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Regis Hosts Macy’s Fireworks, Wyclef Rocks the Pier Uptown

Roger Friedman
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Regis Hosts Macy’s Fireworks, Wyclef Rocks the Pier Uptown

This picture of Regis Philbin at the end of the Macys fireworks special on NBC–this was during a break, taken by me–isn’t completely in focus. But I liked it because Regis was a sport all night, chatting with everyone, making sure all these “regular” people felt comfortable. He also posed with a lot of service men, various military and Navy guys, and about a dozen “Uncle Sams” standing on red white and blue stilts for hours on end. Not too many celebs in the VIP area: just Marcus Sameuelsson, Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg, and then Mayor Bloomberg traipsed in with a huge entourage. Patron Tequila was being given out free. There was no water anywhere. Someone told us that Macy’s in New York is going to have a $500 million overhaul. It needs it. The main floor looks like Sodom after Gommorah came by for dinner. Regis is missed on TV, that’s for sure…

…Meanwhile Wyclef Jean put on some show over at Pier 92. The place was packed. No one minded. There was lots of dancing in the heat. Clef played all his hits and gave a shout out to Lauryn Hill, his one time fellow Fugee. He did some freestylin’ political rap, and there were quite a few Haitians digging the scene. Later, Lil Jon came on –separate show– and the place got very rowdy. Someone cut up pillows, sending wet, hot smelly goose down feathers everywhere all over the place. A fight almost broke out by the stage, but Lil Jon spoke directly to the participants from the stage and shut it down. Freedom! This what the revolutionaries fought for! I hope they’re happy now…

Scientology Chief’s Niece Speaks Up in Support of Katie Holmes

Roger Friedman
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Scientology Chief’s Niece Speaks Up in Support of Katie Holmes

The niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige Hill, has posted a letter of support to her website, www.exScientologykids.com. Miscavige Hill left Scientology a few years ago and began speaking out about her experiences. Here’s the posting, in its entirety:

My experience in growing up in Scientology is that it is both mentally and at times physically abusive.

I was allowed to see my parents only once a week at best – sometimes not for years. We got a lousy education from unqualified Teachers, forced labor, long hours, forced confessions, being held in rooms not to mention the mental anguish of trying to figure out all of the conflicting information they force upon you as a young child. You need only read the similar if not more horrifying stories on this site.

While it is very unlikely that Suri Cruise would have the same upbringing as me (due to her parent’s celebrity status), any organization that is capable of mistreating and neglecting the needs of children, regardless of their social status, and which has a long history of breaking up families is no place for an innocent child.

The people in Scientology who are responsible for “PR” are experts at twisting the truth and intimidation tactics.

As a mother myself, I offer my support to Katie and wish for her all of the strength she will need to do what is best for her and her daughter.

Best,
Jenna

Tom Cruise-Nicole Kidman Divorce Flashback: He Tried to Make Marriage Shorter Than It Was

Roger Friedman
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Tom Cruise-Nicole Kidman Divorce Flashback: He Tried to Make Marriage Shorter Than It Was

I wrote this story on March 8,. 2001. When Tom Cruise filed for divorce against Nicole Kidman a month earlier, the papers told a very stark story. Cruise tried to backdate his marriage to make it seem like it hadn’t lasted 10 years. It’s instructive to read this now, as Cruise prepares a rebuttal to Katie Holmes’s divorce filing. Cruise is using the same lawyers so far that he used in vs. Kidman: Dennis Wasser, and Cruise’s regular attorney, Bert Fields. Each of them had ties to now imprisoned private investigator Anthony Pellicano before he went to jail. Pellicano spied on Kidman. Holmes–so it’s alleged in the tabloids–is now being spied on herself.

From March 8, 2001:

Tom Cruise Divorce Move Could Cost Nicole Plenty

Those who wonder what caused Tom Cruise to file for divorce so swiftly, at last here is an answer.

Under California divorce law, a couple married less than 10 years is not considered to have been in a “long term marriage.” Cruise filed his papers on February 7, citing the length of his marriage to Nicole Kidman at exactly nine years and 11 months. The Cruises were married on December 24, 1990; Cruise claims the couple separated in “December 2000.”

