Madoff Led Away in Handcuffs
Disgraced Wall Street financier Bernie Madoff, 70, was led away in handcuffs today after pleading guilty to 11 felony charges in Manhattan federal court.
Madoff, who swindled wealthy clients such as Chris Lighty and 50 Cent out of a total of $65 billion, confessed his elaborate Ponzi scheme to his son 3 months ago.
U.S. District Judge Denny Chin ordered that Madoff be jailed while he awaits sentencing on June 16.
Madoff had been free on $10 million bail and living it up on house arrest in his $7 million penthouse. He faces up to 150 years in prison when sentenced, and will likely die behind bars.
Obama Appointee Office Raided
Just a few days after CNN’s medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta turned down a position within the Obama administration, yet another Obama appointee, Chas Freeman, has withdrawn his name from consideration for a position.
And today we learn that a new Obama appointee’s office was just raided by the feds! Why can’t Obama’s team get their act together?
Is this the Change that Obama promised?
Obama has nominated a number of people with tax problems and conflicts of interest that floated to the surface after their appointments were publicly announced. He has lost three Cabinet appointments, two to tax problems, and his Chief Performance Officer, Nancy Killefer, over her tax issues. The raid on the DC CTO’s office will confirm again the impression that Team Obama has a real problem in vetting potential appointments. LINK
Photos of the Day
Photos: REUTERS
New Music: Lionel Richie ft. Akon – Just Go
Nicole Richie’s adopted dad, Lionel Richie, has a new single titled “Just Go” featuring Akon off his upcoming CD of the same name. The CD’s 2nd single is a midtempo track with a Caribbean flavor. Akon shares songwriting duties on the album with Atlanta’s Johnta Austin and The-Dream. The video for “Just Go” features Diana Ross’ son Evan Ross. The CD is slated for release on May 19.
How Do I Look? Beyoncé Debuts New Boob Job
Fading star Beyoncé debuts her new breast implants in the current issue of LA Confidential. This is actually her 2nd set of twins. Don’t believe me? Peep this from NY Daily News:
Which pop diva just got her second boob job? Bet you didn’t know about the first one, either – it’s that good, and that out of character.
Before you Bey Stans start blackin’ out: I got confirmation.
And while we’re on the subject of old news:
Which newly engaged lesbian would be horrified to discover her main squeeze has been sleeping around … with men? LINK
Too Little Too Late: Chris Brown Cleans House, Dumps His Manager
In a desperation move to save Chris Brown’s flailing career, his high powered PR flacks are now claiming he is dumping his longtime manager/lover Tina Davis.
This news comes one day after Davis released a statement denying rumors that a steamy text message from her was the trigger that caused her client to beat his girlfriend Rihanna to a pulp the day before the Grammys.
Everyone knows that Davis has an ironclad contract with Chris, so she isn’t going anywhere.
But what’s even worse than this obvious publicity stunt is the rumor that Rihanna is now taking the blame for CB’s actions by telling whoever will listen that she slapped bitch-boy first on the night she got beat down. And she plans to say just that if she takes the stand in Brown’s upcoming hearing on domestic assault charges.
From Page Six:
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CHRIS Brown is said to be through with his manager, whose sexy text-messages supposedly sparked the fight that ended with his alleged beating of Rihanna.
Brown is “looking for a whole new team” to replace his current crew, “starting with his manager, Tina Davis,” said our source.
Davis was cited as the “other woman” who sent texts to Brown the night before the Grammys, causing the fight in the Lamborghini. Police reports stated Brown had a “previous sexual relationship” with Davis, who’s managed him since he was 16. Davis blasted “rumors” of any texts or sex, saying she and Brown were strictly “manager and client.”
But it isn’t just Davis – Brown is said to be “upset with his whole team,” including publicity-loving lawyer Mark Geragos and p.r. man Mike Sitrick.
The insider added: “Chris wanted to apologize [for the alleged beat-down] much earlier . . . and he was upset when the apology was finally released because it sounded so insincere.” Brown’s business attorney, Kenny Meiselas, said, “We are very happy with Chris’ team and there are no changes.”
Meanwhile, don’t believe reports that Rihanna is recording a song with Brown. Our insider says, “She hasn’t seen him since they got back from Miami.” However, “she hasn’t made up her mind yet . . . she’s not completely sure she’s done with him yet.”
Rihanna’s people, including her management and label, are pressuring her to drop him, says the insider. “They want her to stand her ground. If she goes back to him, it would be a classic abuse case and impact her ability to be the strong, independent woman that her fans think she is and that her songs say she is.”
Photo: Wireimage/Getty
New Music: LeToya Luckett – Not Anymore
From LeToya’s new album Lady Love, available online and in stores in May.
