Kiefer Sutherland Likely in the Clear

It looks like Kiefer Sutherland will dodge a major bullet after his now infamous head butt and will not be prosecuted for assaulting Jack McCollough.

The reason? There is no longer a complaining witness in the case after the celebrity fashion designer privately settled his beef with the 24 star.

Figures. You do not press charges against Jack Bauer.

Kiefer Sutherland apologized to Jack McCollough, who had claimed the actor broke his nose in a scuffle at the MET Gala in New York back on May 5.

The complaint being dropped is doubly important for Sutherland as he also faced a potential probation violation, given his 2008 DUI conviction.

Accounts of what happened between Kiefer Sutherland and Jack McCullough vary, but both parties are apparently willing to put the ugly incident behind them.

"I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured," Sutherland said in a statement. McCollough responded, also in a statement, "I appreciate Mr. Sutherland's statement and wish him well."

Without a complaining witness - especially in a misdemeanor case such as this one - the odds of the alleged attacker being prosecuted become very slim.

Felony charges such as, oh, criminal threats and aggravated battery are a different ball of wax. The L.A. D.A.'s case against Chris Brown will still be pursued regardless of what Rihanna does - although he is working on a plea deal.

America Will Indeed See Willem Dafoe's Bloody Ejaculation

Lars von Trier's ball-banging, blood-coming horror flick Antichrist has been picked up by an American distributor at Cannes. IFC Films will bring the America-hating filmmaker's crazy Willem Dafoe movie to the people he hates. This is the new cinematic diplomacy! Hope and change and bloody penises and all. [IndieWire]

Paris Hilton to Stand Trial For Breach of Contract

Paris Hilton promotes herself like none other. She just didn't honor a deal to promote herself as part of the film Pledge This!, according to its producers.

A Miami judge today that he will not throw out a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought against the ho-tel heiress by the distributors of the 2006 drivel.

Investors claim Paris' failure to abide by her contractual obligation to adequately plug the straight-to-DVD sorority flick resulted in a loss of $8.3 million.

Ironically, she's now indirectly doing more to promote it - testifying how she Googles herself to remember what she said or did, rather than keep records, and so on - than marketing managers could have possibly dreamed of.

Her attorney claimed her to be "the single busiest person on the planet," but a judge didn't throw out the case, telling her she must stand trial June 8.

A judge's ruling brought Paris Hilton to her knees. Figuratively.

As for her other projects less likely to result in lawsuits, she's soaking up the sun in Europe, with beau Doug Reinhardt, promoting the upcoming documentary Paris, Not France, appearing this week at the Cannes Film Festival.

She's also already hyping the forthcoming Season 2 of My New BFF on MTV, something that seems to hearken back to her Pledge This! days.

"It was basically Paris' sorority house," she tells E! News "It's about sisterhood - there's pledging, there's crazy challenges. We had the best time. We started out in Las Vegas, and these kids really were up for anything."

Awesome. The second season kicks off June 2.

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen Face Media, Each Other

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen take on each other in tonight's American Idol finale.

The day before this monumental showdown, however, the pair of finalists faced the media together. Here's a summary of the responses they gave a series of journalists outside Hollywood's Nokia Theatre...

Kris, on being nervous: “I don’t feel too much pressure right now. We’ve made it. I feel like we’ve accomplished exactly what we wanted to accomplish, and we’re going to go out there and have a good show. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” 

Adam, on comparisons to Kris: “We’re just very different types of artists, and at this point, it’s not about out singing each other. It’s not like a direct competition. It’s about both of us staying really true to what we do.”

FRIENDS & FOES: American Idol comes down to Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen. Who do you want to win?

Adam, on his theater experience: “This isn’t theater, so I don’t really see how it affects it at all. I’ve had experience on stage performing, but so has Kris... just in different venues. Kris has worked clubs and worked with a band... The thing that’s really cool about this competition is that it’s an equal opportunity situation.”

