‘Jackass’ star’s death is our #7 Newsmaker of the year, proving fans appreciated the bearded daredevil as much as we did. By Gil Kaufman Ryan Dunn Photo: Getty Images A lot of people view their co-workers as being a kind of extended family. Here at MTV, though, the madmen of “Jackass” really are part of our gang. They’ve taken over our studios, filled our prime time with outrageous spin-off programs and used their original half-hour show as a launchpad to worldwide fame. So it was with an especially heavy heart that we reported on “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn’s death in a high-speed car crash in June. His untimely passing is #7 on MTV News’ Top Newsmakers of 2011 list, indicating the world seemed to share in our appreciation for Bam Margera’s bearded best pal. Dunn, 34, the go-to guy for outrageous stunts that even such stalwarts as Steve O weren’t willing to try, died while bombing down the highway in his sports car near his Pennsylvania home after a night of drinks with friends. Not only did many of our readers write in with fond remembrances of Dunn, but pals Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine shared their grief, along with everyone from motocross racer Carey Hart to the MTV brass. With his kind, soft eyes and up-for-anything attitude, Dunn was described by many of his co-stars and cohorts as the kind of guy who would do anything for a friend. Many of you shared your stories of meeting him and confirmed that he was a person who loved life and brought a little bit of joy to everyone he met. As always, we tried to paint a deeper picture than the one you may have gotten from the mainstream press. When we sent a reporter to Dunn’s hometown of West Chester , we spoke to some of his neighbors and those gathered at a makeshift highway memorial. They too spoke of a kind-hearted soul who always remembered everyone he met and, well, just seemed like a good dude who really appreciated the life his fans had allowed him to live. And yes, once the details about his death, along with that of passenger Zachary Hartwell , came to light, they served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drinking and driving . Police determined that Dunn, a notorious speed demon, was driving his 2007 Porsche between 132 and 140 mph in a 55 mph zone and that his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania. A recent MTV special gave a loving overview of Dunn’s life, told through his many TV appearances and the memories of his co-stars and friends, following his career from his early years in Ohio to some never-before-seen clips from “Viva La Bam” and “Jackass.” His friends said Dunn liked to marvel at the kind of life he was able to lead thanks to his willingness to dive into pools of poo and ride BMX bikes off roofs. And though we will miss him, he left behind the best legacy we could ask for: laughter and joy. MTV continues our Best of 2011 coverage by looking back at the biggest pop-culture stories of the year. As we count down the newsmakers that mattered to you most, also check out our Best Artists , Best Songs , Best MTV Live Performances and Best EDM Artists of 2011. Related Videos Remembering Ryan Dunn Related Photos Ryan Dunn: A Career In Photos
Brooke Mueller is safely as home in California at the moment, but her legal troubles are far from over. Three days after her arrest on charges of drug possession and assault, a judge permitted Charlie Sheen’s ex-wife to fly back with her twin sons in order to take care of them. But she’s due back in Aspen for a hearing in December 19. So, what actually went down Friday night? According to The Aspen Daily News , Muller was approached by police around midnight at the nightclub Escobar (where she danced up a storm ) after a woman at a different establishment claimed Brooke punched her in the face. Cops then searched the troubled reality star and discovered over four grams of cocaine on her person. She was arrested and sent to a local jail before Sheen posted $11,000 bond. Mueller has been in and out of rehab over the years and is reportedly talking with friends now, trying to decide whether she needs to enter another treatment program. [Photo: WENN.com]
In ‘Twilight’ Tuesday, Twilighters tell MTV News their favorite moments. By Kara Warner Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in “Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” Photo: Summit Entertainment With “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1” still crushing all competition at the box office , it’s clear from the film’s overwhelming fan support that the highly anticipated instant hit will be raking in more dough in the coming weeks and months. In last week’s installment of “Twilight” Tuesday, we asked fans how many times they planned on seeing “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” in theaters, and their revelations were both impressive and astounding: One young woman had seen the film 19 times in the first six days and claimed that she wasn’t finished yet. So, with those multiple viewings in mind — and the dedicated masses who have now seen the film enough times to reenact it from memory — today’s “Twilight” Tuesday is about fans’ favorite scenes. As expected, plenty of folks had trouble selecting just one favorite scene from the action-packed, 117-minute movie. In addition to the three early favorites — the honeymoon scene, birth scene and wedding scene — according to our quick poll, fans seem happiest with the family toasts at Edward and Bella’s wedding and Jacob imprinting on Renesmee. “Love wedding scene and Charlie’s speech, also Jake’s imprinting to Renesmee scene,” Daniela Imrichova said. “I feel the wedding speeches were a well-thought addition 2 the movie – since it wasnt in the books. LUV Emmet’s the best!” gushed Kristen Grumbine . “My favorite scene was Jake imprinting on Renesmee it really touched my heart that Jake finally found true love,” Christine Waters chimed in. “Jacob imprinting its perfect. I’ve seen it four times so far and still cry,” admitted Desiree Kozlowski . “I have already watched it 3 times. #Favoritepart = THE WHOLE MOVIE,” wrote Valentina . “I will keep going till they stop playing it!! And my favorite scene?? The whole movie was amazing! #obsessed,” wrote Robyn Smyly . Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos ‘Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1’ Clips
