Tag Archives: client

Denied! Judge Shoots Down Tammy Lee Michaels in Court, Backs Melissa Etheridge

Round one of the Melissa Etheridge/Tammy Lynn Michaels split has gone to the singer. Following Etheridge’s motion to dissolve her partnership with Michaels, the latter filed for full custody of the pair’s children and stated that her ex has not been supporting her or the kids “financially and otherwise.” However, a L.A. County Superior Court judge shot down Tammy’s request for $25,000 this week, as Etheridge’s attorney convinced the court his client is, indeed, footing the bills for her family. “[Tammy] is being completely supported by Melissa and has been since they separated,” Neal Hersh told People . “She’s being well-provided for and then some, as are the children, which are Melissa’s first priority.” Hersh says these expenses include $2,000 a month, along with household bills and a car lease. Tammy’s legal team doesn’t dispute these facts. Steven Knowles says “Melissa is paying various sundry expenses,” but adds that his client and her three-year old twins are “destitute… It doesn’t put money in her wallet. Literally she has no cash.” Etheridge and Michaels were together for nine years. Sadly, it seems this break-up will get uglier before it gets any better.

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Denied! Judge Shoots Down Tammy Lee Michaels in Court, Backs Melissa Etheridge

Edward Norton Booted from The Avengers Due to Lack of "Creativity and Collaborative Spirit"

Edward Norton is an Oscar-nominated actor. But that bullet point on his resume wasn’t enough to help the star keep his most recent job, as Norton has been booted fron the upcoming big screen adaption of The Avengers . The May 2012 movie will bring together Marvel comic book heroes such as Captain America and Iron Man. It will star Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson , Samuel L. Jackson and more – but will NOT include Norton in the role of Bruce Banner. The studio explained why in this harsh statement: “We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. “Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble… We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.” Snaps, yo ! Replied a rep for Norton: “This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light… This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.” Norton starred in a 2008 remake of The Hulk that was panned by critics and bombed at the box office.

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Edward Norton Booted from The Avengers Due to Lack of "Creativity and Collaborative Spirit"

BART Officer Convicted of Involuntary ManSlaughter

A former transit police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man at an Oakland train station was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Thursday, capping a racially charged case that raised fears in the Bay Area of possible violence after the verdict. Prosecutors accused the ex-officer of intentionally firing his handgun as he tried to handcuff Oscar J. Grant III on New Year's Day 2009. Johannes Mehserle, 28, tearfully testified that the shooting was a tragic accident caused when he mistakenly grabbed his firearm instead of an electric Taser weapon during a struggle with Grant. The shooting was captured on video by several witnesses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXWSgG-KNng Mehserle, who is white, fired a single round into the back of Grant, who was black and was lying face-down on the station platform. Mehserle resigned a week after the shooting. The killing provoked protests and violence in Oakland. The case, which has drawn comparisons to the videotaped beating of Rodney G. King that ultimately triggered riots in Los Angeles in 1992, was moved to Los Angeles for trial amid concern about the extensive media coverage of the slaying in the Bay Area. Many civil rights activists considered the case a test of how the justice system treats police officers accused of abusing minorities. The trial also captured the attention of law enforcement officers who feared that a guilty verdict could raise the stakes for cops who make mistakes. The shooting occurred soon after police responded to reports of a fight on a train stopped at the Fruitvale Station. Grant and four friends were detained by a different police officer who prosecutors said used excessive force against the men. Mehserle arrived on the platform after the men had been detained. Alameda County Deputy Dist. Atty. David R. Stein rejected the idea that the shooting was a mistake, telling jurors that Mehserle's holster was specially designed to prevent easy release of his firearm. The prosecutor contrasted the light, bright yellow Taser gun with the heavier black Sig Sauer handgun that Mehserle fired. “He let his aggression dictate his conduct,” Stein told jurors. The prosecutor urged jurors to find Mehserle guilty of second-degree murder, pointing out that the officer never told his colleagues that night that the shooting was an accident. Prosecutors in Los Angeles have not won a murder conviction in a police shooting case since 1983. Mehserle testified that he intended to use his Taser because he believed Grant, 22, might be reaching for a gun in his pants pocket. While the officer's firearm was on his right side, the Taser was in a holster on the left side of his belt but angled so that it could be pulled out with his right hand. Two people, including a friend of Grant's, testified that they heard the officer say he intended to use his Taser shortly before the shooting. In at least six other instances, officers have said they made the same mistake of firing a handgun when they intended to use a Taser. Numerous witnesses said Mehserle looked shocked after the gunshot. Defense attorney Michael L. Rains said video footage shows his client holding his head in his hands in despair. “He's sick to his stomach,” Rains told jurors, “because he has shot a man who did not deserve to be shot.” Prosecutors accused Johannes Mehserle of intentionally firing his handgun as he tried to handcuff Oscar J. Grant III on New Year's Day 2009. Mehserle testified that he thought he was pulling out his electric Taser weapon and not a firearm. added by: Stoneyroad

