ROBERT DOWNEY JR.'S SON ARRESTED IN DRUG CASE

Actor Robert Downey, Jr. thanked authorities who arrested his 20-year-old son on Sunday (29 JUNE 2014) on suspicion of cocaine possession and said the family was determined to get him the help he needs.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Valentine said Indio Falconer Downey was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after a car he was in was pulled over in West Hollywood.

Valentine says Downey was booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, believed to be cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Indio Downey was later released after posting $10,250 (USD) bail and a court date was set for Aug. 29.

Two other people were in the car, but only Downey was arrested.

"Unfortunately there's a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it," Robert Downey, Jr., who had a series of high-profile drug-related arrests, wrote in a statement. "There is a lot of family support and understanding, and we're all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he's capable of being. We're grateful to the

Sheriff's department for their intervention, and believe Indio can be another recovery success story instead of a cautionary tale."

Indio Downey appeared in the 2005 movie "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," which starred his father.

++CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: FILE VIDEO CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY++

CELEBRITY FOOTAGE

Los Angeles, 24 April 2013

1. Medium of Robert Downey, Jr. And wife Susan arriving at the world premiere of "Marvel's Iron Man 3"

AP ENTERTAINMENT

Los Angeles, 9 January 2013

2. Medium of Robert Downey, Jr. Posing backstage with his People's Choice Award for favorite movie superhero

3. Push in to tight shot of Robert Downey, Jr.

AP ENTERTAINMENT

Seoul, South Korea, 4 April 2013

4. Various of Robert Downey, Jr. At an "Iron Man" press conference

AP IMAGES

Los Angeles, 1 March 2007

5. Robert Downey, Jr. And son Indio arrive at a premiere

SNOOKI'S HUBBY PLEADS GUILTY TO DUI

First he said, "I do." Then he pleaded guilty.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi's husband pleaded guilty on Monday (1 DEC. 2014) in Totowa, New Jersey, to driving under the influence. The charges stem from his arrest on Interstate 80 in August.

The plea came two days after 27-year-old Jionni LaValle and the MTV reality series star got married at a "Great Gatsby" themed wedding.

A Municipal Court official tells NJ.com charges of unsafe lane changes and careless driving were dropped.

LaValle's driver's license was suspended for three months and he was ordered to pay a $614 fine attend classes on the dangers of drinking and driving.

Polizzi and LaValle have two children, ages 2 and 2 months. They live in Morris County, New Jersey.

MTV POOL

New York, 25 August 2013

1. Various of Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Jionni LaValle arriving at the MTV Video Music Awards

AP ENTERTAINMENT

Los Angeles, 10 April 2014

2. Medium of Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi giving an interview

CELEBRITY FOOTAGE

Los Angeles, 13 April 2014

3. Various of Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi arriving at the MTV Movie Awards

AP ENTERTAINMENT

Los Angeles, 10 April 2014

4. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and other MTV actors roll out the red carpet

MORGAN FREEMAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO SLAIN GRANDDAUGHTER

Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of actor Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter on a Manhattan street.

Lamar Davenport, of New York City, was charged with second-degree murder on Monday, a day after 33-year-old E'dena (eh-DEEH'-nah) Hines was found lying on the street with multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Police say the Davenport was in a relationship with Hines. She was found in front of her apartment building on West 162nd Street and was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.

Freeman issued a statement saying that "The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer."

Hines had studied acting and was involved with teaching urban youth.

She is the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife.

AP IMAGES

++FILE++New York, 14 July 2008

1. Still image: Morgan Freeman and step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines attend premiere of "The Dark Knight"

2. Still image: Morgan Freeman and step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines attend premiere of "The Dark Knight"

AP ENTERTAINMENT

++FILE++ New York, 24 June 2015

3. Wide shot Morgan Freeman

4. Medium shot Morgan Freeman

AP ENTERTAINMENT

++FILE++Las Vegas, 27 March 2014

5. Wide Morgan Freeman and director Wally Pfister talk with reporter

6. Wide Morgan Freeman and director Wally Pfister talk with reporter

CELEBRITY FOOTAGE

++FILE++Los Angeles, 10 April 2014

7. Medium of Morgan Freeman speaking to a reporter

RAPPERY YOUNG JEEZY SEES WEAPON CHARGE DISMISSED

A felony weapons charge against platinum-selling rapper Young Jeezy has been dismissed after a prosecutor said there wasn't enough evidence to support the case.

Orange County Deputy District Attorney Renee Jones sought the dismissal during a court hearing Thursday (11 DEC. 2014) but declined to elaborate on what new information led to it.

Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, and five others were arrested in August after authorities served a search warrant at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine and found an AK-47.

Police were investigating the death of a man who was shot backstage at a concert Jeezy co-headlined with Wiz Khalifa days earlier at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Jeezy and the other five, who included a tour bus driver and his wife, were never identified as suspects in the killing.

Jeezy and the others each pleaded not guilty to a single count of felony possession of an assault weapon.

The rapper did not attend Thursday's hearing but attacked his arrest and the filing of charges. "I pray this had nothing to do with race, but it definitely had nothing to do with evidence," Jeezy wrote.

He criticized what he called a rush to judgment by the media and police.

"I'm relieved that the truth has ultimately prevailed, and I would like to thank those who have always stood by me including my family and fans," Jeezy wrote.

Jones said the investigation into the shooting death of Eric Johnson, 38, is ongoing.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Robert C. Gannon granted the dismissal and said he would sign orders allowing Jeezy and his entourage to regain their passports and other property seized from them.

Jeezy's attorney Blair Berk said she was pleased the case was dropped but said the rapper should not have been arrested or charged.

No re-use or sale of any Film/TV/Music/Performance clips without clearance

Celebrity Footage

Los Angeles, Calif. - 8 February 2009

1.Young Jeezy on red carpet at 2009 Grammy Awards

Def Jam Recordings

2. Music video clip- 'Put On' Young Jeezy

AP Entertainment

New York, 25 August 2008

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Young Jeezy, Recording Artist on his new album 'The Recession':

"I think I came up with the name 'The Recession' like mid-stream into the album because when I looked at a lot of the songs I had like 'My President' and 'Crazy World,' I was just like maybe I'm paying too much attention to what's going on. And I didn't want my music to come out in a depressed, negative way. So I just kind of looked at what I had and I was like the rest of the songs I'm going to do are going to be those 'we shall overcome' like anthems; that were always made, but were more street. But now I want to make them for everybody; you don't even have to be from the street to know where I am coming from, even though that's what the music is intended for, I just want to put it into terms that everybody can get it."

Def Jam Recordings

4. Music video clip- 'Put On' Young Jeezy

CHARLIE SHEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION BY LOS ANGELES POLICE

Los Angeles police say Charlie Sheen is the subject of a criminal investigation headed by detectives from an elite stalking unit.

Officer Matthew Ludwig says Sheen was listed as a suspect in a criminal investigation report received on March 31. He declined to detail the allegations or identify the alleged victim, but he said detectives who handle serious stalking and criminal threats cases have obtained a search warrant in the case.

The celebrity news site RadarOnline reported Wednesday (6 APRIL 2016) that it had been served a subpoena from Los Angeles police for a 35-minute audio recording that is purportedly of Sheen threatening his ex-fiancee, Scottine Ross. She performed in porn films under the name Brett Rossi and is suing Sheen for having sex with her without disclosing he is HIV positive.

There was no immediate comment from Sheen's lawyer and publicist.

New York, 17 November 2015

1. Wide shot through studio glass, Charlie Sheen enters NBC's "Today" studio

Los Angeles, 11 April 2013

2. Medium Sheen talks with reporter at Hollywood premiere of "Scary Movie 5"

3. Medium Sheen talks with reporter

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Charlie Sheen/Actor, on Lindsay Lohan:

"You know this town loves a comeback, loves a comeback, you know."

5. Medium Sheen talks with reporter

Los Angeles, 10 September 2011

6. Various of Charlie Sheen arriving

Fashion designer and celebrity stylist L'Wren Scott is dead.

The 49-year-old's body was found in her Manhattan apartment on Monday, hanging from a doorknob.

