West Side Tale

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz Confirm Pregnancy

Even the worst kept secrets in Hollywood need to be confirmed – if only for more publicity. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz just confirmed her pregnancy on husband Pete Wentz’s blog at FriendsorEnemies.com. The official confirmation from the newlyweds reads “While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child. This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family.” Worst kept secret or something I have absolutely no care about, I still extend my congratulations to the happy couple.

Madonna makes it official

Madonna’s adoption of David Banda has finally been approved.The ‘4 Minutes’ singer was delighted when a court in two-year-old David’s native Malawi ruled she and husband Guy Ritchie could legally be his parents yesterday.

A lawyer for the 49-year-old star said: “We are very happy with what the judge has ruled. It is a positive and beautiful judgment that will have an impact on Malawi’s adoption laws.”

David’s biological father Yohane Banda revealed he is delighted for Madonna and Guy and wished them luck in the future.

He said: “I am glad this is over now. I am happy for David. I gave Madonna 100 per cent rights for my son. He is her son. It’s because of her benevolent nature that she assured me she will not cut ties with me. We wish David and his mother, new dad, sister and brother would join us. We are now family.”

Madonna caused great controversy when she first began the process of adopting David in October 2006. Critics claimed the Malawi government had given the singer special treatment by ignoring laws banning non-residents from adopting children in the country.It was also revealed that while David’s mother had died, his father was still alive and had been visiting him in his orphanage.

Madonna - who has two other children, Lourdes, 11, and seven-year-old Rocco - recently said the adoption process was like “natural childbirth”. She said: “It was painful and a big struggle and I didn’t understand it. In the end, I rationalised that when a woman goes through natural childbirth, she suffers an enormous amount. I went through my own kind of birthing pains.”

More Miley Cyrus Leaks

More photos of Miley Cyrus have come out but, for a change, the most recently leaked photos are much nicer ones than we’re used to. The July 2008 issue of Popstar magazine features a 5-page spread on a 9-year old Miley, then Destiny Hope, modeling in her very first photo shoot. The magazine says “On June 8, 2002, Miley spend two-and-a-half hours posing, with [momager] Tish helping to keep her focused and smiling… and laughing! Tish also did Miley’s hair and makeup. She wanted to be sure Miley would look natural and age-appropriate.” I wonder if Tish had anything to do with making Miley look the way she did in Vanity Fair.

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson to marry?

Lindsay Lohan has announced she wants to marry Samantha Ronson.

The ‘Mean Girls’ star was seen sporting a ring at the Dolce and Gabanna party at the Cannes Film Festival, in France, and reportedly told her former lover, British model Calum Best, the pair are engaged.

Lohan, 21, and 30-year-old DJ Ronson - sister of music producer Mark Ronson - were also spotted at one of P. Diddy’s infamous boat parties kissing passionately and draped over each other.

According recent rumours, the ‘Georgia Rule’ star has apparently told friends she wants to have a partnership ceremony with Ronson at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park in July. She is also referring to herself as Lindsay Ronson.

Rumours Lohan and Ronson are more than just friends have been circulating for months. Previously leaked emails from Lohan to Ronson said: “Babe, if I don’t have you in my life then I should just go die. I want to marry you.”

Reports also suggest that since returning from the world famous film festival, Lohan has moved into Ronson’s Los Angeles home.

DMX Wins and Loses

You win some, you lose some – that’s what happened to a woman named Monique Wayne who filed a defamation suit against rapper DMX after he alleged that she raped him. A Maryland judge has nixed the $1.5 million, which awarded to Monique in January after DMX failed to appear in court, saying that DMX was not properly served with court papers in the case filed against him. How could you show up in court without knowing you had to be there anyway? Monique became pregnant after an August 2003 hook up with the rapper. She gave birth to boy in April 2004 and DNA tests showed that it was DMX’s son.

Madonna gets into diva mode again

Madonna stunned hotel staff in Cannes. The ‘4 Minutes’ singer – who is in the French town for the world famous Film Festival - issued a barrage of requests to the Carlton Hotel before her arrival.

Madonna insisted her $2,000-a-night suite was kept at a constant 30 degree temperature and demanded that it was filled with fresh flowers and scented candles. Most bizarrely, she requested a hook to be attached to the ceiling. Two treadmills have also been installed in the suite so the singer and her husband, director Guy Ritchie, can work out together.

Madonna is in Cannes showcasing her film, ‘I Am Because We Are’. The documentary focuses on the plight of children with AIDS in Malawi – a cause close to the 49-year-old singer’s heart, because she adopted her youngest son David from the region in 2006.

Bad News for R Kelly

Having to identify your best friend and niece on a sex tape has got to be awkward at best but four people at the R Kelly trial did just that at the singer’s latest court appearance. Prosecutors put Simha Jamison on the stand and said that the girl alleged to be on the sex tape was her best friend of 10 years. She said that they visited Kelly’s studio and basketball court dozens of times from when they were only 12 years old. The defense tried all they can to corner Simha during her testimony but she held her ground. The alleged victim’s aunt and uncle also took the stand and positively identified their niece as the girl on the tape.

Rihanna: Movie Star

She’s already conquered the music seen so let it come as no surprise if Rihanna happens to conquer the big screen as well. The Barbadian babe is set to star in her first big screen debut as Carol in the film adaptation of Iceberg Slim’s book ‘Mama Black Widow’. According to its online description, the movie synopsis is “Mama Black Widow is the portrait of a black family’s migration from the southern Mississippi fields of the segregated south to the ghettoized black underworld of Chicago during the 1930’s. The story follows Otis Tilson’s struggle to keep his family together as they navigate through a world of alcoholism, pimping, sexual deviation and racial degradation. Told in the gut level language of the original novel by Iceberg Slim, the family’s journey is a harsh testament of lives lived on the margins of a racist and predatory world.” It sounds like a big movie to take on. Let’s hope it doesn’t bomb.

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz Tie the Knot

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz have tied the knot on Saturday evening in an intimate ceremony held at her parents Encino home. A spokesperson told People “We’re delighted to confirm that Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson were married this evening in front of family and close friends.” Guests included Jessica Simpson’s rumored ex-boyfriend, Tony Romo, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. Well that should have proven to be an interesting night since Tony still accompanied Jessica as her date. Ashlee wore an ivory lace wedding gown by Monique Lhuillier which was accessorized with a diamond necklace and earrings by Neil Lane.

Backstreet Boy says Britney Spears back on track

A.J. McLean thinks Britney Spears is getting her life back on track.

The Backstreet Boys star - who is currently touring Europe promoting his upcoming debut solo album - believes the 26-year-old singer is finally putting her troubles behind her, and thinks her appearances on hit US TV show ‘How I Met Your Mother’ will help.

He said: “I think her performance on the show will do well. I think as long as she can just keep her feet on the ground and just find herself again. She is a little lost but I know she can do it, I believe in her. I believe in anybody who wants to do something for themselves.”

A.J. has been trying to get in contact with the mother-of-two for a long time, but hasn’t been able to reach her to offer his support.

He added: “I’ve reached out to her for over a year now, to sit and have a chat, and you know, if she wants to she will, if she doesn’t then she won’t. I think she is going to be fine - I really do.”

Britney recently had some of her visitation rights to her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, restored after a turbulent 18 months, which saw her shave her head, enter and exit rehab and be sectioned.

Paris Hilton dreams of white wedding

She’s not engaged, yet, but Paris Hilton and boyfriend of three months; Benji Madden already have marriage in mind. She said: “He wants to get hitched…we talk about it.”

In fact, Paris is already pondering her wedding gown: “I’d wear a beautiful white dress” she said dreamily, “probably Dolce & Gabbana”

The heiress, who is in London promoting her new fragrance, Can Can, couldn’t stop gushing about her new beau.

“We are the perfect match,” said the 27-year-old - who begins filming her MTV reality show, I Wanna Be Paris’s New Best Friend! on Monday. “We don’t like being apart, we like to stay with each other as much as we can.”

No stranger to marriage proposals, Hilton said that Madden, 29, was different from her previous boyfriends, including ex-fiancés Jason Shaw and Paris Latsis.

“Benji is very down to earth,” she said. “He’s worked very hard on his own. He really has a heart of gold. He’d never do anything to hurt me. He loves and supports me no matter what. He’s a really great person.”

Mariah Carey demands guarded private toilet

Mariah Carey reportedly demanded a guarded private toilet during her wedding reception.

The ‘Touch My Body’ singer – who secretly married rapper Nick Cannon in the Bahamas on April 30 – is said to have specifically asked for the exclusive facilities at Los Angeles’ Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park on Tuesday night. Mariah and Nick were also driven around the amusement park in their own golf cart, while the 38-year-old singer was followed by a hairstylist and make-up artist at all times.

Meanwhile, one of Mariah’s assistants went to Los Angeles’ exclusive Petit Tresor baby boutique to discuss nursery décor. The assistant reportedly asked if they could send fabric samples to the newlywed couple, and told them to work on a butterfly theme.

Mariah, who lives in New York, is also believed to have requested a private conference at Petit Tresor when she next visits Los Angeles.

Mariah has made no secret of her desire to have children with Nick, saying it is one of ‘the main purposes of getting married’.

Jessica Simpson in the Dumps

Reports are coming out the Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo have split up. Pictures of Tony have even popped up macking it with other girls. Jessica was said to be very upset and got wasted recently. However, she got wasted because of ex John Mayer and not Tony Romo. The blonde was said to be very upset that John is with Jennifer Anniston which is supposedly the reason why Tony dumped her – because she never really got over John. Jess reportedly had a 4 hour drinking session last week in LA to drown in her sorrows. She got so plastered that she had to call her mom Tina for a ride home.

More Madonna Baby Updates

Madonna’s bid to officially make David Banda a part of her family just got a little easier as the kid’s biological father has spoken out in favor of the Queen of Pop’s adoption. He told Reuters in a TV interview “I have no problem with the government’s recommendation to allow Madonna to get the child. This is what I wanted, that Madonna should keep the child.” Also, one of Malawi’s fiercest critics of Madonna’s bid, the Human Rights Consultative Committee, said on Monday that they were no longer interested in pursuing the case. Madonna is expected to appear on Malawian court on Thursday for what’s expected to be the finalization of the adoption.

Michael Jackson sells Neverland

Michael Jackson has sold his Neverland ranch.

Colony Capital LLC has taken over the mortgage form the current finance company, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group.

In a statement, Michael Jackson said, “I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and I am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack with regard to the Ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future.”

Barrack runs Colony, the Los Angeles based private equity firm. Jackson had a loan of $23.5 million on the 2,900-acre ranch.

Neverland Ranch is at 5225 Figueroa Mountain Rd, in Los Olivos, California, in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Jackson employed around 70 staff to look after the upkeep of the property.

Michael Jackson moved into Neverland in 1988. Golf course entrepreneur William Bone previously owned the land. Jackson purchased the land for $30 million in 1987.

Neverland was listed for auction this weekend.

Lindsay Lohan axed

Lindsay Lohan has reportedly been axed from a forthcoming film about Charles Manson.

The actress was due to star in independent movie ‘The Manson Girls’ - playing Nancy Pitman, one of the cult followers of the notorious Manson who was convicted of seven counts of murder in 1971 - but was dropped after other actors refused to work alongside her.

The 21-year-old actress signed up for the movie in March and was due to start shooting in Los Angeles in July.

Manson masterminded a series of gruesome murders including that of pregnant actress Sharon Tate, the then-wife of director Roman Polanski. He is now 73 and serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in jail. Nancy Pitman - who was known as Brenda when she was part of the ‘Manson Family’, the nickname given to his followers - ran away from her wealthy family home in Malibu, California, at the age of 16 to be with Manson. While she didn’t participate in the murders, she is believed to have accompanied Manson to the scene of the crime afterwards to help remove evidence.

Lindsay has hit the headlines more for her partying, drinking and alleged drug taking than her acting work recently. Her last big screen outing, ‘I Know Who Killed Me’ was a box office flop. She was publicly criticised by bosses on ‘Georgia Rule’ after a string of absences during filming. James G. Robinson, CEO of Morgan Creek Productions who made the movie, issued an open letter to her saying: “You and your representatives have told us that your various late arrivals and absences from the set have been the result of illness. We are well aware that your ongoing all night heavy partying is the real reason for your so-called ‘exhaustion’.”

