Lily Allen backs out of illegal download debateSeptember 25th, 2009 LONDON - Lily Allen has decided to step back from the ongoing debate over illegal downloads following angry response from her fans. The singer has decided to close down her blog, which aimed at stopping illicit file sharing, as followers have been hurling abuses at the singer.
Hulk Hogan sues lawyers in son's car crash case over cheating $1.5MSeptember 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Hulk Hogan has filed a lawsuit against the lawyers who defended him and his son Nick Bollea following a 2007 car crash, alleging that they cheated him out of over 1.5 million dollars. The semi-retired pro-wrestler filed a lawsuit in the Pinellas County on Monday against two attorneys, Morris "Sandy" Weinberg Jr.
NY fines health insurer over 'misleading' TV ads that made it famousAugust 12th, 2009 NY fines health insurer for 'misleading' TV adsALBANY, N.Y. — A health insurer whose TV commercials promised "peace of mind" for just $5 a day must stop running the national ads and pay a fine of $700,000 after New York officials accused it of leaving patients only with huge hospital bills.
'Recession-hit' Hefner 'sells LA property for 10m less than asking price'August 11th, 2009 LONDON - Hugh Hefner is the latest celebrity to be hit by the global recession, for the Playboy owner has reportedly sold his English Manor mansion in Los Angeles for 10million dollars less than the asking price. According to the Times reports, Hefner had purchased the seven-bedroom manor with his wife and ex-Playboy Playmate, Kimberley.
Jackson concerts insurance policy excluded payouts in case of 'illicit taking of drugs'August 8th, 2009 Jackson insurance excluded illicit drug useLOS ANGELES — The insurance taken out on Michael Jackson for his London concert series does not cover cancellations if the pop star was found to have illegally possessed drugs or was involved in the "illicit taking of drugs."
The $17.5 million policy, covering the first 13 shows of the 50-show run, was taken out by Jackson and concert promoter AEG Live in April. A copy sent to The Associated Press shows that the policy had several clauses that would prevent a payout, including if the singer concealed information or acted carelessly to increase the risk of a no-show.
MJ's tests for O2 gigs must have been on Nasa astronaut's body, joke insurersAugust 5th, 2009 LONDON - The insurers of late Michael Jackson's planned 50 O2 concerts, entangled in a multi-million pound row with the shows' promoters, thought that the medical examination declaring the singer fit for his comeback tour might have been conducted on "the body of a Nasa astronaut". London-based insurers Robertson Taylor claimed that the singer's medical examination results did not mention his widely-known medical troubles, including a singed scalp, plastic surgery or broken leg.
Michael Douglas' son 'arrested over drugs'August 4th, 2009 NEW YORK - Oscar winning actor Michael Douglas' son Cameron has been arrested on charges of drug distribution, it has emerged. The New York post has reported that Cameron was arrested in New York for carrying a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine.
Michael Jackson-style life comes with $2.3M a month price tagJuly 14th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Celebrities often end up under the scanner for their notorious big-spending, and Michael Jackson is no exception. The King of Pop reportedly shelled out nearly 2.3 million dollars per month at the time of his divorce from his former wife Debbie Rowe.
Insurers had forced MJ to pay off child molestation accuser, says bookJuly 9th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Michael Jackson's insurance company had forced the King of Pop to pay 20 million dollars to his first child molestation accuser to get rid of the charges, according to a new book. Although the cash deal had left many people believing the singer to be guilty, investigative journalist Ian Halperin claims in his new tome 'Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson' that the singer was not a paedophile who preyed on children.
Jacko concert bosses hope to recover losses via $17.5M insurance coverJuly 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - The organisers of Michael Jackson's London concert hope to recover their losses through the insurance cover, if the pop star died accidentally, including of a drug overdose. Concert promoter AEG Live's chief executive Randy Phillips said that the company took out 17.5 million dollars in insurance coverage through Lloyd's of London.
AEG boss says insurance on King of Pop's concerts covers death by accidental drug overdoseJuly 3rd, 2009 AEG boss says Jackson insurance covers overdoseLOS ANGELES — Concert promoter AEG Live's chief executive said Thursday that insurance will help cover any losses on the now-canceled Michael Jackson concert series if the pop star died accidentally — including of a drug overdose — but not if he died of natural causes. Randy Phillips said the company took out $17.5 million in insurance coverage through Lloyd's of London.
'Broke' Jackson 'performed secret gigs for Arab sheikhs for $2.5M'July 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Cash-strapped Michael Jackson used to perform private one-night concerts for Arab sheikhs, and charge them 2.5 million dollars a time, say reports. The King of Pop, who was nearly bankrupt at the time of his death, was said to have relied on handouts from his friend Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of the king of Bahrain.
Company that persuaded Michael Jackson for 50 'farewell' gigs faces £300M liabilityJune 26th, 2009 LONDON - King of pop Michael Jackson's death has brought AEG Live, the entertainment company that persuaded him to sign up for 50 "farewell" concerts at the O2 arena, under a liability of 300 million pounds. According to reports, AEG Live had agreed to "self-insure" Jackson's shows after most insurance companies expressed doubt whether the frail singer would be able to complete the residency.
Drink spiking incidents involving illicit drugs are 'rare', says Oz researcherJune 15th, 2009 MELBOURNE - A study conducted in Australia suggests that binge drinking and illicit drug use are far greater problems than drink spiking. Dr. Mark Little, a clinical toxicologist at the Royal Perth Hospital, says that suspected victims of drink spiking are more likely to be suffering from drugs and alcohol they have willingly consumed.
'The Hangover' tops weekend box officeJune 15th, 2009 WASHINGTON - 'The Hangover' has topped the weekend box office after raking in 33.4 million dollars. According to studio estimates, 'Up' landed the second spot with 30.5 million dollars.