UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

Jackson memorial under way in LA

LOS ANGELES, July 7 (UPI) -- The body of the late pop music star Michael Jackson has been brought to the Staples Center in Los Angeles for his public memorial service.

Jackson died of cardiac arrest after a suspected prescription drug overdose June 25. He was 50.

Stars such as Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Brooke Shields were expected at the Staples Center for an event billed as a final goodbye to the iconic performer, as well as a celebration of his life and contributions to music history.

Although more than 1 million fans reportedly registered for a lottery distribution of tickets to the service, only several thousand devotees were granted admission to the event along with invited guests.

Singer Smokey Robinson opened the service by reading statements of condolence from recording artist Diana Ross and former South African President Nelson Mandela. The event then stalled for several minutes as Jackson's relatives took their seats and performers prepared to go on stage.

The family is said to have held a private wake for the singer Monday night and a funeral early Tuesday at California's famed Forest Lawn Cemetery before his body was transported to the Staples Center for the public memorial, which began shortly after 10 a.m. PDT.

NBC estimated about 250,000 people without tickets to the event gathered outside the Staples Center to pay tribute to their fallen hero.

The network also said the live coverage of the memorial is expected to be viewed in whole or in part by between 750 million and 1 billion people around the world.

Bret Michaels' bus involved in crash

TORONTO, July 7 (UPI) -- Bret Michaels' bus was involved in a multi-vehicle collision following Poison's performance at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto, the rocker's Web site said.

Michaels was on his way to a solo gig in St. Paul, Minn., after performing with his band last Saturday.

"Police reports indicate a car lost control and slid into the side of Mr. Michaels' tour bus causing a five-car pile-up on the roadway," a posting on the recording artist and reality TV star's Web site said.

"There was damage to all vehicles involved, but no serious injuries were reported," the message said. "Michaels and his immediate crew were released from the scene following an investigation. Mr. Michaels was on his way to perform at the 'Taste of Minnesota' music festival with his solo band. He will rejoin the Poison tour on July 7 in Hartford, Conn."

Joyce DeWitt nabbed for alleged DUI

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 7 (UPI) -- Former television actress Joyce DeWitt has been arrested and charged with alleged drunken driving, police in El Segundo, Calif., said.

DeWitt, 60, is best known for her portrayal of Janet Wood on the U.S. sit-com "Three's Company," which ran from 1976 to 1984.

She was arrested Saturday after she allegedly drove around a barricade set up for a July 4 fireworks display, parked her car and, appearing intoxicated, approached a uniformed police officer on foot, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported.

El Segundo police Sgt. Dan Kim told the TV station DeWitt failed a field sobriety test and was transported to the El Segundo jail where she was cited for driving under the influence, then released early Sunday morning on $5,000 bail.

Jenna Fischer, Lee Kirk engaged

LOS ANGELES, July 7 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Jenna Fischer and her screenwriter beau Lee Kirk have confirmed their engagement.

People magazine said the couple, who have been dating since January 2008, got engaged recently while on vacation in Europe.

This will be Kirk's first marriage.

Fischer, who is a co-star on the U.S. television sit-com "The Office," was previously married to film writer-director James Gunn.