Paris Hilton's trip to Rwanda is being filmed for a new reality TV show called 'The Philanthropist'.
The hotel heiress - who declared herself a "changed person" after spending 23 days in jail in June for driving offences - recently announced her five-day trip to the poverty-stricken African country, taking place in November, would be filmed for a documentary.
It has now been revealed the visit is being turned into a reality show by celebrity charity organisation Playing For Good, who are sponsoring Paris' trip.
The programme will be called 'The Philanthropist' - and will feature various celebrities undertaking charitable endeavours.
Despite claims Paris is using the trip as a publicity stunt, the 26-year-old 'Simple Life' star has defended herself, saying she likes being part of reality shows because it allows her fans to see how she lives.
She said: "It shows people what everyday life is like for me."
Paris recently admitted she was "really scared" about the upcoming trip, but is determined to highlight the plight of the war-ravaged country.
She said: "I'm really scared, yeah. There's so much need in that area, and I feel like if I go, it will bring more attention to what people can do to help. I know there's a lot of good I can do just by getting involved and bringing attention to these issues."
Friday, October 19, 2007
Paris Hilton's Rwanda reality show
Britney Spears loses child visits
Britney Spears has had her visitation rights with her children suspended.
The troubled 25-year-old singer had been granted overnight visits with her two children - two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James - but all her visitation rights have now been removed after she couldn't be contacted by court officials who needed to arrange her next court-ordered drugs test.
The order came from Los Angeles County Commissioner Judge Scott M. Gordon after Kevin's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan called an emergency court hearing on Thursday (17.10.07).
A friend of Kevin's said he was prompted to call the hearing after Sean and Jayden returned to his house "crying and surly" after spending time with their mother.
The friend told E!: "They came back to his house, and their eating schedule was off, their sleeping schedule was off, and they won't listen to him, because he knows they haven't been getting any discipline at her house.
"He has to start all over, getting them settled again, calm them down and reintroduce them to their normal schedules. And it's frustrating for him. He's been tolerating this for a long time, but he thought maybe it would get better with a monitor involved. It hasn't.
"He believes the only way she'll start paying attention to her responsibilities is by making her feel the consequences of shirking them. Kevin keeps saying he's genuinely scared for the children's safety."
According to a friend of the singer, Britney had given the court her correct number, but because of a lack of reception in her house, the phone call couldn't be connected.
After temporarily losing full custody of the children to Kevin on October 1, she was granted one overnight visit with the pair per week as long as she complied with a long list of court requirements including random drug tests, working with a parenting coach and counselling.
Both Kevin and Britney will have to go to court on October 26, when the singer's parenting coach will submit a report to the judge.
Avril Lavigne Lines Up More Shows
Recently turned 23-years-old, Avril Lavigne was spotted out earlier this week doing a little grocery shopping with husband Derek Whibley.
Besides spending time with the hubby, Avril has been busily lining up performances for the months to come.
First off, the Sk8er Boi singer agreed to headline the first annual Unite Against AIDS concert in Montreal on November 28th.
And more recently, the punk princess signed on to perform at the Jingle Ball on December 1st at the Stockton Arena. Accompanying Avril will be One Republic and Sean Kingston.
Enjoy the pictures of Avril out shopping with Derek earlier last week (October 9).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Paris Hilton's 'empty' life
Paris Hilton says partying left her feeling "empty inside".
The hotel heiress - who spent 23 days in jail for driving offences in June - is now determined to change her life around and do worthy things instead of being seen falling out of nightclubs.
She told Us Weekly magazine: "Before, my life was about having fun, going to parties - it was a fantasy. But when I had time to reflect, I felt empty inside. I want to leave a mark on the world."
Paris is starting her search for fulfilment next month.
She is set to visit Rwanda with children's charity Playing for Good and will be filming her experience for a revealing documentary.
She said: "I'm scared, yeah. I've heard it's really dangerous. I've never been on a trip like this before.
"I love having everything documented. It shows people what everyday life is like for me, how hard I work."
Last month, 'The Simple Life' star revealed she is planning to visit Rwanda in the hope of using her fame to draw attention to the plight of the war-torn African country.
Paris, 26, said: "I'll be going in November, after I get back from filming my movie.
"There's so much need in that area, and I feel like if I go, it will bring more attention to what people can do to help.
"I want to visit more countries where poverty and children's issues are a big concern.
"I know there's a lot of good I can do just by getting involved and bringing attention to these issues."
Lindsay Lohan broke
Lindsay Lohan is reportedly broke after spending her $7 million fortune on drugs and alcohol.
