People: Evel to Kanye: Take a flying leap
Legendary daredevil Evel Knievel is suing Kanye West over a music video where the rapper imitates him.
In the video for “Touch the Sky,” West, as “Evel Kanyevel,” tries to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon.
Knievel’s lawsuit, claiming infringement on his trademark name and likeness, claims the vehicle is “visually indistinguishable” from the one he used in a failed attempt to jump Idaho’s Snake River Canyon in 1974.
It also says the video, which features Pamela Anderson as West’s girlfriend, contains “vulgar and offensive sexual images, language and conduct involving ‘Evel Kanyevel’ and women apparently trying to gain his sexual interest” that damage his reputation.
“The guy just went too far using me to promote his filth to the world,” says Knievel, 68. “I’m not in any way that kind of a person.”
West had no comment on the suit, which seeks monetary damages and a halt to distribution of the video.
Birthday candles in the wind
Princes William and Harry are planning a pop concert to mark what would have been the 46th birthday of their mother, Princess Diana.
Duran Duran will perform at the July 1 concert in London along with Elton John, who sang “Candle in the Wind” at Diana’s funeral in 1996. Proceeds will go to charity.
Airing her dirty laundry
She’s already considered the Royal Rebel, with a pierced navel and colorful past. Now Zara Phillips – granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and world-champion equestrian – is raising eyebrows by appearing in an ad.
Phillips, the 25-year-old daughter of Princess Anne, posed for a Land Rover spot in a white evening gown with a mud-spattered hem. The photo was taken by Mary McCartney, daughter of former Beatle Paul McCartney.
Big bunches of Bull
Not only is Lindsay Lohan attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, like we told you last week, she’s been doing so for a year.
Asked why she hasn’t said anything before, the notorious party girl replied: “Well it’s no one’s business. That’s why it’s anonymous!”
“I haven’t had a drink in seven days. Or anything,” she added. “I’m not even legal to, so why would I?
“I don’t drink when I go to clubs. I drink with my friends at home, but there’s no need to. I feel better not drinking. It’s more fun. I have Red Bull.”
Bada-bing, bada-Bacchus
And now for something completely different: James Gandolfini, aka Tony Soprano, will reign as celebrity monarch Bacchus during the 2007 Carnival season in New Orleans.
Gandolfini filmed scenes in New Orleans for his role in the movie “All the King’s Men.”
“He fell in love with our city, and he wants to do a lot to help us get back on our feet,” said a spokesman for the Krewe of Bacchus, which chooses national celebrities to lead its parade.
The birthday bunch
Actor Dick Van Dyke is 81. Actor Christopher Plummer is 79. Actor-singer John Davidson is 65. Singer Ted Nugent is 58. Actress Wendie Malick is 56. Country singer John Anderson is 52. Actor Steve Buscemi is 49. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 39. Singer Amy Lee (Evanescence) is 25.