UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

• Tweet

LAPD apologizes to B.I.G.'s family

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Los Angeles police said they apologized to the family of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. for releasing his autopsy report before they were warned.

Police officials said Saturday an administrative bungle resulted in the autopsy report's premature release by the Los Angeles County coroner's office Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Police officials apologized Friday night to the family of the 24-year-old, New York City-born rapper killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 15 years ago. Notorious B.I.G.'s real name was Christopher Wallace.

"Due to an administrative error, the autopsy report was released prematurely. Robbery-homicide division detectives had intended to notify Mr. Wallace's family prior to releasing the report," the LAPD said in a statement.

"Our detectives personally spoke with the Wallace family [Friday] night, and apologized for not notifying them prior to the release," Capt. Billy Hayes said. "Obviously this has been a challenging case for us to solve. We hope that witnesses or other people with information will come forward and give us the clues we need to solve this case."

An attorney for the family had criticized the police for not giving them a heads-up on the report's release.

The police wanted the autopsy details disseminated "as an investigative tool, in the hopes that releasing the report would stimulate additional interest or bring forth witnesses or clues in the case," the newspaper said.

The report details how Wallace was struck by multiple bullets while sitting in a sport utility vehicle on March 9, 1997.

A toxicology screen showed he had no drugs or alcohol in his system.

Rolling Stones to play Hurricane Sandy benefit in N.Y.

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- British rock icons The Rolling Stones have joined the lineup for this week's star-studded Hurricane Sandy relief benefit in New York, organizers said.

The band, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will take the stage at Wednesday's "12-12-12" concert at Madison Square Garden alongside Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney.

"'12-12-12' will be the largest concert event to ever hit the stage at Madison Square Garden, featuring the biggest names in music and the world's leading entertainers. It was important to us that everyone possible around the world have the ability to watch the show through multiple platforms, networks and simulcasts and donate to this important cause," event producers James Dolan, John Sykes and Harvey Weinstein said in a joint statement.

Proceeds of the show will benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund.

Al Roker, Alison Sweeney to host Tournament of Roses parade on NBC

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Al Roker and Alison Sweeney are to lead NBC's coverage of the 24th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., the network said.

Roker is the weatherman and a feature reporter for "Today," while Sweeney is the host of "The Biggest Loser" and a cast member of "Days of Our Lives."

This will be Roker's 16th year covering the popular New Year's Day event, and Sweeney's first.

The theme for the 2013 parade is "Oh, the Places You'll Go,!" inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss book.

Jane Goodall -- the world renowned primatologist, animal welfare advocate, United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute -- will be the parade's grand marshal.

'Skyfall' tops U.S. box office

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- "Skyfall," the latest installment in the James Bond film franchise, was No. 1 at the U.S. box office this weekend, raking in $11 million, receipts show.

"Rise of the Guardians" is No. 2 with $10.5 million, "Breaking Dawn -- Part 2" is No. 3 with $9.2 million, "Lincoln" is No. 4 with $9.1 million and "Life of Pi" is No. 5 with $8.3 million, The Hollywood Reporter said Sunday.

Rounding out the top tier are "Playing For Keeps" is No. 6 with $6 million, "Wreck-It Ralph" at No. 7 with $4.9 million, "Red Dawn" at No. 8 with $4.3 million, "Flight" at No. 9 with $3.1 million and "Killing Them Softly" at No. 10 with $2.7 million.