Mel Gibson Under Investigation For Domestic Violence

Ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva claims actor knocked out her teeth and gave her a concussion in January. By Gil Kaufman Mel Gibson Photo: Michael Kovac/ FilmMagic Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department officials confirmed on Thursday that they have opened a domestic violence investigation involving actor Mel Gibson and his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of the former couple’s newborn daughter. The reported that no details about the investigation were available at press time, but that Sheriff’s Department officials said in a statement that they are “currently gathering information regarding the allegations. Due to the investigation being preliminary in nature, no other information is available at this time.” Gibson, 54, and Grigorieva, 40, have been in court fighting over custody of the 8-month-old child. The actor’s representative said in an e-mail to the paper that he had not yet confirmed the report’s accuracy due to “legal matters.” According to , the disclosure of the investigation came after detectives interviewed Grigorieva about an alleged attack at an undisclosed location in Malibu earlier this year. A Sheriff’s spokesperson said Grigorieva — who began dating Gibson soon after the actor’s wife of 27 years filed for divorce last April — is the only person who has been interviewed in the case so far. The alleged attack on Grigorieva took place on January 6; it could be a month before the inquiry is wrapped up and the district attorney’s office decides whether to press charges. The case is being handled by the same sheriff’s substation that arrested Gibson in 2006 on suspicion of drunk driving. The actor later publicly apologized to the arresting officers in that case for using anti-Semitic and sexist remarks against them during his arrest. TMZ recently reported that Gibson’s lawyer says Grigorieva invented the claims that the actor punched her in the face twice in January, knocking out her teeth and giving her a concussion, because she was having second thoughts about the confidential custody agreement the couple had signed. The report came just days after Grigorieva went to court to get a restraining order against Gibson prohibiting him from getting near her and the child; Gibson went to court a short time later and reportedly got the court to modify the order and allow him to see the child. Gibson was condemned by the NAACP last week after reports emerged that Grigorieva had taped a 30-minute rant by the actor in which he hurled racist and sexist epithets against her in a fit of rage. revealed that Gibson used the N-word and other expletives during a profanity-laced argument with his ex, and while the “Passion of the Christ” director’s spokesperson did not deny that the speaker in the taped outburst was his client, the onetime box-office giant has not commented on the recording to date. During one segment of the tape, Gibson allegedly says, “I am going to come and burn the f—ing house down … but you will b— me first.” And in another, he reportedly tells her that she looks like a “f—ing pig in heat” who risked getting “raped by a pack of n—–s,” as their baby screams in the background. Radar reported this week that another tape exists in which Gibson makes derogatory remarks using an anti-Hispanic slur. Gibson’s spokesperson could not be reached for comment at press time.

