Archive for August, 2009

Laura Ling: The Past 140 Days Have Been The Most Difficult, Heart-wrenching Times of Our Lives

ET has the latest... Just moments after freed American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling landed in Burbank, CA, Ling spoke to the crowd saying, "the past 140 days have been the most difficult heart-wrenching times of our lives." Ling reveals how she and Euna found out they would be coming home. "We feared that at any moment we could be sent to a hard labor camp and suddenly we were told we were going to a meeting and we were taken to a location and we walked through the doors we saw standing before us, President Bill Clinton," she said. "We were shocked. But we knew instantly in our heart that the nightmare of our lives was finally coming to and end and now we stand here home and free. Read More »

Bill Clinton & Journalists Return Home from North Korea

ET is on the ground at the Burbank airport, where former President Bill Clinton has brought home U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee after successfully negotiating their release from North Korea. Their plane has just touched down on the runway, and they are expected to speak at a news conference in moments. In a statement, Clinton says: "I am very happy that after this long ordeal, Laura Ling and Euna Lee are now home and reunited with their loved ones. Read More »

Katherine Jackson’s Attorney: ‘The Victory was for the Children’

Katherine Jackson's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, speaks with ET's own Kevin Frazier about Monday's court victory, how the family matriarch is holding up, and what the future holds for Michael Jackson's children. "She's holding up well," says McMillan about Katherine. "You know, I worry about her, I'm sure her family worries about her, but she had a special pep in her step [Monday]. … She was there making sure she's going to be the guardian for her grandchildren, and she was there, making sure she's going to be the protector of her son's legacy." "The victory was for the children first and foremost, to give them the stability and security they need in terms of where they're going to be," says McMillan about the hearing. "They want to be with grandma, so they'll be with grandma. She has permanent custody." Read More »

Ryan Seacrest ‘Shocked & Saddened’ By Paula Abdul’s ‘Idol’ Departure

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest has responded to the news that Paula Abdul will not be returning to the Fox competition show. "About to go to sleep when I started seeing my blackberry blow up," Seacrest writes on his Twitter. "I have read what u have read and I am shocked and saddened about Paula." Fox confirmed Tuesday night that the "Idol" judge would not be returning for the upcoming season after Abdul tweeted about her departure from the show. Read More »

Paula Abdul Leaves ‘American Idol’

After speculation and reports that "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul would not be returning to the hit Fox competition show, Abdul has finally set the record straight and tells her fans she will not be returning for the next season. "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to 'Idol,'' she writes on her Twitter. "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon." Abdul also reached out to her fans and thanked them for their support. Read More »

Michael Jackson Merchandise Pending Approval

Additional Michael Jackson items could be available shortly pending a judge's decision of proposals for a new merchandising deal. The current administrators of the late King of Pop's estate have proposed several contracts to a probate judge for approval, the Associated Press reports. Some of the proposed items include Michael Jackson T-shirts, calendars, trading cards, and stuffed animals that play the singer's music. Read More »

Julianne Hough and Lee Ann Womack’s Dogs Get Coached!

ET was there as celebrity dog-trainer Tamar Geller showed "Dancing" pro Julianne Hough and country music singer/songwriter Lee Ann Womack how to teach their dogs to be perfectly behaved pooches! Tamar helps Julianne's energetic dog Lexie become less skittish, and she coaches Lee Ann's canines Shadow and Wilson on how to think before they pounce. Click the video to watch! Tamar’s A-list clients include Oprah, Ben Affleck and Courteney Cox, and on August 1, she launched her "The Loved Dog" line of products in PetSmart stores. Click here for more info. Read More »

New Details: Michael Jackson Movie

A court hearing on Monday could determine weather a Michael Jackson film featuring footage of his final rehearsals will arrive on the big screen soon. A probate judge has arranged for a hearing to find out if Katherine Jackson, the late icon’s mother and permanent guardian of his three children, objects to any aspects of the film project. The judge must then approve the proposed movie deal, which aims to release a PG-rated film no longer than 150 minutes. The project would possibly include the eventual release of a director’s cut and special editions. The deal is between Columbia Pictures, concert promoter AEG Live, a company of Jackson’s, and others. Read More »

Families of Freed Journalists Grateful for their Release

The families of formerly imprisoned journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling are sharing their joy and relief over the news that the two women have left North Korea and are bound for Los Angeles. "The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are overjoyed by the news of their pardon," their statement reads. "We are so grateful to our government: President Obama, Secretary Clinton and the U.S. State Department for their dedication to and hard work on behalf of American citizens. "We especially want to thank President Bill Clinton for taking on such an arduous mission and Vice President Al Gore for his tireless efforts to bring Laura and Euna home. We must also thank all the people who have supported our families through this ordeal, it has meant the world to us. We are counting the seconds to hold Laura and Euna in our arms." ... Read More »

Joe Jackson: I Won’t Be Involved in Raising Michael’s Kids

ET has obtained new court papers filed by Joe Jackson, who writes that he agrees to let his wife Katherine raise their late son Michael's three children without him. “I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth. I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involving in raising the children,” writes Jackson, who lives in Las Vegas. He adds that Katherine is "a wonderful caretaker and guardian." On Monday, Katherine was granted permanent guardianship of Michael’s three children. Read More »