The full truth, Hogwarts and all
Harry Potter fans are still reeling from the news that Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay.
J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series, outed the beloved character Friday night at Carnegie Hall.
After reading briefly from the final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” she was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds “true love.”
“Dumbledore is gay,” Rowling responded to gasps and applause.
She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with evil rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated in a battle between wizards.
Potter readers have speculated online about the sexuality of Dumbledore, noting that he has no close relationship with women and a mysterious, troubled past. Explicit scenes featuring him have appeared in fan fiction.
Some Potter fans welcomed the revelation.
“Jo Rowling calling any Harry Potter character gay would make wonderful strides in tolerance toward homosexuality,” says Melissa Anelli, Web master of the fan site The Leaky Cauldron.
Can he make this disappear?
David Copperfield has canceled upcoming shows in Southeast Asia amid an FBI investigation into allegations that the illusionist “forced himself” on an unidentified woman.
The cancellations came after agents searched his Las Vegas warehouse and a casino theater where he regularly performs.
Copperfield’s lawyer called the allegations false, and said the cancellations occurred because tour operators in Asia defaulted on their contracts.
Rock and some hard time
Kid Rock was arrested early Sunday after a brawl at an Atlanta restaurant and spent about 12 hours in jail before being released.
The altercation at a Waffle House started after a customer recognized a woman in Rock’s party and exchanged words with her. He and Rock then got into a scuffle that moved outside to the parking lot.
Rock and five members of his entourage were charged with misdemeanor battery. The customer, who punched out a restaurant window, faces property damage charges.
Assault with a soap box?
Nathaniel Marston, who plays Dr. Michael McBain on ABC’s “One Life to Live,” has been charged with assault and resisting arrest following a incident in midtown Manhattan.
Marston, 32, attacked three men with a crate around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, according to authorities. When officers tried to arrest him, he began flailing his arms and kicking at officers, one of whom was treated for a cut hand and a bruised knee.
Quoteworthy
Model Sarah Welch, whose tumble into a runway hole during L.A. Fashion Week is a hit YouTube video: “As a runway model, you have to keep your head up, you know. So I didn’t look down for a hole, particularly.”
The birthday bunch
Director Ang Lee is 53. Singer Dianne Reeves is 51. Singer/actor Dwight Yoakam is 51. Singer “Weird Al” Yankovic is 48. Actor Ryan Reynolds (“Van Wilder”) is 31. Actress Masiela Lusha (“George Lopez”) is 22.