Ferdinand sued the newspaper for misuse of private information after they published details of his 13-year relationship with interior designer Carly Storey, who accepted £16,000 for telling the tale of her liaisons with the defender. But Mr Justice Nicol dismissed the case at London's high court on Thursday, and refused Ferdinand's legal team permission to appeal. "Overall, in my judgment, the balancing exercise favours the defendant's right of freedom of expression over the claimant's right of privacy," he said. The judge was not swayed by Ferdinand's claims that he had not tried to meet Storey after being made England captain, despite claims in the newspaper that he had snuck Storey into the team hotel. "I did not find this answer persuasive. In his evidence the claimant said that (Fabio) Capello had told him to be professional, not only on the pitch but 'around the hotel'," the judge said. "In the past, the Claimant (Ferdinand) had not behaved in a professional manner around the hotels into which he had tried to sneak Ms Storey. "Whether or not he had done that in the few weeks since he had been made the permanent captain of England, his relative recent past failings could legitimately be used to call into question his suitability for the role." Former England captain Ferdinand, who has three children with wife Rebecca, had told the judge at an earlier hearing that, "I do not see why I should not be entitled to a private life just because I am a famous footballer." Sunday Mirror editor Tina Weaver hailed the judge's decision. "The Sunday Mirror is very pleased that the court has rejected Rio Ferdinand's privacy claim," she said. "The judge found that there was a justified public interest in reporting the off-pitch behaviour of the then England captain and discussion of his suitability for such an important and ambassadorial role representing the country. "We are pleased the judge ruled that Mr Ferdinand had perpetuated a misleading public image and the Sunday Mirror was entitled to correct this impression. "There has never been greater scrutiny of the media than now, and we applaud this ruling in recognising the important role a free press has to play in a democratic society."
The England and Manchester United star will now be saddled with paying the estimated £500,000 legal bills incurred by the Sunday Mirror in defence of the lawsuit.
Thursday 29 September 2011
Rio hit with £500k bill after losing court battle
Motorway speed limit to be raised
The speed limit on Britain’s motorways is set to rise to 80mph but with a big expansion in the number 20mph zones in cities and towns, The Independent has learnt. As part of a deal negotiated with the Liberal Democrats the Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond is expected to announce the Government’s intention to bring in the new speed limit at the Conservative conference. Ministers will then consult on the proposal later in the year along with plans to significantly expand the number of areas in Britain covered by 20mph zones.
Ferdinand loses privacy action
Rio Ferdinand has lost his privacy action over a "kiss and tell" story. The England and Manchester United centre back was not at London's High Court to hear Mr Justice Nicol dismiss his claim against MGN Ltd. Ferdinand, 32, brought his case for misuse of private information over an April 2010 Sunday Mirror article in which interior designer Carly Storey gave her account of their 13-year relationship in return for £16,000. The judge said: "Overall, in my judgment, the balancing exercise favours the defendant's right of freedom of expression over the claimant's right of privacy." Ferdinand had branded the piece - "My affair with England captain Rio" - a "gross invasion of my privacy", and said he had not seen Ms Storey for six years by the time it appeared. At a hearing in July, his lawyers asked for a maximum of £50,000 damages and a worldwide gagging order. Afterwards, Sunday Mirror editor Tina Weaver said in a statement: "The Sunday Mirror is very pleased that the court has rejected Rio Ferdinand's privacy claim. "The judge found that there was a justified public interest in reporting the off-pitch behaviour of the then England captain and discussion of his suitability for such an important and ambassadorial role representing the country. "There has never been greater scrutiny of the media than now, and we applaud this ruling in recognising the important role a free press has to play in a democratic society."
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Dr. Conrad Murray spent 45 minutes on the phone as Michael Jackson lay dying,
Dr. Conrad Murray spent 45 minutes on the phone as Michael Jackson lay dying, according to the prosecution in his involuntary manslaughter case. The medic was accused of making five calls to friends and for business purposes after administering a 25mg dose of anesthetic Propofol to the singer at 10.40am on June 25, 2009. Michaels' family, including parents Katherine, 81, and Joe, 82, his siblings Janet, 45, La Toya, 55, Tito, 57, Randy, 49, and Jermaine, 56, looked on as the prosecution and defense gave their opening statements in Dr. Murray's trial yesterday (27.09.11). Prosecution lawyers told the court in Los Angeles the doctor was speaking to cocktail waitress Sade Anding when he first noticed something was wrong with Michael at 11.51am. Deputy District Attorney David Walgren told the jury: "This phone call is likely the time Conrad Murray first noticed Michael Jackson's lifeless body. It won't reveal to you the time of Michael Jackson's death but it may reveal to you when Conrad Murray first noticed he had died. "Sade Anding was speaking on the phone when she realized there was no response on the other end.
Saturday 24 September 2011
Alexa Chung range a hit
Alexa Chung's latest range for Madewell caused the retailer's website to crash. The British beauty announced her partnership with the label last year, creating a line that was popular amongst fashionistas. Alexa launched her second collection with the US brand yesterday and celebrated with a star-studded bash in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old star tweeted her excitement before the party. "It's my Madewell collection launch party tonight in LA. Very Exciting," she wrote, before later letting her fans know how popular the launch had been. "Congrats! You crashed the @madewell1937 website with the purchase onslaught. Glad you like it! Xxxx (sic)," she added. Guests at the fashion launch included Kate Bosworth, Elle Fanning, Amanda Seyfried and Dianna Agron. Alex donned a gorgeous Madewell mini dress for the party, while Elle also opted to wear the designer. The young actress chose a lacey shift, while Amanda wore a polka dot Madewell blouse. Diana also chose to sport the label, and opted for a tan-coloured shirt dress. Alexa's range includes vintage-inspired tea dresses, skirts and lace tops. The star's advertisements, which were shot in Austin, Texas, were recently revealed last month. "We were all so in sync," Madewell's Head of Design, Kin Ying Lee said of the process. "Since it's the second collection, it was like old friends getting together and creating something - and having a great time in the process.
