Tragic News: Kate Middleton’s Nurse Dead of Apparent Suicide – Who Is To Blame?
Earlier this week, Nicerazzi told you about a prank call made to the hospital where Kate Middleton was staying for her acute morning sickness. Today, that story took a tragic turn with news that the woman who took the call has been found dead, a suspected suicide.
Jacintha Saldanha, a mother of two and nurse at Edward VII Hospital for about four years, was discovered this morning. She had reportedly been quite upset about being a part of the prank that occurred just days earlier, when Australian radio DJ’s Mel Grieg and Michael Christian called the hospital, pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
Now, media and media-consumers are like are full of questions. Could this tragedy have been avoided? Are we culpable?
After making international headlines, the radio DJ’s issued an official apology, and the hospital released a statement claiming they would “revamp” telephone protocol and heighten security. Everyone had gotten a nice laugh out of it, the world moved on to the next day’s headlines, and the story appeared to be over.
Unfortunately, once the world has “moved on,” very real people are left dealing with the very real repercussions of being disgraced and laughed at. Although there is some chance that more factors were in play, when Saldanha was found dead in her home this morning, and ruled out foul play, the situation seems sadly obvious.
Many are blaming Greig and Christian for the death; the radio hosts have deleted their Twitter and Facebook accounts, their jobs are on hiatus and the radio channel is being inundated with requests to fire them. Twitter user @VillaBlancUH tweeted: “@2DayFMSydney SHAME ON YOU & YOUR DJ’s. They MUST be fired & they MUST be prosecuted for breaking basic recording-without-permission laws,” while @emmamaylaurence added: “Feel so sick about this Kate nurse news. Those DJs should NOT be laughing. And the hospital should never have let her take that call.”
Now, of course, the next round of media involves the apology tours. The radio station has issued an apology for the incident, stating that they are “deeply saddened by the tragic news” and that it “sends its deepest sympathies to her family, and all that have been affected around the world.” Meanwhile, the Royal Family said: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
As far as Saldanha’s guilt is concerned, it seems as though much of it was self-imposed; she received no disciplinary action from the hospital, which actually offered support to all their nurses when the controversy broke. The Royal Palace never issued a complaint or demanded the nurses involved lose their jobs, instead applauding Jacintha and her colleagues on their excellent care.
This entire situation is incredibly sad, and brutally unnecessary. The bottom line is that today a family is without a mother, a wife, a daughter – and that she was simply a woman doing the best job that she could.
So who is to blame? Perhaps the DJs themselves, perhaps the employers that pressure them to do such outrageous stunts to keep their ratings up, and perhaps the listeners who need to hear such material, or will turn the dial and look for it elsewhere.
Certainly the media is somewhat to blame, including us. When news like this breaks, the sad fact is that it is indeed worthy of coverage – a major world figure is involved in a scandal of some sort – and any outlet that doesn’t cover it only risks their audience going elsewhere for the information.
The situation is reminiscent of another incident in 2007, when a mother died from water intoxication as a result of drinking too much water while participating in a radio-sponsored “Hold Your Wee For A Wii” contest while trying to win a gaming system for her children. Stuff like this is so tragic and unnecessary – it’s bad enough when celebrities see their fame turn against them, but when an ordinary citizen dies as the result (or peripheral result) of someone placing them in a life-altering situation under the guise of “fun,” it is downright detestable.
Nicerazzi’s thoughts and condolences are with Jacintha’s family during this sad time. But perhaps as important, we pray that media talent will begin to realize the consequences of such actions, that their bosses will stop urging them to “push the envelope,” and that media-consumers will turn their backs on such stunts.
Once news is made, we here at Nicerazzi have to report it – that’s what we do. But that doesn’t mean we’re not disgusted that the news occurred in the first place.
“Celebrity Apprentice” Star Stephen Baldwin Arrested For Tax Evasion, While Brother Alec Expresses Concern
What is it with celebrities and tax evasion these days? Now, it seems, tax-troubled thespians Nicolas Cage and Lindsay Lohan need to slide over and make room for a Baldwin brother.