This would refute claims made in other publications that the Cruises renewed their wedding vows on Christmas Eve.

Donna Weaver, an expert family attorney in Hollywood, explained to me: “This gives a presumption that spousal support should not be considered.” In other words, Cruise is asking the court not to force him to pay alimony to Kidman. If he’d hesitated much longer, Kidman would have had a much stronger case to cash in on their ten years together a possible $300 million net worth.

On his divorce filing, Cruise also checked off box marked 7g, which indicates that he wants the court to enjoin Kidman from receiving alimony. He also checked off two boxes regarding custody of the couple’s children Isabelle and Conor indicating his desire to have a strong participation in their lives. “He wants more than visitation,” Weaver said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,976,00.html#ixzz1zin1lj11

SNL’s Seth Meyers in Lead to Co-Host with Kelly Ripa; Choices Narrowed to Final Three

Roger Friedman
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SNL’s Seth Meyers in Lead to Co-Host with Kelly Ripa; Choices Narrowed to Final Three

EXCLUSIVE: Who’s going to sit next to Kelly Ripa come this September? That’s when Disney TV, ABC, and Michael Gellman have to make a decision name a successor to Regis Philbin. I am told that three names are in the finals, with one the probable winner. The names are Seth Meyers from “Saturday Night Live,” former football great Michael Strahan, and singer Josh Groban. Yes, all these names startled me, too. But then I looked at the July co-host schedule. Strahan just finished a few dates with Kelly.

But on Monday, July 9th, Meyers starts a five day stint. It’s the first Monday to Friday stint for any co-host since Neil Patrick Harris from Novem ber 28-December 2 last year. (And NPH is still unavailable, thanks to “How I Met Your Mother” on CBS.) I’m told that if Meyers gets the job, and it seems likely, he’ll still do the news on “Saturday Night Live.” He may have to resign as head writer of the show, however, given the “Live” schedule. Meyers has been a popular co-host for Kelly, having sat in the chair in April and then again in May for multiple appearances. (He was also on a few times before that.)

It also seems key that Meyers is doing a full week in the middle of July sweeps. This is a big test.

Ripa’s preference for pal Anderson Cooper is well known, but unlikely since Cooper already has two shows — one on CNN and one in syndication. Others who’d like the gig have not been asked back as many times as Meyers. Strahan has been a strong contender, but in the end, I’m told, it’s Meyers who has the widest appeal, background and strengths.

No one’s asked me, and when I heard about Meyers I admit I was surprised. But the guy is very smart, and talented, and quick on his feet. Also, he’s been on “Saturday Night Live” forever, but can’t stay there for the rest of his life. He hasn’t developed a movie career or any outside career, really. So what to do next? He needs a talk show. Everything at night is taken. “Live with Kelly and Seth” may actually be a very smart move. Meyers would be a welcome addition to the show on a permanent basis–no matter how much we miss Regis!

Katie Holmes: “Dawson’s Creek” Story Bogus, as Michelle Williams’s Character is DEAD

Roger Friedman
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Katie Holmes: “Dawson’s Creek” Story Bogus, as Michelle Williams’s Character is DEAD

US Magazine is busy grinding out unsourced stories on Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise like crazy. But craziest by far, so far, is that Tom Cruise wouldn’t allow Katie to make a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion movie. If it’s true, then hats off to Tom. But it’s highly UNLIKELY such a thing was ever planned or suggested beyond an interviewer once asking Katie if she’s up for such a thing.

First of all, Michelle Williams now has three Oscar nominations. She is NOT going back to the Creek anytime soon. Not even to dip her toe in the water. Also her character died in the final episode. So the biggest star of the show wouldn’t be able to return, except as a ghost. They’re not making a movie without her.

Joshua Jackson is on “Fringe” and has lots of work.

Only James van der Beek might be interested, and that’s where the story may have come from. He’s currently on a terrible sitcom and could use a visit to the Creek badly. Alas, “Dawson’s Creek” is barely in syndication anywhere. It’s not “One Tree Hill,” which ran for many more seasons.The demand for “Return to Dawson’s Creek” is minimal.

