Vanessa Hudgens: 'You Just Have To Be Smart About Your Decisions'

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Vanessa Hudgens branded the headline grabbing activities of peers like Britney Spears “stupid,” in an interview on “The Tyra Banks Show.”

Hudgens was asked by an audience member on the September 17 episode of Tyra’s show, how the activities of her fellow young stars like Brit and Lindsay affect her personally.

“I honestly just think it’s stupid,” she told the audience member. “I mean it’s easy to stay out of those situations. I really think it’s easy to stay out of those situations, you just have to be smart about your decisions.”

Hudgens’ comments were taped prior to photos of the 18-year-old appearing in the buff, surfacing on the web.

'High School Musical 2' Premiere Q&A

Earlier this month, personal photographs of Vanessa were circulated on the internet. Her publicist confirmed the pictures were of the “High School Musical” star, in a statement.

“This was a photo which was taken privately,” a statement from Hudgens’ rep read. “It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public.”

Shortly thereafter, Hudgens herself apologized in a statement to her fans.

“I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me,” the starlet wrote in a statement. “I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends.”

Disney, the makers of “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2,” said Hudgens was still in negotiations for the third installment of the popular series, despite the controversy over the photos.

“Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment,” Disney Channel spokeswoman Patti McTeague told the Associated Press. “We hope she’s learned a valuable lesson.”

As for the rest of the actress’s appearance on Tyra’s show, Hudgens revealed she likes to keep her personal life to herself, but the supermodel still probed about Zac Efron.

“It’s fun to work with him. He’s really sweet and like, singing all the songs is always a blast,” is all Hudgens would offer about her boyfriend.

Until, that is, Tyra asked if he was a good kisser.

“Mmmmmm,” she said dreamily. “I’m keeping my mouth shut!”

One thing Hudgens didn’t keep her mouth shut about, is her celebrity crush – Matt Damon.

“I love Matt Damon and I was like 14 years old and I met him ‘cause I was doing a press junket for an old movie I did called ‘Thunderbirds,’’’ she recalled. “He walked past my door and I completely freaked out, like I did to him what my fans do to me. I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I love you so much, can I have your autograph!’

“He gives me his autograph, my mom comes over with the camera and I was like ‘oh my gosh can I have a picture with you too?’ And it was kind of sad because a whole bunch of people do it to me and I was doing it him,” she blushed.

Barbara Walters Talks Barry Manilow's 'View' Brouhaha

NEW YORK, New York (September 18, 2007) – As was announced on Monday, Barry Manilow did not make his appearance on “The View” Tuesday due to differences with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

And while the he said/they said of who exactly cancelled Manilow’s appearance continues, Barbara Walters discussed the issue with Bill Geddie during the launch of Walters’ weekly SIRIUS satellite radio show “Barbara Live” on Monday night.

While Manilow claims he backed out of his scheduled gig when the show wouldn’t accommodate his request to remove Hasselbeck, sources close to “The View” claimed the “Copacabana” singer was “lying,” and that it was the show who told Manilow not to show up.

On Walters’ radio show, Geddie, who co-executive produces “The View” with Walters, maintains it was the show’s decision for Manilow not to appear.

“He said, ‘I’ll do Barbara and Whoopi or I’ll do Whoopi and Sherri or some combination, but I won’t sit with Elisabeth,’ and I said ‘Well, then you won’t be on the show. It’s that simple,’” Geddie explained. “And that was the end of it. He’s not going to call the shots. You’re not going to tell me how to produce the show.”

Video: Ladies Of 'The View' Talk Britney

And while Walters said she understands Manilow’s friendship with Rosie, at the same time, her show is all about promoting different lines of thought.

“If you disagree with somebody’s political point of view you don’t come on? We’re called ‘The View’ because we have different points of view,” Walters said. “Also, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is not an enemy of Rosie’s. None of us are. If Elisabeth disagrees with Rosie, and Rosie disagrees with Elisabeth…nobody is to my knowledge is taking sides.”

