Simpson, Houston, we have a digestive problem
IT’S BEEN A bad week for female celebrity singers and tummy troubles. First Jessica Simpson was briefly hospitalized in Chicago for a stomach virus while shooting an Oscar-themed segment for today’s “Oprah Winfrey Show.”
Simpson, 24, became dehydrated and was admitted to the hospital Monday. She has since returned to Los Angeles and is “feeling better,” her spokesman said.
(Look for her on Oprah today along with Ashanti and Lara Flynn Boyle in “Red Carpet Makeovers with Jessica Simpson.”)
Then Grammy-winner Whitney Houston became ill with “severe vomiting” during a flight to Paris and was taken to a hospital Thursday for treatment of apparent food poisoning.
Her publicist said Houston, 41, was suffering from gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. The cause wasn’t immediately known.
More lip service from Benet to Berry
Eric Benet says he’s singing an apology to ex-wife Halle Berry in his upcoming album – although he admits she’s heard it all before.
“Maybe she hasn’t heard the songs, but she’s heard everything I have to say,” he told “Access Hollywood.”
Oscar winner Berry filed for divorce from the R&B singer last April after about three years of marriage amid tabloid speculation about his faithfulness.
Cruz won’t desert McConaughey
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz is headed down the aisle – and not with Salma Hayek.
Despite rumors of an affair between the two actresses, Cruz reportedly gave actor boyfriend Matthew McConaughey a big “yes” when he popped the question.
The couple, who met last year while working on the film “Sahara,” plan a private July wedding in Madrid.
Cruz’s last beau was Tom Cruise, then-newly divorced from Nicole Kidman, while McConaughey has been linked on-and-off to actress Sandra Bullock.
The glass is half empty for Christian and Ryan
Christian Slater has filed a divorce petition to end his five-year marriage to television producer Ryan Haddon.
“The mutual decision was reached amicably, and they remain committed to raising their two young children together,” Slater’s publicist said.
In November 2003, Haddon allegedly hit Slater with a drinking glass in a room at a hotel-casino in Las Vegas, and he required stitches to close a wound behind his ear. Haddon was jailed briefly but no charges were filed.
Now, that’s way beyond freaky
The father of teen movie star Lindsay Lohan (“Mean Girls,” “Freaky Friday”) threatened to kill his wife and children, according to allegations in divorce papers.
”O.J. Simpson has nothing on me,” Michael Lohan allegedly told the family’s security guard last year. “I know exactly how I’m going to kill (them). I know when I’m going to do it, and I’m going to enjoy it.”
The documents also describe several instances in which Lohan, 44, allegedly beat his wife.
Dina Lohan is seeking full custody of the couple’s children, alimony and $1 million in damages.
The birthday bunch
Country singer Ralph Stanley is 78. Actress Diane Baker is 67. Talk-show host Sally Jessy Raphael is 62. Actress Karen Grassle (“Little House on the Prairie”) is 61. Actress Veronica Webb is 40. Actress Tea Leoni is 39. Actress Lesley Boone (“Ed”) is 37. Actor Sean Astin is 34. Actress Rashida Jones (“Boston Public”) is 29. Actors James and Oliver Phelps (“Harry Potter” films) are 19.