Famous (And not so famous) Celebrities In Trouble Thread
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Turkish novelist may face prison for insulting his country's national character
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk is standing behind his controversial remarks about the killing of Armenians and Kurds, even though he could ultimately go to jail.
Pamuk, who is to go on trial in Turkey on Dec. 16 on charges of insulting his country's national character, is this year's recipient of the German Book Trade's annual Peace Prize.
"I repeat, I said loud and clear that 1 million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in Turkey," he told reporters Saturday at the Frankfurt Book Fair, but noted he never said the word genocide. "And I stand by that."
Controversy has surrounded Pamuk since he told a Swiss newspaper in February that "30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it."
He was referring to Kurds killed over the past two decades during Turkey's conflict with autonomy-seeking Kurdish guerrillas, branded as a terrorist group by the U.S. and European Union, and to Armenians killed around the time of World War I. Armenians and several countries consider the World War I killings as the first genocide of the 20th century, which Turkey vehemently denies.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to as long as three years in prison.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk is standing behind his controversial remarks about the killing of Armenians and Kurds, even though he could ultimately go to jail.
Pamuk, who is to go on trial in Turkey on Dec. 16 on charges of insulting his country's national character, is this year's recipient of the German Book Trade's annual Peace Prize.
"I repeat, I said loud and clear that 1 million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in Turkey," he told reporters Saturday at the Frankfurt Book Fair, but noted he never said the word genocide. "And I stand by that."
Controversy has surrounded Pamuk since he told a Swiss newspaper in February that "30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it."
He was referring to Kurds killed over the past two decades during Turkey's conflict with autonomy-seeking Kurdish guerrillas, branded as a terrorist group by the U.S. and European Union, and to Armenians killed around the time of World War I. Armenians and several countries consider the World War I killings as the first genocide of the 20th century, which Turkey vehemently denies.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to as long as three years in prison.
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Ronald Isley convicted of tax evasion
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (AP) — R&B singer Ronald Isley was convicted of multiple counts of tax evasion Monday and could face up to 26 years in prison when he is sentenced.
A federal jury convicted Isley, 64, of five counts of tax evasion and one count of willful failure to file a tax return, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas D. Coker said in a statement. Isley's sentencing was set for Jan. 9.
Prosecutors said Isley evaded the IRS by demanding case payments for millions of dollars in performance fees he earned between 1997 and 2002.
He also put homes and a yacht in the names of his then-wife or corporations, and cashed royalty checks belonging to his late brother, O'Kelly Isley, according to the government.
Isley's latest albums, released last year, were a collaboration with Burt Bacharach, titled "Here I Am," and the Grammy-nominated Isley Brothers CD, "Body Kiss."
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (AP) — R&B singer Ronald Isley was convicted of multiple counts of tax evasion Monday and could face up to 26 years in prison when he is sentenced.
A federal jury convicted Isley, 64, of five counts of tax evasion and one count of willful failure to file a tax return, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas D. Coker said in a statement. Isley's sentencing was set for Jan. 9.
Prosecutors said Isley evaded the IRS by demanding case payments for millions of dollars in performance fees he earned between 1997 and 2002.
He also put homes and a yacht in the names of his then-wife or corporations, and cashed royalty checks belonging to his late brother, O'Kelly Isley, according to the government.
Isley's latest albums, released last year, were a collaboration with Burt Bacharach, titled "Here I Am," and the Grammy-nominated Isley Brothers CD, "Body Kiss."
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TexasStooge wrote:Turkish novelist may face prison for insulting his country's national character
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk is standing behind his controversial remarks about the killing of Armenians and Kurds, even though he could ultimately go to jail.
Pamuk, who is to go on trial in Turkey on Dec. 16 on charges of insulting his country's national character, is this year's recipient of the German Book Trade's annual Peace Prize.
"I repeat, I said loud and clear that 1 million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in Turkey," he told reporters Saturday at the Frankfurt Book Fair, but noted he never said the word genocide. "And I stand by that."
Controversy has surrounded Pamuk since he told a Swiss newspaper in February that "30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians were killed in these lands and nobody but me dares to talk about it."
He was referring to Kurds killed over the past two decades during Turkey's conflict with autonomy-seeking Kurdish guerrillas, branded as a terrorist group by the U.S. and European Union, and to Armenians killed around the time of World War I. Armenians and several countries consider the World War I killings as the first genocide of the 20th century, which Turkey vehemently denies.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to as long as three years in prison.
he best be careful
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Judge: Former girlfriend of KISS rocker can proceed with defamation lawsuit
NEW YORK (AP) — A woman who claims to be a former girlfriend of KISS rocker Gene Simmons can proceed with a defamation lawsuit in which she says he made her sound like a "sex-addicted nymphomaniac" during a VH1 television show, a judge has ruled.
State Supreme Court Justice Rosalyn Richter denied Simmons' motion to dismiss two of three claims by Georgeann Walsh Ward, 53, who says in court papers made public Friday that Simmons slandered her during a "rockumentary" about KISS.
Ward said in her lawsuit, filed in January, that photos of her appeared 11 times during the report on KISS, which was shown on the network several times in July and August. In it, Simmons claimed to have had sexual encounters with 4,600 women.
The documentary, "When KISS Ruled The World," chronicled the band's 30-year career, its impact on rock music and the quartet's "wild" antics. The other band members were guitarist/singer Paul Stanley, drummer Peter Criss, and guitarist Ace Frehley.
Simmons says during the show, "There wasn't a girl that was off limits, and I enjoyed every one of them," Ward's court papers say.
At another point Simmons says, "I was a 24-hour whore. All I ever thought about was sex." This, court papers say, was shown and followed by a photo of Ward with Simmons.
Ward's papers say that because a photo of her with Simmons — though her name is never mentioned — was shown during remarks about his sexual adventures, she was in effect portrayed as "wild" and "unchaste."
Richter let stand Ward's two claims that she was depicted as unchaste or promiscuous during the documentary, even though Ward admitted she was in a "romantic" relationship with Simmons.
Social mores regarding sex between unmarried persons have changed, the judge said, but the law still says that calling a woman unchaste is defamation.
The judge dismissed Ward's claim that her likeness was used for commercial purposes without her permission. Richter said editorial use of photographs in documentaries or news publications is not barred by law.
Ward's lawyer, Martha McBrayer, did not return calls for comment.
