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Movie icon turned animal-rights-activist BRIGITTE BARDOT has written an open letter to U.S. President BARACK OBAMA, begging him to ban seal products.
Bardot appealed to French leader Nicolas Sarkozy earlier this month (Feb09), voicing her outrage over laws that permit seal hunting.
And as the leaders of the European Union consider a ban on seal products, Bardot has expressed her "immense hope" that Obama will use his positive ties in Europe to lobby for the ban.
In a statement released on Friday (20Feb09), the French star urged Obama to finally put a stop to the cruel treatment of the animals for the production of meat, oils and pelts, "even if I know that he is in demand from all directions and he already has a lot to do in his own country".
The star linked her appeal to Obama’s visit to Canada on Thursday (19Feb09) - a country widely criticised for its annual seal hunt.
The U.S. banned Canadian seal products in 1972.

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

RIHANNA’s father is furious a police photograph appearing to show the badly beaten singer has been leaked online.
The photograph, which was posted on celebrity website TMZ.com on Thursday (19Feb09), features a close-up of a female resembling the star with contusions on her forehead, a swollen nose and a bloody lip.
The injuries are said to relate to a fight between Rihanna and her then-boyfriend Chris Brown in the early hours of 8 February (09), which allegedly left her in need of hospital treatment.
The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an official investigation into the matter to determine how photos of a domestic violence victim were leaked to the press.
But the star’s dad, Ronald Fenty, is dissatisfied with the LAPD’s efforts, telling People.com the leak shows "sloppy work on their part".
But Fenty tells Usmagazine.com he hopes some good will come out of the leak, adding the public will now be able to "grasp the situation a lot better".
He adds, "Yeah, I saw it. It’s disturbing. It’s good and it’s bad to see the picture because there’s other people who were thinking differently, that (the injuries) may not be that bad, just a little spank or a little thing." Brown is facing possible jail time after he was charged by Los Angeles police with making criminal threats following the incident.
Police have yet to present Brown’s case to prosecutors.

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DAVID HASSELHOFF has blasted America’s liberal firearms laws, insisting he refuses to have guns in his house because they encourage violence.
The former Baywatch star is disgusted that it is perfectly legal to carry a pistol in some U.S. states, even while out in public.
And he is adamant some areas have turned into "the Wild West" - even though many people believe owning a firearm is a good deterrent to burglars.
He says, "That’s kind of a double-edged sword. My daughter lives in Atlanta and they are allowed to carry guns in their cars. It’s like the Wild West there. If there’s a gun around, I believe you are going to use it. I think it’s really dangerous to have a gun in your house, so I would never, never have a gun in my house."

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ROBERT DE NIRO tried to warn fallen former co-star and ‘lookalike’ LILLO BRANCATO JR. about the perils of fame after casting him in his first movie.
Brancato Jr. was spotted by talent scouts and cast by De Niro as his son in 1993 movie A Bronx Tale, when he was just 16 years old.
De Niro, who also directed the film, was taken by the likeness between the pair, particularly Brancato Jr.’s impersonation of him playing his Taxi Driver character Travis Bickle.
The young star went on to land a recurring role in mob drama The Sopranos, but started using cocaine and heroin and threw away any chance of lasting acting success in 2005, when he was arrested for a drug-fuelled burglary that resulted in the death of an off-duty cop.
The actor, now 32, was acquitted of murder - for which his accomplice Steven Armento is serving a life sentence - but he was sentenced in January (09) to 10 years behind bars for attempted burglary.
And in a new interview with U.S. news show 20/20, Brancato Jr. reveals how he ignored De Niro’s advice and "squandered" the chance of a lifetime.
He says, "(De Niro) said, ‘A lot of people are going to want to be your friends, you know, and they don’t have your best interest at heart.’ "I kind of shrugged it off. It was kind of like, ‘Yeah, I understand what you’re saying, but not me. I’ll be fine Bob.’" Speaking from New York’s Rikers Island prison, Brancato Jr. adds, "I squandered it. I am ashamed." The interview is due to air in the U.S. later this year (09).