On Monday, Manilow posted the following message on his Web site:

“I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled. I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi, but not Elisabeth Hasselback [sic]. Unfortunately, the show was not willing to accommodate this simple request so I bowed out. It’s really too bad because I’ve always been a big supporter of the show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs. The good news is that I will be on a whole slew of other shows promoting the new album so I hope you can catch me on those.”

However, sources close to “The View” insisted he is “lying” and was making a bigger issue out of it only to promote his new album.

Manilow has been making the rounds promoting his upcoming “Greatest Songs of the Seventies,” which is in stores today.

As Walters and Geddie wrapped their chat about the singer, Geddie said ultimately when you come on “The View,” it’s an all or nothing scenario.

“He’s always seemed like a nice guy, but I don’t get him on this. We’re ‘The View,’ we have people with different opinions,” Geddie concluded. “You sit with one of us, you sit with all of us.”

Get Emmy Star Looks For Less

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – On Monday, AccessHollywood.com voters declared that Katherine Heigl was best dressed at the Emmys, thanks to her white denim gown, designed by Zac Posen. Heigl may have won your vote, but she had some seriously glamorous competition. Today we will show you where to get affordable versions of Emmy’s most stunning style.

Twenty-four hours after the stars hit the red carpet, New York design company Faviana duplicated these Emmy favorites.

Check out Katherine’s white-hot look-alike for only $278.

AP Katherine Heigl on Emmy night

“We love how she’s a classic American beauty,” fashion consultant Beth Barnes said of Heigl. “White was a stand-out with her.”

Access Hollywood The Faviana versions of the star's Emmy dresses

Ali Larter was sexy in satin at the Emmys. Her scarlet red, Reem Acra costs about $1700, but Faviana’s version is just $300.

“It’s one of those dresses that holds you in and hides the flaws,” Beth said. “[The dress] can still look fabulous on a thin or full-figured woman.”

AP America Ferrera on Emmy night

America Ferrera’s cobalt blue Monique Lhuillier will set you back approximately $7,500, but Faviana’s nearly identical version, sequined belt included, is just as award-worthy.

“We love strapless it’s one of our biggest sellers,” Beth said of the $328 number.

Eva Longoria’s one of a kind Swarovski crystal mini wowed at a whopping $18,000, but check out Faviana’s cheap-chic version for under $350.

Does Britney Spears Have An Eating Disorder?

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Three years ago today, September 18, they surprised us all with a wedding. Now, the battle between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline takes a stunning turn.

One new claim, made in OK! magazine, is that Britney is battling an eating disorder.

A source told the magazine that Spears will do anything to lose weight, including starving herself as well as binging and purging.

A pal reportedly told OK! that Spears said, “I’ll starve myself because I’m fat.”

OK! magazine’s source also alleges Britney is addicted to diet pills and combines them with large amounts of coffee and RedBull.

Britney's Biggest Fan Speaks Out

Then, there’s the big guy – Britney’s former bodyguard Tony Baretto.

“He became very concerned about the children and their safety,” Baretto’s lawyer, Gloria Allred said at a press conference Monday.

Greeted by a media mob, Baretto, showed up for a child custody hearing in LA between Spears and Federline, accompanied by Allred and ready to testify against Britney.

“Our client was prepared to testify on issues of nudity by Ms. Spears, drug use and safety issues involving the children,” Allred said.

These serious allegations could lead to Britney losing custody of her children sources have speculated.

Baretto remained mum while Allred spoke to the press. Baretto, who held hands with his wife during the press conference, worked for Britney earlier this year.

“He was terminated because he did not hear her when she asked him to pick up her hat,” Allred claimed.

When a reporter asked why it has taken so long for Baretto to come forward if he was concerned about the children, Allred said issues of safety were involved.

“Privacy,” she answered. “We have been concerned about his privacy and safety. We didn’t want people coming to his home and you know, disturbing his young children.”