Stephen Baldwin, best known for his role as ruthless sharpshooter Michael McManus in the classic 1994 flick “The Usual Suspects,” has been arrested for failure to file personal income taxes in New York State in 2008, 2009 and 2010. According to the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Baldwin owes more than $350,000 including interest and penalties.
Baldwin pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and was released on his own recognizance pending an upcoming court date.
According to Baldwin’s lawyer, Russell M. Yankwitt – who actually drove him to the police station – Baldwin had cooperated in a year-long investigation that led to the charge and arrest. He also stated that Baldwin did owe money to the government, but no crime had been committed because Baldwin did not have the intent to deceive. During his arraignment Baldwin produced a check for $100,000, which he submitted as a “good faith” down payment towards the debt he owes.
Baldwin is due back in court in February, but hopes he can continue to work with New York State in the meantime to resolve the tax issue.
“At a time when Rockland County and New York State face severe fiscal shortfalls contributing to sweeping cutbacks and closures in local government and schools,” said District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe. “We cannot afford to allow wealthy residents to break the law by cheating on their taxes.”
On his Twitter page, Baldwin offered a brief response. “Thnx4all the prayers, Been trying2 work this out4some time! Want2correct this&of course pay what I owe! Difficult situation. God is good,” tweeted the self-professed “kookiest of the Baldwin Brothers,” who became a born-again Christian following the events of 9/11.
If convicted on the tax charge, Baldwin could face up to four years in state prison. For those that don’t know, failure to file personal income taxes is a state felony charge.
Meanwhile, while making an appearance on “Piers Morgan Tonight,” Stephen’s famous big brother weighed in. “”I don’t think he’s going to jail,” said the “30 Rock” star. “I know that he’s in a negotiated settlement…Things that were online, which were…that’s what media today does, they try to tilt it the way that they need it to be to sell copies and what have you, and sell online hits to their sites.”
“We’re talking about him being arrested and taken into custody and what have you, [but] this was all prearranged with the D.A. for him to go in and make an appearance,” Alec said of his “Celebrity Apprentice”-starring brother’s arrest and the already-classic mug shot that resulted. “They’ve got to shake him down, and they’ve got to make him walk that gauntlet because that’s their procedure, even though steps have been made to begin the process of remediating that money, and down payments have been made.”
As you may recall, in 2009 Baldwin filed chapter 11 Bankruptcy. He and his wife owed approximately $1.2 million in mortgages on their home, $1 Million in taxes and over $70,000 in credit card debt.
Yet, according to Alec, cash flow isn’t the problem. “One of the things I find interesting in my lifetime…is that when you have far less money than you need and you have far more money than you need,” he told Piers Morgan, “they’re both equal in terms of how easy it is to get into trouble with the tax man.”
“Only people who really walk down the middle in a more realistic framework financially seem to keep that right,” he added. “I have so many friends of mine who annualize their income, they make a lot of money one year, two years, three years, then they just assume it’s going to carry on for many, many years, and those people end up spending the money that they ordinarily would have to segregate into a tax account. And my brother in that sense is no different than millions of other people.”
“His problem as of today is being cleared up,” Alec explained. “But they did drag him through that mud today.”
First Reviews of “The Hobbit” Hit The Web – A Decade Later, Are Critics Still Liking The Precious?
Better brush up on your Elvish, dust off those furry feet, and maybe even have a second breakfast, because after years of waiting, it’s time to finally head back to Middle Earth.
Peter Jackson’s eagerly-anticipated first chapter to the Lord of the Rings prequel, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” hits theaters Friday December 14th to what should be a HUGE opening weekend if LOTR fans of past and present have anything to say about it. But there is one nagging question: Will it (or can it) live up to its predecessors?
