Out figure skater/reality-TV star Johnny Weir married his boyfriend Dec. 31, Victor Voronov, On Top Magazine reported. Talking with IceNetwork.com, Weir, 27, said of Voronov, "He's wonderful. He's totally not in my field at all. He didn't even know I was a figure skater when we first met or even when we reconnected." Weir first announced his engagement in a tweet to his 100,000-plus followers.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) has named Janet Jackson its first-ever Grinch of the Year for her involvement with fashion label Blackglama, according to the Daily Mail. PETA has reportedly contacted Jackson several times over the years to curb her love of wearing fur. The group stated that the "animal skins she drapes herself in ... are as dead as her fashion taste and her career." PETA also criticized Kim Kardashian; sister Khloe is vehemently anti-fur, though.
Out singer Boy George told the French edition of Vogue that "this would never have happened to [ David ] Bowie" when he was doing community service, according to Music-news.com . George, 50, has struggled with addiction in the past and has had run-ins with the law; he has been found guilty of falsely reporting a burglary and of falsely imprisoning a male escort. He told Vogue, "'In New York, when I swept up the streets of Chinatown during my probation, I remember I was saying, 'This would never have happened to [ David ] Bowie. ... It took me seven more years, but now I control my life."
Stage and screen legend Carol Channing is mourning the loss of her fourth husband, childhood friend Harry Kullijian, US Magazine reported. He died near the couple's home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., from an aneuryism. Channing, 90, met Kullijian more than seven decades ago when they were both students at the same school in San Francisco.
GQ Magazine has named Jared Leto the "Worst Dressed Man in the World," according to Digital Spy. The 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer and former My So-Called Life co-star received the honor for looking "extravagantly terrible all year long." The magazine also wrote, "The essence of the Leto Complex: A man who can afford an Alexander McQueen suitconceivably a very nice onebut opts for Ugg slippers and a couture Snuggie."
The Los Angeles County coroner's office said that rapper Heavy D, 44, died of a pulmonary embolism caused by deep leg vein thrombosis, according to the Daily Mail. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from other parts of the body. The rapperwho performed the theme to the '90s show In Living Color, among other tunesdied Nov. 9, 2011.
Actor James Franco is in talks to portray Playboy boss Hugh Hefner in the upcoming movie Lovelace, the Daily Mail reported. Franco, 33, would join the film, which already has Amanda Seyfried ( Mamma Mia; TV's Big Love ) as Lovelace, who starred in the classic porn movie Deep Throat. Lovelace has claimed she had been forced to do the movie at gunpoint by her then-husband, Chuck Traynor.
Gay-owner video retailer TLA has removed a web page that grouped gay-themed movies under the banner "What Would Jerry Sandusky Watch?," according to Queerty.com . TLA Editor Robby O. wrote, "You'd think that with coaching, his non-profit and taking all those long showers, Penn State's Jerry Sandusky would not have a lot of free time. ... We sat down with him ( actually, we sent our 11-year-old nephew so he'd open up more ) and asked him to name a few of his favorites." TLA later apologized, adding, "We have always taken jabs at current events and pop culture."
Lady Gaga has topped yet another list. According to PR Newswire, she reigns supreme as DoSomething.org's Top Celeb Gone Good. DoSomething.org stated, "Known for her support of gay rights, AIDS, and poverty, she focused primarily this year on bullying, even taking her thoughts to the White House in December. She also announced the creation of her own charity, the Born this Way Foundation, which aims to empower youth." Others on the top 20 list include Justin Bieber, Lea Michele, Daniel Radcliffe, Ellen DeGeneres and Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie.
Speaking of Gaga, former personal assistant Jennifer O'Neill has filed a lawsuit against the singer, according to People.com . O'Neill is seeking nearly $380,000 from Gaga's touring company for 7,168 hours of unpaid overtime in 2009-10. Describing the singer as a nightmare boss, O'Neill said she had to do things such as be a "personal alarm clock." Gaga's reps say the suit has no merit.