Laura Wasser, Brit’s lawyer at the time, attended the hearing and branded Baretto, “not a reliable witness.”

On Monday both Wasser and management company – The Firm, parted ways with the star.

Meanwhile, the kids were spending time with Grandma, Britney’s mother Lynn. Paparazzi captured her taking a stroll with them, near Kevin Federline’s home.

Monday night, Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears attended a concert by Britney’s ex – Justin Timberlake with her dad. She had no comment on Baretto’s allegations.

Alicia Silverstone Gets Naked For PETA

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Longtime PETA supporter Alicia Silverstone has taken off her clothes in a new ad campaign for the organization.

In a series of print and video spots, the very naked (though covered where it counts) actress poses, sprawled out in front of a pool.

In the print version, the words “I’m a Alicia Silverstone, and I’m a vegetarian,” appear above the nude actress. Silverstone says the same words in the video rendition of the ad, also noting that “there’s nothing in the world that’s changed me as much as this. I feel so much better and have so much more energy.”

The PETA-Silverstone campaign will air on Food Network, Lifetime and E! in Houston before expanding nationwide.

PETA Alicia bares all for her new PETA ad

PETA chose Houston for the campaign because they noted in a statement, “it repeatedly ranks among the least healthy in the country.”

Dave Meyers who has directed videos for Missy Elliot, helmed the clip.

Video: Alicia Bares All For PETA

Silverstone is a longtime vegetarian advocate. “I wasn’t always a vegetarian, but I’ve always loved animals,” the actress said in a statement. “Physically the effect [of going veggie] has been amazing. Once I went vegan, I lost the weight.”

Jessica Alba, George Clooney Top Singles' Most Desired List

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – When it comes to the most desirable Hollywood stars, it appears George Clooney and Jessica Alba are second to none.

In a poll conducted by Yahoo! Personals, singles were asked which celebrity male and female they would most like to date.

Gentleman George topped the male list, with the forever-shirtless Matthew McConaughey coming in as a close second. Other stars who find themselves the object of desire by female singles were hip hop impresario Kanye West, singer Ricky Martin, baseball star Derek Jeter and tennis pro Andy Roddick.

When single males were asked which celebrity starlet they would most like to find themselves in the company of, FHM’s 2007 “Sexiest Woman Alive” Jessica Alba was the top pick.

Jennifer Aniston finished second, followed by Queen Latifah, Jessica Simpson, tennis beauty Maria Sharapova, Sandra Oh and “Top Chef” vixen Padma Lakshmi.

Susan Mernit, Yahoo! Personals’ online dating expert offers her insight on what it is about George and Jessica that put them at the top of their class.

“It is obvious that both George Clooney and Jessica Alba are top of mind when it comes to ‘sexiest celebrity,‘ given their reigning titles for People magazine and FHM magazine, respectively,” Susan said. “In addition to people finding them physically appealing, it doesn’t hurt that they have both maintained a clean reputation while living in front of the cameras. That combination is most likely why our survey’s respondents find them so desirable.”

The poll was conducted to coincide with National Singles Week (Sept. 17 – 21).

Video: Access Archives - Jessica Alba

Kanye West Headed To Chart Victory Over 50 Cent

NEW YORK, NY (September 18, 2007) — It’s not like Kanye West needed an ego boost, but here it comes: Sales figures appear to confirm his “Graduation” album outsold 50 Cent’s “Curtis” in the much-hyped rap sales showdown.

Although Nielsen SoundScan figures for the albums’ first-week sales were to be released Tuesday night, West’s label was already proclaiming victory.

But West was hardly rubbing it in 50’s face. In fact, he said he was humbled by the apparent win.

“It feels overwhelming,” West told The Associated Press, as he walked to Def Jam’s offices on Tuesday afternoon. “Everyone is coming up to me and telling me how proud they are of me.”