Former Michael Jackson doctor faces another hearing in January to potentially provide more than $101 million in restitution to the Jackson family. By Gil Kaufman Dr. Conrad Murray receives sentencing in court on Tuesday Photo: Pool/ Getty Images Former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray was back in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday morning (November 29), where he was ordered to serve the maximum of four years in county jail. The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, was facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon, but due to recent changes to alleviate overcrowding in California prisons, the judge in the case said he was was unable to send the doctor to state prison for his crime. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor had leeway in the sentencing, with options ranging from probation to the full sentence, but in a lengthy ruling from the bench he said that Murray’s lack of remorse and negligent behavior argued for the highest possible penalty. Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook. “He is and remains dangerous … the request of probation is denied, the court imposes the high term of four years imprisonment in this case,” Pastor said during the 90-plus minute hearing. Murray will serve his time in the Los Angeles County Jail, as well as pay nearly $900 in court fees and face another hearing in late January 2012 on a request by the prosecution to provide more than $101 million in restitution to the Jackson family. Murray was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors convinced them that Murray’s reckless use of the surgical anesthetic propofol led to the singer’s death. Before Pastor’s ruling, prosecutors not only asked for the maximum sentence, but also that Murray pay Jackson’s children more than $100 million in restitution, which is the amount they believe the singer would have earned had he lived to perform his “This is It” comeback tour, in addition to nearly $2 million in funeral expenses. Prior to handing down the sentence, a peeved-looking Pastor answered a defense question regarding a last minute notice from the prosecution noting that two previous cases suggest that involuntary manslaughter could be considered a “serious” offense and thus should subject Murray to federal prison time. “I don’t think these cases have any impact on the realignment statute,” Pastor ruled, referring to the new rules regarding sentencing that he believed superseded the earlier cases. Attorney and friend Brian Panish read a statement from the Jackson family at the beginning of the proceedings. “There is now way to adequately describe the loss of our beloved father, son, brother and friend,” Panish said. “We still look at each other in disbelief, is it really possible that he is gone? As Michael’s parents we never could have imaged we would live to witness his passing. It is simply against the natural order of things. As his brothers and sisters we will never be able to hold, laugh, or perform again with our brother Michael. And as his children, we will grow up without a father, our best friend, our playmate and our dad. We are not here to seek revenge, there is nothing you can do today that will bring Michael back. But we will keep the love in our in our hearts that Michael embodied throughout his life. His passion was for unifying the world through the gift of his artistry. We respectfully request that you impose a sentence that reminds physicians that they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder and cast aside their Hippocratic oath to do no harm. As we all know from this tragedy, doing so can have devastating results. The bible reminds us that men cannot do justice they can only seek justice. And that is all we ask as a family and that is all that we can ask for here.” As in the past, Murray, 58, sat stone-faced, listening to the statement and prosecutor David Walgren’s quick rehashing of the facts in the case. “He looked out for himself and not Michael Jackson,” Walgren said, going on to argue why the court should deny the defense’s request for probation. He quoted Pastor’s own comments about the dangerous nature of Murray’s action following the verdict as evidence that Murray should face a more serious penalty than probation. He said Murray’s abandonment of a vulnerable Jackson in the time of the singer’s need, as well as the planning the doctor underwent to procure the propofol and to not keep clear medical records about their administration were also reasons to deny probation. “It is the people’s position that prison is warranted,” Walgren said, adding that it was Murray’s negligent actions before, during and after Jackson’s death, as well as his lack of remorse and failure to take personal responsibility — as evidenced in clip from a documentary interview nine days before the verdict in which he denied culpability — that call for the longer term. A number of Jackson’s family members, including