BreakOUT News
Slimane's Slinky Trousers Fall
March 30, 2007
So many verbal puns possible and they’re all swirling around the news that Hedi Slimane is out the door at Dior Homme.
The man who launched a single trend –tight, low-slung jeans, white shirt and black skinny tie under a small black jacket – has not had his contract renewed.
This is somewhat of a shock and a non-shock as word circulated since last July that Hedi wanted women’s wear and wasn’t getting it. But the bad blood between him and his bosses must be bad because the announcement today didn’t mention Hedi by name. All it did was announce his replacement, the talented Kris van Assche, who we don’t hate, but…
Really.
Goodbye Goil
March 29, 2007
Okay, wait a minute. All the gays are gone! Yes, it’s true. The final man standing -- Goil! – melted under the flame of “fire.” Oh, it’s so sad. (What will Dennis write about? His blog has been all Goil all the time.)
(PS: Did y'all know that Goil designed a T-shirt? Check this out here.)
But really, what’s stranger is that the three last gays fell out in a row, Erik, Michael and now Goil.
What are we to do? Root for “gray” (gay-straight) Matt? Or Carisa, who would probably be a fun gal pal to drink a margarita with … but only once a year. And Andrea is a bit dry, but then again she’s a kick-butt architect. (Wouldn’t anyone want to hire her? So serious. So efficient.)
Mohler Says: Pray for The Gays
March 29, 2007
So this priest goes into a bar… No. So this priest goes online… No! So this priest writes a blog that says gays are terrible and that even if it was conclusively decided that being gay was genetic: it would still be wrong.
A big fat “Whatever!” to Rev. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
But luckily we here at OUTzone are not in charge of protesting for gay rights. Soulforce, a gay Christian group is much more active than us, so they held a sit-in. They were all arrested for trespassing.
No More Heather Mills
March 29, 2007
If you can believe this, Heather Mills has been banned from our offices. Not her physically, but her name.
“Until she actually does something – no more!” said the boss.
But when this tidbit of gossip came out, we here at OUTzone are guess it would pass the relevant test.
Or at least the so-stupid-it’s-worth-repeating test.
Super-Lesbian Photog Snaps Queen
March 28, 2007
Annie Leibovitz will take the official photograph for Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the United States, Buckingham Palace said Tuesday.
The photograph will be shot at the palace in the next few days. It will be released the day before the queen leaves for a six-day visit to the United States in early May, the palace said.
Leibovitz said the portrait would be ''very formal and painterly'' and that she was in negotiation with the palace over what the queen would wear.
The Coop Is Funny
March 28, 2007
Well, we all know he’s funny and funny. But folks who watched him on “The Mole” probably didn’t notice he had a sense of humor. And nowadays on CNN he sometimes cracks a smile. But the silver-fox that everyone loves to talk about is making headlines again: this time for hosting a comedy show on HBO honoring Jerry Seinfeld.
The show is April 1 and the chattering classes are already worrying if this is going to take away any sense of gravitas The Coop has left.
Hello! He already went on Oprah. He already wrote a not-very-personal autobiography. He already did reality TV.
We here at OUTzoneTV.com love The Coop. Because of his pretty eyes. That’s all we’re saying.
Anorexia In Versace's House
March 28, 2007
Now that Donatella has overcome her drug addiction. Now that the fashion house is on sure footing (years after Gianni’s terrible murder).
The young niece of the great gay designer, Allegra, (who also inherited almost everything), has anorexia.
Now really, who wants to talk about the poor girl’s eating disorder. Why is the Associated Press running stories like this? Don’t they know it’s hard enough for that family to simply get through the day, let alone deal with the annoying media?
''Our daughter, Allegra, has been battling anorexia, a very serious disease, for many years,'' Donatella and Paul Beck said in a statement released by spokesman Robert Zimmerman.
