Archive for December 24, 2009

Woman Knocks Over Pope at Christmas Eve Mass

A woman reportedly bounded over barriers and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI at a Christmas Eve Mass, pictured here at a previous event with Michelle Obama, in Rome on Thursday. The Associated Press says footage aired on Italian television shows a woman in red jumping the barriers in St. Peter's Basilica and charging the pope as he and his procession walked to the church's main altar. Bodyguards proceeded to contain the woman. The pope, 82, got up quickly and was uninjured, said Rev. Ciro Benedettini, a Vatican spokesman. Benedettini said the woman who shoved the pope seemed mentally unstable and was arrested by Vatican police. A cardinal was also knocked over and taken to the hospital for an examination. Read More »

Brittany Murphy Laid to Rest

It was a somber scene at Forest Lawn Memorial Park as a small group of family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Brittany Murphy at the late actress' funeral in Los Angeles on Thursday. About 40 mourners attended the private service, which was said to have been very emotional. Among the guests was actor Eric Balfour. Family friend and The Hollywood Reporter contributing editor Alex Ben Block tells ET a much larger service for Murphy will take place in January or February, with friends and colleagues who were unable to attend Thursday's funeral. Read More »

Brittany Murphy Funeral Plans

Brittany Murphy's private funeral is set to take place in Los Angeles on Thursday. A small, invitation-only funeral for the late actress will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a family spokesman tells the Associated Press. A larger memorial service might take place early next year. The ‘Clueless’ and ‘8 Mile’ star died Sunday morning at the age of 32. Read More »

Duggar Baby Health Update

Jim Bob Duggar is opening up about how his and wife Michelle's 19th child Josie, born four months premature, is faring. Plus, he details the family’s plans to relocate for the holidays to be closer to the newborn. "Josie is 2-weeks-old today," Jim Bob tells People.com. "We continue to take things day by day – she remains in the NICU where doctors are tracking her progress." The site says the Duggars live about 200 miles away from the Little Rock, Ark. hospital where Josie is being cared for – but the family intends to make a temporary move. Read More »