Linda Steinman, who represents Simmons, did not return calls for comment.
NEW YORK (AP) — A woman who claims to be a former girlfriend of KISS rocker Gene Simmons can proceed with a defamation lawsuit in which she says he made her sound like a "sex-addicted nymphomaniac" during a VH1 television show, a judge has ruled.
State Supreme Court Justice Rosalyn Richter denied Simmons' motion to dismiss two of three claims by Georgeann Walsh Ward, 53, who says in court papers made public Friday that Simmons slandered her during a "rockumentary" about KISS.
Ward said in her lawsuit, filed in January, that photos of her appeared 11 times during the report on KISS, which was shown on the network several times in July and August. In it, Simmons claimed to have had sexual encounters with 4,600 women.
The documentary, "When KISS Ruled The World," chronicled the band's 30-year career, its impact on rock music and the quartet's "wild" antics. The other band members were guitarist/singer Paul Stanley, drummer Peter Criss, and guitarist Ace Frehley.
Simmons says during the show, "There wasn't a girl that was off limits, and I enjoyed every one of them," Ward's court papers say.
At another point Simmons says, "I was a 24-hour whore. All I ever thought about was sex." This, court papers say, was shown and followed by a photo of Ward with Simmons.
Ward's papers say that because a photo of her with Simmons — though her name is never mentioned — was shown during remarks about his sexual adventures, she was in effect portrayed as "wild" and "unchaste."
Richter let stand Ward's two claims that she was depicted as unchaste or promiscuous during the documentary, even though Ward admitted she was in a "romantic" relationship with Simmons.
Social mores regarding sex between unmarried persons have changed, the judge said, but the law still says that calling a woman unchaste is defamation.
The judge dismissed Ward's claim that her likeness was used for commercial purposes without her permission. Richter said editorial use of photographs in documentaries or news publications is not barred by law.
Ward's lawyer, Martha McBrayer, did not return calls for comment.
Linda Steinman, who represents Simmons, did not return calls for comment.
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Prosecutors: Rap mogul Irv Gotti laundered drug money
NEW YORK (AP) — A rap music mogul and his brother laundered shopping bags of drug money for a notorious crack kingpin who was masquerading as a music executive, a federal prosecutor told jurors Wednesday.
Murder Inc. head Irving Lorenzo and his brother Christopher "used their corporate bank accounts to clean drug money" for Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, prosecutor Sean Haran said in his opening statement in the Lorenzos' federal racketeering trial.
Prosecutors allege that McGriff was permitted to funnel more than $1 million in drug money through Murder Inc. in return for serving as the label's protector and enforcer. They also intend to introduce evidence that the Lorenzos knew about a plot allegedly planned by McGriff to kill platinum-selling rapper 50 Cent.
Irving Lorenzo's attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, told the jury about his client's rags to riches rise from local DJ to one of hip-hop's most influential executives. Known professionally as Irv Gotti, Lorenzo founded a label boasting stars such as Ashanti and Ja Rule.
Lefcourt charged that federal agents ignored evidence that would have cleared his client, and said the label associated with McGriff because he provided "a certain street credibility."
McGriff presented himself as a music industry executive, and relied on the Lorenzos to pay for limos and stays at fancy hotels, the prosecutor told the jury.
"All of it was a fraud," Haran said. "He wasn't a music executive. He was a drug dealer and they knew it."
The brothers, who are free on $1 million bail, were indicted along with McGriff last January. U.S. District Judge Edward Korman granted them a separate trial after the defense argued that prosecuting them with McGriff, who faces murder counts, would prejudice the jury.
The company cut McGriff $280,000 in checks after he had shopping bags and shoe boxes full of cash delivered to the label's Manhattan office in 2000, Haran said.
Lefcourt said federal agents were intent on arresting Irving Lorenzo, and said he and his brother associated with McGriff because he "had a big, bad reputation."
"It made sense to work with him because he provided a certain street credibility to Murder Inc. He also provided a deterrence to shakedown artists and thugs," Lefcourt told jurors.
Lorenzo, sitting at the defense table, smiled and nodded as his lawyer called him "a man who took no shortcuts."
"This is a man who followed his dream," Lefcourt said.
Murder Inc. changed its name to The Inc. last year after executives said the label's image was hurt by the racketeering case. If convicted, the Lorenzos face up to 20 years in prison.
NEW YORK (AP) — A rap music mogul and his brother laundered shopping bags of drug money for a notorious crack kingpin who was masquerading as a music executive, a federal prosecutor told jurors Wednesday.
Murder Inc. head Irving Lorenzo and his brother Christopher "used their corporate bank accounts to clean drug money" for Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, prosecutor Sean Haran said in his opening statement in the Lorenzos' federal racketeering trial.
Prosecutors allege that McGriff was permitted to funnel more than $1 million in drug money through Murder Inc. in return for serving as the label's protector and enforcer. They also intend to introduce evidence that the Lorenzos knew about a plot allegedly planned by McGriff to kill platinum-selling rapper 50 Cent.
Irving Lorenzo's attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, told the jury about his client's rags to riches rise from local DJ to one of hip-hop's most influential executives. Known professionally as Irv Gotti, Lorenzo founded a label boasting stars such as Ashanti and Ja Rule.
Lefcourt charged that federal agents ignored evidence that would have cleared his client, and said the label associated with McGriff because he provided "a certain street credibility."
McGriff presented himself as a music industry executive, and relied on the Lorenzos to pay for limos and stays at fancy hotels, the prosecutor told the jury.
"All of it was a fraud," Haran said. "He wasn't a music executive. He was a drug dealer and they knew it."
The brothers, who are free on $1 million bail, were indicted along with McGriff last January. U.S. District Judge Edward Korman granted them a separate trial after the defense argued that prosecuting them with McGriff, who faces murder counts, would prejudice the jury.
The company cut McGriff $280,000 in checks after he had shopping bags and shoe boxes full of cash delivered to the label's Manhattan office in 2000, Haran said.
Lefcourt said federal agents were intent on arresting Irving Lorenzo, and said he and his brother associated with McGriff because he "had a big, bad reputation."
"It made sense to work with him because he provided a certain street credibility to Murder Inc. He also provided a deterrence to shakedown artists and thugs," Lefcourt told jurors.
Lorenzo, sitting at the defense table, smiled and nodded as his lawyer called him "a man who took no shortcuts."
"This is a man who followed his dream," Lefcourt said.
