Jurors in Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial began deliberations Friday (November 4) to decide Murray's culpability in Michael Jackson's 2009 death. As the jury deliberated, demonstrators both for and against the doctor protested outside the Los Angeles courthouse, waiting to see if a verdict would be reached on the first day. Prosecutors contend Murray is criminally liable for Jackson's death because he recklessly administered propofol, a potent surgical anesthetic drug, and was negligent in properly monitoring Jackson. The defense claims that Jackson gave himself a lethal dose of the drug. If convicted, Murray faces up to four years in prison.
An Illinois man pleaded not guilty on Thursday (November 3) to stalking teenage actress Selena Gomez. The 46-year old man also was ordered to stay away from the actress for three years. He told a psychiatrist that he traveled to Los Angeles to see the star and had conversations with God about killing her, according to court documents. In October, the 19-year-old Gomez obtained a temporary stay away order against him.
Drew Barrymore has topped the list of Hollywood's most overpaid actors. Forbes.com said the actress returns just 40 cents for every dollar movie studios spend for her participation. Barrymore saw her 2010 romantic comedy "Going the Distance" earn just $17.8 million in ticket sales. Her 2009 movies "Everybody's Fine" and "Whip It" fared worse.
Second on the list is comedian Eddie Murphy, but by contrast, Murphy's films returned nearly seven times more than Barrymore - $2.70 for each dollar he was paid. The magazine compiled the list from Hollywood's 40 top-earning actors, and based it on each star's compensation on his or her last three films and the operating income on those films.
Lindsay Claiborn, Reuters.
