Naughty But Nice Rob

Lisa Lampanelli Defends Racial Slur, Says She Won't Stop Using N-Word

2013-02-19T17:46:36-05:00

Comedian Lisa Lampanelli woke up to a firestorm of controversy Tuesday morning after she tweeted a picture of herself with HBO show "Girls" creator Lena Dunham with the caption, “Me with my nigga ‪@LenaDunham of ‪@HBOGirls - I love this beyotch!!”

Me with my nigga @lenadunham of @hbogirls - I love this beyotch!! say.ly/oKP5chO
— Lisa Lampanelli (@LisaLampanelli) February 18, 2013

Now Lisa is defending her choice of using the N-word, saying she has no intention of not using it again.

"I have not been online since Sunday night; I needed a little break after the writer awards. And I’m like, oh there is controversy, perfect," Lisa told The Huffington Post. "I was at the Writers Guild Awards and Lena Dunham saw me and said, 'I saw you when I was 15.' She was so sweet and I swear to you, I'm the biggest fan of 'Girls' in the world, and I just tweeted out our picture. And that's controversial; enjoy, people."

After we pointed out to Lisa that it was her choice of a certain word, rather than the image, that has people talking, Lisa defended what she wrote.

“The N-word ending in 'er' is far different context from the word ending in 'a.' Ask any person who knows the urban dictionary, it means 'friend,'" she said. "And by the way, if I had put the word ending in 'er,' that would have been a very derogatory thing about Lena meaning she is less than me, and I view her as very above me. 'A' on the end means 'my friend.'"

"I’ve played every comedy club and every theatre across the country for the last 25 years and seen a lot of audience members from different ethnic persuasions," she continued. "I have been using these words since I started in comedy and guess what, people? I won't stop anytime soon, just because your ass is up on Twitter. I have always used in my act every racial slur there is for Asians, blacks, gays, and Hispanics. To me, it's acceptable if the joke is funny and if it is said in a context of no hate. It's about taking the hate out of the word."

'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo' Star Mama June Says Her Daughters Won't Be The Next Kardashians

2013-02-19T15:00:52-05:00

"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" star Mama June Shannon is not letting the fame go to her head. She says she and her family will never change and that she has no intention of trying to turn her girls into the next Kardashians.

“My girls are not high-maintenance like them,” June tells The Huffington Post, referring to the Kardashian sisters. “They prefer to play in the mud than shop for new clothes. My girls are not labels. My kids love knowing who they are and know who they are, so, no.”

Even the thought of moving to Los Angeles or becoming like the Beverly Hillbillies makes June laugh.

“We are just everyday people. We don't consider ourselves celebrities. We still have respect for people just like we did before. We have not let the fame go to our head because we are people people. We love to hang out with our fans. We love to meet them. We do meet people at our house, they pull up and some conversations last two minutes, some conversations last two to three hours,” she explains. “I’m the same person I was six months before all this started. You just know where you come from and don't forget the people before all this came.”

June confesses she is aware that some people don't like her show and knows that she and her girls have been the butt of many jokes. However, she says that doesn't bother her at all.

“I know who I am. People are crazy and what’s so funny to me is the haters that talk about our show, they can quote just about everything," she says. "So those haters know every detail of our show and keep our ratings up just as much as die-hard fans. It's kind of funny, you hate our show so much, how do you know so much about it?”

A spokesperson for the Kardashians did not return calls for comment.

Octomom And Manager Gina Rodriguez Part Ways

2013-02-19T13:51:52-05:00

After two years of working together, “Octomom” Nadya Suleman has been dropped by her manager, Gina Rodriguez of GR Media. Rodriguez was responsible for making Suleman tens of thousands of dollars selling stories and pictures and arranging paid personal appearances, and she even put together the X-rated solo movie deal that allowed Suleman and her children to afford a new home.