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KATH & KIM actress SELMA BLAIR has found love with her on-screen husband.
The 36 year old, who plays Kimberly Crystal ‘Kim’ Day on the U.S. version of the TV sitcom, met actor Mikey Day, 28, when he was cast as her character’s estranged husband, Craig Baker.
The pair’s chemistry on camera carried on off-set - and they’re now a happy couple in real life.
Blair says, "It’s never happened to me before but it happened, I fell in love. I’ve never had a set romance. I think it makes work a lot more fun.
"We were really affectionate while we were shooting but we didn’t get together until filming wrapped, because we didn’t want it to be like, ‘Ooh, what if you don’t like me…?’ (But) he’s wonderful, he’s so funny."

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British acting mother and daughter duo VANESSA REDGRAVE and NATASHA RICHARDSON have been touted to star in a Broadway revival of STEPHEN SONDHEIM musical A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, following the success of their one-off show last month (Jan09).
The stars paired up for a one-night fundraising performance on 12 January (09), with the hope that the stint would pave the way for a bigger New York production.
And according to the New York Post, Sondheim is eager to have Redgrave and Richardson share the stage again for the first full revival of the Broadway show, which is scheduled to launch next year (10).
The production, based on Ingmar Bergman movie Smiles of a Summer Night, will first open in London’s West End in April (09).
Redgrave and Richardson are not thought to be a part of the show planned for the British capital.

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JAY-Z has given his basketball player pal LEBRON JAMES an extra special preview of his highly anticipated album BLUEPRINT 3 - so the rap superstar can get some pointers on how to improve his record.
The Big Pimpin’ hitmaker is close friends with NBA star James and the pair often share words of advice so they can stay at the top of their respective games.
The rapper tells MTV.com, "He listens to lyrics so he picks up on things early.
"I welcome that from anyone. Anyone who makes it in the (album listening) room, their opinion is valued. But him being my brother and all, he picks up on lyrics, so I’m always anxious to hear his opinions on what I’m making." And New Jersey Nets shareholder Jay-Z offers his constructive criticism whenever he sees the Cleveland Cavaliers forward out on the court.
James adds, "He does the same thing to me. If I’m out there not getting enough rebounds, or missing too many free throws, he lets me know about it."

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)

Rapper T.I. will bow out of the spotlight with a special farewell tour as he prepares to serve jail time for illegal weapons possession.
The Live Your Life hitmaker, real name Clifford Harris, Jr., will headline a handful of dates across the U.S. in the coming weeks before he begins his year-long prison stint in March (09).
His sentence relates to his 2007 arrest, in which he was caught trying to buy an arsenal of guns from an undercover FBI agent.
And the hip-hop superstar is determined to go out with a bang - he will be joined by Busta Rhymes and The Way I Are singer Keri Hilson on the 28 February (09) gig in Tampa, Florida, while Young Jeezy, Plies, Rick Ross and Yung L.A. will support him in Detroit, Michigan on 7 March (09).
The Farewell Tour will wrap in Corpus Christi, Texas on 15 March (09).

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BOB MARLEY’s son has vowed a new deal to capitalise on his late father’s name won’t "bastardise" the reggae legend’s image.
The Jamaican icon’s family recently agreed a deal with a private equity group to generate merchandise using Marley’s name and face.
They were spurred into action by the hundreds of millions of dollars that has been generated by bootleg Bob Marley products since his death in 1981 at the age of 36.
But 36-year-old Rohan Marley insists care will be taken to preserve his dad’s image.
He says, "Whatever we do, it’d better be good. We’re not here to bastardise my father’s image, slap it on here, slap it on there." One project Rohan wants to develop is a "Grand Theft Auto-style" video game that follows street kids "working their way out of the ghetto".

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Crooner LEONARD COHEN wowed fans in New York on Thursday night (19Feb09) at his first American concert in 15 years.
Fans swarmed to Manhattan’s Beacon Theatre for the sell-out show, and gave the 75-year-old Hallelujah star a standing ovation after every song during a mammoth three-hour performance.
After taking to the stage to loud cheers, Cohen told the 3,000-strong crowd, "Thank you for an extraordinarily warm welcome. It’s been a long time since I stood on a stage in New York. The last time I played this city I was 60 - just a kid with a crazy dream." The concert kicks off a U.S. tour, including a performance at the Coachella music festival in California in April (09).

