21 November 2004
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Greek Lawyers Attack 'Alexander' Bisexual Claims

The makers of Colin Farrell's upcoming epic Alexander are facing the threat of lawsuit, for claiming warrior Alexander The Great was bisexual. A group of furious Greek lawyers insist the legendary conqueror was heterosexual, and they're now looking into suing film studio Warner Bros and director Oliver Stone for claims to the contrary. Yannis Varnakos, spokesman for the 25 lawyers, tells Reuters, "We are not saying that we are against gays, but we are saying that the production company should make it clear to the audience that this film is pure fiction and not a true depiction of the life of Alexander." The group has sent an extrajudicial note insisting that the studio include a reference in the credits saying the movie is fictional. While Varnakos and his group of Greek attorneys haven't actually seen the epic, they say they have gathered enough evidence to know there are "inappropriate references" to Alexander's sexuality. Varnakos says that Stone has the right to freely express himself - but the audience has the right to know the director is tampering with history. He adds, "We cannot come out and say that (former US) President John F. Kennedy was a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and so Warner cannot come out and say Alexander was gay." Alexander opens in America on November 24.
Carrey Opens Up About Depression

Actor Jim Carrey has opened up about his long-running battle with depression, describing it as a "low level of despair". The Canadian Liar Liar star admits he spent years on antidepressant drugs at a time when he was trying to convince the world that his life was good. In a 60 Minutes interview which aired in America, he says, "I was on Prozac for a long time. I'm not sure, it may have helped me out for a little bit. People stay on it forever. It felt like a low level of despair.. You're not getting any answers, but you're living okay and you can smile at the office." Carrey now stays away from coffee, cigarettes and Prozac. He adds, "I had to get off at a certain point, because I realized that everything's just okay." In the interview, Carrey also shows off his secret getaway up a hillside behind his Los Angeles mansion. He reveals, "This is where I hang out with Buddha and Krishna and all those guys. I'm a Buddhist, I'm a Muslim, I'm a Christian, I'm whatever you want me to be. It all comes down to the same thing."
Lohan's "Screaming" Phone Call to Valderrama

Teen star Lindsay Lohan had a "screaming and crying" phone call with ex-love Wilmer Valderrama, only days before the couple split. The Mean Girls actress ended her relationship with her first love, That 70's Show actor Valderrama, 24, last week. The couple began publicly dating on Lohan's 18th birthday in July. According to American gossip site Pagesix.Com, Lohan was so upset during a cover shoot for Jane magazine earlier this month, her representative delayed the shoot. A source claims Lohan grew hysterical when Valderrama phoned her to tell her "he could not pick her up". After the make-up artist attempted to calm down the sad star, the shoot was reportedly cancelled "shortly thereafter because it appeared that Lindsay couldn't pull it back together". Lohan's representative denies Lohan was upset, saying, "Lindsay is a professional and the shoot was fine."
Macy Selling Himself Out

Actor William H. Macy is turning his back on critically-acclaimed, independent films to star in big-budget blockbusters. The Fargo star is proud of his filmography, but now he's a father to Sophia, four, and Georgia, two, he claims it's time he started bringing home the big bucks. Macy, who recently tasted big-budget film-making with his role in Jurassic Park III, says, "My a** is for sale, and I want to do big movies that pay a lot of money to shoot in LA. Starting right now: no more art. Recently, I realized I've got all these artistic frequent-flier miles and so, I'm cashing them in. I want to do big, fat movies. I've got two little kids. It changes when you have kids. You quickly do an inventory and wonder if you should start apologizing in advance. But my daughter just tore the seat out of a chair - so that's worth one movie right there. I'll just remind her of that when she's old enough."
"Exhausted" D'Onofrio Leaves Hospital