Hugh Jackman and Mariah Carey are among those who are auctioning their artwork on behalf of Pencils of Promise, Digital Spy reported. Pencils of Promise is partnering with celebrities to create drawings or messages to help improve children's education around the globe. Coldplay's, Katie Couric's and Lea Michele's works have already been auctioned off; visit http://www.pencilsofpromise.org/madewithpencils.
Singer and UK X Factor judge Kelly Rowland is crediting her gay fans with inspiring her to become successful, according to Digital Spy. The former Destiny's Child member said she was touched by the "unconditional love" she witnessed during a recent appearance at the London nightspot G-A-Y. "My gay fans are the reason I'm here, you know what I mean," she told Bang Showbiz. "For me, the gay community provides so much strength and I really say this from the heart."
Glee actress Dot-Marie Jones has admitted she was a victim of childhood bullying, Digital Spy reported. She said that having a growth spurt during adolescence led peers to tease her about her size, saying, "I grew really fast ... seven inches in six months. Kids would say comments like, 'You're so tall, you should have been a man. Are you a man? Are you a woman?' It still strikes a nerve. Kids don't realize how powerful words are."
The Advocate has released its list of 2011's most Googled gays and lesbianswith singer Ricky Martin coming out on top. Others in the list of 20 celebrities include financial advisor Suze Orman, actor Zachary Quinto, fitness trainer Jillian Michaels, fashion designer Tom Ford, Rachel Maddow, actor Neil Patrick Harris and blogger Perez Hilton.
Atlantis Events, Inc., the largest gay vacation company in the world, has announced that Tony award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel will join the largest gay cruise in history as a special guest on-board Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. Menzel, who is best known for her celebrated roles on Broadway as Maureen Johnson in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked, is currently on the Fox show Glee. She will join Bruce Vilanch, top DJs and other entertainers.
The Library of Congress has chosen the films Bambi, Forrest Gump and Silence of the Lambs among 25 titles to be preserved in the world's largest archive of film, TV and sound recordings, according to the New York Post. The registry began in 1989 under an act of Congress, and now includes almost 600 films. Its aim is not to identify the best movies ever made but to preserve films with artistic, cultural or historical significance; archived movies range from Birth of a Nation to National Lampoon's Animal House.
Singer Kelly Clarkson has expressed her support for GOP presidential candidate Ron Paulbut backtracked a bit after hearing some of the controversies involving him, Advocate.com reported. Clarkson initially tweeted that if Paul "wins the nomination for the Republican Party in 2012, he's got my vote." However, after some people pointed out that Paul may have once been involved in anti-gay and racist newsletters, she apologized, adding, "I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people ( all of us ) make the decisions and mold our country." Interestingly, Clarkson's album sales have skyrocketed since the controversy started.
Stylist and reality-TV star Rachel Zoe dealt with a nightmare many travelers have to endure when an airline ( in this case, American ) lost her luggage, the Daily Mail reported. Zoe then went on a shopping spree after arriving in Miami, en route to St. Barts. Her suitcase reportedly contained a Tom Ford leather jacket, Missoni caftans and other items.
Fashion designer Marc Jacobs may be rekindling his bond with ex Lorenzo Martone, according to the New York Post. The couple, who dated for two years and were engaged before breaking up last year, have been working on patching things. Jacobs was linked to Brazilian porn star Harry Louis, but the fashion designer and Martone hung out together for the holidays.
Singer Barry Manilow is walking once again following surgery for torn muscles in his legs and bursitis in his hips, according to Digital Spy. He underwent the procedure to gain more mobility before taking the stage in Chicago. On Facebook, he posted, "The good news is that after three nightmarish weeks, I'm coming back from the dead. I'm slowly beginning to walkstill with a walkerbut I think that will be over soon."