Tinky-Winky: Chelsea Boy
March 27, 2007
We don’t know how old “10” is in teletubbie years, but we have a feeling we’re about to find out. Turns out -- Tinky-Winky and the other 3 straight Teletubbies turn 10 this year!
According to Reuters the giggling little colorful blobs will be celebrating their birthday with a big ceremony this coming weekend where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be presenting the Teletubbies with keys to the city!
What? No Parade?
You’ll recall that the Tinky-Winky (TW to friends) was outed by Jerry Falwell, who saw right through the lavender color and handbag. The results of the conservative minister claiming that a childhood character is gay resonates today.
"Whether Tinky Winky is gay or not is still the most frequently asked question that we get," Anne Wood, one of the Teletubbies creators, told Reuters,
"We laughed when we first heard it, but in the United States certain communities took it seriously to our horror and it damaged the brand considerably in America."
GLAAD Media Awards
March 27, 2007
A wild night last night in New York, as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation honored various media organizations and personalities for their work in promoting the LGBT community.
Jennifer Hudson was on hand to present the Excellence in Media Award to Patti LaBelle – who, come on, is a serious contender. She’s always been full-voiced supportive of our community as well as doing quite a bit of outreach work for organizations that increase awareness for HIV/AIDS.
"I am so honored that the gay and lesbian community honors me tonight because I have been with you for 45 years," LaBelle said, "I don't know why people discriminate against you. I don't know why people can't see you marrying...whatever you want to do, it should be accepted by the world."
Other awards include The Vito Russo Award, presented to Tom Ford, and the Pioneer Award, presented to comedian and commentator Kate Clinton.
Gay American Idol ... Psych!
March 26, 2007
But he is a gay Australian Idol. Wouldn’t it be nice if America could have a gay “American Idol?”
Until then, let us join hands and celebrate the coming out of Australia’s Idol star – and now certifiable Down Under Pop Star – Anthony Callea.
Because of the time change, he actually comes out tomorrow (!) in Australian newspapers. Read the full story here.
Lily Tomlin: Mouthy!
March 26, 2007
Nobody ever said that Lily Tomlin didn’t know how to use her mouth. The awesome lady has made us laugh and cry and laugh some more so many times over the years she deserves a medal.
Well, her reputation as a mouthy actress is skyrocketing this week as a grainy video surfaced on YouTube from the set of I Heart Huckabees.
In all honesty, the movie was uneven but in a very interesting way. Crazy stuff happened and the story made little sense but there’s a bit of magic to it.
Between her and Jackie Warner returning to Bravo ... it's a whole month of mouthy lesbians to be impressed by! Kudos to these strong women.
San Diego Cops Pick Up Village People Cop
March 26, 2007
A woman called the police on Friday and said Victor Willis choked and threatened her. When the police arrived on the scene, they reportedly recognized the Village People icon.
But just ‘cause you’re an icon doesn’t mean you get to be nasty. Especially when you’re 55 years-old and should know better.
Jackie Takes Two!
March 23, 2007
And one is very cute. Well, they both are, actually.
More than 75 trainers convened at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood to compete for a job working for Jackie Warner. The group was put through one of Jackie's signature, gut-busting bootcamps. Then, after narrowing down the finalists, a group of celebrity judges asked the contestants about their health and fitness philosophy. But with so much talent on display, the decision was difficult and Jackie ended up picking two winners! Chris and Agostina are both charismatic athletes who hustled and pumped their way through one of Jackie’s signature bootcamps.
On hand to help judge, Tessa Benson from Self magazine, stylist to the stars Donna Katz, and gossip guru Perez Hilton and Rex Lee from "Entourage." Ms. Benson blogs about the event on Self.com. And you can watch video from the event (and check out the hot trainers!) by clicking here.
What is Boy Culture?
March 23, 2007
Readers of OUTzoneTV.com know that the editors don’t like many “gay movies.” Then again, readers of OUTzoneTV.com know that we slugs behind the news here LOVE gay everything.
