The Hollywood Gossip

Jeremiah Wright: Obama Pastor May Be Subject of New Attack Ads

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:08:02 EST

President Barack Obama's ties to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his controversial former pastor, may be the subject of a new ad campaign by a conservative political action committee intent on ousting him in this November's election.

A conservative super PAC is considering an advertising plan to "do what John McCain would not let us do" during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Obama's ties to Jeremiah Wright and his inflammatory rhetoric nearly derailed his bid for the presidency during the Democratic primary, but Obama cut ties with his one-time spiritual adviser, hung on against Hillary Clinton, then defeated McCain.

McCain, honorably, demanded the Wright-Obama angle not be used in any campaign ads during the election. This time around? All bets are off.

With campaign finance reform all but eliminated by the Supreme Court, super PACs can spend whatever they want to run whatever they want.

To that end, Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts commissioned a $10 million plan, known as "The Defeat of Barack Hussein Obama: The Ricketts Plan to End His Spending for Good," to help ensure the President's defeat.

According to a copy of the plan obtained by the New York Times, the group wants to expose the ties between President Obama - who is referred to as a "metrosexual, black Abe Lincoln" - and Wright's "black liberation theology."

The 54-page proposal says, according to the Times:

"The world is about to see Jeremiah Wright and understand his influence on Barack Obama for the first time in a big, attention-arresting way."

The proposed assault includes television commercials and full-page newspaper ads featuring Wright, along with "aerial banners" in the sky.

Ricketts' plan also includes "preparations for how to respond to the charges of race-baiting," according to the paper and goes as far as to suggest the hiring of an "extremely literate conservative African-American" spokesman.

Jeremiah Wright Clips

It also refers to an apparent ad featuring Jeremiah Wright that was produced for McCain's 2008 campaign but never aired. "If the nation had seen that ad," Ricketts writes, "they'd never have elected Barack Obama."

On Thursday, presumptive Republican challenger Mitt Romney's campaign urged the super PAC to avoid pursuing a racially charged campaign.

While criticizing the Obama camp's reported rhetoric, of course.

"Unlike the Obama campaign, Gov. Romney is running a campaign based on jobs and the economy, and we encourage everyone else to do the same," Matt Rhoades, Mitt Romney's campaign manager, said in a statement to Yahoo News.

"President Obama's team said they would 'kill Romney,' and, just last week, David Axelrod referred to individuals opposing the president as 'contract killers.'"

"It's clear President Obama's team is running a campaign of character assassination. We repudiate those efforts and any on our side to do so."

Who Would You Rather: Men of Magic Mike Edition!

matt@iscribelimited.com (Hilton Hater) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:56:00 EST

Attention, men: Go ogle photos of Kate Upton nude. This one is for the ladies.

On June 29, Magic Mike will hit theaters. It's a film based on the past of one of its stars, Channing Tatum, who stripped for a living before striking it big in Hollywood. Yes, it's filled with hot men taking off their clothes.

And these hot men, as seen above, are featured in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. There's Tatum, surrounded by True Blood werewolf Joe Manganiello, White Collar star Matt Bomer and non-stop bongo player Matthew McConaughey.

You know what we're gonna ask next, right? Study the hunks and decide: Whose stripper pole would you feel... if you know what we mean!

Finger Found in Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich, Teenager Traumatized

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:43:03 EST

Ryan Hart, a 14-year-old Michigan resident, treated himself to a yummy Arby's roast beef sandwich the other day, only to discover a human finger in it.

"I was like, 'that's got to be a finger,'" the teen said. "It was just nasty."

In related news, Arby's is still a chain? You learn something every day.

Following the gruesome discovery, the boy was "traumatized," couldn't eat or sleep, and has been prescribed medication, Fox News reports.

Reportedly, an employee cut off her finger with a meat slicer while preparing the meal, went to the emergency room and didn't tell anybody.

Her co-workers, unaware of the injury, continued to complete the order.

John Gray, Arby's V.P. of communications, profusely apologized for the "isolated" incident and sought to reassure customers that this was, well, isolated.

That's little solace to the victim, or his incredulous family.

"A human being loses a finger and you just keep on sending food out the window," said the teen's mom, Jamie Vail. "I can't believe that."

Why no, Jamiet? Makes perfect sense to THG.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Speaks on Wife's Suicide

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:15:44 EST

Mary Kennedy, who committed suicide by hanging herself this week, battled depression for years, her estranged husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says.

"A lot of times, I don’t know how she made it through the day," Robert tells The New York Times. "She was in a lot of agony for a lot of her life."

The son of Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., adds: "I don’t think anybody who was around her didn't do everything that they could to try to help her."

Robert filed for divorce from Mary in 2010 after 16 years of marriage.

They were separated but still legally married, and have four children.

Authorities found Mary Kennedy dead Wednesday in the garage of her Mount Kisco, N.Y., home. The suspected cause of death is asphyxiation by hanging.

Mary's family, meanwhile, has issued a statement.

They criticized "certain news organizations" for portraying her in a way that is "wholly inconsistent with the sister we knew and life she, in fact, lived."

"We loved Mary and knew her to be an exceptional mother, sibling and friend to many," says the statement. "Countless people have described her as an extraordinary mother, selfless in her desire to help others, and one of the finest people in the world."

A private memorial service was set for New York City.

Happy Birthday, Tina Fey!

matt@iscribelimited.com (Hilton Hater) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:05:34 EST

The day after another season of 30 Rock came to an end, the woman behind that genius NBC sitcom has reason to celebrate:

Tina Fey is 42 years old! Send in your birthday wishes now!

Fey, who gave birth to her second child last August, is a former head writer on Saturday Night Live and also a best-selling author. She will likely conclude 30 Rock following next year's seventh season and has not yet announced any plans beyond that run.