Murder Inc. changed its name to The Inc. last year after executives said the label's image was hurt by the racketeering case. If convicted, the Lorenzos face up to 20 years in prison.
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Man sues rappers Ice-T, Jay-Z over claim to royalties for famous song
NEW YORK (AP) — A former member of 2 Live Crew has filed a lawsuit against Ice-T and Jay-Z, claiming he is entitled to royalties for a song made famous by Jay-Z as part of his top-selling "The Black Album."
In a filing Monday in U.S. District Court, Marquis Ross claims he wrote lyrics and a beat similar to those featured in the chorus of "99 Problems," which was eventually copyrighted by Jay-Z.
Ross alleges that Jay-Z's 2003 and 2004 recordings are based on a song by the same name that was released a decade earlier on Ice-T's "Home Invasion" album.
The lawsuit alleges Ross was asked by Ice-T to appear on that track and had performed parts of it before their collaboration.
Ice-T put his own name on the copyright, but didn't include Ross and refused to pay royalties to the 2 Live Crew rapper until 2005, when he made a "partial payment" of $10,000, the lawsuit claims.
A spokeswoman for Jay-Z didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press Tuesday for comment. A spokesman for Ice-T also was unavailable for comment.
Ross is requesting back royalties and punitive damages.
NEW YORK (AP) — A former member of 2 Live Crew has filed a lawsuit against Ice-T and Jay-Z, claiming he is entitled to royalties for a song made famous by Jay-Z as part of his top-selling "The Black Album."
In a filing Monday in U.S. District Court, Marquis Ross claims he wrote lyrics and a beat similar to those featured in the chorus of "99 Problems," which was eventually copyrighted by Jay-Z.
Ross alleges that Jay-Z's 2003 and 2004 recordings are based on a song by the same name that was released a decade earlier on Ice-T's "Home Invasion" album.
The lawsuit alleges Ross was asked by Ice-T to appear on that track and had performed parts of it before their collaboration.
Ice-T put his own name on the copyright, but didn't include Ross and refused to pay royalties to the 2 Live Crew rapper until 2005, when he made a "partial payment" of $10,000, the lawsuit claims.
A spokeswoman for Jay-Z didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press Tuesday for comment. A spokesman for Ice-T also was unavailable for comment.
Ross is requesting back royalties and punitive damages.
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Russell Crowe shows he can laugh off assault conviction
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has shown he can now laugh about throwing a telephone at a Manhattan hotel concierge.
Hosting Australia's version of the Oscars, the Australian Film Industry Awards, in the southern city of Melbourne Saturday night, the volatile actor walked on stage carrying a chunky, old-fashioned, Bakelite telephone.
"If there are any problems and you do get up here and go on too long," Crowe warned nominees in the audience before indicating the phone, "Then 'hello' to my little friend."
The self-deprecating joke was widely broadcast on television news reports of the awards on Sunday.
The 41-year-old New Zealand-born Australia-based actor pleaded guilty earlier this month to third-degree assault, admitting to a judge that he threw a phone that hit a concierge in June.
A Manhattan criminal court sentenced the actor to a conditional discharge, which means he must not get arrested for one year.
Last week, Crowe berated reporters at a press conference in Melbourne for blowing the phone-throwing incident out of proportion.
Had Crowe been convicted of the more serious charges initially filed against him — assault and criminal possession of a weapon, the telephone — he could have lost his right to work in the United States and might have faced seven years of prison time.
Crowe won the Academy Award for best actor in 2001 for "Gladiator" and has also starred in such films as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Cinderella Man."
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has shown he can now laugh about throwing a telephone at a Manhattan hotel concierge.
Hosting Australia's version of the Oscars, the Australian Film Industry Awards, in the southern city of Melbourne Saturday night, the volatile actor walked on stage carrying a chunky, old-fashioned, Bakelite telephone.
"If there are any problems and you do get up here and go on too long," Crowe warned nominees in the audience before indicating the phone, "Then 'hello' to my little friend."
The self-deprecating joke was widely broadcast on television news reports of the awards on Sunday.
The 41-year-old New Zealand-born Australia-based actor pleaded guilty earlier this month to third-degree assault, admitting to a judge that he threw a phone that hit a concierge in June.
A Manhattan criminal court sentenced the actor to a conditional discharge, which means he must not get arrested for one year.
Last week, Crowe berated reporters at a press conference in Melbourne for blowing the phone-throwing incident out of proportion.
Had Crowe been convicted of the more serious charges initially filed against him — assault and criminal possession of a weapon, the telephone — he could have lost his right to work in the United States and might have faced seven years of prison time.
Crowe won the Academy Award for best actor in 2001 for "Gladiator" and has also starred in such films as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Cinderella Man."
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'Lost' stars face DWI charges
HONOLULU, Hi. (AP) — Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros, who star on ABC's "Lost," were arrested within 15 minutes of each other in Kailua for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
Both failed field sobriety tests and were released Thursday on $500 bail each, police said. The actresses, who were in separate cars, were arrested after their vehicles were spotted weaving on Pali Highway, which connects Kailua and Honolulu, police said.
Watros, who portrays Libby on "Lost," was arrested at 12:05 a.m. Rodriguez, who plays Ana Lucia, was arrested at 12:20 a.m., according to police records. Rodriguez was booked under the name Mayte Michelle Rodriguez.
Calls placed by The Associated Press after business hours seeking comment from "Lost" spokesman Jeff Fordis weren't immediately returned.
Rodriguez, 27, and Watros, 37, were to appear at a driver's license revocation hearing at Kaneohe District Court on Dec. 29, police records showed.
Motorists arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant automatically have their driver's licenses revoked. They are given a temporary license that allows them to drive, but under several restrictions.
HONOLULU, Hi. (AP) — Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros, who star on ABC's "Lost," were arrested within 15 minutes of each other in Kailua for allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
Both failed field sobriety tests and were released Thursday on $500 bail each, police said. The actresses, who were in separate cars, were arrested after their vehicles were spotted weaving on Pali Highway, which connects Kailua and Honolulu, police said.
Watros, who portrays Libby on "Lost," was arrested at 12:05 a.m. Rodriguez, who plays Ana Lucia, was arrested at 12:20 a.m., according to police records. Rodriguez was booked under the name Mayte Michelle Rodriguez.
Calls placed by The Associated Press after business hours seeking comment from "Lost" spokesman Jeff Fordis weren't immediately returned.
