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Singer George Michael: Did Murdoch Chief Tell Him Police Were Sources?

Roger Friedman
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Singer George Michael–more in the news lately for his personal problems than his music career–is back in the headlines. He may have information about the phone hacking scandal that’s hacking away at Rupert Murdoch‘s empire. “Careless Whisper” was Michael’s biggest hit, but now some careful tweeting on his account has gotten the attention of British authorities.

On July 7th, Michael tweeted of Murdoch’s head of News International: “Rebekah Brooks sat two feet from me in my own home and told me that it was never the public that came to them with information on celebrities, and that the Police always got there first. I think thats enough to be going on with. (Don’t ask me how she got there)….” Now Michael says in a new tweet that the British police have contacted his lawyer about this remark. This should get interesting. Michael, often a subject of British tabloids thanks to his many public exploits, is no fan of Murdoch or News of the World.

Michael notes that he’s not trying to absolve himself of all his past troubles. But he seems to be onto something and is taking glee in Murdoch’s troubles: “This thing is going to have legs, people. And not the pretty kind. :)” He also tweets about “The two photographers who sat outside my house in their cars night after night for several years….Were regularly seen with computers open on their laps. I presumed for years that i was under surveilance.”

Wikipedia Gets Another $3 Mil from Sloan Foundation

Roger Friedman
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Wikipedia doesn’t run on love and good vibes. It takes money to keep the Encyclopedia Brittanica of the millenium running. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation–which also gives out a lot of money to filmmakers–just donated another $3 mil to Wikimedia Foundation, the group that supports Wikipedia. Here’s the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – July 11, 2011 – The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, a philanthropic grantmaking institution that supports science, technology and economic institutions, announced today that it will award a grant of $3 million (USD) to the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit that operates Wikipedia. This is the second grant of this amount awarded to the Wikimedia Foundation from the Sloan Foundation’s Universal Access to Knowledge component of its Digital Information Technology program. The Wikimedia Foundation is delighted to have received this vote of continued confidence in its work. 

The Sloan Foundation’s first grant of $3 million, awarded from 2008 through 2010, is the largest single grant ever received by the Wikimedia Foundation. These funds bootstrapped the organization so that it could grow its core operations to support and sustain Wikipedia as a high-quality free knowledge resource. The new funds will support Wikimedia’s strategic plan that focuses on increasing Wikipedia’s quality, increasing the number and demographic diversity of its editors, and reaching more readers, particularly in the global south.
“Three years ago, at a time when cultural elites were ambivalent about Wikipedia, the Sloan Foundation took a risk by supporting us. I will always be grateful to Sloan for its courage in doing that,” said Sue Gardner, Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation. “Today the academic community in particular has begun to appreciate Wikipedia, and is starting to work closely with us to make it even better. I’m grateful to Sloan for sending an important signal that helped make that happen, and I’m thrilled at this renewed expression of confidence in our work.”
“We are delighted to support Wikimedia in developing and sustaining its educational mission while continuously improving quality, diversity and access to knowledge for people everywhere,” said Doron Weber, Vice President, Programs at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “Wikipedia embodies the ideal values of the world wide web and we are proud to be part of this bold endeavor to use the wisdom and the altruism of the crowd to create the biggest, most up-to-date and most open global encyclopedia in human history.”

 

Jett Travolta Foundation: 10 Percent Goes to Scientology

Roger Friedman
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You may wonder whatever happened to the Jett Travolta Foundation. The 16 year old autistic son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston died after hitting his head during a seizure in the Bahamas on January 2, 2009. Since then, a foundation set up in his name has given away roughly $56,000 according to the organization’s Form 990 filings.

The 2009 filing doesn’t list specifics, but the newest filing–for 2010–shows that 14 separate donations were made in Jett’s name on March 23, 2010. Of the group totaling $27,850, one — for $2,500–was made to a Scientology detox charity in Ocala, Florida. The others included $5,000 apiece to the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the No Limits Limbs Loss Foundation, and $2,500 to the Marion County Sheriff’s Foundation in Ocala, Florida–where the Travoltas live.

The Travoltas also gave $250 to the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Foundation — it’s a disease affecting loose joints and hyperelastic skin–but nothing for autism research (Travolta told the Bahamas police in their report that Jett was autistic) or Kawasaki Syndrome, which the couple always insisted was the illness that afflicted their son. Other donations included $2,500 to Central Florida Community College for a scholarship in Jett’s memory. In February 2010 the Travoltas held a fundraising screening for their Foundation; some of the proceeds went to the Scientology detox for firefighters in their community. http://www.cf.edu/news/archive/Travoltatickets011910.htm

Harry Potter Ends Darkly and Beautifully: Sniff!

