More Trouble For Lindsay Lohan, as IRS Seizes Her Funds
Another day, another dose of drama for Lindsay Lohan – and today, it’s all about the Benjamins.
Lindsay owes a chunk of change on back taxes, and this week the IRS was forced to take some pretty drastic measures to get ahold of their money. Everyone’s most feared governmental agency seized the troubled star’s bank accounts to collect back taxes from 2009-2010, which total at least $233,904. This is even after a $100,000 charitable contribution from Charlie Sheen. And sadly, that’s not all! Lohan also owes additional taxes from 2011.
Maybe Lindsay’s money troubles were what that psychic, Tiffany Mitchell, was having premonitions about before trying to offer a free reading to the cash-strapped redhead at a New York City club last week. Mitchell got a smackdown, Long Island style, from Lindsay for her trouble. Lohan was arrested on assault charges that night and released after a few hours. For the record, Lindsay is claiming it was a set up and has even hired a private eye to look into the alleged psychic’s background.
Poor Lindsay is also due back in court to face charges of lying to police about being behind the wheel for last June’s infamous car wreck. She might even be headed off to jail for the holidays.
I think that if Lindsay wants to dig herself out of this financial situation she should talk to Nicolas Cage, because that man has a plan to get out of his issues with the IRS. Also, please film that meeting – because if they broadcast it, pay-per-view style, Lindsay would probably make enough money to pay off half her debt on the spot.
At this point the list of celebrities who aren’t in trouble with the IRS seems to be getting shorter then the list of famous people who are – but sadly, for Lindsay, this appears to be just another day in the life.
“Honey Boo Boo” Star Arrested…In a Monkey Suit?
Is “Crazy” Tony Lindsey really crazy? Well, the cousin of pageant princess Honey Boo Boo certainly seems to be living up to his nickname.
Tony was arrested in McIntyre, Georgia recently for what was deemed reckless conduct. He has been seen in the hit show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” as a member of the family, and as his nickname would indicate, is presented as the type of guy who would…well…get himself thrown behind bars in McIntyre, Georgia.
But the best part may be Tony’s attire at the time of his arrest. In a gorilla suit, of course!
According to Us Magazine, a police officer had to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting Tony, who was dressed as a gorilla and standing in the middle of the road at 11pm. Why? The cause is unknown. Then again, this is a man known to ride a four-wheeler while standing up.
“I observed a white male dressed in a gorilla suit,” explained Deputy Joe Rozier. “[he was] acting as if he was going to jump into my lane of travel.”
Tony was not alone, as He accompanied by five adults and two children. After the altercation with the police officer, Tony and friends attempted to hide in a nearby wooded area, but they didn’t get far. Rozier threatened to release his K-9 dog to smell out the revelers. But the group shouted back, “You don’t have to do that, we’re coming back!”
When the party came back, the gorilla suit that Tony had been wearing was gone. Apparently Tony had left it in the woods. And no one was talking about why he was wearing the suit in the first place.
Tony was then taken into custody along with his friends, but all were eventually released. It is assumed that alcohol was involved (do ya think?) and it is unknown if Tony was actually charged with anything, or if they will have to go to court.
Will this arrest have an effect on the popularity of his cousin’s show? Unlikely. In fact, it is conceivable that they may even include the incident as a part of the family’s ongoing story. After all, anything is possible when it comes to “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”!
Casting Call: Carrie Underwood, “Teen Wolf” and a Whole Bunch of Upcoming Wolverine News!
We took a break last week from Casting Call to digest our Thanksgiving turkey, but now we’re back with the latest and greatest updates on movie and television casting. Don’t miss out on the next movie or show starring your favorite celebrity. This week: America’s favorite quirky character actress gets a new co-star, “Ten Wolf” gets hairier, and some big news from Mutant Nation. Let’s dig in, shall we?
Television:
On Fox’s “New Girl”, Zooey Deschanel’s character Jess will be getting sufficiently creeped out by Nate Corddry (“United States of Tara” and “The Daily Show”). Corddry is set to play a classmate named Edgar in Jess’s creative writing class. Even though his material (and mannerisms) weird Jess out and she thwarts his advances, Edgar quickly develops an obsession our favorite adorkable thirty-something. Tune in later this season to see how the Edgar/ Jess relationship plays out!
Carrie Underwood will play Maria Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” No, they aren’t remaking the classic musical, but NBC is putting together a live broadcast based on the iconic Broadway show. This three-hour live special is being helmed by Craig Zedan and Neil Meron, the producers of NBC’s “Smash” and the 2013 Academy Awards, and will air this holiday season. Don’t miss Underwood’s first big acting gig, and a chance to put her legendary pipes on display.
“Desperate Housewives” twins Charlie and Max Carver are joining the third season of MTV’s “Teen Wolf.” The duo will play Ethan and Aidan, teen alpha werewolves who are cute, charming, and cunning. In other “Teen Wolf” casting news, Adelaide Kane was recently cast as Cora, a beautiful woman somehow mysteriously tied to Beacon Hills. Felisha Terrell will also join the show as a ruthless alpha werewolf named Kali.
Movies:
Oscar nominee Angela Basset has been cast in Gregg Araki’s new indie drama, called “White Bird in a Blizzard,” about a young girl whose mother disappears. Basset will be playing a character named Dr. Thaler, but no specifics have been released yet. She’s cast opposite Shailene Woodley (“The Descendents”), Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”), and Eva Green (“Casino Royale”).
X-Men fans, brace yourselves for excitement overload! Not only have Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen signed on to reprise their roles as Professor X and Magneto, but Hugh Jackman will also be back to play Wolverine in the next X-Men flick. Director Bryan Singer plans to merge X-Men actors from the “X-Men: First Class” prequel and the original “X-Men” trilogy for the new film “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Jackman will likely play both young and older Wolverine, which should work well considering his cameo in “First Class.” Jackman is also busy currently filming his second Logan spin-off, entitled “The Wolverine,” so we can certainly look forward to lots of claw-wielding. Snickity-snickt!
Hot Couple Alert: Are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles Dating?
Ladies, break out the champagne, your favorite curly haired boy-bander is still single!
Panic and utter chaos broke out recently amongst females everywhere – we’re talking dogs and cats living together stuff – when rumors surfaced that Harry Styles of One Direction may be in a romantic relationship with Taylor Swift. The rumors, however, seem to be nothing more than that.
Taylor and Harry met at the Kid’s Choice Awards in March, and tongues have been wagging ever since. Instantly, Directioners across the globe began to worry, because we are all quite aware of Taylor Swift’s…track record, and fans aren’t sure if they can handle another Swift breakup-turned-into-a-song saga.
The pair reunited recently on the set of “The X Factor” and, according to onlookers, they had a rather fun time together. Host Mario Lopez later revealed on his radio show that “Haylor” were seen walking hand-in-hand in the “X Factor” parking lot. It wasn’t long after that the rumors began to spread (again) like wild fire in a petrol station. It even got to the point where Styles reportedly invited Swift to a One Direction holiday party they were hosting in the States to meet his parents. Let’s reiterate that one: MEET. HIS. PARENTS.
OMG, indeed.
Now, the problem with people like Harry Styles is that since he is a part of a worldwide phenomenon of five incredibly good-looking boys, any time he is photographed/seen talking to/in the same room as a female he is automatically dating them. So these “Haylor” rumors are suspect, to say the least.
So, what do we know now? Well, during their time in the States leading to an upcoming show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, “Extra” sat down with the boys in an interview to set some things straight. When they were asked about who was in a relationship, both Zayn and Louis immediately admitted that they were happily taken, whilst Niall explained that he, Harry and Liam are all “single Pringles.”
The boys were also asked to divulge their celebrity crushes. This was a lot harder to get them to reveal, as only Niall came out and said Megan Fox (Good choice, Niall!).
So, there you have it, straight from their mouths to your ears. The only two that are taken are Louis and Zayn, and the remaining three – including Harry – are open for business if we are to take them at their word.
So ladies, let those tears of joy flow – there is still hope for you!
TV Cancellation Updates: Say Goodbye to “Jersey Shore,” “30 Rock,” “Private Practice” and Other Favorites
Television is a land of pure Darwinism – a few survive, while others are torn apart in as many as one or two episodes as months of hype gives way to instantaneous obscurity. Earlier in the season we analyzed various freshman series, including many who were canceled almost immediately. Now, here’s a follow-up with the latest news on those who survived the initial round of cuts.
ABC has officially decided not to pick up “Last Resort” and “666 Park Avenue” – both shows with huge buzz going into the season and “Resort” considered by many to be the best pilot in years – and neither one will be able to complete more than their initial 13 episodes. Per Deadline.com, neither show is technically cancelled, but put on a back burner just in case ABC wants to bring it back next year. This strategy is similar to 2011’s “Pan Am,” but after seeing how that played out…well, don’t hold your breath.
Onetime CBS hopeful “Partners” has also been cancelled. The show’s ratings weren’t terrible – in fact they were equal to or better than any other network’s freshman comedies (with the exception of NBC’s “Go On”) – but “Partners” apparently didn’t meet the CBS gold standard of comedy. Instead of letting the show run its course, the eye decided to pull it and fill the slot with “Two and a Half Men” re-runs. Undoubtedly, Angus T. Jones is thrilled that more “filth” will be making its way into American living rooms.
But first year shows aren’t the only ones getting the axe. Some sophomore shows and longstanding favorites will also be tuning out for the last time in the near future.
NBC’s “30 Rock” is set to conclude in May after seven seasons. The show has been on the cusp of cancellation for a few years now, and stars like Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin are poised to move on to new projects while they’re still bringing so much heat. Similarly, NBC’s “The Office” will be saying goodbye in May. The show managed to last two seasons after Steve Carell’s departure in 2011, but folks like Mindy Kaling and John Krasinski would be wise to see how far the show that gave them fame will propel them. While it will be sad to see two of television’s most beloved comedies go off the air, both shows have undoubtedly left their best episodes in the rearview mirror at this point.
ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” spin off “Private Practice” will similarly be saying goodbye this year. The “Practice” wrap-up is no surprise, however, considering star Kate Walsh had announced she would be leaving regardless of the show’s fate. No news yet on if “Grey’s” will be back for 10th season, but I’m not sure what other possible subjects that show has left to broach.
In Premium channel news, Starz has cancelled its Emmy winning show, “Boss,” so it looks like it’s time for Kelsey Grammer to go back to those tossed salads and scrambled eggs. The network blames low ratings for the cancellation; even Grammer’s 2011 best actor Emmy win couldn’t save the show. Rumor has it that the network is considering a 2-hour movie to finish the series.
Some notable cancellations in the reality television world include: Discovery’s “Dirty Jobs” after its five season run, Travel Channel’s “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” after eight seasons, MTV’s notorious “Jersey Shore,” which has been on the air for six (!) years, and the less recognizable “American Choppers: Junior vs. Senior” which has been on the Discovery Channel for three seasons.
This slew of cancelled shows doesn’t mean other popular shows are “safe” from the axe. There’s certain to be more cancellations as the season continues. As usual, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest on Nicerazzi! Stay tuned to see if your favorite show will be back for another season!
Lindsay Lohan Arrested Again, Charged with Assault
Lindsay Lohan’s bad week just got worse.
The troubled starlet was arrested and charged last night in New York City for allegedly assaulting another woman in a nightclub. The incident took place at Avenue in Manhattan’s trendy Meatpacking District. According to an NYPD spokeswoman, a fight broke out between Lohan and another club patron at 4 am and resulted in the 26-year-old actress punching the other woman in the face.
Detective Mark Nell of the NYPD confirmed to People magazine that the actress had been arrested and charged with assault. “This morning at 4 a dispute broke out at Avenue located at 116 10th Avenue,” he explained. “A female 26-year-old assaulted a female 28-year old. Lindsay Lohan was arrested and charged with assault.”
Asked what happened, the Detective added: “She punched her in the face.”
This morning, Nell conformed that LiLo “has now left the precinct, and was given a desk appearance at a later date.”
The woman in the altercation has been identified as Tiffany Eve Mitchell, a 28-year-old tourist from West Palm Beach, Fla., who was in the club with her husband. An NYPD source explains that Lohan and Mitchell were sitting in separate VIP sections, and possibly got up when a scuffle broke out between other club-goers. At that point, the source reports, the Palm Beach tourist allegedly bumped into Lohan, who responded by punching her in the face. Mitchell was not charged in the incident, nor was she treated for her injuries.
This incident is just the latest in a lengthy string of legal headaches for the troubled star. They have included five stints in rehab, six prior arrests, family altercations, and jail time. Lohan is still on informal probation for taking a necklace from a California jewelry store last year. No word yet on whether she faces additional jail time for this new arrest as a violation of that parole.
The arrest also concludes a rocky week for the perennially-troubled actress. Both critics and fans panned her performance in Lifetime’s Sunday night movie “Liz & Dick,” which Lohan had hoped would be her comeback performance. For the time being, it seems, Lindsay’s legal troubles will continue to overshadow her acting career.
Rumor Mill: Joseph Gordon-Levitt To Play Batman in “Justice League” Movie, New Superman Flick – Or Both?
Not many young actors can say: “I played Batman.” Except, that is, for Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
When last summer’s smash “The Dark Knight Rises” hit its final act [SPOILER ALERT!], Gordon-Levitt’s character was revealed to be Robin, the boy wonder himself. And with Christian Bale’s Batman hanging up his cowl, the implication seemed to be that he might carry on the Batman tradition himself.
Now, months after Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale retired the cape, Levitt seems like a perfect fit. Now, with Warner Brothers once again considering an “Avengers”-like super-team-up flick that would bring together superfriends like Batman and Superman, several media insiders have already thrown their hats into the rumor ring, claiming that the “Brick” breakout is the man for the job.
Drew McWeeny at Hitfix reports that Levitt “absolutely will be appearing in ‘Justice League’ as the new Batman.”
“They’re a long way from filming anything “Justice League” related,” McWeeny explains, positing the notion that we may see another Batman flick before “Justice League,” just to set up JGL as the new Dark Knight. “[Execs at WB] appear to be solidifying deals for Gordon-Levitt and, potentially, at least one other actor from the Nolan films to do… something.”
And the speculation doesn’t stop there. Lily Rothman of Time states “We already know courtesy of The New York Post that Zack Snyder’s June 2013 ‘Man of Steel’ may be the first movie to introduce the ‘Justice League’ universe to filmgoers. The most recent HitFix news also suggests that, given the precedent for superheroes popping up in other heroes’ movies, the super-early casting of JGL, before ‘Justice League’ even has a director, may be due to the possibility of a Batman appearance in the Superman movie.”
It would only be the latest chapter in a staggering rise to leading-man-status for an unlikely superstar. Beginning his acting career at age 6, he rose to fame on “3rd Rock From The Sun,” a beloved but somewhat goofy sitcom that didn’t exactly establish him as a dramatic powerhouse. After blowing people away with the Dashiell-Hammett-in-High-School indie “Brick,” Hollywood suddenly began realizing that he had grown up into something formidable – and soon enough he was earning a Golden Globe nomination for “500 Days of Summer,” arguably his generation’s greatest romantic movie not called “The Notebook.” JGL’s latest movie, a re-team with “Brick” director Rian Johnson called “Looper” that co-starred Bruce Willis, was a box-office success and earned a 94 percent fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Now, while Levitt is riding a wave of success, the swell seems to only be growing. The actor seems to be largely avoiding claims that he’ll be the next Batman, and even his most die-hard fans (and there are many) may have a difficult time picturing the boyish Levitt as the caped crusader.
On the other hand, the excitement is palpable, and every day seems to yield more urging to confirm JGL’s coronation as one of pop culture’s most iconic characters once and for all. Well, all of us here at Nicerazzi are fully behind his casting, and think it would set the superfriends off on the right foot after they stumbled trying to get a film going a few years back. “Justice League,” hopefully starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is scheduled for release sometime in 2015.
“Catching Fire” With the Hunger Games Sequel as First Photos Leak From the Set of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and More
Is the post-Thanksgiving, back-to-work slump getting you a little down? Are you still recovering from all that turkey and mountains of stuffing, or are you perhaps getting a little hungry again, hungry for some “Hunger Games” news, perhaps?
Well, as my appetite for all things Katniss and crew is insatiable, I was delighted to see some behind-the-scenes shots of the sequel, “Catching Fire,” leaked recently onto the Web.
The photos from the film, which is currently being shot in Hawaii, give us numerous ganders at the girl-on-fire herself, Jennifer Lawrence, looking, well, decidedly not on fire. Anyone who has read the book should understand the context of the photos as our heroine is (SPOILER ALERT!) once again cast as a pawn in the ultra-violent games, but this time in a decidedly more difficult arena for a squirrel-hunting, woods-loving creature like herself.
Most of the pictures show Lawrence looking svelte in her Quarter Quell wetsuit, poised and ready to kick some butt and take a few names. Perhaps even more exciting, however, is that we seemingly get a first glimpse at actor Sam Claflin as fan favorite Finnick Odair – the handsome gent with suspicious motives that District 4 offers up to the Games gods.