A law enforcement official says no note was found and there is no sign of foul play.

Scott and Mick Jagger were a longtime couple. A spokesman for the Rolling Stones singer says Jagger is "completely shocked and devastated by the news."

Scott founded her own high-end clothing label in 2006 and recently created a more affordable line for Banana Republic.

On the red carpet, she styled big name stars like Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie.

Michael Weinfeld, The Associated Press.

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

New York, 4 June 2007

1. Wide Cameraman pan to Zac Posen

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Zac Posen, Designer:

"I don't care what she wears. I hope she's comfortable and I hope she has learned a lesson outside of jail. I feel very bad for her family. I think it is partially her drive that has caused her to this, but it is also the media."

3. Medium Nemcova tilt up

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Petra Nemcova, Model:

"In every thing there is a positive and negative in every experience to look at the positive things. Get strength from it and learn from it, and there's always something, even if there's 5% positive or 1% you should focus on that and that will get you through."

5. Camera cutaway

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Kors, Designer:

"I wish her well. What else can you say? I don't want to see anyone in the world have to unduly suffer so I hope everything is okay for her."

7. Medium Heidi Klum

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Heidi Klum:

"To be honest I don't pay too much attention to all that stuff. I'm not so into the gossip magazines. I don't know I totally lost track of all that stuff. People just told me she was in jail. I didn't even know."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Betsey Johnson, Designer:

"If a magazine came out and they weren't in it; then they would be in trouble. As long as they are in it, they are fine; I don't know that's just the way it is right now, and everything is in the extreme. Jail is an extreme too. (Q.Reporter - "do you have any advice for her when she comes out?") "Karma. I mean just go with it."

6. Medium Vanessa Williams

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vanessa Williams:

"She's a media darling so of course there is going to be attention no matter what she does, and this is a pretty major, major thing for her to happen at such a young age so, unlike Martha Stewart of course there's going to be people watching every aspect of what happens when you're incarcerated as a celebrity, so I think she's going to really mature through this whole thing and I'm sure it will change her permanently."

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Diddy:

"Just hold your head up and learn from the mistakes. Don't let nobody bring you down and may God bless you."

10. Medium Diddy tilt up

STARS WISH PARIS HILTON WELL FROM RED CARPET

As Paris Hilton swaps the party life for a jail sentence, stars enjoying the red carpet lifestyle she leaves behind gave their thoughts on her situation.

The 26-year-old hotel heiress checked into the Century Regional Detention Facility in suburban Los Angeles just after 11:30 p.m Sunday (0630 GMT Monday) to serve 23 days for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Hilton surrendered after a surprise appearance earlier that day at the MTV Movie Awards, where she worked the red carpet in a strapless designer gown.

Stars at the CFDA Fashion awards Monday night hoped she would stay positive.

Model Petra Nemcova told AP Entertainment:

"In every thing there is a positive and negative in every experience to look at the positive things. Get strength from it and learn from it, and there's always something, even if there's 5% positive or 1% you should focus on that and that will get you through."

Designer Michael Kors added: "I wish her well. What else can you say? I don't want to see anyone have to unduly suffer so I hope everything is okay for her."

Diddy offered the heiress the advice: "Just hold your head up and learn from the mistakes. Don't let nobody bring you down and may God bless you."

Designer Zac Posen said her celebrity has not helped her situation:

"I hope she's comfortable and I hope she has learned a lesson outside of jail. I feel very bad for her family. I think it is partially her drive that has caused her to this, but it is also the media."

'Ugly Betty' star Vanessa Williams says a press frenzy was inevitable:

"She's a media darling so of course there is going to be attention no matter what she does, and this is a pretty major, major thing for her to happen at such a young age so, unlike Martha Stewart of course there's going to be people watching every aspect of what happens when you're incarcerated as a celebrity, so I think she's going to really mature through this whole thing and I'm sure it will change her permanently."

Designer Betsey Johnson/ Designer agrees.

"If a magazine came out and they weren't in it; then they would be in trouble. As long as they are in it, they are fine; I don't know that's just the way it is right now, and everything is in the extreme. Jail is an extreme too."

Johnson added some advice for when Hilton leaves jail: "Karma. I mean just go with it."

But the news of Hilton's sentence came as a surprise to Heidi Klum:

"To be honest I don't pay too much attention to all that stuff. I'm not so into the gossip magazines. I don't know I totally lost track of all that stuff. People just told me she was in jail. I didn't even know."

Hilton's lawyer said the heiress was doing well after spending her first night in solitary confinement.

"She's using this time to reflect on her life, to see what she can do to make the world better and hopefully, in my opinion, to change the attitudes that exist about her among many people," attorney Richard A. Hutton told reporters Monday after visiting Hilton.

Hilton will spend 23 days in a special unit at the women's facility in Lynwood.

Officers arrested Hilton in Hollywood on Sept. 7. In January, she pleaded no contest to the reckless-driving charge and was sentenced to 36 months of probation, alcohol education and $1,500 (US Dollars) in fines.

She was pulled over by California Highway Patrol on Jan. 15. Officers informed Hilton she was driving on a suspended license and she signed a document acknowledging she was not to drive.

She then was pulled over by sheriff's deputies on Feb. 27, at which time she was charged with violating probation.

SHOTLIST

TRUE DATE CREATED = 27/03/2009

AP Television

Atlanta, Georgia, 27 March 2009

1. Medium shot of T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) walking to podium for news conference after sentencing hearing

2. Wide shot, pan of cameras at news conference and Harris at podium

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I have began to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the US Attorneys and the courts of the US government. I would like to thank all that have helped me throughout my journey, along my journey, including my attorneys. All of the foundations and all of the organizations who have helped me align myself with people who can see to it that I carry out my wishes and my intentions to the best of my ability. Although I am not thrilled about my next year and day, I am pleased that I can begin the process of putting this all behind me."

4. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

5. Close up Harris speaking

6. Medium shot Harris speaking from podium

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives, because these are the five or six people I keep in contact with. It's an honor for me to do so. I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people. Young people, old people and people my age as well. So, I appreciate the opportunity."

8. Wide shot exterior of federal courthouse building

9. Close up sign on federal courthouse building

10. Close up, pan from Harris' hand resting on podium to face

11. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I think my judgement was altered due to a tragic situation and me living through a hostile attempt on my life. I lost sight of what was important. I had lost sight of the faith that I had in God and how far he'd brought me. I guess I resorted to taking matters into my own hands -- foolishly, to say the least."

13. Wide shot Harris and girlfriend walking from news conference and greeting supporters

STORYLINE

RAPPER T.I. SENTENCED

A judge sentenced Rapper T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges on Friday (27MARCH09.)

The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, entered court smiling as he greeted his lawyers and family members. He wore a dark gray suit and black dress shirt and tie for sentencing.

"Today I would like to say thank you to some, and apologize to all," the rapper told U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. at the one and a half hour session, which was closed to television cameras.

Harris pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers.

The arrest on Oct. 13 of that year occurred blocks from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.

He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison.

Harris already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence.

He will need to complete 470 additional hours.

"I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people," Harris said.

At Friday's hearing, former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young spoke on Harris' behalf.

Harris had faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (USD) fine for each count, until he cut a deal and pleaded guilty last March to the federal weapons charge and was sentenced to one year and a day in prison.

Ed Garland, one of his attorneys, said they are not sure where he will serve his sentence.

Upon his release, Harris is to be placed on three years of supervised release. He also will be credited for 305 days of home detention he already has served and must serve an additional 60 days, authorities said.

Harris agreed to community service to avoid a lengthy sentence. He already has made 262 public appearances as part of that deal.

Much of that work has been done with children.

Harris is one of the co-chief executives of Grand Hustle Records and one of Atlantic Records' most successful artists.

His sixth album, "Paper Trail," has sold nearly two million copies. It also charted two smash No. 1 songs, and a third with Justin Timberlake is near the top of the charts.

T.I. said fear was the reason he tried to buy the guns.

His best friend, Philant Johnson, was killed following a post-performance party in Cincinnati in 2006.

A man was found guilty last year in the murder case.