So we’re quite excited about the new movie Boy Culture opening tonight. Mostly because we know the author of the book and he’s smart and the book is smart and so – god willing – the movie will be smart, too.
Although we are weary because it’s another “hustler flick,” but we’re not holding it against Boy Culture, directed by Q. Alan Brocka, the man behind many a funny short film (Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All The World) and Eating Out, another “gay movie” that didn’t kill us.
Just kidding!
Return of Harvey Fierstein
March 22, 2007
As if he ever left – although there was the sojourn to Las Vegas to star in the ill-fated Vegas-version of “Hairspray: The Musical.”
So we’re happy to see that Mr. Torch Song Trilogy will return to Broadway as the author and star of ''A Catered Affair,'' a musical about the wedding plans of a Bronx family in 1953.
Didn’t Steve Martin already make this as a movie? Or was it Adam Sandler.
Anyway … Fierstein is a gay triple threat writer, actor, creator so he’ll write the book for the musical as well as play a leading role in the production. The score is by songwriter John Bucchino, author of the cabaret standard ''Grateful'' as well as several musicals including ''Urban Myths'' and ''Lavender Girl.''
Is that Fierstein’s nickname?
Madonna’s Duds on Sale
March 22, 2007
We’re not sure but did this deal have something to do with her singers/dancers wearing H&M during the last tour? Whatever.
We’re bored of this kind of materialism from the Material girl, but we know superfans will be happy.
Madonna’s line of co-designed (What does that mean? She picked out the colors?) clothing went on sale Thursday in branches of Swedish fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz.
Hollywood Christmas Parade Camps Out
March 22, 2007
The curtain has closed on a Hollywood tradition. And we can’t decide to laugh or cry.
Officials announced Wednesday that after 75 years, the Hollywood Christmas Parade has been canceled due to rising costs and loss in revenue.
Couldn’t they just admit they were shuttering the old thing because it sucked?
''This is a very difficult thing for us to have to do,'' said Jeff Briggs, chairman of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. ''We're disappointed and sad. But we're out of the parade business.''
Tennessee Blocks Justin Timberlake
March 22, 2007
J-Timber won't be bringing sexy back to the Tennessee Legislature. State Sen. Ophelia Ford had introduced the resolution to honor Timberlake, a Tennessee native, ''for his highly successful music career and for his meritorious service to the State of Tennessee.''
But Sen. Raymond Finney, R-Maryville, removed it from a list of resolutions that is expected to get unanimous support in the Senate.
''It's not something I want my name on,'' Finney said.
Wow. Does anyone think that J.T. cares? We hope not.
Super Bowl of Bigots
March 21, 2007
Indianapolis Colt’s coach Tony Dungy finally came out of the closet as a homophobe this week. Gay bloggers (such as bilerico.com) had been waiting since the fall when he accepted an invitation to speak at the conservative “Indiana Family Institute” dinner.
Then as the Colt’s made a run for the Super Bowl, Dungy refused to comment on his affiliation with the homophobic group.
But now that the season is over, he showed up at the dinner and said: "IFI is saying what the Lord says," Dungy said. "You can take that and make your decision on which way you want to be. I'm on the Lord's side."
The coach said his comments shouldn't be taken as gay bashing, but rather his views on the matter as he sees them from a perspective of faith.
Vanessa William Shines, Again
March 21, 2007
We loved her when she lost her Miss America crown for posing nude (years earlier) in Playboy. Not the part about “losing her crown,” but the part that she fearlessly took her career and ran with it.
Broadway, singing, movies, TV and now “Ugly Betty” (the gayest not-really-gay show on a major network). So congrats to V-Will for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Williams received the 2,331st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fellow cast members from the TV show ''Ugly Betty,'' in which she plays a villainous magazine editor, showed up to cheer for her at the ceremony in front of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
''We were so happy to get Vanessa,'' said Salma Hayek, the show's executive producer. ''She is brilliant because she is so nasty on the show, but in reality she is the sweetest person.''
