Girl Meets World is officially heading to the Disney Channel. The wildly anticipated Boy Meets World spinoff will premiere in 2014, the network announced today, via press release, with executive producer Michael Jacobs saying in a statement: “Girl Meets World is a new show for a new generation that will be rooted in the same kind of honest, comedic storytelling about coming of age and the importance of family and friendship that made Boy Meets World so popular.” The new series will star Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews, the teenage daughter of Cory and Topanga, to be played by a returning Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, respectively. It will be set in New York City, with Cory teaching history at his daughter’s school and Topanga running a pudding shop. According to the official Disney Channel synopsis, the sitcom will follow Riley and her quick-witted friend Maya (played by Sabrina Carpenter) as they “embark on an unforgettable middle school experience.” Look for Rider Strong to maybe guest star on the program, while Teo Halm will play Elliott, Cory and Topanga’s son. We’re most definitely in. Are you?
Paris Jackson’s suicide attempt came after she was told she does not have the same biological father as her brother Prince, according to a new report. The alleged revelation by the Sun (UK) says that she knew Michael Jackson “could not be” her natural dad, yet believed she and Prince had the same one. Paris Jackson believed Debbie Rowe was their mother and an unnamed man their dad, but if this report is to be believed, she’s learned this is untrue. She was just recently given the news, the Sun reports, to prepare her for harsh grilling during the $40 billion Michael Jackson wrongful death trial . A major identity crisis followed, along with a string of devastating fights between Paris and Prince, 16, and eventually led to Paris’ attempt on her life. Whatever the reason, Michael’s only daughter has plunged into depression and is still in an L.A. hospital. She OD’d on Motrin and cut herself June 5. A family friend said of the paternity bombshell: “Paris has always wanted to believe Michael was her dad, but was aware that wasn’t really the case. But she was convinced her and Prince were full siblings.” “She always idolized him. Hearing she wasn’t started a downward spiral .” She’s said to be feeling better but will stay in hospital for up to 30 days. She will then spend more time with mum Debbie, 54, at her ranch in California. Paris Jackson is said to hate the “circus” that is the Jackson household, but she remains close to her guardian and grandmother, Katherine Jackson. There have long been reports that Michael Jackson was not the biological father of any of his three children, and a series of men have claimed that role. The most frequently mentioned name is Dr. Arnold Klein, MJ’s doctor and friend, who’s even admitted giving the late King of Pop a sperm sample. Another Jackson friend, Mark Lester , says the same thing, while numerous others – including Macaulay Culkin – have been rumored by the tabloids.
McKayla Maroney is not impressed by much. She’s just hard to please … don’t blame a girl for having high expectations of herself and others. The Olympics’ funniest Internet meme continues today with the U.S. gymnastics standout still not impressed by various people and events. Specifically, the Dwight Howard trade … the rest of the NBA may be shaking in its collective high-tops, but one sports star is so like, “Whatever.” This is not to say that McKayla’s demanding standards are reserved for sports alone. She was equally unmoved by Kim Kardashian ‘s wedding … … and Paris Hilton’s new quote-unquote “career” … … and Ryan Gosling calling her up to say congratulations … … or even the Grand Canyon. Yawn:
Breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes, things change and you have to move on. So says D.L. Hughley in calling it quits with Chick-fil-A. The comedian penned a letter to The Huffington Post confirming the split , saying he and the chain are “growing in two different directions.” Mainly on account of Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s stance against gay marriage , of course. Here’s what Hughley had to say about it… Hughley said he felt forced to “choose between my heart and my stomach,” but had no choice, since “baby, lately you’ve been doing me dirty.” “You’ve been speaking with a forked tongue, spewing hate instead of frying love,” the comedian deadpanned … Ed Helms would surely agree. “Who would have thought a chicken sandwich would become a symbol for both free speech and intolerance at the same time?” While supporting Chick-fil-A’s boss’ right to believe and vote how he pleases, Hughley lamented Cathy’s use of Bible verses to make his point. “You say that gay marriage is a sin, like in Leviticus 19:22. But a preceding verse, Leviticus 17:14, says, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.” “You don’t cook your chicken in a kosher way. On what grounds are you picking and choosing which edicts to follow?” “But like the Good Book says, we need sanctuaries in this world, places where a man can go to escape his thoughts. That used to be you.” “Now I have to wonder if I’m doing the right thing when I step inside your doors, if I am subsidizing perspectives that I am vehemently opposed to.” “Ignorance is bliss, girl, especially in your industry.” Hughley adds that Chick-fil-A changed, not him. “So Chick-fil-A, baby, I guess what I’m struggling to say, as I fight back the tears and wipe the grease from my fingers, is this … It’s not that I don’t love you.” “we both know that’s not true. I know I’ll never find another like you. But baby, we are growing in two different directions. I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you anymore.” What about you? Are you breaking up with Chick-fil-A too?
Kourtney Kardashian gave birth to Penelope Scotland Disick on July 8. Us Weekly has photos of the one-month old to prove it. But apparently the love and joy of having a second child – along with the six figures she raked in for posing with Penelope on the cover of a tabloid – aren’t enough for Kourtney. She says she may share the event with the world. Yes, we’re serious… If you think this photo of Kourtney Kardashian is wild… “We haven’t decided if we’ll show this birth on TV,” Kardashian says in that same issue of Us Weekly . “But Scott taped footage, and some other people were recording too.” Would E! really let this happen? Would viewers want it to happen? Try to hold down your lunch and sound off now: Would you watch Kourtney Kardashian give birth?
