LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Chewing gum makers Wrigley on Monday suspended a commercial featuring Chris Brown after the popular R&B singer was arrested on suspicion of attacking a woman widely reported to be his singer girlfriend Rihanna.The clean-cut Brown, 19, one of the fastest-rising stars of the last two years, was free on $50,000 bail, a day after the couple hurriedly canceled separate performances at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.Both the Brown and Rihanna camps were silent on Monday. Police sources told the Los Angeles Times and celebrity Web site TMZ.com that the woman who reported she had been attacked by Brown in the early hours of Sunday was 20-year-old Rihanna, singer of hits “Umbrella” and “Disturbia.”Wrigley said in a statement it was “concerned by the serious allegations” made against Brown, who was booked by police on suspicion of making a felony criminal threat.The company said that while Brown should be afforded due legal process “we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown…until the matter is resolved.”Brown, who was competing against Rihanna in a Grammy category, was a spokesman for Doublemint gum and his hit song “Forever” was part of that advertising campaign. {Source}
The race to replace judge DANNII MINOGUE is also hotting up, with KELLY ROWLAND, now the main contender if the Aussie is axed as expected.
Simon is keen for an American to sit next to him, Louis and CHERYL COLE — and the former DESTINY’S CHILD singer fits the bill.
The source added: “Simon wants his winners to break the States like LEONA LEWIS did, so having an American judge would help that.” {Source}
This would really be a good look for Kelly – most especially in terms of expanding her profile here in the UK. Onwards and upwards, ey…
Los Angeles, CA (CNS) – Eddie Murphy has been ordered to pay his ex-girlfriend Mel B $50,000 a month for child support to their 22-month-old daughter Angel Iris.An L.A. court ordered the 47-year-old funnyman to pay approximately $51,700 per month until Angel reaches 18 years old, which would total about $10.3 million.He has also finally agreed to see his daughter.Murphy and Mel B – real name Melanie Brown – have spent 15 months fighting in the Los Angeles courts. Both signed non-disclosure contracts, preventing them from discussing the settlements in public.Murphy originally questioned the paternity of the child, while publicly dumping the former Spice Girl in a 2006 impromptu interview, saying, “I don’t know whose child that is until it comes out and has a blood test. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions, sir.”DNA test proved that he is indeed the father.Angel Iris Murphy Brown was born on April 3, 2007, which is coincidentally also Murphy’s birthday. {Source}
Usher’s wife Tameka Foster Raymond has suffered a serious injury due to complications from plastic surgery in Brazil, reports Access Hollywood.On Saturday night, Usher canceled his performance at the Recording Academy and Clive Davis’s Pre-Grammy Gala. Davis told party-goers the singer had to bow out due to a “serious injury in the family.”On Sunday, Davis, Sony Music Worldwide’s chief creative officer, told PEOPLE. “I talked to his mom. My thoughts are with them, whatever they’re facing.” {Source}
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles last night. Check out performances from what is hailed as the industry’s biggest night below:
Chris Brown has been arrested for reportedly attacking Rihanna.The ‘Run It’ star handed himself in to police after officers responded to a phone call at around 12.30am on Sunday morning from an unnamed woman who accused the 19-year-old singer of hurting her.Los Angeles police officials have declined to identify the caller, but the Los Angeles Times newspaper claim the ‘Umbrella’ singer was the victim.A statement released by the Los Angeles Police Department said: “The identity of the victim will not be released. Any victim who’s involved in a domestic violence incident is entitled to confidentiality.“Mr. Brown and the alleged victim became involved in an argument. After stopping his car, Brown and the woman got out and the argument escalated. The woman suffered visible injuries and identified Brown as her attacker.”The incident is alleged to have occurred during an early morning argument in Chris’ car on a quiet street in Los Angeles’ upmarket Hancock Park neighbourhood.Chris was not at the scene when police arrived.Both singers pulled out of a planned appearance at last night’s Grammy Awards following the incident.Speaking at the ceremony, ‘American Idol’ host Paula Abdul said: “I’m hearing some mixed things about what happened. All I can say is I hope Rihanna heals quickly. She’s a lovely girl.”Despite reports the alleged victim showed visible injuries, Chris was not arrested on suspicion of physically hurting her.However, Los Angeles Police Sergeant Bridget Pickett revealed the charges may change at a later stage in proceedings.Pickett said: “There may be domestic violence charges added later, but that will be up to the district attorney’s office.”Chris – who was partying with Rihanna at a pre-Grammy’s party – was released after posting $50,000 bail. {Source}
More as the story unfolds…
Legend Whitney Houston made her return to the stage last night at mentor Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Awards bash. Looking radiant and sounding better than she has in years, Whitney performed career-definer ‘I Will Always Love You’ along with hits ‘I Believe In You & Me’, ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’ and ‘I’m Every Woman’. Peep the performance below (apologies about the so-so quality, it’s all that is available at present):
Not great, yet still a great sight to see; a healthy and happy Whitney doing what she’s renown for – singing her heart out. Hoping for her voice of today to be reminiscent of her heyday is somewhat far-fetched IMO. I’m thinking of this as ‘2009 Whitney’, which a a lot better than any ‘Whitney’ in recent years.