SFGate: Daily Dish

Six Arrested After Allen Snowball Attack

(AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

Six youths have been arrested for allegedly attacking singer Lily Allen after a snowball fight in London turned nasty.

Allen was enjoying a day of winter fun at the city's Primrose Hill park on Monday, playing in the snow and sledding with a group of friends. (Photo)

Allen was photographed laughing and joking with the paparazzi and even traded a few handfuls of snow with the snappers.

But during the afternoon, a group of six youngsters began pelting the star with snowballs, and the innocent game soon turned violent, forcing Allen to call police and flee with her bodyguard, according to London's Evening Standard newspaper.

A source tells the publication, "She took it in good spirits at first, but it got more relentless. Some people told the gang to stop before people started squaring up to them."

One man was said to have been badly beaten during the incident.

Costar Defends Bale Blowout

(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Christian Bale's "Terminator Salvation" costar Terry Crews has come to the actor's defense after a taped on-set rant was leaked on the Internet. (Audio via TMZ.com)

The "Dark Knight" star could be heard angrily reprimanding an assistant director for walking onto the set while Bale was shooting a scene.

Furious Bale demanded the crew-member be fired, while hurling abuse and profanity at the careless assistant.

But costar Crews insists too much is being made of the actor's outburst.

He tells HollyScoop.com, "Anyone can have a bad day. ... I'd get mad too if I was the number one star in the world and people started to mess with me. He is a class act! He is one of the greatest actors ever.

"I'm vouching for him. I know he's a nice guy. I know he's all about his work."

Bale's angry rant was caught on tape and sent to the insurance company behind "Terminator Salvation," just in case the actor decided not to complete the film following the incident.

Hilton Pledges Help To The Economy

(AP Photo/Shea Walsh/AP Images for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa)

Paris Hilton has promised to help the struggling global economy by doing what she does best: shopping.

The multi-millionaire admits her income has not been affected by the current international financial crisis, with many promoters still paying her thousands of dollars just to make an appearance at certain nightclubs.

And Hilton is adamant that she can give the retail industry a boost by continuing her excessive spending.

She tells British magazine Heat, "It's really scary about the economy right now. So the way I'm playing my part in helping is doing a lot of shopping wherever I go."

The socialite previously pledged her help to the American economy by vowing only to wear clothes by U.S. fashion designers.

Lutfi Sues Spears' Parents For Defamation

Britney Spears' former manager Sam Lutfi is suing the pop star's parents for defamation.

Jamie and Lynne Spears have publicly blamed Lutfi for the series of emotional crises that led to the singer losing custody of her two sons to ex-husband Kevin Federline in 2007.

And now he is holding Spear's parents responsible for damaging his reputation by allegedly leaking false information about his conduct to the press.

He has filed suit for compensation in a Los Angeles court, according to PerezHilton.com.

In a statement to the celebrity blogger, Lutfi's lawyer Bryan Freedman says, "This lawsuit is being brought as a result of the defamation, ridicule and harassment of Sam Lutfi by Jamie Spears and Lynne Spears.

"A thorough investigation has revealed overwhelming evidence from independent witnesses, showing that Lynne Spears knowingly and maliciously publicized devastating false information about Lutfi, which destroyed his reputation, irreparably harmed his career, and subjected him to constant scorn and humiliation."

Freedman goes on to allege Jamie and Lynne Spears are using Britney for her money, insisting the truth will all come out in court.

He adds, "At the time of the trial in this action, the jury will have an opportunity to weigh the credibility of the witnesses. In doing so, it will be faced with two threshold questions: Why would a supposedly loving mother write a tell all book about the sordid details of two of the most devastating nights of her daughter's life and go on countless talk shows for her own profit? And why would a loving father who deems his daughter to be incompetent, thrust her into a massive world tour only to subject her to the very limelight that threatened to shatter her life, for something other than his own personal gain?

"The facts of this case will reveal Jamie and Lynne's conduct in light of these questions. It will unequivocally explain the motivation of two people who are seemingly willing to destroy anyone and anything that gets in the way of their ability to control and profit from their daughter."

The lawsuit comes less than a week after Britney was granted a temporary restraining order against Lutfi, his attorney Jon Eardley, and her ex-lover Adnan Ghalib.

Spinal Tap Confirms Reunion

Members of the spoof heavy metal band Spinal Tap have confirmed they are to record their first album in nearly 20 years.

The faux British rockers found fame in 1984 comedy documentary "This Is Spinal Tap" and went on to release two records.

Their last album, "Break Like The Wind," hit shops in 1992 and the group subsequently reunited for a one-off performance in 2007, playing at London's Wembley Stadium as part of the Live Earth event.

And now the American comedy trio -- Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer -- are set to resurrect their characters once again.

Shearer, who went on to voice several characters in "The Simpsons," told BBC 5 Live, "It'll be for download as well as on conventional media later this year.

"We've never recorded the song we did at 'Live Earth, Warmer Than Hell,' and I think they (Spinal Tap) are trying to revisit their old success. Not that they were ever popular, maybe in their own universe.

"We'll do a song called 'Gimme Some More Money,' probably with some dubious results.

Jolie's Aversion To Her Own Movies

TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images

Angelina Jolie still hasn't seen all of the films she's made in her career, because she "doesn't like to watch movies."

The 33-year-old Oscar-winner made her big screen debut as a child alongside her father, Jon Voight, in the 1982 film "Lookin' to Get Out" and has become one of the world's most recognizable faces over the years.

But Jolie, who's made nearly 40 films to date, insists her work takes a back seat to her roles as a mom-of-six and partner to Brad Pitt.

In an interview on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, she says, "A film or two I haven't seen. Most of them I have seen once. I like the process of doing them more than watching them. I don't really like to watch movies."

But the actress is certain to have reviewed her steamy 2005 film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" with Pitt.

She adds of her one exception: "I love to watch Brad's movies. ... I say kids first, woman to Brad and then my work internationally; and try to educate myself and learn about the world and do some good things while I'm alive. So what is that (ranking)? Fourth?"

Francis Released And Placed On House Arrest

"Girls Gone Wild" creator Joe Francis has been released from custody and placed under house arrest after he missed a court hearing in his tax evasion case.

District Judge S. James Otero issued a warrant for Francis' arrest on Monday after he skipped a scheduled session at a Los Angeles courthouse.

Francis finally showed up five hours late, claiming he was suffering from influenza. He was immediately detained by U.S. marshals.

Francis was released on Tuesday, but he will be confined to his home until the next hearing on February 11.

The 35-year-old stands accused of filing a fraudulent tax return. He is scheduled to stand trial in March and faces up to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

Paltrow Dreams Of Smoking Again

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has always regretted her decision to give up smoking, and she is determined to start again once she hits 70.

The star gave up the habit when she became pregnant with her daughter, Apple, by husband Chris Martin, in 2003.

And Paltrow is adamant that although she hates the health effects of cigarettes, she would happily go back to the habit if she could.

She tells British Elle magazine, "I miss it. The last cigarette I smoked was the day I found out I was pregnant with Apple. I had to sit down and smoke one final cigarette. It's such a beautiful thing. I'm so pissed off it gives you cancer. Cigarettes were my upper, they were my downer. I would think with them, write with them. I just love them so much.

"But then, once you have children, if you've witnessed a death like I did with my father, you just can't.

"But I've decided that when I'm about 70 I'm going to start smoking again. Why not? I can't wait!'"

Aniston And Mayer Romance Blossoms Over Super Bowl Sunday

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer brushed off rumors of a split on Sunday by attending a Super Bowl party together in California.

The couple was alleged to have ended their romance for good last week. The pair reunited in October following a two-month break.

But the former "Friends" star and Mayer defied tabloid critics by hanging out with the rocker's pals at a casual bash just outside of Los Angeles.