Well, the first reviews have hit the web, and while they may not be as glowing and impassioned as some would like, they shouldn’t deter any rabid fan from hitting the multiplex opening night (in a full-on Gandalf get-up should you please). The two major criticisms amongst reviewers seems to be the length of the film (running time is listed as a whopping 166 minutes) and Jackson’s use of 48 frames-per-second technology as opposed to the traditional 24 frames-per-second.
As Jen Yamato from Movieline rather harshly put it: “It felt like watching daytime soaps in HD, terrible BBC broadcasts, or ‘Faerie Tale Theater’ circa 1985, only in amazingly sharp clarity and with hobbits.”
Jackson’s decision to shoot the film using the new technology has been met with much controversy, but the director has steadfastly stuck to his guns that it was the right choice, saying “…it’s something that becomes a real joy to watch, but it takes you awhile.”
No word yet on whether the public will agree, but I’m sure the news that audience members at the New Zealand premiere felt dizzy and sick to their stomachs after viewing the film won’t be music to his ears.
It also remains to be seen whether the purported slow pace and lengthy running time will have an effect on audiences. Anyone who has seen the previous films should be familiar with sitting in the theater for well over 2 hours, but one has to consider whether it’s necessary seeing as how there are still two more Hobbit films scheduled to come out based off one book.
But that’s enough negative thinking! Who am I kidding? I’ll be first in line, and most critics confirm that ardent fans will be happy.
As Rodrigo Perez for the Playlist states in his review: “The last two acts of ‘The Hobbit’ are simply a non-stop action-adventure roller coaster that is just as engaging and winning as anything in the director’s previous trilogy.” Really, the only question that needs asking is, with Peter Jackson back at the helm of one of the most beloved franchises of all time, how could it NOT be good??
Kate Middleton Prank-Called in Hospital, Nurse Gives Out Pregnancy Details to “Charles” and “The Queen”
Kate Middleton’s pregnancy has only been news for a few days – but already, the insanity has begun.
In the latest news, the hosts of an Australian radio show called 2Day FM – Mel Greig and Michael Christian – prank called King Edward VII hospital, attaining top-secret information on the world’s most highy-anticipated pregnancy. Duchess Kate Middleton, currently being held there for acute morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, is still many months away from giving birth – but when the radio hosts pretended they were Prince Charles and the Queen of England, they got some star-struck nurses to spill the beans.
Despite some ill-conceived phony accents and a third person barking in the background pretending to be a Royal Corgi, they were able to reach the direct nurses station currently caring for Kate. The nurse was clearly nervous talking to the presumed “Queen” and “Prince” of England, and she didn’t hesitate to give details about Kate’s well being.
“She has had an uneventful night,” the nurse explained. “And she has been given some fluids, because she was quite dehydrated when she came in.”
You can listen to the call here…
Believe it or not, the Mirror tells us that the radio station thoroughly thought it through before releasing the call. Before airing the clip, the stations’ lawyers listened in and gave an okay to release this confidential information about the health of the Duchess. Legally, it seems as though the station isn’t responsible for the hospital’s poor security measures, since they weren’t expecting the prank to go as far as it did!
Prior to the call, the perky pair didn’t think their prank would work and even mentioned they didn’t really want to bother the sick mum-to-be. It was almost TOO easy for them to be transferred straight from reception to the nurses’ station. Chances are that if Kate were awake, the nurse would have handed her the phone! While the hospital is speaking out against the radio station’s prank, calling it “foolish and deplorable,” it might be the hospital that is in hot water – reports are that King Edward VII hospital is now revamping telephone protocol and security surrounding patients.
As you can see, Kate Middleton’s pregnancy has already caused quite the media frenzy, and paparazzi will be following her every move for the next nine months. It goes without saying that any staff assigned to direct care of the Duchess shoul be on their guard about anyone asking for information.
Years ago, when Princess Diana suffered from similar media scrutiny while preggers, she famously stated: “I felt the whole country was in labor with me.” Now, it seems, Kate is suffering that same state of anticipation. Hopefully the Duchess will get well soon, and will be resting in the comfort of her own palace, where no more pranksters can get to her!
