ABC cancels Gibson miniseries
MALIBU, Calif., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- ABC has canceled its miniseries about the Holocaust amid the anti-Semitic scandal surrounding the series' production partner, Mel Gibson.
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's report about Gibson's drunken driving arrest in Malibu, Calif., Friday quoted the actor-director spouting a number of anti-Semitic remarks to the arresting deputy.
Gibson, who has reportedly entered a treatment center for alcoholism, issued a lengthy statement Tuesday apologizing to Jews for "the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested on a DUI charge," The Hollywood Reporter said.
In addition to "asking for forgiveness," Gibson asked to meet with Jewish leaders for "a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing."
As for the ABC miniseries, an unidentified representative told the Wall Street Journal the network decided to end the project because it has been two years and "we have yet to see the first draft of a script."
Disney said Monday it would still release Gibson's next movie, "Apocalypto," about the ancient Mayan empire, Dec. 8.
MTV turns 25
NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- New York-based MTV quietly celebrated its 25th anniversary on cable TV Tuesday.
"Ladies and gentleman, rock 'n' roll," were the first words uttered as MTV took to the air on Aug. 1, 1981, and as any Trivial Pursuit player knows, launched its first music video: the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."
"I have to be honest. I don't remember much from that first day," original MTV VJ Mark Goodman, told The New York Post.
"It was so hectic and so frenzied," the Sirius Satellite Radio host recalled. "I don't even remember who directed the show."
New Yorkers couldn't even see MTV back then, so the original staff had to travel to a restaurant in Fort Lee, N.J., to watch the pre-recorded launch, Goodman said.
"At 12:01, we launched, and I kind of teared up," Goodman says. "That sounds corny, but we had all worked so hard on run-throughs and trying to figure out what the hell a VJ did."
For those who want to remember the days when videos rather than reality programming ruled the MTV airwaves, VH-1 Classic Tuesday is airing the first 24 hours of MTV programming.
Kate Moss No.1 best dressed female
NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Vanity Fair magazine in New York has named Kate Moss the Best Dressed female celebrity on its 67th annual International best dressed list.
Moss graces the current cover of the magazine in a white fur hat, long white gloves, and over-the-knee leather boots, EntertainmentWise reported Tuesday.
Jordan's Queen Rania was left dangling in second place by the super-model who was allegedly photographed snorting cocaine less than a year ago.
Despite the scandal Moss has still managed to make more money this year than ever before and received more votes in the Vanity Fair poll then any other woman.
Others celebrities featured on the list were George Clooney, Prince William, Gwen Stefani and Condoleezza Rice.
Warner announces 'Dark Knight' plans
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. in Los Angeles has announced that it will start production early next year on the sixth Batman film, "The Dark Knight."
Christian Bale is back as the caped crusader in the next installment of the bat saga, with Heath Ledger joining the cast as the villainous Joker, Daily Variety reported Tuesday.
Christopher Nolan will be returning to the director's chair, with his brother, Jonah Nolan, penning the script.
"Batman Begins," the most recent Batman film, took in $205 million domestically and $166 million overseas.
It's likely "The Dark Knight" will be slotted into the summer 2008 lineup, with production starting next winter.
