Ashley Olsen is suing the National Enquirer for $40 million in damages over a story alleging that she was involved in a drug scandal.
The lawsuit said that while a story in the National Enquirer’s Feb. 21 issue doesn’t refer to her using or selling drugs, it implied that Olsen was doing so with a misleading headline and cover picture depicting the actress with her eyes half-shut.
“Freedom of the press is a valuable right, but it is not a license for gossipy tabloids to tar and feather innocent celebrities and destroy their reputations and businesses for the rags’ profits,” the lawsuit said.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, alleges libel and false light invasion of privacy by the tabloid. The publication and its parent companies, American Media Inc. and National Enquirer Inc., were named as defendants.
A message left by The Associated Press on Wednesday with the National Enquirer, wasn’t immediately returned. “Access Hollywood” quoted a statement from American Media as saying: “We stand by the accuracy of the published information and intend to vigorously defend [against] the lawsuit.”
Queen Halle
Halle-lujah! There’s life after “Catwoman” for Halle Berry.
Berry takes center stage in Oprah Winfrey’s TV drama “Their Eyes Were Watching God” (March 6 on ABC). Now she’s re-teaming with Marc Forster, the director who guided her Oscar-winning performance in “Monster’s Ball,” for a new movie.
Halle will play Nefertiti, the Egyptian queen of legendary beauty and power, says ew.com, which cites an item in the publication Production Weekly. Forster reportedly plans to begin filming the movie next year.
ARRESTED: Kid Rock was arrested Wednesday by Nashville police on charges he punched a DJ at a strip club.
The R&C star (that’s rap-rock and country) was released after posting a $3,000 bond on a charge of simple assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
“Everything is wonderful. It was a beautiful night,” Kid Rock said as he left the Criminal Justice Center. His arraignment was set for March 30.
Police said 30-year-old Jerry Campos of Cedar Hill, Tenn., was in the DJ booth when he exchanged words with someone in the audience. Believing his friend had been insulted, Kid Rock demanded an apology. Campos refused, and Kid Rock struck him in the face twice, police said.
Police Lt. Calvin Hullett said the singer left through a back door of another strip club when authorities showed up to arrest him. When police later found him, Rock told them he had dodged them because he wanted to sober up before being booked, Hullett said.
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Cate Blanchett has two more honors to add to her Oscar resume.
Blanchett, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in “The Aviator,” was named most stylish actress and woman of the year at the Elle Style Awards on Tuesday in London.
She wore a black strapless Christian Lacroix dress to the fashion awards ceremony. Fellow Australian Kylie Minogue, wearing a black Chanel dress and patent leather high heels, won the lifetime achievement award.
“BRAKE” DANCING: Will Smith is getting jiggy with Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and producer Timbaland on his first album in three years, billboard.com reports.
The appropriately titled “Lost and Found” drops March 29. Snoop pops up on the track “Pump Ya Brakes.”
And yes, “Fresh Prince” fans, DJ Jazzy Jeff produces on the album as well.
Gambling on love?
Is love in the air for Jeremy Piven and fellow TV star Vanessa Marcil?
The New York Post says the two were spotted cozying up to each other at Heineken’s Green Carpet party at the Grammys.
Piven, who plays sleazy agent Ari on the HBO series “Entourage,” was raised in Evanston. Marcil stars on NBC’s “Las Vegas.”
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Compiled from news services and edited by Leo Ebersole (lebersole@tribune.com) and Michael Morgan (mnmorgan@tribune.com)