She is currently filming a cameo in hit US TV comedy-drama ‘Ugly Betty’.

Madonna Rules Canada

Madonna’s latest album ‘Hard Candy’ had a great debut this week on the Canadian album charts. The Queen of Pop’s single album has reached the number one sales spot selling over 58,000 records, according to the Nielsen SoundScan data. That’s close to three times what Mariah Carey’s ‘E=MC2’ debuted to in Canada a couple of weeks ago. That sucks for her. Not even the so-called surprise wedding of hers has helped her any in sales. I wonder what would happen if she announces that she’s pregnant – and with twins. I bet even then, no one would give a crap about her still.

Britney Spears Gets Time

Good news for Britney Spears. The recovering starlet has gained more visitation rights of her two young sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. She reportedly gets 3 days a week now with overnight stays. KFed’s attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said that the modifications to custody will be implemented in the near future and Kevin’s “goal and his hope is his children will have the benefit of having two parents participating actively in their lives.” Brit’s parents released a statement saying that they were “so pleased with Britney’s progress” and “very appreciative” of the court’s recognition of it. Brit and KFed will be back in court on July 15.

Ex-Idol Speaks on Current Idol Contestant

David Archuleta’s dad should be out on a hunt for ex American Idol champion Taylor Hicks for the comments he made about the young Idol contestant. Taylor Hicks actually said that David reminds him of a young Wayne Newton. He continued to tell the Louisville Courier-Journal that David is “a young entertainer” and says that there could be “ample opportunities” for him. That’s more than we could say for Taylor. His career path has about the same trajectory as a lead-filled balloon since he came off the Idol stage. Taylor also said that he will be putting out a DVD of his pre-Idol performances and will be on tour in Asia and Italy. Who cares?

Diddy as Bruce Willis

It hasn’t taken Diddy long to go all Hollywood and that star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame probably didn’t help slowing the growth of his head any. The entertainment mogul has his mind set on an acting career and he says he will start from the bottom and work his way up just like most successful people in Hollywood. People actually reports that now that he has a star of the Walk of Fame, he now thinks he can become the next Bruce Willis. There’s no word on when Diddy will be hitting the casting couch but he’s ready to work hard.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon were engaged

It seems just like yesterday when news broke that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon were engaged. Now, reports are saying that the couple is already married. Latina magazine is reporting that the singer and the actor supposedly got married in a secret ceremony that took place on a Caribbean island where Mariah bought a house at. A source close to Nick said that the ceremony was small and impulsive. If it was impulsive, then there’s a great chance that there was no pre-nuptial agreement and that’s a big no-no for Mariah. She’s set to rack in a great amount of money this year. But at the rate they’re going, they’d probably be divorced on Monday anyway.

Pete Wentz Gets Sued

Pete Wentz is facing a lawsuit filed by a guy who claims that the Fall Out Boy bassist and his security beat him up at one of the band’s shows last year. Andy Kallas claims that he was watching the band perform at Schuba’s Tavern in Chicago when Pete and his peeps beat on him for several minutes. The way that the suit reads, the attack was completely unprovoked. Kallas claims that he suffered “serious injuries to his head, mouth and face” and is suing both Pete and the club for an unspecified amount in damages. Pete’s reps say that “This case is meritless. We looked into it and the facts don’t support his claims. We will vigorously defend this case in court.”

Amy Winehouse is Not a Cheater

Since reports of her having an affair with her manager’s assistant came out this past weekend, Amy Winehouse is finally speaking publicly about the rumors and is denying them. Both Wino’s parents have talked to the press and pretty much confirmed her affair which led to Amy coming out. It’s being reported that she had a screaming match with her dad on Monday and then went out the door to set the record straight with paparazzi and even attacked the media for spreading lies about her. Wino insisted that she’s not divorcing Blake and that she’s completely in love with him. She even said that she’s going to get Blake back by the summer.