ENGINEERING TEST

SHOTLIST (including transcript):-

AP Images

Narita, Japan, 8 March 2009

1. Katie Holmes holds daughter Suri while arriving at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo

AP Images

New York, 4 November 2007

2. Katie Holmes joins husband Tom Cruise as he holds their daughter Suri after Holmes finished the New York City Marathon

AP Images

Carson, Calif., 21 July 2007

3. Katie Holmes and her daughter Suri Cruise watch the Los Angeles Galaxy play Chelsea during a World Series of Football exhibition soccer game

AP Entertainment

Beverly Hills, Calif., 28 March 2011

4. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes on the red carpet of the premiere of "The Kennedys"

5. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

6. Pan down of Katie Holmes talking to a reporter

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Jennifer Peros/Us Weekly Reporter:

"It doesn't really seem that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's divorce settlement was too much about money. It was mostly about the custody of Suri. Katie made sure she got sole custody with some visitation rights from Tom, bodyguards and nannies have to be present at all times. So she really wasn't worried about getting the $15 million that she's reportedly getting out of this. She just wanted her daughter."

AP Entertainment

Tokyo, Japan 12 March 2009

8. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the premiere of "Valkyrie"

AP Entertainment

Rio de Janeiro, 3 February 2009

9. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes stepping onto podium at premiere of "Valkyrie"

10. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

11. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.:

"It was a very, very quick settlement. One wonders whether or not this was all a setup to begin with, but knowing the attorneys who negotiated it, they're good attorneys. They apparently worked very, very hard over the weekend and this was something that Tom wanted to, again, brush under the carpet. I think his religion had a lot to do with it and he really didn't want to have that be exposed anymore or be out there for ridicule anymore. So I think it was a smart move on his part to sit down, negotiate, and also be done with it."

AP Entertainment

New York, 6 November 2007

13. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the Museum of Moving Image Salute

14. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 9 January 2008

15. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the premiere of "Mad Money"

16. Tight shot of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.:

"They won't be divorced until all the appropriate papers are filed. Then those papers which are about a stack high go from the clerk's office to the judges desk and the judge will sign them so typically in New York our turnaround is 2 to 3 months. If you need it quicker you can petition the court to have it done quicker for example if someone is nine months pregnant and wants to get married or someone is on their death bed but typically it takes a few months before the judge puts his signature on the judgement for divorce and then it has to be stamped, entered by the county clerk and that's when they're divorced."

AP Entertainment

Rome, Italy, 16 November 2006

18. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise leave their hotel in Rome ahead of Tom and Katie's wedding

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 June 2005

19. Medium of Tom Cruise talking to a crowd before a screening of "War of the Worlds" and brings Katie Holmes on stage

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.

"It's probably the best place for her as far as Suri is concerned. New York is very protective of its children and when a party or parties are involved in a divorce the children become part of it and actually become part of what the judge has to look out for as part of responsibilities and protection so she knew or apparently her attorneys knew that she would have the best shot of having custody granted to her or negotiated for her in the New York forum."

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 June 2005

21. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at a screening of "War of the Worlds"

TOM CRUISE, KATIE HOLMES DIVORCE EXPLAINED

Why did Katie Holmes file for divorce from Tom Cruise in New York? And now that they've settled, how long will it take before their officially exes?

Entertainment reporters and legal experts are weighing in on the celebrity couple's split.

Jennifer Peros of Us Weekly says even the specifics of the settlement have been kept private, there are some things we know:

"It doesn't really seem that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's divorce settlement was too much about money. It was mostly about the custody of Suri. Katie made sure she got sole custody with some visitation rights from Tom, bodyguards and nannies have to be present at all times. So she really wasn't worried about getting the $15 million that she's reportedly getting out of this. She just wanted her daughter."

New York attorney Bettina Hindin, who specializes in matrimonial law says just because the pair have reached an agreement on their breakup doesn't mean their divorced yet.

"They won't be divorced until all the appropriate papers are filed. Then those papers which are about a stack high go from the clerk's office to the judges desk and the judge will sign them so typically in New York our turnaround is 2 to 3 months. If you need it quicker you can petition the court to have it done quicker for example if someone is nine months pregnant and wants to get married or someone is on their death bed but typically it takes a few months before the judge puts his signature on the judgement for divorce and then it has to be stamped, entered by the county clerk and that's when they're divorced."

The announcement Monday (9 July 2012) that Holmes and Cruise had settled their divorce in less than two weeks ended what many expected to be a contentious breakup spanning both coasts.

Details of the agreement remain confidential and the pair released a joint statement indicating they intend to keep it that way.

"We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other's commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other's roles as parents," their statement said.

Hindin says from a legal perspective it was very surprising by how quickly the case was settled.

It was a very, very quick settlement. One wonders whether or not this was all a setup to begin with, but knowing the attorneys who negotiated it, they're good attorneys. They apparently worked very, very hard over the weekend and this was something that Tom wanted to, again, brush under the carpet. I think his religion had a lot to do with it and he really didn't want to have that be exposed anymore or be out there for ridicule anymore. So I think it was a smart move on his part to sit down, negotiate, and also be done with it."

She also says by filing in New York, Katie had the best change at getting sole custody of her daughter Suri.

"It's probably the best place for her as far as Suri is concerned. New York is very protective of its children and when a party or parties are involved in a divorce the children become part of it and actually become part of what the judge has to look out for as part of responsibilities and protection so she knew or apparently her attorneys knew that she would have the best shot of having custody granted to her or negotiated for her in the New York forum."

For now the focus of both stars appears to be to get their breakup out of the news. Holmes' attorney Jonathan Wolfe cast doubts Monday evening on stories speculating about what the couple traded to get such a quick resolution.

"There are numerous inaccuracies in the reports regarding the purported contents of the agreement reached between the parties," Wolfe wrote in a statement, adding that "its terms will not be disclosed."

Tom Cruise's divorce from actress Mimi Rogers was finalized within 45 days. His divorce from Nicole Kidman took less than six months.

TOM CRUISE, KATIE HOLMES DIVORCE EXPLAINED

Why did Katie Holmes file for divorce from Tom Cruise in New York? And now that they've settled, how long will it take before their officially exes?

Entertainment reporters and legal experts are weighing in on the celebrity couple's split.

Jennifer Peros of Us Weekly says even the specifics of the settlement have been kept private, there are some things we know:

"It doesn't really seem that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's divorce settlement was too much about money. It was mostly about the custody of Suri. Katie made sure she got sole custody with some visitation rights from Tom, bodyguards and nannies have to be present at all times. So she really wasn't worried about getting the $15 million that she's reportedly getting out of this. She just wanted her daughter."

New York attorney Bettina Hindin, who specializes in matrimonial law says just because the pair have reached an agreement on their breakup doesn't mean their divorced yet.

"They won't be divorced until all the appropriate papers are filed. Then those papers which are about a stack high go from the clerk's office to the judges desk and the judge will sign them so typically in New York our turnaround is 2 to 3 months. If you need it quicker you can petition the court to have it done quicker for example if someone is nine months pregnant and wants to get married or someone is on their death bed but typically it takes a few months before the judge puts his signature on the judgement for divorce and then it has to be stamped, entered by the county clerk and that's when they're divorced."

The announcement Monday (9 July 2012) that Holmes and Cruise had settled their divorce in less than two weeks ended what many expected to be a contentious breakup spanning both coasts.

Details of the agreement remain confidential and the pair released a joint statement indicating they intend to keep it that way.

"We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other's commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other's roles as parents," their statement said.

Hindin says from a legal perspective it was very surprising by how quickly the case was settled.

It was a very, very quick settlement. One wonders whether or not this was all a setup to begin with, but knowing the attorneys who negotiated it, they're good attorneys. They apparently worked very, very hard over the weekend and this was something that Tom wanted to, again, brush under the carpet. I think his religion had a lot to do with it and he really didn't want to have that be exposed anymore or be out there for ridicule anymore. So I think it was a smart move on his part to sit down, negotiate, and also be done with it."

She also says by filing in New York, Katie had the best change at getting sole custody of her daughter Suri.