Williams stepped down as the first black Miss America in 1984 after Penthouse magazine published nude, sexually explicit photographs of her taken several years earlier. In the years since, she has sung on Broadway, released Grammy-nominated albums and acted on screens both big and small.
Ellen Cracks Jokes on Paper
March 21, 2007
Does she need the money? Please tell us that Ms. Degeneres has a secret plan to amass billions of dollars and then retire and spend decades giving money away to charity. She could be the queer Bill Gates.
Anyway, we can dream.
Ellen will be making her next million dollars developing a line of 32 (not 31 or 33!) greeting cards that will feature illustrations of the comedian along with her quirky observations.
Tara Conner To Steal Spotlight
March 20, 2007
Will anyone pay attention to the this years winner? No. They’ll be tuning in to the Miss USA pageant to see last year’s winner and drug-rehab star – and Donald Trum/Rosie O’Donnell fued-inspirer – Tara Conner.
''Certainly, our reigning Miss USA is going to be on television and we're certainly not going to shy away from referring to what happened,'' executive producer Phil Gurin said. ''Why shy away from what's part of our family? We embrace our family.''
Can’t you hear the music: “We are family…”
While not a centerpiece of the show, Conner will be ''all over our telecast,'' Gurin said. The 56th annual pageant will be broadcast Friday on NBC from the Kodak Theatre with Nancy O'Dell of ''Access Hollywood'' as host.
Xanadu Is Real
March 20, 2007
Color us skeptics but we will still not be surprised if they tell us – any day now – that the musical version of Xanadu is not happening.
Just seems to good, bad, crazy, genius and weird. But the news keeps coming: This week, casting.
Tony Roberts, best known for his roles in several Woody Allen movies and stage appearances in such comedies as ''The Tale of the Allergist's Wife'' and the recent Broadway revival of ''Barefoot in the Park,'' has joined the cast as Danny McGuire, the former big band leader with dreams of recapturing his old glory.
He’s got some big shoes to fill. Legendary dancer Gene Kelly originated the role in the campy film which starred Olivia Newton-John and Michael Beck.
Dukes of Hazzard Orchestra Nixed
March 20, 2007
Not the homoeroticism between the brothers. Nor the scandalous “daisy dukes.” But the old Confederate flag is behind the cancellation of “The Dukes of Hazzard: Orchestra Edition” in Cincinnati.
Star of the series, John Schneider says the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra canceled a planned ''Dukes''-themed appearance after contracts were signed because some in the community found the show racist and offensive.
''It's a huge shock to me that in this day and age people could be so narrow-minded, especially professional people,'' Schneider said Friday. Although he didn't want to start a feud over the decision, ''I would like for people to examine their motives, however, and their knee-jerk reactions to someone else's prejudice and bigotry.''
The orchestra said in a statement that it has had a long artistic relationship with Schneider and Tom Wopat, but ''we decided that some of the messages conveyed in the program are not consistent with the efforts of the Pops to reach out to all members of our community.''
Star Trek: Gay gay gay.
March 19, 2007
The Advocate is reporting this on the latest in television stand-by’s to get even more gay. And perhaps no science fiction drama is more open about it than “Star Trek.”
A 1987 plotline on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” featured a gay couple. The episode was called “Blood and Fire” and featured a subplot about gay discrimination. It was never produced, due to apparent push-back fromt he network, much to the chagrin of Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry.
Well, it looks like the Star Trek universe may be getting a little gay after all. A fan site called "Star Trek: New Voyages," has been producing decidedly homespun queer Webisodes. And now, they’re planning a storyline that will center around Capt. James T. Kirk's nephew, Peter Kirk (played by Bobby Rice), and his boyfriend, Lt. Alex Freeman (Evan Fowler).
It is scheduled to shoot in June.
It’s a Ricky Martin Parade!