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Mel Gibson Under Investigation For Domestic Violence

Lindsay Lohan’s Lawyer Quits

Actress was sentenced to 90 days in jail two days ago. By Mawuse Ziegbe Lindsay Lohan Photo: Dave McNew/ Getty Images Lindsay Lohan’s lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley has resigned in the midst of the starlet’s ongoing legal drama. TMZ reports that when the website contacted Holley for comment Thursday (July 8), she told the site that she was no longer representing Lohan. Lohan’s New York lawyer, Stephanie Ovadia, verified the attorney’s exit. “I can confirm [Holley] is not representing Lindsay at this point,” Ovadia told the New York Daily News, adding, “Lindsay is in the process of hiring new counsel.” Holley has reportedly been replaced by lawyer Tiffany Feder-Cohen. Holley did not respond to MTV News’ requests for comment at press time, and Feder-Cohen’s office would not confirm nor deny that the lawyer is now representing Lohan. Holley’s departure is an abrupt move as the attorney was still representing Lohan Thursday morning and even released a statement to MTV News defending the troubled star. “Ms. Lohan and I are extremely disappointed in the sentence handed down by Judge Revel,” Holley said in a statement on July 8, just two days after her client was sentenced to 90 days in jail followed by 90 days in rehab . Holley also blasted the punishment handed down by Revel, insisting it is too severe. “We believe that the penalty is far harsher than what others would have received under similar circumstances.” Holley said Lohan’s ability to adhere to the terms of her probation was affected by the demands of her professional obligations. “The reality is that Ms. Lohan, like most defendants, had to balance work commitments with court requirements,” Holley continued in the statement. “To be punished so severely for doing so, particularly in light of the fact that she substantially complied with each of her probationary conditions, is harsh and unfair.” Others in the legal community have echoed Holley’s sentiments that the sentence is severe. “I think it was really harsh, especially in light of the fact that she was basically compliant as of yesterday’s court date to be done by [July] 15th,” attorney Scott Leemon told MTV News on Wednesday. “This judge just wanted to prove a point that no one messes with her in her court. I’ve had clients mess up on probation, but even when the prosecution asked for only 30 days, she gave her 90 plus 90 of inpatient? Without a doubt, this decision was made by the judge [after] she felt disrespected by Lindsay, who didn’t seem like she got the point,” said Leeman, who has represented stars such as 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. “The fact that the court gave her three times what the people had asked for [prosecutors requested a 30-day sentence] is surprising, and in some cases you read that as a ‘celebrity tax,’ ” said Stacey Richman, who has represented Lil Wayne. However, Richman added that Judge Revel has also been generous to the star. “If she’s flaunted her probation not once, but three or four times, the judge has been very kind in giving her so many opportunities to stay with the program.” Related Photos Lindsay Lohan Goes To Court

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Lindsay Lohan’s Lawyer Quits

Lindsay Lohan’s Lawyer Says Fingernail ‘Could Barely Be Seen By The Naked Eye’

Lohan’s ‘penalty is far harsher than what others would have received under similar circumstances,’ Shawn Chapman Holley says in a statement. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Gil Kaufman Lindsay Lohan in court on Tuesday Photo: Dave McNew/ Getty Images After Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in jail to be followed by 90 days in rehab for violating her probation, the actress’ lawyer is speaking out. “Ms. Lohan and I are extremely disappointed in the sentence handed down by Judge Revel,” Lohan’s attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, told MTV News in a statement Thursday (July 8). “We believe that the penalty is far harsher than what others would have received under similar circumstances. “The reality is that Ms. Lohan, like most defendants, had to balance work commitments with court requirements,” the statement continues. “To be punished so severely for doing so, particularly in light of the fact that she substantially complied with each of her probationary conditions, is harsh and unfair. Ms. Lohan is prepared to serve her jail time and to comply with the court’s orders.” Holley also defended her client’s decision to come to court with the message “f— u” stenciled on her middle finger . “With respect to Ms. Lohan’s nails, the fact is, the words could barely be seen by the naked eye,” she explained. “That a courtroom camera, purportedly there to accurately chronicle the proceedings, would use a telephoto lens to zoom in as it did to Ms. Lohan’s fingernail is a commentary on the entire issue.” Lohan also responded to the controversy surrounding her nail art in a Twitter post Wednesday. “Didn’t we do our nails as a joke with our friend DC?” she tweeted. “It had nothing to do w/court. It’s an airbrush design from a stencil xx.” Do you believe that Lohan’s punishment was unfair? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Lindsay Lohan Goes To Court The Highs And Lows Of Lindsay Lohan Related Artists Lindsay Lohan