“It has been very hard to work with her from the beginning but it got progressively worse since she left rehab in November," Rodriguez tells The Huffington Post. "Nadya is back to the same habits as before treatment and I cannot do it anymore. She is dishonest about everything to the point you cannot work effectively for her because you cannot decipher between what’s true and false. I’ve seen the situation the kids are in and it's very sad -- they were the only reason I helped for so long."

Suleman did not return calls seeking comment and does not use email. She recently told The Huffington Post that she was back on government assistance after paying her rehab bills. She said then that she hopes to be off assistance very soon.

Rodriguez is not as optimistic. "She is heading for destruction and I wanted to part ways," she said of Suleaman. "She begged to strip for the money and I was against it. Then she got offered to do another movie and she said she wanted to do it. She started telling everyone I wanted her to do porn, which is not true. None of my other clients are doing porn or anything adult-related and I am against it. She thinks she is going to be Kim Kardashian.”

During the time she was working with Rodriguez, Suleman earned money from Celebridate, her OctoLoan endorsement, her Deeyoon Debate endorsement, "Octomom Home Alone," "DialAStar, the Millennium Movie," the Roctuplets Christmas song, her WhatsYourPrice.com endorsement and a topless shoot for a European magazine.

Sports Illustrated Male Swimsuit Issue Is A 'Great Idea,' Says Carson Kressley

2013-02-13T18:20:07-05:00

After two days of press appearances in New York, cover model Kate Upton and her friends in the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition hopped on a private flight to Las Vegas, where they will continue promoting the iconic issue. That barely dressed group might have some surprising new faces in the future: Major changes are being suggested for the swimsuit issue, including featuring male models.

"I think that is a great idea," TV personality Carson Kressley tells The Huffington Post. "However, Sports Illustrated is in the business of selling magazines. When your readership is a bunch of guys interested in sports, you certainly want to do an edition once a year featuring hot chicks in bikinis. I think Martha Stewart Living or someone [else] that has a big women’s readership should do a big swimsuit issue with men."

He adds, "Who would I like to see on the cover -- David Beckham! If they do it, I will style it for free. We will do the fitting and then decide on who should wear what."

Carson is making his off-Broadway debut in "NEWSical the Musical," where he sings, dances and makes fun of pop culture, including a sketch in which he plays his "Dancing With the Stars" friend Nancy Grace.

"Nancy is the best sport. She sent flowers on opening night and is coming to see the show when she’s in town," says Carson. "I have a longstanding relationship with Oprah, who we do in the show. We are not making fun of people in a mean way. I think she would like it. What you see with Oprah is what you get. She’s a kind, thoughtful, funny, compassionate, real woman. Why she resonates so well with everyone is because she really is who she is. She’s famous for being Oprah."

Carson also has great fun at the expense of "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," a show for which he takes some responsibility.

"I think the idea behind the Honey Boo Boo sketch was to point out the insanity of it all," the former "Queer Eye" star laughs. "I do feel responsible -- reality TV is obviously the most popular mode of entertainment and people find entertainment in a variety of different things. Our hook was gay guys coming into a straight guy's world. A when-two-worlds-collide moment. Nowadays we are into rednecks and 'Duck Dynasty' ... Tomorrow it will be something else. It's just TV for God’s sakes. I don't get into dissecting it. I watch what I like, and I use it for what it's meant for, which is entertainment."

Carson can be seen in "NEWSical the Musical" until March 3.

As for the idea of a male swimsuit issue, it might not be so farfetched. "Great idea. You never know," a spokesperson for Sports Illustrated responded to The Huffington Post.

Jenny McCarthy Show Went On Without Guest Josh Groban, Was 'Amazing,' Says Sidekick

2013-02-13T16:44:48-05:00

Jenny McCarthy and the crew of her new VH1 late-night show, "The Jenny McCarthy Show," were excited that they landed Josh Groban as a guest on her debut episode. But unfortunately, Josh turned up for the taping last Thursday and then left the building before ever setting foot in front of the camera.