The troubled Hollywood star - who left Utah's Cirque Lodge rehab clinic earlier this month after a two-month stay - is staying with movie producer Tom Gores in Los Angeles because her money has run out.
Gores was the executive producer of the 21-year-old actress' recent flop film 'I Know Who Killed Me'.
A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "Lindsay doesn't have much choice as she is totally broke. The only reason she's coming back to Los Angeles is to try and get some film work and earn some money fast.
"The amount she has wasted putting cocaine up her nose is disgusting. Even she has lost count."
Lindsay's extravagant spending spree reportedly includes $1 million on just one hotel bill.
She has also spent more than $137,000 on three separate stints in rehab battling her drug and alcohol addictions, and thousands more in legal fees after her conviction for DUI (driving under the influence).
Lindsay is also thought to have blown more than $1 million on clothes and $500,000 on partying, with another $70,000 spent in tanning and hair salons.
She has been forced her to sell her $2.85 million apartment in Los Angeles and her $1 million New York property because she couldn't afford the mortgage payments.
Last week, Lindsay's father Michael claimed she planned to stay away from Hollywood to avoid temptation.
He said: "She told me, 'Dad, I don't feel ready to go back to Hollywood.'
"That's how committed Lindsay is to her sobriety. She doesn't want to do anything to mess it up."
Britney Spears to see healer
Britney Spears is reportedly set to meet a Native American healer to help cleanse her soul.
The troubled singer - who recently lost custody of her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, to ex-husband Kevin Federline - is said to have organised the meeting with a head shaman near a reservation at the base of America's Grand Canyon.
A source said: "The head shaman has agreed to perform the ritual on Britney, which is a great honour.
"The shaman will wave sage over her head and daub her temples with a magical potion. And the learned Indians will chant mantra and perform a special dance around her."
Britney was inspired to arrange the visit by Owen Wilson, who met the healers following his suicide bid in August.
The 'Toxic' singer has seen her life spiral out of control since splitting from Kevin in November 2006.
She has been seen wildly partying, drinking heavily, flashing her genitals and allegedly taking drugs.
In February, she publicly shaved her head off and swiftly entered rehab.
However, after leaving Malibu's Promises centre, she continued to behave erratically.
In July, her divorce from Kevin was finalised, with the couple sharing joint custody of Sean and Jayden.
But Kevin was granted sole custody earlier this month after a judge ruled Britney was not behaving in a suitable manner.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Lindsay Lohan Celebrity Rehab Exposed
Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Mary Kate Olsen are just some of the latest stars to be admitted into rehab for a miracle cure to their spiralling addictions and mental problems.
A new TV show on E!Entertainment premiering this weekend will take a look inside the rehabs where are favourite celebrities are sent to get rid of their demons.
But is rehab really helping them? Female First looks inside the most famous treatment centres to find out exactly what goes on behind the doors.
“Addiction doesn't care who you are. It will kill you,” says Howard Samuels the founder of Wonderland Rehabilitation Centre in the upcoming 'Out of Control: Celebrity Rehab Exposed' special for E! TV which premieres this Sunday. Wonderland is set in Hollywood's , Beverley Hills and is a popular choice for troubled stars including teen star Lindsay Lohan.
21 year old Lindsay has been a star since the age of 11, with roles in Disney films like 'The Parent Trap' and 'Freaky Friday' so not surprisingly by the time she was in her late teens she was a regular fixture on Hollywood's party scene. Her drinking a partying soon got out of control and after an all night session following last year's Golden Globes Lindsay decided she needed help and checked into Wonderland.
“I love Hollywood. I couldn't think of a better place for a treatment programme. It's a show business town so here we treat actors, we treat directors,” says proud Samuels.
“When a client and family come up here they're going to come in through our gate filled with anxiety and fear. They're going to come winding their way up to the top, park their car, get out and look at this house and wonder 'what am I getting myself into?' “ says Bruce Turner, executive director of the $40,000 per month centre.
Hollywood's lost souls soon feel at home with their own private suites, health spa and personal chef to cook up a healthy treat whenever they fancy it. “ There's dietary needs and there's vegans and there's non-vegans and no dairy and you kind of have to be ready to do anything at any moment's notice,” says Chris Wilson, Wonderland's executive chef.
According to the centres website, Promises is “Tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.” and “offers an unparalleled recovery experience.”
“Our Malibu facility offers uncommon luxury and is the rehab facility of choice for business executives, professionals, celebrities, government officials and anyone wanting the finest rehab program in the world.”