Kanye vs.50 Cent

“We’re not gloating,” Def Jam President Jay-Z told AP. “He’s celebrating his win. ... in his mind, he believed he could win the whole time.”

Both albums appeared to have sold well over 500,000 copies since being released Sept. 11, but 50’s performance was still a considerable letdown. His last album, 2005’s “The Massacre,” sold 1.1million in its first week.

Last month, 50 didn’t think of West as much of a competitor: “It’s great marketing on Def Jam’s part, by putting us out there at the same time and make like we can actually be compared on some level,” he told The Associated Press. In another interview, he said he would retire if West outsold him.

But while West is enjoying a No. 2 position on the charts with his hit “Stronger,” 50 has struggled to connect with radio. None of his songs have matched past smashes like “In Da Club“; even his single “Ayo Technology,” featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, is languishing at No. 19.

50’s album was originally scheduled to be released in June on Interscope Records, a division of Universal Music Group, but was pushed back to Sept. 11. Soon after, Kanye West, whose album was supposed to come out sometime in late summer, pushed his date to Sept. 11 as well. But Antonio “L.A.” Reid, chairman of Island Def Jam, also a division of Universal, says it wasn’t initially intended to be a jab at 50.

“The decision was really driven by the (MTV Video Music Awards), because the VMAs were on Sept. 9 ... we wanted to use it as a launching pad again for this album,” he said.

West said it was his idea to go directly against 50.

“I was the underdog because I sold less records in the past, so it was a win-win for me,” he said. “If I lost, everyone would be happy that I even went up against him. People have this perception of me being arrogant, but would an arrogant person risk the chance of coming in the second spot just to be a part of history? To me, it’s more about fans and the entertainment value and good music.”

It ended up the music industry version of Ali-Frazier, with the avalanche of pre-fight hype to match. 50 routinely trash-talked West, but it seemed to be in good fun: The pair appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards and BET’s “106 & Park” together, and on the cover or Rolling Stone. Both admitted the battle was a great marketing tool.

“The rivalry helped both of them” said Jay-Z. “It was definitely one of those moments in the game that was exciting, everybody could pick a side and weigh in on and have an opinion ... it garnered a lot of attention.”

West said the quality of his music was the key reason he apparently prevailed: “I think my music is really inspirational and I really made it for the people. I really understood that in this Internet age people are their own superstars ... the best bet that we had was to make a soundtrack to their own lives.”

West said he was especially touched that he had such a groundswell of support given some of the negative media attention he’s gotten of late; namely, his meltdown at the VMAs after being shut out (though he poked fun at himself during Sunday’s Emmy Awards).

“With all the negativity that the press tries to put on me, this perception that they try to create of me being a really bad person. For so many fans to go out and say, ‘We still want to buy Kanye’s album,‘ means a lot to me,” he says. “This is a really pivotal moment for me emotionally.”

50 Cent, who’s planning a tour for his album, was conciliatory: “I am very excited to have participated in one of the biggest album release weeks in the last two years. Collectively, we have sold hundreds of thousands of units in our debut week. This marks a great moment for hip hop music, one that will go down in history.

Whether he would make good on his threat to retire wasn’t addressed; Reid said he hoped he wouldn’t: “I’d like to see him making music for the next 25 years, he’s that talented.”

Jay-Z, who is featured on a new 50 Cent remix of his hit “I Get Money,” said this setback could actually benefit 50 in the long run.

“The worst thing about success is it makes you complacent. I think when you face any type of adversity it makes you dig deep ... everyone goes through it, all the greats go through it,” he said. “In his music, he hadn’t gone through any type of adversity. ... he’ll come back and make great music.”

If so, 50 may end up being a thorn in Def Jam’s side. In a recent interview, a miffed 50 threatened to release projects whenever Def Jam had a high-priority release.

In light of West’s victory, Jay-Z considered that threat a good thing.

“We would really appreciate that,” he quipped. “If he can do that, I will fax over our release dates effective immediately.”