Friday 23 September 2011
This is the buff soldier who exchanged numbers with Cheryl Cole.
Andy Baker plans to meet up with the former X Factor judge after the pair met during her morale-boosting trip to Afghanistan. The pair were introduced at an award presentation at Camp Bastion and met again a barracks dinner. New man? Soldier Andy Baker caught Cheryl Cole's eye during her moral-boosting trip to Afghanistan and he hopes to take her out for dinner They posed for several photos together and once Cheryl returned home, she said she planned to give her 'gorgeous soldier' a call. Buff: It's easy to see what attracted the singer to Andy, known as Bagsy to his friends Andy, 25, who is known as Bagsy to his peers, plans to meet up with her once he returns home. His brother-in-law Graham Peck told the Daily Mirror yesterday: 'Andy would love to take Cheryl out for dinner when he’s back in the UK. 'He thought she was absolutely lovely, and really gorgeous – I think all the guys did. “Andy contacted me through Facebook, raving about Cheryl and even made a photo of them his profile picture. 'They met up a couple of times during her trip and hit it off.' But the Girls Aloud star may have to wait until next month as Andy has no mobile phone service until October 1. Graham added: 'When Bagsy read that Cheryl was planning on ringing her mystery soldier, he panicked because he’s not allowed to have his phone on for another nine days – it’s military rules. 'He wants her to know that he’ll be in touch the moment he lands, and wants her to wait for him. Andy’s a great guy and keeps himself fit in the gym.' Popstar to soldier: Cheryl was seen wearing army fatigues with her surname embroided on the pocket of her shirt Andy, of Colchester, Essex, sports an enviable six-pack and has a tattoo sprawling from his left wrist and across his chest. He serves with the tough 3 Commando Brigade, the Royal Navy’s amphibious infantry and has been in the Marines for four years. Andy is currently based in the Marines’ Logistics branch and earns about £29,000 a year, compared with Cheryl's ex husband Ashley Cole's £90,000 a week. He is also apparently a keen footballer. One of the troops: Cheryl with a group of servicemen during her visit to Afghanistan After her trip, Cheryl said: 'Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were incredibly cute. There was a bit of banter with a couple of the lads and yes, a few flirted I think. 'I came back with a phone number from one lad, although I think his talking to me was a dare. 'I think I am going to call him this week and let’s see what happens. I’m sure he’s not expecting us to, but that’s why it’ll be funny.'
Wednesday 21 September 2011
former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range.
The former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range. Asked by The Guardian if she'd like her own fashion collection, she replied: 'Do you know what? I wouldn't rule it out, actually. I have loved designing these shoes. I haven't enjoyed a project so much in a long time. So, yes, it might be the start of something.' Chezza stepped out earlier this week during London Fashion Week to launch her shoe collection with website Stylistpick.com at The Home House. The star will also be choosing her favourite items from the online accessory store's collections and telling fans why she likes them in a new blog. Stylistpick’s chief creative officer Juliet Warkentin said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Cheryl. Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm, a quality that has made her the nation's favourite. 'We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact; establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design and further democratising fashion.’
Is Cheryl Cole the new Victoria Beckham? (Picture: PA)
Brit Designers Shine At London Fashion Week
"The truth is that all the ideas come out of here," he said.
"Before they used to be picked up by every other designer from around the world, diluted and communicated to other parts of the world and other people were making the money.
Models display creations by British born designer Osman
"Maybe now it is becoming a lot more important.
"I think Burberry, in a way, bringing their shows back to England has been very important because they have managed to bring the attention back here - that England isn't only a hub of ideas but it is also a business and there is an industry working and people are making it happen."
Rosario Dawson and Pippa Middleton on the front row at Temperley catwalk
The runways have seen a global standard of models showcasing collections, with designers including Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Mario Schwab and Mary Katrantzou.
US-based media analytics company Global Language Monitor recently ranked London as the Global Fashion Capital, overtaking New York.
It said the Alexander McQueen wedding dress that Kate Middleton wore at her royal wedding moved London from third to top position.
Cheryl Cole 'Falls For Hunky Soldier' In Afghanistan | Cheryl Cole
It seems Cheryl Cole has finally put her failed marriage to footballer Ashley Cole behind her, after apparently falling for a "gorgeous" solider in Afghanistan. The Girls Aloud beauty, who visited Camp Bastion in Helmand Province to boost troops morale, claims to have swapped numbers with the hunky young corporal after taking a shine to him during her trip last week. Chezza confessed to The Mirror: "Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were also incredibly cute. I actually came back with a phone number from one lad." "He started chatting to me after I'd been shot at during a training exercise. Obviously it wasn't real ammunition, but it was still terrifying." She continued: "Anyway, I think I am going to call him this week and we'll see what happens. I'm sure he's not expecting me to ring but that's why it'll be funny - and that's why I'm going to do it." Cheryl went on to admit that she is realistic about any chances of romance with the lucky solider, stating: "Long-distance relationships are a nightmare – a big time difference is a killer because it’s just so hard to stay in touch.” As well as proving a hit with the men, the former X Factor judge also seems to have charmed ladies, claiming: "There really were so many handsome guys – even some of the girl soldiers were totally gorgeous. Loads of the girls are now following me on Twitter and tweeting me. It’s great.” The 28-year old added: “I’d love to stay in touch with some of the incredible people I was lucky enough to meet.”
