Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Johnny Weir gets married; PETA vs. Janet Jackson
Entertainment news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times
2012-01-04

This article shared 7984 times since Wed Jan 4, 2012
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email


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 suit—conceivably a very nice one—but 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 rapper—who performed the theme to the '90s show In Living Color, among other tunes—died 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 lesbians—with 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 Paul—but 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 walk—still with a walker—but 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 ago—but 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.


This article shared 7984 times since Wed Jan 4, 2012
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

'Rumors' performers create alternative drag playground
2024-03-24
At first glance, Dorian's Through The Record Shop (1939 W. North Ave.) looks like a brightly-lit shop with a handful of records on the wall, but there's a secret world behind those unassuming shelves. Visitors are ...


Gay News

WORLD Uganda items, HIV report, Mandela, Liechtenstein, foreign minister weds
2024-03-21
It turned out that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator Jay Gilliam traveled to Uganda on Feb. 19-27, per The Washington Blade. He visited the capital of Kampala and the nearby city of ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer musicians, Marvel situation, Elliot Page, Nicole Kidman
2024-03-21
Queer musician Joy Oladokun released the single "I Wished on the Moon," from Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the new Apple TV+ series The New Look, per a press release. The soundtrack, ...


Gay News

THEATER Chicago's City Lit has anxiety on tap with 'Two Hours in a Bar'
2024-03-21
Two Hours in a Bar Waiting for Tina Meyer by Kristine Thatcher with material by Larry Shue Text Me by Kingsley Day (Book, Music and Lyrics). At: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.. Tickets: ...


Gay News

Lollapalooza announces lineup; SZA, Skrillex among headliners
2024-03-19
Lollapalooza has released its line-up for the event that's taking place Aug. 1-4 at Grant Park. Headliners include SZA, Blink-182, Skrillex, The Killers, Hozier, Melanie Martinez and Stray Kids, among others. Some of the other acts ...


Gay News

RuPaul finds 'Hidden Meanings' in new memoir
2024-03-18
RuPaul Andre Charles made a rare Chicago appearance for a book tour on March 12 at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Presented by National Public Radio station WBEZ 91.5 FM, the talk coincided with ...


Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance
2024-03-18
Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

Oprah, Niecy Nash-Betts honored at GLAAD Media Awards
2024-03-15
Oprah Winfrey and Niecy Nash-Betts were honored at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards that took place in Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14. Winfrey received the Vanguard Award, introduced by iconic Chicago ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Lady Gaga, 'P-Valley,' Wendy Williams, Luke Evans, 'Queer Eye,' 'Transition'
2024-03-15
Lady Gaga came to the defense of Dylan Mulvaney after a post with the trans influencer/activist for International Women's Day received hateful responses, People Magazine noted. On Instagram, Gaga stated, "It's appalling to me that a ...


Gay News

House-music festival on Aug. 30-Sept. 1; icons, Idris Elba to be part of it
2024-03-13
The ARC Music Festival—an event celebrating house music—will take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Chicago's Union Park, per WGN-TV. This will mark the fourth year that the festival will celebrate the genre at Union Park—less than ...


Gay News

COBRAH slithers into Chicago and brings Feminine Energy
2024-03-08
COBRAH snaked her way into Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., for two nights March 7 and 8 for her Succubus Tour. This Swedish-born talent has a way with naughty words and ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Jinkx Monsoon, Xavier Dolan, 'Frida,' Lena Waithe, out singer
2024-03-08
Two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon is headed back to the New York stage, joining off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey beginning April 2, according to Playbill. The casting makes Monsoon the first drag ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret
2024-03-05
Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare
2024-03-05
Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion
2024-03-01
Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.