Promises has centres in Malibu and West LA and offers a wide range of treatments including 24-hour detox coordination and facilitation, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and art and drama classes. This is the centre Britney Spears checked into after her famous head shaving inccident.
Another member of the Promises alumni is Kelly Osbourne. In 2004 Kelly was caught buying drugs by a British tabloid. Although no charges were made, her brother Jack intervened and drove his sister to Malibu to start a programme at the centre.
Rehab isn't all about drugs and alcohol. In the case of Mary Kate Olsen it was an eating disorder that led to her stint inside the Cirque Lodge centre in Utah.
Mary Kate and Twin sister Ashley were stars from a very young age but a couple of years ago they decided they were through with being just 'cute' little girls but Mary Kate seemed to take things a little too far. In 2004, pictures of the teen suggested her waif-like bony figure had been the result if extreme dieting and later that year she checked into rehab.
Cirque Lodge is also the centre which Lindsay Lohan is currently a resident for her third rehab stay this year. The lodge is set in the stunning surroundings of the Sundance mountains in Utah and is described as a 'world class' facility. Rooms at the centre can either be private, or shared, depending on the needs and desires of residents. The bedrooms feature cosy down duvets and pillows, reading and relaxation areas, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, and large bathrooms with slate tile and jetted tubs.
Other rooms in the lodge include the central living room with comfortable couches and chairs. Also a dining room with large windows providing spectacular views of the Sundance resort and the surrounding mountains. There are individual drug rehab counselling rooms, group rooms, an exercise room, and a circular meditation room on the top floor.
But it's not all fun and games in the Utah mountains. Cirque Lodge also provides individual counselling, group therapy, extensive education, 12 step programming as well as hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ropes course and other experiential activities.
Another popular rehab set in the middle of nowhere is Sierra Tucson in the heart of the Arizona desert. This is where Nicole Richie was treated for her teenage addiction to drink and heroin.
“The desert is a healing place and our philosophy was and is to get people out of their environment,” says Keith Arnold, chief executive of Sierra Tucson. “What you see with celebrities is they get there and other patients are impressed and very quickly within a matter of days they're just an addict.”
“Sierra Tucson offers a full continuum of treatment services from the medical aspects of what we have to cognitive behavioural therapy, shiatsu massage and tai chi.”
The centre also pioneered a specialised treatment called Equine Assisted Therapy. Patients on this programme interact with horses and the animals intuitively pick up feelings from the addict which help therapists identify underlying issues.
“Horses don't think in terms of right and wrong or bad and good. They simply think in terms of what's safe and what's not safe,” says Susan O'Day, the Equine Specialist at the centre.
So does rehab really work? With an increasing number of celebrities heading in and out of centres whenever they get caught up to no good we need to question whether it is just for the publicity and an easier ride in court.
“Part of the purpose of rehab unfortunately for many celebrities is the reverse public perception,” says Joe Levy, executive editor of Rolling Stone.
But singer and ex rehab resident Erin Hamilton believes this isn't always such a bad thing: “I don't care how you get into rehab- even if it was a PR move- something is clicking in them and they're thinking maybe their behaviour is outrageous, great.”
As Lindsay Lohan endures her third attempt at rehab in one year and Britney Spears heads closer to the edge we need to ask are these luxurious, expensive, glamourised holiday centres really the last hope for our teen stars?
Read More......
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sexiest Woman Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron has been named the Sexiest Woman Alive.
The Oscar-winning 'Monster' actress was given the annual honour by Esquire magazine, snatching the crown from last year's winner Scarlett Johansson.
Esquire's articles editor Ryan D'Agostino explained: "Charlize combines unbelievable beauty with a smart mind and this attitude like she's almost one of the guys. All of that adds up to sexy."
D'Agostino insisted the winner, which is selected by the magazine's editors, writers and contributors, "must exude individuality" and be current to pop culture.
Charlize, who celebrated the accolade by posing for a steamy photo shoot in the magazine, admits her looks have not always helped her make good career choices.
The 32-year-old star said: "'Reindeer Games' - that was a bad, bad, bad movie. But even though the movie might suck, I got to work with John Frankenheimer. I wasn't lying to myself - that's why I did it. I mean, he directed 'The Manchurian Candidate,' which is like the movie of all movies."
Charlize, who was born in South Africa and recently earned dual citizenship in the US, also voiced her concerns about US President George W. Bush.
She said: "I grew up in a country that learned the lesson that you can't impose your way of life on 26 different kinds of people just because you call yourself righteous.
"I think there are lessons this country still has to learn."