Debbie Rowe, the woman who gave birth to two of Michael Jackson’s children, stating she supports the new guardianship situation, with one caveat: She WILL intervene if things don’t work out. Rowe filed documents in L.A. County Superior Court saying she has reviewed and signed off on TJ and Katherine Jackson sharing responsibilities. She’ll be keeping her eye on it, however. Debbie Rowe warns that “Should the arrangement sought by TJ Jackson and Katherine Jackson become untenable, unstable, unsafe, or become in any way contrary to the [children’s best interests], Ms. Rowe will seek court intervention.” Rowe claims her concern is for the health, safety and well-being of HER children; and says she will continue to ensure their needs are met. TJ Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Tito Jackson, was appointed temporary co-guardian of Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson after last month’s fiasco. When TJ first petitioned for guardianship, the judge said Debbie must be notified. That has clearly happened, and she is satisfied, for now. It’s unclear what recourse Debbie Rowe even has after relinquishing all custody to Michael Jackson years ago, but hopefully we won’t have to find out.
The Jackson family feud has simmered down somewhat, but relations are still icy as four of Michael’s siblings are now banned from their mom’s house. Michael Jackson’s kids Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson – subjects of a bizarre custody feud – are currently staying at Katherine Jackson’s L.A. home. The kids’ cousin and temporary guardian, T.J. Jackson, has been advised by lawyers for the Michael Jackson estate on who should not be allowed in . As such, Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie and Janet Jackson have been 86’d. T.J.’s lawyer Charles Shultz says he’s instructed the security team accordingly and his actions are “in compliance” with a judge’s orders, not arbitrary. Those on the not-allowed list were either present on July 23 “or in some way participated in the events surrounding that date,” Shultz stated. It was then that Jermaine, Randy and Janet Jackson arrived at Katherine’s home and allegedly tried to physically remove Prince, Paris and Blanket. Randy, Jermaine, Janet and sister Rebbie Jackson have been accused by some of being motivated by money to separate Katherine from the kids. Michael’s will, which left his estate to his children and provided an ample allowance to their guardian (Katherine), obviously stands in their way. Since Michael’s death in 2009, Katherine Jackson had been receiving a monthly allowance of $86,000 as guardian of Prince, Paris and Blanket. For the time being, that sum goes to T.J. Jackson. While the four siblings behind the failed family coup aren’t allowed at the house, Shultz said they aren’t forbidden from contact with their mother: “In addition, Mrs. Jackson is completely free to talk to whomever she chooses and is free to come and go with anyone whom she chooses.” Katherine Jackson was reported missing July 22, triggering the latest chapter of this bizarre saga. Her whereabouts at that time are still unclear. Just prior to that, five of Katherine’s kids sent a letter alleging their mother is being mistreated by the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. This triggered rumors that they even staged her kidnapping, but separating truth from fiction in this particular story is a difficult task indeed. In any case, Friday, Katherine’s attorney, Perry Sanders, told the Los Angeles Times that the 82-year-old had reunited with her grandchildren. He said of her splitting custody with T.J.: “[Katherine] is eager to enjoy her great relationship with these children, while deeding over some of the stressors that go with being a guardian.” While Katherine was initially “devastated’ to lose guardianship, a family insider tells E! that T.J.’s temporary guardianship “is good news.” “It is not about taking [guardianship] from Katherine. They are trying to protect the kids from the other family. T.J. didn’t step in to remove her.” “He stepped in because she is not there,” the source adds of the 34-year-old son of Tito Jackson. “He is extremely tight with his grandmother.” While La Toya Jackson urged the family yesterday to come to a truce and put this behind them, don’t expect the bad blood to end soon.
Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, the children of the late Michael Jackson, have decided to instill a self-imposed boycott of Dr. Conrad Murray’s trial. The physician, accused of involuntary manslaughter, faces a long prison term if convicted. The trial, which began last week, is expected to last weeks. Sources say that for the kids, especially Prince and Paris, rehashing the details of how Michael died is just too hard, and they’re trying to tune it out . Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother and the kids’ guardian, is said to be relieved that kids aren’t more curious and desperate to pay close attention. After prosecutor David Walgren displayed the body of Michael Jackson in the opening statement of the Dr. Conrad Murray trial , the stakes were high. Katherine was unhappy and disturbed the shocking pic was displayed, and the 911 call placed after MJ was found unresponsive was also unnerving. At this point it’s unlikely that the kids will be called as witnesses against Murray, as the prosecution feels it has plenty of others to prove its case. The children certainly do not wish to be involved whatsoever. However, if asked to take the stand, Prince Michael will testify without complaint. [Photo: Fame Pictures]
Michael Jackson’s kids are planning on attending the upcoming MJ Tribute Concert in person. This in spite of objections from two of their uncles. Prince, Paris and Blanket have all decided that they want to fly to Wales for the event, regardless of what Jermaine and Randy Jackson think. An Jackson family rep tells TMZ: “Paris, Blanket and Prince have been asked to attend the MJ Tribute in Wales and they have decided to go.” The rep adds that the kids are “extremely excited and they’re hoping they will have the opportunity to contribute in some way by making a speech.” “Nothing has been set in stone, but they really hope they can.” Jermaine and Randy are fighting their attendance, as well as the concert itself, which they consider “inappropriate,” given that the event is due to take place in October during the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray . We can see that side of it, but at the same time, Michael’s kids – who are said to be so happy these days – should be allowed to honor his memory. [Photo: Fame Pictures]