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Lindsay Lohan’s Lawyer Says Fingernail ‘Could Barely Be Seen By The Naked Eye’

Mel Gibson Condemned For Alleged Racist, Sexist Rant Against Ex

Reported taped outburst against Oksana Grigorieva ‘reveal the actor’s fundamental character flaw,’ Jesse Jackson says. By Gil Kaufman Mel Gibson Photo: Jordan Strauss/WireImage Mel Gibson’s messy public split from the mother of his 8-month-old daughter got uglier on Thursday, when reports emerged about a 30-minute tape-recorded rant of the actor hurling racist and sexist epithets against Oksana Grigorieva. Amid reports that physical abuse allegedly took place in the brief relationship Gibson, 54, had with the 40-year-old Russian model/singer following his divorce from his wife of 30 years, RadarOnline revealed that the actor used the N-word and other expletives during a profanity-laced argument with his ex. Gibson’s spokesperson did not deny that the speaker in the taped outburst was his client, but the one-time box-office giant has not commented on the recording as of press time. The couple, who were first seen together a month after Gibson’s divorce last year from the mother of his seven children, broke up in April and are fighting for custody of their daughter. Grigorieva reportedly made the tape because she feared for her life after Gibson allegedly made threats against her. During one segment, Gibson allegedly says, “I am going to come and burn the f–king house down … but you will b— me first.” And in another, he reportedly tells her that she looks like a “f—ing pig in heat” who risked getting “raped by a pack of n—–s,” as their baby screams in the background. The Reverend Jesse Jackson told Radar that the latest racist outburst proved that Gibson has a “fundamental character flaw.” “Mel Gibson’s outburst demonstrates once again that we are far from a society that is ‘beyond race and racism,’ ” Jackson told the site. “His penchants for anti-Semitic and racist diatribes reveal the actor’s fundamental character flaw. … He needs help.” The Los Angeles NAACP released a statement to TMZ condemning the outburst. “An apology is insufficient given his history of racism, sexism and anti-Semitism,” L.A. branch president Leon Jenkins said. “No amount of words will change his image as an out of date and out of control racist. Only [with] a sustained period of positive acts can his legacy be redeemed.” Renowned attorney Gloria Alred also got into the mix and sent Gibson an open letter via Radar saying, “As an attorney who has represented many sexual assault victims and as a woman who is a survivor of rape myself, I want you to know how deeply offensive, appalling and harmful your reported statements are.” This is not the first time Gibson has been called out in public for using racial slurs. The “Lethal Weapon” actor, once one of the most popular, bankable movie stars in the world, was blasted by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in 1991 over an interview in which he made derogatory comments about homosexuals. Several of his movies — including “Braveheart” and “The Passion of the Christ” — have been criticized for their portrayal of homosexuals and Jews. In addition to allegations that “Christ” had anti-Semitic overtones, a leaked report from a DUI arrest in July 2006 had Gibson — who has struggled with alcohol abuse — making anti-Jewish remarks to one of the arresting officers, saying, “F—ing Jews. … Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.” He also made derogatory, sexist remarks to a female officer during the same traffic stop, calling her “sugar t–s.” Gibson later confirmed that he made the comments and apologized twice through his publicist, but the incident appeared to have a lasting impact on his movie career, which has stalled since the arrest. Gibson has denied claims by Grigorieva that he knocked her teeth out during an argument. Both parties have filed restraining orders against each other in the midst of the custody battle. A spokesperson for Gibson could not be reached for comment at press time.