March 16, 2007
We know. We know. He’s not gay, but that doesn’t mean he can’t lead a parade the first weekend of June.
Puerto Rico's all-time top-selling artist, was named king of this year’s 50th annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York.
Parade organizers said the honor recognizes Martin's musical success and his efforts to fight the exploitation of children worldwide.
''He has always expressed his pride as a Puerto Rican and a Latino,'' parade committee president Madelyn Lugo said in a news release. ''He has served as one of our greatest ambassadors, and we can't think of a better role model to honor as the King of the Parade.''
Travolta: Tranny
March 16, 2007
Alright, nobody is ever going to replace Divine, the John Waters heroine who originated the role of Edna Turnblatt in the original 1980 movie, “Hairspray.”
And doubtless we’ve all heard that John Travolta will be donning a dress for the role. So how’s it going?
''I've had the itch for 30 years'' to return to movie musicals, said Travolta, who wears a fat suit and prosthetic jowls for the part, his first musical role since 1978's ''Grease.''
''I thought maybe it's smart to come back to it in a whole different way, an unexpected way. Because how do you top 'Grease'?'' Travolta told The Associated Press.
With Adam Shankman directing, the new film features Michelle Pfeiffer as the villainous TV station owner and mother of Tracy's rival, Queen Latifah as the saucy record-shop owner Motormouth Maybelle, Amanda Bynes as
Tracy's best pal and Christopher Walken as Tracy's dad and Edna's husband. Walken gives Travolta an affectionate kiss on the cheek in one scene.
Yoko's Driver Has Ticket to Turkey
March 15, 2007
Ms. Ono's former driver, who pleaded guilty to trying to extort money from her, can leave the United States voluntarily rather than be deported, a federal immigration judge decided Wednesday.
We love ourselves some Yoko news – because she’s the newest and coolest gay icon that doesn’t TRY to be a gay icon. Read this interview for proof.
Koral Karsan can return to his native Turkey without further legal proceedings under an order signed by Judge Alan A. Vomacka. Karsan must leave the U.S. by April 13. He has a plane ticket to Turkey for March 23, lawyer Jonathan Avirom said.
Justin Timberlake: Lord of the Dance
March 15, 2007
If only that was the name of the concert – a combined Justin T. singing and Michael Flatley dancing extravaganza. Just think of the money that could be made!
In dollar amounts for last week’s shows, Justin is in First place with over a million bucks, and the Lord of the Dance is just above Rock Star Supernova (the fake band, we think) earning $165,000+.
1. (1) Justin Timberlake; $1,141,330; $77.58.
2. (2) Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band; $1,100,350; $62.51.
3. (3) Rod Stewart; $1,005,062; $83.06.
4. (4) The Who; $850,110; $94.57.
5. (New) Red Hot Chili Peppers; $733,442; $56.99.
Iranians Don't Think 300 is Gay or Good
March 14, 2007
Not only are some gays upset about the gay-ish blockbuster hit. We reported earlier this week an internal squabble over 300 in the OUTzoneTV.com offices.
“It’s so gay-Greek-hot!”
“It’s so homophobic!”
Now the Iranians are pissed and calling the movie and insult to ancient Persian Culture.
And you just know the producers are laughing all the way to the bank. Controversy sells tickets.
''Hollywood declares war on Iranians,'' blared a headline in Tuesday's edition of the independent Ayende-No newspaper.
Vagina Girls Exonerated
March 14, 2007
It’s not often we get to write about female anatomy at OUTzone. So you can understand our eagerness to finally comment on the vaginal-brouhaha that bubbled up in New York this month.
Basically, three 16-year-old young women performed excerpts from “The Vagina Monologues,” that insanely popular book/play/etc. from Eve Ensler, at an assembly. They were told not to. They thought they were being censored over a word that was “natural,” as their moms probably said in the 70s.
In exchange for their stand, each received one-day suspensions, which have now, weeks later, been rescinded.