Britney Spears Ordered To Undergo Drug, Alcohol Testing

(CLICK HERE to view the court’s ruling on Britney & Kevin)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Britney Spears has been ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week, Access Hollywood has learned.

In court documents obtained by Access, a judge ordered the tests for the pop star, stating “Based on the Evidence presented, the Court finds that there is a habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol by the Petitioner” (Spears).

However, the court also said the results of those tests will not be made public.

Britney has also been ordered to meet with a “parenting coach” at least eight hours a week, who will observe her interaction with her two sons – Sean Preston and Jayden James.

The parenting coach will evaluate Brit’s motherly skills and will file a written progress report to the courts on October 22.

Video: Britney's Biggest Fan Speaks Out

Both Britney and Kevin have also been ordered “to engage in joint in co-parenting counseling.”

In addition, the court mandated that “neither party shall consume alcohol, or other non-prescription controlled substances” while with the kids or within 12 hours immediately prior to having custody of the kids.

Contrary to earlier online reports that suggested Kevin would be granted temporary physical custody of the kids, the court declined to modify the existing agreement, which means the current 50/50 split will remain in effect for now.

Both parents have also been ordered to refrain from “using corporal punishment” in dealing with the kids.

The matter will now continue as a closed-door hearing. The next court date is set for November 26.

Vanessa Hudgens Sued For $150K In Unpaid Legal Fees

(CLICK HERE to view the lawsuit filed against Vanessa!)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – As if her nude photo scandal wasn’t enough, “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens now finds herself being sued.

According to court papers obtained by Access Hollywood, a former lawyer for the “HSM” star says she owes him $150,000 in legal fees.

The lawsuit, filed by Brian L. Schall in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, alleges a breach of contract and unjust enrichment by the 18-year-old Hudgens.

“Perhaps Vaness Hudgens… needs to go back to school to learn a very basic lesson in contractual obligations,” Schall states in the lawsuit.

The suit claims Hudgens and Schall entered into a written contract for legal services in October 2005.

According to the suit, Schall claims he advanced costs and expenses on Hudgens’ behalf for her songwriting and recording career.

A rep for Hudgens was not available for comment.

Video: 'HSM 2' Premiere

Michael Jackson's Family Confronts 'Untrue And Inaccurate' Reports

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 7, 2007) — Michael Jackson’s mother and four of his brothers have formed a united front in dismissing reports of his alleged dependency on pain killers and alcohol.

An open letter to the media, signed by Katherine Jackson and sons Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, responds to what the family views as “troubling and heinous” rumors about Michael.

An attempted drug intervention and takeover of Michael’s business affairs are among the rumors denied by the family in the letter, which also takes aim at quoted “sources” believed to be making false claims for profit.

A particular target of the letter is People magazine, which has published a story on Michael and his children in their Sept. 17 issue.

A rep for People magazine provided the following statement to Access Hollywood:

“We stand by our story. Throughout the process we gave Mr. Jackson’s rep, Raymone Bain, the opportunity to respond and we reported her comments.”

In The Studio With Michael Jackson Part 1

Below is the text of the letter, dated September 7, 2007, and issued by Michael’s rep, Raymone K. Bain:

“People magazine has followed other publications in reporting untrue and inaccurate information about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Of these widely reported rumors, what has become the most troubling and heinous, is that my son, and our brother, Michael Jackson, is dependent on painkillers and alcohol.

People, and other news organizations, have quoted ‘sources’ indicating that our family has attempted a drug intervention, and engaged in an effort to take over his business affairs, because of this alleged drug and alcohol usage.

We categorically deny ever planning, participating in, or having knowledge of any kind of intervention, whatsoever. We strongly believe that these ‘sources’ and others, no matter who they are, are making these defamatory, inaccurate, and untrue claims for monetary reasons.

Michael Jackson, and the Jackson family, has endured years of false accusations and misrepresentations.

It is time for these unfair and hurtful rumors, for profit, to end.

Thank you.”