mother Katherine and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie, were reportedly on hand for the court date. When asked by the judge if the new sentencing laws allowed Murray to be sent to prison for the full term, Walgren said they did not. While the defense did not call any witnesses to testify — and Murray did not wish to speak — defense attorney Ed Chernoff did reference more than 30 pages of support memorandum from friends, family and patients in his brief statements. He agreed that Murray’s actions do warrant punishment, but asked how the court viewed the book of Murray’s life, versus one chapter. “He shouldn’t have done it,” he said of Murray’s actions. “We’re going to be honest about vulnerability. Michael Jackson was a drug seeker and he sought it out from Dr. Murray who was wrong in providing it.” Chernoff painted Jackson as a rich, powerful person who had the means to do whatever he wanted and asked the court to consider Murray’s life before the doctor began working for Jackson. He described Murray’s currently cloistered existence in jail in protective custody and asked, “but what about the rest of his life? What about before Michael Jackson asked for propofol?” he wondered, noting that for 56 years Murray had never run afoul of the law and had raised a family following his destitute beginnings on the island of Grenada. “Does any of that matter at all?” Chernoff asked dramatically as he unspooled his client’s rise from poverty and what he described as a professional life dedicated to helping poor and disadvantaged patients. “I think it should matter,” he answered. “But when the glow of vengeance has faded, he still is someone else’s problem. And Dr. Murray can do things for the community on probation that he could never do sitting in that room.” Pastor noted that he had discretion in sentencing in this case and that he took into account that both sides have said that Murray’s actions did result in the death of Jackson, though pointedly noted that Murray did not take responsibility in the MSNBC documentary that aired days after the guilty verdict. Because the case involved criminal negligence, which requires more than carelessness or mistake in judgment, but reckless actions that result in death, Pastor said it was important to focus on those factors. “This is not a question about what might have happened or what if someone else had been involved if not for Dr. Murray,” he said. “That is an insult to the medical profession. The fact is that Michael Jackson died because of the action of and the failure to perform the medical duties of Dr. Murray.” The judge said he had taken into account the full story of Murray’s life, but said the “unconscionable lies” to medical personnel and a series of “inconceivable” decisions the doctor made on June 25, 2009 jeopardized the life of his patient and superseded what the doctor had done before. “Why give probation to someone who is offended by the whole idea that that person is even before the court,” he said, referring to a “failure of character” on behalf of Murray, most specifically, a secret recording the physician made of the singer that Pastor characterized as a type of “insurance policy” against a potential future conflict between the doctor and patient that seemed beyond the pale. The day before the sentence was handed down, Murray’s mother, Milta Rush, reportedly wrote a letter to judge Pastor asking him for mercy, saying, “his [Murray’s] compassion and his soft heartedness for others led to this dilemma.” Pastor said he could find no reason to grant probation to Murray, whose actions he called a “gross, continuing deviation” from medical standards, and who he claimed is and remains a danger to the community. Without the legal authority to send Murray to state prison, Pastor said, “the court has determined that the appropriate term is the higher term of four years imprisonment … because I find that Dr. Murray had abandoned his patient, who was trusting him … he has absolutely no remorse.” A future date in January was set to begin discussing the prosecution’s request for restitution. After being given credit for 46 days of time served and good time credit, Murray was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. The Los Angeles County Sheriff will determine how much time Murray will actually do in his equally overcrowded jail and Murray’s lawyers have indicated that they plan to launch an appeal at a later date. Related Videos Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Sentenced Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson
The Street King vs. “The Kang”, Round 1… When we first heard of T.I.’s (2nd) arrest in 2010 for drug-related charges with his wife Tiny, one of the main questions asked amongst those disappointed by lil Clifford’s predicament was “Why didn’t Tiny just take the charge for him??” Especially being that he was on probation… In this month’s issue of VIBE Tip spoke on that question and more specifically 50 Cent… I’ma tell you, 50 Cent and anybody else, we not gonn’a have no discussion about what my ole lady should’a, would’a, couda done for anything as it pertains to me. We ain’t gonn’a do that. I’m the only one in my family that’s gonna take a lick when it pertains to the legal system. Since me, none of my other family members have seen a jail cell. Nobody. I’m the last one. The buck stops here. I feel that a person that stands behind [his woman for a criminal charge] is a coward anyway. Ever the one to address something that we all might have been thinking but wouldn’t say, 50 Cent took to his twitter account and let it all hang out. Flip the page to see how it all went down, including T.I.’s response!