What do you think of such prank events? Are radio hosts like these people the lowest of the low, or is it all in good fun?
Nick Lachey Accused of Choking a Football Fan, Swearing At His Wife After She Insults 98 Degrees
This past Sunday, singer Nick Lachey was removed from the Bengals vs. Chargers football game at Qualcomm Stadium for excessive trash talking, but is that all there is to the story?
Multiple sources are claiming that the onetime 98 Degrees singer got violent at the game, choking a Chargers fan, pushing him down, and then calling his wife a derogatory name – namely, the “b” word.
The accuser claims Lachey and his friends were harassing him about his Igor Olshansky jersey for the second half of the game (Olshanky played for the Chargers from ’04 – ’08). Finally, the fan’s wife got out a pretty good line: “Well, he lasted longer then your boy band.” Zing!
But apparently, it’s not “all’s fair in love and trash talking” to Nick, because Lachey called the wife a “f**king b*tch” and became violent with the Chargers fan.
Lachey was then removed, but the Chargers fans stayed at the game. This seems to go against Lachey’s later tweet, which claimed his accuser started the ruckus: “I simply don’t appreciate someone turning around and putting their finger in my face. call me crazy, but that deserved a reaction.”
In fact, Lachey seemed stoked to be a part of the scuffle. He also tweeted “Just got kicked out of the chargers stadium and couldn’t be prouder! Go Cincy Bengals! #whodey.”
Supposedly, this is footage of Nick being kicked out:
Then, after he hd been kicked out and his hometown team snagged the victory, he tweeted: “Bengals win again. i’d talk trash to everyone in SD, but what’s the point? you already had me kicked out of the stadium and you still lost.”
Uh…go team?
As much as his Twitter followers seem to love the bravado (btw, how does he only have 3000 followers? Is he even trying?), things became a bit more serious as the allegations of violence began to surface.
When a fan questioned the rumors that Lachey used offensive language and got physical with the Chargers fan, Jessica Simpson’s ex tweeted: “100% untrue. i said nothing insulting to the guys wife. complete BS.” And “…I would never blame a guy for sticking up for his wife, but in this case, it simply didn’t happen. that is the truth.”
And the denials didn’t contain themselves to social media, either. Lachey’s rep said: “This is a gross misrepresentation of what happened. It was nothing but a spirited debate between fans of opposing teams. At no point did Nick say anything derogatory to the man’s wife and anything to suggest the contrary is simply untrue.” The accuser is planning to file a police report against Lachey.
It is times like this, and this… and this… that we wish fans could remember…it’s only a game!
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Throw Big Celeb-Filled Party – But Is It An Engagement Bash?
Justin Theroux and his bride-to-be/America’s sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston, hosted a star-studded holiday party at their Beverly Hills home last Saturday. There was some speculation the event was an engagement party, but sources are now confirming it was simply Aniston’s annual holiday party.
The guest list included Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Tobey Maguire, Jennifer Meyer, Portia DeRossi, Ellen de Generes, Demi Moore and many of Aniston’s staff. While the party included some of Hollywood’s hottest A-listers, the event itself was reportedly a relaxed and low-key affair.
Partygoers arrived around 6pm in casual attire, many with their kids in tow. While the adults chatted, sipped age-appropriate beverages and listened to the DJ, the little ones played games and colored. While Aniston has no children of her own, she always makes an effort to welcome her friends’ tots into her home.
Aniston’s holiday party is an annual tradition for her closest celeb friends, along with her hard-working employees. People reports that Aniston is very generous and thoughtful with gifts to those she employs. The former “Friends” star doesn’t have a Christmas list of her own, and instead asked for guests to donate to a charity in lieu of personal holiday presents.
Reportedly, Aniston also puts a great deal of effort into making the party fabulous and family friendly – including hand-selecting the tree. This year she and Justin chose a 10-foot noble fir from Mr. Greentrees in Beverly Hills, which bills itself as having “The World’s Finest Christmas Trees.” It sure is refreshing to hear that such a high-profile celebrity still takes the time to thank her staff and personally contribute to her holiday party, when most celebs of her status would simply hire someone to do all the hard work.