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Hollywood couple JOHN TRAVOLTA and KELLY PRESTON have established a charity foundation in honour of their late son JETT.
The 16-year-old died in January (09) after suffering a seizure while on a family vacation in the Bahamas.
The devastated actors have now decided to set up The Jett Travolta Foundation in memory of their son, and have vowed to help other children suffering from illnesses.
A statement on Travolta’s website reads, "The Foundation shall endeavour to use its resources specifically to assist and provide relief to children with vision, hearing, mobility, communication, behavioural learning impairments or other special medical, environmental, health or education needs."

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Officials at the United Nations (U.N.) are investigating accusations the organisation withdrew GEORGE CLOONEY’s security escort as he travelled to a dangerous area of Africa.
The Hollywood star has been campaigning to highlight the plight of refugees in the Sudan with a series of visits to the country’s war torn Darfur region.
Clooney - a U.N. goodwill ambassador - is currently visiting the African state of Chad with two journalists in an unofficial capacity, as part of his pledge to help publicise troubles in the area.
But New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof, who is documenting Clooney’s travels, published a column in the paper on Wednesday (18Feb09), claiming the U.N. had decided to "pull" Clooney’s "security escort" as they traversed the eastern Chad border, leaving the group open to kidnap or attack.
Kristof called the move "petty and mean-spirited".
U.N. officials have now responded to the claims, insisting that, as Clooney is not travelling as part of his role as a goodwill ambassador, he does not qualify for official protection.
The organisation’s spokeswoman, Michele Montas, cast further doubt on the report by claiming the U.N. mission in the West African country has no armed military police and relies on local police and a European Union peacekeeping force, EUFOR, for escorts.
She told a news conference, "We are still trying to ascertain the facts. The U.N. could not provide the sort of security details you are talking about.
"So it could be EUFOR. EUFOR has been advised of the presence of Mr. Clooney and they indicated that they would be prepared to provide Mr. Clooney with support if required within the area of its operations."

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Australian actor HUGH JACKMAN has cheekily suggested he will be hosting the upcoming Oscars ceremony completely naked - following a string of rumours about his role in the show.
Jackman has been at the centre of wide speculation about his role as MC at the Academy Awards on Sunday (22Feb09) night ever since he was unveiled as the event’s host last year (08).
Recent internet reports have suggested he will open the glitzy ceremony by performing a song-and-dance routine with Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway.
And Jackman has now taken the opportunity to make fun of the endless gossip surrounding the event - by jokingly declaring he will take to the stage completely naked and sing all his links.
He says, "I haven’t told anyone this, but we are going to do most of it naked and we’re going to sing through the whole show.
"In fact, all the acceptance speeches are going to be sung. There will be some interpretive dance behind them, and I really think it will be beautiful and touching.
"There will be a strategic leaf placed here or there. We don’t want to be distasteful or anything. This is a raw night. This is the Oscars. Raw emotion, that’s the quality we’re going for."

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DJIMON HOUNSOU was so shocked when his girlfriend KIMORA LEE SIMMONS broke the news of her pregnancy to him, the actor refused to believe her.
The Blood Diamond star has been dating Baby Phat designer Lee Simmons since 2007, following her split from her rap mogul husband Russell Simmons in 2006.
But Hounsou was left speechless when he learned he was to become a first-time father - and it wasn’t the reaction Lee Simmons expected.
She explains, "(When I told him), he was like, ‘No!’" Lee Simmons - who has two daughters, Ming Lee, nine, and Aoki, six, from her failed marriage - is due to give birth later this year (09).
And she has been experiencing some rather unhealthy cravings.
Speaking at New York Fashion Week, she tells Usmagazine.com, "On the way to the show, I had to have a slice of pizza - New York pizza. I think I’m going to have another one after the show, too." Lee Simmons’ divorce from the Def Jam Records co-founder was finalised in January (09). She has been handed sole legal and physical custody of the former couple’s kids.