“I was really surprised when Josh Groban left; I mean, it's not like he's going on 'Oprah's Favorite Things' -- it's 'The Jenny McCarthy show,'" Jenny’s funny sidekick, Michelle Buteau, tells The Huffington Post. “It's laid-back, sexy fun -- and tits. What man wouldn't want to be a part of that?”

Jenny was left on Thursday with a show audience and crew waiting to tape her first episode -- but no first guest. VH1 did not respond to a request for comment from The Huffington Post on what happened that upset Josh enough to make him leave.

“Jenny was so amazing that night. She didn't even flinch -- she was a true professional. She thought quickly and pimped her sister,” Michelle reveals about Jenny’s sister and makeup artist, JoJo. “ With her drink in hand and not a hair out of place, home-girl started the show with the same amount of love and energy as she would have done with her original guest. You go girl.”

Some insiders say that Josh was upset when he saw the questions, which reportedly included, "What music do you listen to when you make love?" Others say it was the fact Jenny had stripper poles and dancers on her show that convinced the singer to leave.

A spokesperson for Groban did not return HuffPost's calls for comment.

Update: "Jenny has no hard feelings and says Josh is welcome to come back anytime," McCarthy's rep tells HuffPost.

Lindsay Lohan Gets Help With amfAR Dress, Was 'Extremely Polite,' Says Stylist Phillip Bloch

2013-02-13T16:14:56-05:00

In a very generous gesture, actor Charlie Sheen offered to pay half the cost of the gown Lindsay Lohan wore at the amfAR gala last week and even called stylist to the stars Phillip Bloch to make sure the actress looked great on the red carpet.

“When my good friend and favorite client, Charlie Sheen, called and asked me to hook up his girl Lindsay Lohan with a dress for the amfAR event last week, I thought, 'How am I ever going to get this done?” Phillip tells The Huffington Post.

“But, luckily my team rallied with enthusiasm and wonderment of what it would be like to be around La Lohan. We were not disappointed. She was everything you would think she would be -- effervescent, charming, funny, gracious and extremely polite. Nothing was done without a 'please' and a 'thank you.' And in all my years as a stylist dressing celebs, from Halle Berry to Beyoncé, I have never seen a star zoom in so promptly on exactly what she wanted to wear, and there were many options. She saw what she liked, tried it on and it was magic, which was fortunate since everything was so last-minute.

This is not the first time Charlie has been a knight in shining armor to Lindsay. A few months ago he gave the actress a $100,000 check to help her pay off her tax debt.

“As we continue on our Lilo journey, the thing I will say about Lindsay Lohan is to always expect the unexpected which is to be expected,” says Phillip. “But Lindsay is the gift of glamour that keeps on giving -- out of all the celebs out at the amfAR event and fashion week in NYC this past week, this picture of Lindsay has circulated more than anyone else's. Proof that much like Liz Taylor, she has an undeniable magnetism-- that we can’t help but be drawn to."

Brahim Zaibat, Madonna's Boyfriend, Has A New Gig

2013-02-12T13:25:06-05:00

Madonna’s boyfriend, Brahim Zaibat, has a new job. The 25-year-old dancer has signed on with the prestigious IMG modeling agency and gone straight to work at New York’s Fashion Week.

Brahim is scheduled to hit the runaway Wednesday at the show of Jeremy Scott, a designer who built his career on risky designs favored by celebrities such as Madonna frenemy Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.

The couple have been dating for two years, and Brahim worked for his girlfriend as a dancer on her "MDNA" tour. On the tour, they were not shy about displaying their affection toward each other onstage.

“To work with Madonna, a woman that is so dedicated, that is so persistent and is so detailed oriented and is so hardworking is something that is inspiring,” Madonna’s trainer Nicole Winhoffer recently told The Huffington Post. “I get to learn every single day. She always asks questions, I have to know the answers and find solutions. She has taught that anything is possible and you learn so much about yourself working for her. She wants the best from everyone around her. She’s always looking for new things and always thinking outside the box.”

There has been no confirmation about Madonna attending the show Wednesday; however, insiders say security has been increased at the tents.