Louise Katzin, mother of 16-year-old Hannah Levinson, said the school superintendent called her Monday night to say the suspensions had been lifted.
Jackie Warner Wants You!
March 13, 2007
One more week until “WorkOut” returns to Bravo. Yes, Season Two begin next Tuesday night at 11pm.
But for fans in or near Los Angeles, you don’t have to wait a week to see Jackie Warner, the “WO” star. She’ll be at Hollywood and Highland (next to the Kodak theater where they give out the Oscars) auditioning new trainers. Really.
If you're fit and buff and, well, fit and buff ... get yourself over there tomorrow and try out to become a new trainer at SkySport. To sign up visit this link.
For the rest of us (including OUTzone staffers in NYC) we’ll wait until Wednesday to welcome in the new season.
Regis Replaced by Gay(s)
March 13, 2007
If Dave Letterman hadn’t survived heart bypass surgery and lived to tell, we’d be a lot more worried about Regis Philbin’s impending operation. Philby is the original “cool straight guy” as comfortable with his “girlfriends” as any gay man. We love ourselves some Philbin – both with Kathy Lee and now with Kelly.
But we’re more excited to hear that at least one openly gay man will be subbing for The Philbster. Neil Patrick Harris is signed up. Three cheers for Doogie! Take that haters. He can come out and still be tapped to host a national daytime talk show. Oh, that’s not such a big deal, is it? Ellen does it every day.
Anyway: first up is Anderson Cooper this week, so tune in today and tomorrow to see what the The Coop looks like early in the morning. Our guess: he looks the same.
Color Me Splashy!
March 13, 2007
David Bromstad may some day join the ranks of Jonathan Adler and Todd Oldham in the pantheon of gay design megastars. Mr. Bromstad won HGTV’s “Design Star” show and this week launches his own program on the channel, “Color Splash.”
We’re not sure about the name – it’s very Jackson Pollack meets NY gay bar Splash – but we’re sure that the cool gay Bromstad will make it work. “Each week David will show homeowners how to add color in unique ways to transform their rooms.” What could these unique ways be? Paint? Not unique. Upholstery? Not unique.
We’re thinking food. Maybe changing one’s diet to an all one-color diet? Regardless, set you’re Tivo for Monday night at 9pm.
300: Gay or Homophobic
March 12, 2007
In the OUTzoneTV.com office, we watched the trailers for 300 a few weeks ago. Seemed pretty gay since we could remember the last time we saw so many shirtless loincloth-wearing men on one screen.
This weekend, the movie finally opened – to huge box office numbers ($70+ million!) – but the debate in our office is completely different.
Half think the movie was enjoyably gay, “Not since Brokeback Mountain has a gay movie become such a stunning hit in America,” said one staffer. “The Spartans were the ancient world's version of big hulking hunks of gym-obsessed homosexuality. In fact, according to historians, having queer relations was pretty much standard policy among the Spartans.”
On the other side, a film-watching OUTzone writer who had bought tickets days in advance but was offended by what he saw:
Lauper, Harry and Cho
March 12, 2007
It’s not a new set of “Three Stooges,” but a comedy/music tour that will hit 15 cities beginning in June.
Cyndi Lauper, Deborah Harry and Margeret Cho will be joined by Erasure, and Rufus Wainwright under the title “True Colors” tour.
''This tour is basically gonna be five hours of some of my favorite bands and me, and Margaret Cho making us laugh, and while we're touring, we're going to be raising awareness,'' Lauper said. ''I think people don't know what's going on, that's all.''
Ann Coulter's Collapsing Career?
March 12, 2007
Yes, it’s true, there is a Santa Claus. Or at least some kind of fairy watching over us to make sure that the really evil people (like Ann Coulter) don’t get their way – forever.
Following her use of a gay slur about Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards this month during remarks to the Conservative Political Action Conference, at least four daily newspapers have dropped Coulter as a columnist, citing her comment about Edwards.