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MICKEY ROURKE is determined to shed his hardman reputation - but confesses he still struggles to walk away from a fight.
The actor has had well documented run-ins with police, and spent years in the Hollywood wilderness before a triumphant return to the big screen with his Oscar-nominated performance in The Wrestler.
Rourke insists he is now a changed man and no longer goes looking for trouble - but admits a recent spat in London with a stranger showed he still has to work hard at curbing his temper.
The actor was walking along a London street following the BAFTA awards earlier this month (Feb09) when he was confronted.
He says, "(This man) is real flash and he says, ‘Excuse me, ladies’. Ten years ago I woulda hit ‘im right on the chin for saying something like that. Because then I did not deal with consequences. The world that I lived in, there were no rules. He would have been missing nine teeth for what he said.
"So I said to the boys: ‘He got a pass.’ But I watched him all the way down the block, wishing he would come back. You know what? He turned round. I’m watching him walk up the street, and I took off my jacket, so I just had a vest on, so I could move, and I thought: ‘I’m going to do him right now.’ "And there’s a part of me that’s going ‘It’s still there goddamit,’ and he comes walking up, and I turned my back right in front of him. And he said: ‘Excuse me. Do you know where such and such a place is?’ He was really polite. I said: ‘No, ma’am, I don’t know where it is.’ And he walked along the kerb and left.
"I mean there was no point to him saying: ‘Excuse me ladies.’ I wouldn’t say it to the guy I was standing with, much less a stranger. But there’s always going to be the jerk off that tries it. So I got to work at it all the time."

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New York authorities have uncovered 1,500 bottles of steroids and more than $150,000 (£104,170) in cash allegedly belonging to actor SCOTT SIEGEL, who was arrested on Wednesday (18Feb09) on drug and assault charges.
Siegel, who appeared as a drug dealer alongside Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler, is facing one count of steroid distribution and another for reportedly assaulting a federal police officer.
The 34-year-old was under surveillance by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials and was apprehended when they allegedly spotted him picking up a package outside his parents’ home, reports the New York Daily News.
Siegel attempted to flee the scene after police vehicles tried to block his exit. He was apprehended after a brief chase through Eastchester, New York and held without bail.
The steroids and stashes of $30,000 (£20,830) and $70,000 (£48,610) in cash were found in Siegel’s parents’ Lake Isle townhouse, according to detectives with the New Rochelle Police Department.
Another $70,000 (£48,610) in cash and packaging materials for steroids were reportedly found at the actor’s home.

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Hollywood screenwriter SHANE BLACK has been hit with a damning $5 million (£3.5 million) lawsuit by his ex-girlfriend, in which she accuses him of beating her up while allegedly high on drugs.
Black, who wrote films such as Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, is being sued by Sonya Popovich.
In legal papers filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday (19Feb09), Popovich claims Black repeatedly kicked, punched and choked her while they were dating.
She further alleges that on one occasion in 2006, a cocaine-fuelled Black placed a gun in his mouth and threatened to commit suicide - before pointing it in her direction and shooting the wall, reports TMZ.com.
In another incident that same year, Popovich accuses Black of attempting to choke and suffocate her - reportedly leaving her needing medical attention for a hairline split in her oesophagus.
She details how he came to visit her in hospital and allegedly "crawled into (her) bed, removed a vial of cocaine from his pocket, sniffed some cocaine from the vial, and proceeded to masturbate in Plaintiff’s hospital bed".
Popovich is seeking damages for assault, battery and emotional distress. It is unknown how long the couple’s relationship lasted.
A representative for Black could not be reached for comment as WENN went to press.

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ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA star KELLY GROUCUTT has died at the age of 62.
The bassist passed away following a heart attack on Thursday (19Feb09) afternoon.
Groucutt’s management confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Our hearts and thoughts go out to (wife) Anna and Kelly’s family. He touched all of our lives with his love, kindness and generosity as well as his talent for music and song.
"He was a true and wonderful friend who loved every second of life, and he will be greatly missed by us all." Groucutt joined the experimental rock group in 1974 and went on to become a fans’ favourite, providing vocals for several hit tracks including 1975’s Nightrider and Sweet Is the Night in 1977.
The musician contributed to six albums throughout his decade-long career with ELO and released his own self-titled solo disc, Kelly, in 1982.
Groucutt quit the band a year later in 1983 following a disagreement over royalty payments. He subsequently sued band leader Jeff Lynne and their management over the dispute and was awarded a $435,000 (£300,000) out-of-court settlement.
He is survived by his wife, Anna-Maria Bialaga, four children and two grandchildren.

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