The physician convicted of killing Michael Jackson must stay in jail pending his appeal because he might flee if allowed out on bail, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Friday (February 24). Los Angeles Superior Court judge Michael Pastor turned down Dr. Conrad Murray's request to be released until his involuntary manslaughter conviction appeal is heard. The judge said he believed Murray, who was born in Grenada and worked in both Las Vegas and Texas before being hired to care for the pop singer in 2009, is a flight risk. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011. He was sentenced to four years in jail.
Sacha Baron Cohen has come out swinging after he was not so subtly told by the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences that he should not appear on the Oscar carpet dressed as his newest character, General Aladeen, the dictator of a fake Middle Eastern country. In a video statement, Cohen, as Aladeen, said he was outraged over the 'ban' and poked fun at some Hollywood heavyweights. For the record, Cohen wasn't banned, but the Academy has let him and studio Paramount know that the Oscars red carpet is not the place for a publicity stunt but he's welcome to attend as a cast member of "Hugo" if he behaves himself.
A month before "The Hunger Games" hits theaters, it has already started breaking records. The upcoming Lionsgate thriller has surpassed hugely successful "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" in first-day ticket sales on Fandango.com. According to Fandango, "The Hunger Games" has sold out hundreds of showtimes. The film, which stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson is based on the successful teen book of the same name and will hit theaters on March 23.
Gerard Butler has reportedly been at the Betty Ford Clinic for treatment for substance abuse issues according to TMZ.com. The celebrity tabloid website also says that Butler's problems are related to prescription pain killers and that he plans to leave the rehab center on Friday (February 24).
Lindsay Claiborn, Reuters.