Celebrity Cruises Taps Top Chef to Join Culinary Team
Known for its culinary leadership and commitment to offering guests a modern, luxurious experience during their precious vacation time, Celebrity Cruises has expanded its already robust culinary talent by naming 2010 James Beard Foundation "Rising Star Chef" nominee and 2007 "Rising Star Chef of American Cuisine" John Suley as its director of Culinary Operations. Tapped by Celebrity's charismatic Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden – himself a James Beard-nominated Master Chef – Suley is widely regarded as one of the country's top "up and coming" chefs. Prior to joining Celebrity, he worked in the star-studded, international dining scene as executive chef at the South Florida incarnation of three-time James Beard honoree Alfred Portale's famed "Gotham Bar & Grill" (New York), "Gotham Steak" at the chic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Suley's wealth of experience also includes work at the Ritz Carlton-South Beach, the Waldorf Astoria and St. Regis hotels, and with many of the world's most accomplished chefs, including Daniel Boulud, and Celebrity's Van Staden himself, at some of the finest restaurants in the dining mecca of Las Vegas. Suley is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. At Celebrity, Suley joins Van Staden in leading the line's continuing quest to achieve the highest levels of consistency, quality and innovation in the culinary experience. "John Suley is known for his edgy and innovative cooking style, and is a genuinely unique chef," said Van Staden, "Having known him for 12 years, and observing the amazing contributions he made during the recent debut of our newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette, I am confident he will be an inspirational and creative leader within Celebrity's innovative culinary team, and will make tremendous contributions as we continue to prove to vacationers around the world that we can treat them to a dining experience that is easily comparable to the best on land." About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
Who needs The X Factor when you have your own shoe line?
Cheryl Cole was all smiles at the Olivier National Theatre in London on Monday night, where the ousted X Factor judge was celebrating her newest venture -- fabulous footwear! To celebrate her partnership with U.K. fashion website, Stylistpick.com, the 28-year-old Brit showed off her amazing figure through the sexy cutouts in her scarlet mini dress. She styled her hair into a voluminous bouffant accessorized with a gold headband and sported smoky eye makeup. The stylish star finished off her look with a pair of sparkling, sky-high heels. But despite their fabulous appearance, weren't such a walk in the park. "Girls..Don't you just love taking your foot out of a heel and into your slippers..The best! Feels like my feet are having a cuddle.. X," the Girls Aloud singer tweeted after the event. Cole's limited-edition footwear collection is due to hit stores in December just in time for the holiday season. "Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm -- a quality that has made her the nation's sweetheart," Stylistpick's CEO, Juliet Warkentin, said. "We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact, establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design." Cole will also curate her own picks on the site as well as give style tips to users.
Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage.com
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Georgia jets out ... just as Calum arrives here
GEORGIA Salpa was flying out to Marbella today to get over Calum Best -- just as the infamous bad boy was landing in Ireland for the week. The half-Greek model is taking some time out from the spotlight and relaxing with her Celebrity Salon co-star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace. A source said Georgia (26) really needed this break to clear her head. "Georgia needs to take time to sort her head out and finally decide what she wants," the source said. "Georgia will be staying in Spain for about a week. At the same time Calum is in Dublin for a few days doing some promotions so thankfully there will be no awkward meetings." Even though it looks like the top model is looking to start afresh, a close pal says going to Marbella may bring back some old memories of her relationship with Calum. "The last time she holidayed in Marbella she bumped into Calum, it was right after they filmed Celebrity Salon, so the visit might stir up some old memories. Either way she needs some time to relax in the sun." Rift This isn't the first time AR model Georgia has jetted out of the country after a break-up. Last year the model headed to Spain with pals Daniella Moyles, Leah O'Reilly and Emily Mackeogh when she split with DJ Barry O'Brien. This was the same trip that apparently caused a rift between Georgia and her former best pal Nadia Forde.
Pippa Middleton sat front row at the Temperley London show at London Fashion Week
The line contained garments that could easily be seen on either Middleton sister, with tailored jackets and clean cocktail dresses. Drop-waist dresses and a ’20s flapper vibe was also incorporated in the collection, a trend that was also seen during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York last week. This is not the first time Pippa and Temperley have appeared in the same headline. The royal bridesmaid wore an emerald green gown by the designer for Kate and Will’s post-wedding festivities in April.
Pippa Middleton had a prime seat at the Temperley runway show at London Fashion Week at the British Museum. (Tim Whitby - GETTY IMAGES) on Monday, taking in the elegant 2012 resort collection by Alice Temperley next to British journalist Peaches Geldof and actress Rosario Dawson.
Charlie Sheen to pocket $25 million from settlement over ‘Men’ firing
Washington: Looks like Charlie Sheen is close to settling his 100-million-dollars legal dispute with Warner Bros. over his firing from the hit sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Sheen is expected to receive about 25 million dollars from the Hollywood studio. The figure represents Sheen’s participation in profits from the show.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Warner Bros. denied there is a settlement and declined to comment further.