Charlize - who loves to drink, smoke and curse and is in a long-term relationship with actor Stuart Townsend - will next appear in 'Battle in Seattle' alongside Ray Liotta and Woody Harrelson.
Previous winners of Esquire's accolade include Jessica Biel and Angelina Jolie.
Lohan friend sues blogger for defamation
LOS ANGELES - A judged cleared the way Wednesday for a celebrity blogger to be questioned about his report claiming Lindsay Lohan's friend planted cocaine found in the actress's car after a crash.
Samantha Ronson has sued Perez Hilton for defamation after he repeated a report that first appeared on the Web site CelebrityBabylon.com.
"I am not now and have never been a drug user," Ronson stated in a supplemental declaration filed with the court on Monday. "I have never handled or touched cocaine. I did not ever place any cocaine at any place at any time."
According to the lawsuit, both postings defamed Ronson by stating she planted drugs that were found in Lohan's car after it crashed into a tree in Beverly Hills on May 26, and that she set up her friend to be photographed while under the influence of alcohol.
Superior Court Judge Elihu M. Berle said Ronson's attorneys can take a four-hour deposition from Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira.
Hilton's attorney, Bryan J. Freedman, said that his client made sure the information was "accurate and trustworthy" before he published his report.
"He stands by his actions as being legal and proper and believes that the First Amendment protects him," Freedman said.
Ronson must prove that even if the report was erroneous, Hilton acted maliciously, Freedman said after the hearing.
"The judge at this point found that they didn't provide any evidence of malice ... so the judge was going to give them one more bite of the apple" by allowing the attorneys to question Hilton, he said.
"If Ms. Ronson is attempting to get some sort of relief in court and to show that Mario Lavandeira had any malice, I think she's going to a hardware store for milk. It's just not going to happen," Freedman said.
Ronson also sued Jill Ishkanian, whose Sunset Photo and News Agency operates CelebrityBabylon.com.
However, the judge was told Wednesday that Ishkanian's attorneys have settled their case with Ronson. Ronson attorney Martin Garbus said the case could be dismissed as soon as Thursday.
Lawyer: Spears files visitation motion
LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears filed an emergency court motion seeking to expand visitation rights with her children, the lawyer for ex-husband Kevin Federline said Wednesday.
Federline lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan told The Associated Press that he received the motion Wednesday and will be in court Thursday.
Kaplan did not elaborate on what Spears was seeking, but criticized the motion, pointing out that the judge's decision was barely a week old.
"I don't see any emergency or any new facts" in the case, Kaplan said in a telephone interview. "We are going to oppose this."
Kaplan said Federline would not be in court.
"When there is something of substance being addressed, he'll be there," Kaplan said.
An after-hours call to Spears' attorney was not immediately returned.
Spears was ordered Oct. 1 to relinquish custody of her children by a court commissioner who had raised concerns about drug and alcohol use.
Superior Court Commissioner Scott M. Gordon later granted some visitation rights to Spears, but required that a monitor must watch her while she's with her sons, 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James.
The visits could be cut short if the monitor decides any behavior or action by Spears endangers the children.
Gordon had previously said Spears engaged in "habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol" and ordered her to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week as part of her ongoing custody dispute with Federline.
Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, were married in October 2004. She filed for divorce last November and it became official in July.
Sick Pea Fergie
The Black Eyed Peas were forced to cancel a concert halfway through after singer Fergie fell ill.
The group were performing to 10,000 fans in San Salvador, in the Bahamas, but during the show Fergie told the crowd she was sick.
The concert - which is part of the group's 'Monkey Business' tour - was cancelled just moments later.
Concert organiser Two Show said the band - whose members also include will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo - plan to reschedule the show within the next three months.
Disgruntled fans will be able to apply for a refund.
Meanwhile, Fergie recently revealed she can't give up her private jet.
Despite supporting green initiatives, the 32-year-old singer hates travelling on commercial flights, and will keep using her own personal plane despite the damage it is causing to the environment.
Fergie said: "The best thing about fame is flying on a private jet, as I don't have to go through security or wait at a regular airport. I love it - I'm not going to lie."
Jamelia engaged
Jamelia is engaged to soccer star Darren Byfield.
The 'Superstar' singer - who has a two-year-old daughter, Tiani, with Darren - was thrilled when he popped the question during his birthday party on Sunday (07.10.07).
Jamelia - who also has a six-year-old daughter, Teja, from a previous relationship - gushed: "I'm completely over the moon. Darren proposing was a real surprise but I'm totally delighted. I can't stop smiling."
Earlier this year, the couple, who began dating in 2004, briefly split, but Jamelia was always hopeful of a reconciliation.