IMG Models super-agent Ivan Bart confirmed he is now representing Mr. Zaibat

Helen Mirren's Pink Hair Was Inspired By 'America's Next Top Model'

2013-02-11T15:55:14-05:00

Dame Helen Mirren, 67, surprised everyone when she debuted her new pink bob on the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards in London on Sunday night. However, no one was more surprised than Tyra Banks when Dame Helen announced that her new look was inspired by a contestant on the reality show “America’s Next Top Model.”

‘I just thought it would be fun to dye my hair pink. I mean, honestly, I was watching 'America’s Next Top Model' and the season where there were the British girls. Well, the British girl who won, she had pink hair, and I thought: 'That looks really pretty.' So I’m copying her, basically,” Dame Helen announced at the event.

“We love Ms. Mirren,” Tyra tells The Huffington Post. “Her smize [a word Tyra invented that means smiling with your eyes] and her America’s Next Top Model hair is to die for!”

Also surprised was Sophie Sumner, the 'Top Model' contestant who inspired the new look. Sophie had no idea that she was the inspiration for Mirren's new 'do until we broke the news to her.

“I had no idea. Wow, that is extremely flattering. I don't think anyone has ever followed one of my haircuts. She is an extremely beautiful woman and I think pink looks absolutely gorgeous on her,” says Sophie.

Other celebrities who have sported pink hair include Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Kelly Osbourne. You are in great company, Dame Helen.

Cissy Houston 'In Good Spirits' On Anniversary Of Whitney Houston's Death, Says Alexis Houston

2013-02-11T15:12:05-05:00

Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, declined an offer to attend Clive Davis’s pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles Saturday night, opting instead to attend church Sunday morning, the day before the first anniversary of her daughter's death.

“She was surprisingly in good spirits. Emotional at times during the service but good and tough as usual,” Alexis Houston, who claims to be Whitney’s half-sister, tells The Huffington Post. “I spoke with Cissy this morning at church. I’m not in communication with Pat or Gary," she said, referring to Whitney’s brother and his wife, who both attended Davis's party in LA at the Beverly Hilton, the same hotel where the singer died a year ago.

On Thursday, Cissy, 79, responded to Davis's invitation to his pre-Grammys party. Although Davis was her late daughter's mentor, Cissy told "Access Hollywood" that the invitation was “obscene.”

“Clive's party could have been moved, but I guess the venue is legendary and he does have a loyal relationship with them,” says Alexis. “We celebrated this [Sunday] morning at New Hope Baptist Church [the same church where Whitney’s funeral was held] with a commemorative service.”

Alexis is no stranger to controversy. In 2010 she held a press conference with Gloria Allred to deny reports she was having an affair with "Today Show" host Matt Lauer. The New York Post reported in 2010 that Alexis was born a man, and used to be called Wellington Houston, something Alexis denied at the time.

PHOTO of Cissy Houston courtesy of Alexis Houston:

Justin Bieber Fans Brave Blizzard For 'Saturday Night Live' Tickets

2013-02-08T13:32:22-05:00

The blizzard approaching New York City has reduced the number of Justin Bieber fans lined up on 49th street hoping to get standby tickets for his appearance on "Saturday Night Live." But as of noon on Friday, 20 to 30 die-hard fans remained, vowing to stay put despite the less-than-subtle suggestions from security.

“He has swag, that’s worth three nights of blizzard," Dana Arcizy of New Hampshire told The Huffington Post.

"Security was trying to convince us to leave. I think they don't want to be working in the snow," she said. "They were like, 'You don't really have a good chance of getting tickets. You are probably going to be ordered to leave.’ But we made it this far, why leave now?”

“We are staying, not listening to security," said Arianna Mina, who had already been waiting for more than 11 hours. "I’m hoping to get these tickets. I’m so cold, but I don't care about the rain. I would do anything for him."

“They made us take our tents down,” screamed Allyssa Johana, who looked too distraught to talk as she started to dismantle what little protection she had from the rain.