''It's a world of 'are you talking about me? are you talking about me?''' said Steve Friedman, executive producer of ''The Early Show'' on CBS referring to Ann’s attempts to get attention. ''And eventually you have to get more and more outrageous to be talked about. One day you cross the line and become persona non grata. I think she's getting close. I think Bill Maher is getting close.''
Daniel Radcliffe: Naked or Nude?
March 10, 2007
Enough is enough, people.
If we have to hear about one more 20-year-old girl who is going to see Harry Potter (aka Daniel Radcliffe) naked on stage: we may barf. (Yes, the NY Times story set us over the edge.)
We'll die. Or do something overly dramatic.
It's big news lately. All of us around the OUTzone watercooler were sort of bored by it until we got the email of the full-frontal, full-Monty shot of Daniel Radcliffe. It’s a gorgeous shot and we’re jealous of his youthful beauty, but it also made us respect the kid a bit more.
There are two ways to go from child actor to adult celebrity: get publicly shameful and go to rehab OR actually become a master of your craft. And Radcliffe is bravely choosing the latter. He’s not worried about the age old naked vs. nude conundrum. Art vs. porn. “Classy” vs. “salacious.” He’s just making his art.
Borat and Brokeback Mountain: Human Rights Violations
March 09, 2007
Alright already. A lot of people liked these movies. A lot of people didn’t. Borat was “too” staged and embarrassed many well-meaning people (like the southern family). And Brokeback was another gay tragedy as if gays can only be on the big screen if their lives end badly.
Yet, here these two mega-popular flicks are again: this time on an official State Department list of human rights abuses.
Really.
“From the movies Borat to Brokeback Mountain, foreign governments banned or restricted access to a variety of big and little screen entertainment as well as live events, the State Department says.”
British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen -- creator of Borat, the crass Kazakh chronicler of the American condition -- and the gay cowboy love story that won three Oscars were hit with what it deemed violations of freedoms of speech and expression.
So were the The Da Vinci Code, ''The Vagina Monologues'' and even the popular Google Earth Web site, according to the department's annual survey of global human rights practices released this week.
Is this what our government spends money on? Protecting Google? Please! They have more money than god and can take care of themselves!
Johnny Depp In Sweeny Todd
March 09, 2007
How did we miss this memo? Johnny Depp is in England filming a movie version of the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeny Todd.”
OMG. Could there be a worse idea? Can he sing? Really sing? This is not just a musical, but practically an operetta of the highest, wittiest order. Johnny Depp is … a pirate, or “21 Jump Street.” This could be worse than Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman whispering through Moulin Rouge (instead of casting professional singers).
The director is Tim Burton, so the mood should be verifiably dark – as it should be. But we’re still a little sick to our stomach imagining this movie.
Hugh Dancy: Britain's Next “It Boy”
March 08, 2007
We are not just interested in Mr. Dancy because he’s handsome. And we are not just interested in him because he’s in Meryl Streep’s next movie (Evening). And we are not just interested in Hugh because he’s dating Claire (“My So Called Life”) Daines.
We are interested because he’s a talented actor. Did you see Black Hawk Down, or more recently, the award winning Queen Elizabeth miniseries starring Helen Mirren? He played opposite her.
More Drugs for George Michael
March 08, 2007
Ex-Wham star was arrested after police found him slumped over the steering wheel of his car in an intersection in north London last October. That’s the old news. The new news is that now prosecutors are adding an additional charge. The original charge of being unfit to drive through drugs was being amended to driving while unfit through drugs.
“Through” drugs. Is that an awesome Britishism, or what?
No date has been set for trial on the charges, which stem from an Oct. 1 incident.
Michael also will face a new count of being in charge of a car while on drugs.
Rosie O'Donnell: Depressed
March 07, 2007
This news should surprise no one. Ms. O’Donnell is the one born-funny-comic that looks depressed. A lot. Often. Etc.