Rodriguez, 27, and Watros, 37, were to appear at a driver's license revocation hearing at Kaneohe District Court on Dec. 29, police records showed.
Motorists arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant automatically have their driver's licenses revoked. They are given a temporary license that allows them to drive, but under several restrictions.
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Former employee sues comic David Chappelle for $1 million in unpaid wages
NEW YORK (AP) — One of Dave Chappelle's former employees says the comic asked him to be his manager for nine months beginning last year, but never paid him.
In a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Mustafa Abuelhija said Chappelle told him in September 2004 that he could be his personal manager and spread the word to his financial aides but never put it in writing.
The deal outlined in Chappelle's business and financial records called for Abuelhija to receive 5 percent of Chappelle's revenue from personal appearances and 10 percent of entertainment deals, according to the lawsuit, which was filed Monday.
The suit said Abuelhija was owed his cut of an initial payment of $4.5 million from Comedy Central for the third and fourth seasons of "Chappelle's Show." The deal was reportedly to be worth $50 million, but the comic walked out after doing half of the third-season episodes.
Since disappearing in May, Chappelle, 32, has since resumed performing live stand-up. Comedy Central recently announced that it will broadcast next spring the four episodes' worth of sketches he filmed before his exit.
The lawsuit seeks nearly $1 million in damages and an unspecified sum for a percentage of royalties.
Chappelle's lawyer, David Smith, had no comment.
NEW YORK (AP) — One of Dave Chappelle's former employees says the comic asked him to be his manager for nine months beginning last year, but never paid him.
In a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Mustafa Abuelhija said Chappelle told him in September 2004 that he could be his personal manager and spread the word to his financial aides but never put it in writing.
The deal outlined in Chappelle's business and financial records called for Abuelhija to receive 5 percent of Chappelle's revenue from personal appearances and 10 percent of entertainment deals, according to the lawsuit, which was filed Monday.
The suit said Abuelhija was owed his cut of an initial payment of $4.5 million from Comedy Central for the third and fourth seasons of "Chappelle's Show." The deal was reportedly to be worth $50 million, but the comic walked out after doing half of the third-season episodes.
Since disappearing in May, Chappelle, 32, has since resumed performing live stand-up. Comedy Central recently announced that it will broadcast next spring the four episodes' worth of sketches he filmed before his exit.
The lawsuit seeks nearly $1 million in damages and an unspecified sum for a percentage of royalties.
Chappelle's lawyer, David Smith, had no comment.
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Marlon Brando's son sued by ex-wife, stepdaughter over alleged death threats
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Christian Brando, son of late actor Marlon Brando, was sued by his ex-wife and his stepdaughter, who alleged he abused and threatened to kill them, their attorney said Thursday.
Deborah Brando and her 13-year-old daughter filed a lawsuit against Brando in Superior Court on Tuesday for violation of their civil rights, assault, domestic violence, battery and emotional distress.
They are seeking unspecified damages, attorney Brian Oxman said.
Brando attorney Bruce Margolin said neither he nor Brando had seen the lawsuit and could not comment on it.
Brando pleaded guilty to charges of spousal abuse in January and was sentenced to drug and alcohol rehab and three years of probation.
The lawsuit alleges he "repeatedly struck Ms. Brando with his hands and fists and threatened to kill her in the presence of her daughter." He allegedly forced Deborah Brando to have sexual intercourse, threatening to suffocate her with a pillow.
The lawsuit also claims Brando would chase his stepdaughter and once threatened to "to cut her up into a million pieces."
"There was no physical contact with Deborah's daughter, but she was put in fear for her life," Oxman said.
In one instance, Brando asked his ex-wife to register a gun in her name because he was a convicted felon and could not own a gun, the lawsuit alleges.
Brando and his ex-wife met in 1990, the same year he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of his half-sister's boyfriend Dag Drollet. Brando served five years in prison.
He and Deborah Brando moved into the home of his father, Marlon Brando, a month after the actor's death on July 1, 2004.
They married in October 2004 and divorced earlier this year, Oxman said.
Brando gained recent notoriety as a witness in Robert Blake's civil trial, where he refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Blake's lawyers had hinted that Brando may have killed Blake's wife Bonny Lee Bakley. At one time, Bakley claimed Brando, a former boyfriend, had fathered her daughter Rose until DNA tests proved Blake was the father.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Christian Brando, son of late actor Marlon Brando, was sued by his ex-wife and his stepdaughter, who alleged he abused and threatened to kill them, their attorney said Thursday.
Deborah Brando and her 13-year-old daughter filed a lawsuit against Brando in Superior Court on Tuesday for violation of their civil rights, assault, domestic violence, battery and emotional distress.
They are seeking unspecified damages, attorney Brian Oxman said.
Brando attorney Bruce Margolin said neither he nor Brando had seen the lawsuit and could not comment on it.
Brando pleaded guilty to charges of spousal abuse in January and was sentenced to drug and alcohol rehab and three years of probation.
The lawsuit alleges he "repeatedly struck Ms. Brando with his hands and fists and threatened to kill her in the presence of her daughter." He allegedly forced Deborah Brando to have sexual intercourse, threatening to suffocate her with a pillow.
The lawsuit also claims Brando would chase his stepdaughter and once threatened to "to cut her up into a million pieces."
"There was no physical contact with Deborah's daughter, but she was put in fear for her life," Oxman said.
In one instance, Brando asked his ex-wife to register a gun in her name because he was a convicted felon and could not own a gun, the lawsuit alleges.
Brando and his ex-wife met in 1990, the same year he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of his half-sister's boyfriend Dag Drollet. Brando served five years in prison.
He and Deborah Brando moved into the home of his father, Marlon Brando, a month after the actor's death on July 1, 2004.
They married in October 2004 and divorced earlier this year, Oxman said.
Brando gained recent notoriety as a witness in Robert Blake's civil trial, where he refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Blake's lawyers had hinted that Brando may have killed Blake's wife Bonny Lee Bakley. At one time, Bakley claimed Brando, a former boyfriend, had fathered her daughter Rose until DNA tests proved Blake was the father.
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'Lost' stars Michelle Rodriguez, Cynthia Watros arraigned on DUI charges
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Court TV/CNN) — "Lost" stars Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros were arraigned on charges of drunken driving Thursday, nearly a month after both actresses were arrested in separate cars.
