The HOT Report - by Craig Hill

Celebrities Australia USA - The HOT Report

Rupert Murdoch Apologises Personally For Chimp Cartoon

February 24th 2009 20:42

This time the apology from the New York Post's controversial chimp cartoon is coming straight from the monkey's uncle: Rupert Murdoch.

The News Corp. chairman offered up a personal mea culpa this morning for last week's editorial panel that sparked allegations of racism by linking the killing of a chimpanzee in Connecticut to D.C.'s recently passed stimulus bill.

"Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended, and even insulted," Murdoch said in a statement. "I can assure you—without a doubt—that the only intent of that cartoon was to mock a badly written piece of legislation.

"It was not meant to be racist, but unfortunately, it was interpreted by many as such. We all hold the readers of the New York Post in high regard, and I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community."

Now it remains to be seen if his critics will accept his remarks. Last week, R&B star John Legend called for a boycot of the newspaper after the Post's editors made a half-hearted apology he said lacked any genuine contrition.

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Celebrities, Australia, USA

Email this Post to a Friend

Hugh Jackman to Do Oscars Drunk and Naked?

February 22nd 2009 07:32

Sunday night's Oscars host, Hugh Jackman, is sure to shake things up. For one thing, he's not a professional comedian like most previous hosts. For another, he tells CNN that he plans to do the entire show naked and inebriated.

It turns out the Sexiest Man Alive may also be one of the sassiest:

"One of my favorite moments at the Oscars was when the streaker came across [past] David Niven. And we're upping it a level and we're just going to do most of the show naked. Um, well, there hopefully will be YouTube moments….Drunk and nude, yes. So that's our new fresh approach. It's the Australian way."

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Celebrities, Australia, USA

Email this Post to a Friend

Heath Ledger's Family On Oscar Nominations

January 23rd 2009 05:08

On the first anniversary of his death, the now two-time Oscar nominee's three sisters spoke out in Australia about their brother, his legacy and how deeply they still feel the loss. It's been a year since Heath Ledger so suddenly, shockingly and tragically passed away, and his nomination was exactly on the anniversary.

"Today is the anniversary of Heath's passing," sister Kate Ledger told Australian media Thursday, reading from a prepared statement obtained by E! News. "To us (his family) it seems like merely yesterday and we are still all nursing broken hearts. Like anyone who loses a family member, it has opened our eyes to the intense suffering and painful journey that is death.

"We feel truly blessed to have Heath's beautiful daughter, Matilda, and her lovely mom, Michelle, in our lives. And although we are physically challenged at times by the tyranny of distance, we are always in constant contact and take every opportunity possible to catch up. Michelle is doing an amazing job with 'our girl' and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life."

Added Heath's half-sister, Ashleigh Bell: "Today is also a day for us to celebrate, with the news of Heath's Oscar nomination. Although we would love to have him here with us, we are so proud and so excited on his behalf. In Heath's words, he had 'the time of his life' portraying the Joker and said that it was the most fun he'd ever had making a film. On Heath's behalf we thank the Motion Picture Academy for recognizing his work.

"What an unbelievable legacy he has left for Matilda and our family. We will take this opportunity today to honor his wonderful life and take comfort in knowing Heath will continue to touch future generations through this amazing art form."

Ledger received an Academy Award nomination today for Best Supporting Actor for his chilling turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight. He is also up for a Screen Actors Guild Award this weekend, and director Christopher Nolan accepted the Golden Globe on his behalf Jan. 18.

A year ago, the 28-year-old star was found dead of an accidental prescription overdose in his New York loft.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Movies, Celebrities, Australia, USA

Email this Post to a Friend

Kate Hudson Linked To Aussie Golfer Adam Scott

January 14th 2009 06:07

Another day, another Kate Hudson hookup rumor. The newest dude she's being linked to is hunky Aussie golfer Adam Scott.

The two were snapped frolicking on the beach together in Maui, where Kate has been vacationing with her fam at the Ritz-Carlton.

The two seemed to be flirting with each other as they swam and laid out, according to an eyewitness, but if you check out these vacation pics, there's no PDA to be seen—and not much more time for Scott to make a move. He's due in Honolulu today to play the Sony Open.

And the golfer isn't the only sporty stud Kate's been linked to lately...

The New York Post is claiming Madonna's boy-toy Alex Rodriguez took Hudson on a three-hour dinner date last week at Lure Fishbar. Kate's rep maintains she was actually there with 10 people.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Celebrities, Australia, USA

Email this Post to a Friend

Melissa George Leaves Grey's Anatomy

January 13th 2009 05:35

Melissa George, who plays intern Sadie Harris on the ABC prime-time medical soap Grey's Anatomy, is leaving the show, sources confirm. George was guaranteed a minimum of four episodes when she started her gig in the fall, but things went so well she was given another four.

But now, one of the sources reveals, a new contract has not been picked up.

George quickly became a fan favorite and a critics' darling for her work on Grey's. She was also a hit on HBO's In Treatment, and she was up for a Golden Globe yesterday for her stint on the psychotherapy drama series.

Sources say there were talks of George staying on, but her rep insists that she never intended to stay beyond the initial eight. "She was pretty vocal about that," the rep says. An ABC rep did not comment.

Sadie was introduced in November and spiced things up with her bisexuality. She recently started some flirty relations with Callie Torres, played by Sara Ramirez.

But soon thereafter, it was reported that Sadie and Callie's potential hookup would fizzle and that Callie would be getting it on with a new character played by Jessica Capshaw.

To gay or not to gay appears to be an ongoing question over at Grey's. Callie had some same-sex hotness bubbling up with Dr Erica Hahn, played by Brooke Smith. But that ended abruptly in November when Smith was axed from the series.

Questions still remain about the future of the series' openly gay star, T.R. Knight. He reportedly has asked the network to let him out of his contract.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Celebrities, Australia, USA

Email this Post to a Friend

Heath Ledger Wins Golden Globe

January 12th 2009 09:45

Awards season continued to be good to Heath Ledger's memory, as the Australian actor, who died almost one year ago, was named Best Supporting Actor for his still-chilling turn in The Dark Knight, solidifying his Oscar chances.

"All of us who worked with Heath on The Dark Knight accept this with an awful mixture of sadness and incredible pride," said director Christopher Nolan, whose speech followed a specially prepared clip from the film. "For any of us lucky enough to have worked with him, and those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed his performances, he will be eternally missed—but he will never be forgotten."

Coincidentally, the Academy Award nominations will be announced on the exact first anniversary of his death, on 22nd January 2009.