Police: Bieber to be prosecuted
LOS ANGELES, March 30 (UPI) -- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials say they will recommend charges be filed against pop star Justin Bieber for allegedly spitting on a neighbor.
Bieber's neighbor in a posh, gated community in Calabasas, Calif., filed a police report Tuesday accusing the teen idol of battery.
The battery allegedly happened during a dispute with a neighbor who criticized Bieber for recklessly speeding in his Ferrari through the neighborhood while children were playing and people were walking their dogs, TMZ said.
The sheriff's department said it will refer the case to the district attorney for review, after which the department will recommend Bieber is charged with criminal battery, TMZ reported.
TMZ didn't name the man who filed the police report.
China to get extended 'Iron Man 3'
LOS ANGELES, March 30 (UPI) -- Marvel Studios announced footage will be added to the Chinese release of "Iron Man 3," a departure from the country's usual practice of censoring U.S. films.
Marvel, in a joint statement with Chinese media company DMG, said Friday special bonus footage will be in the Chinese version of the film, along with an appearance by Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.
The edits are meant to make the superhero film more appealing to Chinese audiences, with parts of the movie shot in Beijing, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. Chinese actor Wang Xueqi also appears in the film as a character named Dr. Wu.
"Iron Man 3" isn't the first film to be tailored to appeal to Chinese audiences. Last year's "Looper" included an extended segment during the portion of the film that was set in Shanghai, the Times reported.
Smokey Robinson signs with Verve
HOLLYWOOD, March 30 (UPI) -- Motown singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson has signed with Verve Music Group to release his 29th album, a collection of duets, the label announced.
"From the early 60s to this very day, you can turn on a radio anywhere in the world and hear his music. Smokey Robinson's contributions to the world of music as a performer, producer and songwriter are nothing short of a 'miracle,'" producer David Foster said -- referring to Robinson's former Motown group, The Miracles.
Robinson's album is scheduled to be released in the fall. It will feature classics including "My Girl," "Cruisin' " and "The Tears of a Clown," The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.
Robinson appeared Wednesday and Thursday on "American Idol," where he challenged contestants to perform songs by artists from the Detroit area, where Motown was born.
Broderick tapped for CBS comedy pilot
HOLLYWOOD, March 30 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Matthew Broderick will star in a CBS pilot for a comedy written by "Scrubs" and "Spin City" producer Tad Quill, The Hollywood Reporter said.
The untitled comedy features Broderick as a recently widowed father of a 12-year-old boy. The character is urged back into the dating pool by his son and a colleague, the entertainment industry publication reported Friday.
Quill will write and executive produce the comedy, while James Burrows will direct.
Broderick is currently on Broadway starring in the musical "Nice Work If You Can Get It." He most recently appeared on television in guest spots on "Modern Family," "Louie" and "30 Rock."