Watros, 37, who plays Libby on ABC's hit castaway drama, planned to return to court January 12 to plead guilty, according to her attorney, Lanson Kupau.
"She made a mistake. She's very remorseful and she wants to take responsibility for her actions," Kupau said in an interview. "She realizes, understands and appreciates the seriousness of the charges."
Neither actress attended the court hearing.
A March 30 trial was set for Rodriguez, who plays police officer Ana Lucia on "Lost," which is filmed in Hawaii. Her attorney, Steve Barta, declined to comment.
The actresses were driving separate cars when they were arrested December 1 within 15 minutes of each other. Their vehicles had been spotted weaving in Kailua, on the island of Oahu.
Both failed field sobriety tests and were released on $500 bail, police said.
Rodriguez pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to three traffic violations in 2004, including drunken driving. She completed a three-month alcohol program and is serving a three-year probation term.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles planned to ask a court for a probation violation hearing.
Rodriguez, 27, was also cited for speeding in Hawaii three times this year.
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Court TV/CNN) — "Lost" stars Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros were arraigned on charges of drunken driving Thursday, nearly a month after both actresses were arrested in separate cars.
Watros, 37, who plays Libby on ABC's hit castaway drama, planned to return to court January 12 to plead guilty, according to her attorney, Lanson Kupau.
"She made a mistake. She's very remorseful and she wants to take responsibility for her actions," Kupau said in an interview. "She realizes, understands and appreciates the seriousness of the charges."
Neither actress attended the court hearing.
A March 30 trial was set for Rodriguez, who plays police officer Ana Lucia on "Lost," which is filmed in Hawaii. Her attorney, Steve Barta, declined to comment.
The actresses were driving separate cars when they were arrested December 1 within 15 minutes of each other. Their vehicles had been spotted weaving in Kailua, on the island of Oahu.
Both failed field sobriety tests and were released on $500 bail, police said.
Rodriguez pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to three traffic violations in 2004, including drunken driving. She completed a three-month alcohol program and is serving a three-year probation term.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles planned to ask a court for a probation violation hearing.
Rodriguez, 27, was also cited for speeding in Hawaii three times this year.
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Paris Hilton accused of lying under oath in slander case
By Lisa Sweetingham / Court TV
"Always tell everyone what they want to hear. Then do what you want," is the advice Paris Hilton offers wannabe heiresses in the first chapter of her best-selling book, "Confessions of an Heiress."
But does the ubiquitous party girl follow her own advice — even while under oath?
Hilton, who was hit with a $10 million slander and libel suit by actress Zeta Graff this summer, is now accused of repeatedly perjuring herself during a Nov. 9 civil deposition in that case.
"The evidence has shown that, in an obvious attempt to mask her own liability and reduce her overall exposure in this case, Hilton lied under oath at her deposition time and time again," according to new court documents filed Tuesday by attorneys for Graff.
The new perjury accusations stem from Hilton's denial that she planted false stories about Graff in the press, which is the basis for Graff's multimillion dollar suit.
Hilton blames her former publicist, Rob Shuter, for placing the story, according to court documents.
But Shuter recently confirmed Graff's accusations, based on excerpts from his deposition in which he describes how Hilton phoned him after the two women had a run-in at London nightclub Kabaret, and then gave him specific instructions about what she wanted him to feed to the gossip pages of the New York Post.
"I listened carefully. I took notes. And then, I made a call. Then, I called the Post," Shuter said in his Dec. 16 videotaped deposition.
The story that appeared in the Post's Page Six column July 2 portrayed Graff as a "jealous ex-girlfriend" who went "berserk" when she saw Hilton dancing with Paris Latsis, Graff's former lover.
The Post quoted an anonymous eyewitness who claimed Graff tried to strangle the heiress and grab the jewels off her neck before security restrained her and escorted her from the club.
Shuter said in his deposition that Hilton was the anonymous source and that she referred to herself in the third person as she fed him the following quote: "'It's one thing to lose your boyfriend to Paris Hilton — it's another to find her wearing your family jewels,' mused one observer."
Hilton has admitted, in court documents, that the story was false and even concedes that she tried to have Graff removed from the club. However, her attorneys say she denies causing the article to be published.
"Hilton believes that certain statements contained in the article were communicated to the New York Post by Robert Shuter of Dan Klores Communications, without Hilton's prior consent, knowledge, participation or authorization," say documents filed in September by Hilton's attorneys, who could not be reached for comment.
But Shuter said that the "media savvy" socialite "painted a very dramatic and pretty ugly scene" during their four-minute conversation.
"She dictated and I wrote," Shuter said, adding later, "My recollection is that she wanted to say something much more mean than this. Much more tough. I can't remember, but I definitely had to tone her back."
Graff's attorneys want to question Latsis next.
"We look forward to all of the facts coming out. And in that regard, we will be taking Paris Latsis' deposition later this month," Paul Berra of Lavely & Singer told Courttv.com.
Two European tabloids that ran the Post piece have since apologized and retracted the article. The Post has not retracted the article, but on Tuesday Page Six quoted another anonymous source as saying Hilton admitted during her own deposition that she lied when she planted a story in the press about Graff.
"Hilton will learn a valuable lesson about what happens when you try to ruin another person's reputation," Graff says in a statement published by the Post, which Berra confirmed to be Graff's words. "She made a number of false statements about me, and she repeatedly lied under oath during her recent deposition. I look forward to her explaining all of this to a jury."
By Lisa Sweetingham / Court TV
"Always tell everyone what they want to hear. Then do what you want," is the advice Paris Hilton offers wannabe heiresses in the first chapter of her best-selling book, "Confessions of an Heiress."
But does the ubiquitous party girl follow her own advice — even while under oath?
Hilton, who was hit with a $10 million slander and libel suit by actress Zeta Graff this summer, is now accused of repeatedly perjuring herself during a Nov. 9 civil deposition in that case.
"The evidence has shown that, in an obvious attempt to mask her own liability and reduce her overall exposure in this case, Hilton lied under oath at her deposition time and time again," according to new court documents filed Tuesday by attorneys for Graff.
The new perjury accusations stem from Hilton's denial that she planted false stories about Graff in the press, which is the basis for Graff's multimillion dollar suit.
Hilton blames her former publicist, Rob Shuter, for placing the story, according to court documents.