Jennifer and Justin continue proving to Santa they’ve been good celebrities this year, and are only getting better. The duo will certainly be at the top of the jolly man’s “nice” list this Christmas – but they will probably donate any gifts from Santa to charity! Nicerazzi sends its best wishes to Jennifer and Justin and their upcoming nuptials, keep up the good work you two!
Kristin Cavallari Calls The Hills “Fake,” But Insists That Her Battle With Lauren Conrad Was Real
It’s no big secret that MTV’s “The Hills” was scripted. But now, the show’s former bad girl Kristin Cavallari, is admitting that her feud with Lauren Conrad was very real.
In a recent appearance on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” Cavallari called the popular reality show “pretty fake,” and admitted she had a string of “fake relationships” and “fake fights.” What wasn’t fake, however, was her animosity towards Conrad – her former “Laguna Beach” co-star, romantic rival, and “Hills” star.
Fans first saw Cavallari and Conrad as rivals on “Laguna Beach” when the two were still in high school, and their love triangle with Stephen Coletti was a central plotline on the show. While both women seemed to have a clear distaste for each other, Cavallari admitted to “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen this week that producers may have had a part in their constant fights. “I feel like [the producers] put things in our heads,” she said. “We were 17 and 18. They made it a lot worse than it was.” The rivalry was still alive and well, apparently, when Cavallari took over for Conrad as the protagonist on the “Laguna Beach” spin-off “The Hills” for its final two seasons.
During her appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Cohen challenged Cavallari to say three nice things about her rival. Cavallari conceded: “She is a very pretty girl — I know she said the same thing. She’s very successful. And we actually have had a lot of really fun nights together, so she can be a lot of fun.”
When Conrad appeared on the same show in October, she was given the same challenge. She had complimented the new mom (Kristen’s son Camden was born August 25th) on losing the baby weight so fast. “She is a very pretty girl,” Conrad added at the time. “There’s a lot of nice things! I was just trying to get more specific. She dresses really nicely.”
Still, despite all the drama, Cavallari does have fond memories of the show. “It was fun,” she explained, saying that sometimes fake is better than real, even in the “reality” world. “Because [when] you’re acting, it was more fun for me.”
Peter Facinelli, Camilla Belle, Tim Tebow and Other New Hollywood Couples – Which Will Last?
Hollywood has sprouted a new batch of fledgling couples, and the many questions that come with them: Are they or aren’t they? Will they or won’t they? Is that a baby bump, or an awkward wrinkle on a sweater?
Let’s face it: More often than not, Tinsel-Town hookups have a very short shelf life. However, at Nicerazzi we still have hope that these crazy kids can – as Tim Gunn says – “make it work.” With that in mind, here’s a round-up of some of the hottest new Hollywood couples on the scene.
Most recently, Kristin Chenoweth and Jason Pavelka were spotted together, an unlikely couple that is suddenly coming on strong.
The bubbly “GCB” actress, 44, and former “Bachelor,” 34, met at an unnamed event in October. Soon after their initial meeting, they were spotted on numerous dates, including an intimate meal at a café near Jake’s home in Texas. After nearly two months of courting, the two have recently gone public. Chenoweth told People, “We have been spending a little time together.” However, other reports have surfaced that suggest the two are just a casual fling; when E! spoke to Chenoweth about her dating life she insisted: “I’m single and loving I.” However, Chenoweth did add this tell-tale piece of information: “I’m finally dating. It’s fun.”
Meanwhile, although Tim Tebow of the New York Jets isn’t impressing too many fans these days, the quarterback’s lack of luck on the football field has been reversed in the dating world, as he has been wooing “From Prada to Nada” actress Camilla Belle. In late October, TMZ got wind of the new couple, and snapped the two bowling together at Latitude 30 in Jacksonville. They were proud to showcase their union by displaying innocent PDA moments such as holding hands. Tebow is arguably the world’s most famous, sexy, and proud virgin at the moment – and Belle must have a thing for that, because her last major public relationship was with another “good guy,” Joe Jonas, but the couple split up in 2009.
