Bieber says he sped because of chase
Authorities say heartthrob singer Justin Bieber has been ticketed for speeding on a Los Angeles freeway after being chased by at least one other vehicle.
California Highway Patrol Officer Ming Hsu said Bieber was cited for driving in excess of 65 mph at about 10:45 a.m. on Friday, after calls came in complaining of a freeway chase on southbound U.S. Highway 101 near Studio City.
Hsu said Bieber said he was being chased by paparazzi.
The claim of a chase is backed by eyewitness Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who called authorities after seeing Bieber’s distinctive chrome Fisker Karma being chased by five or six other cars.
Zine, a former LAPD officer, said the chase exceeded 100 mph.
Boyle given honorary degree
Singing sensation Susan Boyle has been awarded an honorary doctorate from a Scottish university.
Boyle, who shot to fame on a TV talent show, wore blue-and-white academic robes as she accepted the degree Friday from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University in recognition of her “contribution to the creative industries.”
A 40-something church volunteer from a small Scottish village, Boyle became a global sensation in 2009 after she performed the song “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” on the television program “Britain’s Got Talent.”
She has since sold 18 million records around the world and performed for audiences from the U.S. to China.
Woman admits Cowell break-in
A judge on Friday banned a 30-year-old woman from going near Simon Cowell after she admitted smashing a window of the entertainment mogul’s house with a brick.
Leanne Zaloumis was arrested March 24 at Cowell’s west London mansion.
Prosecutors say Cowell was watching TV in his bedroom when he heard a loud bang coming from his bathroom and discovered Zaloumis inside a wardrobe with a brick.
At a court hearing Friday, Zaloumis admitted possessing a brick with intent to damage or destroy property but denied burglary and affray.
Prosecutors accepted her plea, meaning she will not face trial.
Judge John Denniss said the 102 days Zaloumis has spent in jail were sufficient punishment.
The birthday bunch
Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 85. Rock star Ringo Starr is 72. Singer David Hodo (The Village People) is 65. Actress Shelley Duvall is 63. Actress Roz Ryan is 61. Comedian Jim Gaffigan is 46. Actress Amy Carlson is 44. Actor Troy Garity is 39. Actor Hamish Linklater is 36. Rapper Cassidy is 30. Actor Ross Malinger is 28.