Kris, on if his Christian background will lead to votes: “I hope that having the Christian vote does not help with anything. I hope it has to do with your talent and the performance that you give and the package that you have, and it’s not about religion and all that kind of stuff.”

Kanye West Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Paparazzi Scuffle

West and his road manager are charged with misdemeanor vandalism, battery and grand theft in LAX incident.
By Gil Kaufman

Kanye West
Photo: Jim Spellman/ WireImage

Eight months after he was arrested following an which altercation with paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport, Kanye West pleaded not guilty on Friday in a Los Angeles court to misdemeanor vandalism, battery and grand theft. According to People magazine, West, 31, was not present in court, but his lawyer, Blair Berk, entered the plea on his behalf.

Also pleading not guilty in the case was West's road manager, Don "Don C" Crowley, 33, who was charged with two counts of the same three crimes. The incident, took place at LAX on September 11, 2008, resulted in the arrests of both men. While attempting to catch a flight to Hawaii, West and Crowley were confronted by a TMZ crew. Video of the incident shows both men wrestling a camera (said to be worth $10,000 ) from a photographer. Crowley appears to throw the camera on the ground and West is seen smashing the flash. Crowley also allegedly broke a second photographer's camera.

Both men were initially charged with felony vandalism due to the cost of the equipment that was alleged to have been damaged in the incident, but those charges were soon dropped. If convicted on the current misdemeanor counts, West could face up to two and a half years in jail, while Crowley could face up to five years.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 15.

Related Artists

• Kanye West

Jordin Sparks and Steph Jones: Gettin' Serious?

Are Jordin Sparks and Steph Jones, a singer-songwriter and ex-model to whom she has been romantically linked, ready to take it to the next level?

"We don't know whether or not to go further or to just keep the friendship," the singer, 19, told People at the 57th Annual BMI Pop Awards. "It's crazy. We've got the feelings, but we don't know whether or not to say it out loud."

One thing is for sure: Steph Jones keeps her feeling bubbly inside: "He's a really good guy," the sixth American Idol champ says. "A lot of fun."

So how did the two initially link up? Jordin Sparks proudly admits it was she who made the first move: "I met him two years ago," she says.

"He was writing for Blake Lewis, who got second place [on Season 6 of American Idol]. I was like, 'Can I get your contact information because you are a songwriter?' I was still working on my album and he was the only person I knew in L.A."

"Every time I would come I would say, 'Hey, you want to hang out?' "

They did just that.

The pair have been seen cheering at L.A.'s Lakers-Rockets playoff game at L.A.'s Staples Center and slow dancin' to Michael Buble's live rendition of (the appropriately titled) "Me and Mrs. Jones" during the Gamble and Huff icon tribute.

"We've gotten really close," Jordin confirms, although the question of whether the two will start dating officially is still up in the air. For now.

"We'll see what happens," says Sparks.

The Hollywood Gossip Week in Review

Below, The Hollywood Gossip staff takes a quick look back at what was quite possibly the greatest week in the history of celebrity news and gossip.

Okay, not really, but there were some good stories ...

• Kris Allen won American Idol. More incredibly, Adam Lambert did not win American Idol. On a side Idol note, an odd bikini battle took place.

• Shawn Johnson won Dancing With the Stars. More incredibly, Melissa Rycroft did not win Dancing With the Stars. Oh well, she's still hot.

• Speaking of Melissa, her former Bachelor competition, and perhaps Canada's best export yet, Jillian Harris, debuted as The Bachelorette.

• In political news, Rielle Hunter wants to stick it to John Edwards, while Bristol Palin says she never wanted to stick it to Levi Johnston.

• Michael Vick was released from the pound. Kiefer Sutherland is likely not heading back there. Still no word on whether Chris Brown is.

• Jon and Kate Plus 8 may change its name to Jon and Kate Plus Fake Marriage Contracts, Various Mistresses and Non-Stop Drama.

• Among the Cannes Film Festival highlights (besides movies, of course): Hayden Panettiere displays her bikini body and misspelled tattoo; Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt nearly exchange bodily fluids in public.