“I’m here because I have an extreme case of Bieber fever,” said Carla Alvarez of Los Angeles. "The only other person I might do this for is Michael Jackson. He was Justin’s biggest idol."

"I’ve been here from last night at 9 p.m," she said. "I’m willing to do another overnight for Justin.”

Fortunately, Carla and her friends won’t have to wait another night, as the show will be breaking with tradition and issuing tickets early.

“Because of the blizzard we are handing out standby tickets later today, around 11 p.m.,” revealed one "SNL" insider. “Normally, standby tickets are given out at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning.”

While each person waiting is given a standby ticket, the number of standby ticket holders allowed in to see the show varies each week. "SNL" tickets are free and distributed by a lottery system each August. Those lucky enough to win tickets to one of the season's 21 episodes are admitted to either the live show or dress rehearsal. Everyone else has to wait on the street.

Update: "We will start giving the tickets out at 6 p.m. intermittently until 11 p.m. tonight (in addition, we always pass out soup to the stand-by line in cold months and will be doing so today," says an "SNL" spokesperson.

Lindsay Lohan Living With Mom: Star Moves Back In With Dina Lohan

2013-02-08T12:14:16-05:00

Watch out Long Island, Lindsay Lohan has returned. Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan has left Hollywood behind and has returned to her childhood home in New York under the watchful eye of her mother, Dina Lohan, Dina tells The Huffington Post.

“I have been trying to get her back with me for five years,” Dina says. “She’s been back for eight months already in NYC and [at] home.”

Lindsay has moved out of the 2,500-square-foot Beverly Hills home she was renting for $8,000 per month, and is reportedly now back in her old room at her mother's house. Some have been left to wonder -- can Lindsay no longer afford to live the Hollywood lifestyle?

“It’s amazing that after all the money she has earned over the years that she doesn't own anything,” one friend says. “She never invested in property or art or anything. Now it’s all gone, and she’s had to move back into her mom's spare bedroom. It’s really sad.”

Lindsay earned a sizable income last year, including $1 million for a Playboy cover shoot, $300,000 from Lifetime flop "Liz and Dick," and $200,000 for a cameo in "Scary Movie 5" alongside Charlie Sheen. But the actress also had outstanding taxes totaling $233,904 and continued to live lavishly.

“Lets hope time away from the LA scene does her good,” says one insider. “Being away from the bright lights of Hollywood and all the temptation isn’t a bad thing. Many actors have needed to take a break from it. Unfortunately though, Lindsay seems to find trouble whereever she is.”

Richard Simmons' 'Piece of My Heart' Pays Tribute To American Soldiers

2013-02-07T17:02:35-05:00

Weight loss guru Richard Simmons taught the world how to sweat, and now he wants to teach it how to sing. Jumping into the music business with his first single, "Piece of My Heart," Simmons couldn't hold back the tears when discussing his tribute to America’s soldiers.

“I have an exercise studio, and I have about 20 women in my class who have husbands deployed to Afghanistan. So I get up very early in the morning -- at 3 a.m. -- and answer my emails, and this one lady wrote and said that she couldn't stop eating because her husband was going for the fourth time. It just got to me, and I sat at my butcher block with my 16-year old Dalmatian and wrote a song,” Richard tells The Huffington Post.

This isn’t the first time Richard has jumped into the recording booth. In 1983, he recorded an exercise song called "Reach." But this new single and album, he says, is more important.

Richard added that he is impacted by the hardships facing people who are trying to lose weight.

“The number-one reason people put on weight is low self-worth. When your husband isn’t making love to you and can't find a job, when your children don't treat you with respect, when you get called names when you're walking down the street,” he says. “I know this is part of our society, but it really brings a tear to my eye.

Proceeds from "Piece of My Heart" will go to a fund benefiting U.S. Armed Forces.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that proceeds from "Piece of My Heart" would benefit Project HOPE, Richard's new workout program.

