Yesterday Brett Ratner resigned as producer of the 2012 Oscars after learning Hollywood doesn’t agree that “rehearsal is for fags,” and generally frowns upon the use of anti-gay slurs. Ratner had selected Eddie Murphy to host the ceremony, but today he announced he’s resigning too. Murphy is a man of character, you see, and he wouldn’t dream of hosting the Oscars without his homophobic and misogynistic friend. Murphy, who stars in Ratner’s film Tower Heist, said,
“First and foremost I want to say I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.”
The MPAA’s president responded, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.” The Oscars team is now scrambling to find a new host and producer, so if you know of anyone who isn’t a raging creep, your suggestions would be much appreciated. [LAT]
During a press conference for the Diet Plan Formerly Known as Jenny Craig, Mariah Carey said of her marriage, “I’m a real person, I’m not going to put on a fake face for Hollywood … Sometimes we make each other mad, that’s why we aren’t divorced after four months.” Supposedly the audience “audibly gasped,” because Kim Kardashian jokes offend their delicate sensibilities. [Us]
Speaking of Kim, she isn’t reconciling with Kris Humphries, obvs. [TMZ]
Give yourself a few minutes to take in the cover of R. Kelly‘s autobiography SOULA COASTER: The Diary Of Me. [BWE]
Andy Samberg and NBC are being sued over allegations that they stole the music for the sketches/Lonely Island songs “Shy Ronnie,” and “Like A Boss.” For some unknown reason “Shy Ronnie” was nominated for an Emmy, and two musicians who say they submitted tracks to the band are upset that they weren’t credited. [HR]
- Sources say Lauren Conrad was “making out” with Chace Crawford, but both of their reps deny that any sort of canoodling took place. [Us]
- Michael Lohan pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a domestic violence incident with Kate Major. He wasn’t in court, and is currently being held without bail at the Hillsborough County jail. [Radar]
- Sad news for those who still remember when newspapers came in a paper form and contained comics: Bil Keane, creator of Family Circus, died on Tuesday at age 89. [N.Y. Mag]
- Ouch, this is rough. The American Mustache Institute has rescinded its endorsement of Herman Cain after allegations surfaced that his ‘stache is “not real, but actually a theater-quality, upper lip garment, and not the labia sebucula (Latin for “lip sweater”) he claims to have worn since his early twenties.” [N.Y. Mag]
- In day two of baby bump’s whirlwind publicity tour, Jessica Simpson tells E!, “Pregnancy is meant for me. I could be pregnant forever. I love it. I love the connection that I have with my body. I want a lot of kids.” [E!]
- Finally, George Clooney shares some deep thoughts on farts with Rolling Stone: “We think it’s one of the funniest things in the history of mankind. Even the idea of a fart makes me laugh. Saying the word ‘fart’ makes me laugh. I have iFart on my phone. I have remote whoopee cushions. Farts. To me, there’s nothing funnier.” [Dlisted]