• The Hills' Spencer Pratt deemed himself the future of hip-hop, as well as too famous to stoop to reality TV rival Jason Wahler's level.

• In young, hot couple news, Robert Pattinson and Erika Dutra are rumored to be an item, while the romantic relationship of Selena Gomez and Taylor Lautner is sort of confirmed. Ditto for Audrina Patridge and Chris Pine.

• Carrie Prejean's mom might be gay.

Designer Apparel from New York - Kmart Design Fashion Article

“Kmart assembled a team of 200 design specialists from the world’s top retailers’ design and fashion schools, like Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole and Pottery Barn. This great team was assembled to bring unique quality items into your home at lower prices. The skills and approach of this talented team are shown in a SoHo design studio that would make Michael Kors blush.

The Kmart design team is given center stage and an opportunity to tell the story of achieving their personal goal – delivering affordable fashions for less. Their ability to “deliver a fashion item that is not diluted, is a show of true talent,” says Janie, the VP of Men’s Design, “this is the ultimate success.”

They are young individuals driven by providing value because it reflects their core philosophy to “develop product you want with a quality-first point of view — delivered at a truly affordable price.” The philosophy was developed from the desire to deliver great choices regardless of what the customer can afford.

The results of their recruitment are portrayed in this Kmart video feature representing a mix of industry specialist and employee testimonials. The story behind the success of Kmart’s best unfolds through the filming of this documentary while fashion trends and the people behind the product are highlighted. It is a unique invitation to explore the process of design and witness the inspiration behind it.

Bender Lands Amy Winehouse in Hospital Once More

Amy Winehouse was rushed to hospital for at least the fifth time in three hours months after another booze bender, reports the UK's Sun online.

The singer fell ill on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, where she has been on vacation - if you can call it that when you don't leave - almost all year.

Worried pals called an ambulance to the troubled celebrity's luxury villa and the songbird was given treatment. She was discharged the same night.

Fans fear - and we can't begin to comprehend why - that the latest escapade means she won’t be in a fit state to perform at her UK comeback gig in less than two weeks. She is scheduled to play London's Shepherd’s Bush Empire May 31.

Wonder if she'll make it to that date. Not to perform, we're talking about merely staying alive. At least one person in her life is quite skeptical.

Wino's collapse comes on the heels of her disastrous performance at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, where she shocked the crowd with an erratic effort (even for her).

"Amy’s gig might as well be cancelled now. She’s not going to make it. It’s not worth her while even if she does make it, it will be a shambles," a pal said.

"She is not ready for it and she proved it at the festival."

Despite having (supposedly) beaten her drug addiction, the Grammy-winning artist is now struggling to cope with alcohol abuse that's worsening by the day.

Last month, her crazy, drunk ass landed in hospital after fainting in her holiday villa. Her spokesman attributed that fainting spell to "dehydration."

Try mixing in the occasional water with those beers, girl.

Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam

Jay is happy to be 'a completely independent artist' after buying out his contract.
By Shaheem Reid

Jay-Z
Photo: Roc-A-Fella

Now maybe we can get that Blueprint 3 album. Jay-Z has officially parted ways with his home for more than a decade, Def Jam. On Thursday morning (May 21), Hits Daily Double reported in its Rumor Mill section that Hov — who owed Def Jam one last album — bought himself out of his contract for $5 million.

On Thursday afternoon, Jay contacted RapRadar.com and confirmed his departure.

"I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and L.A. Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience, and I respect them immensely," Hov told the Web site. "I've been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique 'negotiations' ever."

Jay said that negotiation included a coin toss. "Doug won the toss, but we both won in the end," Jay said. "I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music."

Jay started his own record company, Roc Nation, and has been working on the Blueprint 3 with Kanye West since 2008.

In February, Jay joked that he was too free in making his latest opus.

"If I don't have any time constraints, I'll mess around, I'll never get it done," he said. "I'll be Axl Rose out here! It'll be 12 years later, and we'll be talking about Chinese Democracy. I really like the [time constraints]. But whatever happens, [the album] may turn out better, 'cause it'll be done when it's right."