American actor Vincent D'Onofrio was released from a New York hospital Friday after a diagnosis of exhaustion. The Law And Order: Criminal Intent star, 45, had fainted on two occasions this month. He is resting at home in New York and was expected to return to work next week, says series spokeswoman Pam Ruben Golum. The actor fainted on November 10 and was hospitalized after rehearsing a strenuous scene which included climbing for the New York-based drama. He was discharged after two days but fainted again at home on Monday. He returned to the hospital for further observation and testing, which did not reveal any health problems beyond exhaustion, according to Golum.
Frankie Muniz Breaks a Rib
Malcolm In The Middle star Frankie Muniz is recovering after suffering a broken rib during a basketball game. The 18-year-old actor admits his diminutive stance had a lot to do with his injury, which he sustained last Sunday. He says, "I am small, everyone else in the league was like 6 foot-3 and above. I was going for a loose ball and I grabbed the ball, I turned and the guy went into my back and I couldn't breath after that for a while. So I took myself out of the game, but then 45 seconds later went back in and played. I was hurting, but I didn't care. Then after I was like nauseous and in so much pain, I couldn't move and had to drive home. It was bad. I'm all right now." And although Muniz has suffered such a serious injury, he's refusing to take any painkillers. He adds, "I do not take any pain medicine - ever. It's a weird thing that I have. If I have a headache, people are always like, 'Take an Advil.' I just don't. I don't know why."
Campbell Attacks Personal Assistant
Naomi Campbell's former personal assistant is seeking legal action after claiming she was violently attacked by the supermodel two weeks ago. In an exclusive interview with British newspaper The News Of The World, personal assistant Amie Castaldo alleges the 34-year-old-model hit her in the face, bit her on the lip and yanked her to the floor screaming: "You f***ing worthless bitch," when she tried to quit her job. Castoldo - who has reportedly had medical treatment for the back injuries suffered in the incident - is now taking legal action against her former boss. Castoldo says, "There is no end to the humiliation I suffered. She 100 percent needs to get help." Police have now filed a report on the incident which allegedly occurred at Campbell's penthouse apartment in New York. Campbell's spokesperson denies the model lashed out, saying, "It became clear after a few days that Amie was not going to work out. Naomi ended the brief working relationship in a professional manner and wishes Amie the best." Six years ago, the beauty was sentenced to attend anger-management classes after striking her personal assistant Georgina Galanis with a mobile phone, and is currently being sued for assault by former assistant Simone Craig.
'Sweet Charity' Composer Dies

Legendary Sweet Charity Hollywood composer Cy Coleman has died at the age of 75. The Bronx-born musician passed away on Thursday night after spending the night at the theatre watching Michael Frayn's play Democracy. Besides the Shirley MacLaine 1969 movie, Coleman wrote Frank Sinatra classics like "Witchcraft" and "The Best Is Yet To Come." Coleman, whose real name was Seymour Kaufman, had no plans to retire, after telling The New York Times last month, "It won't work for me. I'm lucky to be in a profession where you can keep getting better. To put it in musician's terms, my chops are good." He is survived by his wife Shelby and 4-year-old daughter Lily Cye.
Antiques Store Sues Jackson

Troubled superstar Michael Jackson has another lawsuit to battle - an antiques store is suing him for failing to pay for his purchases. Los Angeles, California, traders Kamand Enterprise, who operate the Mayfair Gallery, has only paid $200,000 of the $380,000 worth of furniture he bought from the shop on May 8. According to the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court this week, Jackson owes $180,000 for his purchase of a large mirror, a 13-branch candelabra, pair of tall white marble and bronze centerpieces, a French silver bread holder and a silver tea and coffee set, from the 19th century.
007 Magazine Editor Blasts Connery Buggy Reports

A magazine editor has hit out at reports Sir Sean Connery has secretly bought the moon buggy he rode in the 1971 James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever, insisting the space vehicle is still going to auction. Graham Rye, editor of 007 Magazine, was left fuming when news emerged Connery had charmed him into selling the buggy privately for $54,000. The moon buggy will still be part of a collection of movie and entertainment pieces offered at London auction house Christie's on December 14. Rye says, "No one was more surprised than me to read reports that Sir Sean Connery had purchased the Diamonds Are Forever moon buggy for $54,000. It is of course complete and utter rubbish. Besides, I would certainly have expected a larger offer - even from a Scotsman! Sir Sean has no interest whatsoever in James Bond these days. He moved on rather successfully from 007 years ago."
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