Now she say that she began treatment for depression after the Columbine school shootings and hangs upside down for up to a half-hour a day to improve her mental state.
We hang upside down at the OUTzoneTV.com offices, but it’s just for kicks. We turn all red and our voices change. Who knew that was what was keeping us happy?
Hillary Clinton is a Friend of The Gays
March 07, 2007
Compared to George W. Bush she is. Compared to Ann Coulter. Compared to almost every chicken-dropping Senator that voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which her husband signed.
And yet now that she’s running for office, Hillary is sidling up to gays. This week, she sent a very nice letter to HRC (Human Rights Campaign) touting a friendship and looking forward to cooperating on issues.
Whatever.
Forgive us for our skepticism, but the woman can’t even simply support marriage equality. That’s pretty basic.
Lance Bass Out of Sync, Or Not
March 07, 2007
Who says people don’t read? Enough folk must still be using old fashioned “books” because every time a celebrity falls down they get a book contract. Granted, Lance Bass did more than fall out of the closet. The man set off fireworks and landed on the cover of People magazine.
Now his tell-all – in which he will ''tell all about his life, his music and his sexuality'' – is scheduled for publication in October, said Simon Spotlight Entertainment, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Yes, the title is “Out of Sync.”
Introducing: Christian Chavez
March 06, 2007
Coming out in the safely of West Hollywood or NYC is hardly earth-shattering news. But for a very popular member of the Mexican rock band, RBD, Christian Chavez decision is bold. (PS: How cool is his "real name?" Christopher Alexander Luís Casillas Von Uckermann!!!)
Chaves, a 23 year-old said he didn’t “want to lie” anymore. And so he isn’t. Kudos to him. We’re going online right now to listen to his music. (Wonder if it’s any good!? Okay, we're back. It's kinda cool. Check it out on their website here: http://www.grupo-rbd.com/portal/hgxpp001.aspx?37,,,,E)
The Excelsior newspaper called his action “brave” and then said: "Why has no Mexican public figure... felt comfortable enough to openly express their sexual preference?"
Mexican gay rights activist Sergio Villarreal told the BBC that Chaves represents "a new way of seeing things, less prejudiced and more open. Christian Chavez's decision symbolizes this new way of seeing life, and raises hope of a more inclusive future with more respect for differences."
To read his entire letter, which was inspired by pictures released of Chaves getting married in Canada, click Next.
Mariah Carey Country
March 06, 2007
Singing country, supposedly. No, not a sequel to Glitter, but a new movie. Props to the girl with so much confidence. What else can we say?
Mariah is currently shooting scenes for a movie about a tragic "aspiring singer” called Tennessee.
Goddess of Music, wherever you are, help us!
ps: Late breaking. Supposedly she sang so "movingly" that the crew was in tears. No word on what they were crying about.
Isaiah Washington, Again!
March 06, 2007
Isaiah Washington, AGAIN!
Please get this man off our radar screens. He’s insane – and not in a fun, Britney Spears kind of way.
Two complaints about Mr. Washington today. Unfortunately, they aren’t complaints just about him but about the sick people that support him.
First up: The dude won an “image award” from the NAACP for his work on “Grey’s Anatomy.” And people wonder “Why we can’t just get along?” If the National Association for Advancement of Colored People cannot NOT congratulate someone who repeatedly has used the word faggot, then how are gay men supposed to feel? Why should we help them? How are we supposed to feel like that historic organization has any integrity left?
Secondly: ABC is rumored (yes, just rumored) to be holding out on giving Washington a pay raise for his gay troubles. The New York Post says: "All the actors are in the midst of contract renegotiations. But ABC is using Isaiah's recent troubles to keep from paying him more."
Ann Coulter Gets Caught
March 06, 2007
Better late than never? After Coulter called presidential candidate John Edwards a faggot at a conservative luncheon, no one made much of a stink.
Was i