And, more importantly: as of May, when I saw Jackson at the Cannes Film Festival, he hadn’t spoken to Holmes in seven years. She has not had any interaction with anyone from the show during her time with Cruise. None of them were invited to her wedding.

Holmes left her career, manager, and publicist at a high, then went on to make a lot of crappy movies during the reign of Tom. However, she’s back with her manager and her publicist, and will work a lot if she wants to once the smoke clears. So “Dawson’s Creek” reunion? Get a grip, people.

Tom Cruise Skips Seeing Daughter Suri in New York, Flies to Los Angeles

Roger Friedman
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Tom Cruise Skips Seeing Daughter Suri in New York, Flies to Los Angeles

OK, your wife has just pulled a public exit, and taken your six year old daughter with her to a new apartment. Do you a) fly directly to New York from where you are –Iceland–to see the child or b) fly 3000 miles past New York to Los Angeles, to talk to your lawyers and your Scientology pals? Tom Cruise chose b)  yesterday even though he’s not actually divorced, has full parental rights, and many places to stay in New York. It’s not like he needs a friend’s couch to sleep on. Cruise owns an 8,000 square foot home here on West 12th St. He also is a regular customer at the Hotel Carlyle.

Cruise,too,  just stayed at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca when he was promoting “Rock of Ages.” There’s also a big Scientology center in the theater district. Plus, he not only needs lawyers in New York, but his own lawyers could have met him here. So what gives? Cruise hasn’t even seen Suri in almost three weeks (unless they Skype or do Face Time on iPhones).

But the press are lemmings. They pick up one story with no sources–usually from TMZ–and run with it. So today’s headlines are ‘Cruise flies home to LA alone on his 50th birthday.’ They’re also more worried about Katie Holmes being ‘stalked’ by mysterious, unknown spies– on Seventh Avenue, in building with a large supermarket, next to a big school, with two or three news vans parked outside and many other press people sitting on the sidewalk at the entrance–than ask any questions of their own.

It’s very depressing. So far neither Tom nor Katie has said a word, Holmes’s parents haven’t spoken, and not a single person is on the record about anything. But tons of “stories” have been launched. Not a single shred of fact has been included in any of them, including whether or not Katie will get any money from Tom in the divorce. (Harvey Levin of TMZ, who Alec Baldwin has fantasies of gutting like a fish, changes position on these things like a weathervane, or a puppet with unseen strings. Hilarious.)

Wikipedia Scientology Ban Seems Prescient Now

Roger Friedman
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Wikipedia Scientology Ban Seems Prescient Now

On May 29th, Wikipedia banned any outside editing on pages having to do with Scientology. The story was under-reported at the time, perhaps because it seemed odd. But a long running dispute between Scientologists and anti-Scientologists had been going on in the Wiki world. Administrators for Wikipedia finally concluded that too many comments and editorial changes were being made, pro and con, from the same IP addresses. The main case seems to have involved a Wikipedia name whose user name is Lyncs. He/she had been banned in 2011, and then requested a lifting of the ban. They (it?) had also been banned from attacking another Wiki commenter.

Reported on The Register, at http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/29/wikipedia_bans_scientology/— “Wikipedia Bans Church of Scientology.” And while this may seem highly punitive, in hindsight it was probably the right thing to do in light of the current Tom Cruise situation. In less than a week, Scientology has become highly exposed to investigation and dissection in ways never before imaginable. With Katie Holmes holed up in a very public location–an apartment building on a major thoroughfare in Manhattan–suddenly the topic of conversation has become whether or not she and her six year old daughter are safe from the clutches of these secretive people.

