Lohan's grandfather dies
Lindsay Lohan is in mourning following the death of her grandfather.
Richard Lohan, 73, died in New York on Thursday (28Aug08) following a long battle with colon cancer.
Lohan's father Michael confirmed the death of his dad, releasing an official statement to OK! magazine.
It reads; "My father just, literaly, died in my arms. I notified all my kids."
And Michael Lohan used the opportunity to take a swipe at his ex-wife Dina - accusing her of failing to support him while his father was ill.
He adds, "Let's see if she has the decency and respect to bring my kids to the wake and funeral. THIS will show her true colors! Thus, not even a call. But that's par for the course with Dina! She didn't even send a card or visit when he was sick."
Witherspoon speaks out on domestic abuse
Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon took to the stage in Brazil in a bid to raise awareness of women affected by domestic violence.
The Legally Blonde star is touring the South American country as part of her duties as she is the global ambassador of Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign.
The initiative was launched by the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the Avon cosmetics company in 2004.
And Witherspoon is hoping her involvement will help stamp out the abuse of women - insisting she herself has been close to people who were the victims of domestic violence.
She told reporters in Sao Paulo on Thursday (28Aug08), "There isn't a woman in the world that doesn't have a friend or a partner who's actualy experiencing some sort of violence against them, so I think although domestic violence hasn't happened to me personaly, I certainly know women who are dealing with this struggle every day."
And the star stated she felt motivated to help with the cause as the issue affects so many types of people.
She adds, "Domestic violence affects women who are famous, who are not famous, women who have money, women who have no money. This is an issue that crosses all boundaries and it certainly affects everyone."
Ritchie: 'I'm not renewing wedding vows with Madonna'
Guy Ritchie has branded rumors he and wife Madonna are set to renew their wedding vows as "rubbish" - because he spent too much money on her 50th birthday celebrations.
The couple were rumored to be planning to remarry in a Kabbalah ceremony later this month (Aug08).
But the moviemaker is adamant they won't be heading down the aisle for a second time - because their lavish 2000 marriage in the Scottish Highlands was all they needed.
Ritchie says, "Rubbish (rumors of renewing wedding vows). I think once was enough. And I've just paid out on a big party for her birthday.
"I bought her two original Hermes drawings of equestrian thingies (sic) - but trust me, the party was infinitely more expensive than the paintings."
Injured Valkyrie extras offered settlement
Studio bosses on Tom Cruise's troubled World War II movie Valkyrie have offered a dozen extras who were injured on-set a settlement.
The film, which has been pushed back twice, was hit by a legal row, with 12 actors claiming they were thrown from a moving vehicle while filming a scene for the film.
The extras received minor injuries in the incident, with one being hospitalized due to serious injuries.
The injured parties were seeking $11 million in compensation from Cruise's United Artists production company.
And despite the studio offering the extras a settlement, a representative for the movie claims they have not "reacted" to the offer.
Charles Woebcken, president and chief executive of Studio Babelsberg AG, which co-produced the film with United Artists, says, ""We have offered a settlement. But they haven't even reacted."
And Woebcken slammed the extras for not coming to him first, stating leaking the story to the media was a publicity stunt.
He adds, "In America, these things happen. You have a different system in Germany. If you lose an arm, it's not worth a million dollars.
Jackson juggling career with fatherhood
Pop superstar Michael Jackson took an extended hiatus from the music industry because he wanted to watch his children grow up.
The Bad hitmaker has been absent from the music scene for several years, returning in 2008 with Thriller 25 featuring collaborations with artists including Akon and Fergie.
And Jackson insists that he doesn't regret taking a step back from his music career, because he loves spending time raising his three kids Prince Michael, Prince Michael II and Paris.
He tells news show Good Morning America, "I am writing all the time. I love composing and the whole thing. But I am also raising my children and enjoying it and teaching them to ride bicycles and how to read. I love it.
"(We) go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I want them to get to do the kind of things I didn't get to do. So, I fill them with a lot of enjoyment that way - a lot of amusement. You know?"
But the singer refused to confirm rumors of a possible new studio album: "I have always loved showbusiness and have always enjoyed making people happy through that medium. I love the celebration of music and dance and art. I just love it."
Clooney set for air miles movie
George Clooney is collecting air miles after showing interest in taking the lead in Juno director Jason Reitman's new film about a businessman obsessed with free trips.
Clooney is in talks to star in Up in the Air, Reitman's adaptation of Walter Kirn's novel.
The director has been reworking the script for five years. Upon completion, Clooney was the first actor he showed it to, according to Daily Variety.
Wilson has sights set on Maui home
Owen Wilson is set to join best pal Woody Harrelson by becoming a resident of Hawaii.
The laidback movie star has reportedly made an offer on a home on Maui after spending a week with Harrelson and his family on the island paradise.
Harrelson has lived the eco-friendly life in a completely solar-powered, sustainable community on Maui for many years.
A source tells In Touch magazine, "Owen likes it so much (there) that he made an offer on a home."
Many stars call the island home - Pierce Brosnan, rocker Todd Rundgren, Ben Stiller, native Bette Midler and Oprah Winfrey all have retreats in Hawaii.
Madonna to launch haircare line?
Madonna is set to expand her empire after reportedly investing in a line of haircare products.
The pop superstar - currently on her Sticky + Sweet world tour - has invested in longtime stylist Andy LeCompte's new West Hollywood, California salon and upcoming haircare line, according to reports.
A source tells Star magazine : "Madonna sees how much Jessica Simpson made off of her hairdo line with Ken Paves, and she wants a piece of the action."
A spokesperson for LeCompte tells WENN: "I have no comment on this."
As WENN went to press, a spokesperson for Madonna had not returned calls.
Pitt saves fan from lake
Brad Pitt has become a hero at the Venice Film Festival after saving a young autograph hunter from falling into a lake.
The actor agreed to sign autographs for a group of young fans on a boat on Wednesday (27Aug08) - but one teenager slipped and fell into the water.
Pitt quickly grabbed the fan and ensured he was safely back on the boat before signing a book.
He is at the Italian Festival to promote new movie Burn After Reading.
Jackson to celebrate birthday with his kids
Pop superstar Michael Jackson is to spend his landmark 50th birthday celebrating with his children.
The Thriller hitmaker turns 50 on Friday (29Aug08) and he insists that he has no plans for a lavish party - he will instead spend the day with his three kids, Prince Michael, Prince Michael II and Paris.
In an interview with news show Good Morning America, he admits he plans to spend the day at home and will "just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons".
And he adds of his landmark birthday, "I feel very wise and sage, but at the same time very young."
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