"It's probably the best place for her as far as Suri is concerned. New York is very protective of its children and when a party or parties are involved in a divorce the children become part of it and actually become part of what the judge has to look out for as part of responsibilities and protection so she knew or apparently her attorneys knew that she would have the best shot of having custody granted to her or negotiated for her in the New York forum."

For now the focus of both stars appears to be to get their breakup out of the news. Holmes' attorney Jonathan Wolfe cast doubts Monday evening on stories speculating about what the couple traded to get such a quick resolution.

"There are numerous inaccuracies in the reports regarding the purported contents of the agreement reached between the parties," Wolfe wrote in a statement, adding that "its terms will not be disclosed."

Tom Cruise's divorce from actress Mimi Rogers was finalized within 45 days. His divorce from Nicole Kidman took less than six months.

AP Images

Narita, Japan, 8 March 2009

1. Katie Holmes holds daughter Suri while arriving at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo

AP Images

New York, 4 November 2007

2. Katie Holmes joins husband Tom Cruise as he holds their daughter Suri after Holmes finished the New York City Marathon

AP Images

Carson, Calif., 21 July 2007

3. Katie Holmes and her daughter Suri Cruise watch the Los Angeles Galaxy play Chelsea during a World Series of Football exhibition soccer game

AP Entertainment

Beverly Hills, Calif., 28 March 2011

4. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes on the red carpet of the premiere of "The Kennedys"

5. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

6. Pan down of Katie Holmes talking to a reporter

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Jennifer Peros/Us Weekly Reporter:

"It doesn't really seem that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's divorce settlement was too much about money. It was mostly about the custody of Suri. Katie made sure she got sole custody with some visitation rights from Tom, bodyguards and nannies have to be present at all times. So she really wasn't worried about getting the $15 million that she's reportedly getting out of this. She just wanted her daughter."

AP Entertainment

Tokyo, Japan 12 March 2009

8. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the premiere of "Valkyrie"

AP Entertainment

Rio de Janeiro, 3 February 2009

9. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes stepping onto podium at premiere of "Valkyrie"

10. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

11. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.:

"It was a very, very quick settlement. One wonders whether or not this was all a setup to begin with, but knowing the attorneys who negotiated it, they're good attorneys. They apparently worked very, very hard over the weekend and this was something that Tom wanted to, again, brush under the carpet. I think his religion had a lot to do with it and he really didn't want to have that be exposed anymore or be out there for ridicule anymore. So I think it was a smart move on his part to sit down, negotiate, and also be done with it."

AP Entertainment

New York, 6 November 2007

13. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the Museum of Moving Image Salute

14. Wide of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 9 January 2008

15. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at the premiere of "Mad Money"

16. Tight shot of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.:

"They won't be divorced until all the appropriate papers are filed. Then those papers which are about a stack high go from the clerk's office to the judges desk and the judge will sign them so typically in New York our turnaround is 2 to 3 months. If you need it quicker you can petition the court to have it done quicker for example if someone is nine months pregnant and wants to get married or someone is on their death bed but typically it takes a few months before the judge puts his signature on the judgement for divorce and then it has to be stamped, entered by the county clerk and that's when they're divorced."

AP Entertainment

Rome, Italy, 16 November 2006

18. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise leave their hotel in Rome ahead of Tom and Katie's wedding

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 June 2005

19. Medium of Tom Cruise talking to a crowd before a screening of "War of the Worlds" and brings Katie Holmes on stage

AP Entertainment

New York, 11 July 2012

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettina D. Hindin, Esq./Attorney, Raoul Felder and Partners, P.C.

"It's probably the best place for her as far as Suri is concerned. New York is very protective of its children and when a party or parties are involved in a divorce the children become part of it and actually become part of what the judge has to look out for as part of responsibilities and protection so she knew or apparently her attorneys knew that she would have the best shot of having custody granted to her or negotiated for her in the New York forum."

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 27 June 2005

21. Medium of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arriving at a screening of "War of the Worlds"

ERIN ANDREWS BREAKS DOWN ON WITNESS STAND

Sportscaster and TV host Erin Andrews took the witness stand Monday (29 FEB. 2016), breaking down repeatedly and telling jurors of the devastation she continues to feel after a man secretly shot nude videos of her and posted them on the Internet.

Andrews sobbed as she recalled how some in the media speculated that she was doing it to attract attention to herself before the FBI made an arrest.

"Probably for three months, everybody thought it was a publicity stunt," she said, choking up on the stand. "That ripped me apart."

Andrews said she was terrified that the videos would go viral and she would never be able to get them off the Internet after a friend told her about them in July 2009.

"I just kept saying, 'We gotta get it down. We gotta get it down.' And we can't get it down! And we're never going to get it off," she testified.

She told jurors that she worked hard ever since she was a little girl to be a sportscaster and now she is taunted daily by people who have seen the video.

"I wanted to be the girl next door who loved sports, and now I'm the girl with a hotel scandal," she said.

She said the stalking left her fearful, anxious and depressed.

Her mother took the stand earlier, saying Andrews used to be easy-going and loved to talk to people at sports games before the stalking.

"And now, unless there's somebody to protect her, she does not interact," Paula Andrews testified. "She's very, very frightened."

Andrews is suing her stalker and the owner and operator of the Marriott at Vanderbilt for $75 million (USD).

Jurors heard from the stalker earlier in the day during recorded depositions played in court. In the videos played before the jury, Michael David Barrett testified that he took the secret nude videos of Andrews so he could make money.

Barrett said the only reason he picked Andrews was because she was popular and he saw that she was trending on Yahoo. He posted the recordings online after celebrity gossip website TMZ refused to buy the footage.

Barrett spent more than 2 1/2 years in federal prison after he admitted to renting hotel rooms next to the Andrews three times and shooting nude videos of her in Nashville and Columbus, Ohio, and posting them on the Internet. He said he was able to get the videos of her by manipulating the hotel door peephole in such a way that he could pull the peephole out and use his mobile phone to shoot videos of her.

When an attorney asked him how he got the idea to shoot videos through the hotel room peepholes, he said: "I don't know, just a stupid thought."

He was an executive with a Chicago-area insurance company when he shot the footage of Andrews in the Nashville hotel in September of 2008.

Barrett, who traveled extensively in his former job, admitted that he had also taken nude videos of about 10 other women in hotels and posted the footage online.

He has not shown up in court to fight the lawsuit. He may not have the money to mount a defense. He testified that he lives in Oregon with his father and drives a meat and food truck.

Jurors are going to have to decide if the hotel companies were negligent in any way. The companies maintain that what happened to her was terrible, but it is Barrett who is solely to blame. Jurors have heard conflicting testimony about how he came to be placed in a room right next to Andrews while she was staying at the hotel to cover a Vanderbilt football game for ESPN.

AP ENTERTAINMENT

Nashville, Tenn. 29 Feb. 2016

1. Wide shot of Davidson County courthouse

2. Wide shot of Erin Andrews entering courtroom

POOL FEED

Nashville, Tenn. 29 Feb. 2016

3. Tight shot of Erin Andrews wiping her eyes in court

4. Wide of Erin Andrews taking the witness stand

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Erin Andrews/Sportscaster

"He just said, 'EA, there's naked video of you on the internet and I said, 'No there's not. I don't do that. What are you talking about?' And I could just feel my chest like starting, I could feel it in my head. And he's like, 'You've got to check it out.' And I could just tell he was trembling, so I grabbed my laptop and I flipped it open and like, you know your body. I saw it for two seconds and I was like, 'oh my god.' And I shut it down and I said, 'I have to call you back' and I called my parents."

6. Medium of Circuit Court Judge Hamilton Gayden introducing deposition video

7. Wide of Michael Barrett appearing on video screen

UPSOUND (English) Was it your intent to hopefully get her without clothes on?

Michael Barrett: "Yes"

"And to video tape her and try to sell it someone and to profit from it, correct?"

Barrett: "Unfortunately yes."

"And why did you do that?"

Barrett: "Great question."

"I would like to hear the answer."

Barrett: "So would I too. I don't have the answer. I have thought about it over and over in my mind. The financial bind I was in, and the huge huge mistake in judgment (unclear)."