Related Artists

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Ciara Says She Didn't Have The Best Prom Experience

'I really wasn't into partying when I was younger,' singer recalls of her high school days.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias

Ciara
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

It's May — you know what that means. It's getting warm, the flowers are blooming and the time-honored tradition of prom is back again. So get your corsages, turn up the cheesy music and fuel the limos, because this week we're catching up with your favorite stars and helping them relive their prom memories.

Back in high school, Army brat Ciara and her family settled down in Atlanta, where she wasn't very into partying. Come prom season, Ciara didn't sit out the festivities altogether, but she also wasn't the life of the prom party.

"I would have to say that my memories of prom would be that I really didn't have the best of prom experiences," she told MTV News. "But I didn't have the worst, either!"

Ciara said that back then, she didn't feel comfortable with the social politics of high school. "I don't have moments where I was like, 'Oh, my gosh!,' 'cause I really wasn't into partying when I was younger," she said. "And everyone seemed to be cliquey. I just partied in my own world."

Ciara does admit that no matter what, she tried to have a good time. "I will say [that at] every prom, I made sure I had fun," she said. "But I don't have the most exciting memories."

We'll have lots more celebrity prom stories rolling out throughout the week (and check out even more celebrity prom coverage on the MTV Buzzworthy blog)!

Lamenting Adam Lambert's Loss: Sexual Orientation to Blame?

Fans and celebrities are still coming to grips with the fact that Adam Lambert is not the American Idol.

While Kris Allen is clearly an impressive talent, it's hard for critics not to wonder about the basis for his victory; namely, did it have anything to do with Lambert's presumed homosexuality?

Here's a sampling of ways various critics have tackled that issue/asked that question:

• The Chicago Tribune: "It's difficult not to wonder if Lambert's sexuality played a role in Allen's victory... If Lambert's popularity on Idol was any indication of how tolerant and accepting America has become, his loss may indicate there's still further to go."

• Professional poker player Annie Duke: "I seriously think Adam lost just because he is gay. Bummed. Bummed. Bummed."

• Examiner.com: "Adam was too gay for America."

What do you think of these arguments? Weigh in below...

Did Adam Lambert's sexual orientation cost him the American Idol crown?

	Yes, he was clearly the best singer!
	No, Kris Allen deserved the title!
	Adam Lambert is gay?!?
View Results

Mila Kunis Steals Handicapped Spot Because Of Coffee-Related Disability

Mila Kunis, the annoying girlfriend from That 70's Show and voice of Family Guy's Meg Griffin, was spotted appropriating a handicapped space for her Lexus SC430. Is an iced mocha addictio! n really that debilitating?

[CelebrityCarsBlog]

Kara DioGuardi vs. Katrina Darrell: American Idol Bikini Battle!

We were surprised that Kris Allen won American Idol.

Still, that wasn't the most unexpected thing to take place on the stage of the Nokia Theatre last night.

As part of the two-hour finale, Kara DioGuardi sang a duet with former nemesis Katrina Darrell! (Remember her? Darrell earned the nickname "Bikini Girl" during the initial rounds of Idol auditions for donning a swimsuit while she sang for the judges.)

Moreover, at the end of their "Vision of Love" rendition, DioGuardi flashed her own bikini body for the world to see.

We strongly recommend watching the duet, if only for Randy Jackson's priceless reaction when Darrell comes out on stage, clearly enhanced in one area of her body.

Compare Kara and Katrina below and then answer our poll question:

Who has the better bikini body?

	Kara DioGuardi
	Katrina Darrell
View Results

'Hills' Star Stephanie Pratt's 'Risque' Prom Dress Got Her In Trouble

'I was like, 'It's high fashion, people,' ' Spencer's sister recalls.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias

Stephanie Pratt
Photo: MTV News

It's May — you know what that means. It's getting warm, the flowers are blooming and the time-honored tradition of prom is back again. So get your corsages, turn up the cheesy music and fuel the limos, because this week we're catching up with your favorite stars and helping them relive their favorite prom memories.

