Phil Spector testimony comes to a dramatic close
Five months of testimony in the Phil Spector murder trial drew to a close yesterday (August 27) with the resignation of Spector's lead lawyer, and the exhibition of newly discovered emails written by actress Lana Clarkson before her death.
As previously reported, Spector's attorney Bruce Cutler told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler that he was resigning from the case because of a difference of opinion between he and his client.
After Cutler's dramatic resignation, defence attorney Roger Rosen took over as lead lawyer in the case, recalling two of Clarkson's friends to the witness stand.
Elizabeth "Punkin Pie" Laughlin and Jennifer Hayes-Riedl reiterated previous testimony that Clarkson was upset about being "dissed" by director Michael Bay at a party, reports the Associated Press.
Bay previously testified that he never saw Clarkson at the party.
The defence also showed members of the jury emails that were recently discovered on Clarkson's computer, indicating she was depressed about her acting career and personal and financial troubles.
"I hurt myself of course, injured as usual by tequila," she wrote in one of the messages. She also said she had gotten "hammered" after she was stood up by a man.
Another spoke of being critiqued by an entertainment executive who allegedly told her to change her hair colour and personality.
She wrote: "I don't feel ready to change the color of my hair, stop making people laugh and give up my dreams."
Spector is accused of murdering Clarkson at his Los Angeles mansion on February 3, 2003. The defence contends that the actress was depressed and committed suicide.
At the end of the day, Fidler said the presentation of evidence was finished, and excused the jurors until next Wednesday (September 5) when final arguments are to be presented. |
Tabloid Hell: Britney shuns Justin
In sad, sad new development Britney Spears has pulled out of the very thing that may have saved her very troubled career, or so the US tabs claim.
She has allegedly withdrawn at the last minute from recording a duet with one-time paramour Justin Timberlake, which was to be produced by Timbaland.
Clearly not a fan of would-be pop culture 'moments', Spears has made her record label very unhappy.
Allegedly Timberlake wrote the duet specifically for Spears. Although they wouldn't be together in the studio, his voice would have been mixed with hers.
A 'source' said: "Timbaland set aside a week out of his crazy scheduled to do this - and then, just before she was supposed to fly out Britney abruptly cancelled the session and refused to do the song.
"It's crazy. She's looking for a comeback and this would have not only been a huge hit, but something she could have opened the MTV Video Music Awards with and really blown everyone away." |
Trail Of Dead to hire new drummer for tour
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead are looking for a new drummer to take on tour later this year.
The band are set to embark on a European tour in August, but their usual drummer Doni Schroader is unavailable at that time.
Instead the band are seeking to hire a temporary replacement for Schroader, according to Pitchfork.
Interested parties are asked to email info@shmanager.net for more details.
Meanwhile, the band are currently working on new material for the follow-up to 2006's 'So Divided'. |