Archive for November 12, 2009

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber Speak Out on Alleged Extortion Attempt

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber are speaking out about an alleged extortion attempt. A rep for the couple told ET in a statement, "A criminal complaint was filed today in federal court in Los Angeles by the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI stating that Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford have been the victims of an on-going extortion scheme. This crime has been committed by Edis Kayalar, an acquaintance of a former nanny employed by the family. Mr. Kayalar threatened to sell an image taken of the couple's then-seven-year-old daughter. There was no previous awareness by Mr. Gerber and Ms. Crawford of the existence of the photograph when they were contacted by Mr. Kayalar. The photo was taken by the former nanny as part of a purported game without the knowledge of the parents. The couple reported the extortion threat to the police and the FBI began a criminal ... Read More »

Edward Norton & Celebs Step Out in Support of Wildlife Conservation

With the help of sports lifestyle brand Puma, celebrities showed their support for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust at a Los Angeles event on Wednesday night that felt like an African Bazaar. 'The Incredible Hulk' star Edward Norton joined the likes of "90210" actress Jessica Stroup, "Saturday Night Live" alum Chris Kattan and many more celebs for a full-fledged African experience. The Puma event highlighted the efforts made by the Kenya-based organization that supports not only the preservation of the Maasai community but also seeks to supply health services and education. Read More »

Donald Trump Weighs in on Carrie Prejean’s Larry King Appearance

Donald Trump, owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is sharing his thoughts on Carrie Prejean's explosive appearance on Wednesday night's "Larry King Live." In a new interview with HLN's "Showbiz Tonight" that airs tonight, Trump reacts to Prejean's interview, saying, "Well, I actually was watching. I am a big fan of Larry King and I was watching this and I was very surprised to see it because she was talking about how inappropriate [Larry King] was." "'Inappropriate' is more of a sexual term, as far as I'm concerned," Trump went on to say. "I mean -- inappropriate? He asked a very, very easy question and I was surprised that she just didn't say, 'Hey, listen, I can't answer that question.' Instead she wants to walk off the stage? It was very surprising." Read More »

Report: Cindy Crawford and Husband Victims of Alleged Extortion Attempt

According to papers filed in U.S. District Court, Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber have been targeted by an alleged extortionist. Court papers filed by the F.B.I have revealed that an acquaintance of Crawford and Gerber's former nanny allegedly threatened to sell a photo of their daughter Kaia which reportedly featured her bound and gagged and tied to a chair in shorts and a t-shirt. The photo was taken by the nanny when the girl was seven years old. A German citizen named Edis Kayalar allegedly contacted Crawford and Gerber and asked for money repeatedly, after allegedly stealing the photo from the nanny's home after he met her in a bar. Read More »

Brooklyn & Victoria Beckham Help Children in Kentucky

Victoria Beckham and her ten-year-old son Brooklyn visited Clay County, Kentucky this week to better understand childhood poverty, promote equal opportunity and to bring attention to Save the Children's U.S. Programs. "Seeing Save the Children's innovative programs in action, I know that we can begin to reverse the childhood poverty crisis," says the former Spice Girl. "I'm pleased Brooklyn is learning that by helping and joining other children he can play a role in making his generation the greatest yet." One in six children in America lives in poverty, and Clay County is one of the poorest counties in America, resulting in poor cognitive and emotional development, illiteracy and obesity. Read More »

Just In: ‘Balloon Boy’ Father’s Booking Photo

ET has obtained the booking photo for Richard Heene -- and the details about how he turned himself in. Heene turned himself in Thursday at the Larimer County Detention Center on charges of attempting to influence a public servant, which is a class four felony. His wife, Mayumi Heene, was not present. He was released on a $5000 bond. Read More »

Director James Cameron Being Hailed a ‘Modern Master’

James Cameron, the acclaimed director of big-screen epics such as 'The Terminator,' 'Titanic' and the upcoming 'Avatar,' is set to collect the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's highest honor. Cameron will receive The Lucky Brand™ Modern Master Award at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). The tribute will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the historic Arlington Theatre. "James Cameron is one of the most visceral storytellers working in cinema today and ‘Avatar’ is one of the most ambitious projects ever," says SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. "Because of his high aspirations and film achievements, James Cameron is not only the perfect Modern Master for our 25th anniversary, but one for the ages." Read More »

HTV: Is Kourtney Kardashian Getting Married?

Kourtney Kardashian talks to HTV about Mike Tyson and marriage. Kourtney was caught on camera when she joined her sister Kim and brother Rob for dinner at Il Sole on Wednesday night. When asked if she would ever hit a paparazzi like Tyson allegedly did at LAX she jokes, "Don't test me." Kourtney also shot down rumors that she would be getting married while pregnant. Read More »

Charges Filed Against Parents of Balloon Boy

ET has confirmed that the District Attorney’s Office of Larimer & Jackson Counties in Colorado have in fact filed charges against Richard and Mayumi Heene, the parents of the so-called "Balloon Boy." Richard has been charged with one count of attempting to influence a public servant, a class 4 felony, while his wife is charged with one count of false reporting to authorities, a class 3 misdemeanor. If found guilty of such charges, Richard could face 2-6 years in the Department of Corrections and a fine of $2,000 to $500,000. Mayumi could receive up to six months in county jail and a fine of $50 to $750. Richard and Mayumi have been accused of falsely reporting that their six-year-old son Falcon was stuck in a flying experimental balloon. He was later found to have been in the family's garage. Read More »

Balloon Boy’s Parents Will Plead Guilty

ET has the latest... ET has confirmed that Richard and Mayumi Heene, parents of the so-called "Balloon Boy" -- will plead guilty. Mayumi will plead guilty to false reporting to authorities, which is a class 3 misdemeanor, while Richard will plead guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, which is a class four felony. Both Mayumi and Richard could face up to 90 days in jail along with probation. Read More »