But Shuter recently confirmed Graff's accusations, based on excerpts from his deposition in which he describes how Hilton phoned him after the two women had a run-in at London nightclub Kabaret, and then gave him specific instructions about what she wanted him to feed to the gossip pages of the New York Post.
"I listened carefully. I took notes. And then, I made a call. Then, I called the Post," Shuter said in his Dec. 16 videotaped deposition.
The story that appeared in the Post's Page Six column July 2 portrayed Graff as a "jealous ex-girlfriend" who went "berserk" when she saw Hilton dancing with Paris Latsis, Graff's former lover.
The Post quoted an anonymous eyewitness who claimed Graff tried to strangle the heiress and grab the jewels off her neck before security restrained her and escorted her from the club.
Shuter said in his deposition that Hilton was the anonymous source and that she referred to herself in the third person as she fed him the following quote: "'It's one thing to lose your boyfriend to Paris Hilton — it's another to find her wearing your family jewels,' mused one observer."
Hilton has admitted, in court documents, that the story was false and even concedes that she tried to have Graff removed from the club. However, her attorneys say she denies causing the article to be published.
"Hilton believes that certain statements contained in the article were communicated to the New York Post by Robert Shuter of Dan Klores Communications, without Hilton's prior consent, knowledge, participation or authorization," say documents filed in September by Hilton's attorneys, who could not be reached for comment.
But Shuter said that the "media savvy" socialite "painted a very dramatic and pretty ugly scene" during their four-minute conversation.
"She dictated and I wrote," Shuter said, adding later, "My recollection is that she wanted to say something much more mean than this. Much more tough. I can't remember, but I definitely had to tone her back."
Graff's attorneys want to question Latsis next.
"We look forward to all of the facts coming out. And in that regard, we will be taking Paris Latsis' deposition later this month," Paul Berra of Lavely & Singer told Courttv.com.
Two European tabloids that ran the Post piece have since apologized and retracted the article. The Post has not retracted the article, but on Tuesday Page Six quoted another anonymous source as saying Hilton admitted during her own deposition that she lied when she planted a story in the press about Graff.
"Hilton will learn a valuable lesson about what happens when you try to ruin another person's reputation," Graff says in a statement published by the Post, which Berra confirmed to be Graff's words. "She made a number of false statements about me, and she repeatedly lied under oath during her recent deposition. I look forward to her explaining all of this to a jury."
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Police urge Kate Moss to return to London, face questions about drug use
LONDON, England (AP) — One of Britain's most senior police officers has urged supermodel Kate Moss to return home to answer questions over her alleged cocaine use.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said he wants Moss to tell police her side of the story.
"For everybody's sake, and for her to move on, the sooner she speaks to us the better," Ghaffur said in a statement Thursday.
"We wish for the investigation to take its course, and she would be dealt with very fairly and proportionately, as would be the case with anybody else."
Moss, 31, lost valuable contracts with H&M, Burberry and Chanel after the Daily Mirror tabloid in September published pictures of her apparently using cocaine in a west London music studio where her then-boyfriend, rock musician Pete Doherty, was recording with his group Babyshambles.
She later went into a rehab clinic in Arizona and hasn't been home since; she was pictured earlier this week skiing in Aspen, Colo.
There was no immediate comment Thursday on Ghaffur's request from the Storm model agency, which represents Moss.
Ghaffur, who is responsible for specialist crime at the Metropolitan Police, said police have no plans to send officers to the United States. But he said police are in contact with Moss' representatives.
"What I can say, on behalf of the investigation, is that the net on others involved is closing in, and there will be arrests," he said.
As part of the investigation, police have searched the studio where the alleged incident took place and obtained a full digital recording of the alleged drug abuse.
LONDON, England (AP) — One of Britain's most senior police officers has urged supermodel Kate Moss to return home to answer questions over her alleged cocaine use.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said he wants Moss to tell police her side of the story.
"For everybody's sake, and for her to move on, the sooner she speaks to us the better," Ghaffur said in a statement Thursday.
"We wish for the investigation to take its course, and she would be dealt with very fairly and proportionately, as would be the case with anybody else."
Moss, 31, lost valuable contracts with H&M, Burberry and Chanel after the Daily Mirror tabloid in September published pictures of her apparently using cocaine in a west London music studio where her then-boyfriend, rock musician Pete Doherty, was recording with his group Babyshambles.
She later went into a rehab clinic in Arizona and hasn't been home since; she was pictured earlier this week skiing in Aspen, Colo.
There was no immediate comment Thursday on Ghaffur's request from the Storm model agency, which represents Moss.
Ghaffur, who is responsible for specialist crime at the Metropolitan Police, said police have no plans to send officers to the United States. But he said police are in contact with Moss' representatives.
"What I can say, on behalf of the investigation, is that the net on others involved is closing in, and there will be arrests," he said.
As part of the investigation, police have searched the studio where the alleged incident took place and obtained a full digital recording of the alleged drug abuse.
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Ex-British rocker Gary Glitter faces obscenity charges in Vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam (Court TV/AP) — Former British rocker Gary Glitter was formally charged Friday with committing obscene acts with two girls aged 10 and 11 at a Vietnamese resort town, prosecutors said.
Glitter, 61, who won fame as a flamboyant glam rocker in the 1970s, is accused of kissing and engaging in other physical acts with the girls at his rental home in the southern coastal town of Vung Tau, prosecutor Nguyen Van Xung said.
The charges carry prison terms of three to seven years, said Xung, who is deputy chief prosecutor in southern Ba Ria Vung Tau province.
Glitter, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, originally faced possible child rape charges carrying the death penalty, but prosecutors did not find enough evidence for those charges, Xung said.
He has been detained at a jail near Vung Tau since Nov. 19 after he was seized in Ho Chi Minh City trying to board a flight out of the country.
Ba Ria Vung Tau provincial People's Court must still make the determination whether to put Glitter on trial, Xung said.
Prosecutors said it was unlikely Glitter would be granted bail, saying the court would consider him a flight risk.
Glitter is perhaps best known for his song "Rock and Roll (Part 2)," still often played at sporting events.
He was convicted in Britain in 1999 of possessing child pornography and served half of a four-month jail term. He later went to Cambodia and was permanently expelled in 2002, but Cambodian officials did not specify any crime or file charges.
HANOI, Vietnam (Court TV/AP) — Former British rocker Gary Glitter was formally charged Friday with committing obscene acts with two girls aged 10 and 11 at a Vietnamese resort town, prosecutors said.