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, 22, is revealing his struggles with drinking, according to Digital Spy. He said that he has achieved sobriety, adding that his life is now much less "chaotic." Radcliffe told Total Film, "449 or so days agobut who's counting?was my last drink."
Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jennifer Saunders said that she's "definitely going to do" a feature film based on the show, according to Gay.net . Many people thought the concept of a movie has been replaced by three specials, the first of which will appear on BBC America Jan. 8. However, Saunders said on The Graham Norton Show that she is "aiming to shoot this in a beautiful part of the Riviera. I fancy the south of France in the spring." She also said that co-star Joanna Lumley was critical in the three specials being aired.
Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett on the classic TV show The Beverly Hillbillies, has settled her lawsuit over a Barbie doll that uses the character's likeness and name, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Douglas, 78, had sought at least $75,000; however, terms of the settlement are confidential. In court documents, CBS and Mattel claimed they didn't need Douglas' approval because the network holds exclusive rights to the character.
Iconic singer Etta James is breathing on her own after being taken off a respirator, according to the Hollywood Reporter. James' manager, Lupe de Leon, said the "At Last" singer has experienced a change in her condition, resulting in James' blood pressure returning to normal. James has been diagnosed with terminal leukemia and suffers from dementia.
Legendary singer Aretha Franklin's engaged, according to USA Today. The "Queen of Soul," who's 69, plans to marry longtime friend William "Willie" Wilkerson. She and Wilkerson are considering tying the knot this summer, with her joking, "No, I'm not pregnant."
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences may move the Oscars from its current venue at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Digital Spy reported. The theatre has hosted the event since 2002; however, the academy may relocate the show after 2013, using a clause in its contract with the company that owns the Kodak. Billy Crystal will host the Feb. 26, 2012, show.
Fox has cancelled the So You Think You Can Dance's results show after eight seasons, according to TVGuide.com . Executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe tweeted, "Fox have cancelled the results show so I will have to change the format of [ So You Think You Can Dance ] . At least we have another season at the end of May." The network has renewed the actual show for another season.
Sir Elton John wants Justin Timberlake to play him in an upcoming biopic, according to Digital Spy. John and partner David Furnish will be the project's executive producers, and Lee Hall ( who wrote Billy Elliot ) will write the screenplay. Timberlake portrayed a Rocket man-era John in the video of the song "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" that artist David LaChappelle directed.
Speaking of biographical films, Amy Winehouse's father has promised to keep a tentative biopic about her off the big screen, according to RollingStone.com . Mitch Winehouse said that he will oppose a possible biographical movie that may involve filmmaker Reg Traviss, Amy's ex-boyfriend. Mitch ( who said he is the copyright holder of Amy's catalog ) said, "It would hardly be a biopic without the music, and we'd never allow the songs to be released."
A display that was the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's tribute to Elizabeth Taylor won the Queen's Trophy for "Most Effective Use & Display of Roses in Concept, Design & Presentation" at the annual Tournament of Roses Parade, held Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Calif., according to LGBTPov.com . LAist.com noted that the float, designed by Raul Rodriquez, was dubbed "Elizabeth Taylor: Our Champion," and featured an AIDS red ribbon consisting of more than 50,000 red Charlotte roses. Photos of Taylor and a revolving planet Earth were also included in the display.
Openly gay reality-TV star Brad Goreski is now the exclusive brand stylist at Kate Spade New York, according to the New York Daily News. Goreski, who is featured in the Bravo show It's a Brad, Brad World, rose to fame working with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Kate Spade hired redheaded actress Bryce Dallas Howard as its first celebrity spokesperson last year.
Ricky Martin may marry boyfriend Carlos Gonzalez in New York City Jan. 28, according to On Top Magazine. In November, Martin secured citizenship in Spain, one of 10 countries where same-sex marriage is legal, causing speculation that he was planning to marry. However, Martin has repeatedly denied plans to wed.