Murphy's husband denies overdose rumors
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Brittany Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack, denied rumors the U.S. actress died of a drug overdose and says he is eager to learn the true cause of her death.
The "Clueless," "8 Mile" and "Sin City" star died after suffering cardiac arrest Sunday morning at the age of 32.
An autopsy was conducted on her body Monday but officials said the cause of her death will not be determined until after toxicology test results are analyzed.
Murphy's grieving husband categorically denied media reports suggesting the petite actress suffered from an eating disorder and abused drugs for years.
"These rumors that she was anorexic? It's crazy -- she was slim, but that was her natural physique," Monjack tearfully told People magazine. "This is what's killing all of us. How did it happen? Her mum, myself and her family -- we want to know why we lost our baby."
Monjack, a photographer who said he is "devastated" and hasn't slept since Murphy's death, confirmed he originally objected to an autopsy being conducted on his wife's remains.
"My initial reaction to the autopsy was -- they're going to cut her open -- I couldn't bear it," Monjack said.
"That would break her mother, but we realized we needed to know. I look forward to getting the results."
He also talked about how he and Murphy, who had a heart murmur but didn't require medication to treat it, spent Saturday watching movies in bed because the actress had laryngitis.
"She was on herbal remedies that wouldn't speed up her heart," Monjack told People. "There was nothing here that could endanger her; there was prescription medication in the house for her female time and some cough syrup. That was it."
Asked if a fatal drug overdose was possible, Monjack insisted to the magazine, "I can get rid of that one right now."
'Sopranos' actor nabbed for benefit theft
NEW YORK, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Raymond Franza, an actor who had a recurring role on "The Sopranos," has been arrested for allegedly bilking the U.S. government of $13,000 in benefits.
Franza, 46, played Donald "Donny K." Cafranza on the iconic organized crime drama.
The New York Daily News said he was arrested Monday because he accepted $12,946 in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration after a 2008 car accident, but never mentioned he was also collecting $4,000 a month from his auto insurance company, which made him ineligible for Social Security aid.
Franza reportedly was released from police custody after he posted $5,000 bail.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to seven years behind bars, the Daily News said.
Brother: Cowell preparing to leave 'Idol'
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Simon Cowell plans to relinquish his role as a judge on TV's "American Idol" after next season, Cowell's brother, Tony, said in his podcast Tuesday.
"A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave 'Idol' at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of 'X Factor' to U.S. television in 2011," E! News quoted Tony Cowell as saying in this week's installment of his Web series "The Cowell Factor."
Simon Cowell has been a judge on "Idol" since it debuted in 2002. Season 9 of the singing competition program is to premiere Jan. 12, with Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi returning as judges.
This season, Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul as the show's fourth judge.
Abdul left the series after Season 8 because she could not reach a deal with "Idol" producers.
Eminem dons Santa garb for charity
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Eminem fans can now insert their own faces onto a holiday photo featuring the red-suited rapper and share it with friends, Interscope Records said Tuesday.
The image made at eminem.com makes it look like the person is sitting on the recording artist's lap, the label said. The "Merry Christmas from Shady Claus" digital card can then be shared with Facebook friends for free.
For those who purchase a print at eminem.com/printroom, Eminem will autograph the photo, which is expected to be delivered in 4-6 weeks.
The proceeds from the photo sales are intended to go to The Marshall Mathers Foundation, Eminem's charitable organization for the support and development of disadvantaged youth, Interscope said.