Glitter, 61, who won fame as a flamboyant glam rocker in the 1970s, is accused of kissing and engaging in other physical acts with the girls at his rental home in the southern coastal town of Vung Tau, prosecutor Nguyen Van Xung said.
The charges carry prison terms of three to seven years, said Xung, who is deputy chief prosecutor in southern Ba Ria Vung Tau province.
Glitter, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, originally faced possible child rape charges carrying the death penalty, but prosecutors did not find enough evidence for those charges, Xung said.
He has been detained at a jail near Vung Tau since Nov. 19 after he was seized in Ho Chi Minh City trying to board a flight out of the country.
Ba Ria Vung Tau provincial People's Court must still make the determination whether to put Glitter on trial, Xung said.
Prosecutors said it was unlikely Glitter would be granted bail, saying the court would consider him a flight risk.
Glitter is perhaps best known for his song "Rock and Roll (Part 2)," still often played at sporting events.
He was convicted in Britain in 1999 of possessing child pornography and served half of a four-month jail term. He later went to Cambodia and was permanently expelled in 2002, but Cambodian officials did not specify any crime or file charges.
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'Lost' star Cynthia Watros pleads guilty to drunken driving
KANEOHE, Hawaii (AP) — Cynthia Watros, who plays Libby on ABC's hit series "Lost," pleaded guilty to drunken driving Thursday. She was fined $370 and had her driver's license suspended for 90 days.
District Judge James Dannenberg also ordered Watros, 37, to undergo an alcohol assessment and to submit to 14 hours of counseling.
"I'm sorry," Watros said after entering her plea.
Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, a citation for crossing the white line was waived.
"This is no fun, but you know how much worse it could have been. Get on with your life, and I wish you luck," Dannenberg told Watros.
Michelle Rodriguez, who co-stars with Watros as police officer Ana Lucia on the castaway drama, was also charged with drunken driving. The two were pulled over in separate cars within 15 minutes of each other Dec. 1.
Their cars had been spotted weaving on a road in Kailua, on the island of Oahu, where "Lost" is filmed. Both failed field sobriety tests and were released on $500 bail, police said.
Rodriguez, 27, who was scheduled to stand trial March 30 after pleading not guilty last month, was also cited for speeding in Hawaii three times last year.
In 2004, Rodriguez pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to three traffic violations, including drunken driving. She completed a three-month alcohol program and is serving a three-year probation term.
KANEOHE, Hawaii (AP) — Cynthia Watros, who plays Libby on ABC's hit series "Lost," pleaded guilty to drunken driving Thursday. She was fined $370 and had her driver's license suspended for 90 days.
District Judge James Dannenberg also ordered Watros, 37, to undergo an alcohol assessment and to submit to 14 hours of counseling.
"I'm sorry," Watros said after entering her plea.
Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, a citation for crossing the white line was waived.
"This is no fun, but you know how much worse it could have been. Get on with your life, and I wish you luck," Dannenberg told Watros.
Michelle Rodriguez, who co-stars with Watros as police officer Ana Lucia on the castaway drama, was also charged with drunken driving. The two were pulled over in separate cars within 15 minutes of each other Dec. 1.
Their cars had been spotted weaving on a road in Kailua, on the island of Oahu, where "Lost" is filmed. Both failed field sobriety tests and were released on $500 bail, police said.
Rodriguez, 27, who was scheduled to stand trial March 30 after pleading not guilty last month, was also cited for speeding in Hawaii three times last year.
In 2004, Rodriguez pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to three traffic violations, including drunken driving. She completed a three-month alcohol program and is serving a three-year probation term.
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Actor Brad Renfro pleads not guilty to drug charges in heroin bust
By Lisa Sweetingham / Court TV
LOS ANGELES — Actor Brad Renfro pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony drug charges stemming from his arrest for allegedly trying to buy heroin from undercover officers in a skid-row drug sting that netted more than a dozen people.
The 23-year-old star of "Ghost World," "Apt Pupil" and "The Client" checked into a live-in drug-treatment program following his Dec. 22 arrest and is free on $10,000 bail.
"He's looking forward to resolving it all as soon as possible and getting back to acting," Renfro's attorney, Richard Kaplan, told reporters outside Superior Court Commissioner James Bianco's courtroom.
When asked how long he would remain in rehab, Renfro said, "It's undetermined," before his attorney interrupted him with a raised hand and a curt "No comment."
The ruddy-faced actor spoke barely a word during his arraignment. He wore a rumpled black suit, black shirt and black tie, and stood slump-shouldered next to his attorney during the brief hearing.
Renfro nodded and thanked reporters as he left the courtroom with Kaplan and a female companion.
In an unrelated case, former 1970s musician and teen idol Leif Garrett is scheduled to appear before Commissioner Bianco Wednesday afternoon on a heroin possession charge.
Garrett, who is on probation for a prior drug conviction, was arrested Saturday after police stopped him for allegedly evading the fare at a Pershing Square subway station not far from where Renfro was nabbed by police in December.
Renfro's face splashed front page of the Los Angeles Times last month when a reporter tagged along with officers conducting a drug sting in Los Angeles' gritty, drug-infested downtown district near Sixth and Spring Streets.
Renfro was among 14 individuals arrested for suspicion of attempting to possess heroin, after he allegedly tried to buy fake heroin packaged in balloons by undercover Los Angeles police officers. The busts took place, according to the Times report, in an area dubbed "heroin alley."
Police said in a press conference after Renfro's arrest that the actor was apologetic to officers and admitted to having a drug problem.
But the "Huck Finn" star has had a history of drug-related criminal charges.
In 1998, he struck a plea bargain on cocaine and marijuana charges in Knoxville, Tenn., and agreed to undergo random drug screening.
He was placed on probation in Florida in 2001 in connection with underage drinking and allegedly attempting to steal a yacht.
Attorney Kaplan told Courttv.com that Renfro may accept a plea bargain at his next hearing, scheduled for Feb. 23, and that he hopes to work with prosecutors to "try to resolve this without going to trial so that he can get back to work."
Court TV wire services contributed to this story.
By Lisa Sweetingham / Court TV
LOS ANGELES — Actor Brad Renfro pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony drug charges stemming from his arrest for allegedly trying to buy heroin from undercover officers in a skid-row drug sting that netted more than a dozen people.