Monday 19 September 2011
Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa: Marbella, Spain hotel:
Located on the Southern Spanish Costa del Sol, in the heart of the 'Golden Mile' only 5 minutes to Old Town Marbella and Puerto Banús, with 320 days of sunshine and a mild year round average temperature of 21ºC). Open year round, the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, was once the private residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe. The 121 luxury bedrooms and suites, spread over the beach front resort, harmonize with 14 Andalusian-Style villas throughout 42,000 square meters (452,083 sq. ft.) of lush subtropical gardens. Each guest room is decorated with the finest fabrics and Mediterranean interior design, reflecting the surrounding elements and has furnished balcony / terrace and spacious luxurious bathrooms with separate shower and bath. The 14 charming villas are in the unmistakable style of the Hotel, faithful replicas of traditional Andalucían architecture, blending harmoniously with their surroundings, and are ideal for families and guests seeking to enjoy more space and privacy. The 2, 3 or 5 bedroom villas have their own private garden and heated pool, providing guests with both comfort and privacy during their stay. Both of the 2 outdoor heated swimming pools, one with seawater invite you to relax in the surrounding gardens or to enjoy the views of the Mediterranean through the palm trees of the famous beach club.
Housing Market Woes Even Hit Celebs
Even celebrities are having a hard time selling their mega-mansions. More on DIS Fan Cam: The Next Sports Cash Machine?Jay Rasulo, Senior Executive Vice President And Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company, To Speak At The Goldman Sachs 20th Annual Communacopia ConferenceBond Funds See Huge Spike in Inflows Market Activity The Walt Disney Co| DIS Mommy-to-be Hillary Duff has put her first mansion that she purchased while starring in Disney's Lizzie McGuire up for sale with an asking price of $6.25 million. But according to The Real Estalker, Duff also attempted to sell the estate last year, listing for $7 million last time around. Real estate records reveal Duff bought the 9,277 square-foot house in Toluca Lake, Calif., in March 2004 for $3.5 million. Mark Wahlberg, a.k.a. Marky Mark, also recently re-listed his Beverly Hills estate with a $2 million price cut. Wahlberg originally listed the property in 2008 for $15.9 million. The 1.41-acre home is now listed for $13.9 million. The executive producer of Entourage purchased the mansion in 2001 for just $5 million, later remodeling it. Earlier in the summer, Christina Aguilera reduced the price on her home in the Hollywood Hills to $5.5 million from $8 million, while Jodi Foster's Beverly Hills mansion was brought down to $8.9 million from $10 million. The housing market continues to wobble with few consumers taking advantage of record-low mortgage rates. Sales of newly built homes are expected to be at their worst levels for decades this year, while sales of previously occupied homes are on pace for their poorest showing in nearly 15 years
Two men took their friend's corpse on a night out with them to a strip club so they could use his ATM card to buy drinks
Two men took their friend's corpse on a night out with them to a strip club so they could use his ATM card to buy drinks, police claim. Robert Jeffrey Young, 43, and Mark Rubinson, 25, discovered their friend Jeffrey Jarrett dead but delayed reporting the find to police so they could first have a free night out. While keeping Mr Jarrett's body in their car, they stopped at a Mexican restaurant in Denver, used their friend's ATM card and withdrew $400 at a strip club before finally reporting him dead. With friends like these: Robert Jeffrey Young, left, and Mark Rubinson allegedly delayed reporting the find to police so they could first have a free night out The men, who are now free on bond, have been charged with abusing a corpse, identity theft and criminal impersonation. It's unclear how Mr Jarrett died, but the men have not been charged with his death. The bizarre scenario is reminiscent of the 1980s movie Weekend at Bernie's, in which two men discover their friend dead and maintain a façade that he's still alive while staying at his home for the weekend. Boys night out: The men visited Shotgun Willie's strip club, pictured Strip off: The two men went to a strip club, using their dead friend's money One of Mr Jarrett's relatives, who asked not to be named, told the Denver Post Mr Jarrett had invited Mr Young, a former college friend, to stay with him for a few months while he had money struggles. It is thought that on August 27, Mr Young arrived home at about 11pm and found his friend unresponsive. Rather than call authorities, however, he went to see Mr Rubinson at a restaurant where he works to tell him about the find. The pair then went back to Mr Jarrett's home, loaded him into Mr Rubinson's car and took the body with them to Teddy T's bar and grill, where they drank on his tab while the body was hidden in the vehicle. 'Young stated ... that it was obvious Jarrett was dead while all three are at Teddy T's,' Denver Detective Ranjan Ford wrote in the affidavit. Weekend at Bernie's: The allegations are similar to the premise of the 1980s movie The went on to eat at Mexican restaurant Viva Burrito and withdrew $400 on their dead friend's card at strip bar Shotgun Willie's, where they stayed until closing time. Only then did the pair report their friend dead by flagging down a police officer at 4am. 'This is a bizarre and unfortunate crime,' Denver Police Department spokesman Sonny Jackson told the Denver Post. 'This isn't anything you want to have happen to a loved one. You want them treated with respect in death.' The relative of Mr Jarrett, a father who sold real estate, added: 'We just want to make sure they're prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
Sunday 18 September 2011
Tony Blair 'visited Libya to lobby for JP Morgan'
A senior executive with the Libyan Investment Authority, the $70 billion fund used to invest the country's oil money abroad, said Mr Blair was one of three prominent western businessmen who regularly dealt with Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the former leader. Saif al-Islam and his close aides oversaw the activities of the fund, and often directed its officials on where they should make its investments, he said. The executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said officials were told the "ideas" they were ordered to pursue came from Mr Blair as well as one other British businessman and a former American diplomat. "Tony Blair's visits were purely lobby visits for banking deals with JP Morgan," he said. He said that unlike some other deals - notably some investments run by the US bank Goldman Sachs - JP Morgan's had never turned "bad".