Roger Friedman
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“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2” opens tonight in New York with a big premiere and Friday everywhere. If you’ve read the books, you know what happens. Either way, I can report that “DH2” is a satisfying finale for “Harry Potter,” tying up all the loose ends and giving all the characters one last chance to say goodbye. “DH2” is  dark movie, and by that I mean, it has its grim moments that are very arty on behalf of director David Yates. After all, it’s not all fun and games anymore at Hogwart’s. Indeed, poor Hogwart’s takes quite a beating in this eighth movie, although it survives to educate more classes of young wizards.

There’s not a lot of Quidditch this time around, not nearly enough flying, although one prehistoric bird does provide transportation for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Alas, the latter two don’t have a lot to do in this final installment–it’s all about Harry, his parents, and circling around to the original story about Harry losing his parents. There are great special effects that will look terrific in 3D (I saw it on an old fashioned screen). I do agree with some of the criticism I’ve read — the ending is very much patterned on the book, and it’s a little economical.

The wrap up– a jump 19 years into the future–seems hurried after 8 movies. But in getting there at least Yates gives everyone a sayonara. “DH2” has no competition at the box office this Friday. Everyone wants to see the big ending. I do think this will break a lot of records, even though it’s really a piece of “DH1.” But it’s totally enjoyable, and a great way to say goodbye.

“Dallas” Reboot: Bobby Ewing Now Married to Mary Alice from “Desperate Housewives”

Roger Friedman
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Bobby Ewing is now married either to a dead narrator or a woman who got married in India and wears a bra on the outside of her blouse. According to the publicity materials for the reboot of “Dallas” on TNT, Brenda Strong, the actress who narrates “DH” as deceased Mary Alice Young, is apparently married to Bobby. There’s no Pam — Victoria Principal long ago left “Dallas.” And there’s no April (Sheree J. Wilson). Now it’s Mary Alice, er. Brenda, who offed herself on “Desperate Housewives” but stuck around to narrate the show. On “Seinfeld,” Brenda was Elaine’s friend Sue Ellen–yes, Sue Ellen, “Dallas” fans–Mischke, who appeared in four episodes including “The Betrayal”–the backwards episode about the trip to her wedding in India, and “The Bra-less Wonder.” Not only that, Strong was on the original “Dallas,” playing a one night stand with Cliff. Speaking of Cliff, why no mention of Ken Kercheval, aka Cliff Barnes? There’s no “Dallas” without Cliff Barnes! And please, TNT, bring back Sly (Deborah Rennard), J.R.’s long suffering secretary. Brenda will also run across Bobby and Pam’s adopted son, Christopher, played by “Desperate Housewives” album Jesse Metcalfe.

Murdochs Registered ‘Sun on Sunday’ Three Days Ago–It’s Ready

Roger Friedman
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Great Britain, Get ready for The Sun on Sunday. News International registered www.thesunonsunday.co.uk on July 5th. The same day, a protected British identity registered www.thesunonsunday.com. Both urls, when accessed directly, produce the same holding page. The Sun, another Murdoch tabloid, is set to expand to Sundays to replace the closing News of the World. According to reports from Britain as well, the News of the World magazine, called Fabulous, is moving to The Sun. So The New York Times was correct when it said that the closing of News of the World was ‘suspicious.’ Rupert and James Murdoch, and News Corp/News International, is simply going to replace News of the World with The Sun on Sunday. Will it work? In the hacking scandal, Murdoch looked like he was hacking off News of the World to save News International in its acquisition of BSkyb. But if NOTW is simply replaced by The Sun on Sunday, what will have really been achieved? Absolutely nothing except turmoil for the 200 families associated with this weekend’s closing of NOTW. And what a disaster, meantime, continues to unfold in the Murdoch hacking scandal. Already there have been two arrests–with more to come. http://tinyurl.com/3uq9mj4

Royal Hollywood Visit: Tsk, Tsk, Tusk

Roger Friedman
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On Sunday morning, Prince William and Princess Catherine (am I the only one who doesn’t get the Kate with a K and Catherine with a C?) make a Hollywood appearance for the Tusk Trust. This is a British charity that raises money to help stem the tide of elephant poaching in Africa. (There’s a great story in Vanity Fair about ivory poaching.) But the US version of Tusk is kind of anemic, so maybe the royal visit will help. According to guidestar.org, the Tusk USA group raises very little money each year. In 2009 they raised an anemic $124,000 from donors plus made $30,000 from an event. The total–$154,000–is what many of this Sunday’s guests spend on lunch for a week. In 2008, it was a little better–$328,000 raised. If the 40 guests coming to producer Steve Tisch‘s home each gave $10,000, Tusk USA would be quite a bit ahead of the game. Tsk, tsk. The elephants in Africa need our help. Every little bit helps but really–the Hollywood heavyweights could save the continent in one afternoon.

