boys. Will it be a hit? So far, Roadside Attractions has not been a stellar distributor. They killed J.C. Chandor’s excellent “All Is Lost.” The owners of the company don’t have a clue about what they’re doing, but that’s ok. The movie has an 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. I hope it takes off. Stars Paul Dano and John Cusack, as well as Elizabeth Banks, are just terrific. And the music never sounded better. “Love and Mercy” opens Friday in Los Angeles and New York.

Here’s what I wrote last September from the Toronto Film Festival:

William Pohlad is mostly known as a movie producer and wealthy Minnesotan whose family owns the Twins. Now he can add feature film director to his resume. He’s done a great job making “Love and Mercy,” a terrific biopic about the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. At last night’s premiere here in Toronto, Wilson and Pohlad and the film got a real standing ovation– actually two of them– because the film is so moving and well made.

“Love and Mercy” still needs some trimming. It’s got four opening sequences and gets a little muddled at the three quarter mark. But all that can be fixed easily. The good news is that Pohlad and screenwriter Oren Moverman have very smartly made a film on two tracks– Paul Dano plays Wilson circa 1966 as he’s discovering he’s really a musical genius that his father is abusive. And John Cusack plays Wilson around 1994-95, when he the brain addled artist was under the sway of a real life Rasputin named Dr. Eugene Landy. ( I met Wilson and Landy in 1994, and it was quite a scene.)

The other player in this film besides Dano and Cusack is Elizabeth Banks, who plays Wilson’s second wife, Melinda. The movie shows how Melinda helped rescue Brian from Landy’s grip. They’ve been married for 19 years. Banks simply glows throughout “Love and Mercy.” She, Dano, and Cusack do outstanding work here.

Brian and Melinda were in the audience last night at the Elgin. I don’t know how Brian Wilson could sit through this story– I really hope he napped or zoned out. The man who’s written so many astonishing compositions, pop classics, and so on has really suffered all his life. He started hearing “voices” in his head in 1963, according to the film. After experimenting with drugs, Wilson fell in with Landy who drugged him to keep him under his control. And still he outlived his two talented Beach Boy brothers, Dennis and Carl.

The movie, by the way, won’t help Wilson family relations. Beach Boy Mike Love, a cousin, always known as a creep, comes off just that way.

“Love and Mercy” is a hit. Brian Wilson has gotten a decent film document of his enormous cultural legacy.

Jason Alexander: “Seinfeld” DIDN’T Kill Susan Off Because They Hated the Actress

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Poor Jason Alexander. He told Howard Stern that “Seinfeld” killed George Costanza’s girlfriend, Susan, because no one liked the actress, Heidi Swedberg, who played her. It was kind of refreshing to hear someone tell the truth for a change. Of course, now all hell has broken loose because Swedberg is a human being and not a fictional character. Alexander is backtracking like crazy. So, let him. I’m sure he meant “Susan” and not her portrayer. Well, we all hated Susan. No one wept when she died licking poison envelopes.

Here’s Jason’s post on Twitter. By the way, the best Susan episode was when it turned out her father had had an affair with John Cheever, after Kramer burned down his cabin.

Oh dear God, leave Heidi alone


Ok folks, I feel officially awful. Yesterday on @Sternshow, I retold a story I had told years ago about my personal difficulties and insecurities in playing George against the Susan that Heidi Swedberg created. The impetus for telling this story was that Howard said, “Julia Louis Dreyfuss told me you all wanted to kill her”. So I told the story to try and clarify that no one wanted to kill Heidi.

And again I say, I and the cast really liked and like Heidi. She is a kind, lovely person who undoubtedly worked really hard to create Susan and that character was clearly what Larry and Jerry wanted her to be for George. I just felt I was on uncertain ground in how to play off that character and I was always concerned that it wasn’t working. And that’s what I would voice concern about. But because the scenes were playing the way they were, the relationship with George and Susan sustained a whole season. People clearly liked the interplay even though I believed I was “off”.

Larry and Jerry were not sure how that relationship would end. They didn’t really want George married but all the alternatives seemed predictable. They were always looking for an inventive end to the engagement. So when the comment was made about “killing”, no one was talking about the actress – they were talking about the character. And that made a creative lightbulb go off apparently.

But in telling this story, it sounds like we are putting a heavy burden on Heidi. I, personally, am not. Heidi would always ask if there was anything in the scenes she could do or if I had any thoughts. She was generous and gracious and I am so mad at myself for retelling this story in any way that would diminish her. If I had had more maturity or more security in my own work, I surely would have taken her query and possibly tried to adjust the scenes with her. She surely offered. But, I didn’t have that maturity or security. And, Larry and Jerry would probably have killed me as it was all playing exactly as they wanted. Clearly Susan and George were coming off just the way they wanted.

So, to all the press that is now running wild with this 15 year old story, please don’t pervert it. No one told Heidi to do anything different – and she surely would have, if asked. And no one that I am aware of, including myself, didn’t like her. And now with distance, I can look at those episodes and see that there was a fun relationship there between George and Susan. It works perfectly. I simply couldn’t see it or find it at the time.

To Heidi, I personally apologize. You are a sweetheart. I actually launched into this on Stern to defend you. But this is why I’m not a lawyer. Now everybody, calm down and just enjoy the reruns and think, “why did he think this wasn’t working? This is great.”