The 23-year-old star of "Ghost World," "Apt Pupil" and "The Client" checked into a live-in drug-treatment program following his Dec. 22 arrest and is free on $10,000 bail.
"He's looking forward to resolving it all as soon as possible and getting back to acting," Renfro's attorney, Richard Kaplan, told reporters outside Superior Court Commissioner James Bianco's courtroom.
When asked how long he would remain in rehab, Renfro said, "It's undetermined," before his attorney interrupted him with a raised hand and a curt "No comment."
The ruddy-faced actor spoke barely a word during his arraignment. He wore a rumpled black suit, black shirt and black tie, and stood slump-shouldered next to his attorney during the brief hearing.
Renfro nodded and thanked reporters as he left the courtroom with Kaplan and a female companion.
In an unrelated case, former 1970s musician and teen idol Leif Garrett is scheduled to appear before Commissioner Bianco Wednesday afternoon on a heroin possession charge.
Garrett, who is on probation for a prior drug conviction, was arrested Saturday after police stopped him for allegedly evading the fare at a Pershing Square subway station not far from where Renfro was nabbed by police in December.
Renfro's face splashed front page of the Los Angeles Times last month when a reporter tagged along with officers conducting a drug sting in Los Angeles' gritty, drug-infested downtown district near Sixth and Spring Streets.
Renfro was among 14 individuals arrested for suspicion of attempting to possess heroin, after he allegedly tried to buy fake heroin packaged in balloons by undercover Los Angeles police officers. The busts took place, according to the Times report, in an area dubbed "heroin alley."
Police said in a press conference after Renfro's arrest that the actor was apologetic to officers and admitted to having a drug problem.
But the "Huck Finn" star has had a history of drug-related criminal charges.
In 1998, he struck a plea bargain on cocaine and marijuana charges in Knoxville, Tenn., and agreed to undergo random drug screening.
He was placed on probation in Florida in 2001 in connection with underage drinking and allegedly attempting to steal a yacht.
Attorney Kaplan told Courttv.com that Renfro may accept a plea bargain at his next hearing, scheduled for Feb. 23, and that he hopes to work with prosecutors to "try to resolve this without going to trial so that he can get back to work."
Court TV wire services contributed to this story.
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Rapper Mystikal sentenced to prison time for failing to pay taxes
BATON ROUGE, La. (Court TV/AP) — Grammy-nominated rapper Mystikal has been sentenced to a year in prison for trying to cheat the federal government out of $271,000 in taxes.
U.S. District Judge James Brady said Thursday that he would allow Mystikal, whose real name is Michael L. Tyler, to serve the sentence at the same time he serves a state sentence for sexual battery against his former hairstylist.
Tyler is serving a six-year sentence for the videotaped attack on the woman. He pleaded guilty in June 2003 to forcing her to perform oral sex after accusing her of stealing $80,000 worth of his checks.
In the tax case, Tyler pleaded guilty in August to two misdemeanor counts of failing to file tax returns on $824,916 he earned in 1998 and $930,953 in 1999. The judge ordered him to pay back taxes and penalties in addition to the one-year sentence.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Court TV/AP) — Grammy-nominated rapper Mystikal has been sentenced to a year in prison for trying to cheat the federal government out of $271,000 in taxes.
U.S. District Judge James Brady said Thursday that he would allow Mystikal, whose real name is Michael L. Tyler, to serve the sentence at the same time he serves a state sentence for sexual battery against his former hairstylist.
Tyler is serving a six-year sentence for the videotaped attack on the woman. He pleaded guilty in June 2003 to forcing her to perform oral sex after accusing her of stealing $80,000 worth of his checks.
In the tax case, Tyler pleaded guilty in August to two misdemeanor counts of failing to file tax returns on $824,916 he earned in 1998 and $930,953 in 1999. The judge ordered him to pay back taxes and penalties in addition to the one-year sentence.
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Lawsuit: Rapper 50 Cent stole lyrics for his 2003 hit 'In Da Club'
MIAMI, Florida (AP) — Rapper 50 Cent stole some of the lyrics for his 2003 hit "In Da Club" from a song by former 2 Live Crew frontman Luther Campbell, an attorney claims in a lawsuit.
Richard C. Wolfe filed the copyright infringement lawsuit against Curtis James Jackson, aka 50 Cent, in Miami federal court last week on behalf of Lil' Joe Wein Music.
Parts of "In Da Club," from the album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'", copy "It's Your Birthday," released in 1994 on Campbell's solo album "Still a Freak for Life," the lawsuit alleged.
A message left Friday for Wolfe was not immediately returned.
Lil' Joe Wein Music holds the copyright to "It's Your Birthday" and other songs Campbell produced with his rap group 2 Live Crew and as a solo artist. Lil' Joe Wein Music is owned by Joseph Weinberger, an attorney who formerly represented Campbell.
Campbell's song "I Like It, I love It" can also be heard on the 2003 DVD "50 Cent The New Breed," the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in addition to attorneys' fees and other legal costs.
Wolfe won a $2.3 million judgment against Campbell in 1994 for another rapper who claimed Campbell withheld royalties.
A message left Friday for Dennis Dennehy, 50 Cent's publicist, was not immediately returned.
MIAMI, Florida (AP) — Rapper 50 Cent stole some of the lyrics for his 2003 hit "In Da Club" from a song by former 2 Live Crew frontman Luther Campbell, an attorney claims in a lawsuit.
Richard C. Wolfe filed the copyright infringement lawsuit against Curtis James Jackson, aka 50 Cent, in Miami federal court last week on behalf of Lil' Joe Wein Music.
Parts of "In Da Club," from the album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'", copy "It's Your Birthday," released in 1994 on Campbell's solo album "Still a Freak for Life," the lawsuit alleged.
A message left Friday for Wolfe was not immediately returned.
Lil' Joe Wein Music holds the copyright to "It's Your Birthday" and other songs Campbell produced with his rap group 2 Live Crew and as a solo artist. Lil' Joe Wein Music is owned by Joseph Weinberger, an attorney who formerly represented Campbell.
Campbell's song "I Like It, I love It" can also be heard on the 2003 DVD "50 Cent The New Breed," the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in addition to attorneys' fees and other legal costs.
Wolfe won a $2.3 million judgment against Campbell in 1994 for another rapper who claimed Campbell withheld royalties.
A message left Friday for Dennis Dennehy, 50 Cent's publicist, was not immediately returned.
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