8.SOUNDBITE (English) Erin Andrews/Sportscaster

"Probably for three months, everybody thought it was a publicity stunt. The front page of the New York Post said 'ESPN Scandal.' Fox News and CBS, everybody put out that I was doing it for publicity and attention and that ripped me apart."

9. Medium of Erin Andrews seated in court

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Erin Andrews/Sportscaster

"I didn't go look for that video but how we knew it was increasing was how the media was just coming after us. They were outside my town home. We had people crawling on my balcony."

11. Medium of people seated in court as deposition video plays

12. Zoom out to wide of courtroom

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Erin Andrews/Sportscaster

"I feel so ashamed. I am so embarrassed. I come up here and I sit here and I start talking about how much I love my job and how much I love sports and this happens every day in my life. Either I get a tweet or someone makes a comment in the paper. Or somebody sends me a still of the video to my Twitter or someone is screaming at me in the stands and I am right back to this. I feel so embarrassed and I am so ashamed."

14. Medium of attorney listening

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Erin Andrews/Sportscaster

"I am so angry. This could have been stopped. The Nashville Marriott could have just called me and said, 'We're putting this man that requested next to you, is this OK?' And I would have called the cops and they would have gotten him. It could have stopped this and I am so angry. I am so mad."

16. Wide of Erin Andrews walking out of courtroom

JAYCEE CHAN LEAVES JAIL

The son of actor Jackie Chan apologised to the public at a news conference on Saturday following his release from a six-month jail sentence for allowing people to use marijuana in his flat.

Jaycee Chan, 32, told reporters that he will "treasure" any second chance he is given in regards to his acting career and promised to "behave" himself.

He said he had "no reason and no excuse" for the behaviour, which led to his arrest in August, alongside Taiwanese actor Ko Kai and others.

"I have corrected my outlook on life and my values," Chan said.

Chan and Ko tested positive for marijuana, and police seized more than 100 grammes (3.5 ounces) of the drug from his Beijing flat.

He could have been sentenced to up to three years, but was shown leniency by the court for admitting the offence.

Chan, whose mother is former Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-jiao, was raised in Los Angeles and has appeared in about 20 films, most of them low-budget Hong Kong and mainland Chinese productions.

Jackie Chan has publicly apologised for his son's drug use and pledged to work with him on his recovery.

The incident was particularly sensitive for him as he is an anti-drugs ambassador in China and a deputy to the national legislature's main consultative body.

Chan's arrest has put his entertainment career in jeopardy, with several Chinese management companies saying they would refuse to employ celebrities caught using drugs.

"As for my acting career, I don't know if I will have the chance (to pursue it) because I don't have the right to tell you," Chan said.

Chan said he was now focusing on spending time with his parents over next week's Lunar New Year holiday.

++AUDIO AS INCOMING++

AP TELEVISION

Beijing, China - 14 February 2015

1. Hong Kong actor and son of actor Jackie Chan, Jaycee Chan walking up to stage and bowing to apologise UPSOUND (Mandarin) "I'm sorry, I was wrong."

2. Close of Chan

3. Wide of Chan and his manager at news conference

4. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Jaycee Chan, Hong Kong actor and son of actor Jackie Chan:

"This event had a negative impact on society, disappointed my supporters, and made my partners suffer. I had no reason and no excuse for my behaviour. I made a mistake."

5. Cutaway of reporters

6. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Jaycee Chan, Hong Kong actor and son of actor Jackie Chan:

"After this incident, I have corrected my outlook on life and my values. I really failed to cherish what I have in my life."

7. Cutaway of press conference

8. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Jaycee Chan, Hong Kong actor and son of actor Jackie Chan:

"As for my acting career, I don't know if I will have the chance (to pursue it) because I don't have the right to tell you. But if I can, I will treasure every chance (I get) and behave myself."

9. Mid of reporters

10. Chan bowing and leaving

SHOTLIST

AP Images

FILE: Santa Barbara - 28 September 2008

1. Still of Heather Locklear

AP Entertainment

FILE: Exact location unknown, US - August 2003

2. Heather Locklear talking to reporters

AP Entertainment

FILE: Los Angeles - April 2005

3. Heather Locklear and husband Richie Sambora talking to reporters

STORYLINE:

PAPARAZZI PHOTOGRAPHER WHO CALLED POLICE ON HEATHER LOCKLEAR CLAIMS 'CIVIC DUTY'

A photographer who called 911 to report Heather Locklear allegedly driving erratically runs a paparazzi agency and profited from images she took of the actress's subsequent arrest, the woman's attorney said Wednesday (1 OCT 2008).

But Nicholas Tepper, who represents photographer Jill Ishkanian, said in a written statement Wednesday that her phone call to authorities was motivated by "civic duty" and a concern for Locklear's safety.

He also defended Ishkanian's right to then take photos of the arrest, which took place on 27 September 2008.

"The fact she witnessed Ms. Locklear's erratic driving and reported it to the police did not mean she was disqualified from reporting the story, which she in fact did," Tepper wrote.

He said Ishkanian then sold the photos to celebrity gossip site TMZ for $27,000 - but did it through a third party, KM Press Group, because her standing in the industry has been damaged by a lawsuit against her former employer, US Weekly.

In its postings this week, TMZ questioned whether Ishkanian was "up to no good" and claimed she alerted fellow paparazzi to Locklear's impending arrest. TMZ head Harvey Levin said Wednesday that the owner of KM Press Group has repeatedly told him that one of the agency's photographers snapped the photos and that Ishkanian called to tip him off to Locklear's arrest.

Tepper said Ishkanian had been visiting family and friends in the Montecito area when she spotted Locklear's car driving erratically Saturday afternoon, called 911 and was advised by a CHP dispatcher to stop following the car.

But Levin said some of the pictures appear to be taken well before Locklear's arrest, and questioned Tepper's contention that Ishkanian just happened to run into her acting erratically at a market. At least one of the photos shows Locklear coming out of a shop.

Tepper initially said Ishkanian took all the photos after phoning authorities. But when pressed about the image of Locklear appearing to leave a store, he said he wasn't sure about the sequence that the photos were taken in, only that Ishkanian shot them all.

Levin said he did not consider the photos tainted. "Ultimately, these are photographs of an arrest."

The California Highway Patrol, which would not confirm the identity of the 911 caller, said she didn't identify that the driver was Locklear, but said the actress appeared "drunk" in a market. The CHP said in a news release that Locklear showed "obvious impairment," but alcohol has been ruled out.

Santa Barbara County prosecutors will have to decide whether to pursue charges after test results are returned that could show whether Locklear was under the influence of other substances.

CHP Lt. Dane Lobb said Wednesday that Ishkanian's involvement would not change what was going forward as a regular DUI investigation. "We determined (Locklear) was someone who shouldn't be operating a vehicle," he said.

Locklear's attorney, Blair Berk, did not return an e-mail message seeking comment Wednesday evening.

Tepper later said in an interview that Ishkanian also provided authorities with a statement and would testify against Locklear if necessary. He said Ishkanian sold the photos without disclosing that she was the shooter because of her $55 million lawsuit against US Weekly; that suit claims the magazine's employees damaged her career by accusing her of stealing information from company computers.

Federal agents later raided Ishkanian's home and business, but she has never been arrested or charged. Her lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, libel, slander, and conspiracy.

Tepper said Wednesday the US Weekly lawsuit has limited her business, claiming others in the industry refuse to use her material. The magazine is appealing a judge's ruling that refused to dismiss several of Ishkanian's claims.

US Weekly said through a spokesman Wednesday night that it had no comment.

After leaving the magazine, Ishkanian helped form Sunset Photo and News, a paparazzi and celebrity reporting agency.

Heather Locklear is a six-time Golden Globe nominated actress, famous for the roles in the American television shows including 'Dynasty' and 'Spin City' .

She was married to Motley Crue band member Tommy Lee until 1993 before divorcing and marrying Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi. They divorced in 1997.

She has one daughter with Richie Sambora named Ava Elizabeth.

