Madonna to join Russian punk band at human rights concert
Madonna’s not done with her recent string of public appearances – she also has signed on to introduce members of Pussy Riot at Amnesty International’s human rights concert in New York on Feb. 5.
The pop singer made the announcement Wednesday morning on social media. She’s been busy of late, appearing on Sunday’s Grammy Awards with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and singing with Miley Cyrus during an “MTV Unplugged” taping Tuesday.
Madonna said in a statement that she admires Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova. They were recently released after nearly two years in jail following a conviction for hooliganism when they staged a protest in a Russian church.
Sheridan’s firing lawsuit reinstated
A judge in Los Angeles has reinstated a lawsuit by Nicollette Sheridan over her firing from “Desperate Housewives.”
The ruling on Wednesday could lead to a new trial on her claim that she was improperly ousted from the show.
City News Service reported that a Superior Court judge overturned an earlier ruling dismissing the suit.
Sheridan claims she was fired after complaining that series creator Marc Cherry struck her on set. A jury deadlocked 8-4 in her favor in 2012.
Cherry has denied the claim and been dismissed from the legal action. The show’s producer, Touchstone Television Productions LLC, also has denied the allegation.
Sheridan’s lawyer said he is pleased with the ruling and believes it will allow the actress to have her day in court.
Bieber pleads not guilty to charges
Justin Bieber has pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license in Florida.
Court records show that Bieber’s attorney filed the written plea Wednesday in Miami-Dade County. Bieber already has an arraignment set for Feb. 14, but Florida law doesn’t require the 19-year-old pop star to be present.
Defense attorney Mark Shapiro said a decision on whether Bieber will attend has not been made.
Bieber and R&B singer Khalil Amir Sharieff were arrested last week in Miami Beach during what police described as an illegal street drag race between a Lamborghini and a Ferrari. Neither has been charged with drag racing.
Police said Bieber cursed at an officer and admitted to smoking marijuana, drinking and taking a prescription medication.
The birthday bunch
Actress Carol Channing is 93. Singer Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band) is 63. Singer Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols) is 58. Actress Kelly Lynch is 55. Actress Minnie Driver is 44. Actress Portia de Rossi is 41. Actress Kerry Washington is 37. Singer Justin Timberlake is 33. Singer Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line) is 27. Singer Marcus Mumford (Mumford and Sons) is 27.