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Show Biz Scandals and Surprises: From Hollywood to Broadway

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A former flight attendant has sued the Globe newspaper for $10 million, claiming the tabloid pressured her to have an affair with sports legend Frank Gifford. Meanwhile, best-selling author Stephen King undergoes more surgery, and Brad Pitt speaks out about the media frenzy surrounding his personal life. Filmmaker Kevin Smith's latest movie is at the center of a Catholic League controversy, and the Disney family continues its rich history with the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Key Takeaways:

  • Suzen Johnson, a 48-year-old Palm Beach resident, is suing the Globe for $10 million, alleging the tabloid pressured her into seducing Frank Gifford to boost profits.
  • Johnson's lawsuit accuses the Globe of false imprisonment, negligence, and slander, while an attorney for the Globe calls her a "pathological liar."
  • Stephen King has undergone two surgeries since being struck by a minivan in rural Maine, and will require further operations in the future.
  • King's doctors say he'll take about a year to fully recuperate from his injuries.
  • Brad Pitt reveals that his current relationship with Jennifer Aniston is subject to intense media scrutiny, with tabloids printing false reports of their engagement and becoming increasingly agitated when they don't pan out.
  • Filmmaker Kevin Smith's movie "Dogma" has sparked controversy from the Catholic League, which claims the film "drags Catholicism down to the gutter."
  • The Catholic League is not alone in its criticism, with Miramax reportedly considering pulling the film from distribution.
  • Smith's comments on his faith and the film's themes have been met with a generally positive response from critics.
  • Walt Disney Vice Chairman Roy Disney will serve as grand marshal for the 2000 Tournament of Roses Parade, 34 years after his uncle Walt led the parade.
  • Over one million people are expected to line up for the parade, which will be watched by over 365 million television viewers worldwide.
  • The BBC's popular children's show "Teletubbies" has become the corporation's highest-earning production, netting over $51 million in the past year.

Statistics:

  • Suzen Johnson is suing the Globe for $10 million.
  • Stephen King has undergone over 12 hours of surgery to date.
  • King will require further surgery in the future to treat his injuries.
  • Brad Pitt's current relationship has been subject to intense media scrutiny for several years.
  • Over one million people are expected to attend the 2000 Tournament of Roses Parade.
  • Over 365 million people worldwide are expected to watch the parade on television.
  • The BBC's annual report shows that the Teletubbies show earned the corporation over $51 million last year.

Sources:

  • UPI (Frank Gifford, Suzen Johnson, Brad Pitt)
  • UPI (Stephen King)
  • UPI (Kevin Smith)
  • UPI (Walt Disney, Roy Disney)
  • UPI (BBC, Teletubbies)

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