BILL COSBY SWITCHING LAWYERS IN CIVIL CASES AROUND COUNTRY

Bill Cosby has replaced the law firm overseeing civil litigation around the country linked to accusations he drugged and molested women.

Liner LLP, known for its work in entertainment law, is replacing lawyers with the powerhouse litigation firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt confirmed Monday (11 JULY 2016.) Both firms are based in Los Angeles.

Litigation department chairwoman Angela Agrusa will now represent Cosby in the defamation and sex-assault lawsuits. Several women have sued Cosby for branding them liars in lawsuits filed in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California. Cosby has countersued some of them.

Agrusa, in a statement, said she did not want to try the cases in the media. She said Cosby "deserve(s) representation to ensure that justice does not yield to news cycles and soundbites."

"Trying Mr. Cosby in a court of public opinion — as imbalanced media coverage promotes — runs directly counter to our judicial system's most fundamental guarantees of fairness under the law," she said.

The Liner firm currently represents singer Blake Shelton in a defamation case against a celebrity magazine. The firm also defended the doctor charged with overprescribing painkillers to the late model Anna Nicole Smith.

Quinn Emanuel may stay involved in the criminal sex-assault case heading to trial in suburban Philadelphia, Wyatt said. The firm's Christopher Tayback last week argued for the charges to be dismissed or for Cosby to be granted a new preliminary hearing to weigh the evidence. The trial judge denied the motion.

Cosby, 78, has been spending millions in an aggressive bid to stay out of prison, salvage his reputation and avoid legal judgments that could threaten his fortune.

BILL COSBY SWITCHING LAWYERS IN CIVIL CASES AROUND COUNTRY

Bill Cosby has replaced the law firm overseeing civil litigation around the country linked to accusations he drugged and molested women.

Liner LLP, known for its work in entertainment law, is replacing lawyers with the powerhouse litigation firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt confirmed Monday (11 JULY 2016.) Both firms are based in Los Angeles.

Litigation department chairwoman Angela Agrusa will now represent Cosby in the defamation and sex-assault lawsuits. Several women have sued Cosby for branding them liars in lawsuits filed in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California. Cosby has countersued some of them.

Agrusa, in a statement, said she did not want to try the cases in the media. She said Cosby "deserve(s) representation to ensure that justice does not yield to news cycles and soundbites."

"Trying Mr. Cosby in a court of public opinion — as imbalanced media coverage promotes — runs directly counter to our judicial system's most fundamental guarantees of fairness under the law," she said.

The Liner firm currently represents singer Blake Shelton in a defamation case against a celebrity magazine. The firm also defended the doctor charged with overprescribing painkillers to the late model Anna Nicole Smith.

Quinn Emanuel may stay involved in the criminal sex-assault case heading to trial in suburban Philadelphia, Wyatt said. The firm's Christopher Tayback last week argued for the charges to be dismissed or for Cosby to be granted a new preliminary hearing to weigh the evidence. The trial judge denied the motion.

Cosby, 78, has been spending millions in an aggressive bid to stay out of prison, salvage his reputation and avoid legal judgments that could threaten his fortune.

Pool

Norristown, Pennsylvania, 7 July 2016

1. Medium of Bill Cosby leaving court

AP Entertainment

Washington, D.C. 6 Nov. 2014

2. Wide of Bill Cosby, center, and wife Camille, right, at a Smithsonian event

3. Exchange between AP reporter Brett Zongker (off-camera) and comedian Bill Cosby:

Zongker: "On a separate note, I have to ask about your name coming up in the news recently regarding this comedian..."

Cosby: "No, No. We don't answer that."

Zongker: Okay, I just wanted to ask if you wanted to respond at all about whether any of that was true..."

Cosby: "There's no response."

Zongker: "Okay. Can I ask you if - with the persona that people know about Bill Cosby, should they believe anything differently than what..."

Cosby: "There is no comment about that. (okay) And I'll tell you why -- I think you were told, I don't want to compromise your integrity, but - I don't talk about it..."

SON OF CELEBRITY SINGERS CONVICTED OF RAPE IN CHINA

The teenage son of two celebrity singers for the Chinese military was convicted of rape on Thursday (26 SEPT) and sentenced to 10 years in prison, in a case the public closely watched for signs of leniency because of his family ties.

Li Tianyi and four other defendants took an 18-year-old woman they met in a Beijing bar in February to a hotel room, where they beat her and sexually assaulted her, the Haidan Court in northwest Beijing said in delivering its verdict.

Li, who is 17, had denied the charges at his trial last month, saying he was drunk at the time - but the court identified him as the ringleader.

Only one of the defendants was an adult. He pleaded not guilty but was sentenced to 12 years.

Li, who also pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 10 years, in what the court said was a punishment that took into account his minor status.

The other three - all of whom pleaded guilty - were sentenced to three to four years.

Sentences for rape normally range from three to 10 years, but in cases deemed severe - including gang rapes and those causing serious injury or death - the sentences can range up to life in prison and even death.

Chen Shu, a lawyer representing defendant Li, said his client would appeal against the verdict.

"Because the verdict is based on evidence that was added afterwards and on the oral testimony (of the victim), I think that the guilty verdict is not correct," he said.

The case focused attention on what the Chinese public often deems to be the wayward behavior of children of the privileged and on the sometimes-lenient treatment given to establishment figures by the courts, considered to be under the control of Communist Party leaders.

Li is the baby-faced son of Li Shuangjiang and Meng Ge - both known for singing rousing odes for the People's Liberation Army and starring in television galas.

The case also generated discussion of how Chinese courts would deal with violence in cases where the victim's reputation had been called into question.

On Thursday, the court said allegations that the victim might be a sex worker were irrelevant to the rape case.

Li said he was drunk and passed out during the incident, that he never beat or had sex with the woman and that he could remember little of the night in question, according to state media.

But the court said Li was a main culprit, noting that Li grabbed the victim's arm and dragged her into the hotel and that Li was seen hitting her head and face in an elevator as recorded on surveillance.

Li Zaike, a lawyer for two of the other defendants, said the case "has had a profound impact in China".

"The impact of this case in the country's rule of law sets an example in pushing further the socialist democracy and ruling the country by the law," he said.

In a sign of how much attention the case has drawn, around 200 people gathered outside the courthouse on Thursday, ahead of the verdict.

Among them was Peng Kefang, who said she agreed with the court's verdict because Li hadn't confessed.

"The person who confesses should get a light sentence. You should confess if you committed a crime," she said.

Others in the crowd were also critical of the sometimes-lenient treatment given to establishment figures by courts in China.

"They shouldn't be allowed to do whatever they like," shouted one woman, in response to another who had described Li as a "fuerdai" - the child of affluent parents.

The high media profile of the case also drew many people to the Beijing courthouse who claimed to have unresolved legal or administrative cases.

Plain clothed security agents acted swiftly to take away some of those who displayed photos of relatives, banners or handed out pamphlets explaining their cases.

AP Entertainment

Beijing - 26 Sep 2013

1. Tracking shot of Meng Ge, well-known singer within China's military, walking out of Beijing's Haidian District People's Court

2. Various of Meng Ge leaving court complex, getting into car and driving away

3. Wide of court

4. Close of Chinese emblem outside court

5. Wide of people outside courtroom, seen through window of court

6. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Shu, Lawyer representing defendant Li Tianyi, son of Meng Ge:

"As the the defender of Li Tianyi, I definitely support his will to appeal this verdict of guilt. Because the verdict is based on evidence that was added afterwards and on the oral testimony (of the victim), I think that the guilty verdict is not correct. Therefore, we will have to appeal."

7. Wide of security outside court

8. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Zaike, lawyer for two other defendants:

"This case has had a profound impact in China and draws high attention from society. So the impact of this case in the country's rule of law sets an example in pushing further the socialist democracy and ruling the country by the law. I think it sets a model."

9. Mid of protester shouting (++unclear++) and seeking attention from media and public

10. Mid of crowd of people

11. Protester being dragged away by plain-clothed security agents

12. Pan of woman shouting while being dragged away by plain-clothed agents

13. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Peng Kefang, petitioner:

"The person who confesses should get a light sentence. You should confess if you committed a crime. If I do something wrong, I have to confess. The children of the ordinary people are also children of their parents. The children of the ordinary people are also human beings."

