Carey quits, Newton takes over film role
LOS ANGELES, June 5 (UPI) -- Thandie Newton will take the place of Mariah Carey in director Tyler Perry's new movie.
Perry chose Newton after Carey dropped out less than a week before shooting was to start for the movie "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf," People Magazine reported.
After Carey quit, Perry wrote in a letter to fans, "I said (to Carey), 'What? You're kidding me? It's five days before she has to go.
Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Janet Jackson also appear in the adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play.
Perry said Carey's doctor had advised her not to perform in the film.
"I was told that we got a call, saying that even though our deal was done, she had been advised by her doctor not to do the film," Perry wrote. "I said, 'What? You know I want a doctor's note, don't you?"
Some have speculated Carey is pregnant.
Dog Whisperer,' wife getting divorced
LOS ANGELES, June 5 (UPI) -- Famed "Dog Whisperer" host Cesar Millan said he and his wife, Ilusion, are getting divorced.
"We are sad to announce that after 16 years of marriage we have decided to file for divorce," a statement on posted Millan's Web site said Friday.
"The decision was made after much consideration and time. We remain caring friends, and are fully committed to the co-parenting of our two boys."
Legal documents show Ilusion Millan filed for divorce in Los Angeles court Friday, citing irreconcilable differences, People Magazine reported.
She is seeking primary custody of the two sons, and Cesar, 40, will have visiting rights and offer spousal support.
Gary Coleman's ex-wife to plan funeral
PROVO, Utah, June 5 (UPI) -- Actor Gary Coleman's parents say they will allow his ex-wife to plan his funeral and make other final arrangements.
Sue and Willie Coleman also dropped their request to have Coleman's body returned to Illinois after they reviewed Coleman's will and other trust documents, CNN reported Saturday.
"The Colemans ask that everyone please treat Gary with respect and kindness. They feel it is time for him to find peace and let his spirit go," lawyer Frederick Jackson said in a statement Friday.
Coleman, 42, died May 28 of a brain hemorrhage suffered in a fall at the home he shared in Santaquin, Utah, with his former wife Shannon Price, 24. Coleman had given Price the legal authority to make medical decisions on his behalf, the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo said.
Coleman's relationship with his parents had been strained since he successfully sued them two decades ago for $1 million, claiming they squandered his earnings as a child actor.
Coleman was best known as Arnold on TV's "Diff'rent Strokes" from the 1978 to 1985.
Maxwell, Jill Scott on summer R&B tour
PHILADELPHIA, June 5 (UPI) -- Jill Scott and Maxwell say they're teaming up for an R&B summer tour that will take them through Scott's hometown of Philadelphia.
Maxwell had a big comeback last year that led to a hit CD, Grammy awards and a popular arena tour. Grammy winner Scott plans to release her "Light of the Sun" hip-hop album later this year and is about 40 percent done with another album, she told the St. Louis-Dispatch.
Their summer tour is "a great night for music lovers. And everyone who wants to shake a little tail feather or feel romantic, whatever the case may be," said Scott, who also acts on television and in movies.
Scott plans to limit her costume changes so she can pack in a lot of songs before transitioning to Maxwell's set, she said, calling the show, "All this estrogen, and then all that testosterone."
Maxwell and Scott perform June 19 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. The tour also stops in Houston, Atlanta, Miami and New York.
