So was she a dodging Spears?

Wed., Feb. 8, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Britney Spears is defending photographs of her driving with her infant son on her lap, saying she was dodging paparazzi.

Several photos published Tuesday showed the pop star driving her SUV with 4-month-old Sean Preston on her lap, rather than strapped into a car seat in the back.

Spears said it was because of a “horrifying, frightful encounter with the paparazzi. … I was terrified that this time the physically aggressive paparazzi would put both me and my baby in danger.”

The X17 agency issued a statement saying there was no aggressive behavior on the part of its photographers, adding: “We believe that the pictures speak for themselves.”

Heaven help us

An Italian priest who runs a music label specializing in religious songs says Michael Jackson could be one of several singers on a CD of music set to Pope John Paul II‘s prayers.

But the Rev. Giuseppe Moscati cautioned that the project is “only a small idea” that would require Vatican approval.

His Edizioni Musicali Terzo Millennio label has produced CDs of famous actors reciting poems by the late pontiff.

Jackson five-star?

Jermaine Jackson has revealed plans to build an entertainment complex in Armenia and hopes his brother, Michael, will join in a reunion concert marking its opening.

Jermaine Jackson, a 51-year-old singer and bass guitar player, said the complex could include a hotel, a restaurant and a television company.

Crime time

Detectives want to question Busta Rhymes about the fatal shooting of his bodyguard outside a Brooklyn warehouse.

The rapper was among several potential witnesses who left the scene of the slaying early Sunday before police arrived.

Rhymes, Missy Elliot and G-Unit members Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo were set to start filming a video for Rhymes’ latest single, “Touch It,” when the violence erupted.

Bad-tempered fella?

Oscar-winning actor Joe Pesci is being investigated for allegedly punching a fan who snapped a photo of him in a Florida shopping center parking lot.

The 62-year-old “Goodfellas” star gave his account of the Jan. 22 incident last week. Prosecutors now will determine whether Pesci should be charged with misdemeanor battery.

The birthday bunch

Actor Nick Nolte is 65. Comedian Robert Klein is 64. Actress Brooke Adams (“Made-Up”) is 57. Actress Mary Steenburgen is 53. Singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 45. Actor Gary Coleman is 38. Actress Mary McCormack is 37. Actor Seth Green is 32. Actress Karle Warren (“Judging Amy”) is 14.

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