Saturday 17 September 2011
Handling of Saudi prince's Spain court case challenged
Spain raises taxes on the rich
Thursday 15 September 2011
Scarlett Johansson photos: How did they end up online?
Scarlett Johansson, Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Alba have all allegedly been computer hacking victims Scarlett Johansson appears to have become the latest star to have private nude pictures leaked on the internet. But how did the images end up online?How do private photos get online? The two photos - one which appears to show Johansson topless and another showing her bottom - have spread like wildfire since Wednesday with a huge number of reposts of the images and links placed on sites including Twitter. News that the pictures had been posted was reported by the Hollywood celebrity website TMZ.com at 06:41 Los Angeles time (14:41 GMT) on Wednesday. But it's unclear where the images were first published. According to a blog on the Washington Post newspaper's website, the pictures initially appeared on video site WorldStarHipHop.com. By Thursday afternoon, they had been viewed almost 675,000 times there. But the Los Angeles Times' Ministry of Gossip blog says they came to wider attention when they appeared on US aggregation website BuzzFeed. Hacked photos of Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis have reportedly appeared online But even if she could find out the exact order of events, it would be of little comfort to the 26-year-old actress According to TMZ.com, she does not believe that all publicity is good publicity and has instructed her lawyer to approach individual websites to demand the pictures are taken down. He will have his work cut out. It now takes an experienced web user a matter of seconds to find the pictures if they so desire. And it seems millions do. Gossip website Holy Moly was one of the first UK-based sites to post the pictures, at 13:04 GMT on Wednesday, under the headline: "Scarlett Johansson naked: Either wonderful Photoshop or a very similar lookalike." Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote It's a celebrity gossip website, if celebrities don't want naked pictures of themselves plastered all over the internet then either don't take them at all or don't have them on your mobile phone” Jamie East, Holy Moly As a result, the photos attracted more than a million page views in one day. Holy Moly founder Jamie East says his staff first saw the pictures on US-based site reddit.com, which he believes was the original source. The photos had been published on the user-generated website by 12:00 GMT on Wednesday. One image of Johansson posted on the site, which had attracted more than 2,900 comments from users, has since been removed. "We had by far the biggest day in Holy Moly's history yesterday - 20 times our normal traffic and the site's currently down because of it," said Mr East, who is also a co-host on Channel 5 Big Brother spin-off show Bit on the Side Asked what he would say to those who think the publication of stolen photos is an invasion of privacy, he replied: "Nothing at all". "I'm not here to argue the morals of it. "It's a celebrity gossip website, if celebrities don't want naked pictures of themselves plastered all over the internet then either don't take them at all or don't have them on your mobile phone." FBI investigation Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at security firm Sophos, agrees that the "golden rule" for stars should be to abstain from taking naked photos. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote My guess is that, even if these photos were taken on Scarlett Johansson's phone, she would then maybe have emailed them to somebody” Security expert Graham Cluley "And certainly don't put them anywhere on the internet because you may have a weak password which allows hackers to get in." He says that if photos taken on a mobile phone remain on a mobile phone, it's much harder for hackers to get hold of them. "You would normally need physical access to the phone or to install maybe some malware onto it," he adds. He points out that High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens had naked photos leaked onto the internet after her web mail account was hacked. "My guess is that, even if these photos were taken on Scarlett Johansson's phone, she would then maybe have emailed them to somebody. "Then, either their email got hacked or they were in her sent folder in her online email account - that would be the most natural way." Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote There's been a frenzy of activity from the male population online looking for these pictures” Security expert Graham Cluley The cases of Johansson and Hudgens, as well as that of actress Jessica Alba and dozens of other stars who have been hacked, are all likely to be part of an ongoing FBI investigation. Mr Cluley suggests the hackers could be earning money by selling the photos to websites either directly or through intermediaries. "I would always suggest following the money trail if you want to find out who's responsible," he says. And he also offers a note of caution to red-blooded internet users. "There's been a frenzy of activity from the male population online looking for these pictures. "I would say to people, be very, very careful because if I were a virus writer it would be very easy to send out links saying here are more naked pictures of Scarlett Johansson. "And then, if you clicked on that link, your computer could then become infected."
Husband hits out at Palin sex, cocaine claims
Sarah Palin's husband jumped to her defense Thursday after an upcoming book claimed the Republican politician snorted cocaine off an oil drum and had a premarital fling with an African-American basketball star. "The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin" by Joe McGinniss -- who moved in next to Palin's home in Alaska last year as part of his research -- comes out Tuesday, as the Tea Party darling ponders whether to formally seek the Republican presidential nomination. "This is a man who has been relentlessly stalking my family to the point of moving in right next door to us to harass us and spy on us to satisfy his creepy obsession with my wife," husband Todd Palin said. "His book is full of disgusting lies, innuendo, and smears," he added in a statement carried by several US news media and political blogs. "Even the New York Times called this book 'dated, petty,' and that it 'chases caustic, unsubstantiated gossip.'" Citing unnamed "publishing sources," the National Enquirer said McGinniss claims in the book that Palin had "a steamy interracial hookup" with Glen Rice less than a year before she and Todd Palin eloped in 1988. Sarah Palin was then a local television sports reporter just out of college, and Rice -- a now-retired National Basketball Association all-star -- was in Alaska with his Michigan college team for a tournament, it said. "Todd was very much in the picture at the time and the couple married just nine months later," the supermarket tabloid said, adding that McGinniss quotes Rice as confirming the one-night stand. McGinniss also writes that both Palins "dabbled" with cocaine, and that before she became Alaska's governor in 2006, Sarah Palin was seen snorting cocaine "off an overturned 55-gallon oil drum while snowmobiling with pals," the weekly added. McGinniss is author of several best-sellers, including "The Making of a President" in 1969. There was no comment Thursday from either him or his New York publisher Crown, a division of German media conglomerate Bertelsmann. In the New York Times on Wednesday, reviewer Janet Maislan said "most of 'The Rogue' is dated, petty and easily available to anyone with Internet access." She added that "Mr. McGinniss used his time in Alaska to chase caustic, unsubstantiated gossip about the Palins, often from unnamed sources like 'one resident' and 'a friend.'"