14. Crowd gathered around Peng; UPSOUND (Mandarin) Unnamed women

Woman 1: "This child is not the same as other children. Because he is a 'fuerdai' (referring to the second generation of an affluent family)."

Woman 2: "They shouldn't be allowed to do whatever they like."

15. Various exteriors of Beijing City Haidian District People's Court

YOKO ONO, SON LAUNCH ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION IN NY

Yoko Ono and her son, Sean Lennon, on Wednesday (29 Aug.) launched a coalition of artists, musicians and filmmakers who oppose hydraulic fracturing - a process where millions of gallons (liters) of chemically treated water are injected into the ground to force the release of natural gas from shale deposits - in New York state.

The formation of the group Artists Against Fracking was announced at a news conference in Manhattan with Ono, Lennon and Mark Ruffalo, who has long been outspoken on the issue. Other celebrities joining the coalition's cause include Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Alec Baldwin.

"Essentially our niche as Artists Against Fracking is that our coalition has big Twitter followers and they have lots of social networking and they have an audience of people who will listen to the message and it's really about getting the message out there and getting people to go ArtistsAgainstFracking.com and do the research on their own so they can make up their minds about it. We just want people to have an opportunity to make up their minds about it and this not to happen before they've heard anything about it," said Lennon in an interview.

The group's formation comes as New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo prepares to decide whether to allow shale gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing - or hydrofracking - after four years of studying its health and environmental impacts.

Ono and Lennon are calling on the governor to ban drilling in New York, which they said can cause oil wells to leak harmful methane into public water supplies. They said their group has requested a meeting with Cuomo to discuss the issue.

Proponents argue that drilling and fracking in the Marcellus Shale formation, which covers large parts of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and West Virginia, promises to deliver relatively cheaper natural gas to close customers in the energy-hungry Northeast and create hundreds of well-paying jobs in an economically depressed region.

Cuomo is expected to allow drilling to begin on a limited basis near the Pennsylvania state line, though Ono said she is confident the governor and fracking supporters will eventually come around.

"Eventually logic will overcome everything," she said. "Logic and love."

The coalition is encouraging the public to pressure lawmakers to take action against fracking.

"We have a chance right now to leap frog from fossil fuels directly to renewable energy and I want to also express my love to the fossil fuel industry for giving us 100 years of cheap carbon energy, to bring us the industrial revolution, the technical revolution and now the renewable energy revolution," said Ruffalo.

Last week, Mark David Chapman, the man who killed ex-Beatle John Lennon, was denied parole for the seventh time.

In his most recent bid Chapman said that he hoped to live and work with an upstate New York minister if released, according to a hearing transcript released Wednesday (29 Aug.).

"It's not the kind of thing you can answer simply, I mean it's complicated. But let's just say that our lives were changed forever by that so it's a sensitive sort of thing," said Lennon.

"Especially for Sean because Sean was so close to John and suddenly John was gone. It was just a trying situation," added Ono.

Ono also said she was "concerned" over the guilty verdict and two-year prison sentences against punk provocateurs Pussy Riot.

"Yeah, yeah. Well I'm very concerned about that and I am doing something but I'm not going to tell you now. I'm trying to help," she said.

Three members of the band were found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred earlier this month after performing a "punk prayer" against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's main cathedral. The verdict caused protests and outrage both in Russia and abroad.

AP Entertainment

New York, 29 Aug. 2012

1. Wide of crowd and speakers

2. Medium pan from Sean Lennon to Yoko Ono

3. SOUND UP (English) Sean Lennon: "We managed to get together nearly 180 coalition members already including people like Robert De Niro, who's a New Yorker, Paul and Ringo, my mom's mates, and Martha Stewart's with us David Giffin, Lady Gaga and we've got a bunch more."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Lennon, recording artist: "Essentially our niche as Artists Against Fracking is that our coalition has big Twitter followers and they have lots of social networking and they have an audience of people who will listen to the message and it's really about getting the message out there and getting people to go ArtistsAgainstFracking.com and do the research on their own so they can make up their minds about it. We just want people to have an opportunity to make up their minds about it and this not to happen before they've heard anything about it."

SOUNDBITE (English) Yoko Ono, author/activist: "And the thing is all these people that our friends, they each one of them have an incredible fan numbers. So we're saying please get in touch with your fans and tell them to write to Cuomo. Right? So it's gonna be big."

5. SOUND UP (English) Sean Lennon: "The bottom line is there's sort of a campaign of misinformation trying to tell people that fracking, hydraulic fracturing, is a clean alternative to coal or to other fossil fuels, whereas the reality is it's just dirty. It's inherently dirty."

6. Medium cutaway of Mark Ruffalo

7. Medium cutaway of Yoko Ono

8. SOUND UP (English) Mark Ruffalo, actor: "We have a chance right now to leap frog from fossil fuels directly to renewable energy and I want to also express my love to the fossil fuel industry for giving us 100 years of cheap carbon energy, to bring us the industrial revolution, the technical revolution and now the renewable energy revolution."

9. SOUND UP (English) Yoko Ono: "But I think that eventually logic will overcome everything. Logic and love."

10. Medium cutaway of Sean Lennon

AP Images/New York State Department of Corrections

Alden, New York, 15 May 2012

11. STILL: Mark David Chapman at the Wende Correctional Facility

AP Entertainment

New York, 29 Aug. 2012

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Yoko Ono, author/activist (on John Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, being denied parole): "Well it's a very delicate and sensitive and difficult question to answer. So I just don't think I'd like to answer it now. I'm sorry."

SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Lennon, recording artist: "Sure it's not the kind of thing you can answer simply, I mean it's complicated. But let's just say that our lives were changed forever by that so it's a sensitive sort of thing."

Yoko Ono: "Especially for Sean because Sean was so close to John and suddenly John was gone. It was just a trying situation."

Sean Lennon: "Yeah but it's too complicated to really make a simple statement about."

AP Images

Moscow, 17 Feb. 2012

13. STILL: Members of the Russian radical feminist group Pussy Riot during rehearsal

AP Entertainment

New York, 29 Aug. 2012

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Yoko Ono, author/activist (on Pussy Riot verdict): "Yeah, yeah. Well I'm very concerned about that and I am doing something but I'm not going to tell you now. I'm trying to help."

15. SOUND UP (English) Yoko Ono: "And to be deceived by a company which is basically trying to make money with this. And the money doesn't come to you. Sorry, but it's going to go to big shareholders."

16. Pan up on Yoko Ono speaking to the crowd, audience applauds

POLICE INVESTIGATE DESTRUCTION OF DONALD TRUMP'S HOLLYWOOD STAR

Los Angeles police are investigating a pre-dawn attack that destroyed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame less than two weeks before the election.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which bestows the stars and maintains the popular tourist attraction, said it would quickly repair Trump's spot, but it would take several days before it would visible.

Det. Meghan Aguilar said investigators were called to the scene Wednesday (26 OCT. 2016) following reports that the presidential candidate's star was struck by blows from a hammer. A sledgehammer, construction hat and vest, and a pick were recovered nearby, Officer Sal Ramirez said.

A man who identified himself as Jamie Otis said he's responsible for the damage, telling the website Deadline Hollywood that he originally intended to remove Trump's star. He says he wanted to auction it off to raise funds for the 11 women accusing the presidential candidate of groping them. Trump has denied the groping allegations.

Aguilar said she was aware of the Deadline report but couldn't comment on whether Otis is a suspect.

Trump's star was dedicated in 2007 in recognition of his work on NBC's reality TV show "The Apprentice." Trump's star is near the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held each year.

To receive a star on the Walk of Fame, a celebrity has to be nominated and a $30,000 fee paid to a charitable trust.

It is at least the second time this year that Trump's star has been targeted. In July, an artist installed a miniature wall topped with razor wire and "keep out" signs in response to Trump's vow to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to stem illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

" The Walk of Fame is a California state landmark and it's a national historic treasure. It is the number one most visited landmark in the United States and so we expect people to show respect for something of this nature. In this particular case obviously we are discouraged and disgusted that someone would take out their frustrations, either that or seeking a publicity stunt at this time during the elections," said Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leron Gubler.