Also celebrating birthdays today: George Strait (60) Pope John Paul II (Posthumous), Reggie Jackson (66).

Who do you think is the funniest woman alive?

Tim Tebow Sends Cease and Desist Letter to "Jesus" T-Shirt Maker

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:58:57 EST

Tim Tebow's attorneys have sent a cease and desist letter to the people at Cubby Tees who are making T-shirts implying Jesus endorses the Jets.

Or something. His attorneys put it this way: "The Merchandise makes it appear as if Mr. Tebow actually endorses Cubby Tees and its products."

Where that actually happens is unclear, but here's the shirt:

The shirt, as you can see, doctors the Jets logo to a Jesus-friendly theme. The "NY" is replaced with "MY" and the "JETS" is replaced with "JESUS." Clever.

In addition, what's normally a football at the bottom of the NYJ logo is the "Ichthys," or "sign of the fish," often used to express faith. Even more clever.

If you played a word association game, Jesus and the Jets would likely make you think of Tebow, though the shirt itself contains no reference to him.

What if it has nothing to do with the newly-acquired star quarterback and the folks at Cubby Tees are just really enthusiastic about football and faith?

Think about it.

Dog the Bounty Hunter: Targeted With Death Threats

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:47:36 EST

Between his tracking down fugitives and reality TV career, someone really hates the Dog the Bounty Hunter. Badly enough to make him contact the authorities.

An unknown enemy of Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman is making his feelings evident, sending his family many email death threats of late.

The FBI is investigating the threats on Dog's life.

On April 30, a message to Chapman read, "I'm going to murder you. I'm going to come to Hawaii and murder you and your family in cold blood."

"You are next on my list and are the bane of society. I will deliver you to God."

Days later, another email was sent, and it's even worse. Read it post-jump:

"I'm going to murder you and your family. I'm going to slaughter your family. I'm going to cut the fat tits off your wife while I watch your children bleed."

"I want to see you cry, like you did everyday in prison. I want you to watch as your family gets massacred right in front of you."

"Then I'm going to f--k you in the ass with your f----t Indian beads."

The threats continued with talk about raping his children, "It will feel so great. The blood of the innocent gets me so hard. Bye, Duane."

The family released a statement saying, "The Chapmans are taking these threats seriously and are very concerned about the safety of their family."

"Duane Chapman said that when the person responsible is found, he will prosecute to the full extent of the law for the threats made against his family."

"A referral of the case has been made to the FBI in Honolulu."

Best wishes to Dog, his family, and the FBI pursuing this awful person.

[Photo: WENN.com]

Johnny Wujek and Rob Evans Cast on America's Next Top Model

matt@iscribelimited.com (Hilton Hater) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:47:19 EST

J. Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker are out of America's Next Top Model. And now two new fashion industry heavyweights are in. We'll let host Tyra Banks deliver the news:

"Welcome the fab Johnny Wujek & fine Rob Evans to the CW's ANTM!" she Tweeted yesterday. "Excited for some cuh-ray-zee challenges. Start practicin' ur booty tooch!"

The CW, meanwhile, has confirmed that that Wujek - best known as Katy Perry's stylist - will come on board a creative consultant on the long-running series; while model Evans will will sit with Kelly Cutrone on the judging panel.

The network also announced yesterday that ANTM will move to Friday nights in the fall, while viewers will have a major say for the first time.

"Twice a week, starting Thursday, May 24th, you'll be able to use our Voting App to rank and sound off on all 13 models' best photos," Banks wrote. "Your input will shape the competition and you'll be able to see it play out in the Fall. It's time for your voice to be heard; today on social media and soon on the show itself!"

Conan O'Brien and David Letterman Sort of Trash Jay Leno on The Late Show

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:25:58 EST

When David Letterman brought Conan O'Brien as a guest on The Late Show Thursday, you knew this was going to come up. And it was pretty amusing.

The two late-night talk-show hosts reunited on the program after 13 years, and Jay Leno, who famously forced Conan out of NBC, came up quite a bit.

Letterman didn't shy from admitting the rivalry brought him a bit of happiness, to which O"Brien, his one-time Late Night replacement, responded:

"If this is bringing you some measure of joy, then to hell with my career."

Conan O'Brien on The Late Show With David Letterman

Letterman said Leno was always "a bit of a brat," and Conan confessed that the two comics had little in common, even back in the NBC salad days.

After some minor digs, Conan admitted he's in a good place, though.

"I feel terrific, I really do… I'm so very lucky to get to go on television and to get to do my thing my way, and TBS lets me do whatever I want."

"Checks come in and I have a great time. We took all of our people with us, everybody is happy. I'm thrilled. It worked out. I'm a lucky person."

"They don't watch it, they don't care."

We should all be so fortunate.

Jenny McCarthy Nude in Playboy: Coming Soon!

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:14:51 EST

It feels like 1993 all over again.

Jenny McCarthy will pose nude for Playboy's July/August issue, marking a surprise return from one of Hugh Hefner's most famous Playmates of the Year.

After almost 20 years, the soon-to-be 40-year-old model, actress and mom is returning to show off her goods on the cover of the men's mag June 29.

Jenny first posed for Playboy in 1993 for a modest $20,000, earning herself the title of Playmate of the Month and a bit later on, Playmate of the Year.

She confirmed her return to the magazine with a bit of irony.

McCarthy told E! this week, "All I wanted to do [when she began in the industry] was work with my clothes on, and now I just hope to get them off!"

Any objections? Guys? No? Speak now or forever hold your ... nevermind. Check out three vintage Jenny McCarthy Playboy covers after the jump: