Blair Kaplan

Dina Manzo Confirms Return to Sixth Season of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’

Dina Manzo is proving she is as thick as thieves with Bravo after announcing her comeback to the sixth season of the network’s hit reality series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

“Well, I guess the (hairless) cat’s out of the bag,” Manzo tweeted, on Tuesday, Oct. 29. (Manzo has a hairless cat.) “Yes, I’m back. Unlike the past, this time it felt ‘right.’ See you on Bravo, my friends. xo.”

Speculation has escalated each season, that Manzo, who appeared on the first two seasons of the show, would return. However, the speculation rapidly increased amid rumors that Manzo’s estranged sister, Caroline Manzo, would not be returning next season, as it appears that Dina does not wish to be on the show with her sister. Caroline confirmed the rumors that she will not be back after five seasons on the series:

“Over the past few years my outlook on the show has changed from something I couldn’t wait to show my future grandchildren to something I hope my future grandchildren never see,” she wrote on her bravotv.com blog.

Although she is saying farewell to her Housewives cast-mates, Caroline will not be parting ways with the Bravo Network. Manzo and her family are taping a spinoff, Manzo’d with Children, a show focusing only on her family: Caroline, her husband Al, their three children and Caroline’s sister Frannie.

Along with the addition of Dina, it is also rumored that three new women, twin sisters Nicole and Teresa Napolitano and their friend Amber Marchese, will be joining the show. The network has yet to confirm the new cast members.

Camille Grammer Granted Restraining Order Against Boyfriend, Alleges Physical Abuse

by Blair Kaplan

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Camille Grammer, was granted a temporary restraining order on October 29, against her boyfriend of two years, Dimitri Charalambopoulos, amid claims of physical abuse.

Grammer’s complaint alleges that while staying in a hotel in Houston, Texas, on October 16, Charalambopoulos and Grammer began to argue. Grammer, 45 alleges that Charalambopoulos slammed her head into the headboard of the bed, pulled out clumps of her hair and smashed her iPhone. The complaint further alleges that Charalambopoulos squeezed Grammer’s nose between his finger and pushed upward forcefully, covering her mouth in an attempt to silence her to prevent her from breathing.

The same day Grammer acknowledged the situation on Twitter, posting:

“Info will come out today that is jaw dropping. And women can’t be silenced after being physically abused! Getting my strength back now that I am at home and wasn’t able to deal with talking about it after my cancer surgery or what had happen[ed]. Yes, it was horrible what had happened to me two days out of the hospital,” she added in response to questions from her followers. “I was in fear for my life.”

Charalambopoulos has been ordered to stay 100 yards away from Grammer and her two children.

Grammer was previously married to actor, Kelsey Grammer, before filing for divorce in July 2010, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in February 2011. Grammer underwent a “radical hysterectomy” on October 11, after being diagnosed with early stage endometrial cancer.

Jason Aldean’s Tour Bus Strikes and Kills Pedestrian in Indiana

by Blair Kaplan

Jason Aldean’s tour bus struck and killed a man on a highway in Knox County, Indiana, early Monday morning. The tragedy occurred at 1:28 a.m., according to a police report. The coroner pronounced “the individual deceased from trauma to the head and chest.” The “My Kinda Party” singer, 36, acknowledged the sad news on his Facebook page.

“With a heavy heart, I’m sad to say that a man passed away last night after stepping out in front of my bus in Indiana,” he posted.

“In all the years I’ve been touring and all the miles we’ve driven, nothing prepares you for something like this to happen,” Aldean wrote. “I’m praying for Albert Kennedy’s family and friends today and ask that you do the same.”

So far there has been no word on the cause of the accident.

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis Expecting First Child

by Blair Kaplan

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis are expecting their first child together according to People Magazine. “They are incredibly happy,” a source close to both says. “They’re very excited to welcome a new member into their family.” Reps for both Wilde and Sudeikis confirmed the baby news to People.

The actress, 29, and the actor, 38, who met on the season finale of Saturday Night Live in 2011, began dating in November 2011. The pair got engaged in January.

Wilde was previously married to Italian filmmaker and musician, Tao Ruspoli, in June 2007, at the age of 19, but filed for divorce in March 2011 citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in September 2011.

“I can’t wait for children,” Wilde told Marie Claire back in April. “I’m open-minded about how many, but three, which I love, is like a little party. [Jason] is so good with kids,” she added. “I’ve never before experienced looking at someone and thinking,’ That’s who I want to raise a child with.’”

In the October issue of Allure, on stands now, Wilde gushes about how much she adores Sudeikis and that she cannot wait to have a family with him. “Jason is fantastic with children,” she says.

It appears Wilde will have to wait no longer.

Chris Brown Arrested for Felony Assault in D.C.

by Blair Kaplan

Singer, Chris Brown, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man outside of the W Hotel, on K and 15^th Street, in Washington D.C. early Sunday morning.

Although the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department stated that alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor, Brown, 24, allegedly got into a verbal argument with the man before punching him repeatedly. The incident occurred around 4:25 a.m.

Brown faces a charge of felony assault for the incident. Another man, Brown’s bodyguard, Christopher Hollosy, 35, was also arrested and charged. According to the DCMP, Brown and Hollosy were taken into custody and are being held at the 2^nd District police station.

The victim of the attack was taken to the hospital to treat the injuries he sustained. The DCMP did not disclose the victim’s condition, instead only stating that “he’s alive.”

Brown was infamously arrested in February 2009, after assaulting then-girlfriend, singer, Rihanna, on the night before the Grammy’s. Brown was found guilty in California of felony domestic violence. He was placed on five-years of probation after entering a guilty plea, and was ordered to fulfill more than 1,400 hours doing “labor-oriented service.” In a Youtube video, Brown expressed deep remorse and claimed he “accepted full responsibility.” His probation for the 2009 assault was reinstated in August, after he was involved in an alleged hit-and-run, which he vehemently denied.

Brown has been scheduled to appear before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, James Brandlin, on November 20 for a probation hearing.

Update: The assault charge has been reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Brown still pled not guilty and was released without bail; he was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from the alleged victim.

Pennsylvania Law Makes Touching Pregnant Bellies Without Consent Illegal

by Blair Kaplan

“Keep your hands to yourself!”

We are taught from a young age that we shall abide by this golden rule. “Don’t hit your brother; ask first before you pet the dog!” But how about… “May I touch your stomach?”

It seems rather intuitive that you don’t just walk up to strangers and touch them. (If you do, I suggest that you stop. Immediately.) So why would anyone think that it’s okay to touch a pregnant woman’s stomach?

Never mind the invasive line of questioning that generally grows along with the child in utero, the uninvited rubbing, patting, and just plain awkward contact with a pregnant woman’s belly is an all-too often occurring invasion of personal space. One apparently so pervasive, that in Pennsylvania it requires a statute to control.

The idea of keeping your hands to yourself isn’t novel. The common law of battery punishes one for committing “an unlawful touching of a person by another.” More specifically, in Pennsylvania, this idea of punishing one for an unconsented to physical touching has always been on the books. If you touch someone and harass, annoy, or alarm him or her in the process, you may be found guilty of harassment. It therefore makes sense that the touching of a pregnant woman’s belly without her permission may constitute harassment as well.

The new ruling came about after a Cumberland County, Pa. man was charged with harassment for touching a pregnant woman’s belly without her permission. The woman won the case, and set precedent for any other unwelcome belly touchers in the future.

Julianne Hough Dresses in Blackface for Halloween Party

by Blair Kaplan

Former Dancing with the Stars pro, Julianne Hough, might have made her first big misstep on Friday night. Hough, 25, arrived to a Halloween party in Beverly Hills, Ca. on October 25, dressed in blackface as the character, Crazy Eyes, (played by actress, Uzo Aduba,) on the Netflix drama, Orange is the New Black.

Hough’s costume, which channeled the fictional prison inmate, included an orange jumpsuit, her hair in the character’s signature knotted hairdo, and an I.D. card featuring the character’s name. She arrived with several girlfriends also dressed as the show’s other prison inmates.

Hough’s poor choice of costume has understandably offended many. Blackface, the donning of dark paint or makeup on one’s face, originated in the 19th century as part of the theater culture to portray a caricature of African American slaves and to perpetuate the idea of racial and social inferiority.

Maybe next Halloween someone can cast a spell on her poor taste?

Update:
Hough has issued an apology on Twitter for her actions. “I am a huge fan of the show Orange Is the New Black, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has created. It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way. I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize.”

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom Have Separated

by Blair Kaplan

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have separated after three years of marriage, according to a statement a rep for Bloom made to E! News.

“In a joint statement, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr have announced that they have been amicably separated for the past few months. After six years together, they have recently decided to formalize their separation,” the rep explained.

“Despite this being the end of their marriage, they love, support and respect each other as both parents of their son and as family.”

The Australian former Victoria’s secret model, 30, and the British actor, 36, first went public with their relationship back in April 2008. The two married in a private ceremony in July 2010, and their son, Flynn, 2, was born in January of 2011.

Earlier this year, Kerr announced that she would be parting ways with Victoria’s Secret after six years together, but will remain busy, as she works to manage her Kora Organics beauty line, and continues modeling.

‘Fifty Shades’ Casting No Longer Grey?

by Blair Kaplan

No more grey areas?

British actor, Jamie Dornan, 31, is reportedly set to play Christian Grey in the adaptation of the hit selling erotic romance novel, Fifty Shades of Grey. Dornan was cast alongside Dakota Johnson, 24, who will play leading lady, Anastasia Steele.

It was announced in early September that Sons of Anarchy star, Charlie Hunnan, had landed the coveted lead role after it had been turned down by actors, Garrett Hedlund and Ryan Gosling. It was also rumored that the novel’s author, E.L. James, had wanted actor, Robert Pattinson to play the part.

The news that Hunnan was cast in the role created a whirlwind of criticism, backlash, and disappointment among diehard fans of the novel. Hunnan, dropped out of the film on October 12 due to scheduling conflicts. It remains to be seen if the new casting news will garner a more excited response from fans.

The film is projected to be released on August 1, 2014.

Katherine McPhee Locks Lips with Married ‘Smash’ Director

by Blair Kaplan

Actress and singer, Katherine McPhee, 29, was caught locking lips over the weekend with former Smash director, Michael Morris. The only problem: both McPhee and Morris are married — and not to each other.

In some of the seemingly incriminating photographs taken in L.A. over the weekend, the pair is seen in the midst of an intense lip-lock, while in others they are holding hands, walking together. One thing is for sure: the couple does not appear to be hiding their affection for one another.

McPhee quickly rose to fame on the hit Fox reality show, American Idol, where she finished as runner-up of the show’s fifth season in 2006. She went on to act, starring in movies such as The House Bunny and Shark Night 3D, before landing a lead role on the hit NBC musical drama, Smash; the show was cancelled earlier this year after just two seasons.

McPhee wed producer, Nick Cokas, 47, back in 2007, while Morris has been married to actress, Mary McCormack — with whom he has three daughters — since 2003. Rumors have been circulating that McPhee and Cokas have been separated for six months.

So far reps for all parties have declined to comment on the photos.

Blair Kaplan

Footer