Clive Davis's Grammy Party Coincides With Anniversary Of Whitney Houston's Death

2013-02-06T17:33:13-05:00

Nearly one year after the tragic death of Whitney Houston at the Beverly Hilton, music producer and friend of the singer Clive Davis will hold his annual Grammy party at the hotel on Feb. 9.

“The party is at the Beverly Hilton, that’s where it always is,” a publicist for Davis told The Huffington Post.

This year’s guest list includes Whitney’s friend Jennifer Hudson, who performed a Grammy tribute to the singer just a few days after her death. Also expected to attend are David Guetta, Dr. Luke and Max Martin, Les Moonves and Julie Chen, Doug Morris, Pharell Williams, Usher, Ryan Lochte and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne.

Whitney had been staying at the hotel because she planned to attend last year's party. She died hours before the event, which went ahead as planned. Since then, the room where Houston died, No. 434, has been taken out of circulation.

“The anniversary of Whitney Houston's death is a sad reminder to us all that we have lost an iconic and well-loved entertainer. Out of respect to the family and fans of Whitney, the guest room where she stayed was immediately taken out of inventory and all contents were removed," said Laura Millett, who handles PR for the Beverly Hilton. "Hotel management is considering options to repurpose the space but has made no final decisions at this time."

"The security measures being taken are confidential, but the hotel's highest priority is to ensure a safe environment for both party attendees and hotel guests," Millett said of the upcoming Grammy party.

Davis's publicist could not comment on whether any special arrangements had been made for the party regarding the first anniversary of Whitney's death.

Denise Richards' Skinny Photos Explained

2013-02-06T15:19:27-05:00

New pictures of Denise Richards taking her kids for ice cream in Los Angeles have caused some to worry about how thin the actress appears. However, friends of the single mom are saying she is happier and healthier than ever.

"Denise has always been thin. Her whole family is thin. She hasn't changed anything, her workout is still Pilates. But she is literally on the go non-stop. She's a single mom to three active girls, and sometimes helps Brooke [Mueller] out with her boys. That alone keeps her moving non-stop," a very close friend of Denise's tells The Huffington Post.

Denise recently suffered a massive loss when her beloved 13-year-old French bulldog, Hank, died. But insiders insist that has nothing to do with her weight.

"The last few months she has been working a lot and just juggling everything. She has honestly never have felt better. It's important for her to always instill good, healthy body image to her girls. I don't think she's lost weight, maybe just leaned out a little and certainly not on purpose."

Honey Boo Boo's Mama June On Weight Loss: 'I Have Lost 115 Pounds'

2013-02-06T13:56:52-05:00

"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" is back. The hit TLC reality show returns Sunday with “A Very Boo Christmas,” and while viewers will get to see how the family spends the holidays, they'll also get to see a different look for mom June Shannon, who has both dyed her hair and lost a whopping 115 pounds -- without dieting or going to the gym!

“No, I have not felt no pressure to change,” Mama June tells the Huffington Post. “I was blond about six years ago and I wanted to go back blond, so I went back blond and I loved it. I have lost 115 pounds, but that's because I’m on the go. We love fried food, but I lost that weight because I’m more active doing things.”

June insists that fame has not changed the family at all.

“In five years, I see us still playing mud ball games, being a family and being there for one another. Wherever this amazing adventure leads us, we are ready for anything as long as we are a family,” says June. “That's where I’m the most happy, because my kids mean the world to me. You know I would be lost without them. That's all that matters to me."

June has some wisdom for other moms, too: "My advice to mothers is be foremost a parent. Second of all, make sure you are a friend also. I don't want my kids doing what other kids' parents don't know about. You got to open that line of communication. Its what I call an open-door policy.”

Reluctant to give away too many secrets of Sunday’s special episode, June did say that her daughter Alana still believes in Santa Claus and is very excited to see what he brings the family.

“You get to see what we do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We do charity work for our community and it's a huge project we do every year. We make sure every kid that is needy in our community gets something at Christmas time,” says June. “We got reindeer food -- it's corn and glitter -- and we sprinkle it on the yard for Santa to be able to find our house better.”