photo c2011 Showbiz411

British Royals Hollywood Party: Add a Vampire to the Guest List

Roger Friedman
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There’s a long list of Hollywood players involved in the royal weekend starting tonight. Mostly, it’s all about BAFTA/LA’s Brits to Watch, who will all be introduced to Prince William and Kate Middleton. This is a real score for BAFTA/LA. But the list is largely of fine actors etc who are mostly unknown to Americans. So add Stephen Moyer, the head vampire from “True Blood.” Moyer wasn’t one of the Brits to Watch since he’s already a star, but I’m told HBO got him in there because he’s hot and everyone wants to meet him. Kate Middleton had best wear a high collar when she’s around him! Otherwise, the lists of guests come from the UK Daily Mail and E! Online’s Marc Malkin, much of whose material then showed up as an “exclusive” in the Hollywood Reporter. The guests named for the various events–the BAFTA dinner and another at producer Steven Tisch‘s estate for the Tusk Trust evidently include Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, studio chiefs — like Harvey Weinstein, who the Oscar winning “King’s Speech” — galore, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and so on. Mind you, all these celebs who aren’t Brits to Watch–i.e. the big names–are paying for the honor of meeting the royal couple. But it’s all for charity.

Tyne Daly Soars on Broadway; Natasha Lyonne Goes for “Pie”

Roger Friedman
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Tyne Daly Soars on Broadway; Natasha Lyonne Goes for “Pie”

Tyne Daly–you may know her from “Cagney and Lacey” on TV, but she’s been a presence on Broadway for some time. Last night she opened in a revival of Terrence McNally‘s “Master Class” and just wowed an audience that included pals like Swoozie Kurtz, Jan Maxwell, Donna Murphy, Jennifer Morrison (from “House”), Mario Cantone,  Doris Roberts, Joy Behar, Natasha Lyonne. Daly plays opera legend Maria Callas late in the singer’s life as she teaches a master class for opera singers in New York. Daly is simply superb, and if she stays with the production, and it does well, she’ll be nominated for a Tony next year. She’s remarkable in every sense, while the play holds up very well. The secondary characters are all portrayed beautifully considering they require three actors who more than competently sing opera, and a pianist on stage.

In 1995 Zoe Caldwell played Callas. Daly told me at the BB King after party that that performance “is in my all time top 5. I called Zoe today,” she said, for good luck. “Master Class” is masterful, and a rare treat during a hot New York summer.

Meanwhile, I ran into Natasha Lyonne, who would have been a hit comedic actress I think long ago if personal problems had not sidetracked her. It’s okay, she’s only 32, and has plenty of time. Lyonne –I can tell you exclusively–has just signed on to reprise her role of Jessica in the “American Pie” reunion movie called, surprise, “American Reunion.” She joins Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Eugene Levy, and Sean William Scott in the comedy. Lyonne, I believe, was the last holdout from the original 1999 cast. Since the original, she made her name in “Slums of Beverly Hills” and Woody Allen‘s “Everyone Says I Love You.” Lyonne is ready for an HBO comedy series–she could be a real “overnight sensation.”

ABC Soaps May Have One Life Left to Live — Maybe

Roger Friedman
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Soap fans are exulting this afternoon because ABC has licensed “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” to Jeff Kwatinetz’s Prospect Park. The newish company says it will produce the shows for the web in some kind of Hulu configuration. I tried Kwatinetz today and was referred to a PR company. But just a little background: in some circles, Kwatinetz (who’s partnered with former Disney exec Rich Frank) is a bit of a soap character himself. The short back story: a brief engagement to the now deceased Brittany Murphy, a short and fiery run with a no longer in business agency called The Firm, and a shorter, even worse management advisory of Kelly Clarkson, who escaped with barely her career intact. He also managed Britney Spears for a month. In particular, The Firm — which managed rock musicians–burned brightly for a short time and then went out in a blaze of defections and chaos. Kwatinetz, who’s Harvard educated, has had more press than actual achievements over the last decade. How exactly he’ll handle the soaps is still a mystery since the shows–particularly “AMC”–are being written now for ABC finales. Some major actors–most pointedly Robin Strasser of “One Life to Live”–are already gone from their shows. And as much as fans hate ABC Daytime, at least they had experience dealing with the major, major egos of the soap production people. If Kwatinetz thought rock stars were difficult, he ain’t seen nothin’ yet. As for the soap actors, I wouldn’t start popping Champagne corks any time soon.

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