Superstar Carrie Underwood may be risking backlash among her conservative fan base by speaking out on gay rights, according to Gay Star News. Talking with the British newspaper The Independent, the country singer said she believes, as a Christian, everyone has the right to "love publicly." She added, "As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry. I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love—and love publicly—the people that we want to love."
Joan Rivers called TMZ to say that retail giant Costco has banned her newest book, I Hate Everyone ... Starting with Me. Rivers said that Costco objected to two false testimonials, including one from Wilt Chamberlain that read, "Even if I were alive I wouldn't f**k her." In the book, Rivers spouts her hate of everyone from kids to cougars. ("I hate women who date much younger men. I don't ever want to wake up in the morning and wonder, 'Is this my date or did I give birth last night?'")
Singer Lauryn Hill has been charged with failing to file her income tax returns for three years with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the Washington Post reported. Hill—who shot to fame as part of The Fugees and as a solo act in the late '90s—was accused in federal court in Newark, N.J., of not filing returns for the years 2005-2007, during which she earned $1.8 million. She faces a year in prison and a $100,000 fine on each of the three misdemeanor counts.
John Travolta has made his first public appearance in the wake of his scandal involving male massage therapists, the New York Post reported. Travolta, 58, gave a speech in front of a celebrity crowd that included Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson as he led tributes to Shirley MacLaine, who received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. Travolta earlier avoided the red carpet and did not sit in the audience with the other A-list guests.
Speaking of Travolta, his former secretary is among those claiming the actor had a six-year relationship with personal pilot Doug Gotterba, according to a New York Post item. Gotterba—a gay man who runs a charter-plane service in Camarillo, Calif.—would only say that he worked for Travolta in the 1980s. Robert Britz, a onetime boyfriend of Gotterba, said the pilot was open about his relationship with Travolta.
Transgender model and two-time America's Next Top Model contestant Isis King is among those featured in American Apparel's line of equality-themed T-shirts, Gay Star News reported. King can be seen in the ads wearing T-shirts with such slogans as "Gay OK" and "Legalize Gay!" The new line is being done in partnership with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for Pride Month.
The executive producer of a Lifetime movie starring Lindsay Lohan was at a loss to explain the star's car accident, Deadline.com reported. Lohan's car crashed into an 18-wheeler, delaying her arrival on the set of Liz & Dick by a few hours. Executive Producer Larry A. Thompson said the accident was not supposed to happen—especially in light of the fact that production provides a limousine to drive the actress to and from the set of the movie every day.
Dozens of entertainers performed at the recent Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert in London—but Grace Jones stood out from the others as only she can. According to the Huffington Post, the 64-year-old sang her hit "Slave to the Rhythm" while hula-hooping during the entire song and wearing a red latex bodysuit along with a huge red headpiece. Other performers included Kylie Minogue, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder.
Chaz Bono has said that his gender-reassignment surgery is not the reason he and Jennifer Elia parted ways, according to SFGate.com . The transgender reality-TV star proposed to Elia three years ago; however, he put his wedding plans on hold to undergo surgery. Bono told CNN's Piers Morgan that the split "was [because of] issues that we were dealing with and just stark differences in the people that we are and what we wanted out of life. ... There were deep-seated issues around substance abuse and stuff like that that had been really a problem almost since we first got together. … We just wanted different things out of life."
Celebrity chef Jaime Laurita married his husband, Rich Lane, last summer outside Chicago—and that union was recently televised on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as Laurita is the brother of Jersey matriarch Caroline Manzo. Manzo told People magazine that she was "thrilled" by the wedding, adding, "Everybody wants to feel accepted, loved, at peace, at home in their life choices. It was great ... for him and Rich to finally feel like their relationship is recognized."
Starz has revealed that the third season of the hit gladiator drama Spartacus will be its last, the Huffington Post reported. Season three of the show, titled Spartacus: War of the Damned, will arrive in January 2013—and 10 episodes will air. Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement, "While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans."
Jersey Shore cast member Deena Cortese was arrested in Seaside Heights, N.J.—where the show is filmed, the Huffington Post reported. Cortese was arrested June 10 on a disorderly conduct charge, and later released on a summons. An officer saw Cortese "a little intoxicated" and standing in the middle of a street, slapping cars that were driving by.
Lady Gaga suffered a head injury while performing in Auckland, New Zealand, according to the Huffington Post. Gaga was performing the song "Judas" when one of her dancers accidentally hit her with a prop pole. She grabbed her head for a moment, but didn't miss a beat and continued singing.
Rumors are swirling that Angelina Jolie may direct the film adaptation of the wildly popular book 50 Shades of Grey, according to the Huffington Post. Deadline.com journalist Mike Fleming wrote, "I've heard rumors about the possibility of Angelilna Jolie having a conversation or two about directing it." However, Jolie—who made her directorial debut last year with the Bosnia-set drama In the Land of Blood and Honey—has not even been approached about "Grey."
Good Morning America's Robin Roberts has revealed that she's dealing with a second cancer battle, according to USA Today. Five years ago, she dealt with breast cancer; now, she is battling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease of the blood and bone marrow. In an open letter, Roberts said, "My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this—and I know it's true. ... In facing this new challenge, I ask humbly for more of your prayers and love—as I will keep you in my mine and update you regularly on my condition."
At the Tonys (which aired June 10), the romantic musical Once captured eight awards, including best musical, best lead actor in a musical and best musical direction, according to the Huffington Post. Peter and the Starcatcher won five awards—but several productions had a piece of the Tony pie. Audra McDonald won her fifth Tony after being named best lead actress in a musical for her work in Porgy and Bess; the production itself was named best revival of a musical. Neil Patrick Harris hosted for the third time, calling the event "50 Shades of Gay" at one point. Harris' critically praised turn included an opening skit that looked at reality vs. theater; Patti LuPone and out actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (as Harris' understudy) were also in the piece.
In Istanbul, Turkey, superstar Madonna intentionally flashed the audience at one of her concerts, the New York Post reported. She did a striptease during her number "Human Nature," ending up in a black lace bra. Then, Madonna pulled down one cup of her bra, exposing her right breast. She then briefly turned her back on the crowd, showing off a huge tattoo with the words "NO FEAR."
Rumors abound that Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour could be tapped for the diplomatic post of U.S. ambassador to London, according to the New York Post. The current ambassador, Louis Susman, is set to retire this year. Wintour recently co-hosted a fundraiser for President Obama at the residence of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Former porn star Nick Gruber—who is also the on/off boyfriend of clothing designer Calvin Klein—seems to be walking the straight and narrow after a stint in rehab, the New York Post reported. Gruber, 21, was spotted at the Los Angeles club Hyde, enjoying a Red Bull. Gruber recently finished a stint at the Meadows in Arizona after being arrested earlier this year for assault and cocaine possession.
A letter that late singer Donna Summer wrote to the AIDS-activist organization has been unearthed, according to Advocate.com . The 1989 letter addressed protests and described the anti-gay remarks attributed to her as "unjust and unfair." Summer allegedly made anti-gay comments during a 1983 show—resulting in backlash from the gay community. The "Last Dance" singer repeatedly denied making those statements.
RuPaul Drag Race veteran Carmen Carrera claims she was the victim of a transphobic joke while on the TLC show Cake Boss, according to the Huffington Post. Carrera claimed on her Facebook page that she agreed to appear on Cake Boss "to promote equality." Instead, Carrera said Buddy Valastro had Cousin Anthony flirting with her—without tellling Anthony that Carrera is transgender. Anthony later tweeted, "I didn't [make out with Carrera.] It [gave] me a kiss on the cheek." Valastro has apologized for the incident.