The casting hunt for the much-loved character was shrouded in as much suspicion as Finnick himself, with weeks and weeks of handsome actors’ names being tossed cruelly into the mix only to be denied by heartless publicists. Relative newcomer Claflin (“Snow White and the Huntsman”) was finally announced to have nabbed the role back in August. And while, judging from the picture, his diving skills look every bit the athletic Finnick, I suppose I’ll need to see him in that famous fish-net costume from the book to really know for sure.
Moving on, Josh Hutcherson fans also have reason to rejoice. While Peeta, the-boy-with-the-bread, may have some issues with water to contend with, Hutcherson looks to be doing just fine as he chats with a fellow in scuba gear. Team Peeta!
Even though I personally get a little discouraged when there is a director change in the middle of a franchise, I’m eager to see what Francis Lawrence has in store for legions of fans as he adapts the ambitious sequel. And while I hate being this excited for something so far away (We have to wait a whole year!), at least we can be consoled with these generous offerings from time to time until the trailer hits. Then, as I’m sure will be the case with many other rabid fans, the anticipation will put me into an eager hibernation until November 2013.
The Kevin Clash Story Gets Even More Sad, As Third Accuser Points the Finger at Elmo Creator
Another day and more bad news for fans of “Sesame Street,” as Kevin Clash is facing yet another accuser bringing claims against the creator of Elmo.
Another potential victim has stepped forward, claiming he engaged in sexual relations with the 52-year-old Clash when he was underage. The Manhattan man, known only as “John,” claims that he and Clash met on a gay telephone hotline in 2000, where Clash called himself “Craig” and claimed to be 30-years-old. At the time Clash was actually 40, and the accuser a mere 16.
“John” claimed that he had just moved to New York from Florida, and he had plans to pursue a career in modeling. After meeting over the phone, the two decided to meet in person. John’s lawyer told the New York Daily News that they met at Clash’s apartment where they engaged in “some sexual activity.”
This entire Clash sex scandal has been muddled in confusion. The initial accuser, Sheldon Stephens, released a statement earlier this month claiming he and Clash had a sexual relationship when he was just 16-years-old. Stephens later declared the inappropriate relationship with Clash “consensual” and recanted his accusations, receiving a handsome $125,000 settlement – which he has since said he wants to give back.
Shortly thereafter, Clash retired from” Sesame Street” and that same day another victim, Cecil Singleton, filed a claim that he and Clash had sex in 1993, when Singleton was 15-years-old and Clash was 32. Singleton is suing Clash for $5 million in damages. Exactly a week later, the third accuser – “John” – has released his statement.
Clash’s publicist, Risa Heller, responded to the newest allegations by saying: “Mr. Clash believes the lawsuit has no merit.” As more accusers continue to step forward, things aren’t looking very favorable for the famous voice actor. Nicerazzi will deliver up-to-date details as this story continues to unfold.
Brad Pitt on His Wedding to Angelina Jolie: “Soon”
After seven years and six kids together, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may finally be ready to tie the knot. And while the tabloid rumor mill has run multiple variations of this story in the past, this time it’s different. Because this time, the declaration is coming from the soon-to-be Mr. Jolie himself.
At the premiere of his latest film, “Killing Them Softly,” last night in New York, Pitt admitted pressure from the couple’s large brood has convinced them it’s time to take the plunge. Pitt told reporters, “I am getting more pressure from my kids, and it is something I want to do within their lifetime, but I also feel like the time has come.” He then added wistfully and quite vaguely, “The time is nigh. It’s soon. I got a good feeling about it.”
After stating for years that they wouldn’t tie the knot until gay marriage was legal, the couple got engaged earlier this spring. Pitt’s manager confirmed the engagement, but stressed it was only a promise to the couple’s kids and that no date had been set. Pitt collaborated with jewelry designer Robert Procop on the sparkling ring. Jolie debuted the massive ring just a few days after the news of the engagement broke.
Now, the big question is where the mega-couple will tie the knot. Pitt admitted to reporters last night that the couple’s migratory-like work schedule makes finding a location difficult. He said the chosen location will “be a matter of convenience location-wise.”
Of course, all six of their kids – Maddox, 11, Pax, 8, Zahara, 7, Shiloh, 6, and 4-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne – have been born abroad, and the couple have called everywhere from France to England to New Orleans to Los Angeles home. Sounds like they have quite the list of options. We only hope that his joke about letting Extra air the wedding is true!
No word on when the previous Mrs. Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, plans to tie the knot with her fiancé, Justin Theroux. But if Pitt’s conjecture that his wedding isn’t far off turns out to be true, we can’t imagine hers is far behind!