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles, 26 Oct. 2016

1. Wide of scene where star is damaged

2. CU of star

3. Tight shot of star

4. Zoom out on star

5. Wide of onlookers

6. Medium of reporter conducting interview

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Leron Gubler/President and CEO at Hollywood Chamber of Commerce:

"Well, it's my understanding that sometime around 5 o'clock this morning a vandal came here with a sledgehammer and destroyed the Donald Trump star. I learned about it on my way to work this morning listening to the news. Our staff has been moved very quickly as we always do, no matter whose star is damaged we move to repair them. The Walk of Fame is a California state landmark and it's a national historic treasure. It is the number one most visited landmark in the United States and so we expect people to show respect for something of this nature. In this particular case obviously we are discouraged and disgusted that someone would take out their frustrations, either that or seeking a publicity stunt at this time during the elections. The Chamber's policy, as I mentioned, is always to repair stars immediately. I can speak on that process it will actually take several days. Once the terozo is poured it takes several days to season. After the seasoning it will be polished and it will look better than new."

8. CU of star

9.Wide of star on sidewalk

10. CU of star, zoom out to wide

11. Medium of woman looking at her phone

12. Wide of workers

13. Wide of scene

SHOTLIST

AP Entertainment

New York, 7 November 2012

1. Various of Justin Bieber arriving at annual Victoria's Secret fashion show

AP Entertainment

New York, 8 September 2011

2. Various of Justin Bieber at a Fashion's Night Out event

AP Entertainment

New York, 31 December 2011

3. Various of Justin Bieber performing in Times Square

STORYLINE

PAPARAZZO KILLED AFTER TAKING SHOTS OF BIEBER CAR

A paparazzo was struck and killed by a car while darting across a street after taking pictures of Justin Bieber's Ferrari when it was pulled over along a freeway in Los Angeles, police said Wednesday (2 JAN 2013.)

Bieber was not in the car at the time. The singer later said his prayers were with the family of the 29-year-old photographer who was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the accident late Tuesday afternoon.

His name was withheld by police pending notification of relatives.

"Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves," Bieber said in the statement released by Island Def Jam Music Group.

The death came about six months after another photographer was charged with reckless driving and with violating a 2010 California law that toughened punishment for those who drive dangerously in pursuit of photos for commercial gain.

However, a judge later dismissed the paparazzi law charges, saying the law was overly broad and violated First Amendment free-speech protections.

On Tuesday, a friend of Bieber's was behind the wheel of the Ferrari registered to the singer when a California Highway Patrol officer pulled it over for speeding along Interstate 405, authorities said.

"This photographer evidently had been following the white Ferrari" and when it was pulled over he stopped, parked and crossed the street to snap photos, Los Angeles police Detective Charles Walton said.

The photographer stood on a low freeway railing to shoot photographs of the traffic stop over a chain-link fence, authorities said.

"The CHP officer told him numerous times that it wasn't safe for him to be there and to return to his vehicle," Walton said.

After the officer issued the traffic ticket and the Ferrari left, the photographer began to run back across the street to his car when he was struck by a Toyota Highlander, Walton said.

The driver, a 69-year-old Los Angeles woman, had two small grandchildren in the back seat.

It was not immediately clear how fast she was going. The photographer was carried about 30 feet on the hood of her car, Walton said.

"The windshield was smashed in her car and there was glass all over the front seat" but no blood, Walton said.

The motorist was distraught after the crash. She and the children were taken away by her husband.

She was not believed to be at fault for the accident and was unlikely to be cited, police said.

"There were no sidewalks on the street there, there was no crossing place for a pedestrian, there was no reason to expect a pedestrian," Walton said.

The street also was dark and winding, he added.

"It would have been very difficult for her to see him," Walton said.

It was not immediately clear whether the photographer was a freelancer or full-time professional, although he was carrying expensive camera gear and had connections to a photo agency, Walton said.

In the previous incident, photographer Paul Raef was charged in July with reckless driving and also with violating the paparazzi law that set a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Authorities said Raef was arrested after Bieber was chased in another car on Interstate 101 at speeds up to 80 mph.

However, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson dismissed the paparazzi law charges.

The law was prompted by the experiences of Jennifer Aniston, who provided details to a lawmaker on being unable to drive away after she was surrounded by paparazzi on Pacific Coast Highway.

CHICAGO MAN GETS 9 MONTHS IN LAWRENCE AND OTHER CELEBS NUDE PHOTO HACK

A Chicago man was sentenced Tuesday to nine months in prison for hacking the electronic accounts of 30 celebrities and stealing private information, including nude videos and photos.

Edward Majerczyk, 29, also was ordered to pay $5,700 (USD) in restitution for counseling services for one undisclosed celebrity victim whose photos were disseminated online.

Majerczyk is accused of orchestrating a phishing scheme that illegally accessed more than 300 email and other online accounts, including those belonging to actress Jennifer Lawrence.

According to his plea deal, Majerczyk sent emails to his victims that appeared to have come from internet service providers seeking usernames and passwords. Majerczyk illegally accessed the accounts of those people who provided that information.

Majerczyk pleaded guilty in federal court in Los Angeles last year to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. He signed a plea agreement for his case to be transferred to Chicago. He was not charged or accused of selling or posting the material online.

Both sides agreed he should receive a 9-month prison term. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Majerczyk's attorney Thomas Needham said in a court filing that his client was "suffering from depression and looked to pornography websites and internet chat rooms in an attempt to fill some of the voids and disappointment he was feeling in his life."

Needham said in a sentencing memo that the fallout from the hacking scandal "deeply affected" Majerczyk, who has seen a therapist for anxiety and panic attacks.

Federal agents have said Lawrence broke down and became distraught during a 2014 meeting about nude photos of her that appeared online. Lawrence called the leak a "sex crime" in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine.

FILE: Los Angeles, 2 March 2014

1. Various shots of Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet at the 2014 Academy Awards

FILE: Beverly Hills, Calif., 12 January 2014

2. Zoom in on Jennifer Lawrence at the 2014 Golden Globes

FILE: Los Angeles, 24 February 2013

3. Medium shot of Jennifer Lawrence at the 2013 Academy Awards

FILE: New York, 20 November 2013

4. Wide shot, zoom in, Jennifer Lawrence arrives at the premiere of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

SHOTLIST

FILE

AP Entertainment

Ocala, Florida 31 January 2008

1. Various Wesley Snipes leaves court

FILE

AP Entertainment

Los Angeles - July 22, 2007

2. Snipes arriving and posing for cameras

3. Snipes posing for cameras

STORYLINE

WESLEY SNIPES ORDERED TO SURRENDER

Actor Wesley Snipes was ordered Wednesday (1 DEC 2010) to voluntarily surrender at a federal prison in Pennsylvania next week to begin his three-year sentence for failing to pay taxes.

The U.S. Marshal's Office ordered Snipes to report by noon on Dec. 9 to the Federal Correctional Institution McKean in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania.

Snipes had tried unsuccessfully to remain free on bail while appealing his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 48-year-old star of the "Blade" trilogy was convicted in 2008 on three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file income tax returns in 1999, 2000, and 2001.

He was acquitted of five other charges, including felony tax fraud and conspiracy.

The prison is a medium security facility with an adjacent satellite prison camp for minimum security offenders.

Bureau of Prisons spokesman Ed Ross said agency policy prohibited him from saying which unit would house Snipes.

Following his conviction by a federal jury in Florida, Snipes appealed to the appellate court in Atlanta.

But the appellate court upheld the conviction and sentence.

Last month, Snipes' attorneys argued a new trial should be granted because of testimony by Kenneth Starr, a former financial adviser to celebrities, who admitted during a plea hearing last September in New York to cheating wealthy and elderly clients out of tens of millions of dollars.

A judge rejected those arguments, writing that "the defendant Snipes had a fair trial; he has had a full, fair and thorough review of his conviction and sentence... The time has come for the judgment to be enforced."