She said: "I didn't want to split. We have a child together, and I would love for us to work it out.
"I still want to marry Darren, and he wants to marry me. If we get back together, that's definitely going to be next on the agenda. It'll definitely happen."
The 26-year-old star also dismissed claims Darren cheated on her during their relationship.
She added: "I wouldn't be with Darren if I had a doubt in my mind that these kiss 'n' tell girls who sell stories were telling the truth. It's absolute bulls**t."
Britney Spears passes drug test
Britney Spears has been passing her court-ordered random drug tests.
The 'Toxic' singer - who was ordered by a judge to complete drug and alcohol testing to keep supervised visitation rights to her sons - has tested negative so far, according to her lawyer.
Britney's attorney Sorrell Trope said: "She's passed her random drug tests. There's been more than one. They came up negative."
The 25-year-old star lost custody of son Sean Preston, two, and 13-month-old Jayden James last week after failing to take one of the court-ordered tests.
Britney was in tears yesterday (09.10.07) as she handed her sons back into the custody of their father Kevin Federline after her first supervised visit.
A source said: "Brit was upset. It was really sad to see."
She spent a few hours with the boys at her Malibu mansion under the watchful eye of a court supervisor.
Meanwhile, the 'Gimme More' singer has been ordered by a judge to be formerly arrested in her hit-and-run case.
Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Rebecca Omens said Britney must hand herself in to a police station and be fingerprinted and photographed before October 25, when she is required to appear in court.
The troubled singer was charged last month with hit-and-run and driving without a valid licence after she allegedly hit another car in a parking lot.
Jennifer Lopez's pregnancy confirmed
Jennifer Lopez is pregnant, says her husband Marc Anthony's ex-wife.
Dayanara Torres - who has two children with Marc - confirmed Jennifer and her singer husband are expecting their first child.
The former Miss Universe said yesterday (09.10.07): "I found out a day ago. I suppose they will be happy because when my sister had her baby they were happy."
Jennifer, who is currently touring with Marc, has remained silent about the rumoured pregnancy - instead choosing to disguise her figure in loose-fitting outfits.
The 'Do It Well' singer reportedly refused to make the announcement at her Madison Square Gardens concert in New York over the weekend, instead saying: "If Christina Aguilera doesn't have to say anything about her pregnancy, why should I? We don't have to feed the monster."
Meanwhile, US TV presenter Diane Sawyer tried to address the pregnancy rumours on 'Good Morning America' yesterday, asking the singer: "How are you?"
Jennifer replied: "I'm very well, thank you. This is really, really a great, happy time in my life. Everything's great."
Lindsay Lohan quits Hollywood
Lindsay Lohan has vowed to stay away from Hollywood to avoid temptation.The 'Mean Girls' star - who was released from Utah's Cirque Lodge treatment centre on Friday (05.10.07) after a two month stay - plans to stay away from Tinseltown in a bid to stay sober.
Lindsay said: "I'm staying in Utah until it's time to shoot 'Dare to Love Me', and then I plan on returning to Utah so I can stay focused and avoid other distractions.
"If I wasn't worried about relapsing, I'd be living in denial. Temptation is always there, but now I'll avoid it the right way.
"I don't blame anybody but from now on I plan to surround myself with good people who have their hearts and their minds in the right places.
"While I've been in Utah I have only spoken to my family."
The 21-year-old star - who has a small role in 'Dare to Love Me', a biopic of Tango legend Carlos Gardel which begins shooting later this month - insisted she has no plans to avoid the film industry in Hollywood, just the party scene.
When asked if she was quitting acting, Lindsay told America's OK! magazine: "Absolutely not - never! I'm here to stay. My talent is a gift, and I'm going to use it in the right way."
Lindsay spoke about her arrest for DUI (driving under the influence) in July - her second arrest this year, which took place after an erratic car chase not long after she left rehab for the first time.
She said: "I hit rock bottom. Everything in my life came to a point where I had to make a decision, the arrest that night helped me come to a point where I had to make one.
"My experience in Utah has been sobering and humbling. It made me look at myself, and all of the people, places and things in my life in a different way. I was in there for substance abuse, after all."
The former child star - who was recently reunited with her father Michael Lohan for the first time in two-and-a-half-years - also spoke about the bitter feud between her father and her mother, Dina.
She said: "I wish it would stop. It hurts when two people you love argue with one another. I don't think any child wants to see their parents argue or see their family fall apart.
"Unfortunately, it happens, and when it does, they should do it with as little effect on their children as possible."
