Prostitutes sue Nicholson for not paying;
Oasis lead singer arrested with cocaine
Film
- In Hollywood, sex sells, or perhaps when it comes to some of Jack Nicholson's recent dates, it is bought instead. Nicholson was sued Nov. 8 for allegedly attempting to pay Catherine Sheehan and her friend $1,000 each for sex after the two returned to his home on Oct. 16.
- "The Nutty Professor" is the subject of a recent lawsuit involving its star Eddie Murphy. Two New York screenwriters, Steven and William Patrick, are accusing Murphy and Universal Studios for using their version of a similar story for the comedic hit. Neither Murphy nor Universal commented on the issue.
- 'Tis the season to make a mockery of a classic film? Comedy Central is planning to air a parody of the all-time Yuletide drama "It's a Wonderful Life." Republic Pictures, who owns the film's copyright is fighting the network's attempt to turn the 1946 classic into a product of frivolous wit.
- Ray Liotta, known for his rock 'em sock 'em "Goodfellas" role, must have used his experience in "Field of Dreams" to enhance his love life. Liotta, who played "Shoeless" Joe Jackson opposite Kevin Costner, proposed to actress Michelle Grace, ex-wife of Chicago Cubs first basemen Mark Grace. The marriage will take place in Thailand early next year and will be Liotta's first walk down the aisle.
- "The Jenny Jones Show" crush that turned deadly was finally resolved after Jonathan Schmitz was convicted of second-degree murder. Schmitz was accused of killing Scott Amedure March 9, 1995, after Amedure revealed his feelings for Schmitz at one of the show's recordings. Maybe exposing that crush wasn't such a good idea after all.
- Pamela Anderson Lee, star of TV's "Baywatch" and the film "Barbed Wire," and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee are filing for divorce. This comes after the birth of their first child this year.
Music
- After modeling themselves after the Beatles, it appears that Oasis is now ready to tackle the Rolling Stones. Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher was arrested in London Nov. 9 on suspicion of possessing cocaine. Gallagher has not been formally charged, but a substance on his person was taken for analysis, and he is due to report back to the police Dec. 30.
- Word arrived that the group we used to call the Jayhawks is back in the saddle again. They don't have a new name yet (although Six Green Olives has been tossed around). You will definitely be hearing new music from whatever they call themselves in early 1997.
- Seattle supergroup Tuatara has committed its jazz noodlings to wax; the as-yet untitled debut album will be released March 18. The group, which includes R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin, Luna bassist Justin Harwood, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and horn man Skerik Walton from Critters Buggin', have finished recording their jazz-tinged album.
- Rancid's Lars Fredericksen is producing the debut album for an East L.A. hardcore outfit called Union that writes in both Spanish and English. The band's album is scheduled for an April release on the punk indie label Epitaph. Recording sessions for the teenage group begin this week.
- Pop superstar Michael Jackson was married last week to a longtime friend who is pregnant with his child, declaring "this is my dream come true." Regina Santos, Jackson's publicist, said the woman, Debbie Rowe, has been a "close friend" of the singer for 15 years and will have the baby in early 1997.
- Compiled from Entertainment Weekly and Addicted to Noise.
Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor" is being sued.