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Whitney Houston To Make Hollywood Return
Whitney Houston is to star in her first film for fourteen years, a remake of 1976's Sparkle. It will be the troubled singer's first movie role since The Preacher's Wife, in 1996. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will make her film debut playing the titular character, one of the Williams sisters who begins her career alongside her siblings in a church choir, later finding fame as The Supremes. Houston will play Sparkle's resentful mother, while Faster actor Mike Epps will take on the role of Satin, a comedian who marries one of the sisters and drags her down into drug abuse. This is the second time producers have tried to make Sparkle - Houston was attached to the original project ten years ago, although it was shelved following the death of proposed lead star Aaliyah. It is currently unknown when shooting on Sparkle will begin.
Butler gets death threats over film
Hollywood star Gerard Butler increased his security team at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend after receiving death threats. The 300 star has been promoting his role in controversial movie Machine Gun Preacher, a true-life story based on a Hells Angel who rescues orphans in Muslim-dominant Sudan after converting to Christianity. Butler was forced to hire more bodyguards when he took to the red carpet at the festival after reportedly receiving a string of threatening messages. A source tells Scotland's Daily Record, "It is quite a controversial subject and some people are upset by the strong religious theme. We are treating this matter seriously."
Wallace's ex: I'm really sorry
Jessie Wallace's former fiance Vince Morse has publicly apologised to the actress for "humiliating" her. The EastEnders star, 39, called off their wedding just hours before she was due to tie the knot last month after the 50-year-old catering boss admitted sending an explicit picture of the star to his ex-girlfriend. He insisted on ITV1's This Morning that he had no intention of being unfaithful when he sent the text. In a message direct to Jessie, Vince said: "It's going to sound really ridiculous and I know I've humiliated you, I know that, but it doesn't stop me loving you, it doesn't stop me wanting to be with you. "I know it's probably going to be impossible because it's so public, but I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart I am sorry." Vince said that Jessie would be "furious" that he was speaking publicly about what happened but he wanted to "say to the nation that I'm really sorry". He said he was "drunk" when he sent the topless picture to his ex-girlfriend Karen Short, after he had a row with the actress. Jessie, the BBC1 soap's Kat Moon, had been engaged twice before she met Vince.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Tamara Ecclestone lifts the lid on her extravagant lifestyle
For a woman who has just spent £1 million on a bath tub, Tamara Ecclestone is remarkably likeable. The daughter of Britain’s fourth richest person, billionaire Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, slinks across the lobby of Beverly Hills’ grandest hotel, the Peninsula. But she is seemingly oblivious to the open-mouthed stares that follow her perfectly tanned-and-toned body clad in a tiny black romper suit. As she curls up on a luxury sofa in the lobby, it is clear that even in a town used to excess, Tamara and her equally flamboyant sister Petra, who recently dominated the headlines with her extravagant £5 million wedding complete with a private performance by the Black Eyed Peas, have set tongues wagging. For years, Tamara, 27, and Petra, 22, remained pretty much under the media radar. By all accounts, they were kept on a tight rein by their 6ft 2in mother Slavica, who worked hard to escape her tough, penniless upbringing in the Croatian port of Rijeka and was determined to keep her girls grounded. But after becoming fixtures on the London social scene, the two Ecclestone girls have become embroiled in an extraordinary – and outrageously expensive – display of trans¬atlantic sibling rivalry that even the most creative Hollywood scriptwriter would be hard-pressed to dream up. First, younger sister Petra splashed out £91 million – in cash – to buy the 57,000 sq ft Los Angeles hilltop mansion of the late Dynasty creator Aaron Spelling three months ago. Then, two weeks ago, Tamara was maid-of-honour at Petra’s breathtakingly ostentatious wedding at the medieval Castello Orsini-Odescalchi outside Rome. The scale of the nuptials was mind-blowing. Petra’s Vera Wang dress cost a reputed £80,000, the evening entertainment alone – including the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, DJ David Guetta and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – cost more than £3 million. Eric Clapton played for the couple’s first dance and Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi drove the bride’s vintage Rolls-Royce. Even the fireworks display saw £100,000 go up in smoke. Perhaps tellingly, among the guests were another pair of unimaginably wealthy and high-profile siblings, Paris and Nicky Hilton. As elder sister, Tamara was a suitably gracious bridesmaid. But it is clear she feels the need to catch up in the publicity stakes. She arrived in LA last week with an entourage including Katie Price’s hair and make-up man and blithely announced that she would be perusing homes ‘starting at the £100 million mark’. She also embarked on a series of meetings at major Hollywood studios in a bid to promote her upcoming show Tamara Ecclestone: Billion Dollar Girl (which starts in the UK on Channel 5 on November 4). And she is telling all who will listen that she recently ‘dispatched’ five minions on an expedition ‘up the Amazon’ to gather crystal that will be used to create a state-of- the-art bathtub in her £47 million London home. Splashing out: Tamara is spending £1m on rock crystal from the Amazon to make a bath similar to this It was a story, I venture, that is surely a tabloid fabrication? She looks askance. ‘No, it’s completely true. They’ve gone to find this crystal which will be turned into my bathtub. It’s costing £1 million because I’ve got to reinforce the floor and I’ve had to pay for everyone’s travel and the hauling back and polishing of the crystal. ‘But I spend a lot of time in the bath so it’s worth it.’ Little wonder that one Hollywood producer told me: ‘The whole town is talking about these girls. ‘There is nothing that Hollywood loves more than money, vulgarity and ambition. And these two have it in spades.’ It is a charge Tamara, who still looks impeccable despite starting her day at 5am to appear on America’s top-rated Entertainment Tonight show, rolls her eyes at. ‘Listen, people will always try and make something of the rivalry between me and my sister,’ she tells me. ‘We are siblings and we fight and compete like any sisters would. ‘But we are very close. Of course there is competition between us but it is healthy competition. There is room in this town for both of us.’ I ask her about reports that she stomped out of a Japanese restaurant earlier in the week after a row with her sister over who ‘got’ to LA first? Sibling rivalry: Tamara says that the relationship with Petra is like that of any sisters - and while the do disagree and there is competition, they are both still close Tamara shrugs: ‘We’d had a drink. Yes, there were a few words. I went outside to have a cigarette, which is something I only do when I’m drinking. I was in a bit of a bad mood. The Press saw that and blew it up into something it’s not.’ Are they at war? She says: ‘You’ll have to ask Petra about that. She’s in New York at Fashion Week. There’s certainly no problem between us as far as I am concerned.’ As she speaks it is obvious that, despite her daddy’s billions, Tamara has a steely determination to succeed on her own merits. She credits her 80-year-old father, the son of a humble fisherman who started out working in a gasworks before building a £2.4 billion fortune as the Formula 1 supremo, for keeping her ‘grounded’. 'My father started with nothing and is a self-made man. No matter what I do with my life I can never match his accomplishments.' Tamara explains: ‘My father started with nothing and is a self-made man. No matter what I do with my life I can never match his accomplishments. He is someone that even now, at 80, loves what he does and is still making deals and making money, and he enjoys it. He raised me to appreciate money and not to take it for granted. ‘I was raised to want to work for a living. The idea of just sitting around or going shopping every day appals me. I want to accomplish something in my own right. ‘Dad taught me to always go for the deal. When you are rich, people try to take advantage of you. I got a deal on the flights over here. My mother flew easyJet recently. Relationship: Tamara has been with stockbroker Omar Kyhami for 18 months - and says they have discussed marriage and children ‘We are a family that likes a bargain. I love the fact that I can spend ten quid and get my nails done in LA at a little corner shop rather than at an expensive salon.’ She says her mother Slavica, who acrimoniously divorced her 5ft 4in father in 2009 after 24 years of marriage, pounded home the message: ‘Mum cooked for me and my sister every night. My father would come home and we would have dinner together, as a family, at 6.30 every night. ‘Both my parents came from humble beginnings. Yes, we had money but it was never something we took for granted. ‘Dad would drop us at school and Mum would collect us. They came from nothing and were determined not to spoil us. I had to work for my pocket money, walking the dog and picking up his poop. We were never surrounded by servants. When we wanted things we were never just given them. Money wasn’t easy.’ In person Tamara is charming. She speaks in a modulated but not super-posh voice. But it’s hard to credit the down-to-earth credentials of a woman who would blow £1 million on a crystal bath. She insists, repeatedly, that she and Petra were raised to appreciate the value of money. ‘We were never spoiled. We were never given too much,’ she says. So what, then, has precipitated this sudden rush to compete in a multi-million-pound house property contest? Perhaps their parents’ divorce, with all the bitter recriminations, has affected the girls’ judgment? ‘The divorce was the hardest thing ever,’ she concedes. ‘Dad has a new girlfriend [Fabiana Flosi, a Brazilian 49 years his junior] but Mum is enjoying being single. I don’t think she will date anyone for a while. ‘She’s enjoying being free. I’d never thought of the money [rivalry] starting after that. But maybe it did.’ Tamara says she finds Los Angeles, with its endless sunshine and endless positivity ‘liberating’. ‘I’ve been here before but only to Disneyland,’ she says with a grin. ‘I’ve totally fallen in love with the place. People here don’t judge you or have any jealousy about money. 'In England, there is a certain negativity. Here everyone is positive. There isn’t so much jealousy here. I’d rather have a fake smile than a nasty stare.' ‘In England, there is a certain negativity. Here everyone is positive. There isn’t so much jealousy here. I’d rather have a fake smile than a nasty stare.’ Her boyfriend of 18 months, stockbroker Omar Kyhami, arrives at the table. He is in charge of the house-hunting which will begin in earnest in the morning. ‘We’re not going through a broker,’ he says. ‘When people hear the Ecclestone name they automatically add a zero to the price. We are looking at a place in Beverly Hills in the morning which has 27 acres and isn’t even on the market. ‘We are looking at houses which aren’t officially for sale. When you get to a certain level, you don’t want to deal with brokers. The people we are talking to don’t want any publicity. The house we are looking at will make Petra’s house look like a guest house.’ Tamara squeals: ‘No! You shouldn’t say that!’ Role model: Tamara, pictured in 1998 on a skiing holiday, says her parents kept her 'grounded' and were determined not to spoil her, despite their wealth Omar adds: ‘We’re going to do it in a way that isn’t a disaster. The house we are looking at hasn’t been on the market for years without selling.’ (The Spelling house was on the market for three years before Petra bought it.) ‘That other house [Spelling’s] was a disaster. We’re doing it properly.’ Tamara is clearly smitten with her slightly indiscreet boyfriend: ‘We’ve been together for 18 months and we’ve rowed and it’s all on camera. We have talked about marriage and children but that’s something my sister, even though she is much younger, has always had clearer views on. ‘This was her year for getting married. I wouldn’t do anything to try and muscle in on that. I want to have a career and make something of myself. I have earned my own money and I like the feeling it gives me. When you buy something with your own money it means more.’ 'I desperately want to have a career. I feel I have something to prove. I want to accomplish something on my own and build my own business.' Does it worry her that she will be able to afford a £100 million-plus home in Hollywood only thanks to Daddy’s billions? ‘No, not at all.’ How does it work? Does her father simply sign a cheque? ‘No, no, it’s far more complicated than that. You get into trust funds and such. When I bought my place in Kensington (for £45 million) it’s in an area that is super-rich. ‘I talked to Mum and Dad and they agreed to finance it because even if I never live there it’s a good investment. Neither Petra nor I would be allowed to buy anything that was a dud.’ I ask what is the worst thing that has ever happened to her. ‘My parents’ divorce, without question,’ she says. ‘I didn’t see it coming. I thought they would work things out. I think my mum decided. She wanted to be free. It was a real shock. I cried a lot. ‘When you have money, people think life must be perfect. But I still have the same issues as anyone else. I wake up and feel fat and ugly. I feel insecure. I row with my boyfriend. We have family problems.’ Producer Melanie Leach, the managing director of TwoFour, the company behind Tamara’s TV show, had cameras following Tamara for six months. ‘She is someone who is so different from what you expect,’ said Leach, who also made Harry’s Arctic Heroes, the recently broadcast programme about Prince ¬Harry’s Arctic expedition.‘People have a certain expectation of what Tamara is like and, of course, she lives in a different world. The first show has her taking her five dogs to the Harrods day spa. It costs hundreds of pounds and the dogs are getting their nails painted pink. Luxury: Tamara has access to a wide range of spectacular cars, including this convertible Rolls Royce, a Mercedes 500 and a Ferrari - plus also flies using a private jet ‘But there is another side of Tamara that is deadly serious and very ambitious. We have been taking meetings with some of the biggest people in Hollywood and I have never seen such a reaction. Tamara has something that people just relate to.’ Tamara insists she wants to be seen as ‘normal’ yet she has five cars at her disposal in LA, including a black convertible Rolls-Royce, a Mercedes 500 and a Ferrari. She also casually mentions she is flying to Las Vegas this weekend in a private jet. Tamara says: ‘I have a strong built-in b-s detector. I know who my real friends are and I like to think I’ve not become cynical. Of course, some people want to be my friend because of the money. But the people I have around me are a tight-knit group. ‘I desperately want to have a career. I feel I have something to prove. I want to accomplish something on my own and build my own business.’ That’s why in LA she has maximised what she calls her ‘publicity potential’. Lunch at the Ivy – where paparazzi stalk the pavements – was followed by dinners at Madeo, Katsuya, STK and Boa . . . all high-profile hang-outs. As the Rolls arrives to take her from her £2,000-a-night hotel suite, I ask her: ‘Do you have any idea how much your lifestyle really costs?’ She smiles and says: ‘Yes, I think I do. Well, not really, not exactly. But I am not stupid. I have a good idea of my income and outgoings and, yes, I definitely know what things cost. ‘I will make it. Just watch me. Money isn’t everything.’
Saturday 10 September 2011
If Simon Cowell needed convincing that dropping Cheryl Cole from the U.S. version of The X Factor could have been a mistake, these pictures might do the trick.
If Simon Cowell needed convincing that dropping Cheryl Cole from the U.S. version of The X Factor could have been a mistake, these pictures might do the trick. The singer posed for the shots – some of her most provocative to date – in various locations in the South of France for her official 2012 calendar. In July’s photograph, a tousle-haired and pouting Mrs Cole poses on all fours on a bed. Thorny issue:Cheryl shows off her barbed wire tattoo in the September page A black-and-white image for March features her in bikini top and hotpants with a cascading, diaphanous trail. August sees her playing up to a boho-chic look as she stands at the door of a caravan, while several of the pictures show off the barbed wire rose tattoo on her thigh. The singer, said to be close to being reconciled with her former husband, England footballer Ashley Cole, was unceremoniously jettisoned by X Factor boss Cowell in May, after just four days’ work as a judge on the show’s U.S. version. New beginning: Cheryl poses for teh January page. She travelled to various locations including teh South of France for her official 2012 calender ■ The Official Cheryl Cole Calendar is on sale in stationery stores, or online at www.danilo.com. Photographer: Sandrine Dulermo & Michael Labica. Glamour: The Official Cheryl Cole Calendar is on sale in stationery stores, or online at www.danilo.com