Some people remember the date they took to prom. Some people remember how awesome it was to spend the night with their friends. But for "Hills" star Stephanie Pratt, she remembers all the hot, brand-name fashions she wore to the big dance.

"I had really great prom memories, actually," Spencer's sister told MTV News. "One year, I wore an Imitation of Christ dress, this beautiful yellow dress."

But it was a dress she wore another year that caused a "Footloose"-style outrage among school officials at her high school.

"Another year, I wore, off the runway, this black dress that, like, went down to here, and it had laces, and it was right when low cuts were super popular," she said. "It was totally taped, but evidently it was too risqué. I was like, 'It's high fashion, people.' "

The TV star, who also has her own line of handbags, said it was in high school when her love for all things couture started: "I was always in love with fashion, but people didn't get me."

We'll have lots more celebrity prom stories rolling out throughout the week (and check out even more celebrity prom coverage on the MTV Buzzworthy blog)!

Robert Pattinson: Yes, He Cannes!

Can Robert Pattinson make every female on the planet swoon as he films scenes for New Moon?

Yes, he can!

Can Robert Pattinson be at the center of the hottest dating rumor in Hollywood?

Yes, he can!

Can Robert Pattinson pose for a series of gorgeous pictures during a break from attending the most famous film festival in the world?

Yes, he Cannes!

Can The Hollywood Gossip continue to tease said gorgeous pictures by adding to the longest, most unnecessary, pun-laden introduction in our site's history?

Yes, we... okay, sorry. Click on the following shots of Pattinson at the Cannes Film Festival to enlarge these handsome images:

[Photos: Splash News]

Clay Aiken Issues Rambling, Self-Righteous Apology to Adam Lambert

During a rambling blog entry - which included digs at bloggers for following his words more closely than the economy or the welfare of children around the globe - Clay Aiken sort of apologized to Adam Lambert for disparaging remarks he posted earlier in the week.

Many Lambert fans have taken Clay to task for referring to this season's runner-up as "contrived, awful and frightening."

In response, Aiken writes:

If only many [bloggers] took the time to pay attention to important things like the US economy and the welfare of the world's children. But… nah… I could blog about that type of stuff anytime and most wouldn't think twice, but let me say something that they can pick and choose quotes and misinterpret me… and it's showtime! I never assumed my opinion mattered so much! I guess I may have been wrong...

Since my previous blog got dissected like a biology lab frog, i suppose I should clarify and even retract some of what I wrote. I am sure that some were upset by my choice of words describing my opinion of a performance I heard from Adam Lambert.

I hope no one actually believed that blood truly poured forth from my ears when I heard him. I obviously meant it as a colorful statement to imply that I did not enjoy what I heard. Any performer hopes that their music will appeal to all people, but no singer realistically expects it to.

I definitely don't want to stoop to the level of so many negative freaks on the internet… so, I do apologize to Adam for my colorful (and negative) choice of words. I hope he can forgive me. I imagine he doesn't give a d---! God knows he shouldn't.

Clay Aiken thinks everyone (except for himself, apparently) should focus on world poverty instead of American Idol.

Brian Grazer Deftly Avoids Divorce Bonanza, Hairdo Perfectly Intact

As previously reported in tell-all novel form, superproducer Brian Grazer has split from his wife of 11 years, The Starter Wife author Gigi Levangie. Well now the divorce is final and, because of an ironclad prenup, ol' Grazerhead wasn't taken to the cleaners.

Gigi originally wanted one million dollars a month in child support, a number now winnowed down to $40,000. She'll also get a lump sum of $4.75 million, plus around $9 million additional so she buy a place of her own, that's in her name. So she can get a fresh start! And he has to pay 500k for Gigi's lawyers.

So all told, that's definitely better than coughing up $12 million every year for his two sons' out of control basketball sneaker addictions.

[TMZ]