While Wikipedia has banned changes from its pages, discussion rages on. For a while one wondered why Holmes chose an apartment right in the middle of traffic, atop a gigantic supermarket, no less? What kind of privacy is that? But now it seems, even if it wasn’t planned, that it was the right move. She didn’t want isolation. It’s as if the whole city has become her watchdog against anything that could harm her. It’s sort of completely brilliant. Maybe it’s the reason why Tom Cruise hasn’t gotten on a plane and come back from Iceland in a New York minute. The last thing he and Scientology want is more inspection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZC3Vs-I6wo

Andy Griffith Mourned on Twitter, Beloved by All

Roger Friedman
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0
Andy Griffith Mourned on Twitter, Beloved by All

The news about the death of Andy Griffith is sweeping the internet and trending high on Twitter. It’s possible that Griffith, star of his own self titled show, was the most beloved actor left in “Hollywood.” He died in his native North Carolina. But from Mayberry to “Matlock” to all his movies–including “A Face in the Crowd”–Griffith had a long and distinguished career. Director Ron Howard, who played Andy’s son Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show,” Tweeted: “Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I’m forever grateful RIP Andy.” Everyone else is gone from that show now. But its small town lessons and genial stories remain fresh as ever. RIP Andy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLQMs_VDLw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2iHXC1IHfI

Tom Cruise: Talking Teddy Bear and Male Strippers Make More at Box Office in One Week

Roger Friedman
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0
Tom Cruise: Talking Teddy Bear and Male Strippers Make More at Box Office in One Week

Just reading the New York Times take on Tom Cruise’s career. They’re missing the point. Cruise last had a non tentpole, non franchise hit in 2004 with “Collateral.” If you separate out the last two “Mission Impossible” movies and “War of the Worlds” (a Steven Spielberg movie, thanks), Cruise has not been a big ticket seller in the last eight years. In domestic ticket sales, Cruise failed to get near $100 million with “Valkyrie” ($83 million), “Knight & Day ($76.4 million) and “Lions for Lambs” ($15 million). “Rock of Ages” is a stiff.

This past weekend both “Ted,” a movie about a talking teddy bear, and “Magic Mike,” about male strippers, made significantly more respectively–$54 million and $39 million– than “Rock of Ages” has in three weeks–just $35 million.

In December Cruise launches a new movie that he hopes will become a continuing franchise, called “Jack Reacher.” But that may be a ‘reach’– in order to market and explain an entirely new character and franchise, Cruise is going to have do a lot of press. That means magazine and newspaper interviews, etc–all the stuff required to sell a Christmas movie. Just doing it in Europe, or running along lines of autograph hounds, will not suffice.  So this is going to get interesting, because questions are going to come up.

Irony: Paramount’s Sumner Redstone “fired” Tom, then took him back for “MI4.” Now it’s Paramount that will have to deal with Tom’s latest mess.

Justin Bieber “Believe” Falls More than 70% While Fellow Canadian Becomes Summer Phenom

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber “Believe” Falls More than 70% While Fellow Canadian Becomes Summer Phenom

Fame is fleeting, and teenagers do grow out of things so quickly. Last week, Justin Bieber debuted at number 1 and sold 373,000 copies of his “Believe” album to his core fans. The big problem though is no hit single. “Boyfriend” just hasn’t cut it. When the counting is finished today for Week 2, “Believe” will come in at number 3 with 115,000 copies sold. That’s a steep drop–almost 70%–from the opening week. Linkin Park’s new album is number 1–which should make Warner Music’s new owner Len Blavatnik weep with joy–and Maroon 5 is number 2.

Of the the three, Maroon 5 has the staying power because it has a hit single, “Payphone.” This is a rich summer for pop singles, almost like (dare I say it?) 1969. There’s a bunch of classically hummable songs on the radio, from Gotye’s “Somebody I Used to Know” to OneDirection’s “What Makes You Beautiful” to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” The latter carries it with the great irony. Jepsen, 26,  eight years older than Bieber, is also Canadian. After her music started to take off, she was signed by Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, to his label, Schoolboy Records, at UMG’s Interscope.

“Call Me Maybe” is HUGE–it’s the big number 1 song of the year. It may be a one off hit, the “Bette Davis Eyes” of 2012. But it’s a hit. It’s a phenom. There are HUNDREDS of covers of it on YouTube by everyone from Jimmy Fallon and the Roots with Jepsen herself to the Abercrombie & Fitch models. Jepsen’s runaway train cannot be lost on Braun or Bieber as “Believe” — also on Interscope– tumbles down the charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEsPhTbJhuo

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