Last but not least, Peter Facinelli is dating! Star of the “Twilight Saga” and “Nurse Jackie,” Facinelli, 38, has been dating his “Nurse Jackie” co-star Jaimie Alexander, 28. The “Thor” actress also appeared in “Loosies,” the pickpocket movie that Fatch directed and starred in last year. Although the duo have known each other for awhile, they just recently started to date, following a long period after Facinelli’s divorce of his wife of eleven years, Jennie Garth. They stunned many at the “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2” red carpet in November, when they chose the premiere to take their relationship public.
Stay tuned to Nicerazzi, as we’ll keep tabs on these three newbie relationships, as well as others in Hollywood. Good luck to them all, and watch out for those sweater wrinkles!
Mario Lopez, Courtney Mazza Marry in Mexico
Mario Lopez and his longtime love Courtney Mazza wed in a beach ceremony in Mexico on December 1.
The ceremony was taped for an upcoming televised special, which is scheduled to air December 8 on TLC (similar to Ashley Hebert and JP Rosenbaum’s nuptials) in a special called “Mario & Courtney’s Wedding Fiesta.” The couple met when they costarred in the revival of Broadway’s “A Chorus Line.” Lopez proposed during a New Year’s trip to Ixtapa, Mexico. The couple has been together for 4 years.
A Catholic priest officiated the traditional ceremony at sunset. Actress Eva Longoria walked down the aisle as a bridesmaid. Who was the flower girl? The “X Factor” host’s 2-year-old daughter Gia, who wore a dress that matched her mom’s exquisite gown. Despite rumors, we cannot confirm that Screech officiated.
According to Us Magazine, before the ceremony Lopez remarked that he was letting Mazza take the reins on the wedding planning. “It’s her day, so I’m cool with what she wants,” he remarked. “But I’m involved with the reception, because I want it to be a big party.”
Now that Lopez has put a ring on it, Mazza is thrilled. But she says the love was there long before the ceremony. “The only thing that’s going to change is my last name. Same love, same everything!”
And the twosome are looking to expand their family next! “We’re working on that.” says Lopez, “Right after the wedding. We’ll wait for the guests to leave and then we’re getting right on that!”
This is the second marriage for Lopez, who wed model Ali Landry in 2004, only to have the union annulled two weeks later. It is the first marriage for Mazza.
Congrats to the “Saved By the Bell” alum and his beautiful bride!
Royally Good News: Kate Middleton is Pregnant!
After months of speculation and rumors, it’s official: a royal baby is on the way! Kate Middleton is pregnant!
Buckingham Palace confirmed the good news Monday morning in a statement: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby,” read the statement. “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.”
The palace also confirmed that the duchess was currently hospitalized at King Edward VII Hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum, an acute morning sickness that requires IV hydration and nutritional supplements. Prince William is, of course, by her side and the palace expects her to be released within the week.
Speculation has gripped royal watchers since the Duke and Duchess wed in April 2011 to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. Tabloids have featured stories almost every week about the Duchess’ possible impeding motherhood. Her stomach has been the subject of many close-ups with photographers looking for any sign of a baby bump. When the couple adopted their cocker spaniel Lupo in February 2012, the press stated the couple was probably practicing for a family. The scrutiny was never-ending, and even seemed to take a toll on the Duchess.
Now that they are officially in the family way, the couple are preparing by moving to a massive apartment at Kensington Palace. The apartment reportedly has 20 rooms – plenty of space for a baby to run and play around!
The child will be the Queen’s third great-grandchild, and thanks to change in the rules of succession last year, will be the heir to the throne regardless of gender.
Congratulations from Nicerazzi to the lucky parents-to-be! Now, let the baby name guessing game begin!