Nickelodeon stars will precede Dallas Cowboys/ Miami Dolphins game. By Christina Garibaldi Big Time Rush Photo: MTV News To say this month has been a “Big Time Rush” for James Maslow, Logan Henderson, Carlos Pena and Kendall Schmidt is an understatement. The boys from the hit Nickelodeon show released their sophomore album, Elevated, on Monday, just wrapped up shooting their new flick (“Big Time Movie”) and on Thanksgiving, they will be singing the National Anthem before the start of the football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. MTV News caught up with Big Time Rush on Tuesday (November 22) to talk about their big Turkey Day performance. “We are going to Dallas, which is where I grew up pretty much for 18 years of my life,” Henderson said about performing in front of his hometown crowd at Cowboys Stadium. Most of the members of Big Time Rush are big-time Cowboys fans. “It’s American’s team,” Schmidt said, while Maslow added, “Every American is a Cowboys fan.” Not so fast, James: It seems Pena is torn between rooting for Dallas or his hometown team, the Dolphins. “I like Miami and the Dolphins; they’re my home team,” Pena explained. “But the Cowboys gave me this job to sing the National Anthem, so, who do you go with?” Well, Carlos, you might have a fellow Dolphins fan in Miami resident Enrique Iglesias, who will be performing the halftime show. If you are too busy with Thanksgiving Day plans to catch Big Time Rush in action, the group is planning to take their act on the road for their “Better With U” Tour. The band’s first United States tour will kick off in February. Will you watch Big Time Rush sing the National Anthem? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Big Time Rush
Mariah Yeater’s lawyer in paternity case says that while lawsuit has been dropped, negotiations for settlement are ongoing. By John Mitchell Justin Bieber Photo: WireImage Justin Bieber reportedly took a DNA test Friday in response to the paternity case brought against him by Mariah Yeater, a 20-year-old California woman alleging the singer fathered her 4-month-old son, and now Yeater’s attorney tells TMZ his client will submit her baby for testing. Late last month, Yeater filed a lawsuit claiming she became pregnant by Bieber during a backstage encounter following his October 25, 2010, concert at the Los Angeles Staples Center. Yeater withdrew her paternity suit a few weeks later and was dropped as a client by her initial legal team in mid-November. She went on to hire new counsel, led by Chicago-based attorney Jeffrey Leving, who told MTV News that while the suit had been dropped, negotiations for a settlement were ongoing. Bieber’s legal team vehemently denies the allegations and has stated from the get-go that it might pursue legal action to protect the pop star from further false claims. “As we’ve said from the beginning, it’s sad that someone would fabricate such a malicious, defamatory and demonstrably false claim,” Bieber’s spokesman, Matthew Hiltzik, said in a statement. “We’ll continue to consider all of our options to protect Justin.” What Are Bieber’s Legal Options Now That Yeater Has Dropped Her Suit? After reports surfaced that Bieber took a DNA test in New Jersey, TMZ reported Yeater was deliberately avoiding having her child tested because she knew the results would serve as evidence against her, should Bieber’s team file suit for defamation or abuse of the legal process. Her lawyer is now dispelling that notion, telling the gossip site that his client “can’t wait” to submit her young son for testing. Leving, however, claimed he has a problem with the DNA test Bieber reportedly submitted because a member of his team was not present when it was administered. The lawyer said he has been in touch with Bieber’s legal counsel, headed by Howard Weitzman, and hopes both teams can reach an agreement on DNA-testing protocol. Bieber has maintained a positive attitude throughout the ordeal. He has not altered the promotional tour for his holiday album, Under the Mistletoe , including a recent performance at the American Music Awards and on the “Today” show, and told MTV News last week at the Pencils of Promise charity event that he’s doing “great.” Earlier that day, he spoke of the paternity case briefly with New York’s Z100 radio station , saying, “As far as the whole baby situation, it’s unfortunate that it had to happen like that. People make false accusations, but things happen in this industry, and you have to keep your head high and be positive.” Related Artists Justin Bieber