A source says, "She and John were affectionate and shared some hugs during the game. They acted like a normal couple spending a casual Sunday together with friends."

Perry Denies Slamming Ex During Performance

Katy Perry has blasted reports she warned girls not to date her ex Travis McCoy during a recent show, insisting she was jokingly referring to Death Cab For Cutie frontman Benjamin Gibbard.

The singer split from Gym Class Heroes frontman McCoy over Christmas after almost a year together. McCoy claimed the pair had been arguing for weeks before they decided to go their separate ways.

Perry has avoided commenting on the break-up, but it was reported she had slammed her former lover's commitment issues during her performance at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre on Saturday.

She was reported to have told the crowd, "Girls, if you have ever dated a boy -- specifically the lead singer from Gym Class Heroes -- don't do it! Boys should have a heart. You know what I mean girls? Boys just want the milk, but they don't want to buy the cow."

But her representative has hit out at the reports, insisting the singer actually told fans, "Girls if you feel me, if you've ever dated the lead singer from Death Cab For Cutie ... it's not like that, I'm not engaged ... this one goes out to him.

"To all of my upcoming relationships -- one foot in, one foot out. He wants the milk but he never wants to buy the cow."

Doherty Facing Eviction?

Pete Doherty's landlord has threatened to evict the Babyshambles rocker after he failed to look after the country mansion he resides in.

The troubled singer pays $4,600-a-month to rent the nine-bedroom home in Wiltshire, England.

But photos published in the British press last month proved Doherty keeps the property in a shambolic state, with graffiti scribbled on the walls and stray cats roaming the trash-strewn floor.

And now Doherty's landlord is fed up with his troublesome tenant.

He tells Britain's The Sun, "It's high time Mr. Doherty found somewhere else to live. Enough is enough. We have had quite a few problems with Mr. Doherty."

Barton Splits From Pritchard?

(AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Actress Mischa Barton has split from British rocker Luke Pritchard, according to reports.

The former "The O.C. star" has been dating the The Kooks frontman since December.

But now the couple is said to have called time on their brief romance, amid speculation linking Barton to DJ and club promoter Tom Wright.

British newspaper The Sun reports the pair split several weeks ago, after Pritchard failed to commit to the relationship, which left Barton "heartbroken."

A source tells the publication, "They'd been on nights out in London and really got on. But when she suggested he visit Paris he got cold feet. He (Pritchard) didn't think they had a future and it was better they went their separate ways."

Barton has previously dated a string of musicians, including Cisco Adler and Rooney guitarist Taylor Locke.

Spears Will Take Sons On Tour

Britney Spears has confirmed she will take her sons on her forthcoming world tour.

Spears' upcoming Circus tour was reportedly in jeopardy because of a dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline over whether she would be able to bring Sean Preston, 3, and 2-year-old Jayden James on the road.

Gossip Web site TMZ.com even alleged that the singer and her father, Jamie, had planned for the boys to live at properties in Los Angeles, New Jersey and New Orleans, leaving Spears to commute there from nearby arena venues during her string of U.S. dates.

Federline reportedly objected to the plan, which would have provided him accommodation in each of the three cities, because the agreement was made without his lawyers.

But Spears' representatives and Federline's legal team appear to have worked out an agreement that will allow the star access to her kids.

A post on the star's official blog reads: "Both Sean Preston and Jayden James will, in fact, be joining Britney throughout the duration of her tour.

"Britney is so excited to kick off her tour. She has been enjoying every moment of rehearsals and is looking forward to performing in front of a live audience again."

Bobby Brown To Be A Dad Again

Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, is expecting a child with his manager and girlfriend, Alicia Etheridge.

The couple has been dating since Brown's marriage to Houston broke down in 2006, and now they are preparing to welcome their first baby together.

According to Sister 2 Sister magazine, Etheridge is four months pregnant. The baby will be Brown's fifth child.