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Mel Gibson Condemned For Alleged Racist, Sexist Rant Against Ex

Prince William and Kate Middleton: The $20 Billion Marriage!

Prince William turned 28 years old earlier this month, but there’s really no need to get him a birthday present. The guy is about to be $20 billion richer. While it’s being overhyped by tabloids around the world, there’s little doubt that William will eventually marry long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton. Once this marriage takes place, sources say the couple will inherent more money than even Heather Mills would know what to do with. British journalist Katie Nicholl lists the items coming the pair’s way as “crown jewels, property, the royal art collection, a palace, and a new Audi.” She estimates the jewelry covering Kate on her wedding day alone to be valued at around $57 million. Prince William and Kate Middleton will soon get married, inherit billions, rule England and… wait! Justin Bieber has a secret girlfriend?!? Moreover, William will become the owner of Queen Elizabeth’s private art collection, which includes masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and is worth at least $15 billion. Yes, that’s billion . Somewhere, Khloe Kardashian is realizing she married the wrong man for money and attention.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton: The $20 Billion Marriage!

The Bruce Beresford-Redman Defense: TV Producer is a Scapegoat

It’s all a set up. That’s the argument lawyers for Bruce Beresford-Redman plan to use if their client is ever extradited to Mexico on first-degree murder charges. The former Survivor producer is the prime suspect in the April death of wife Monica, who was found in a sewer near the Cancun hotel where she and Bruce were vacationing, strangled to death. Since then, Beresford-Redman has proclaimed his innocence , while the victim’s sisters have made no secret over their beliefs that Bruce is responsible for Monica’s death. Now, following an unusual hiccup in the case that proves Mexican authorities confiscated Bruce’s cell phone last month and made thousands of dollars worth of calls on it, a source tells TMZ exactly what the suspect’s defense will be: Beresford-Redman’s attorney will claim police are in need of a scapegoat because there were two deaths aside from Monica’s at the Cancun hotel in question, along with an alleged rape by an employee. With tourism in danger, the lawyer will state, Bruce has been made the fall guy. Meanwhile, a private funeral service is scheduled for Monica tomorrow. Bruce is not invited.

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The Bruce Beresford-Redman Defense: TV Producer is a Scapegoat

Lil Wayne Sentenced To Three Years’ Probation In Arizona Case

Rapper, who is currently serving a yearlong jail term in a separate case, was arrested in 2008 for drugs and a gun on his tour bus. By Jayson Rodriguez Lil Wayne Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images Lil Wayne was formally sentenced by an Arizona judge to three years’ probation Wednesday (June 30) stemming from a 2008 arrest, when authorities discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm aboard the rapper’s tour bus. Wayne is set to begin his probation once he finishes his current yearlong jail term in New York, which was the result of a separate incident. According to Reuters, Wayne appeared before the judge via a video monitor and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a dangerous drug. Last week, the rapper also made a video-aided court appearance and struck a deal with prosecutors in exchange for leniency in his sentencing. In January 2008, the rapper was charged with felony possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia after U.S. Border Patrol officials pulled over his tour bus when alerted by drug-sniffing dogs. Marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, in addition to a registered .40-caliber gun, were all found in the vehicle. The additional charges against Wayne, however, were dropped. Lil Wayne is roughly halfway through his one-year prison term at Rikers Island. The rapper was sentenced in that case to one year in prison after reaching a plea deal for attempted gun possession stemming from a 2007 arrest. James Tilson, who represented Lil Wayne during his Yuma, Arizona, case, told Reuters he was pleased by the verdict, which will allow his client to avoid any jail time. “We’re quite glad that we were able to wrap everything up,” Tilson said. “It’s a favorable plea agreement that will allow Mr. Carter to pursue his career.” Related Photos Lil Wayne Heads To Rikers Island Related Artists Lil Wayne

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Lil Wayne Sentenced To Three Years’ Probation In Arizona Case