Pop star jokes that a better false allegation would have been: ‘Justin Bieber went off to South America with this 27-year-old supermodel.’ By Jocelyn Vena Justin Bieber at New York radio station Z100 on Thursday Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage Justin Bieber stopped by New York radio station Z100 on Thursday morning (November 17) and addressed a number of subjects, from his favorite candy (Swedish Fish) to his early crush on Selena Gomez to his Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe. But there was one topic he couldn’t avoid: the paternity suit . “Right now, I’m focusing on my album and the music and the [Pencils of Promise] charity we’re doing, and just being positive because Christmastime is a time for joy and happiness, so that’s what I’m thinking,” Bieber told Elvis Duran and crew. “And as far as the whole baby situation, it’s unfortunate that it had to happen like that. People make false accusations, but things happen in this industry and you have to keep your head high and be positive.” When asked if he wondered why he was the target of Mariah Yeater’s allegations, he joked, “If it was up to me, it would have been a better story like, ‘Justin Bieber went off to South America with this 27-year-old supermodel.’ That would have been awesome. “They say that any press is good press — I do not believe that’s true,” the pop star added. “If you’re in the spotlight, then people are looking at you to be a role model, and if you’re doing bad things to be getting press, I think that’s really, really sad.” While Bieber was diplomatic about his response, his manager, Scooter Braun, had stronger words for Yeater and her legal team . “Look, I don’t usually talk in front of mics but the bottom line is they said they’re in settlement talks with us, and the only thing I’m gonna say is they will never be in settlement talks with us,” he said. “We will never settle with them. That’s my little guy right there — I protect him — and they messed with the wrong crew. “It’s false and people should be held accountable when they run out and say this stuff,” Braun continued. “And they have this lawyer running around saying, ‘Well, we want everything to be held confidentially now.’ But you don’t get to go out there and badmouth a 17-year-old kid to the entire world then suddenly think it’s going to stay confidential. We’re not gonna go away quietly. I’m from around [the NYC area], and you know that people from around here don’t like to be messed with.” Bieber also revealed what he wants his legacy to be: “[I want people to say], ‘He was a good entertainer; a great entertainer,’ more or less. I don’t want to be second- or third-best, but I want to be the best.” Justin’s visit to New York City won’t end with Z100. He’s also slated to make various radio and media appearances, including a gala held for the Pencils of Promise charity and a Make-A-Wish Foundation event on Friday, where he’ll be honored for granting the most wishes in 2011. Related Photos Justin Bieber Takes Over New York City Related Artists Justin Bieber
Perhaps Mariah Yeater read our rundown of the legal actions she could face from falsely accusing Justin Bieber of fathering her newborn child, because the 20-year-old has dropped her paternity suit against the “Mistletoe” … Link: What Are Justin Bieber's Options Now That Mariah Yeater Has …
Only in America… Executors for the estate of Michael Jackson demanded Wednesday that MSNBC drop its plan to air a “reprehensible” documentary that promises a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the singer’s relationship with Dr. Conrad Murray, but which they charged smears the late pop icon. In a letter to MSNBC President Phil Griffin and the cable channel’s corporate overseers, the Jackson representatives argued that Murray, convicted Monday of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death, uses the documentary “to shift the blame post-conviction to Michael Jackson, even though a jury considered the evidence and rejected this very argument.” MSNBC purchased “Michael Jackson and the Doctor: A Fatal Friendship” from a British production company and plans to air it Friday and Monday night, along with an “exclusive” interview with Murray by NBC News correspondent Savannah Guthrie. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury convicted Murray for administering propofol, a surgical anesthetic, to Jackson and then failing to monitor the pop star as he stopped breathing. MSNBC representatives had said earlier that the cable channel did not pay for access to Murray or contribute to his legal defense. The producer of the documentary, October Films, said it paid only $1 for two years of access to Murray and a behind-the-scenes look at his legal defense. Representatives of MSNBC and October Films said they did not know what arrangements might have been made by the film’s distributor, Zodiak Rights. Zodiak representatives could not be reached. The Jackson family representatives questioned whether additional payments were made to Murray. “Was it really only $1, or was it more?” said a letter from John Branca and John McClain, who are co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Do you think MSNBC is wrong for showing the doc? Or is it just waaaaaay too soon? Source More On Bossip! Shhhh! Embarrassing Secrets That Damn Near Ruined These People’s Careers And Lives! R.I.P. A Celebration Of The Life Of Dwight Arrington Myers AKA “Heavy D The Overweight Lover” [PICS] Galleries: Rihanna And Friends “Ball So Hard VACA” (Photos) Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem: The 10 Best Cities To Live In Without A Car (L.A. Is On This List??)
